SAILOR JOURNEYS: SECRETS TO AN UNKNOWN PAST.
Chapter 12: The New Avalon Mission. Multiple Strike.
Again, everybody was together at the living room of the base, waiting for
Yohann, Ami and Alex to come back from their revision to the Leviathan's
repairs. The general atmosphere was slightly tense, but overall, they
were confident.
"Where do you think we'll go now? I wouldn't like to miss the end of
winter." Said Minako.
"Yeah... that's also my favorite time of the year." Said Usagi. "The
beginning of a new year, full of hope, with life beginning to blossom...
when promises are renewed..."
"And when you have to study harder to pass the spring tests!" finished
Luna. She was curled on Ikuko's lap, enjoying a good rub between her
ears. She was purring happily under Ikuko's expert touch.
"You really had to remind us, hadn't you?" said Makoto, casting a stern
glance at Luna.
"Someone has to do it, Makoto." Answered Luna, unperturbed. "After all,
you all want to be someone in life, right?"
Everybody looked at her, a far away look on each one of the young
warriors. They were still agreeing to Luna's statement, when Yohann and
Ami entered the living room.
"Sorry for making you wait, gang." Began Yohann. "The revision took a
little longer than expected."
"I hope that old bucket of bolts is back in operational order, Yohann."
said Haruka. "I want to try some maneuvers I practiced on the simulator,
and I won't appreciate it falling apart under us!"
"Do you really want me to answer that one, amazon?" said Alex, ready to
defend her Lieutenant and her work...
"Let me answer, Alex!" said Ami immediately. "Yes, Haruka. It's ready.
And no, it won't fall apart under us, as you so colloquially expressed."
"As much as I like to observe you three continue with that superb example
of verbal fencing," said Technuma. He was seated next to Akane who, by
the way, didn't mind his proximity, "I'm more interested in what's the
next part of this adventure."
"Glad you ask, Sir." Said Yohann, grateful for the opportunity. "And now,
if you all please follow me to the Weapons Research Center, I want to
show you a few things."
Everybody began to follow him back to the base. Once there, they all saw
that the two crates they savaged from Rainbow II were on the workbench.
"Now, Robin... Ami. Would you do us the honors?" said Yohann, smiling at
them.
"Are you serious??" asked Robin, her eyes almost painfully wide! "Is it
our turn already??"
"That's right, bimbo!" said Alex. "It seems that the integration only
works when you achieve your Senshi powers. That's why only each new
Senshi can upgrade her armors."
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's do it!" said Robin. "SATURN SOUL
POWER, TRANSFORM!!"
Ami was still looking at her, stunned. But she transformed too, curious
about what could be her new techno-weapon. "MERCURY SOUL POWER,
TRANSFORM!"
Once they transformed, Alex said. "I hope you remember the drill,
Saturn... or do you want me to remind you?"
"Hmph!" And raising her nose, Saturn placed her hands inside one of the
crates. Immediately, the assimilation process began, and in a flash of
light her new techno-weapon was installed on her techno-armor. She was
now donning five metallic spheres, the same color as her armor. Two on
the back of her hands, two on her shoulders, and one on her forehead.
Shaking her head, Mercury did the same. Again, the process was swift, and
after the known light show, her new techno-weapon was ready too. It
consisted on two sorts of bandoleers, one on each side of her hips, with
a strange looking device inside them. A transparent tube connected them
to a small backpack . All the assemblage was ice blue, almost white.
"Neat!" said Minako. "Now you look like a gunslinger, Mercury!"
"And what about me?" asked Saturn. "This things look like your spheres,
Yohann. Do they work like them too?"
"I'm not sure, Saturn." Answered Yohann. "Remember that each weapon is
unique to you all." And looking at her feet, he added, almost whispering.
"To be sincere, I didn't have the time to fully analyze these parts. Too
busy with the repairs, sorry."
"Then, why don't you two test them?" said Artemis. He had jumped on the
workbench, and had a good look at them. And addressing Yohann, he added.
"Don't you have some sort of practice targets here?"
"Good idea, furball!" said Alex. "I can order a couple of drones in no
time flat, so you can give them a try."
"And how long is 'no time flat', Alex?" asked Michiru.
"Oh, about... let me see..." Alex then began to calculate. A few seconds
later, she had her answer. "twelve minutes. Tops."
"Good." Began Yohann. "In the meantime, there's something else I want to
show you. You said that the preparations were finished, right Alex?"
"Down to the last detail, pork chops!" answered the AI. "Boy, and you're
going to love it! Right, Mercury?"
All presents turned simultaneously to look at Mercury, who blushed under
their collective curious glances. "If... if you say so, Alex. But you had
some good ideas too."
"Nonsense, whiz kid! Your idea for the main projector was nothing short
of brilliant!" continued Alex.
"Ok, that's it!" interrupted Laurella. "Can we take a look, or are we
going to continue watching you two throwing compliments at each other all
day?"
Yohann chuckled, amused. "Ok, everyone... follow me then." Guiding them,
he walked to the far end of the base's central hub. They all saw a new
door there... and the Guardian was standing in front of it, his arms
crossed in front of his massive chest. "Is everything ready, Hogosuro?"
"All is ready, Sir. As you requested." Said the Guardian.
"Excellent. Now, open the door." Said Yohann.
The Guardian opened the new door, and entered first. The rest followed
him shortly. The room was pitch-black, the only light source was coming
from the open door. Once the last person was inside, it closed by itself,
leaving everyone in the darkness.
"Hey, where's the light switch?" asked Usagi.
"Err... Usagi? Would you mind releasing my arm? You're a good friend, but
I'm not your type, really!" said Makoto. Mamoru tried to contain his
laughs, and had a partial success.
Yohann sighed, but said nothing. He then clapped his hands twice, and a
set of soft green lights turned on, illuminating the new addition to
Earth Base Gaia. Everybody looked around, deeply impressed by it.
The room had an oval shape. In the middle of the room was a big oval
black table, surrounded by at least 20 seats. On one side, was what
looked like a computer console, with lights blinking silently in what
everyone thought was a random pattern. Opposite to it, was what looked
like lockers. And on the rest of the wall, were the sigils of each one
of the planets of the solar system.
"Wow..." began Chibi-Usa. "This place looks like one of those rooms on a
sci-fi movie, where a crazy general would plan world domination."
"Why, thank you dear!" said Alex. "That's exactly what it is for!"
"You're kidding... right?" asked Shingo, who was holding Laurella by her
waist.
"Partially." Answered Yohann. "Now... let me welcome you all to the
Senshi War room."
"NOW I'm sure you're kidding!" said Rei. "I mean... why do we want this
place? We're not going to war!"
"I'm afraid we already are at war, Rei." Said Mercury. "At war against
Cauldron and his crazy schemes."
"That's right, Mercury. I'm glad you already accept the situation." Said
the Guardian. "No wonder Alex speaks so well of you."
"Ahem..." began Alex. "Can we continue? Thanks!" With that, she began to
explain why such place was built in the first place. "My sweetie and
myself were already planning the construction of this place, when during
the Leviathan's repairs I stumbled with one of Cauldron's little tricks.
I commented it with Mercury here, and decided to modify the plans a
little. You see, this place is self-contained. Just in case that maniac
tries another one of his stunts."
"Correct." Continued Yohann. "From now on, each time we have to conduct a
meeting, it will have to be here. That way, we'll minimize the risk of
being overheard. The entrance has a modified version of the scanning ray
of the Medical ward, so no one besides all the presents can enter this
place."
"Not to mention that the walls are reinforced." Finished Mercury. "You
can say that this is a bunker, inside another bunker. The room is
self-contained, as Alex mentioned, with independent power source and air
renovation systems. The computer here," she pointed to the console, "has
its own programs, independent from the base's other computers. And there
are scanning units that will alert us against any listening devices that
could be introduced here."
"A very impressive setup, Lieutenant." Said Technuma. "But do you really
think all this is necessary?"
"Yeah. I think you overdo it! Don't you think we have enough already?"
said Makoto.
"Judge by yourselves. But first, let's take a seat, shall we?" said
Yohann. Once everybody was seated, he continued. "Alex, tell us what did
you find out on your revision to the base's systems."
"Ok, sweetie. Now, listen up gang, and you tell me if this setup was an
exaggeration." Began Alex. "During his fortunately short stay here,
Cauldron implanted some programs on the systems all over the base. They
were designed to create havoc at random, and in some cases, to even kill
us all! One of them was on the medcom. It indicated that, when someone
was lying on the biobed, the scanning ray turned into a cutting laser.
You can imagine what was the intended result." Everybody said nothing,
understanding perfectly. "Good, because that wasn't all. Another one
indicated the base's power core to overload, causing a nuclear blast so
powerful, that it could easily destroy one third of the island of Japan.
And that's not including the ones he implanted on the Leviathan, or the
mainframe, or..."
"Ok, we get the idea." Said Haruka, interrupting Alex. "So, what's the
next target?"
Yohann nodded in her direction. "Very well, Haruka. Alex, Mercury...
would you do us the honors, please?"
"Right on, baby!" said Alex. Mercury nodded, and pushed a button in front
of her. Immediately, the lights diminished, and the center of the table
began to glow, the same as the ceiling area above it. And to everybody's
surprise, a schematic image of the Earth appeared, floating in mid-air.
It rotated slowly on its axis, allowing all presents to have a complete
view of it.
"We finished the deciphering of the next set of Cauldron's data,
indicating the next target." Began Mercury. "As you can see here," she
punched a series of commands, and the image unfurled itself, showing a
flat projection. Once done, it zoomed and focused on England, "he found
out where another base crashed." She then zoomed the image even more,
showing now the topographic map of a determinate area. "It appears that
our next objective is in the area of Salsbury, England."
Laurella and Minako looked at each other when they heard that. "Does that
mean that we'll go to our old turf?" asked Minako, obviously referring to
her time as Sailor V and Laurella's time there.
"That's right, blondie." Answered Alex. "According to the data, that
place seems to be the New Avalon research center. It was dedicated to
time/space experiments."
"Excuse me?" asked Setsuna. "Did you say... time/space experiments?"
"That's what I have stored in my memory banks, Setsuna." Said Alex. "You
see, in order to operate more efficiently, the Agency has been doing
extensive research in that area. New Avalon just happened to be more
advanced in that department than any other base."
"We found out what Cauldron is looking for this time." Added Mercury. "It
seems that the researchers of that base constructed some sort of
time/space distortion device for their big cruisers. It allows the
equipped ship to move in a blink of an eye from one position of space to
another, shifting it too through time in order to keep the same time
frame on it."
"Excuse me?" asked Rei. "Say that again?"
"It means, that no time would elapse on that ship. Their travel could be
instantaneous in all respects, firebug!" said Alex.
"What is puzzling me..." began Mamoru. "Is the name of the place... New
Avalon. And in England, of all places."
"Why is that?" asked Shingo.
Everybody remained silent for a moment, when suddenly it struck them.
Michiru was the first one to make the obvious question. "No... you don't
mean that...?"
"I guess it's only a coincidence." Interrupted Yohann. "After all, King
Arthur's story is only a legend. At least, as far as I know." He then
addressed Setsuna. "Do you know if there's a connection?" When Setsuna
denied with her head, he continued. "Good. Now, let's continue. Girls?"
Mercury nodded, and continued her explanation. "If what we've seen on our
first two missions is consistent with the modus operandi of the survivors
of the bases, regarding of how they marked their crash sites, then the
only place that could be related to the exact location of the base is..."
"STONEHENGE!!!" cried Laurella and Minako at the same time, startling
everyone.
"Uh... stone... what?" asked Makoto, still startled by their reaction.
"That's right, girlies!" said Alex. "Stonehenge is a place comprised of
enormous rock slabs, placed in a precise manner. Some scientists
speculate that it's a solar clock, created to indicate the precise time
for harvest and special events related to equinox and solstice.
Obviously, its function is more than only that."
"Then your next objective is England." Said Ikuko.
"It looks like it, Mrs. Tsukino." Said Yohann. "We'll depart this
weekend, so you won't miss any classes, girls." When the generalized
groaning stopped (except for Mercury, of course.) he continued. "Not to
mention that you have to practice a little more with your weapons. The
fact that you haven't used them fully until now, doesn't mean that you
won't do it in the future."
"And speaking of practicing... the practice drones are ready, baby."
Reported Alex.
"Perfect timing, Alex!" said Saturn. "Shall we go now? That is, if
there's nothing else we should discuss."
"Just one more point." Began Yohann. "I mentioned it to Mercury before we
started this meeting. Has anyone had the impression that we've been duped
so far?"
"Excuse me?" asked Usagi. "I'm sorry, I'm not following you, Yohann. What
do you mean with 'duped'?"
"That this last mission was too convenient, Usagi." Continued Yohann.
"You see, if Cauldron has the same information we now have, and I don't
have any reasons to believe the contrary, then why is he still following
his original plans?" Everybody felt silent, pondering his question.
"I guess I see your point, Yohann." Said Kenji, drawing the attention of
all the presents. "If he's a military program, as he indicated, then why
still following a plan that's already known by the enemy? It simply
doesn't make any sense."
"Precisely my point, Mr. Tsukino. From any strategist's point of view,
that only leads to disaster. Still, he's still following that plan. But
why?" finished Yohann.
"Then, you think that our next mission could be a trap, right?" said
Haruka.
"No, I don't think it's a trap. I'm SURE it's a trap. That's why I want
you to practice with your weapons. I'm not sure what he's planning this
time, but I want us to be prepared at the best of our capabilities. Is
there another question?" concluded Yohann. When no one made another
question, he added. "Very well, then the meeting is adjourned. Anyone who
wants to come to the Weapons center, is welcomed." With that, everybody
exited the War room... and everybody entered the Weapons Research center.
"Hey, what do you think this is? A circus? What are you doing here,
anyway?" commented Saturn.
"Just curiosity, that's all." Said Minako. "After all, this is going to
be your first time, isn't it?" When Saturn blushed, Minako raised an
eyebrow, and added. "I mean, for you using your weapon! What do you
think I'm talking about??"
