-AN-

This update took so long mainly for two things. Real life really decided to kick me in the metaphorical balls and I was having a hard time with this story. I just, wasn't having as much fun with it. BUT. I think I've figured something out and we're going to get to it. Hopefully ya'll enjoy it like I plan to.

-Story Start-

Three days, Ranma would normally say that such a short amount of time would fly by quickly. Stuck at home however, flashing between his friends and making plans in order to leave if the worst case came to be, three days somehow dragged on in agonizing slowness. Today was finally the day, this morning everyone looked up as someone rung the home's doorbell. Ranma looked back, taking in his mother, father, and Shampoo who were waiting to see what he would do. He finally shrugged and went to answer the door, "Guess this is it."

Nodoka smiled gently, "Remember, we're all behind you and ready to move at your word." She would not see her family taken from her again, for any reason.

Genma was much the same, "It's been, nice, to be able to put down roots and rebuild myself." Genma patted his stomach, "I've even lost some weight. I won't slip back into my old ways again, let's get this over with."

Shampoo bounded to Ranma's side, latching onto his arm, "I'm going with you."

"You sure?"

"Where you go, I go Airen."

Ranma nodded, waving to his parents, "I'll be back, hopefully with some answers then." Turning he and Shampoo made for the door. Slipping on his shoes, he's met with the functionary he had met before, Tatsuya. The man is only slightly surprised that Ranma seems ready to go right away.

"Good morning Ranma, ready to go?"

"Sure sure, let's get this going."

Tatsuya looked over at the girl at his side, "And this is?"

"Shampoo, she's coming."

"I'd advise against-"

Ranma hardened his eyes just a tad as they walked out of the door, taking in the sleek black limo outside, "She's coming. That won't be a problem will it?"

Tasuya looked like it was very much a problem but eventually nodded and motioned to the vehicle, "Of course not. Please, right this way." Escorting them to the limo, Ranma and Shampoo seated themselves in the rear while eventually Tatsuya joined them and knocked on the divider window that cut them off from the driver. Rear door closing, they set off, driving away from the Saotome home. The beginning of the trip was quiet, the functionary seeming to be collecting his thoughts while Ranma did his best to look aloof while Shampoo very much had that look perfected. She had no worries about these people. If worst came to worst, they would fight their way free and return home. Simple.

Ramna flicked lazy eyes out the window as Shampoo relaxed into his side, "So what should I expect today?"

Tatsuya leaned forward with his hands on his knees, "Today is a meeting with an honorable Diet member. I cannot discuss what he may or may not bring up with you, but expect it to be much of the same as I began to talk to you during our first meeting."

Ranma nodded, "Fun. Well hopefully everyone will get their answers today."

"Mr. Saotome, a piece of advice." That had been the first time Tatsuya had shown any real respect towards him, Ranma noted that.

Ranma again looked back at the previously rude functionary, "What's that?" Eyes glinting like ice, Tatsuya audibly swallowed and centered himself.

"The Japanese government is not to be trifled with, think long and hard before making enemies here."

Yup, another tick in the 'we should leave' column. "I'll keep that in mind." The rest of the ride from there was rather quiet. Well away now from the suburbs and deeper into the heart of Tokyo, they eventually pull up to a rather boring looking concrete building. As the door is opened for them and Ranma and Shampoo get out to stand and take everything in, they could both say that it screamed government design. No flair, very much function over form, the glass and concrete building was a busy hive of activity. Tatsuya was soon in front of them, leading the way inside as people parted around them as if they were massive sharks in a school of fish. Considering what Ranma was capable of, it was pretty apt.

Shampoo leaned into his ear as they were escorted inside and walked into a wide reception hall, "We're being followed yes?"

Ranma nodded, "Yup, don't worry over it."

"If you say so."

Receiving curious looks from a little of everyone, some with recognition that had eyes widening, the group of quick to bypass security and make their way deeper into the building. Across clean and reflective marble floors, up well taken care of stairs and finally settled into an empty office with a long wall of glass windows and a clean meeting table, Tatsuya leaves Ranma and Shampoo alone with a warning.

