I Became War For You

by IwrestledaVongonce

A war against Opponents stronger than anything ever seen before lingers over the Galaxy far, far away and the key to survival of the Galactic Alliance lies in the hands of a young kingdom from a small blue planet, it's Queen and her new Guardian of Guardians. But how long can a Man, destined to become the Personification of War, take before he becomes a Monster himself?

7. The Far Side

This time he woke up to the sound of his phone's alarm clock.

He got up and went for the bathroom. After pulling off the Bacta Patch and Inspecting his back he was mildly surprised to not find it completely bruised, the pain was almost gone too. Thank the Maker for Bacta he thought and went for a shower. He got ready and even had time for a small instant coffee. When Ami announced that she was picking him up in five Minutes he packed up and left. He was dressed in civilian clothes, grabbed a jacket he bought yesterday too and decided to change into a new flight suit over at the base. He was in a good mood although he knew he had to at least halfway content Sailor Uranus with his flying today.

He was outside just in time, as Ami rolled up.

He waved at her and got into the Car.

"Guten Morgen Leutnant." she greeted him in German.

"Ohayōgozaimasu", he greeted back in Japanese.

"How was your evening? Could you relax a bit? Is your back fine?" She asked as they drove off.

"My back is way better than I thought but my evening brought another surprise. You never could tell who visited me later on."

"Please tell me, that it wasn't Minako." she said concerned.

"What? No. No, no, no! It was Haruka and Michiru." he responded.

"Oh, good. I was a bit worried right now. How did it went? I know Haruka is a bit skeptical about you but this is mainly because she is concerned about the Queen and Michiru. She wants to be completely sure, that the safety of both of them is in the right hands." the blue haired woman explained.

"Cannot argue with that. It actually went better than I thought. Guess she wants me to proof my abilities to herself today.

By the way Ami, I read the Inner Senshi's details yesterday before sleep. How does it actually feel to be able to have calculation skills of a Givin. An IQ of 311 is unbelievable." he said commendatory.

"Well, some of us like to study I guess." she replied with a smile.

"All the Senshi are extraordinary." He concluded. "I really don't know if you actually need me to guard you."

"We are. But we had to sacrifice a lot to get to where we are now. I'm sure the queen will tell you one day. And you don't even know everything about us by now" she said in a mysterious way.

"If you say so." he said with a questioning look in his face but he decided to let it slip by now. "Why you choose Intelligence tho, you could have done everything with your genius."

"I actually wanted to become a doctor, like my mother, but decided that it would serve our course better if I specialize into Intelligence. Same with Rei, she wanted to take over her grandpa's Shinto Shrine but we needed a diplomat and since her father is a high ranking politician and she knew the most about being around those people she opted to study Politics. We actually studied together." She went on."Minako wanted to be an idol, a pop star but decided that she needed to give even more to the people so she started studying medicine and actually is finishing becoming an MD with Setsuna as her guide. It's not that everybody had to give up everything tho. I love my work, nowadays I think that this is my destiny as it is Usagi's, the Queen's Destiny to be the Queen of the Silver Millennium. Haruka is also an good example. She used to be a famous Race Driver before becoming a pilot but you can see that she loves flying. And Michiru is the happiest when she is with Haruka. Plus she still does her Music. Setsuna is fulfilled with her job in the hospital too. And Makoto. Makoto basically lives her dream she told me. She wanted to become a florist but you can see how much she loves to be a Leader of Warriors, she loves her troopers. And they love her. And she also loves going home and being a good housewife." she finished. "But what about you? What are your dreams? I know you have kind of an amnesia when it comes to the time before your training but is there something"

"Honestly, I don't know. I still can't think right about this time. And the memories that I have feel strange and distant, as if they weren't mine. So far I'm just happy to fly. And honestly, yesterday, when I helped you and Mars, it felt so naturally, so important. Like this is what I need to do."

"I see. Good for us then." she replied with another smile.

They arrived at the Air base and Ami dropped him off and drove off to the Palace.

SunTzu entered AICA's Hangar and they greeted and updated each other on news since yesterday. After the stunts they pulled yesterday AICA was pretty sure satisfy whatever Sailor Uranus wanted from them.

Taking the rest of his flight suits and uniforms he told AICA to see her later and went into the Flight Center.

He went to his locker, changed into training clothes and hung up the rest of clothes in there. Just as he was finished and torn between taking a run and asking the Guard where the Gym is to hit that up, he received a message from a unknown number.

It said meet me in the gym and was signed with Haruka. Guess that decision was made. He went to the guard's desk and asked the Duty where to had to go to get to the gym.

As he entered Haruka was already getting at it and drenched in sweat. Right now she was doing Jump Ropes with some split jumps in between.

He assessed the gym, everything Someone could need was in there. He decided to warm up first and went for a jump rope too. If Haruka noticed him, she didn't show any sign indicating it.

He went to a place beside her and started too. She finally acknowledged his presence with a nod.

They did this for some fifteen minutes more and then stopped pretty much at the same moment.

"I see you finally made it. Guess training with Team 1 made you think you're in good shape, huh?" the Blonde was teasing him.

"Don't worry, with the amount of training that I did on Kamino I should be able to keep up." he answered.

"Try to keep up then." was her comeback.

The next hour they pushed through a heavy workout with none of them trying to let the other see how demanding it actually was.

"Not bad New Guy, not bad." Haruka pressed out with gritted teeth after the last Set.

"Thanks, dito. You seem way fitter than the rest of the squadron."

"Comes with the Job. I'm still a Senshi also."

SunTzu nodded knowingly.

"Breakfast?" Haruka asked.

"Breakfast." SunTzu responded.

They showered, put on Flight Suits and then met at the Entrance.

"Where's Michiru by the way?" SunTzu asked the other pilot.

"Oh, she opted to go to the Royal Pool for her Workout. She loves swimming" he said and a hint of a smile scurried over his face.

