A/N: Nightstalker here and after a bit of an hiatus, I am more or less back and with a new chapter. First of all though I want to thank all of those who took the time to message me and hope that I got well soon. I feel a little better than when I originally left that message on my profile, but I still have to see a specialist to deal with my anxiety disorder. So don't think I am going to be updating as often as I use to be.
Also I want to warn you that this chapter is a bit shorter than normal but I hope it has enough here satisfy you all. Another thing, you may want to read "Antarctica" or you would not understand this chapter. So without further ado, on to the story.
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( Ghost of Battles Past... )
Haruka grunted in frustration, as the tall blond sent her fist into the wall of her bedroom for what may have been the seventh time that night.
It was just hours before while shopping for groceries for their new home, that Michiru felt a strange presence emanating from a single individual who happened to be in the company of two older males. For some reason the senshi of the seas could not help but to sense that there was something to this young woman that did not sit right with her, it was a feeling the senshi would get any time there was a Phage attack or when the Sailor Starlights would appear. Needless to say, the couple did not need much incentive to follow this group of strangers, especially with this new threat loose in Tokyo.
For hours the two senshi trailed the young woman and her companions, trying their best not to be noticed and waiting for the right moment to make their move. But it soon became evident that their would be targets were more aware of the couple than they thought, as a attempt to "Trap" the trio in the subway, saw the couple being transported half way across the city and far away from their targets. It was after midnight when the two lovers finally made it back home they were no closer to figuring out just who that young woman was. Not surprisingly, Haruka was less than pleased with how the day ended.
"I can't believed that happened to us." Haruka growled as her eyes focused on the wall before her. She could still see the grins on the trio's faces, as the train pulled away from the station with them still trapped on board.
"Calm down, Haruka." the aqua haired violinist replied, as she came out of the bath room and sat on the bed. "We did what we could, they were just too fast for us."
"But we can not afford to be so slack." the tall blond replied, as she turned to face her lover. Even the sight of such a beautiful creature before her, did little to calm the senshi's mood. "We can't be like the rest of them."
"The rest of who?" the violinist asked curiously, not sure where her companion was going with the conversation.
"We can't be slack like... never mind." Haruka replied quickly, as she made her way towards the bed. "We just had a long day, that's all."
"Indeed so." Michiru replied. "I'm just glad Setsuna stayed with us long enough to watch over Hotaru while we were out."
"Same here." Haruka replied, as she got into bed and snuggled along side her lover. An sly grin suddenly flashed across her face. "You know Michi..."
"Not tonight, I have a headache."
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Despite the rather curious ending, Kakyuu did enjoy her day within the city. Both McKenzie and Morrison, her two chaperones for that day, basically took the princess on a tour of the city and even though it was completely alien to her, Kakyuu could not help but to think about how things once were on Kinmoku.
Tokyo was so full of life and wonder, much like how the capital city on her home world had once been. The people gave off an energy which could not even be placed into words, as they happily went about their lives either by making a living in the many businesses which were dotted through out the concrete land scape, or by just enjoying the lives they had any way they could. Like those street performers she and her companions saw playing with their musical instruments.
But despite her rather joyful experience in Tokyo, the princess' mind could not help but to wonder back to those two mysterious individuals who ended up following her group. Just who were they and most importantly, why were they following her to begin with? Kakyuu reach deep into herself to find an answer but was left with more questions. These people who were following her did not appear to be evil, nor did they give off the same aura with the agents of Galaxia had. But something within the princess that if she were to encounter these persons again, who ever they were, they would not have her best interest in mind.
Even more so Kakyuu was starting to believe that her new friends were starting to not act in her own best interest as well. She had been on this world for a while now and she was no closer to finding this Tau'ri than she was when she was forced to flee Kinmoku. It was not like the Kakyuu was ungrateful toward O'Neill and the SGC for taking her in and nursing her back to health, but it was as if they no longer cared about helping her find the one group who could possibly save the universe from Galaxia's curse.