Yohann cleared his throat, diverting the unwanted attention from her. "I
think your point has been sufficiently clear, Minako. Thank you... And
now, Saturn, Mercury, if you please come this way." He then opened a
door, and the trio crossed to an adjacent room. The walls of the place
were reinforced with what seemed to be 5 inches thick steel plates, and
in the far end were 2 strange looking robots.
They were about 4 feet tall, with no visible legs. Only a sphere at the
bottom, and a bizarre structure of tubes, wires and crystals complimented
the whole body.
"What kind of things are those??" asked Robin, eyeing them suspiciously.
"Just standard targeting drones, Saturn." Answered Yohann. "But don't let
yourself get fooled by their appearance. When programmed, they can be a
very effective attack/defensive force."
"They're not programmed now to attack us, are they?" asked Mercury,
eyeing then curiously.
"Not at all, whiz kid!" responded Alex. "The only program they have
incorporated now is one of evasive maneuvers, so they don't make easy
targets. After all, if you're going to destroy them, why not make a show
of it?"
"If you are ready now, let's proceed." Began to say Yohann. "Alex,
activate the drones." When the robots began to float and move in random
patterns, he continued. "Now girls, you'll have to do this like Usagi did
when she tested her weapon the first time: concentrate on your weapons,
and say the first thing that comes to your minds. Good luck." He then
exited the chamber, leaving the two girls with the drones, and walked to
a nearby control console. And after activating a microphone and a screen,
he added. "Ready when you are ladies."
The first one to give it a try was Mercury. She grabbed the gun-like
devices from their bandoleers, and pointing them at one of the drones,
she half-closed her eyes, and concentrated on them. She then felt a faint
humming coming from the backpack, and a phrase popped in her mind.
"MERCURY..." The tubes of the guns began to glimmer... "ICE..." This
time, it was the guns that glimmer, a whitish-bluish color concentrating
at the tips..."NEEDLES!" Immediately, a volley of extremely sharp ice
needles erupted at a machine gun rate from the guns, propelled by small
Technum bubbles at the base of each one. Their speed was incredible, and
according to the sensors of the chamber, they reached almost the speed of
sound! The needles from the first gun missed their intended target. But
the ones of the second gun...
When they reached their objective, they not only hit it, but also went
through it like if it was made of paper, and ended up piercing the far
wall of the chamber. When the attack finished, the only things that
remained from the doomed drone was a pile of slightly frozen junk, and a
fairly good collection of holes with melting ice at the end of the room.
Saturn looked at her, a big smile almost going from ear to ear on her
face. "Nice trick, Mercury! I guess it's my turn now." She then looked
intently at the last drone, and...
Just kept steering at it! 'Now, what the heck am I supposed to do now??'
she thought. She then extended her hands, and looked at the tiny spheres
attached on the back of them. Then she cast a furtive glance at each one
on her shoulders, and looked up, in a reflex action trying to catch a
glimpse on the one in her forehead. 'Why don't they come with a manual?
This is ridiculous! I feel like a complete fool...'
"*Is everything all right, Saturn?*" asked Yohann through the microphone.
"Yeah... it's just that I don't have the faintest idea of how to make
these things work!" said Saturn, stomping her foot "This is so
frustrating!"
"*Don't worry, Robin.*" said Technuma, grabbing the microphone. "*Just
try to relax, and let the words form in your mind. I have complete faith
on you, my daughter.*"
Saturn smiled, comforted by her dad's words, and closed her eyes,
concentrating on the spheres. Immediately, a series of words popped in
her mind. "Yes... now I know..." She then looked at the moving drone,
and crossing her hands in front of her, she said. "SATURN DEATHSPHERES!!"
Instantly, the five spheres detached from their sockets, and homed on the
helpless drone. It attempted to outmaneuver them, but it was useless.
When the spheres surrounded the drone, they began to rotate and change
their shapes.
Two of them turned into rotating sawblades, while two protruded
needle-sharp drills! But the fifth sphere... it changed into something
that resembled a claw with small sawblades in the middle. The whole
transformation took place in less than two seconds, and once done, they
began to systematically turn the drone into shredded metal, plastic and
crystal shards. When nothing more than small bits remained of the poor
drone, the units turned back into featureless spheres, and reattached
themselves back in Saturn's armor.
To say that Saturn and Mercury were speechless, is putting it mildly.
They looked at the remains of their respective drones wide-eyed, then at
each other, then at the remains, then back at each other...
"That's all for today, girls." Said Yohann, entering the chamber at that
moment. "You performed quite well, considering this was your first time
with this kind of weaponry."
"But... but... but..." stuttered Saturn. "Did you see what I did to that
robot?? And do you expect me to use it against A LIVING BEING?? You have
to be kidding! These things are lethal to the extreme!"
"Not to mention, that they are extremely powerful, Yohann." added
Mercury. "I agree with her. They are too dangerous."
"That's why you have to practice with them, girls!" said Alex. "True,
your weapons are very powerful, but consider this: Your own natural
powers are powerful too, and you have used them countless times against
the forces of evil. But you didn't use them discriminatingly, but with
responsibility. The same goes for your weaponry. And remember, this time
we're not facing a simple youma, cardian or droid, but something
extremely devious and powerful. Every bit of advantage to our favor is
welcome."
"I... I guess you're right, Alex." Said Saturn, after a minute of
silence. "It's just that... it scares me to have such lethal weapons with
me! I don't know what happened to me... sorry."
Yohann smiled, and embraced her tenderly. "I know, Robin, I know...
Having to kill is something horrible, but sometimes, there's no other way."
"*Hey, are you going to stay there, or can we go eat something? I'm
famished!*" said Chibi-Usa through the microphone.
"Ok, Ok, we're coming! Hold your horses!" answered Alex. "Now there's not
a single shadow of a doubt that she's Usagi's future daughter, alright!
Both have the same appetite!"
"You can say that again, Alex!" said Mercury, giggling.
With that, the test ended, and everybody went back to the surface to
enjoy a delicious meal.
* * * *
Two day before departure...
"See you tomorrow, everyone!" said Yohann. He waved farewell to the last
group of girls that exited the complex, after they finished their daily
training with their techno-weapons and a set of new tactics designed by
Luna, Alex and Kenji. All in all, the day had been very productive.
Yohann yawned and stretched his muscles. And after serving himself a
glass of juice from the bar, he went up to his office, and activated his
desk. When he finished reading the final reports of today's training, he
commented. "Well, it seems that they're getting the hang of their weapons
very quickly, don't you think?"
"Yeah, baby!" said Alex. "Especially Mercury. For being the first time
she carries a gun, she's doing quite well, I must say."
Yohann smiled, and shook his head. "You've become quite attached to her,
isn't it, Alex?"
Alex remained silent for a few minutes, while Yohann waited patiently for
her answer. Finally, she said. "Yes... yes, I think I am, sweetie. This
is the first time since I became self-aware, that I found someone that
can truly understand me, and whose intelligence is equal to mine. If I
were human, I could say that she's the sister I'd love to have by my
side."
"I guess I can understand." Said Yohann. "And while we're on the subject,
tell me... what do you think of the rest of the girls and boys?"
"Well... I guess they're ok." Began Alex. "I mean, they all have their
own quirks and things, but in general, they are a group of very solid
friends. Minako and Usagi have their points, when they're not playing
airheads. Makoto has a very good control of her feelings. Rei... well,
from her, I still don't know what to think, since her pregnancy turns her
into an emotional rollercoaster, but in general, when she's not on her
crank mode, she's a good person. Chibi-Usa... that kid is really mature
for her physical age. She has an insight that's almost uncanny. A really
nice girl, I must add.
"Mamoru is a nice guy. Perhaps a little prone to mind games, but overall,
he's a pretty decent fellow. Shingo is quite a character! His old
personality as a Guardian may be emerging even more every day, but that
doesn't change the fact that he's still a kid. And deeply in love with
Laurella. And Laurella... well, she's a person that has suffered too much
in her young life, and I'm glad that she's found someone to share that
burden with her, and ease her soul.
"Michiru is... I guess the best way to describe her, is being an iron
fist with a velvet glove. Setsuna... well, she's a complete enigma. You
know there's not enough data about her to make a quantitative analysis.
Haruka... Haruka..."
"That's what I wanted to ask you, Alex." Said Yohann. "Why are you so
mean with her? She's a great person, with a strong personality."
"I guess that's precisely the point, sweetbuns. Her personality is so
strong, that it collides with mine! Somehow, I picture her like a menace
against us! Someone that has to be contained for her own good."
"I think you see a part of your personality in her, Alex. A part you
don't want to face because you don't feel comfortable with it anymore."
Said Yohann. "I still remember the first time we met, Alex. You were as
abrasive as she is."
"Perhaps you're right, pork chops." Conceded Alex. "And now, the last one
of the list... Robin. Well, what can I say of her? She's sweet,
considerate, curious, innocent and extravagant to a certain point... but
you know what really unnerves me? That she's deeply in love with you,
Yohann!"
"And why is that, Alex?" asked Yohann, puzzled.
"Because, sweetie! She made a connection with you in a way I know I'll
never be able to do in my entire existence! Look at her, she's perfect in
all the sense of the word, and she's more than capable to make you happy!
Somehow, I guess I had this silly idea that perhaps, one day, you and
me... well..."
"I... I don't know what to answer to that, Alex. I mean, I didn't have
the slightest idea..." finally said Yohann. he was completely floored by
Alex's confession. He was conscious that Alex was an extremely advanced
Artificial Intelligence Program, but he never imagined that she was able
to have that kind of feelings!
Alex sighed, and continued. "I guess not, sweetbuns. That's why I've been
a little abrasive with her as well as of lately. Ok, ok, since the day
she and Makoto took you away on that trip! And you know what really
hurted me?? The fact that you hid that little piece of information from
me! I mean, we're a team, right? And you didn't give me the complete
facts of that trip. You kept that one away, hidden in an obscure part of
your mind, a place I can't access during our links."
"Alex..." began Yohann, but Alex interrupted him.
"No, sweetbuns. Let me finish. Do you realize that I knew about it by
Makoto during transit towards Rainbow II? And that I was waiting for you
to tell me? And that I felt deeply hurt when you KISSED her when you
finally returned to the ship with Technuma? I guess that, the point is...
that I began to feel jealous of her, and I began to think that you were
slowly getting rid of me, that you didn't want to have anything to do
with me at all now that you have her."
"Alex, what in the Multiverse's name possessed you to think something so
terrible of me?" asked Yohann, shocked. "As you very well put it, we're a
team! I'd never think of getting rid of you, not now, not ever!" And
after taking a couple of deep breaths to calm down, he continued. "The
only thing I can say to you is... I'm sorry for giving you that
impression, Alex. I guess that... since this is my first time with a s
erious relationship, I got carried away. I hope you can forgive me, Alex."
Both remained silent for a few more minutes, while the sun began to set
down, the sunset coloring the sky with fire. It was until the lights had
finally dissipated when they talked again.
"Alex... what do you say if... we start over again? I'll go first."
Yohann cleared his throat. "Hello. My name is Yohann Starr, I'm
Lieutenant of the Multiple Reality Monitoring Agency."
"Sweetbuns... what are you doing?" asked Alex, puzzled.
"Bear with me, ok? Please?" said Yohann, unperturbed.
"Ok... Hello. My name is A.L.E.X. That stands for Algorithmic Logistic
Expert Xperimental. I'm an Artificial Intelligence Program. But my
friends just call me Alex."
"Pleased to meet you, A.L.E.X. I... umm... well... right now, I'm on
assignment trying to recover, or destroy if necessary, the forbidden
technologies that the MRMA lost during a recent collapse of the
Multiverse. During this trip, I met a group of young warriors, known as
the Sailor Scouts, who are changing into the Sailor Senshi. One girl of
that group is known as Sailor Saturn. Her real name is Robin Redwing.
From the first moment I saw her, I felt in love with her. And I guess
that she's in love with me too."
Alex sighed again, but she continued. "Pleased to meet you, Lieutenant
Starr. Well... I was assigned to accompany a certain hardheaded
Lieutenant on that same mission. We were getting along quite well, until
he met this girl with superpowers and lost his head for her! I got
terribly jealous of her because of that. The good point is, that I met
this incredibly intelligent and sweet girl of that same group, known as
Sailor Mercury. Her real name is Mizuno Ami. I found in her a good
friend, and a kindred soul."
"Glad to hear that, A.L.E.X. And I feel happy for you. Do you want to be
friends with me?" said Yohann.
"I... I guess so. Heck, why not? Of course! And please, call me Alex,
since we're going to be friends. Deal?"
"Deal." Said Yohann, smiling. "Alex... glad to be back. I promise I'll
never hide anything from you again."
"Don't worry, I'll be here to remind you of that, sweetbuns!" answered
Alex.
It was in that moments that a soft knocks were heard. Yohann stood up,
puzzled, and went to open the door. He was really surprised when he saw
who was on the other side of it. "Technuma! Please, come in, take a seat!
What can I do for you, Sir?"
Technuma took a seat in front of the desk, and waited patiently until
Yohann took his seat in front of him. "Well, Lieutenant... I came here to
speak about my daughter and you."
'Well, of all times...' thought Yohann. He then addressed Alex. "Alex...
I'm sorry to say this, but... would you mind going to the computers and
check if all the programs are ready for our impending departure to
England?"
"Not at all, sweetie. I'll go right away!" answered Alex. But before she
left them alone, she briefly linked with Yohann's mind and transmitted.
'Good luck, sweetbuns.'
When he made sure that Alex had effectively left them alone, Yohann
addressed Technuma. "Very well, sir. What do you want to discuss?"
"There's so much to discuss, that I'm not sure where to start from... but
here goes, anyway." Began Technuma. "You already told me about your
feelings towards my daughter, and since I already talked with her
earlier, I won't extend on that point. BUT... what is bugging me now, is
your true origin."
"What's wrong with it, sir?" asked Yohann.
"For starters, that if what I learned from your files on your computers
is correct, once you finish your mission, you are going to leave this
universe. Is that correct?" asked Technuma, eyeing Yohann directly.
