DISCLAIMER:
Sailor Moon is the property of Naoko Takeuchi and other
companies. I don't own her (Grrr), and this story is written with the sole
purpose of entertainment without any intention of commercial gain. No
copyrights infringement is intended. ((Translation: I don't have any money, so
please don't sue me, I'm poor!))
What has happened before:
After having her heart broken by both Mamoru and the Senshi,
Usagi went into a depressed mode for overly two weeks. On the night that she
was supposed to pick up Chibi-Usa from Mamoru's apartment, Rubeus, who came
close to kill her, ambushed her. The Dark Moon Family envoy would have
succeeded if it weren't for the intervention of a mysterious person that came
to her rescue in the nick of time. Meanwhile, the apparent demise of Sailor
Moon had been broadcasted all over the nation, leaving the Senshi in a state of
total disbelief and guilt. In the meantime, Usagi's savior had been revealed as
being a crewmember of an orbiting spaceship, wondering what to do next.
* = Change of Scene
( ) = Thoughts
+ + = Computer Responses or Electronic Communications
SILVER TEARS
BY
COMMANDER
GALOS
CHAPTER 2: AN OFFER YOU CAN'T REFUSE
Two days had already passed before the doctor
finally removed the nerve block from Usagi, allowing her to continue healing at
a more normal rate. When full sensation returned to her body, Usagi sighed in
relief, only to wince lightly when some belated pain signals caught up with her
brain. Fortunately, the sensation passed quickly.
The doctor made a cursory exam with a pocket
flashlight to test her pupilary responses, at the same time examining the
fading bruises on her face. Satisfied, he placed the flashlight back on his lab
coat and gazed at the readings displayed on a small screen at the bed's head.
"Hmmm… you are healing at an amazing rate, my dear. At this rate, you won't
even have a scar to mar that lovely face of yours. You will be able to get back
home this afternoon." His smile, however, dimmed when he heard his young
patient sigh. From his personal experience, he caught the emotion behind it:
depression, deep and foreboding.
"What's the matter? Is something wrong?" Seeing
that the young blonde averted his gaze, he nodded to himself. After all, good
doctors don't only treat bodies, but minds and souls when needed. Grabbing a
nearby chair, he sat next to her and said. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Usagi's fingers played idly with the sheets
covering her, fighting to keep her warring emotions under control. Taking one
deep breath to calm herself a little more, she decided to talk with the doctor.
"I… I'm not sure I… want to return."
The doctor cocked an eyebrow at the response, at
the same time his mind raced with dozens of possible scenarios that could lead
her to this state. "And why is that, if you don't mind me asking?"
Still keeping her eyes away from the doctor's
penetrating gaze, she began to tell him what had happened to her (albeit not
mentioning that she was Sailor Moon). Hesitantly at first, the story unwounded
at a steady rate, starting with the time she met Luna. Two hours later, she was
sobbing quietly at the end of her story.
The doctor kept his face straight. However, on
the inside, he was fuming at what he had heard. (For cryin' out loud! How could
someone so young be faced with so much turmoil? And being abandoned in such
awful way by her so-called friends?? And that boyfriend of hers… if I ever get
my hands on him, I… I… I don't know what I'll do to him, but it won't be nice!)
Handing her a tissue, he waited until Usagi
calmed down. Once that was achieved, he asked. "So… what will you do?"
"I don't know." Answered Usagi, sniffing. "Why
return? Nobody needs me there… nobody wants me. They made that sufficiently
clear… so, why bother going back?"
Gently placing a hand on her left shoulder, the
doctor added. "Rest a little more. Somehow, everything will work out just fine,
you'll see." After getting a nod from his patient, the doctor went back to his
cubicle, deep in thought. After a few moments of just sitting on his chair, he
opened a drawer on his desk and took out a crystal decanter with an amber
liquid inside, along with a small crystal cup. Pouring a small quantity of the
liquid on the cup, he took a sip and thought a little more.