"I see. Ready to go?" SunTzu said.

"So you're walking to the Chow Hall then?" Haruka asked him mockingly.

"You're not fit enough anymore to walk over there now?" SunTzu countered.

"C'mon, my car is waiting outside." Haruka said and nodded towards the door.

They walked out and to the parking lot.

Parking there was a white Ferrari, that unlocked when the female Pilot clicked on her car key.

"Nice car." SunTzu approved.

"Yeah, I get that a lot." She answered.

They drove off to the palace.

"I guess discovering a Hyperspace lane makes you cash in pretty much." SunTzu remarked.

"Not as much As one would think. Being a race driver does tho." Haruka replied.

Soon they arrived at the palace and parked the car at the car pool. Haruka met them at the side entrance and gave Haruka a kiss on the lips. After that she greeted SunTzu with a kiss to the cheek which earned both a stern look from Haruka.

"What? You got the better end of this." She mocked her girlfriend and Haruka closed her eyes and sighed.

Together they left for the dining hall.

Arriving there they found Makoto shoving down her breakfast with a grim face, sitting alone at a table in the corner.

They sat down next to her.

"What's the matter, you look like someone just told you Team 1 is not allowed Hand Grenades anymore." Haruka asked the other Senshi.

"Started my day with a training match, t'was Venus and me against Saturn and Pluto. Damn, these two stepped up their game immensely. We didn't have much of a chance against the Silence Glaive and the Garnet Rod." The brunette woman explained.

"I'm sure you made it hard for them too." Michiru replied conciliatory.

"Whatever. I'll get back to base and hit up the Range. Will blow away the cobwebs. See you guys around." Jupiter grabed her tray and left.

"Let's eat. Michiru what can I bring you?" Haruka asked.

After Michiru let her girlfriend know that she wanted some fruits and Onigri, Haruka and SunTzu and left the table. Between themselves they decided to go for bacon, eggs and Hash browns, that was totally viable after that killer workout earlier.

SunTzu could feel, that the blonde pilot was warming up towards him.

While Haruka and SunTzu devoured their breakfast under dunning comments from Michiru to at least chew right, they were talking about the upcoming training exercise.

"We'll not be flying against each other. Marvin forbid that. Instead we'll be focusing on standard wingman procedures." Michiru explained.

"Talking about him, where is Marvin anyway? They're still on the Far Side?" SunTzu asked.

The girls started to smile broadly and exchanged looks.

"Actually yes, yesterday was Wednesday." Michiru said.

"And that means?" SunTzu questioned.

Haruka leaned towards him.

"He does that thing every Wednesday Night. He, with some support from Artemis, broadcasts a radio show from the bridge of the FarSide. Every Wednesday, no shitting you." Haruka went on. "Before he joined the Airforce he was a Radio DJ and he told me once wherever he goes now, he broadcasts a radio show once a week. Good for morale he says. So every Wednesday he stays on the FarSide and does this show, he calls it "The Nightshift". Mostly old 80s, Funk and Disco Stuff but a lot of the older personnel onboard loves its. He usually does that every week now and stays on the Far Side over night." She finished with a shrug.

SunTzu wasn't sure if the two girls were giving him bullshit, but on the other side it was nice to know that he was not the only one special on board.

"Listen, I'll head up to HQ and see if I can get Marvin on line for the latest updates.

You two don't wait for me and get the ships ready. I let someone take me back to base after." Michiru announced.

"Haruka stay nice with the new kid." she said playfully before giving Haruka a quick kiss and leaving.

Haruka and SunTzu drove back to the Flight Center. On the way Haruka and SunTzu discussed the background of his Callsign and while he knew who SunTzu was and even was able recitate parts of the Art of War, he didn't know why it actually sticked with him as his preferred Callsign. Just another mystery regarding his history.

They hoped out the car at the Flight Centers Parking Lot and Haruka asked if he already saw their fighter yet. When SunTzu told her, that he had no idea what they were actually flying except that he thought it was a TIE of some class because of their particular Flight Suites, she lead him onto a closed hangar a few dozen meters away from the Hangar AICA was stationed in.

The entered through a hall and there it was.

A heavily modified TIE/ag or Tie Aggressor, typical TIE Colors but with the Royal Crest on the Solar Panels. He also spotted the Crests of Neptune and Uranus on the Cockpit.

He let out a whistle and examined the Fighter from all sides.

"It's beautiful", he remarked as he walked around it.

"Third Canon in the back turret. Is that a Ion-Cannon?" he asked.

Haruka nodded with a broad grin.

"Back window for so the Gunner sees more, great idea. More sensor nodes and antennas. Do I see the same engines that the Defenders sport?" SunTzu talked on.

"Yes, almost everything got upgraded or modified. Upped reactor output, better shields, ECM, sensors, engines and weapons. Standard Aggressors are to slow but this one can keep up with a regular Tie-Interceptor or A-Wing. Included Life Support Systems in the Cockpit, if Michiru and me ever have to fly while transformed. Took me years to get it running like that. We call it the Voyager, ever since we discovered that Hyperlane with it." Sailor Uranus explained proudly.

"Voyager. I see. Can imagine it's a beast in space." He pet the Solar Panel.

"Space Superiority, Attack Role, Reconnaissance, you name it, we can do it."

"Can't wait to see it in action, Haruka."

"Can say the same about your A-Wing. Care to introduce me to her?"

"Oh, no problem. I hope you like your girls hardheaded." he said with a smug grin.

They went over to AICA's Hangar, where the ground crew just finished their daily work on the starship. AICA was playing Music over her loudspeaker to entertain the crew.

They waited aside till the crew packed up and left the hangar.

"Is she playing music for the ground crew?" Haruka asked her fellow pilot.