"Remember my warning Mr. Saotome. You are but one small boy after all." With that he was gone, closing the door with a click that had both teens sure that the door was locked. Left alone all the same, Ranma took a seat near the head of the table with his back to the windows but facing the door. Shampoo sat on the table next to him, not impressed by this cold and sterile place.

"Airen?"

Distracted from his thoughts, Ranma looked up to the girl who crossed one leg over the other, "What's up Shampoo?"

Shampoo smirked, leaning back on her hands, "I'm bored."

"Can't do much about that." If this was anything like the movies, he was sure who ever had them here was listening in with microphones and such. Best not to discuss plans until long after they left.

Shampoo was still smirking however, "Wanna do it on the desk?"

Chuckling, Ranma did take a moment to run a hand up her leg, "As fun as that would be, I don't feel like putting on a show for a bunch of old men."

"Maybe they learn something."

"Maybe, but you're for my eyes only."

"Ohhh, husband possessive yes?"

"Like you wouldn't believe." The shared a look, both smiling and feeling tension leaving each other. Whether they knew it or not, they were nervous about this. This was the moment things began to change after all. This was entering the big leagues in terms of the political sphere. Something none of Ranma's group at least had considered they'd be a part of. Nabiki might have, but the rest of them didn't. They both could feel someone approaching and Shampoo begrudgingly came and sat in a plushy chair next to Ranma. At least the furniture was comfortable.

Coming through the door was a much older man than Tatsuya previously. Thick square framed glasses, greying beard and thin but short hair, if Ranma was asked to picture of politician this guy would probably be at the top of the list. Smartly dressed in a matching grey suit, Ranma and Shampoo at least stood as the man closed the door behind him and bowed lightly, the pair returning the gesture.

Clearing his throat, the man turned kind eyes towards the duo as he motioned for them to sit again, "Good morning Ranma, my name is Kyoshiro Hyuuga. I just have a few questions for you and would like to clear the air between us, if that's alright?"

Sitting again, Ranma nods, "Sure thing, I'd like to get back to my dojo and my life after all."

Kyoshiro chuckles and he takes his seat at the head of the table, "I'm quite sure you would. This is all very informal at the moment, but I'd like to get a feel of both your intentions and your character. A summary on a paper only goes so far I hope you understand." Seeing Ranma nod, Kyoshiro tents his hands in front of him as he leans on his elbows. "So for now, you tell me, what are your intentions going forward?" Kyoshiro was a man normally very much in control of things and had no worries about taking the lead in this conversation.

Ranma relaxes back into the chair, remaining comfortable, "Well, like I told Tatsuya. I want to have a peaceful life. Finish school next year, get back to my dojo and just relax for a while. Nothing serious or crazy, continue to protect my home and city, things like that."

Kyoshiro nods along, "Of course, those are common goals of the normal masses after all. However, yourself and those Senshi you work with, do you have any political aspirations?"

"Not at all, at least not for now. We want to just live our lives and we aren't looking to getting in the government's way."

Here Ranma and Shampoo can literally feel a change within Kyoshiro, even if his face doesn't show it. It's something, dark, "What do you mean not for now? Is there a chance that will change in the future?"

Ranma shrugs, "I personally don't want anything to do with politics ever. But I have people I lead, so I just might have to get involved in the future."

"You have people you lead?"

"Yeah, I'm the Phoenix King after all. I have a Kingdom I have to care for." Ranma hadn't initially thought about revealing that but he figured with the way governments could spy on other countries, it would only be a matter of time before they found out. He had shown off his Phoenix magic more than once after all. "They're an old people, powerful but isolationist. Personnally I'd like to keep it that way."

"But you mentioned powerful. Are you and your people a threat? To who exactly would that be towards, hopefully not the people of Japan." Kyoshiro could use it either way depending on where his people hailed from. Mainlander hatred still ran deep in Japan.

Again Ranma shakes his head, "Nah. I've been defending Japan after all haven't I? The Phoenix are merely powerful martial artists. No threat to a national power like Japan." Ranma wasn't going to mention that he could probably level most of Japan with his power if properly motivated. He knew admitting that right now would for sure lock them on a collision course with a future conflict. One he didn't want.

Kyoshiro smiled, "Well that is good to hear. Well you seem like you're a very honorable young man with some very important burdens on his shoulders. I have to ask however, is there a chance you could set up a meeting between us and Sailor Moon perhaps? We have questions as well for the princess."