Yohann seated straight, still looking at Technuma. "Yes. That's correct,
sir. To a certain extent, I must add. Let me explain. The original plan
was to only ask for the help of the girls in securing this universe and
making it safe once again. But as you are well aware, that has to be
changed. Granted, once this mission is complete, I'll have to return to
my home base and give a report."
"And do you know what's going to be Robin's reaction when she learns that
you're leaving her behind?" said Technuma, slamming the palm of his hand
on the desk. "Have you thought of how terrible it's going to be for her
when you go?? Is it that you only see her as a... a... an entertainment?
Something to pass a good time, and then leave her like a used doll??"
"Sir, I resent that comment! But I guess you're in your full right by
saying that." Countered Yohann. "But as I said, the original plan has
changed. And I'm going to be sincere with you. Once I present my report
to my superiors, I'm going to ask for a permanent reassignment here."
"You'd do that?" asked Technuma, his voice softening. "But what about
your career? Your position in your organization?"
"Before meeting your daughter, I'd have said that it was the most
important thing in my life." Answered Yohann. "But not anymore. I have to
thank your daughter and her friends for showing me that there's something
more important in life than that. I'm willing to give up everything for
her, if things come to that point... even my own life."
"Do you realize that there will be a lot of obstacles in that regard?"
said Technuma. "That perhaps your superiors won't be happy with that
proposal? That they'd probably try to stop you?"
"I don't care, sir." Continued Yohann. "I'd face the MRMA if it interpose
itself between me and Robin. Even if it costs me all I have and am, I'd
do whatever is necessary to come back with your daughter. And pardon me
for saying this, sir... but I won't allow nothing or no one... not even
YOU... to stay between us."
Very slowly, Technuma stood up, the same as Yohann. both men kept their
wits for a full minute, their eyes locked on each other's. Technuma's
expression was grim. Yohann's was determined. And again, very, very
slowly...
Technuma began to smile... and extended his right hand towards Yohann.
Without loosing his facial expression, Yohann shook his hand with
Technuma's, waiting for what would happen next.
"I'm glad to hear that. It only shows that you really care for her. Now
I'm completely sure that you'll make her happy... Yohann." said Technuma,
squeezing Yohann's hand.
Yohann blinked, his face softening. Finally, he smiled as well. "I'll do
what is in my power to make her happy, sir. I can promise you that."
"Please, just call me Ulysses. That's going to be my name from now on. Or
if you feel more comfortable with it, you can call me... dad!"
"I... I guess that it will take some time before that... Ulysses."
Answered Yohann, scratching the back of his head, nervously smiling.
"Take your time, Yohann. And remember... I'll still be watching you two,
do you hear me?" said Technuma, releasing Yohann's hand.
'Oh, boy... I don't know if that's good news or not! But I think I'll be
able to survive this ordeal!' thought Yohann, finally feeling more
relaxed.
* * * *
One day before departure...
The girls have decided to take a respite after their training, and after
cutting it a little short, they took the liberty to finish their
different chores. Namely, Usagi, Ami, Rei, Minako, Makoto, Laurella and
Robin were together finishing their homework. Setsuna, Haruka and Michiru
were out on different chores. What nobody wished to say to Yohann, was
that the former group had decided to finish their homework... on the new
War room.
"I don't know if I'm ever going to understand this. I simply don't like
biology!" said Minako.
"It's not that hard, really." Said Robin, absentmindedly chewing her pen.
"After all, they are all things we have already seen. So, why not just
give a little review to what we already learned?"
"You're right, Robin." Interceded Ami. "It wouldn't hurt anyone to review
a couple of lessons, for the sake of education."
"Please, can't we just try to finish this?" said Rei. "I just want to lay
on my bed. My back is killing me right now!"
"Oh, Rei! Sorry, I completely forgot!" said Laurella, moving next to her
friend. "Don't worry, as soon as we finish here, I'll be happy to help
you get back to your room."
"Well, thank you, Laurella! It's good to see that there's someone who
still worries for me." Answered Rei, eyeing the group.
"Boy, and I thought that she was already cranky! I hope I won't be so
cranky when I have my own kids." Whispered Makoto. Usagi nodded,
sympathetically.
"And speaking of kids, where's Chibi-Usa? I thought she was going to be
here with us." Asked Minako
"She had to run an errand with my parents." Said Usagi. "Since she took
the liberty to finish part of her own homework before we picked her up
after school, she already finished it and seized the opportunity to go
with them."
"Lucky child..." muttered Rei, stretching up a little. "Wish I could do
the same."
"I was thinking, Rei..." Asked Usagi. "How come you're here, and not back
at the temple? I mean, wouldn't you be back there, helping your
grandfather?"
"That was my original intention." Began Rei. "You see... Yuuichiro
returned from his grand tour around Japan. He's now with grandpa,
handling things while I'm away. I don't have to mention that grandpa
wasn't happy with his return and his... err... past deeds." She then
patted her belly, smiling. "I had to use a little 'persuasion' to
convince grandpa that Yuuichiro is welcome to stay with us."
"Yeah, I know your 'persuasion' techniques." Quipped Minako. "How many
brooms you used to achieve that, Rei?"
"Not much, really. Only 4. Three on grandpa, and one on Yuuichiro."
Answered Rei.
"But why Yuuichiro? Your grandfather, I understand... but why him?" asked
Robin.
"Well... first, I had to use a bucket of cold water to wake him up after
he fainted when he saw me! And once he was wide-awake, I smacked him
silly until he admitted his parenthood. You know... nothing out of the
ordinary." Finished Rei non-challantly. All presents blinked at her, not
really believing her.
"Boy, I hope Yuuichiro survives long enough for the wedding!" said Usagi,
finally regaining her speech ability.
"USAGI!!" screamed Rei, scandalized.
"Forget the wedding! What about after it?" completed Minako, giggling.
"MINAKO, NOT YOU TOO!!" screamed Rei, disheveled.
"Oh, come on! We're only teasing! Cheer up, Rei!" said Usagi, still
giggling. "Now really, I'm happy that Yuuichiro is back, and willing to
take care of you and your children. After all, it was only a matter of
time before you admitted that you love him."
"Yeah!" added Makoto. "And don't hesitate to call us, in case help is
needed."
"Thanks for the offer, but I think I can handle him." Said Rei.
"And who's talking about you? I mean to help him to survive!" teased
Makoto, giggling.
Rei facevaulted, while all the presents began to laugh heartily.
* * * *
Chibi-Usa was bored. She and her grandparents were traveling back to
their house, and while the shopping trip had been at times entertaining
(especially when Ikuko began to argue with one clerk over the price of a
single bottle of cooking oil), right now she was wishing to have stayed
with the girls back at the base. Presently, she was dozing on the
backseat.
"Poor little darling." Murmured Ikuko. "All this emotions were too much
for her."
"Don't worry, we'll be back home in a minute, and then we'll put her on
her bed." Answered Kenji. "Besides, she needs all the rest she can
muster, the same as the rest. Tomorrow they are going after their next
objective."
"Please, don't remind me." Said Ikuko. "I'm nervous enough just thinking
of my little kids going to battle already. And don't come with that 'they
will be alright' routine again. I heard Luna saying that enough already."
"I won't, dear." Said Kenji. "I'm nervous too, but I have faith on them."
They reached an intersection, and Kenji stopped the car, waiting for the
light to turn green. As soon as the car stopped, a man walked to Ikuko's
side, and tapped on the window. Ikuko looked at the stranger, curious,
and lowered the window just a little. "Yes?" she asked.
The answer she got was when the stranger placed his left hand on the
window, forcing it to lower even more, while using the right to extract a
gun from his jacket. Once the window was sufficiently open, he introduced
his arm and unlocked the door, opening it and seating next to Ikuko, not
lowering his aim for one second.
"What do you want?" asked Kenji, tensing.
"Drive." Was the only answer he got. At gunpoint, Kenji began to follow
his instructions, hoping that no one got hurt.
Unnoticed by them, Chibi-Usa had heard the whole thing, and when she saw
the stranger in front, decided to lay low on the floor. She then took out
her communicator and turned it on, only to find that it wasn't working!
'Come on, you piece of junk! Don't die on me now! We need help!' thought
the little girl desperately, punching all the buttons in hopes to summon
anyone. 'What can I do now? I can't transform here!' she thought.
The only thing she could do was wait for an opportunity, praying that
someone could help them...
At the same time...
The Aino family was together in a restaurant, enjoying their respective
lunchtime in the company of each other.
"And how was your morning?" asked Mrs. Aino, sipping at her coffee.
"Busy. I just couldn't wait for the meeting to end." Answered Mr. Aino.
"And what about yours?"
"The same. The usual compliment of paperwork, running up and down, and
little things like that." Said Mrs. Aino, smirking.
In that instant, two men dressed in black suits walked to their table and
each stood behind the couple. One of them asked. "The Aino family?"
"Yes. What can I do for your?" asked Mr. Aino.
"Pay your bill please, and come with us." Answered the first man. "It's
something important."
"What's the matter? Is something wrong?" asked Mrs. Aino.
"It's your daughter." Said the second man.
"Oh, my God! Is she all right? Did something happen to her? Where is
she?" began to ask Ms. Aino, franticly.
"We'll take you to her. Now, come with us." Said the first man.
Without making more questions, Mr. Aino and his wife stood up, leaving a
generous amount of money to pay for their meal, and followed the two
strangers, anguish reflected on their faces...
Meanwhile...
Akane and Technuma were at the hospital, attending the Emergency Room.
Akane had convinced him to go with her and present himself to the medical
community at the hospital. Once the news that the famous Dr. Ulysses
Redwing was going to visit them got loose, the personnel of the place
went to incredible lengths to make Technuma feel at home. Akane even had
to literally fight with some of the female personnel in order to keep
them away from Technuma!
"Well, he's stable now." Said Dr. Redwing after checking the status of a
car crash victim. "Take him to the intensive care unit."
"Yes, doctor." Said an orderly, taking the patient with him.
"A very good job, Dr. Redwing." Said Akane. "You impressed me with your
efficiency."
"Because I have a good doctor assisting me, Dr. Mizuno. Your assistance
has been invaluable." Answered Technuma, smiling at her.
"Flattery will take you anywhere, you know?" teased Akane, smiling as
well.
"And why do you think I'm saying it?" said Technuma. "What do you say if
I invite you to dine tonight? I heard from some of your colleagues about
a nice and quiet place that I'm sure you'll like."
"Delighted." Answered Akane. But before they continued, two men dressed
in black suits walked towards them.
"Dr. Mizuno? Dr. Redwing?" said the first man.
"Yes." Answered Technuma. "Is there a problem?"
"I'm afraid so." Said the second man. "It's regarding your daughters."
"What happened?" snapped Akane. "Where are they? Are they here?"
"No, Dr. Mizuno." Said the first man. "They're in a private clinic. They
suffered an accident, and refused to be brought to a hospital. However...
they asked specifically for you to attend them."
"Wait a moment here. I'll go get my gear." Said Akane, almost running to
her office.
"Tell me... what kind of accident?" asked Technuma, worried for his
daughter.
"A car accident." Said the second man. "A bus rammed the car they were
using at the moment. A silver sports car, I believe. The young man that
was with them... I'm afraid he didn't make it."
"I... see." Said Technuma, shocked. A strange mix of sorrow, anger and
grief began to fill his heart. He then began to think. 'It can't be any
one else but Yohann... He... he's dead... leaving her alone!'
"I'm ready." Said Akane, interrupting his thoughts. "Can you take us with
them now?"
"Come with us." Said the first man...
In another place, simultaneously...
Yuuichiro and grandpa Hino were busy at the temple. Yuuichiro was
attending the shop, while Rei's grandfather was attending the visitors.
Phobos and Deimos, Rei's crows, were perched on top of the main entrance,
keeping watch at all the people that entered the temple grounds.
In that moment, one man and a young woman dressed in black suits, and two
more dressed in Shinto robes entered the grounds, and began to look
around. When they saw the elder Hino, they walked towards him.
"Excuse me..." began the woman. "Are you relative of a certain..." she
then took from her jacket a small notebook, and after checking something
on it, she continued. "Hino Rei?"
"Rei??" shouted grandfather Hino. "Where is she? Is she all right?"
"She's in the hospital." Said the man dressed in black. "It seems that
she suffered a complication with her pregnancy, and had to be
hospitalized. She asked for you."
"Is something wrong, grandpa?" Asked Yuuichiro, approaching the group.
"It's Rei..." said the elder Hino, his voice trembling. "She... she's in
the hospital."
"Rei?? What happened? And what about her children? How is she??" asked
Yuuichiro, feeling weak.
"I don't have the complete information regarding their status," said the
woman. "And who are you, by the way, young man?"
"I'm the father." Answered Yuuichiro. "And who are you, by the way?"
"That's not important for the moment." Answered the man in black. "We
came here to take you to her side. She's been calling for you since she
regained consciousness. Now, come with us."
"Wait!" said grandpa Hino. "What about the temple? We can't leave it
alone like this... why don't you go with them, Yuuichiro? I'll wait here
till you call."
"We'll take care of it. Don't worry." Said one of the priests in the
group. "Now, why don't you go and check on your relative?"
"Yes... yes, I'll go. Thank you very much. Come on, Yuuichiro. Rei needs
us!" said grandpa Hino.
"Excellent." Said the man in black. "Now that everything is settle, come
with us..."
* * * *
"Where are you taking us?" asked Ikuko. The stranger had been guiding
them through the entire city, until they reached the outskirts. Right
now, they were entering a clearing of a nearby forest.
"Stop here." Said the man.
Once Kenji killed the engine, he asked. "What are we doing here? What do
you want from us?"
"Silence. Now we wait for the others to arrive." Was the only answer.
Chibi-Usa had remained silent the whole trip, listening intently in an
attempt to gather enough information of what was going on. All the time,
she continued attempting to communicate with the others, without luck.
When she ran the in-built diagnostic function of the communicator, it
showed that it was working fine, so she was at loss of what was causing
it to malfunction.
A few minutes later, another three cars entered the clearing. "Get out.
And don't say a thing." Said the man, getting out of the car. Ikuko and
Kenji did what he ordered. They were surprised to see Akane, Technuma,
the Ainos, Yuuichiro and Rei's grandfather getting out of the other cars.