"Yeah, that's how she scrounges extra services from them. Word of safety, don't hit the topic of Mongolian throat singing." He said nudging Uranus's shoulder.

When the mechanics left they stepped forward and Uranus began to walk around here.

AICA's small infared sensor head turned towards Haruka.

"Good Morning, 1st Lieutant Tenou, always nice to meet the local pilot legends." AICA greeted her on her own.

Haruka and stared at the ship's cockpit.

"Don't worry and come closer. As my future wingman you should get to know her."

AICA opened the cockpit.

"Good Morning AICA, how's things?" SunTzu greeted his ship.

"Good Morning SunTzu, I hope you had a great first night In your new home. Happy to finally meet our wingman. Systems are green." the StarShip said.

Haruka followed the dialogue quietly and then shook her head. Those two were connecting like friends not like Spaceship and Pilot. SunTzu commented how good the mood of AICA was today and she replied that even after the fun she had yesterday even more flying was due for today which cheered her up.

SunTzu gave Haruka a heads-up of the modifications AICA received.

"How fast is she in Atmosphere?" Haruka asked.

"Mach 4, when I put extra energy in the thrusters. How about the Voyager, Mach 2 I guess?" he told her.

"Mach 2,5." she replied to her wingman's question.

"Faster than almost every other TIE still." he said approvingly.

They ended their inspection and SunTzu got to the front of the A-Wing to show Haruka the last modification.

"You'll like this one. It's for when landing spots aren't that friendly. AICA, Self Defense."

On command a small turret with a blaster cannon popped out from the opposite side of IR-Sensor.

"Give Car-jacking no chance." Haruka said and SunTzu nodded with a broad grin.

They said their goodbyes to AICA and the snub told Haruka that she couldn't wait to finally see her in Action.

When they walked back to Flight Center they saw a Humvee stop in front of it and Michiru got out from the passenger seat.

She waved the driver goodbye and turned around. As she saw that the two pilots were on their way over she waited in front of the door.

"Hey you two," she said as both of them approached, "I talked with Marvin. Our exercise is a go. Also we're going space bound in the afternoon. We're going to fly to the FarSide with the LAAT/is in tow. Looks like we gonna train Escort Mission."

Haruka rolled her eyes and told "Great. As if dogfight training wouldn't make more sense."

Michiru just shrugged her shoulders.

"I'm gonna get in my jump suit now. You two wait for me, okay?"

She disappeared in the building.

"Wanna wait in the pilot's room?" Haruka asked.

"Honestly, I'm trying to stay out of Flight Center as much as I can right now. Still waiting to get chewed out for my attitude yesterday." SunTzu answered with slitted eyes.

"What did you do?" Uranus wanted to know.

"I was a little uncooperative when it came to Stand-by-Orders. I wanted to help Mars and Mercury and stressed the case a bit before Jupiter finally joined and I became my go." SunTzu told her while she started smiling amused.

"Little Troublemaker i see. Don't worry, I'm pretty sure the queen has her protecting hand over you." Haruka replied and nudged his shoulder.

A few minutes later Michiru came out, dressed in the same black Tie-Fighter-Pilot-Suit Haruka was already wearing. SunTzu noticed, that they both also had colored strips going down the suits' sides, with Haruka's being yellow and Michiru the same teal her hair was colored in. The Crescent of the Kingdom was also shown prominently in Gold on their sleeves.

Michiru told them the parameters for the Exercise that their Squadron Leader told them and they headed out to their Fighters.

15 Minutes later they were entering the same Training Area SunTzu has been exercising already yesterday. SunTzu knew it was on and he already drew on the force as much as it would let him. Which wasn't much again.

"Hey New Guy, can you keep up?" Haruka's voice came over the comms.

As she accelerated and dived down in spiral.

She wanted to show off and SunTzu knew that he had to proof his flying skills to her now.

He even did a Barrel roll before he steered AICA in a steep descent closing in on the Voyager again.

They pierced through the low hanging clouds, it was rather rainy today, and just a few metres above the Pacific Ocean Haruka abruptly leveled her TIE and started jinking from left to right.

As she was smiling satisfied that he probably couldn't have catched up to all this, when she saw Michiru waving at SunTzu staying completely in line behind them through her rear mirror. She could even see him coming closer through the rear window Michiru was sitting in front of.

Her smile immediately vanished and she made the Tie Aggressor veer off left.

"Hold on Michiru, I'm trying to shake him. Turn off all active sensors and power up all passive ECM Measures!" she told over their intercom. The TIE went into full stealth mode now.

She waited to gain a few metres of height more and then tilted the TIE to 90 degrees and shot up in the Sky. After climbing fast and reaching the clouds again, she took out thrust and turned the machine on it's back. Immediately she gave full thrust again and used it to do a barrel roll and turned the machine up again, now flying the opposite direction they had down above the ocean. They were surrounded by the clouds and Haruka was more than sure that he shook SunTzu off this time. No way he even had the reflexes to keep up.

As they moved out of big field of clouds, Haruka slowed down and was about to mock SunTzu over the radio when she saw Michiru leaning forward and looking down at the fighters tail.

„Haruka, don't get mad, but he's still there. On our 6, around 5 metres below and 3 metres behind." Michiru told her as AICA was flying quietly behind them.

What a persistent SOB Haruka thought, but okay, let's see if he can keep up with this.

She instigated a Super Cobra and as she saw him passing them, she tilted the spacefighter back again and started to dive down. She then turned the fighter into a Vertical Split S and climbed up. After climbing a few hundred meters she peeled off towards the Japanese coast and gave full thrust. The whole maneuver didn't even took half a minute. As she raced towards the Coast she laid the TIE on its back to be warned if he would be coming up from their downside.

Just to be greeted by AICA a few metres below them, also rolling around to show her downside towards the sky.

Not that she gave up, but he really could fly. Or at least his ship could. She slowed the spaceship down and turned into a long right before they were about to leave the training area.