"I mean, I'd have to talk with her, but anything is possible."

"Splendid. I'm sure you can make it happen. Why, a King such as yourself must have substantial power over them by now, I'm sure they'll listen to reason if it comes from you." Again the smile seems to widen a bit, but Ranma and Shampoo can tell through his sharpened eyes that there are wicked thoughts in that mind. "There are so many ways this can go, I'd like to keep it as pleasant as possible for everyone involved. I'm sure you would like that as well Ranma. For you and your family."

Ranma wants to lash out a bit, telling the old man that those young women who have been protecting all of Japan and the world could make decisions for themselves just fine and that they don't answer to him. But Kyoshiro seemed very much a traditionalist. He hadn't even bothered to look Shampoo's way this entire time, writing her off as pretty eye candy most likely. Irritation rising a bit, Shampoo lays a quiet unseen hand on his thigh to calm him. He'd have other ways to work out his frustration later, right now he had to be focused. "I'm sure I could talk them into something."

Hands down and slapping the arms of his chair, Kyoshiro is all grins, "That would be wonderful. After all, like the Americans say, the carrot is much better than the stick after all. We Japanese are not above using the stick when needed, as you know."

"Yeah, I'd like to keep things peaceful if it's all the same." Ranma was past needing anything else from this conversation. Things weren't going to work out after all. Bummer.

"Splendid, I think that's all I need to hear for today. I'll alert the escort and I'll have them return you home." Standing and waiting for Ranma and Shampoo to do the same, Kyoshiro bows lightly and leaves with a parting word, "I would suggest, however, to impress upon them that things are moving quickly behind the scenes. The window for making a beneficial deal for themselves is rapidly closing."

Ranma nodded, "I'll make sure to let them know."

"See that you do." Then he was gone, door closing behind him with another soft click and leaving the two alone.

Shampoo huffed, arms crossed as she eyed the door, "I no like him."

"Same."

"Now do you wanna do it on the table?"

Ranma paused and really thought about it. It'd most likely piss off a lot of people all at once. "It's tempting."

"Say no more Airen, comer here and-"

Ranma rolled his eyes and pulled Shampoo into him for a quick yet sweet kiss. "Be good, and I'll give you the massage of your life later."

"Promise?"

"It's a promise."

"Then I be good." She did however come down to settle into his lap while they waited. Which wasn't as long this time as Tatsuya came back to retrieve them. The trip out of the building and back home was just as quiet as before. Ranma and Shampoo watching the city float by while Tatsuya seemed to be deep in his thoughts about something.

Reaching home, Shampoo leaves the vehicle first while Ranma climbs out after her. Behind him, Tatsuya clears his throat. "Ranma."

"Hmm?" Ranma turns back, one hand on his home's gate holding it open.

"Piece of advice? Submit. You don't want to anger the Diet."

Ranma grinned, finally letting some of his actual emotions through, "Yeah. I don't do well with threats. Better remember that." Then he was gone, inside the gate and walking with Shampoo into the house. He felt Tatsuya's emotions stewing, ranging from irritation to anger and even some jealousy. Still grinning, they finally make it inside where Ranma holds up a finger to his lips for silence. Shampoo and he walk into the living room, where Nodoka notices them and immediately turns the tv volume up. They huddle together on the couch, Ranma's face settling into a frown.

"It's going to get ugly. The Diet is already resorting to threats to make me toe the line."

Shampoo nods, "Pretty much how Chinese government interacts with Amazon from time to time. We no like that either. That why we willing to leave."

Ranma looks towards her, "Have you been in touch with your grandmother?"

"Yes, through phone."

"Good. Help mom and pop pack up everything here. We're leaving. I'll go warn the Senshi and the Tendos." Ranma turned to his mother, "Has Ukyo been home at all?"

Nodoka shook her head, "No, but I can call the restaurant."

"Please do, tell her to stay there but pack everything up, I'll grab her and all her stuff first on my way back." Ranma stood, body tense but ready to move. "Guess it was too much to hope that things would be okay."

"You didn't know sochi and there's nothing you can do about it now. They're forcing your hand." Nodoka stood as well to hug her son. When did he get taller than her?