Finishing his drink a few minutes later, the
doctor stood up, and after checking that Usagi was asleep, he left the Medical
Ward. It was not going to be easy, but he was confident that he could convince
the Captain to…
* * * *
The ship's captain struggled to keep a calm demeanor
at what he had heard. He was successful, however. Nevertheless, it didn't mean
he liked it one bit.
"You have to be joking, Doctor. What you are
asking is against the rules."
Once more, the ensign that had saved Usagi was
back on the Captain's private cabin. However, the ship's doctor was there as
well, and just like the captain, he had a hard time believing the medic's
proposition.
"Not completely, captain." The doctor said, a
small smile on his face. "There are plenty of precedents on this kind of cases.
Besides, it is because of this kind of incidents that some of the best
explorers come out. And you have to admit, raw talent comes once every
equinoctial cycle for this ship!"
"You have a point there doctor…" the captain
agreed, albeit reluctantly. "However, the fact that this world isn't advanced
enough to join our world doesn't help matters. Besides, how can you be so sure
that she will accept such offer?"
"That is where our good ensign here comes into
play." The doctor said, his smile broadening a little. Even the captain reacted
at that remark: he raised an eyebrow. The ensign was a little more vocal.
"Me??"
"Yes, you." Continued the doctor. "After all,
you are the one that first made contact with her. So, it's only logical that
you make the offer."
"The doctor is right in that respect." Said the
captain before the ensign could say a word. "You are the one that brought that
lady to my ship, so it will be your duty to make her the offer."
"But sir, I… I don't… I mean… why… I…"
"Good, you understand." Interrupted the captain.
"You will talk with her immediately and bring me an answer. That will be all,
gentlemen."
Once the doctor and the ensign left the cabin,
the latter finally found his tongue. "Why are you doing this, doctor? I mean, I
don't oppose the idea, but… why this, all of a sudden?"
The doctor didn't say a word immediately.
Instead, he remained silent all the way back to the deck where the Medical Ward
was located. Once they left the elevator, he finally answered the questions. "Because…
in my personal opinion, it would be akin to murder to return her to this
planet." Looking from the corner of his eye, he noticed the ensign's curious
look at his words, so he decided to explain a little more.
"I can't tell you what she told me. Patient-doctor
relationship, you understand. But… if you had heard her story… perhaps, if she
accepts, you could ask her yourself later."
Gulping, the ensign decided to ask one more
question. "It… it was that bad?" The answer he got sent a chill down his spine.
"Worse."
Without saying another word, the two men entered
the Medical Ward to do what had to be done.
Usagi left the empty glass of water on the table
next to her bed, feeling better. At the moment, she was wondering what to do.
(I never imagined that not going to school could be so boring! Although… the
food here isn't so bad! Certainly beats the normal hospital food I've heard so
much about. Yuck!) Her attention was drawn to the door sliding open, and upon
seeing the arrivals she smiled wanly. "So… it is time, then. I guess I'm
ready."
The two new arrivals didn't say a thing until
they were standing next to her bed. A minute of silence passed between the
three of them, until the doctor not-so-subtly elbowed the ensign on his ribs.
After massaging his abused ribs and giving a brief glare to his assailant, the
ensign cleared his throat and addressed Usagi. "Well… I guess that… that
depends on you, really."
"What?" Usagi didn't understand it at the
moment. If they were going to take her back home, why tell her that?
"Yes… you see," continued the ensign, taking a
seat on a nearby stool, "the doctor here and I spoke with our captain about
you, so… well, we reached a decision."
Usagi tensed at hearing that. (Oh no… what is it
now? Are… are they going to kill me? Or keep me with them as a prisoner? I… I
don't like this!)