„Now we know that you can keep up a basic formation. Not much in combat but if we ever have to do a parade fly over you're good to go." Haruka radioed in.

SunTzu smiled and shook his head. Haruka was a Hell of a Pilot though. Without AICA's modifications he wouldn't have kept up.

„Shit, i thought it at least would be enough to qualify for agricultural flying." he answered with a sad voice. „You're a hell of a pilot, Haruka."

„Roger." she copied „Also I think I know some farmers I could introduce you too." she added smiling.

„Guys, did you both show off enough to each other and we can seriously start to train now?" Michiru came on.

They trained some basic wingman maneuvers like combined attack runs and evasive actions. Although it was their first time flying together things were going quite smooth.

It was about noon when they had back to base.

They were talking about some maneuvers when Haruka asked what that background noise was, they were always hearing when he came over the radio.

"Oh this. I'm listening to Music. Makes me fly better in my opinion. AICA plays it over the cockpit speakers." He explained.

"Haruka, I want that too. Would be perfect for those long recon missions." Michiru demanded.

"I see what I can do Love." Haruka said with a bit of irritation in her voice.

"If you don't mind, I can transmit music over the radio already, if you want." AICA chimed in.

"Oh, that would be so lovely from you AICA! Haruka on the other side can't, she has to stay concentrated on flying." Michiru replied with her sweetest voice.

Both women looked at each other in the cockpit. Michiru mockingly sticked out her tongue towards her Partner and then told AICA that she was going to switch radio channels so she could listen to music in peace.

A few minutes later they landed at the base. Since they were ordered to fly to Space later on, they landed on spots outside the hangars. Haruka helped Michiru out of the top placed hatch the Fighter possessed as way to entry and exit.

They left their ships and as the three of them were standing in front of the two starfighters Michiru begged Haruka to make a selfie of them. It took some begging from her side but after some time Haruka agreed and took a picture. Booth fighters were in the back, SunTzu exceptionally smiling while standing in front of AICA, Michiru on the left, striking a pose in front of the Voyager and Haruka giving the hint of a smile in the foreground. Did AICA flashed on her positional lights for the pic?

Of course the picture ended in the Senshi group again but Haruka also announced that she just created a group for the three of them, prominently decorated with their picture as cover.

"Of course, that doesn't mean, that I'm warming up to you. It's just better for communicating."

Michiru looked at her with a grin and nodded disapprovingly.

Suddenly SunTzu's mobile phone rang and he apologized and attended it. It was Makoto telling him, not to forget that Bob brought his guns and armor. They were on their way to lunch but would be back at their barracks before their departure to the Far Side. He said, that they were off to lunch too and they'll probably meet over there anyway. They entered the Flight Center and the Guard organized a lift to the Palace for them.

On the way to the Dining Hall they stumbled into Team 1 and Jupiter and the Soldiers wished Michiru a happy belated birthday while they walked over there together.

"How was training with our flying Senshis? Did Haruka showed off?" Makoto was asking.

Before Haruka could talk back, Michiru already chimed in

"They were both showing off. Pilots…" She shook her head, "… it's always the same with them."

"You tell me sis. You know my opinion. I would never ever ride in a starfighter. It's not natural." the brunette woman told.

"Makoto, could it be, that you're afraid of flying?" SunTzu had to ask her.

"I'm not afraid. But it's just insane to ride in one of these things. Especially with someone like Haruka piloting it."

"Hey! My flying is excellent!" Haruka complained.

"But yesterday you were riding in a LAAT/i, it's basically the same." SunTzu told.

"But, first I don't have to see the outside and can concentrate on something else. And second, those Gunship Pilots are not maniacs as you Skyfighters are. Personally I'm glad I'm a ground fighter. After all infantry is the king of the battle anyway." Sailor Jupiter stated and this started a heated discussion between the blonde pilot and the brunette soldier about which branch was actually better.

This discussion lasted till they queued up for the line at the food disposal and Michiru and Rudy finally managed to calm them down. People were already looking.

To keep the peace Michiru and Rudy decided to take tables at different places in the hall. SunTzu told Makoto that he'll be at their barracks before departure to get at least some of his stuff and would let her know via message.

He sat down with the two outer Senshi and they began to eat. They were halfway done with their lunch when Rei and Minako appeared at the table and sat down with their trays.

Minako wore a red colored knitted dress with white thighs, short red boots, a short black coat and her red bow, her small hand bag was red too. Rei was dressed in long beige colored coat, a grey Louis Vuitton scarf and matching bag, a white turtleneck sweater and a pair of black jeans.

"Hi you guys. SunTzu how is your back doing? Any problems?" Minako started while the two girls took off their winter clothes.

"Hello Miss Aino. The Bacta Patch worked miracles. It's not even that bruised fortunately and I was able to do sport and fly without problems." SunTzu told her.

"Please, call me Minako. Or Mina. Glad to hear that. If anything comes up please don't be shy to contact me, I'll give you my number." Venus said and pulled out a pen and paper from her handbag and scribbled down her number.

Rei facepalmed and Michiru was more or less successful suppressing a smile.

"Guess you scored a number, Lieutenant. Don't worry, as Pilot you'll get used to it." Haruka said mockingly in between bites of the burger she was eating.

"We actually have a picture of the Lieutenant smiling." Michiru announced triumphantly and put her phone over the table with their selfie from earlier showing.

"Did you had fun playing TopGun with Michiru and Haruka, Lieutenant? And did you play Maverick or Iceman?" Rei asked him with a hint of sarcasm.

"Yes Ma'am. Although I felt more like that guy in the tower spilling his coffee because Haruka's flying was so reckless." he answered with a happy voice while making a gesture as if he spilled a cup.

Haruka almost choked on her burger and Michiru laughed out.

"I'll tell Usagi to keep this guy. If only for his shit talking."