Ranma nodded and saluted them both, "I'm off to go find Setsuna. I'm sure she'll have ideas of what to do." With that thought in mind he teleported away to where he felt the Guardian of Pluto currently residing. Leaving Shampoo and Nodoka hurrying to their own assigned tasks. Shampoo upstairs to begin packing things into her stuff storage while Nodoka went to the phone to begin making phone calls.

-b-

Setsuna herself had taken to watching the Gates of Time much more closely recently. Now that the interference from their children was gone and things were beginning to stabilize from that little kerfuffle, she could sift through the possibilities and the branches. So far she once again didn't see anything horrible, so long as Ranma kept his cool and Usagi didn't go nuclear, again. Sighing, she felt like she might have her work cut out for her when it came to those two.

Behind her a presence made itself known, someone familiar at least. "Mmmm, I didn't think you'd be back so soon." Turning playful eyes on the younger man, Setsuna smiled, "Ready for another round?"

Ranma was smiling himself as he walked through the darkened and formless place. The only real structure here were the gates, everything else beyond them was hidden in the shadows. "Maybe later. Just wanted to warn you. The Diet wants to talk to Usagi and they've hinted pretty heavily that they're willing to resort to nasty measures to make it happen."

"Hmmm. We can deal with that. I suppose however that you and your camp are making for Phoenix Mountain?"

"Yeah. Better to be safe than sorry. If things even out later we'll come back. And if not…" Well, He was sure they all could carve out decent lives for themselves one way or another.

Setsuna agreed and turned back to the gates, "I understand. We can figure out a way for Usagi to meet with the Diet safely, maybe at least one public meeting before the eyes of all of Japan and the world. That might be the best way, plus it'll sway public opinion our way."

Ranma came up next to her, "That's why I came to you first. I figured you'd have some ideas to help this along in the best way possible."

"I'll get to work with Usagi and Minako. The others will need some instruction as well but not as urgently. You'll have to close your dojo. I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Ranma's mood dimmed a bit before he shook himself and grinned, "It's only temporary. Once we get things straightened out I'll be back at it larger than ever. My students will understand and will probably enjoy the break." Some would at least. His morning yoga classes would miss their eye candy but that was okay.

"If we do set up a meeting with Usagi, you'll need to be there."

"That wasn't even a question. I won't let Usagi around those vultures alone."

"That also means you have to keep your temper in check."

"Ah. Well. Uh…I'll work on that." Looked like his soul of ice will be getting some more practice soon.

In the comfortable silence between them, something was niggling at Setsuna's mind. Turning to watch the teen from the corner of her eye, she eventually turned back to give him her full attention. "Hold on."

Ranma raised an eyebrow, "What's up Setsuna." She was walking up to him and he had to chuckle nervously, "You weren't kidding about another round huh? I guess time doesn't really mean anything here does it?"

Setsuna shook her head, "No I. I mean yes, I want that as well. But there's something…" She reached out physically, touching Ranma's chest, "You're here, without being connected to my magic."

"What the big deal? I mean, a full night with you and I have a pretty good feel for you so it wasn't hard to find this place."

"No. You don't understand." Setsuna stepped back slowly, some memory just out of reach. "You shouldn't be able to do that. The only way for anyone to be here is if they're connected to Pluto or the Monarchy. Yes you and Usagi are connected, but that shouldn't be enough."

Ranma thought about that for a moment, before snapping his fingers, "Would it change anything if I was a Kami? Big K, not little one."

"A…Kami?" Seeing Ranma nod with a grin, Setsuna shook her head, "I know your people believe that, but do you really?"

Ranma reached up and took her hand into his, "Yeah no, really. Hold on a second." Setsuna had mentioned that the Gates stood somewhere between spaces, much like that horizon he had been taken to when he had connected with the Earth. Flaring out his magical energy, he began to reach out. "Don't let go."

"What're you doooooiiinnnggg?" With a jolt the space around them shifted. Not a teleport, but space did move around them. She couldn't really describe it without someone smart like Ami around. Everything around them was suddenly very bright. As if they were standing in the middle of a calm and crystal clear sea. "Where, where are we?" Looking around, the Gates were still here, and yet they weren't. As if, if she looked at them wrong they would vanish.