The ensign, however, didn't notice her
discomfort, so he continued. "Well, the situation is this, you see? After I
handed my report to the captain, and well, since we are a little short of
personnel, what we wanted to ask you is, you see…"
At this point, the doctor became exasperated at
the ensign's inability to speak clearly, therefore deciding to go to the meat
of the matter. "Oh, for cryin' out loud! This is pathetic!" he then addressed
Usagi. "What this boy wants to ask you is this, my dear. People of your
capabilities are hard to get. As a doctor, I'm very impressed with your stamina
and physical prowess. The kind of injuries you sustained would have killed
almost anybody. So, what we want to ask you is this:
"Do you want to join us?"
Upon hearing those words, Usagi dropped back on
her pillow, her eyes wide in shock. (What…? This can't be! They… they can't be
serious! They… they don't know me, and they want ME to join
them??)
After a couple of minutes of shocked surprise,
she finally found her voice. Meekly, she asked. "Are… are you sure? But… why?"
The doctor shrugged shoulders. "I already stated
my reasons. Besides, a cute girl like you would be a well-received addition to
this motley crew." At those words, Usagi blushed a faint pink, not expecting
the sudden praise.
The ensign then added his two cents to the
conversation. "And if what I saw down there when you were attacked is any
indication, I think you have lots of untapped potential. Personally, I believe
that, with proper training, you would be one of the most powerful Espers ever
known!"
"But… but I am no esper, whatever that is!"
commented Usagi. "I am just a normal person, that's all!"
"I don't think so, my dear." Said the doctor,
getting from a pocket the Moon Locket and handing it back to Usagi. "I am no
expert, but the things that I saw when my nurse removed this from your body…
frankly, I never saw anything like it in my entire life."
"Not to mention the kind of assault you resisted
when I found you." Interjected the ensign. "The… being that attacked you –and
me when I intervened- wasn't common of this planet. With the proper training,
I'm sure you could have managed it with no problem!
"So, what do you say? Interested?"
Usagi bit her lip, caught in indecision. Her
blue eyes showed the internal struggle she was having. On one side, was her
duty as Sailor Moon, to protect the people of her planet, to keep them safe.
But on the other hand, were the raw emotions of loneliness and betrayal that
still haunted her, complicated with all those things that Rei and the others
always told her; of not being graceful, always klutzing, always being childish…
Hesitantly, she finally asked. "Can… can I…
think about it?"
The ensign sighed upon hearing that. "Normally,
I'd say that you take all the time you want, but… unfortunately, we are a
little time-pressed. Our initial reckon of this planet will be finished in a
few hours. That means that… we'll be leaving soon. At most, you will have 6
hours to make up your mind.
"Sorry for pressing you this much, but that's
how things are at the moment."
Closing her eyes upon hearing this, Usagi then
made two more questions. On the contrary of what most people think, Usagi is a
very bright person, it's just that normally she isn't motivated enough. "And…
if I decide to say no, what will happen with me?"
"Nothing serious, if that's what you're afraid
of." Interjected the doctor. "As a precaution, I'll have to block your memory
of the last three day's events, starting from the point you woke up until you
are about to be returned to the place the ensign here picked you up. All this
will be nothing more than a dream."
(Mess up with my memory?) Usagi pondered the
option… finding it not of her liking. After all, she still remembered what had
happened to Mamoru when Beryl brainwashed him. (Thank you very much, but no
thanks!) "And… if I decide to accept? What are the strings attached to this
offer of yours?"
"That… is a little more complicated." Began the
ensign; taking a deep breath, he continued his explanation. "If that's the
case, what will happen is something similar of asking for political asylum,
with the option of asking for full citizenship with our world. Of course, your
case will be studied and a course of action will be determined for you."
"Huh?"
The doctor shook his head, seeing Usagi's
confusion. "Translation: time will tell. It all depends on what you decide my
dear."
Seeing that the discussion was over for the
moment, the ensign stood up. "Think about it, ok? Now, if you excuse me, I have
other things to do. See you later."