"Thank you Rei. I'll include you in my evening prayer for this. What was you guys up to today so far? Makoto said something that Minako and her spared against Saturn and Pluto this morning." SunTzu went on.

"Ugh! Don't remind me. These two pretty much wiped the floor with us. Even tho Makoto is in peak form. Had to hit the studio up afterwards and let some steam off."

"Studio?" SunTzu asked.

"Music Studio. Besides becoming a doctor, being a Senshi and important member of the Royal court or Mina is also a Pop singer." Rei explained to him. Mina nodded with a proud grin.

"I see, sounds like your pretty busy. And what did you do Rei, found out anything new about this monster?"

She made a waving gesture.

"I wish. I was preparing the official statement from the Royal Court for the Tokyo Police Department about yesterday's incident and had to deliver it. The Queen let's me do stuff like this as part of my duty as diplomat. Although I think she sometimes only does this to anger me." the raven haired Senshi told him.

"Do you have any idea how hard it is to explain why one of your pilots flew out of a building, taking the building's door with him?" She asked him with a fake severe look.

"You know, I just like flying." He said and shrugged.

This time he even earned a half smile from her, which made his heart skip a beat.

Just in that moment Minako slid the paper with her number over to him.

After lunch they went over to the palace entrance again, linking up with Team 1 again. Minako and Rei informed them that the Inner Senshi were taking the ride to the Far Side with Gunships too, just Saturn and Pluto were supposed to stay here and guard the King and the Queen.

Rei walked a bit offside while the group was setting up the time schedule for departure and took out a box of cigarettes out of her handbag. SunTzu observed her a few meters away and when she met his gaze she nodded and hold the cigarette box in his direction. He walked over and took one. This time she pulled out a lighter and lighted her cigarette before she gave it to him.

"What's with the magic trick?" He asked, giving the lighter back after lighting his cigarette.

"Don't wanna run around and let everybody know that I can project fire like my Name is Carrie," she answered while she put the lighter back in her bag.

"Understandable. But if you ever decide to live out the whole burning girl thing let me know, I'll get the bucket of pig blood ready if you wanna light up the ball."

"Ever the gentleman." she said with a sarcastic nod.

They stood there and smoked when Rei rose to speak.

"So, we're going to Space now? I've actually only been to the Far Side one time. But I like being in space. Eases my mind, calms me down. Probably because the vastness shows you how small of a part we actually are," she said with a longing look at the Sky. She extinguished her cigarette in a ashtray.

"Space is not a big deal anymore for a Starfighter Pilot probably. Sorry for romanticizing around." She said and walked over to the Group again, heading for Makoto and Minako.

SunTzu, 2nd Lieutenant of the Galactic Alliance Starfighter Corps, force-sensitive Pilot of the most sophisticated fighter the GA had in it's arsenal and trained by Elite Storm Commandos and the Jedi was too shy to let Sailor Mars know, that he felt the same about space.

They decided to take off in 45 minutes. The Senshi would return to their chambers in the Palace and get ready, SunTzu was to ride with Team 1 back to their barracks and get at least his guns and gear to be ready if the need arose.

Twenty something minutes later, SunTzu was back at the Landing strip, storing the compact Assault Rifle the Armorer delivered as well as a low-vis Platecarrier packed with Ammo and a Radio. Thank god, AICA had lot of storage capacities inside and outside. He also packed some additional clothing, just in case. Never know, when you're in need for a formal uniform.

His both wingman were also back already and got their Fighter ready. They were already wearing their helmets again.

SunTzu noticed that the only way to tell the two girls apart now, were the colored strips down their sides.

Five Minutes later they were airborne and crossed the short distance over to the Far Side's Landing Port was. There two LAAT/i Gunships were waiting for their passengers. They greeted the already waiting people with a flyover and then turned around and landed next to the LAAT/i.

Order from Flight Control was to wait till everybody was there and right now they were waiting for the Senshi. Team 1 already split up and five members boarded per Gunship. SunTzu opened his cockpit and took a mouthful from a bottle of water he brought with him. The weather cleared off and some rays of the sun shone on the concrete landing spot.

"God, I hate this waiting game. It's always the same with the Military." Haruka came over the com in his helmet.

After a few minutes, that felt way longer than they actually were, two black SUVs appeared and the inner Senshi as well as Luna and Diana got out, each also carrying a little bit of luggage. SunTzu closed his canopy and got AICA ready for take off.

"Finally, we can get going now?" Haruka urged over the radio.

"The Jedi say patience is a virtue." SunTzu answered her.

"Don't overstretch your advanced praise Mate." came the Answer.

"Okay, there was it again. That Mate. What's with the British accent?" he asked her.

"I thought you know?" Michiru chimed in laughing.

"Know what?" SunTzu replied.

"Haruka is half British. That's why she sometimes can't shake her accent," came the answer.

"No shit? Might explain why she gives me such a hard time. Not I'm because a threat on her alpha-status or because I'm the new guy. It's because I'm German and she's British." he joked.

"What? Fuck no. And for the record you're definitely not a threat to my status new Guy." Uranus responded.

"If you say so. Mind if I come over for tea later? Or is it already past tea time?" He went on.

"Mate…!" That made him laugh even more.

They watched the woman pack their stuff into the Transports.

"Actually I'm not fully Japanese too. I'm half French." Michiru told him. "And some of the others are not fully Japanese too. Mina is also part French, part British, half Japanese mixed and as far as I heard Rei is part American. The Queen and the King are definitely of European descent too. And Setsuna. Setsuna is a completely different story." She said the last sentence with a laugh. "By the way, were from Germany are you from SunTzu?"

"As far as i remember, from the south. Bavaria, you know Munich and stuff."

"Beautiful City, gave a few concerts there. Love the architecture and the green cityscape." Michiru rhapsodized.