"What kind of sick joke is this?" demanded Mr. Aino. "Where are we?
Where's my daughter?"
"That's what I was about to ask." Said Akane. "Why did you bring us here?"
And without any warning, all the men (and woman) in black took guns out
their clothes, and pointed them towards the surprised group of civilians.
"Everybody, shut up. We'll wait for the Master to come." Said the one
that kidnapped the Tsukinos.
"The master? What are you talking about? And what's the meaning of this?"
asked Yuuichiro. The man standing behind him hit Yuuichiro on the neck
with the gun, who dropped to his knees, stunned.
Akane moved towards Yuuichiro, her advance followed by the man who talked
with her in the hospital. She then examined Yuuichiro, and after making
sure he was ok, she addressed the one that hit him. "That wasn't
necessary!"
"Silence I said! Here comes the Master!" said one of the men that
kidnapped the Ainos. As soon as he said that, a strong wind gust
enveloped the area, forcing all the kidnapped to cover their eyes. When
the wind subdued, they all saw that in the middle of the clearing was a
black ship. The Tsukinos, Akane and Technuma gasped when they saw it.
"Kenji..." murmured Ikuko, while she hold his arm in hers.
"I know, dear... I know." Was his answer.
Once all was silent, a hatch opened, and a figure that the ones that knew
of its existence wished was finally destroyed, exited the ship. When the
figure approached the group, everybody noticed that it was a man... with
a cybernetic arm and eye! He was dressed completely in black.
"Very well done, my puppets." Said the man. "You accomplished your
instructions satisfactorily. You'll be rewarded accordingly."
"Who are you, and what do you want from us?" asked the elder Hino, while
he tried to take some of the charms he always kept inside his robe.
"Oh, yeah... I almost forgot that there are some of you who don't know
about me. I'll present myself... my name is..."
"Cauldron," interrupted Technuma, his fists clenched.
"You know him??" asked Yuuichiro, who was standing up with the help of
Akane. "How come? I thought you were only a doctor."
"Oh, he knows who am I, young man." Said Cauldron. "The same as all of
you will do shortly. Now, enter the ship!"
"What if we refuse? And why are we going to obey you?" asked Mr. Aino,
defiantly.
"Because... it really doesn't matter if you're alive or not. For me,
it's all the same." Answered Cauldron, matter-of-factly. "It's the end
result what really matters."
"It's better if we do as he says." Said Kenji. "We have our children to
think about..."
"Oh, yes! Your lovely children!" said Cauldron. "Wouldn't be a shame that
they end up orphan because of your refusal to obey? They'd be devastated,
don't you think? Oh, and don't attempt to use your parlor tricks on me,
old man. They won't work, not to mention that you all will end up dead."
Grandpa Hino stopped in the middle of his movements, surprised that
Cauldron knew about what he was about to do. "Now, don't waste more time.
Enter the ship, I said!!"
In silence, everybody entered the black ship, casting venomous glances at
Cauldron. Once everybody was inside, Cauldron walked near the Tsukino's
car and leaned on it, his back towards the passenger seat. "Oh, and
you... don't forget to tell your friends about what happened. Count
yourself lucky in that regard." He said, and began to walk towards the
ship.
Chibi-Usa's head popped up, surprised. She saw Cauldron's figure entering
the ship, the hatch closing behind his back. Speechless, she got out of
the car, and watched how the Darkstarr began to lift off. Suddenly, the
ascension stopped at 200 yards, and the entrance hatch opened. And
Chibi-Usa saw, horrified, as seven bodies were thrown through it. When
the last body cleared the hatch, it closed, and the Darkstarr disappeared
in the sky.
Trembling, the poor girl walked towards the heap of bodies, and noticed
that they belonged to the kidnappers. Shocked, she began to run back
towards the Tsukino's car, and once inside, she locked the door. With
shaky hands, she took out her communicator and once more, attempted to
call the girls. This time, it worked. Setsuna answered her call.
"Hello, Small Lady." Said Setsuna. But when she saw Chibi-Usa's
expression, her voice hardened. "What happened? Is something wrong?"
"Puu!! Help me! He took them away! HE'S STILL ALIVE!" was her only
answer. Her communicator dropped to the floor, her hands no longer with
the strength to hold it. The only thing that Setsuna could hear was her
heart-breaking sobs...
Twenty minutes later, the Stratos stopped next to the car where Chibi-Usa
had locked herself. Yohann, Setsuna and Ami got out, worried beyond words
when Setsuna told them what Chibi-Usa had communicated. Using her
communicator's signal, they triangulated her position and rushed to her
side.
"Chibi-Usa!" screamed Ami, knocking on the window. "Open the door, it's
us!"
When the door's lock clicked open, Yohann rushed to take Chibi-Usa out of
the car. Once he had her in his arms, he began to calm her. "Shh...
shh... It's all right, dear. Everything will be all right."
"He... he... he took them! I couldn't do a thing to stop him! He forced
them to go with him!" cried Chibi-Usa, her sobs wrecking her body.
"He? Who's he?" asked Yohann, puzzled. The only answer he got were more
tears and sobs.
"Yohann..." said Ami. "I guess you should see this." She was standing
next to the corpses, her computer already open.
"Setsuna... take Chibi-Usa to the Stratos. We'll be back soon." Said
Yohann, handing Chibi-Usa to Setsuna. When she got the young girl in her
arms, Yohann walked towards Ami, looking at the bodies. "What do we have,
Ami?"
"Yohann, according to my scans... these people died from severe
neurological trauma, caused by a tremendous amount of energy." Began Ami.
"Also, I picked up faint traces of small electronic micro-components."
"What?" Yohann kneeled next to the nearest body, and turned it on its
back. "Alex, scan the corpses."
"Right away, sweetie." Answered Alex, and ran a high-speed scan using the
belt's sensors. "Yohann... these people had neural implants in their
hypothalamus! According to this data, the implants exploded, blowing up
their brains!"
"Also, there's evidence that, once they died, their bodies felt from a
high altitude. The multiple fractures and lacerations indicate that they
felt from at least 200 yards... right on top of their actual position!"
added Ami.
"In short... someone fried their brains, and disposed of the bodies
throwing them from a high altitude..." summarized Yohann.
"That seems to be the only logical hypothesis, Yohann." said Ami.
Without a word, Yohann stood up and walked back to the Stratos. Through
the window, he said to Setsuna. "Let's go back to the base. You take this
car, I'll take the one Chibi-Usa used to hide."
"Yohann, what's the matter? Do you have an idea of what happened here?"
asked Ami, worried.
"I'm afraid I have a very good idea, Ami." Answered Yohann. And without
saying anything else, he entered the Tsukino's car. Ami went back to the
Stratos.
"Sweetie..." began Alex, once they were alone. "You don't think...?"
"Yes, Alex." Interrupted Yohann. "Cauldron was here."
* * * *
The Team was reunited in the living room, in different states of
emotional agitation. When the away group returned, Usagi saw that Yohann
was driving her family car and ran towards it. She gasped when Setsuna
got out of the Stratos, with a crying Chibi-Usa in her arms. When the
poor girl recalled her story (among sobs), everybody rushed to call their
families for confirmation.
Usagi was now crying, her sobs muffled by Mamoru's body, who tried to
comfort her... with no avail.
Laurella was holding Shingo, who was trying to hold back his own grief.
He was trembling, and a couple of tears ran down his cheeks, unchecked.
Rei had gone to her room, and was meditating in front of the fire she
started in the chimney. The only evidence of her state was the paleness
in her face.
Ami and Minako were crying too, after they confirmed that their
respective parents were missing. Haruka and Michiru were with them,
trying to offer some comfort.
Yohann was holding Robin in his arms, trying to comfort her. She was
trembling, her emotions running rampart. She was sobbing quietly in his
arms, curled in his lap.
"All set." Said Makoto, entering the living room in that moment, the
Guardian following her. "Chibi-Usa is now resting in her room, Setsuna
keeping her company. We made a call to the police, and they'll handle the
bodies you found in the forest."
"Thank you, Makoto." Said Yohann.
"Now, what are we going to do?" asked Alex. "Anyone has an idea?"
"First thing, is to forget about going to England, Alex." Said Yohann.
"My top priority now, is to save the hostages."
"Wait a minute... what do you mean with YOUR top priority?" asked Alex.
"That's mine too, Yohann! And don't forget it!"
"Count me in, Sir." Said the Guardian. "It was my duty as Security
Officer of this place to keep your friends' families protected. I failed,
so I have to atone for my error."
"Thank you, you two." Said Yohann.
"But what about us?" asked Robin, her voice hardly a whisper. "They are
our parents! We can't let you go after Cauldron alone!"
"I'm sorry to say this, bimbo..." began Alex. "But right now, you are in
no conditions for a fight. You could be an easy prey for Cauldron's
tricks in your actual state."
"I'm afraid Alex is right, dear." Said Yohann. "That's why you all will
remain here. Let us handle him this time."
"Are you sure that's a wise decision, Yohann?" asked Setsuna, who entered
the living room and the conversation in that moment. Unnoticed by her,
Chibi-Usa was following her.
"No... but it's the only logical one, Setsuna." Answered the Guardian.
"Besides, with the girls in these conditions, the rescue operation could
only end in failure."
In that same moment, the TV screen turned on, and a message appeared.
INCOMING TRANSMISSION. STAND BY.
Yohann tensed, knowing very well who was calling. His suspicions were
confirmed shortly.
"Hello, everyone. I hope you don't feel lonely tonight." Taunted
Cauldron. His face was filling the whole screen.
"Cauldron... you've gone too far this time. I'll destroy you once and for
all, even if it costs me my own life!" growled Yohann.
"I defeated you once in your own territory, Cauldron. It will be a
pleasure to delete your rotten functions for good! And that's a promise!"
added Alex.
"Brave words, MeRMAid... and yours too, program." Said Cauldron, not
loosing his temper. "Let's see if you can put action in them."
"What have you done with our parents, Cauldron??" asked Usagi, her voice
acquiring a steely edge. "Where are they? I swear, if you have hurt one
single hair of their heads, I'll..."
"Woah, woah, calm down!" said Cauldron, raising his hands. "They are
distinguished guests of mine. Right now, they are learning a few things
about me, you know?" His image disappeared, being replaced by one that
shocked all presents. "As you can see, they are now in the middle of
their first lessons. I wouldn't dare to interrupt, since they all are so
eager to learn..." mocked Cauldron's voice.
In the screen, the images of the Ainos, the Tsukinos, grandfather Hino,
Yuuichiro and Akane appeared. They were bounded into metallic chairs, a
helmet with a visor on their heads. Their teeth were clenched, their
clothes damped with sweat. On a nearby table, was Technuma, unconscious.
A helmet similar to the other ones was on his head. A bright orange glow
surrounded his body. In that moment, Cauldron entered the scene.
"They are still alive, as you can see." He began to say. "Too bad they're
resisting, otherwise the process would be painless. But this guy here..."
he then pointed to Technuma. "He almost gave me a fight! I had to cut off
all the Technum input he was receiving. That did the trick!"
"FATHER!!" screamed Robin. "What are you doing to him??"
"Shh... don't shout, Saturn! You'll wake him up." Mocked Cauldron. "I
have some very special plans for all of them. And now, let's go right to
the point, shall we? I know you were planning to go to the next crash
site, and who am I to interrupt your brave attempt? So, here's the deal:
I'll be waiting for you there, and if you can defeat me, then you can
have your families back. What do you say? It's a fair deal, isn't it?"
"You have a deal, Cauldron!" said Minako, her body trembling because of
her fury. "And it's a deal you'll wish you never made!"
"I'll be eagerly waiting for you, Venus." Said Cauldron, smiling. "Oh,
and that reminds me..." he turned back, and checked a set of dial in a
nearby console. "This needs a little adjustment. Let's see..." He then
punched a series of keys, and all the helmets began to glow. Immediately,
all his victims screamed... a scream that pierced the girl's hearts and
souls to their very cores.
"Aah! That's better, don't you think?" asked Cauldron. "Now, that's what
I call music!" and turning around towards the camera, he added. "Don't
forget... I'll be waiting. But don't take too long... I don't have too
much patience." With that, the screen went blank.
Nobody said a word for a few seconds, still shocked after what they saw.
Nobody noticed when Rei joined them, her body trembling, her face pale.
Chibi-Usa walked next to Usagi, tears streaming down her cheeks. Yohann
was opening and closing his fists, his jaw clenched.
Suddenly, without any warning, the girl's sigils began to glow. Faintly
at first, but gaining strength with each passing second, until their
light became unbearable. Without phrases, without warning of any kind,
they transformed. The Guardian, Yohann, Mamoru and Shingo looked at them,
puzzled.
Sailor Moon then walked calmly towards Yohann, her face an emotionless
mask. "Yohann..." she said. Yohann shuddered when he heard her. Her voice
was so calm... so cold... "You are going to take us with you. And we are
not going to accept 'no' for an answer."
"Usagi..." began Mamoru, but was interrupted by Sailor Uranus.
"She's right, Prince." She said. "It's her decision. And as our princess,
we'll abide to it. And that's final." Uranus the looked at Usagi, a grim
expression on her face... but internally, feeling proud of her princess.
Yohann looked straight at Sailor Moon's eyes, and shuddered again.
Instead of the clear blue eyes he knew, there were now ice-cold pools. No
sign of warmth, consideration or patience showed on them. Only a burning
rage, a desire to find the one that caused her so much grief and destroy
him with her bare hands. Regaining his bearings, he said.
"Very well. Although it's against my better judgement... we all go." The
girls nodded at him at the same time, satisfied by his answer. He then
continued. "Alex, Guardian... prepare the Leviathan for immediate take-
off. We're going now."
"Understood, sweetie." Answered Alex. "Do you want me to include anything
in special to the final equipment loading list?"
"Add some hover-stretchers, equipped with stasis fields." Began Yohann.
"Also, include the new hover tanks we designed last week. Load the ones
with plasma cannons. Also, include more medikits to the cargo, and double
check the weapons status." And lowering his voice, he growled. "This
time... we're going to hunt that bastard."