But despite the overwhelming sense of doubt now building within her, Kakyuu could not help but to feel she was much closer to finding the Tau'ri than she thought. From the messages her kingdom received from the Asgard, the Tau'ri were an unique race of people who had defeated their enemies rather colorful and ingenious ways. Their methods were unconventional, but effective and it was safe to assume that a large portion of the galaxy, including the Asgard, owed the Tau'ri a great debt. Maybe when O'Neill and his team finally made contact with the Senshi of this world, then maybe together they would be able to defeat Galaxia once and for all.
It was now far late into the night and Kakyuu had now changed into a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt, as the young monarch got ready for bed. The day's events though enjoyable had left the young woman physically drained and her body now yearned for the comfort of the hotel room's bed. But as the royal got ready for what she believed to be a good night's rest she was completely unaware that humanity's greatest technological achievement, were now on station above the Japanese home islands.
Using technology gained from both enemies and allies, the USAF Prometheus began to scan the islands for anything out of the ordinary. With luck they would be able to alert General O'Neill and his team early enough for them to react in quick time and quite possibly make contact with the Sailor Senshi. But as the vessel settled them selves in for what could be a long wait, they were completely unaware that their stealthy operation was being monitored a by a very unlikely source.
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Another day had dawned in Tokyo and for the students of Juuban Municipal High School, it was time for their annual school festival. The atmosphere of the school was filled with positive energy, as the students were busily getting ready for what they hoped would be a day filled with fun and excitement. But while this was going on, a small group of girls were meeting with one of their friends to discuss something which she discovered the night before.
"This is unreal." Makoto commented in awe, as she and Minako met with Ami in one of the school's empty class rooms.
"You can say that again." the self proclaimed senshi of love added, as she and Makoto stared at the images being shown on Ami's mini computer. "How were you even able to get these images?"
"I have to confess, it was Artemis' doing." the blue haired student replied. "After what happened in Antarctica, Artemis began to use my computer and well... don't ask me how, but he was able to hack into a number of satellites in orbit."
"Artemis did all that?" Minako exclaimed, as she and Makoto stared wide eyed at their friend.
"He did and last night, one of them sent me these images." Ami commented, as the image of the space ship which they had seen all those months ago, flickered on the computer screen. "I also believe that I may have found the name of the vessel."
"What?" Makoto asked curiously, as she was still trying to digest what was being told to her. "How did you get that?"
"It was not easy and I was not able to get much." Ami explained. "But I was able to decode some of their transmissions."
"Well, what is the... ship's name?"
"Prometheus."
"What are you guys talking about?" a new voice chimed in and upon investigation the three girls saw that Usagi finally arrived at school and she was dressed in the same maid uniforms both Minako and Makoto were waring.
"Usagi!" Minako exclaimed excitedly, as she grabbed the blond by the arm and pulled her towards the table they were at. "Look what Ami found!"
"Wha..." Usagi began, as her blue eyes soon caught sight of the image which was on the computer screen. In that moment the leader of the Sailor Senshi began to have flash backs to that fateful day at the south pole, when she learned that there were others who were willing to sacrifice everything to protect the planet they called home. That was the day in which Usagi learned that Sailor Senshi were not alone. "Where did you get these images?" the blond asked wide eyed.
"Last night with a bit of Artemis' help." Ami replied, "and it is named the Prometheus."
"What is it doing now?" the blond asked her friend.
"I don't know." Ami explained. "All I was able to get was that the Americans had launched it just a few days ago and that it is in orbit. But as to why, I was unable to find out."
"This is just... unreal." Usagi muttered, as she continued to stare at the image before her. The incident in Antarctica had a profound effect on the young blond and there were times she would wonder if it was all just a dream. But now all those doubts were put to rest with this one image and even though she nor her friends knew just why this vessel even existed, Usagi still could not help but to feel as this ship, as well as those who were on board it, were more friend than actual foe.
"Earth to Usagi, come in Usagi!" Minako said jokingly, as she knocked her friend on the head. "Are you alright? You zoned out a bit there."
"Yea... I'm fine." Usagi replied. "This is just... amazing!"
"Nani?" the other girls asked in unison, puzzled expressions forming on their faces as the saw a small, hopeful smile form upon their friend's face.