"Yeah, it's beautiful. At least I think so. You know, my memories are still blurry." He said.

"Cut the chatter. I think we're ready to leave." Haruka ordered.

As soon as everything was packed and everybody was on board on one of the two Gunships, Flight Center gave the small group the okay to lift off. First the Gunships left and a few moments later the two Fighters rose and took flanking positions on each the Gunships.

They accelerated and pushed through the cloud ceiling and rose higher, soon they left the atmosphere and entered space.

It was beautiful sight to behold as the stars were shining light years ago. SunTzu had to think about the words Rei told him earlier and he wondered if she could see this beautiful sight from inside the LAAT/i she was flying in. Thinking about space it also felt crazy that he just arrived here a mere three days ago.

"Stop sleeping and get back into formation 2!" Haruka blared over the voice comm.

He jumped and steered the A-Wing back into a tight, clean formation with the rest of the ships.

"You okay, want me to fly?" AICA asked him.

"No, it's all good. Just was lost in thoughts. Maybe I'm still a bit groggy from yesterday," he answered.

They pushed further on and speed through the dark, leaving earth the beautiful blue and green planet it was behind and headed for Mars. The flight would take around 50 Minutes from Earth to the Far Side, so SunTzu settled back and took it easy, just steering if he needed to.

Every now and then they passed a cargo hauler or shuttle going for Earth. Other than that it was very quiet and soon they passed the Moon.

"God, this is boring. Anyone got a idea how to kill time?" Haruka came on again

"Let's play a game! I start!" Michiru replied cheerful.

"I packed my bag and in it I put my Violine!" She began.

Although first reluctantly Haruka joined in and packed his bag with his sunglasses. SunTzu on the other side packed a hat.

They played on for a few minutes till all of them couldn't get it together anymore. Laughing heavily they decided to stop.

"Hey, what about some music?" Michiru asked. SunTzu was just about to switch it on but AICA beat him to it. The next ten minutes they had to listen to Mongolian Throat Singing, while AICA additionally told them facts about the traditional Mongolian Way of making music every few minutes.

When the Far Side came In side, peacefully hanging in front of the red planet of Mars, SunTzu sat up back again.

The Far Side was a Gladiator Class Star Destroyer, being MK1 that is but he read that the ship was slightly modified.

The sleek ship with the big frontal hangar opening slowly moved around so that the front showed towards them. Closing in fast the two Lartys landed first in the hangar while AICA and the Voyager flew a extra round around the ship.

Soon they were ordered to land also and both ships flew in side by side, with just a few metres between them. They touched down and shut down the engines.

A voice he heard before came on.

"Welcome on Board the Far Side, Pilots."

He did a small landing check together with AICA and then opened the canopy. He saw that Michiru and Haruka were also leaving their Fighter right now. Around the Gunships Soldiers, Senshi and Crew were also busy.

A female, middle aged Devaronian with weathered face and a oil spilt Coverall came over to his cockpit as he was unstrapping and got ready to leave the cockpit.

"That that A-Wing that has anybody talking?" She asked.

"If you mean the most sophisticated Fighter the Galaxy has ever seen, yes that's me." AICA chimed in.

The Devaronian was completely perplex and needed a moment to get back to him.

"Yes, it is this one. And yes, she is always that humble." he said.

He climbed out the cockpit and got down on the deck.

"SunTzu, Pilot of AICA, the Taskforce's newest Fighter." He introduced himself and held out his hand.

"Karlena, Chief Starfighter Mechanic of the ship." She took his hand gave it a firm shake. "Artemis told me to take care of the fighter and warned me that it was different but it's not what I expected."

"Yeah, I get that a lot. Don't worry, she's actually quite nice when you get to know her."

"I bet. Mind if I have a closer look?" The Mechanic asked.

"Not at all." He replied to her and the turned to the shoo. "AICA, be nice to the Lady, she will be our new Mechanic."

"Of course I will. Hi, my name is AICA."

"Karlena" the Devaronian introduced herself to the Starfighter.

"Do you like Music, Karlena? I really like this Genre called Mongolian Throat Singing."

SunTzu rubbed the back of his nose and shook his head. Then he walked over to the other fighter.

Haruka greeted him with a friendly "If I ever have to listen to this again, i'll open fire onto you".

SunTzu answered with a "Copy. I'll make sure the shields are down if I'm listening to it too." They three of them shared a smile.

SunTzu took a look around in the rather spacious hangar. He could see two Y-Wing Longprobe Scout Fighters on parking spots and a pair of AT-PT-Walkers in mounts at the starboard side end of the hangar. A single Lambda Class Shuttle was parked inside the Hangar too.

"So this is the Far Side," he said.

"Yes, Lieutenant this is the Far Side." the voice from earlier that wished them welcome sounded off behind him.

They turned around and saw Artemis standing there, neatly dressed in a white Officer's uniform with the rank of Admiral and his hair stowed in a braid under a officer's cap.

He saluted and the two Senshi and SunTzu returned the greeting.

He stepped over to them and asked Haruka how the flight was. While she told him how uneventful the flight was, SunTzu excused himself and went over to the LAAT/is that we're placed a little bit deeper in the hangar.

Right now Team 1 was loading their gear and guns onto a hover sled while the girls waited beside with their luggage.

He walked over and stood himself next to the Girls' Luggage. He saw that the black cat and her grey kitten were sitting atop the luggage, lounging. This was strange, but maybe they were actually the pets of one of the girls.

"SunTzu", Minako threw herself at him, "You're not here to help me bring my luggage to my room, are you?"

He held up his hands defensively and was about to find an excuse when the other girls turned around and chimed in. He let his hand fell down and gave up to find a way out of this.

His two wingmen and Artemis came over too and eyed the wildly messed up discussion, where only Ami stayed quiet, on whose luggage was the first to be taken to their respective room.

"Artemis could help you too!" Minako yelled.