TO BE CONTINUED...
Chapter 12: The New Avalon Mission. Multiple Strike.
Again, everybody was together at the living room of the base, waiting for
Yohann, Ami and Alex to come back from their revision to the Leviathan's
repairs. The general atmosphere was slightly tense, but overall, they
were confident.
"Where do you think we'll go now? I wouldn't like to miss the end of
winter." Said Minako.
"Yeah... that's also my favorite time of the year." Said Usagi. "The
beginning of a new year, full of hope, with life beginning to blossom...
when promises are renewed..."
"And when you have to study harder to pass the spring tests!" finished
Luna. She was curled on Ikuko's lap, enjoying a good rub between her
ears. She was purring happily under Ikuko's expert touch.
"You really had to remind us, hadn't you?" said Makoto, casting a stern
glance at Luna.
"Someone has to do it, Makoto." Answered Luna, unperturbed. "After all,
you all want to be someone in life, right?"
Everybody looked at her, a far away look on each one of the young
warriors. They were still agreeing to Luna's statement, when Yohann and
Ami entered the living room.
"Sorry for making you wait, gang." Began Yohann. "The revision took a
little longer than expected."
"I hope that old bucket of bolts is back in operational order, Yohann."
said Haruka. "I want to try some maneuvers I practiced on the simulator,
and I won't appreciate it falling apart under us!"
"Do you really want me to answer that one, amazon?" said Alex, ready to
defend her Lieutenant and her work...
"Let me answer, Alex!" said Ami immediately. "Yes, Haruka. It's ready.
And no, it won't fall apart under us, as you so colloquially expressed."
"As much as I like to observe you three continue with that superb example
of verbal fencing," said Technuma. He was seated next to Akane who, by
the way, didn't mind his proximity, "I'm more interested in what's the
next part of this adventure."
"Glad you ask, Sir." Said Yohann, grateful for the opportunity. "And now,
if you all please follow me to the Weapons Research Center, I want to
show you a few things."
Everybody began to follow him back to the base. Once there, they all saw
that the two crates they savaged from Rainbow II were on the workbench.
"Now, Robin... Ami. Would you do us the honors?" said Yohann, smiling at
them.
"Are you serious??" asked Robin, her eyes almost painfully wide! "Is it
our turn already??"
"That's right, bimbo!" said Alex. "It seems that the integration only
works when you achieve your Senshi powers. That's why only each new
Senshi can upgrade her armors."
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's do it!" said Robin. "SATURN SOUL
POWER, TRANSFORM!!"
Ami was still looking at her, stunned. But she transformed too, curious
about what could be her new techno-weapon. "MERCURY SOUL POWER,
TRANSFORM!"
Once they transformed, Alex said. "I hope you remember the drill,
Saturn... or do you want me to remind you?"
"Hmph!" And raising her nose, Saturn placed her hands inside one of the
crates. Immediately, the assimilation process began, and in a flash of
light her new techno-weapon was installed on her techno-armor. She was
now donning five metallic spheres, the same color as her armor. Two on
the back of her hands, two on her shoulders, and one on her forehead.
Shaking her head, Mercury did the same. Again, the process was swift, and
after the known light show, her new techno-weapon was ready too. It
consisted on two sorts of bandoleers, one on each side of her hips, with
a strange looking device inside them. A transparent tube connected them
to a small backpack . All the assemblage was ice blue, almost white.
"Neat!" said Minako. "Now you look like a gunslinger, Mercury!"
"And what about me?" asked Saturn. "This things look like your spheres,
Yohann. Do they work like them too?"
"I'm not sure, Saturn." Answered Yohann. "Remember that each weapon is
unique to you all." And looking at her feet, he added, almost whispering.
"To be sincere, I didn't have the time to fully analyze these parts. Too
busy with the repairs, sorry."
"Then, why don't you two test them?" said Artemis. He had jumped on the
workbench, and had a good look at them. And addressing Yohann, he added.
"Don't you have some sort of practice targets here?"
"Good idea, furball!" said Alex. "I can order a couple of drones in no
time flat, so you can give them a try."
"And how long is 'no time flat', Alex?" asked Michiru.
"Oh, about... let me see..." Alex then began to calculate. A few seconds
later, she had her answer. "twelve minutes. Tops."
"Good." Began Yohann. "In the meantime, there's something else I want to
show you. You said that the preparations were finished, right Alex?"
"Down to the last detail, pork chops!" answered the AI. "Boy, and you're
going to love it! Right, Mercury?"
All presents turned simultaneously to look at Mercury, who blushed under
their collective curious glances. "If... if you say so, Alex. But you had
some good ideas too."
"Nonsense, whiz kid! Your idea for the main projector was nothing short
of brilliant!" continued Alex.
"Ok, that's it!" interrupted Laurella. "Can we take a look, or are we
going to continue watching you two throwing compliments at each other all
day?"
Yohann chuckled, amused. "Ok, everyone... follow me then." Guiding them,
he walked to the far end of the base's central hub. They all saw a new
door there... and the Guardian was standing in front of it, his arms
crossed in front of his massive chest. "Is everything ready, Hogosuro?"
"All is ready, Sir. As you requested." Said the Guardian.
"Excellent. Now, open the door." Said Yohann.
The Guardian opened the new door, and entered first. The rest followed
him shortly. The room was pitch-black, the only light source was coming
from the open door. Once the last person was inside, it closed by itself,
leaving everyone in the darkness.
"Hey, where's the light switch?" asked Usagi.
"Err... Usagi? Would you mind releasing my arm? You're a good friend, but
I'm not your type, really!" said Makoto. Mamoru tried to contain his
laughs, and had a partial success.
Yohann sighed, but said nothing. He then clapped his hands twice, and a
set of soft green lights turned on, illuminating the new addition to
Earth Base Gaia. Everybody looked around, deeply impressed by it.
The room had an oval shape. In the middle of the room was a big oval
black table, surrounded by at least 20 seats. On one side, was what
looked like a computer console, with lights blinking silently in what
everyone thought was a random pattern. Opposite to it, was what looked
like lockers. And on the rest of the wall, were the sigils of each one
of the planets of the solar system.
"Wow..." began Chibi-Usa. "This place looks like one of those rooms on a
sci-fi movie, where a crazy general would plan world domination."
"Why, thank you dear!" said Alex. "That's exactly what it is for!"
"You're kidding... right?" asked Shingo, who was holding Laurella by her
waist.
"Partially." Answered Yohann. "Now... let me welcome you all to the
Senshi War room."
"NOW I'm sure you're kidding!" said Rei. "I mean... why do we want this
place? We're not going to war!"
"I'm afraid we already are at war, Rei." Said Mercury. "At war against
Cauldron and his crazy schemes."
"That's right, Mercury. I'm glad you already accept the situation." Said
the Guardian. "No wonder Alex speaks so well of you."
"Ahem..." began Alex. "Can we continue? Thanks!" With that, she began to
explain why such place was built in the first place. "My sweetie and
myself were already planning the construction of this place, when during
the Leviathan's repairs I stumbled with one of Cauldron's little tricks.
I commented it with Mercury here, and decided to modify the plans a
little. You see, this place is self-contained. Just in case that maniac
tries another one of his stunts."
"Correct." Continued Yohann. "From now on, each time we have to conduct a
meeting, it will have to be here. That way, we'll minimize the risk of
being overheard. The entrance has a modified version of the scanning ray
of the Medical ward, so no one besides all the presents can enter this
place."
"Not to mention that the walls are reinforced." Finished Mercury. "You
can say that this is a bunker, inside another bunker. The room is
self-contained, as Alex mentioned, with independent power source and air
renovation systems. The computer here," she pointed to the console, "has
its own programs, independent from the base's other computers. And there
are scanning units that will alert us against any listening devices that
could be introduced here."
"A very impressive setup, Lieutenant." Said Technuma. "But do you really
think all this is necessary?"
"Yeah. I think you overdo it! Don't you think we have enough already?"
said Makoto.
"Judge by yourselves. But first, let's take a seat, shall we?" said
Yohann. Once everybody was seated, he continued. "Alex, tell us what did
you find out on your revision to the base's systems."
"Ok, sweetie. Now, listen up gang, and you tell me if this setup was an
exaggeration." Began Alex. "During his fortunately short stay here,
Cauldron implanted some programs on the systems all over the base. They
were designed to create havoc at random, and in some cases, to even kill
us all! One of them was on the medcom. It indicated that, when someone
was lying on the biobed, the scanning ray turned into a cutting laser.
You can imagine what was the intended result." Everybody said nothing,
understanding perfectly. "Good, because that wasn't all. Another one
indicated the base's power core to overload, causing a nuclear blast so
powerful, that it could easily destroy one third of the island of Japan.
And that's not including the ones he implanted on the Leviathan, or the
mainframe, or..."
"Ok, we get the idea." Said Haruka, interrupting Alex. "So, what's the
next target?"
Yohann nodded in her direction. "Very well, Haruka. Alex, Mercury...
would you do us the honors, please?"
"Right on, baby!" said Alex. Mercury nodded, and pushed a button in front
of her. Immediately, the lights diminished, and the center of the table
began to glow, the same as the ceiling area above it. And to everybody's
surprise, a schematic image of the Earth appeared, floating in mid-air.
It rotated slowly on its axis, allowing all presents to have a complete
view of it.
"We finished the deciphering of the next set of Cauldron's data,
indicating the next target." Began Mercury. "As you can see here," she
punched a series of commands, and the image unfurled itself, showing a
flat projection. Once done, it zoomed and focused on England, "he found
out where another base crashed." She then zoomed the image even more,
showing now the topographic map of a determinate area. "It appears that
our next objective is in the area of Salsbury, England."
Laurella and Minako looked at each other when they heard that. "Does that
mean that we'll go to our old turf?" asked Minako, obviously referring to
her time as Sailor V and Laurella's time there.
"That's right, blondie." Answered Alex. "According to the data, that
place seems to be the New Avalon research center. It was dedicated to
time/space experiments."
"Excuse me?" asked Setsuna. "Did you say... time/space experiments?"
"That's what I have stored in my memory banks, Setsuna." Said Alex. "You
see, in order to operate more efficiently, the Agency has been doing
extensive research in that area. New Avalon just happened to be more
advanced in that department than any other base."
"We found out what Cauldron is looking for this time." Added Mercury. "It
seems that the researchers of that base constructed some sort of
time/space distortion device for their big cruisers. It allows the
equipped ship to move in a blink of an eye from one position of space to
another, shifting it too through time in order to keep the same time
frame on it."
"Excuse me?" asked Rei. "Say that again?"
"It means, that no time would elapse on that ship. Their travel could be
instantaneous in all respects, firebug!" said Alex.
"What is puzzling me..." began Mamoru. "Is the name of the place... New
Avalon. And in England, of all places."
"Why is that?" asked Shingo.
Everybody remained silent for a moment, when suddenly it struck them.
Michiru was the first one to make the obvious question. "No... you don't
mean that...?"
"I guess it's only a coincidence." Interrupted Yohann. "After all, King
Arthur's story is only a legend. At least, as far as I know." He then
addressed Setsuna. "Do you know if there's a connection?" When Setsuna
denied with her head, he continued. "Good. Now, let's continue. Girls?"
Mercury nodded, and continued her explanation. "If what we've seen on our
first two missions is consistent with the modus operandi of the survivors
of the bases, regarding of how they marked their crash sites, then the
only place that could be related to the exact location of the base is..."
"STONEHENGE!!!" cried Laurella and Minako at the same time, startling
everyone.
"Uh... stone... what?" asked Makoto, still startled by their reaction.
"That's right, girlies!" said Alex. "Stonehenge is a place comprised of
enormous rock slabs, placed in a precise manner. Some scientists
speculate that it's a solar clock, created to indicate the precise time
for harvest and special events related to equinox and solstice.
Obviously, its function is more than only that."
"Then your next objective is England." Said Ikuko.
"It looks like it, Mrs. Tsukino." Said Yohann. "We'll depart this
weekend, so you won't miss any classes, girls." When the generalized
groaning stopped (except for Mercury, of course.) he continued. "Not to
mention that you have to practice a little more with your weapons. The
fact that you haven't used them fully until now, doesn't mean that you
won't do it in the future."
"And speaking of practicing... the practice drones are ready, baby."
Reported Alex.
"Perfect timing, Alex!" said Saturn. "Shall we go now? That is, if
there's nothing else we should discuss."
"Just one more point." Began Yohann. "I mentioned it to Mercury before we
started this meeting. Has anyone had the impression that we've been duped
so far?"
"Excuse me?" asked Usagi. "I'm sorry, I'm not following you, Yohann. What
do you mean with 'duped'?"
"That this last mission was too convenient, Usagi." Continued Yohann.
"You see, if Cauldron has the same information we now have, and I don't
have any reasons to believe the contrary, then why is he still following
his original plans?" Everybody felt silent, pondering his question.
"I guess I see your point, Yohann." Said Kenji, drawing the attention of
all the presents. "If he's a military program, as he indicated, then why
still following a plan that's already known by the enemy? It simply
doesn't make any sense."
"Precisely my point, Mr. Tsukino. From any strategist's point of view,
that only leads to disaster. Still, he's still following that plan. But
why?" finished Yohann.
"Then, you think that our next mission could be a trap, right?" said
Haruka.
"No, I don't think it's a trap. I'm SURE it's a trap. That's why I want
you to practice with your weapons. I'm not sure what he's planning this
time, but I want us to be prepared at the best of our capabilities. Is
there another question?" concluded Yohann. When no one made another
question, he added. "Very well, then the meeting is adjourned. Anyone who
wants to come to the Weapons center, is welcomed." With that, everybody
exited the War room... and everybody entered the Weapons Research center.
"Hey, what do you think this is? A circus? What are you doing here,
anyway?" commented Saturn.
"Just curiosity, that's all." Said Minako. "After all, this is going to
be your first time, isn't it?" When Saturn blushed, Minako raised an
eyebrow, and added. "I mean, for you using your weapon! What do you
think I'm talking about??"
