Title: The Silver Millennium Ambassadors - Artemis's story part IV
Author: Ree
Theme: Cats (silver millennium)
Genre: General
Version: Manga/Anime/silver millennium
Rating: G

The cats and all their friends are all from the imaginations of Takeuchi Naoko. I'm not that creative.

The Silver Millennium Ambassadors
Artemis's story part IV

Artemis sat at his desk, but this time he was not looking at his computer. He was staring at the red envelope sitting in the middle of his desk. He had to shift to human form to open it neatly. That made him nervous. Why would he, a Maun, receive an envelope for someone with hands. Closing his eyes, he shifted forms. Then carefully he opened the envelope. After unfolding the message that was inside, he let himself read it.

You have been accepted into the ambassador division of
the diplomatic corps. Please prepare for you new assignment.

Scanning down the page, he felt like he had been hit. They were sending him way out onto the spiral arm. Next week he was heading for the Solar system.

He dropped the note onto the desk, and turned to stare at Joshu's picture. He knew that Joshu was most likely gone. He had been getting on in years when he was on Maun. He also knew he was probably the most qualified for this post. 'But I want to be closer to home! The Jalilans where impressed with me. The Kinmokuns had a position available. Why do I have to go all the way out there?!'

Sighing he looked back over the message. A section he had not seen yet caught his eye. 'I will have a partner? Someone else is coming with me?' Even as he puzzled over it, the reason came to him. They didn't want the ambassador to feel too homesick. If there were two of them, they could at least talk about home.

After a week of frantic preparations, Artemis was ready to go. He rubbed cheeks with his family. "Goodbye. All you take care."

His Mom washed him between his ears. "You take care. I glad you finally get to fulfill your dream, but we'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, Mom." Artemis nuzzled his Mom one last time, and then crossed the space port to where the diplomatic party was waiting. His family followed at a distance.

Evrul spotted Artemis. "Here he is. Now we can start."

Artemis walked over to the platform that had been erected in front of the docked spaceship. Evrul signaled him to get up on the platform and sit next to a pretty black girl. Casting her a cursory glance, he settled down and waited. To his surprise, Evrul transformed and then started speaking to the gathering.

"We are here today to send off our new ambassador and his assistant to the Silver Millennium empire of the Solar system. They will be our ambassadors to the whole system, but will reside in the Moon Kingdom."

He picked up a necklace that had a golden crescent hanging on it. "Artemis, please transform and come forward."

Artemis shifted forms and stood in front of the head of the diplomatic corps. Ervul held the necklace in front of him. "This is the symbol of an ambassador of our planet to the Solar System. Do you accept this charge?"

Artemis looked at the little crescent that was hanging with both of its points attached to the chain. It would change his life forever. "I accept."

Evrul placed the necklace around his neck, and then pick up another necklace. On this one the chain only connected to one of the points of the golden crescent. "Luna, please transform and come forward."

The pretty black Maun changed and stepped next to Artemis. "Do you accept our charge?"

Artemis noticed that Luna looked reluctant for a moment before she accepted. Evrul placed the symbol around her neck. The crowd started cheering. Under the noise Evrul whispered. "Good luck. It is time to go."

Artemis wondered if he was allowed to transform back into his normal form, but looking at Evrul, he thought not. He offered his arm to Luna, and they walked into the waiting ship. Artemis felt himself swell with pride as the symbol of his new office tapped against his chest.