"I have to make sure everything is ready for our
departure too. So, we'll leave you alone to make up your mind. Don't worry, I'm
sure you'll make the right decision." With that, the two men left Usagi alone.
Usagi took the opportunity to ponder what she
had heard. Yes, the offer was tempting… very tempting. In an
effort to try and make up her mind, she began to catalog the pros and cons of
her life and see if the answers lie there.
On the pros side, she knew that there was her
inner strength [she was no hypocrite, and was honest with herself], her
happiness for living [albeit there was not that much of that at the moment],
she didn't like to fight, but she could do it if pressed.
On the cons side, a feeling of depression began
to fill her; there was so much in there! And those things weren't knew, since
her friends and boyfriend… no, EX-friends and EX-boyfriend had pointed them so
many times in her face. For starters, she was clumsy, a crybaby, she didn't pay
attention in school, she ate too much, she definitely hated to fight, making
her a bad Senshi and leader, she didn't take things seriously, and recently,
Mamoru had dumped her, Chibi-Usa had taken over her home, her own family had
literally forgotten she existed anymore, the Senshi had given her the boot
[quite literally], and what was worse: Rubeus had almost killed her without
batting an eye. She wasn't sure, but there was the chance that if she disappeared
all of a sudden… nobody would notice it.
(No… definitely there's nothing else for me in
there. So… why not? I could start all over again, and this time… I could make a
difference.) Finally reaching a decision, she closed her eyes and tried to take
a little nap before telling these people her choice. This was a big step
towards the unknown, but… she felt in her battered heart that it would be worth
it.
(But… if this is the right choice, why does it
hurt so much?) Usagi thought before finally falling asleep. Before entering a
dreamless sleep, a tear ran down her cheek, quickly being absorbed by the
pillow.
* * * *
Sometime later…
Usagi was walking down one of the ship's
corridors, escorted by the doctor and the ensign by her sides. Her eyes were
the size of saucers, amazed at what she was seeing. Among the humans on board
of the starship, there were other life forms as well… and what variety!
She had seen the American movie 'Star Wars' when
she was little, and at the moment, the scene of the alien bar was coming to her
mind, unrestricted. Robots of all kinds coming and going, aliens of all types
imaginable, and some she could have mistaken as youma if she had seen them on
Earth. She was so amazed by the sight that, for once, her 'klutz attack' didn't
even present itself.
She didn't realized the moment they entered a
cabin next to the command deck. It was until the person inside addressed her
that she was aware of her surroundings.
"I… I'm sorry. You were saying?"
"I said, it's good to see you in good health,
young lady." The captain of the ship stood up and approached her. Usagi took
note of the man: late 30's, fairly good complexion, black hair with some gray
hairs here and there, dressed in a form-fitting uniform of light and dark gray.
And on the left breast was the insignia of their homeworld: a ring around a
single star, surrounded by six five-pointed stars, three on each side.
"So, I've been told that you have reached a
decision." The captain continued. "What is it, if I may ask?"
"Well... not precisely, sir." Usagi stammered a
moment before finally making up her mind. "Your doctor has been kind enough to
tell me what you would do with me if I want to return back to Earth. But what
hasn't been clear enough is what would happen if I accept. Could you clear it a
little?"
The captain raised an eyebrow while exchanging
glances at both the ensign and the doctor. Nodding, he took his seat again,
signaling towards the seats for them to make themselves comfortable. "Fair
enough. So, what do you want to know then?"
After taking a seat on the couch, Usagi asked.
"Well… I was told that joining you is something like asking political asylum,
but… what does that truly mean?"
Nodding in acceptance, the captain then
proceeded to explain to Usagi what she needed to know. "Well, normally in cases
like yours, you have the option to ask for full citizenship with our homeworld.
Of course, there is a period of adjustment before you can ask for it. The
normal period is for a year or two before anything can be done. This is to give
time for the asking party to see if they can adjust to our world. In the
meantime, the person or persons are under our government's custody, which takes
care of the would-be citizens' needs and wants.