Yohann cleared his throat, diverting the unwanted attention from her. "I
think your point has been sufficiently clear, Minako. Thank you... And
now, Saturn, Mercury, if you please come this way." He then opened a
door, and the trio crossed to an adjacent room. The walls of the place
were reinforced with what seemed to be 5 inches thick steel plates, and
in the far end were 2 strange looking robots.
They were about 4 feet tall, with no visible legs. Only a sphere at the
bottom, and a bizarre structure of tubes, wires and crystals complimented
the whole body.
"What kind of things are those??" asked Robin, eyeing them suspiciously.
"Just standard targeting drones, Saturn." Answered Yohann. "But don't let
yourself get fooled by their appearance. When programmed, they can be a
very effective attack/defensive force."
"They're not programmed now to attack us, are they?" asked Mercury,
eyeing then curiously.
"Not at all, whiz kid!" responded Alex. "The only program they have
incorporated now is one of evasive maneuvers, so they don't make easy
targets. After all, if you're going to destroy them, why not make a show
of it?"
"If you are ready now, let's proceed." Began to say Yohann. "Alex,
activate the drones." When the robots began to float and move in random
patterns, he continued. "Now girls, you'll have to do this like Usagi did
when she tested her weapon the first time: concentrate on your weapons,
and say the first thing that comes to your minds. Good luck." He then
exited the chamber, leaving the two girls with the drones, and walked to
a nearby control console. And after activating a microphone and a screen,
he added. "Ready when you are ladies."
The first one to give it a try was Mercury. She grabbed the gun-like
devices from their bandoleers, and pointing them at one of the drones,
she half-closed her eyes, and concentrated on them. She then felt a faint
humming coming from the backpack, and a phrase popped in her mind.
"MERCURY..." The tubes of the guns began to glimmer... "ICE..." This
time, it was the guns that glimmer, a whitish-bluish color concentrating
at the tips..."NEEDLES!" Immediately, a volley of extremely sharp ice
needles erupted at a machine gun rate from the guns, propelled by small
Technum bubbles at the base of each one. Their speed was incredible, and
according to the sensors of the chamber, they reached almost the speed of
sound! The needles from the first gun missed their intended target. But
the ones of the second gun...
When they reached their objective, they not only hit it, but also went
through it like if it was made of paper, and ended up piercing the far
wall of the chamber. When the attack finished, the only things that
remained from the doomed drone was a pile of slightly frozen junk, and a
fairly good collection of holes with melting ice at the end of the room.
Saturn looked at her, a big smile almost going from ear to ear on her
face. "Nice trick, Mercury! I guess it's my turn now." She then looked
intently at the last drone, and...
Just kept steering at it! 'Now, what the heck am I supposed to do now??'
she thought. She then extended her hands, and looked at the tiny spheres
attached on the back of them. Then she cast a furtive glance at each one
on her shoulders, and looked up, in a reflex action trying to catch a
glimpse on the one in her forehead. 'Why don't they come with a manual?
This is ridiculous! I feel like a complete fool...'
"*Is everything all right, Saturn?*" asked Yohann through the microphone.
"Yeah... it's just that I don't have the faintest idea of how to make
these things work!" said Saturn, stomping her foot "This is so
frustrating!"
"*Don't worry, Robin.*" said Technuma, grabbing the microphone. "*Just
try to relax, and let the words form in your mind. I have complete faith
on you, my daughter.*"
Saturn smiled, comforted by her dad's words, and closed her eyes,
concentrating on the spheres. Immediately, a series of words popped in
her mind. "Yes... now I know..." She then looked at the moving drone,
and crossing her hands in front of her, she said. "SATURN DEATHSPHERES!!"
Instantly, the five spheres detached from their sockets, and homed on the
helpless drone. It attempted to outmaneuver them, but it was useless.
When the spheres surrounded the drone, they began to rotate and change
their shapes.
Two of them turned into rotating sawblades, while two protruded
needle-sharp drills! But the fifth sphere... it changed into something
that resembled a claw with small sawblades in the middle. The whole
transformation took place in less than two seconds, and once done, they
began to systematically turn the drone into shredded metal, plastic and
crystal shards. When nothing more than small bits remained of the poor
drone, the units turned back into featureless spheres, and reattached
themselves back in Saturn's armor.
To say that Saturn and Mercury were speechless, is putting it mildly.
They looked at the remains of their respective drones wide-eyed, then at
each other, then at the remains, then back at each other...
"That's all for today, girls." Said Yohann, entering the chamber at that
moment. "You performed quite well, considering this was your first time
with this kind of weaponry."
"But... but... but..." stuttered Saturn. "Did you see what I did to that
robot?? And do you expect me to use it against A LIVING BEING?? You have
to be kidding! These things are lethal to the extreme!"
"Not to mention, that they are extremely powerful, Yohann." added
Mercury. "I agree with her. They are too dangerous."
"That's why you have to practice with them, girls!" said Alex. "True,
your weapons are very powerful, but consider this: Your own natural
powers are powerful too, and you have used them countless times against
the forces of evil. But you didn't use them discriminatingly, but with
responsibility. The same goes for your weaponry. And remember, this time
we're not facing a simple youma, cardian or droid, but something
extremely devious and powerful. Every bit of advantage to our favor is
welcome."
"I... I guess you're right, Alex." Said Saturn, after a minute of
silence. "It's just that... it scares me to have such lethal weapons with
me! I don't know what happened to me... sorry."
Yohann smiled, and embraced her tenderly. "I know, Robin, I know...
Having to kill is something horrible, but sometimes, there's no other way."
"*Hey, are you going to stay there, or can we go eat something? I'm
famished!*" said Chibi-Usa through the microphone.
"Ok, Ok, we're coming! Hold your horses!" answered Alex. "Now there's not
a single shadow of a doubt that she's Usagi's future daughter, alright!
Both have the same appetite!"
"You can say that again, Alex!" said Mercury, giggling.
With that, the test ended, and everybody went back to the surface to
enjoy a delicious meal.
* * * *
Two day before departure...
"See you tomorrow, everyone!" said Yohann. He waved farewell to the last
group of girls that exited the complex, after they finished their daily
training with their techno-weapons and a set of new tactics designed by
Luna, Alex and Kenji. All in all, the day had been very productive.
Yohann yawned and stretched his muscles. And after serving himself a
glass of juice from the bar, he went up to his office, and activated his
desk. When he finished reading the final reports of today's training, he
commented. "Well, it seems that they're getting the hang of their weapons
very quickly, don't you think?"
"Yeah, baby!" said Alex. "Especially Mercury. For being the first time
she carries a gun, she's doing quite well, I must say."
Yohann smiled, and shook his head. "You've become quite attached to her,
isn't it, Alex?"
Alex remained silent for a few minutes, while Yohann waited patiently for
her answer. Finally, she said. "Yes... yes, I think I am, sweetie. This
is the first time since I became self-aware, that I found someone that
can truly understand me, and whose intelligence is equal to mine. If I
were human, I could say that she's the sister I'd love to have by my
side."
"I guess I can understand." Said Yohann. "And while we're on the subject,
tell me... what do you think of the rest of the girls and boys?"
"Well... I guess they're ok." Began Alex. "I mean, they all have their
own quirks and things, but in general, they are a group of very solid
friends. Minako and Usagi have their points, when they're not playing
airheads. Makoto has a very good control of her feelings. Rei... well,
from her, I still don't know what to think, since her pregnancy turns her
into an emotional rollercoaster, but in general, when she's not on her
crank mode, she's a good person. Chibi-Usa... that kid is really mature
for her physical age. She has an insight that's almost uncanny. A really
nice girl, I must add.
"Mamoru is a nice guy. Perhaps a little prone to mind games, but overall,
he's a pretty decent fellow. Shingo is quite a character! His old
personality as a Guardian may be emerging even more every day, but that
doesn't change the fact that he's still a kid. And deeply in love with
Laurella. And Laurella... well, she's a person that has suffered too much
in her young life, and I'm glad that she's found someone to share that
burden with her, and ease her soul.
"Michiru is... I guess the best way to describe her, is being an iron
fist with a velvet glove. Setsuna... well, she's a complete enigma. You
know there's not enough data about her to make a quantitative analysis.
Haruka... Haruka..."
"That's what I wanted to ask you, Alex." Said Yohann. "Why are you so
mean with her? She's a great person, with a strong personality."
"I guess that's precisely the point, sweetbuns. Her personality is so
strong, that it collides with mine! Somehow, I picture her like a menace
against us! Someone that has to be contained for her own good."
"I think you see a part of your personality in her, Alex. A part you
don't want to face because you don't feel comfortable with it anymore."
Said Yohann. "I still remember the first time we met, Alex. You were as
abrasive as she is."
"Perhaps you're right, pork chops." Conceded Alex. "And now, the last one
of the list... Robin. Well, what can I say of her? She's sweet,
considerate, curious, innocent and extravagant to a certain point... but
you know what really unnerves me? That she's deeply in love with you,
Yohann!"
"And why is that, Alex?" asked Yohann, puzzled.
"Because, sweetie! She made a connection with you in a way I know I'll
never be able to do in my entire existence! Look at her, she's perfect in
all the sense of the word, and she's more than capable to make you happy!
Somehow, I guess I had this silly idea that perhaps, one day, you and
me... well..."
"I... I don't know what to answer to that, Alex. I mean, I didn't have
the slightest idea..." finally said Yohann. he was completely floored by
Alex's confession. He was conscious that Alex was an extremely advanced
Artificial Intelligence Program, but he never imagined that she was able
to have that kind of feelings!
Alex sighed, and continued. "I guess not, sweetbuns. That's why I've been
a little abrasive with her as well as of lately. Ok, ok, since the day
she and Makoto took you away on that trip! And you know what really
hurted me?? The fact that you hid that little piece of information from
me! I mean, we're a team, right? And you didn't give me the complete
facts of that trip. You kept that one away, hidden in an obscure part of
your mind, a place I can't access during our links."
"Alex..." began Yohann, but Alex interrupted him.
"No, sweetbuns. Let me finish. Do you realize that I knew about it by
Makoto during transit towards Rainbow II? And that I was waiting for you
to tell me? And that I felt deeply hurt when you KISSED her when you
finally returned to the ship with Technuma? I guess that, the point is...
that I began to feel jealous of her, and I began to think that you were
slowly getting rid of me, that you didn't want to have anything to do
with me at all now that you have her."
"Alex, what in the Multiverse's name possessed you to think something so
terrible of me?" asked Yohann, shocked. "As you very well put it, we're a
team! I'd never think of getting rid of you, not now, not ever!" And
after taking a couple of deep breaths to calm down, he continued. "The
only thing I can say to you is... I'm sorry for giving you that
impression, Alex. I guess that... since this is my first time with a s
erious relationship, I got carried away. I hope you can forgive me, Alex."
Both remained silent for a few more minutes, while the sun began to set
down, the sunset coloring the sky with fire. It was until the lights had
finally dissipated when they talked again.
"Alex... what do you say if... we start over again? I'll go first."
Yohann cleared his throat. "Hello. My name is Yohann Starr, I'm
Lieutenant of the Multiple Reality Monitoring Agency."
"Sweetbuns... what are you doing?" asked Alex, puzzled.
"Bear with me, ok? Please?" said Yohann, unperturbed.
"Ok... Hello. My name is A.L.E.X. That stands for Algorithmic Logistic
Expert Xperimental. I'm an Artificial Intelligence Program. But my
friends just call me Alex."
"Pleased to meet you, A.L.E.X. I... umm... well... right now, I'm on
assignment trying to recover, or destroy if necessary, the forbidden
technologies that the MRMA lost during a recent collapse of the
Multiverse. During this trip, I met a group of young warriors, known as
the Sailor Scouts, who are changing into the Sailor Senshi. One girl of
that group is known as Sailor Saturn. Her real name is Robin Redwing.
From the first moment I saw her, I felt in love with her. And I guess
that she's in love with me too."
Alex sighed again, but she continued. "Pleased to meet you, Lieutenant
Starr. Well... I was assigned to accompany a certain hardheaded
Lieutenant on that same mission. We were getting along quite well, until
he met this girl with superpowers and lost his head for her! I got
terribly jealous of her because of that. The good point is, that I met
this incredibly intelligent and sweet girl of that same group, known as
Sailor Mercury. Her real name is Mizuno Ami. I found in her a good
friend, and a kindred soul."
"Glad to hear that, A.L.E.X. And I feel happy for you. Do you want to be
friends with me?" said Yohann.
"I... I guess so. Heck, why not? Of course! And please, call me Alex,
since we're going to be friends. Deal?"
"Deal." Said Yohann, smiling. "Alex... glad to be back. I promise I'll
never hide anything from you again."
"Don't worry, I'll be here to remind you of that, sweetbuns!" answered
Alex.
It was in that moments that a soft knocks were heard. Yohann stood up,
puzzled, and went to open the door. He was really surprised when he saw
who was on the other side of it. "Technuma! Please, come in, take a seat!
What can I do for you, Sir?"
Technuma took a seat in front of the desk, and waited patiently until
Yohann took his seat in front of him. "Well, Lieutenant... I came here to
speak about my daughter and you."
'Well, of all times...' thought Yohann. He then addressed Alex. "Alex...
I'm sorry to say this, but... would you mind going to the computers and
check if all the programs are ready for our impending departure to
England?"
"Not at all, sweetie. I'll go right away!" answered Alex. But before she
left them alone, she briefly linked with Yohann's mind and transmitted.
'Good luck, sweetbuns.'
When he made sure that Alex had effectively left them alone, Yohann
addressed Technuma. "Very well, sir. What do you want to discuss?"
"There's so much to discuss, that I'm not sure where to start from... but
here goes, anyway." Began Technuma. "You already told me about your
feelings towards my daughter, and since I already talked with her
earlier, I won't extend on that point. BUT... what is bugging me now, is
your true origin."
"What's wrong with it, sir?" asked Yohann.
"For starters, that if what I learned from your files on your computers
is correct, once you finish your mission, you are going to leave this
universe. Is that correct?" asked Technuma, eyeing Yohann directly.