"Yeah uh, sooo I'm actually a Kami. I think. I haven't really gotten around to figuring that out just yet to be honest." Ranma was still smiling, but he was holding onto her hand all the same. He wasn't sure if she would be able to stay here without the connection, even if in her Senshi form.

Setsuna couldn't speak anymore, staring at the young man next to her like she was seeing him for the first time. She knew this place. Had seen it more than once. The realm in between. Higher than her space to interact with the Time Gates, but not yet to the realm of the Kami themselves. She…she had bedded an honest to Kami…Kami. Oh dear. "This. Changes things."

Ranma nodded, taking them back and settling Setsuna into her familiar space as before. "Just a little. I'm still the same old Ranma. Just. You know. Got a little extra again."

Setsuna giggled, "You can never keep out of trouble, can you?"

"I'd like to say that I absolutely can if I try. But that would just be me admitting I haven't been trying that hard. So no. I'm a chaos magnet, I admit it." Ranma however pulled the older woman into his arms, "So, about that second round?"

Setsuna giggled again, resting her head on his shoulder, "I thought I was insatiable."

"I blame all of you for showing me how wonderful you are. Take responsibility."

Setsuna leans back, looking at him through hooded eyes, "Yes my Lord, whatever you say." She wasn't going to admit that indeed she had a thing for very powerful partners. No, not out loud anyway. But she'd never pass up the chance to be able to say she had a fun roll in the hay with a Kami. Minako was probably going to strangle her later for this. Oh well. Poor girl was just to slow.

-b-

In a flash of fire Ranma was within the Tsukino entryway, grinning and ready for anything. Well, almost anything. Usagi had apparently felt him coming because she was already launching through the air to grab hold of him. "Teleport away! Let's go! It's scary here!" Latching onto his back and wrapping her legs around his waist she pointed menacingly to were her mother was coming around the corner.

"Now now Usagi, Setsuna left us notes to help you study and get ready for this coming confrontation, I'm just trying to help."

"But I haaate studying. I'm over it. I'm done. It's to much!"

Chuckling, Ranma walks forward and hugs Ikuko with a smile, "Good afternoon Mrs. Tsukino."

"Just mom dear. Now, how about you come inside, I'm sure you have something to update us with."

"Yeah." Following after the older woman while Usagi whined and moaned on his back and swung from side to side.

"Don't ignore meeeee."

Ranma rolled his eyes, pausing to bring her forward and drop her on her feet. From there he drew her into a kiss that took her breath away and left her with steam floating from her ears. "Ready to go now?"

"Mmm….forcefull Ranma…." Letting her love drag her along, they made it to the living room where Ranma sat across from Ikuko with Usagi at his side.

"So, I met with the Diet today." Ranma wanted to get straight to the point. He still needed to move his family around and get them to safety. The Senshi group should be safe for a little longer, as long as they weren't seen with him. Usagi was suddenly attentive, a worried look on her face.

"So, what's the plan?"

Ranma sighed, leaning back into the couch with a heavy sigh. "They wanna talk to you, but Setsuna thinks we should find a way to make it really public. The Diet looks to be trying to get you and me under their thumbs quick, and I'm not having it. They've already started with thinly veiled threats. Gonna have to send everyone else off to the Phoenix and the Amazon while we deal with this."

Usagi sighed, "If only I hadn't-"

"We went over this already. What's done is done. We can only move forward."

"Fiiine."

Ikuko sighed as well, "Guess we're going to be upping your teaching then."

"Oh absolutely, we have much to get her caught up on." Setsuna's voice chimed out from behind the couple. Ramna didn't jump, but he did have to hold down Usagi.

"I'm going to get you back one day."

"You may try."

Ranma rolled his eyes, "I'm sure this Tatsuya guy is going to contact me again in a few days. Think you'll be ready by then?"

Setsuna shook her head, "He'll want an answer by then, but a meeting would be a long way off. We have some time." Hopefully at least. So many things could change. "Unless…unless we take the initiative."

Ranma felt a chill run up his back, "And what does that mean?"