He twitched a second and then stand stiff with a severe face. Listening to this Haruka stealthily stole herself away leading Michiru with her.

"As Commanding Officer of this Task Force I'm way too busy to take care of the luggage of someone." he responded.

The girls were looking at him with annoyed faces.

"Artemis, you really could help a bit here. At least take the luggage of me and your daughter." The voice of Luna could be heard.

SunTzu was surprised because he didn't see Luna around since they left the earth.

He started to look around.

"Down here Lieutenant." He heard her voice again, but only saw the black cat, now sitting In front of the luggage. He started to look around if she was hiding somewhere.

"Here Lieutenant." It was the cat. That cat was talking to him. And it had the voice of Luna. But that was insane, she was a human two days ago. Maybe his head really took some damage yesterday, probably he should head over to the med bay ASAP.

"Why this always draws this reaction. Especially in a Galaxy where mountains can be sentient and hundreds of individuals can use Telekinesis?" Luna asked into the room, seemingly annoyed.

"We're members of a different species from a different planet." Artemis said behind him. SunTzu turned around to see his superior in the shape of a white cat, the same he saw before entering the palace. "Actually this is our regular shape, the human shape is just something we took on in our duty for the Crown."

"Please Mr. SunTzu, don't be afraid." The grey kitten now said and he turned there.

"I hope the shock is not too much to take. But it's way more comfortable too travel as a cat in one of those things than as a human" Luna went on.

"Oh, uhm, I guess It's okay. I wasn't expecting this but it's okay." SunTzu told apologizing.

"Good." Artemis said behind him and he turned around, seeing that the Officer was in his human form again, sporting the white uniform. "Now that we could clear this off, would you bring the Ladies' Luggage to their rooms Lieutant."

"Affirmative, Admiral." SunTzu said and sighed.

"A bit more motivation Pilot!" Artemis boomed and SunTzu snapped to Attention.

"Sir, yes Sir!" SunTzu yelled and almost gave a salute. Mako and Rei burst into laughing, while Minako made a annoyed face at Artemis as Ami looked at him sympathetic.

He took the luggage of Ami and Minako first and they let him on to their cabins. Their cabins were located beneath the Bridge Structure.

He put their luggage in front of their respective doors and both woman thanked him and Venus invited him for having a fresh brewed tea with her. There would be worse things than to enjoy some afternoon tea with a great looking blonde medicine student but Orders were Orders and the other girls were waiting. Also having tea in the afternoon would make him a target for Haruka's jokes.

He politely declined and headed back to the Hangar.

On the way he stumbled into Michiru and Haruka, on their way to their cabin. Haruka, Gentle Lady as she was with Michiru, carried all their luggage.

"Don't get yourself a lumbago carrying heavy bags around Lieutenant. We need you to be healthy for deployment." the shorthaired girl mocked him.

He put on a sour face but then remembered something.

"Talking about deployment, where's Marvin and the rest of the Squadron anyway. I didn't see their fighters either."

"They're doing training on the other side of the Mars but will be back soon, Artemis told me." Michiru answered.

SunTzu nodded and got back on his way to the hangar, giving a half salute to the girls.

Michiru waved him goodbye and Haruka answered with, "See you later, Jerry." This gained her another sour look from her girlfriend.

As he arrived back in the hangar the Soldiers of Team 1 and the Repulsor Sled were already gone and the ground crews were busy working at the Gunships and two fighters.

Walking over to Rei and Makoto, that were remaining he saw that the Brunette was wearing a big backpack on her bag, a rifle and a plate carrier, standing above her luggage and waiting. Even her helmet was hanging down from the backpack. Luna, Artemis and Diana including their Luggage were gone too already. He got his own little bag of things and walked over to them

"Mind if I carry the Ladies' luggage to their rooms now" he asked.

"I'm gonna bring my personal gear over to the Team's room. Please bring my luggage to my room, Rei knows where it is."

He looked at her with a questioning face.

"See, as a Soldier I carry my own stuff. But as a lady I need you to carry my luggage over to my room." She said and left.

He shrugged and picked her and Rei's luggage.

As they were about to leave the Hangar, Mars pointed to AICA and said:

"I bet you have a great view of the stars from the cockpit. Not like those things," she pointed back to the Lartys. "I'm tempted to hitch a ride with you next time but since you're flying with Haruka and we're talking also about that guy that thinks jumping out of flying starships is a normal thing I'm not sure if I'd survive that."

This time she was the one earning a half smile.

"Whatever. Let's go or you want to settle down here for our whole stay?"

Rei lead the way and they had back to the cabins. On they way she told him which directions to take to certain important parts of the ship like the cafeteria or the exercise rooms. He tried to memorize it but was sure that he'd need some time to find anything on his own.

As they arrived, Minako and Ami just left their rooms.

"Since you can't spare any time for me, I decided to have a tea with Ami instead." Minako told him with fake annoyed look.

"We're at the cafeteria if you're looking for us." Ami told Rei, while SunTzu stood there, packed with luggage. A few moments later they were gone around the corner.

They first went to the room of Makoto, whose was between Ami's and Minako's chambers on the same corridor.

Rei had Minako's key and unlocked the door. SunTzu put her luggage in and they closed the door again, heading down the corridor. Rei's room was the second last on the right side, next to Minako's.

"If you're looking for room, it's actually next to mine. Here." Rei told him and handed him the room keys.

She unlocked her door and he carried her stuff inside. She said Thank you and he left.

As he was unlocking his door, she leaned out of her door.

"For your hard physical work you deserve a reward, give me five minutes and I'll be ready to show you something special." She let him know.

He nodded, hoping she didn't see him blush under this sudden burst of affection from her and stumbled in his room.