Yohann seated straight, still looking at Technuma. "Yes. That's correct,
sir. To a certain extent, I must add. Let me explain. The original plan
was to only ask for the help of the girls in securing this universe and
making it safe once again. But as you are well aware, that has to be
changed. Granted, once this mission is complete, I'll have to return to
my home base and give a report."
"And do you know what's going to be Robin's reaction when she learns that
you're leaving her behind?" said Technuma, slamming the palm of his hand
on the desk. "Have you thought of how terrible it's going to be for her
when you go?? Is it that you only see her as a... a... an entertainment?
Something to pass a good time, and then leave her like a used doll??"
"Sir, I resent that comment! But I guess you're in your full right by
saying that." Countered Yohann. "But as I said, the original plan has
changed. And I'm going to be sincere with you. Once I present my report
to my superiors, I'm going to ask for a permanent reassignment here."
"You'd do that?" asked Technuma, his voice softening. "But what about
your career? Your position in your organization?"
"Before meeting your daughter, I'd have said that it was the most
important thing in my life." Answered Yohann. "But not anymore. I have to
thank your daughter and her friends for showing me that there's something
more important in life than that. I'm willing to give up everything for
her, if things come to that point... even my own life."
"Do you realize that there will be a lot of obstacles in that regard?"
said Technuma. "That perhaps your superiors won't be happy with that
proposal? That they'd probably try to stop you?"
"I don't care, sir." Continued Yohann. "I'd face the MRMA if it interpose
itself between me and Robin. Even if it costs me all I have and am, I'd
do whatever is necessary to come back with your daughter. And pardon me
for saying this, sir... but I won't allow nothing or no one... not even
YOU... to stay between us."
Very slowly, Technuma stood up, the same as Yohann. both men kept their
wits for a full minute, their eyes locked on each other's. Technuma's
expression was grim. Yohann's was determined. And again, very, very
slowly...
Technuma began to smile... and extended his right hand towards Yohann.
Without loosing his facial expression, Yohann shook his hand with
Technuma's, waiting for what would happen next.
"I'm glad to hear that. It only shows that you really care for her. Now
I'm completely sure that you'll make her happy... Yohann." said Technuma,
squeezing Yohann's hand.
Yohann blinked, his face softening. Finally, he smiled as well. "I'll do
what is in my power to make her happy, sir. I can promise you that."
"Please, just call me Ulysses. That's going to be my name from now on. Or
if you feel more comfortable with it, you can call me... dad!"
"I... I guess that it will take some time before that... Ulysses."
Answered Yohann, scratching the back of his head, nervously smiling.
"Take your time, Yohann. And remember... I'll still be watching you two,
do you hear me?" said Technuma, releasing Yohann's hand.
'Oh, boy... I don't know if that's good news or not! But I think I'll be
able to survive this ordeal!' thought Yohann, finally feeling more
relaxed.
* * * *
One day before departure...
The girls have decided to take a respite after their training, and after
cutting it a little short, they took the liberty to finish their
different chores. Namely, Usagi, Ami, Rei, Minako, Makoto, Laurella and
Robin were together finishing their homework. Setsuna, Haruka and Michiru
were out on different chores. What nobody wished to say to Yohann, was
that the former group had decided to finish their homework... on the new
War room.
"I don't know if I'm ever going to understand this. I simply don't like
biology!" said Minako.
"It's not that hard, really." Said Robin, absentmindedly chewing her pen.
"After all, they are all things we have already seen. So, why not just
give a little review to what we already learned?"
"You're right, Robin." Interceded Ami. "It wouldn't hurt anyone to review
a couple of lessons, for the sake of education."
"Please, can't we just try to finish this?" said Rei. "I just want to lay
on my bed. My back is killing me right now!"
"Oh, Rei! Sorry, I completely forgot!" said Laurella, moving next to her
friend. "Don't worry, as soon as we finish here, I'll be happy to help
you get back to your room."
"Well, thank you, Laurella! It's good to see that there's someone who
still worries for me." Answered Rei, eyeing the group.
"Boy, and I thought that she was already cranky! I hope I won't be so
cranky when I have my own kids." Whispered Makoto. Usagi nodded,
sympathetically.
"And speaking of kids, where's Chibi-Usa? I thought she was going to be
here with us." Asked Minako
"She had to run an errand with my parents." Said Usagi. "Since she took
the liberty to finish part of her own homework before we picked her up
after school, she already finished it and seized the opportunity to go
with them."
"Lucky child..." muttered Rei, stretching up a little. "Wish I could do
the same."
"I was thinking, Rei..." Asked Usagi. "How come you're here, and not back
at the temple? I mean, wouldn't you be back there, helping your
grandfather?"
"That was my original intention." Began Rei. "You see... Yuuichiro
returned from his grand tour around Japan. He's now with grandpa,
handling things while I'm away. I don't have to mention that grandpa
wasn't happy with his return and his... err... past deeds." She then
patted her belly, smiling. "I had to use a little 'persuasion' to
convince grandpa that Yuuichiro is welcome to stay with us."
"Yeah, I know your 'persuasion' techniques." Quipped Minako. "How many
brooms you used to achieve that, Rei?"
"Not much, really. Only 4. Three on grandpa, and one on Yuuichiro."
Answered Rei.
"But why Yuuichiro? Your grandfather, I understand... but why him?" asked
Robin.
"Well... first, I had to use a bucket of cold water to wake him up after
he fainted when he saw me! And once he was wide-awake, I smacked him
silly until he admitted his parenthood. You know... nothing out of the
ordinary." Finished Rei non-challantly. All presents blinked at her, not
really believing her.
"Boy, I hope Yuuichiro survives long enough for the wedding!" said Usagi,
finally regaining her speech ability.
"USAGI!!" screamed Rei, scandalized.
"Forget the wedding! What about after it?" completed Minako, giggling.
"MINAKO, NOT YOU TOO!!" screamed Rei, disheveled.
"Oh, come on! We're only teasing! Cheer up, Rei!" said Usagi, still
giggling. "Now really, I'm happy that Yuuichiro is back, and willing to
take care of you and your children. After all, it was only a matter of
time before you admitted that you love him."
"Yeah!" added Makoto. "And don't hesitate to call us, in case help is
needed."
"Thanks for the offer, but I think I can handle him." Said Rei.
"And who's talking about you? I mean to help him to survive!" teased
Makoto, giggling.
Rei facevaulted, while all the presents began to laugh heartily.
* * * *
Chibi-Usa was bored. She and her grandparents were traveling back to
their house, and while the shopping trip had been at times entertaining
(especially when Ikuko began to argue with one clerk over the price of a
single bottle of cooking oil), right now she was wishing to have stayed
with the girls back at the base. Presently, she was dozing on the
backseat.
"Poor little darling." Murmured Ikuko. "All this emotions were too much
for her."
"Don't worry, we'll be back home in a minute, and then we'll put her on
her bed." Answered Kenji. "Besides, she needs all the rest she can
muster, the same as the rest. Tomorrow they are going after their next
objective."
"Please, don't remind me." Said Ikuko. "I'm nervous enough just thinking
of my little kids going to battle already. And don't come with that 'they
will be alright' routine again. I heard Luna saying that enough already."
"I won't, dear." Said Kenji. "I'm nervous too, but I have faith on them."
They reached an intersection, and Kenji stopped the car, waiting for the
light to turn green. As soon as the car stopped, a man walked to Ikuko's
side, and tapped on the window. Ikuko looked at the stranger, curious,
and lowered the window just a little. "Yes?" she asked.
The answer she got was when the stranger placed his left hand on the
window, forcing it to lower even more, while using the right to extract a
gun from his jacket. Once the window was sufficiently open, he introduced
his arm and unlocked the door, opening it and seating next to Ikuko, not
lowering his aim for one second.
"What do you want?" asked Kenji, tensing.
"Drive." Was the only answer he got. At gunpoint, Kenji began to follow
his instructions, hoping that no one got hurt.
Unnoticed by them, Chibi-Usa had heard the whole thing, and when she saw
the stranger in front, decided to lay low on the floor. She then took out
her communicator and turned it on, only to find that it wasn't working!
'Come on, you piece of junk! Don't die on me now! We need help!' thought
the little girl desperately, punching all the buttons in hopes to summon
anyone. 'What can I do now? I can't transform here!' she thought.
The only thing she could do was wait for an opportunity, praying that
someone could help them...
At the same time...
The Aino family was together in a restaurant, enjoying their respective
lunchtime in the company of each other.
"And how was your morning?" asked Mrs. Aino, sipping at her coffee.
"Busy. I just couldn't wait for the meeting to end." Answered Mr. Aino.
"And what about yours?"
"The same. The usual compliment of paperwork, running up and down, and
little things like that." Said Mrs. Aino, smirking.
In that instant, two men dressed in black suits walked to their table and
each stood behind the couple. One of them asked. "The Aino family?"
"Yes. What can I do for your?" asked Mr. Aino.
"Pay your bill please, and come with us." Answered the first man. "It's
something important."
"What's the matter? Is something wrong?" asked Mrs. Aino.
"It's your daughter." Said the second man.
"Oh, my God! Is she all right? Did something happen to her? Where is
she?" began to ask Ms. Aino, franticly.
"We'll take you to her. Now, come with us." Said the first man.
Without making more questions, Mr. Aino and his wife stood up, leaving a
generous amount of money to pay for their meal, and followed the two
strangers, anguish reflected on their faces...
Meanwhile...
Akane and Technuma were at the hospital, attending the Emergency Room.
Akane had convinced him to go with her and present himself to the medical
community at the hospital. Once the news that the famous Dr. Ulysses
Redwing was going to visit them got loose, the personnel of the place
went to incredible lengths to make Technuma feel at home. Akane even had
to literally fight with some of the female personnel in order to keep
them away from Technuma!
"Well, he's stable now." Said Dr. Redwing after checking the status of a
car crash victim. "Take him to the intensive care unit."
"Yes, doctor." Said an orderly, taking the patient with him.
"A very good job, Dr. Redwing." Said Akane. "You impressed me with your
efficiency."
"Because I have a good doctor assisting me, Dr. Mizuno. Your assistance
has been invaluable." Answered Technuma, smiling at her.
"Flattery will take you anywhere, you know?" teased Akane, smiling as
well.
"And why do you think I'm saying it?" said Technuma. "What do you say if
I invite you to dine tonight? I heard from some of your colleagues about
a nice and quiet place that I'm sure you'll like."
"Delighted." Answered Akane. But before they continued, two men dressed
in black suits walked towards them.
"Dr. Mizuno? Dr. Redwing?" said the first man.
"Yes." Answered Technuma. "Is there a problem?"
"I'm afraid so." Said the second man. "It's regarding your daughters."
"What happened?" snapped Akane. "Where are they? Are they here?"
"No, Dr. Mizuno." Said the first man. "They're in a private clinic. They
suffered an accident, and refused to be brought to a hospital. However...
they asked specifically for you to attend them."
"Wait a moment here. I'll go get my gear." Said Akane, almost running to
her office.
"Tell me... what kind of accident?" asked Technuma, worried for his
daughter.
"A car accident." Said the second man. "A bus rammed the car they were
using at the moment. A silver sports car, I believe. The young man that
was with them... I'm afraid he didn't make it."
"I... see." Said Technuma, shocked. A strange mix of sorrow, anger and
grief began to fill his heart. He then began to think. 'It can't be any
one else but Yohann... He... he's dead... leaving her alone!'
"I'm ready." Said Akane, interrupting his thoughts. "Can you take us with
them now?"
"Come with us." Said the first man...
In another place, simultaneously...
Yuuichiro and grandpa Hino were busy at the temple. Yuuichiro was
attending the shop, while Rei's grandfather was attending the visitors.
Phobos and Deimos, Rei's crows, were perched on top of the main entrance,
keeping watch at all the people that entered the temple grounds.
In that moment, one man and a young woman dressed in black suits, and two
more dressed in Shinto robes entered the grounds, and began to look
around. When they saw the elder Hino, they walked towards him.
"Excuse me..." began the woman. "Are you relative of a certain..." she
then took from her jacket a small notebook, and after checking something
on it, she continued. "Hino Rei?"
"Rei??" shouted grandfather Hino. "Where is she? Is she all right?"
"She's in the hospital." Said the man dressed in black. "It seems that
she suffered a complication with her pregnancy, and had to be
hospitalized. She asked for you."
"Is something wrong, grandpa?" Asked Yuuichiro, approaching the group.
"It's Rei..." said the elder Hino, his voice trembling. "She... she's in
the hospital."
"Rei?? What happened? And what about her children? How is she??" asked
Yuuichiro, feeling weak.
"I don't have the complete information regarding their status," said the
woman. "And who are you, by the way, young man?"
"I'm the father." Answered Yuuichiro. "And who are you, by the way?"
"That's not important for the moment." Answered the man in black. "We
came here to take you to her side. She's been calling for you since she
regained consciousness. Now, come with us."
"Wait!" said grandpa Hino. "What about the temple? We can't leave it
alone like this... why don't you go with them, Yuuichiro? I'll wait here
till you call."
"We'll take care of it. Don't worry." Said one of the priests in the
group. "Now, why don't you go and check on your relative?"
"Yes... yes, I'll go. Thank you very much. Come on, Yuuichiro. Rei needs
us!" said grandpa Hino.
"Excellent." Said the man in black. "Now that everything is settle, come
with us..."
* * * *
"Where are you taking us?" asked Ikuko. The stranger had been guiding
them through the entire city, until they reached the outskirts. Right
now, they were entering a clearing of a nearby forest.
"Stop here." Said the man.
Once Kenji killed the engine, he asked. "What are we doing here? What do
you want from us?"
"Silence. Now we wait for the others to arrive." Was the only answer.
Chibi-Usa had remained silent the whole trip, listening intently in an
attempt to gather enough information of what was going on. All the time,
she continued attempting to communicate with the others, without luck.
When she ran the in-built diagnostic function of the communicator, it
showed that it was working fine, so she was at loss of what was causing
it to malfunction.
A few minutes later, another three cars entered the clearing. "Get out.
And don't say a thing." Said the man, getting out of the car. Ikuko and
Kenji did what he ordered. They were surprised to see Akane, Technuma,
the Ainos, Yuuichiro and Rei's grandfather getting out of the other cars.