Setsuna was grinning, "We could set up something with the press first. Set up a major press conference with the promise that they'll get first crack at the Moon Queen herself. You'll need to attend."

Ranma hugged Usagi around the shoulders, "Not a problem there."

Usagi was trying to focus on the conversation, really she was. But something was bugging her, an itch at the back of her mind as something was trying to gain her attention. "Hold on a minute everyone." Closing her eyes, she mentally connected with her Palace. There was a warning present, something about a communication, but she couldn't fully hear it from here on Earth. Frowning and opening her eyes, Usagi turned to Setsuna and Ranma. "We have to go."

"Okay, want me to round up everyone?" Ranma was quick to support her, ready for anything at a moments notice.

Setsuna is faster, "I'll meet you with the rest of the senshi." Phasing away as only she could, she left the two teens alone.

"God I can't wait till I can block her from doing that." Usagi turned and gave her mother an apologetic look. "Sorry Mama. Work calls. I don't think this is anything dangerous for now."

Ikuko is worried but nods along, "Please be safe. Come home as soon as you can, okay? I'll let your father know you're safe."

Standing Usagi leans over the table to hug her mother, "Thank you. And thanks, for being so supportive."

"I'm your mother, you should have trusted me sooner." Pulling away, she watched as Usagi latches on to Ranma and suddenly they're gone, off to whatever newest adventure they were about to embark on. "We need a superhero mothers' support group."

Appearing with less fanfair in the throne room of the Moon palace, Usagi get's her bearings before walking and ascending the steps of the throne. Ranma is right beside her, curious but unbothered so far. "So what's up?"

"I'm not sure, someone is trying to talk to us, but I couldn't get a good look while we were on Earth." Settling herself on her throne, she twitched only a little as holographic displays came to life around her. "Ami would know more if she were here."

Ranma leaned against the side of her massive chair, "You know Setsuna will be here as fast as she can be. You'll have all the help you'll need in just a bit."

"You're right of course." Frowning, she did think that she'd like to be able to figure at least this out on her own. Transforming into her Serenity form, long flowing gown appearing and thin crown settling into place, she didn't miss Ranma gaining an new crystalline circlet as well. "Heh, that's new."

Ranma grumbled, "Magic."

Shaking her head she mentally tried to will the computer to do what she wanted. It did respond, first showing a bright red warning which then folded out to show a map of their solar system. There were two red dots, one near Saturn, while another was near Jupiter. Shrugging, and idly noting that indeed the rest of the Senshi were here finally, Setsuna leading the way while Ami already had her computer out, Usagi raised a hand and pressed the red dot near Jupiter with a dainty finger.

Most of the screens around her slid away to the sides, a larger one coming into existence in front of her. There was static, some garbled words, but not much else. Setsuna had finally come to stand by her side while Ami was at the foot of the throne, typing away. "Any idea what's going on Ami?"

Ami shook her head, "It's a communication from one of the defunct stations, or at least, a station we thought was defunct. Now I'm not so sure. I'm trying to boost the signal with what few satellites we have left."

Setsuna was frowning, "Could it be?" Quietly she watched on as a face began to appear on the screen, still more than a little static, but over time it was becoming clear.

"Anyone. Is…there….someone…is someone, anyone there?" The voice was that of a woman, black haired and wearing glasses with green eyes, she looked to be some type of scientist or maybe a doctor going by the lab coat she wore.

Usagi leaned over to Ami, "Can we make it any better?"

Ami nodded, "Last satellite should be moving into position now."

"Is anyone there? Hello? We received a signal from the moon and it knocked me out of stasis. Please by Serenity let there be someone there."

Usagi cleared her throat as the video finally cleared up completely. "Um, hello. This is Usagi. Current Queen of the Moon, who are you?"

"Queen?" There was a look of hope that blossomed on the woman's face. "By the goddesses it's true! Oh thank the stars, some of us made it after all. But.…" Her eyes trailed from Usagi to the standing Setsuna. "Guardian Pluto. You live as well. What has happened?"

Setsuna sighed, "More than I can explain at the moment. What facility are you hailing from?"

"Um…sorry, just a moment." They all watched as the woman typed away for a moment before bringing her attention back to them. "This is the floating Hospital Station Ogino. We cut all signal from the empire once we saw that there was a major invasion across all of our worlds. There was hope someone would remember us later and we put ourselves into stasis to conserve power and resources."