It was not much but more than enough. Small room with a few places for storage, rather spacious bed and a own bathroom including a shower. It even had a small entertainment unit. He quickly put his stuff away and closed everything in. He was done in a few minutes and before he head on he sit down on the bed, which felt comfortable he had to admit and took a deep breather. This was his new home for deployment so. He looked at his chrono and saw that the five minutes were over. He was eager to see what she wanted to show him so he left his room.

Taking a moment and another deep breath he knocked on her door. She opened, phone on her ear, talking with someone. She smiled excusingly, waved him in and pointed on the phone.

"Yes Grandpa, everything is okay. Yes, I'm taking care. Of course. Of course Grandpa, don't worry. Okay, talk to you tomorrow. Love you, bye." she was saying to her caller and then hung up.

He saw that she took off her turtleneck and was sporting a red top under it. He tried not to stare at her too much.

"Sorry, had to call my grandfather, he's always a bit worried with me when I'm abroad." She said with a warm smile, thinking about the old priest of the Hikawa Shrine. "Are you ready? I show you something very particular about this Starship." She pointed to the door and they left.

"As you saw, phones, at least over the Internet, are working here. But be prepared that everywhere out of this stellar system will have quite a delay so messages or using the Holo Projector at all are better then."

He nodded, that was good to know. Not that he had someone on earth to call. At least he couldn't think of someone.

Rei lead him on and they passed the cafeteria and went on.

After five minutes or so, they stood in front of big blast door, SunTzu figured they were somewhere around the middle of the ship.

Rei opened the door and they entered. It was a observation deck with a great view into the stars and also gave view to the front of the ship and ships entering and leaving the hangar. It was decorated with a lush garden. SunTzu was amazed.

"How many warships do you know who need their own gardener?" Rei asked with a smile. He walked up to the big windows and let the view sink in, enjoying a great look at Planet Mars.

She walked up beside him.

"Can you imagine I'm actually the princess of this planet? There's even a rumor that theres a castle on Mars where my previous reincarnations dwelled in." She absently said and looked up to the planet hanging there too. "Ugly brown thing up there." she said disapprovingly.

He looked over to her.

"From my point of view, Mars is beautiful."

She turned her head around to him, her mouth open. They're gazes met and both blushed.

"The planet of course. We were talking about the planet." he said and hold his hands up defensively.

"O-of course. We were talking about the planet." She said turning her gaze down on the floor.

Suddenly Artemis Voice came over the ships' loudspeakers.

"This is your Captain, all personnel be advised. The Queen and the King will arrive here in 30 Minutes. All available personnel to find in as guard of honour in the Hangar before!"

Both stared at the loudspeaker.

When the message ended a little curse escaped out of Rei's Mouth.

"I hate when she does that. So that we're ready if someone important would ever show up. Better get presentable before her Highness shows up" she said and lead on to the door.

The ship was bristling with a bit more activity now and on the way back to their rooms and on the way back they walked into Ami, Minako and Makoto coming out of the cafeteria. Makoto was quite annoyed because she just sat down for a coffee when the message came over the speakers.

Arriving at their corridor, they all went to their rooms.

SunTzu took pulled out one of his uniforms and then stormed in the bathroom to take a quick shower. Afterwards he shaved the stumble that he got since his last shower, he had quite a beard growth.

Because he was thinking about that embarrassing scene he caused in the observation deck, he didn't took enough care and cut himself with the razor. Great exactly what he needed now as he put a piece of paper on the wound.

Ten minutes later he was heading out in his best uniform, officers cap on and even shoes shined.

Some few minutes later he arrived at the hangar where a platoon of the Royal Guard and Team 1 already were standing in formation. Artemis and a number of bridge personnel were already lined up too. The mechanic crews had left the hangar for their ready rooms and some of the personnel that was not occupied with work trickled In too.

AICA had been moved over to a parking spot. When he looked in her direction he could see her turn on her positional lights as greeting and he waved at her.

One of the door to the hangar slid open and the Sailor Senshi, now all transformed along with Luna and Diana, back in their human forms, entered the room. And boy did they turn heads. Of course the girls were aware of that. They strutted up to the formation, with Venus sometimes stoping for small chat or a selfie with one of the crew members. Blowing kisses into the ranks of personnel she was the last to arrive at the front of the designated landing spot.

Senshi then positioned themselves in two rows with each looking directly to one another.

SunTzu was standing somewhere in the back, a bit lost.

Luna took a pity on him and walked over to him. She gestured him to follow and placed him between the Senshi and the Royal Guard, on opposite direction of some of Artemis and his Command Staff. This earned her a grim look from Artemis but she just smiled at him.

Standing next to him she told SunTzu with a smile , "Attention Pilot, your Commander in Chief is arriving."

SunTzu looked out the Hangar's magnetic shield and could see a white Lambda-Shuttle, escorted by an A-Wing and four Z-95, incoming.

The whole hangar was in formation now.

The Shuttle landed while the fighters took another turn over the Star Destroyer. As it landed and it's engines died down a ramp emerged from its underside. The formation took on a firm salute.

Sailor Pluto and Sailor Saturn were the first to emerge and took point on the left and right of the end of the Ramp.

A few moments later Neo Queen Serenity and King Endymion in their formal attire appeared followed by the Princess, in a dress similar to the one of her mother. The queen was holding her hand out which was taken by the king.

They strutted down the ramp and passed the Senshi, standing at attention. They strode over to Artemis who took a step forward and saluted.

The Queen leaned forward and had a short conversation with her old friend and mentor before the royal couple and her daughter returned back to the middle of the alley of people in formation and stepped further through the room, with the Sailor Senshi beginning with Venus and Mars being in first in line seen from the entrance, falling in behind them and Saturn and Pluto following as last. While they did, the King and Queen gave a slight nod as gesture of greetings to Luna and SunTzu, as they did with a few other people in the room like Team 1. Luna, Artemis and Diana also falling in behind the Royal Family.

A few moments later they were out the door and the formation loosened up again.