"Obviously, depending on the age group and other
factors, the asking party is also bound to… continue their studies. That is
also thought as a mean to help them with their preparation if it was
interrupted, as well as teaching them our way of life."
"You mean, I have to go back to school??
Ewww!" The crew had a hard time to hold
their smirks at Usagi's reaction.
"I'm afraid so young lady." Answered the captain
after regaining his composure. "You'll take an evaluation test to put you on
the right study group, of course. Now, as I was saying, after the acclimatizing
period is over, the final decision of joining us rest on the asking party, in
this case you. If you decide not to join us, you still retain a position as
Honorary Member, still with the open option of joining us in the future."
"I don't understand the last part." Usagi asked,
puzzled. "And why is that?"
"Because. After all that time, the person or
persons have the necessary abilities and knowledge to become ambassadors on
their homeworlds. After all, why waste all that effort and energy in trying to
erase their memories of our existence, if the option of their worlds of joining
us is more acceptable and civilized? At least, that's how we see it. And it has
worked pretty well for the last couple of centuries." The captain finished his
explanation with a small smile.
"Now, don't knock out the idea of our education
system." Added the doctor. "Who knows? You may enjoy it." Usagi tried hard not
to make a face at the idea. She was partially successful.
"Is there something else you want to know?" the
captain inquired.
Usagi bit her nail, still gripped in indecision.
On one part, she was afraid of what would happen to her if she took this
opportunity, but on the other hand…
(This… could be the opportunity I need. I could prove
to the others once and for all that I am not the klutz and the crybaby they
think I am. And… I… I could become stronger, just like Mamo-cha… Mamoru wants…)
Her mind finally made, she stood up and walked
the three steps needed to stand in front of the captains' desk. "So… you have
taken a decision?" the captain asked.
"Yes. I have."
* * * *
Hidden by both its magic and a cloudbank,
Rubeus' crystal ship oversaw the city of Tokyo like a vulture waiting for its
prey to die before feasting on the carcass. Not a bad analogy, considering that
their mission was to retrieve the Rabbit in order to destroy Crystal Tokyo.
On the mirrors room, Rubeus was pacing around
like a caged beast, fuming. First, three days ago a mere human had thwarted his
rightful vengeance against that brat, Sailor Moon! Granted, that human used
some kind of weapon that he didn't expect existed on this mud ball, but still,
he was Rubeus, a member of the Dark Moon Family, invincible by birthright!
Second, Catsy had failed once more to capture
the Rabbit! And she had been so close! That little pink haired brat was there
for the taking in that miserable shrine, but no… she had to allow those pests,
the Sailor Senshi, to gather around once the Rabbit had sent that cursed energy
blast!
Although… it was curious… Sailor Moon hadn't
been there to finish the droid. Rubeus had to ponder the strange occurrence.
(Mmmm… perhaps that blond pest died… normally, where those Senshi appear, she
isn't that far behind. Maybe she really is dead?) That thought cheered him
somewhat, but still galled him that it wasn't his hand that put an end to
Sailor Moon.
It was at that moment that Prisma crossed one of
the mirrors. "My Lord Rubeus, I'm sorry for disturbing you, but..."
"What is it Prisma? Can't you see I'm busy?"
Rubeus snapped at the new arrival, smirking when the girl looked chastised and
contrite. That is what he liked of the situation: those four fools were so
taken by him that it was so easy to control them!
"I… I apologize, my Lord Rubeus, but I detected
a strange energy surge in high orbit a few moments ago."
Rubeus frowned at hearing that. "Explain. What
did you detect?"
"I am not sure, since it was too brief to
analyze. However, it had a similar energy signature to the portals we normally
use to move from one part to another. I made a more profound scan of the area,
but couldn't find anything."
