Disclamer: I am in no way responsible for the ownership of said Moon, or any of her friends. I am a starving college student, so even if you wanted to sue me, you wouldn't get jack!

Italics: Thoughts

Chapter 15: "Battle Stations!"

The group was gathered in Darien's living room in a semicircle. Jonathan had borrowed some camouflage fatigues from Darien, and he wore his new holsters with pride. The girls were a little uneasy about him carrying loaded weapons around, but Mina worked to instill in her friends as much trust as she had in him. They were about to discuss the strategy when Jonathan started into his role as Senior Drill Sergeant.

"All right people, listen up! I don't know what we're up against, but I do know that there is an awful big risk to this operation. Some of you might not make it out. I want all of you to know, that I intend to bring everyone back. I made a promise to myself that I would do everything in my power to ensure the safety of Mina and the rest of you.

Now, I know that I am not the leader of this operation, Serena will take operation command once we are in combat, but I thought that since these creatures are from another dimension, I might have more information on the subject.

Jonathan surveyed the occupants of the room. All of the girls except Rini were there, Rini having been sent to the Tuskino's house after the concert. He saw determination on everyone of their faces.

God. These guys have been through hell and back before. This is my first time, but I feel like I can do this. I don't know why, but it just seems like the right thing to do.

He snapped out of his reverie, and continued with his operation analysis.

"I have thought about the situation, and have come up with an idea on how to effectively conduct this operation."

The girls were trying not to laugh at his use of military terms, and Darien was having a hard time glaring at Serena to keep her from losing it.

Jonathan continued. "Mercury and I can position ourselves on the balcony and provide cover for the rest of you while she gathers enough Intel on the bastards to annihilate them. My AT rifle can easily take down the bigger ones. We can only assume that there are more of them. Once we have the Intel, we'll meet up with you and try and finish this. Any questions?" He looked at the group one last time. No one had any.

"Alright then. Prepare for battle."

The group stood and saluted in unison, which brought a surprised look to Jonathan's face.

"Yes sir!"

Jonathan couldn't help it and automatically saluted back. Mina then approached him as the rest of the girls and Darien started to transform and stretch. They usually didn't have such a nice advance warning of an attack, and it was nice to properly prepare.

"Either the enemy is extremely confident, or stupid. Let's hope for the latter." Mina said in a sudden fit of maturity.

"I agree. Mina, please be careful while I'm covering you. I can't be right there, but I will be watching over you."

She moved into his embrace and smiled up at him. "My very own guardian angel."

The two shared a final, earth shattering kiss before she broke the close hug and transformed. Jonathan decided that he would have to hold up his end of the deal. Just so he wouldn't disappoint his princess.

He then moved to put on the borrowed combat boots that Darien had. He silently praised God that Darien was so prepared. Or he just had a bit of military junkie in him. Jonathan really didn't care which.

With the boots securely fastened and the girls all ready, Jonathan brought out his big gun. Lita, Rei and Darien all had large smile on their faces as he set the bipod up on the balcony. With his toy ready, he went and loaded the rest of his spare magazines, filled his pockets with 12-guage shells, and laid the shotgun against the glass wall of the balcony door.

"It's time." Ami said as they felt slight shockwaves emanating from a block down the street.

"Right! You guys know what to do. Luna, Artemis, stay here and help out Ami. Don't try to do anything stupid. This will all be over very soon."

The two cats looked as though they were about to say something, then stopped. Luna said to Artemis, "We'll tell him if we have to. Until then, let's just try to help as best that we can." With that decided, the group split up.

Jonathan caught them before they could leave. "Oh and guys!"

The group turned and faced their ally. "Yes?" They said in unison.

"No corny speeches!"