Setsuna smiled softly, "How many of you are there?"

"Roughly twenty thousand souls on board guardian Pluto. But I can't bring any of them out of stasis, we're short on power and making this call is taxing enough." More typing, the screen gains a little static but they maintain the connection.

Setsuna nods, looking at the woman's cloak, "I can see you aren't the station master. Who are you? We'll be sending someone there to help with your power situation." Setsuna turns to point at Makoto and then looks meaningfully at Ranma as well.

"My name is Ariel and you are correct. My superior thought it best to remain out of stasis for as long as they could. Setting our orbit and putting everything into low power mode." Here the woman's eyes turn downcast, "By the letters he left, he decided to put absolutely everything in low power mode. That included the stasis preparation system."

Setsuna nodded gravely, "He sacrificed himself to insure you all could survive for as long as you could. Don't worry, we'll get you stabilized and back on some solid ground soon. We could actually use the man power."

"Lady guardian, I hate to impose. But what are the state of things?"

Setsuna smiled brightly, motioning to Usagi. "The Queen has ascended, and is rebuilding her Kingdom. There will be a more thorough debriefing once we stabilize you and we wake your senior staff."

Ariel bows deeply, "As you say. Thank you, my Queen, for shining your light on us."

Usagi finally finds her voice again, grateful Setsuna was here, "Let's get you to safety and go from there. I'm happy to see someone alive after all this time." Usagi watched the other woman smile gratefully, tears finally falling down her cheeks before the communication is cut off. "People survived from the silver millennium."

Makoto walked forward, "They said Jupiter station right? Are those my people?"

Setsuna nods, "Some will be yes, but as a hospital station there will likely be citizens from all over the previous empire. Because they orbit your planet however you sill need to go. Hopefully you can use your planetary tap in order to empower the station. At least enough to limp it into an orbit to link up with your Jupiter palace that's also in orbit." Setsuna motions to Ranma, "Might wanna take the resident human battery, just in case."

Ranma walked around the throne, swatting Setsuna on the rear and making her jump with a gasp as he walked past her, "I'm just a battery now huh? I'll remember that." Jogging down the steps to stand before Makoto, he saluted the girl with a grin, "Should we get to it?"

Makoto latches onto his arm with an impish grin, "Yes." In a moment they're gone, with Minako for once not bemoaning it. This was an emergency after all. She rose to Usagi's side now that Ranma had left. Acting for once as the captain of the Queen's guard as her past self had done.

Usagi sighs, the second dot now more likely being another station, "I have people. Citizens."

Setsuna nods, "The possibility was extremely low, but here we are."

Usagi presses the next button, firming herself, "Then it's time I really do start acting like a Queen, right?" Her mother from her past life had given them all a second chance. Best not to waste it. Another face came into view, much clearer than the first, "This is Usagi, Queen of the Moon and the Crystal Empire. I've received your distress call." She'd stutter and start at first for sure, but the others were here to help her along. She wasn't alone.

Far away, Ranma and Makoto appeared within a dim and metallic space. Ranma hoped it was the interior of the station they were supposed to help save. Makoto swayed a bit, but Ranma helped steady her, "You okay?"

"Yeah, just. Longest I've ever teleported, especially just on my power."

Ranma chuckled, "Yeah, even though she was joking, she really did mean for you to use my power if you needed." Linking to the girl magically, he felt and watched as she almost instantly regained her bearings. "Better?"

"Yeah. Much better." Makoto could admit it, this was in fact very dangerous. Not only was his power intoxicating, but the emotions that came along with it. It was all so, raw, so pure.

Ranma pushed her along, "Let's not fall into those thoughts just yet. I feel that woman, Ariel, not far away."

Makoto started walking, "Got it. Work now and save people, play later and make people." Giggling as next to her Ranma slapped a hand to his forehead, he grumbled.

"You've spent to much time with Minako."

"You have no idea."

-AN-

Silver Mellinium survivors? The Diet is on some ghastly nonsense and Setsuna wants to make sure Ranma is calm at all times? Oh my it looks like there's as always lots going on. When will our group catch a break.