"I see… "Rubeus looked at Prisma fixedly, making
her feel nervous. Smiling his best 'suave' smiled, he then added. "Good work.
Keep me informed if something else happens. I am very pleased with you."
Hearing that, Prisma, smiled sweetly at Rubeus,
blushing slightly. "Ye… yes. I… I will." Too flustered to continue, she exited
the room, but not before sending another smile in Rubeus' direction.
Alone once more, Rubeus let his smile drop,
exchanging it with a disgusted frown. (That foolish female… if I didn't have
need for her…) stomping hard on the thought, he went to the observation window
that oversaw Tokyo, letting his eyes wander over the unsuspecting city. He
thought about what Prisma had told him, but dismissed it after a few moments.
He then began to plan another attack to capture
the Rabbit. If Catsy didn't make it, there were three more pawns for him to
use…
* * * *
Usagi looked around the cabin that had been
assigned to her. It wasn't luxurious, but it wasn't uncomfortable. A
retractable bunk with clean sheets [very comfortable, she had tested it upon
arrival, and was surprised at how soft it felt], a small vanity mirror with some
make-up that came with the installation, a little table with two padded chairs,
a couple of pot plants that gave some life to the room, a small closet
[currently with a couple of those gray uniforms, but considering that she
hadn't brought her own clothes, she wasn't about to complain for the ugly
selection of colors!], an ultrasonic shower [she frowned at the idea. She would
have preferred a water based shower, but…], and a small
wall-mounted washbasin to clean her hands. And the light was indirect, not
overly bright but warm and soothing. All in all, not bad, all things
considered.
(Well… this is it.) Usagi thought, sighing
quietly to herself. (No turning back now…) taking a seat on one of the chairs,
she began to think of what had been done after she had accepted the offer.
Shortly after the captain had given her a 'welcome aboard' handshake, he
appointed the ensign as her official contact. Immediately after leaving her on
her cabin, he excused himself to bring the necessary documents to start her personal
file.
(Looks like bureaucracy is a constant with all
civilizations.) Thought Usagi to herself. She couldn't help the smirk that
appeared on her lips. (I wonder if the same was true during the Silver
Millennium…) In that moment a soft chime from the door's direction interrupted
her thoughts. "Yes?"
+It's me. I brought the forms for you to fill.
Can I come in?+
"Just a moment!" Usagi hurried towards the
entrance. After pushing the button on the metal pad next to the door, she
allowed the ensign to enter her cabin. "What took you so long?"
"Sorry. Had to look for a pen." After the two of
them got comfortable, the ensign began to shuffle a folder with a few forms.
Selecting one, he looked straight at Usagi. Seeing the puzzled expression in
her eyes, he explained. "It's only temporary. I don't think you know how to
write in our language, right?"
"Yeah… don't worry, I understand." Usagi then
touched the earrings that the ship's engineer had given her. Those were in
reality language translators for her to use until she learned Galact. On the
same vein, the ensign was going to act as her interpreter for the time being.
"Well, let's begin. And as soon as this is
ready, I'll invite you some dinner, ok?"
"Thanks! I'm starving!" the mention of food
cheered her. She hadn't eaten since before the ship's departure, and still
didn't know where the cafeteria was located.
"Ok, let's see… name?"
"Usagi Tsu… no,
wait. That's not right." Usagi sighed.
"What's wrong? Is something the matter?" The
ensign let the pen down on the table and watched Usagi closely. He then noticed
that there was a look of intense concentration on her eyes. Whatever she was
thinking, it obviously was important. He waited patiently until she addressed
him once more.
"I was just thinking… this is a new beginning
for me. So… using my old name doesn't seem… right anymore."
"I see. So, you are planning to use a new
identity? Sounds fair enough to me." Taking the pen once more, he prepared to
write Usagi's new name. "Just one piece of advice. Don't cut your links to your
past so drastically. Although a new name is a good idea, in my opinion, you
should use one that still reflects your origins."