"Don't you all see?" Usagi stated. "We are not alone anymore!"
"Alone?" Makoto asked curiously. "What do you mean?"
"We are not alone in fighting to protect the world." the moon princess replied. "In Antarctica we saw them fight and... die." Usagi suddenly trailed off, as the image of the dead pilot she saw in Antarctica flashed across her mind. She then began to remember all the explosions which took place during that battle and there was no doubt in her mind that some of explosions were a result of "friendly" forces being killed while fighting for the planet.
Ami, Makoto and Minako took a moment to allow their friend's words to sink in and they soon realized that Usagi had made a solid point. During that day everything they knew about the world around them, came crashing down when they realized the Americans had access to technology that way more advanced than anything they knew of. Even Ami, Sailor Mercury herself, the most intelligent member of the Senshi team, found it difficult to explain what they saw on the southern ice cap.
Now the very same vessel which they had seen all those months ago, had now been captured on camera thanks to the efforts of Ami and Artemis. With recent attack by creatures known as "Phages" around Tokyo over the last few weeks, it did not take long for all of them to come to one final conclusion.
"So you think that the Americans launched that vessel of theirs because of those strange senshi we have been fighting?" Makoto asked curiously, as she turned her attention back towards the image on the screen.
"I would not doubt it." Ami replied. "But then again it could be just on a shake down cruise for all we know. Maybe this is the first time it has been out since the battle."
"You know we could continue to talk about the American's space ship for the rest of the day, but we have more important things to worry about right now!" Minako suddenly proclaimed, as she struck a rather cute pose in her maids outfit. "The fair is about to start and we need to get our coffee shop ready."
"She's right." Makoto agreed. "Maybe we can pick this back up at the Shrine with Rei later."
"I guess." the odango blond replied. "We really should get going before people start looking for us."
The rest of the girls agreed and within moments the group had exited the empty classroom and had begun to make their way towards their class room to get their coffee shop ready for the fair. Yet all the while the group could not help but to think about the conversation they just had and the knowledge that the Americans now had their space ship in orbit. With recent events over the last few still fresh in their minds and with new enemies lurking about, the girls could not help but to wonder the Americans were aware of something they were not or it was just like Ami suggested and it was all just a coincidence.
But then again was it just coincidence that the Americans were able to deploy such a vessel when that Anubis individual wanted the world to worship him like a god? This question and others haunted the minds of the senshi and it was anyone's guess if they would ever get any answers. But as the girls got ready to enjoy their day, they were completely unaware that all their questions would soon be answered in spectacular style.
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"General, we're getting a transmission from the Prometheus." McKenzie suddenly announced, as the Air Force team were in their made shift base of operations which had been provided by the Japanese government. "Colonel Carter wants to speak with you."
O'Neill didn't hesitate rushed towards the laptop where he was meet with the image of his friend and current leader of the SG-1 team. "What do you have for me, Sam?"
"General O'Neill, our sensors re picking up energy readings from within the city." the air Force colonel informed her commanding officer. "It looks like it is coming from the Juuban district of Tokyo."
"Juuban?" Morrison asked curiously. "That's quite across the city, we'll never making in time in this traffic."
There was a moment of uneasy silence before the general ordered. "Alright gentlemen, mount up and get ready to move in three! Morrison, alert our guest and let her know we're moving out. Sam, I'll contact you from the roof."
"Understood." the blond woman replied, before her image was replaced with a blank screen.
"She's gone!" a voice suddenly exclaimed. "Kakyuu's gone!"
"What?" Daniel asked curiously. "Where could she have gone?"
"No time!" O'Neill replied, as he grabbed his FN-P90 personal defense weapon and two clips of ammunition. "If my hunch is right, we'll meet her at our target. Now move out!"
"Sir, yes sir!" the air force team replied in unison before they exited their room and made their way towards the roof. The Sailor Senshi were about to meet their new allies...
~End of Part I~
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A/N: Well there you go, what did you think? I originally planned to make it longer but I thought it would be best if I broke it up into parts. Like always please leave a review and tell me what you think. I don't know when the next update will be, but its on the way so don't worry.
Until next time, Nightstalker sighing out...