"What kind of sick joke is this?" demanded Mr. Aino. "Where are we?
Where's my daughter?"
"That's what I was about to ask." Said Akane. "Why did you bring us here?"
And without any warning, all the men (and woman) in black took guns out
their clothes, and pointed them towards the surprised group of civilians.
"Everybody, shut up. We'll wait for the Master to come." Said the one
that kidnapped the Tsukinos.
"The master? What are you talking about? And what's the meaning of this?"
asked Yuuichiro. The man standing behind him hit Yuuichiro on the neck
with the gun, who dropped to his knees, stunned.
Akane moved towards Yuuichiro, her advance followed by the man who talked
with her in the hospital. She then examined Yuuichiro, and after making
sure he was ok, she addressed the one that hit him. "That wasn't
necessary!"
"Silence I said! Here comes the Master!" said one of the men that
kidnapped the Ainos. As soon as he said that, a strong wind gust
enveloped the area, forcing all the kidnapped to cover their eyes. When
the wind subdued, they all saw that in the middle of the clearing was a
black ship. The Tsukinos, Akane and Technuma gasped when they saw it.
"Kenji..." murmured Ikuko, while she hold his arm in hers.
"I know, dear... I know." Was his answer.
Once all was silent, a hatch opened, and a figure that the ones that knew
of its existence wished was finally destroyed, exited the ship. When the
figure approached the group, everybody noticed that it was a man... with
a cybernetic arm and eye! He was dressed completely in black.
"Very well done, my puppets." Said the man. "You accomplished your
instructions satisfactorily. You'll be rewarded accordingly."
"Who are you, and what do you want from us?" asked the elder Hino, while
he tried to take some of the charms he always kept inside his robe.
"Oh, yeah... I almost forgot that there are some of you who don't know
about me. I'll present myself... my name is..."
"Cauldron," interrupted Technuma, his fists clenched.
"You know him??" asked Yuuichiro, who was standing up with the help of
Akane. "How come? I thought you were only a doctor."
"Oh, he knows who am I, young man." Said Cauldron. "The same as all of
you will do shortly. Now, enter the ship!"
"What if we refuse? And why are we going to obey you?" asked Mr. Aino,
defiantly.
"Because... it really doesn't matter if you're alive or not. For me,
it's all the same." Answered Cauldron, matter-of-factly. "It's the end
result what really matters."
"It's better if we do as he says." Said Kenji. "We have our children to
think about..."
"Oh, yes! Your lovely children!" said Cauldron. "Wouldn't be a shame that
they end up orphan because of your refusal to obey? They'd be devastated,
don't you think? Oh, and don't attempt to use your parlor tricks on me,
old man. They won't work, not to mention that you all will end up dead."
Grandpa Hino stopped in the middle of his movements, surprised that
Cauldron knew about what he was about to do. "Now, don't waste more time.
Enter the ship, I said!!"
In silence, everybody entered the black ship, casting venomous glances at
Cauldron. Once everybody was inside, Cauldron walked near the Tsukino's
car and leaned on it, his back towards the passenger seat. "Oh, and
you... don't forget to tell your friends about what happened. Count
yourself lucky in that regard." He said, and began to walk towards the
ship.
Chibi-Usa's head popped up, surprised. She saw Cauldron's figure entering
the ship, the hatch closing behind his back. Speechless, she got out of
the car, and watched how the Darkstarr began to lift off. Suddenly, the
ascension stopped at 200 yards, and the entrance hatch opened. And
Chibi-Usa saw, horrified, as seven bodies were thrown through it. When
the last body cleared the hatch, it closed, and the Darkstarr disappeared
in the sky.
Trembling, the poor girl walked towards the heap of bodies, and noticed
that they belonged to the kidnappers. Shocked, she began to run back
towards the Tsukino's car, and once inside, she locked the door. With
shaky hands, she took out her communicator and once more, attempted to
call the girls. This time, it worked. Setsuna answered her call.
"Hello, Small Lady." Said Setsuna. But when she saw Chibi-Usa's
expression, her voice hardened. "What happened? Is something wrong?"
"Puu!! Help me! He took them away! HE'S STILL ALIVE!" was her only
answer. Her communicator dropped to the floor, her hands no longer with
the strength to hold it. The only thing that Setsuna could hear was her
heart-breaking sobs...
Twenty minutes later, the Stratos stopped next to the car where Chibi-Usa
had locked herself. Yohann, Setsuna and Ami got out, worried beyond words
when Setsuna told them what Chibi-Usa had communicated. Using her
communicator's signal, they triangulated her position and rushed to her
side.
"Chibi-Usa!" screamed Ami, knocking on the window. "Open the door, it's
us!"
When the door's lock clicked open, Yohann rushed to take Chibi-Usa out of
the car. Once he had her in his arms, he began to calm her. "Shh...
shh... It's all right, dear. Everything will be all right."
"He... he... he took them! I couldn't do a thing to stop him! He forced
them to go with him!" cried Chibi-Usa, her sobs wrecking her body.
"He? Who's he?" asked Yohann, puzzled. The only answer he got were more
tears and sobs.
"Yohann..." said Ami. "I guess you should see this." She was standing
next to the corpses, her computer already open.
"Setsuna... take Chibi-Usa to the Stratos. We'll be back soon." Said
Yohann, handing Chibi-Usa to Setsuna. When she got the young girl in her
arms, Yohann walked towards Ami, looking at the bodies. "What do we have,
Ami?"
"Yohann, according to my scans... these people died from severe
neurological trauma, caused by a tremendous amount of energy." Began Ami.
"Also, I picked up faint traces of small electronic micro-components."
"What?" Yohann kneeled next to the nearest body, and turned it on its
back. "Alex, scan the corpses."
"Right away, sweetie." Answered Alex, and ran a high-speed scan using the
belt's sensors. "Yohann... these people had neural implants in their
hypothalamus! According to this data, the implants exploded, blowing up
their brains!"
"Also, there's evidence that, once they died, their bodies felt from a
high altitude. The multiple fractures and lacerations indicate that they
felt from at least 200 yards... right on top of their actual position!"
added Ami.
"In short... someone fried their brains, and disposed of the bodies
throwing them from a high altitude..." summarized Yohann.
"That seems to be the only logical hypothesis, Yohann." said Ami.
Without a word, Yohann stood up and walked back to the Stratos. Through
the window, he said to Setsuna. "Let's go back to the base. You take this
car, I'll take the one Chibi-Usa used to hide."
"Yohann, what's the matter? Do you have an idea of what happened here?"
asked Ami, worried.
"I'm afraid I have a very good idea, Ami." Answered Yohann. And without
saying anything else, he entered the Tsukino's car. Ami went back to the
Stratos.
"Sweetie..." began Alex, once they were alone. "You don't think...?"
"Yes, Alex." Interrupted Yohann. "Cauldron was here."
* * * *
The Team was reunited in the living room, in different states of
emotional agitation. When the away group returned, Usagi saw that Yohann
was driving her family car and ran towards it. She gasped when Setsuna
got out of the Stratos, with a crying Chibi-Usa in her arms. When the
poor girl recalled her story (among sobs), everybody rushed to call their
families for confirmation.
Usagi was now crying, her sobs muffled by Mamoru's body, who tried to
comfort her... with no avail.
Laurella was holding Shingo, who was trying to hold back his own grief.
He was trembling, and a couple of tears ran down his cheeks, unchecked.
Rei had gone to her room, and was meditating in front of the fire she
started in the chimney. The only evidence of her state was the paleness
in her face.
Ami and Minako were crying too, after they confirmed that their
respective parents were missing. Haruka and Michiru were with them,
trying to offer some comfort.
Yohann was holding Robin in his arms, trying to comfort her. She was
trembling, her emotions running rampart. She was sobbing quietly in his
arms, curled in his lap.
"All set." Said Makoto, entering the living room in that moment, the
Guardian following her. "Chibi-Usa is now resting in her room, Setsuna
keeping her company. We made a call to the police, and they'll handle the
bodies you found in the forest."
"Thank you, Makoto." Said Yohann.
"Now, what are we going to do?" asked Alex. "Anyone has an idea?"
"First thing, is to forget about going to England, Alex." Said Yohann.
"My top priority now, is to save the hostages."
"Wait a minute... what do you mean with YOUR top priority?" asked Alex.
"That's mine too, Yohann! And don't forget it!"
"Count me in, Sir." Said the Guardian. "It was my duty as Security
Officer of this place to keep your friends' families protected. I failed,
so I have to atone for my error."
"Thank you, you two." Said Yohann.
"But what about us?" asked Robin, her voice hardly a whisper. "They are
our parents! We can't let you go after Cauldron alone!"
"I'm sorry to say this, bimbo..." began Alex. "But right now, you are in
no conditions for a fight. You could be an easy prey for Cauldron's
tricks in your actual state."
"I'm afraid Alex is right, dear." Said Yohann. "That's why you all will
remain here. Let us handle him this time."
"Are you sure that's a wise decision, Yohann?" asked Setsuna, who entered
the living room and the conversation in that moment. Unnoticed by her,
Chibi-Usa was following her.
"No... but it's the only logical one, Setsuna." Answered the Guardian.
"Besides, with the girls in these conditions, the rescue operation could
only end in failure."
In that same moment, the TV screen turned on, and a message appeared.
INCOMING TRANSMISSION. STAND BY.
Yohann tensed, knowing very well who was calling. His suspicions were
confirmed shortly.
"Hello, everyone. I hope you don't feel lonely tonight." Taunted
Cauldron. His face was filling the whole screen.
"Cauldron... you've gone too far this time. I'll destroy you once and for
all, even if it costs me my own life!" growled Yohann.
"I defeated you once in your own territory, Cauldron. It will be a
pleasure to delete your rotten functions for good! And that's a promise!"
added Alex.
"Brave words, MeRMAid... and yours too, program." Said Cauldron, not
loosing his temper. "Let's see if you can put action in them."
"What have you done with our parents, Cauldron??" asked Usagi, her voice
acquiring a steely edge. "Where are they? I swear, if you have hurt one
single hair of their heads, I'll..."
"Woah, woah, calm down!" said Cauldron, raising his hands. "They are
distinguished guests of mine. Right now, they are learning a few things
about me, you know?" His image disappeared, being replaced by one that
shocked all presents. "As you can see, they are now in the middle of
their first lessons. I wouldn't dare to interrupt, since they all are so
eager to learn..." mocked Cauldron's voice.
In the screen, the images of the Ainos, the Tsukinos, grandfather Hino,
Yuuichiro and Akane appeared. They were bounded into metallic chairs, a
helmet with a visor on their heads. Their teeth were clenched, their
clothes damped with sweat. On a nearby table, was Technuma, unconscious.
A helmet similar to the other ones was on his head. A bright orange glow
surrounded his body. In that moment, Cauldron entered the scene.
"They are still alive, as you can see." He began to say. "Too bad they're
resisting, otherwise the process would be painless. But this guy here..."
he then pointed to Technuma. "He almost gave me a fight! I had to cut off
all the Technum input he was receiving. That did the trick!"
"FATHER!!" screamed Robin. "What are you doing to him??"
"Shh... don't shout, Saturn! You'll wake him up." Mocked Cauldron. "I
have some very special plans for all of them. And now, let's go right to
the point, shall we? I know you were planning to go to the next crash
site, and who am I to interrupt your brave attempt? So, here's the deal:
I'll be waiting for you there, and if you can defeat me, then you can
have your families back. What do you say? It's a fair deal, isn't it?"
"You have a deal, Cauldron!" said Minako, her body trembling because of
her fury. "And it's a deal you'll wish you never made!"
"I'll be eagerly waiting for you, Venus." Said Cauldron, smiling. "Oh,
and that reminds me..." he turned back, and checked a set of dial in a
nearby console. "This needs a little adjustment. Let's see..." He then
punched a series of keys, and all the helmets began to glow. Immediately,
all his victims screamed... a scream that pierced the girl's hearts and
souls to their very cores.
"Aah! That's better, don't you think?" asked Cauldron. "Now, that's what
I call music!" and turning around towards the camera, he added. "Don't
forget... I'll be waiting. But don't take too long... I don't have too
much patience." With that, the screen went blank.
Nobody said a word for a few seconds, still shocked after what they saw.
Nobody noticed when Rei joined them, her body trembling, her face pale.
Chibi-Usa walked next to Usagi, tears streaming down her cheeks. Yohann
was opening and closing his fists, his jaw clenched.
Suddenly, without any warning, the girl's sigils began to glow. Faintly
at first, but gaining strength with each passing second, until their
light became unbearable. Without phrases, without warning of any kind,
they transformed. The Guardian, Yohann, Mamoru and Shingo looked at them,
puzzled.
Sailor Moon then walked calmly towards Yohann, her face an emotionless
mask. "Yohann..." she said. Yohann shuddered when he heard her. Her voice
was so calm... so cold... "You are going to take us with you. And we are
not going to accept 'no' for an answer."
"Usagi..." began Mamoru, but was interrupted by Sailor Uranus.
"She's right, Prince." She said. "It's her decision. And as our princess,
we'll abide to it. And that's final." Uranus the looked at Usagi, a grim
expression on her face... but internally, feeling proud of her princess.
Yohann looked straight at Sailor Moon's eyes, and shuddered again.
Instead of the clear blue eyes he knew, there were now ice-cold pools. No
sign of warmth, consideration or patience showed on them. Only a burning
rage, a desire to find the one that caused her so much grief and destroy
him with her bare hands. Regaining his bearings, he said.
"Very well. Although it's against my better judgement... we all go." The
girls nodded at him at the same time, satisfied by his answer. He then
continued. "Alex, Guardian... prepare the Leviathan for immediate take-
off. We're going now."
"Understood, sweetie." Answered Alex. "Do you want me to include anything
in special to the final equipment loading list?"
"Add some hover-stretchers, equipped with stasis fields." Began Yohann.
"Also, include the new hover tanks we designed last week. Load the ones
with plasma cannons. Also, include more medikits to the cargo, and double
check the weapons status." And lowering his voice, he growled. "This
time... we're going to hunt that bastard."
TO BE CONTINUED...