Usagi thought about it for a minute. (Yes… he's
right. Besides, I might want to return one day…) she then began to consider her
past under that light. Foremost, was her most important past: being the
reincarnation of Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom. That was something she
couldn't deny, no matter how much she wanted. On the other hand, she also was
Sailor Moon, Senshi of love and justice! No, she couldn't throw away all that.
Unnoticed by her, she frowned, deep in thought.
The ensign watched her face intently, noticing
the whirlwind of emotions reflected on her face. (She's so open… I doubt she knows
that her emotions show so clearly. Heh… and she look so cute when she frowns!)
He couldn't help but smirk at that thought.
After a couple more minutes, Usagi looked at the
ensign, a look of determination etched on her face. "I got it! My new name will
be… Serena Moon."
"Serena Moon? Mmmm…
not bad. It suits you." Smiling, the ensign wrote down what would be her new
identity in the foreseeable future.
"You know?" Serena asked all of a sudden. "In
all this time, you haven't told me your name."
"Hmmm? Oh, that. Well, you see, it was
necessary." Seeing Serena tilting her head in a clear sigh of curiosity, he
explained. "We didn't expect for you to join us, so we didn't consider
necessary to burden you with more information about us. Less to block if the
case came, you know…" he then placed his hand behind his neck and rubbed it
while laughing nervously.
"Ok. I can understand that… now. But now that I
joined you, why don't you tell me?" Getting a sudden inspiration, she stood up
and presented herself. "Hi, I'm Serena Moon, pleased to meet you!"
Smiling to himself for her spunk, the ensign
stood up as well and extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you Serena. I'm ensign
Galen Osborn Sylpheed. But my friends just call me Syl."
"Pleased to meet you Syl!" Serena said, shacking
the proffered hand. With the formalities finished, they took their seats again.
"So… you mentioned something about dinner? I'm starving!"
Syl couldn't help but laugh at her petition.
"Now, now… not yet. We have some paperwork to finish first, remember?" he
laughed some more when Serena pouted at the idea of waiting for dinner.
Almost an hour later, the last form had been
filled. Good to his word, Syl showed Serena where the cafeteria on that deck
was located. After taking a seat and making their order, Serena made one last
question before dinner arrived. "I almost forgot. What's the name of this ship?
Slapping his forehead in annoyance, Syl then
answered her question. "Darn, how could I have forgotten something so
important? Sorry about that." Taking
his glass as if in a toast, he smiled at her and used his most solemn tone of
voice. "My dear Miss Moon… I officially welcome you to the A.S.S. Lucky Star."
Serena couldn't help but giggle at his
solemnity. From her point of view, it was as if he had tasted something sour.
It was so funny! But, deciding to go with the flow, she raised her glass and
clinked it with his. "Thank you ensign Sylpheed. May this mark the beginning of
a beautiful friendship."
TO BE CONTINUED.
Author's notes:
Phew! Finally, another chapter done! Sorry folks
for taking so long to churn out this episode, but RL have been quite a handful
these last months! Not to mention that I had to undergo some treatment for my
eyes… nasty infection on both of them. UGH!!
I want to thank my pre-reader, Yohann DeSabrais
for pointing out the most blatant errors in continuity, all those grammar and
orthographic mistakes that were on the original draft, and giving me all those
great suggestions to make the story flow smoothly. Thanks pal! Without your
help, this story would be one piece of garbage!
And also, my thanks go to those who have
e-mailed me and reviewed this story on ff.net. I hope you like this new
installation!
Yes, I know… some of you won't like that new
name, but hey! As Usagi/Serena said, it's a new beginning, and for her, it's
like a rebirth of her personality. And as for the A.S.S.… no, it's on purpose.
That means Agency Star Ship. So, if you want to joke about it… at least make it
tasteful, ok? ˆ.ˆ;;
That's it for now! Man, I have to start working
on my other stories too… Later!