"Could you say that again? I think you just said 2,3 Million."
"For the third time, there 2,3 Million Galactic Credits on the account i opened to invest that money."
Holy Shit! I'm rich! No… probably an error. Or AICA did something illegal.
"AICA, are you sure this is not an error?"
"A hundred percent, i sent you the account data over to your phone."
"Okay then. You know that I have to ask you this now, so don't get mad. Has this money been acquired illegally?"
"Now you beg my pardon, but did you just accuse me of committing crimes?!"
"Sorry, i just don't understand how you could make so much money so fast."
"Yeah, of course. The most sophisticated Starfighter in existence with an AI like never before can't keep to the rules or use it's potential just to make money."
"AICA, Darling. Please, you now I don't mean it in an offensive way. But you do understand we are in an… Uhm… rather exposed position as Guardians of the Crown. So we have to keep out of trouble."
"I know that of course, I'm not such a lump as you are! Jeez, are you like that with Rei too?"
"I'm just stating it again. But if legal, then how did you make so much money in such a small amount of time?"
"You told me to invest into rising up economic sectors. And that's what I did. A lot of it, is either Tech from Crystal Tokyo or the GA or entertainment. Entertainment from Earth is crazy sought after in the Galaxy. Sentient Beings in this Galaxy just love the Earth. But you know that. And the growth of the stocks of these companies or the possibilities to invest are huge. Expect the money to be at least doubled by next month. And if Usagi and King Endymion get this thing with the alternative energy source going you're wealthy for the rest of your life."
SunTzu shook his head, he still couldn't believe all this.
"Okay. Listen, we talk tomorrow again. I need to sleep on things."
"Copy, see you tomorrow then."
"AICA. One last thing. You costed nine million Credits right?"
"Rounded yes. I know what you're thinking of, but I don't know if the GA or the Kingdom are open for this."
"Okay, then let me know, when we have twelve million. More money puts us in a better position."
"Will do. Man, that would be awesome if belong just to you alone."
"Yeah, It would be. Anyways, I'm off now. Do me a favor and don't tell anyone about the money."
"Hey, this girl knows when to keep her mouth shut. Good night my hopefully soon owner."
"Good Night AICA."
SunTzu sat there for a moment, not knowing what to do next. Then he decided to sleep, maybe he really was just dreaming.
The next morning SunTzu stepped into AICA's hangar. The Starfighters of the Taskforce would be training over Okinawa with Japanese and US-Forces till the afternoon today.
"Good Morning rich Guy. How did you sleep?"
Okay, so apparently it wasn't a dream. And I'm really rich…
"Good Morning my black beauty. I slept good, given the fact that I was thinking I'm dreaming anyway."
"Don't worry you didn't. This gal made you rich. By the way, you pay more taxes for your wealth than you actually earn as Officer for the Kingdom."
Crystal Tokyo's taxes were paid in dependence of income and wealth, so the rich had to pay way more taxes than for example someone of the middle class.
"Nice. Remind me to use this as excuse if I overstep my boundaries again."
"Sure will. And by the way I wouldn't mind if you show some gratitude today by flying me like you're supposed too. Since Hotaru is still grounded I miss out of a lot of action lately."
"Don't worry, we're going against two whole squadrons of jet fighters today. And we need to let the outside world now, that we are not to be fucked with."
An hour later the eight starfighters were already over Okinawa and began their training.
First exercises were regular ground attack and combined air power centric.
After two hours the starfighters were up against two squadrons of F-15 Fighter Jets of the United States Airforce and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, supported by an AWACS-Plane to support and control the Fighter Jets.
While the six Headhunters of Terra Squadron went head on into the battle, they weren't build for stealth like AICA and partially the TIE-Aggressor, the two advanced fighters hid on a small island near the main island and waited for their chance to pounce into the Jets.
Odegana lead her squadron bravely into a battle four against one and at least the advanced systems and countermeasures of the Starfighters enabled the Z-95 to not get shot down before they were in range for their own missiles.
Slightly thinned out the F-15s had to go into a dogfight with the Z-95 and the headhunters fought fiercely against the jets, that were faster in atmosphere than the Z-95s, but in the end were defeated by the superior number of fighter jets.
Nonetheless Terra Squadron scored on a dozen jets and therefore went out for 2:1 K/D-Ratio, showing their power and skills.
AICA and the Voyager were hovering over the ground on a clearing at the island they were waiting on for the rest of the starfighters.
They were on radio silence but SunTzu and Michiru could at least rudimentary communicate over signs as the Voyager was hovering a few meters in front of AICA, although the most time they played rock-paper-scissors against the boredom of waiting.
In the meantime Haruka was slouching over her console, checking on the passive sensors and nagging about that Michiru and SunTzu were playing games for children.
"You're just envious that you can't play."
"As if! And someone has to check the sensors because my two companions are too busy."
Michiru nodded knowingly, of course Haruka was upset that she couldn't play as well. She hated waiting.
After a few minutes the passive sensors, mainly the Infared-Sensors of the Voyager and AICA picked up the jet fighters that were left and didn't leave the training area yet. The jets were split off in two groups, four Japanese and eight American planes, with the Americans in front and the Japanese following in some distance.
The two pilots waited till the first eight fighters passed them before Haruka ascended just a few meters and then accelerated.
SunTzu waited for a few seconds and then did the same although into the other direction.
Although not arranged both activated their weapon systems almost at the same time and locked on on multiple targets at once.
SunTzu scored hits on all the remaining Japanese F-15s at once.
"Sumimasen." SunTzu sent a sorry to the pilots after he virtually shot them down and they veered out of the training area.
Up ahead Haruka scored four hits at once with a multi lock also before she speed up and pounced into the remaining four fighters from the back.
All Jet Fighters didn't see anything coming before it was too late and questions where the enemy came from and sounds of awe ruled the chatter on the frequencies.
Closing in from behind Haruka scored another simulated kill before she went in a dogfight with the remaining jets.
The American pilots almost immediately found out that being behind the Voyager proofed also dangerous as Michiru scored one hit too.
SunTzu didn't immediately went after Haruka but rather flew a detour with maximal velocity, getting after the bonus target.
Two simulated concussion missiles at the end of their optimal range later the AWACS-Plane was leaving for home too.
The two remaining F-15s were in midst a fierce dogfight with Haruka when AICA came in and the two jets parted.
Haruka soon curved her adversary out with her agile starfighter and shot down her enemy.
SunTzu's dogfight was a tight dance with the American Jet, the pilot was very skilled as well.
SunTzu and especially AICA enjoyed the fight so much that they didn't even used the tricks they had up their sleeves like the rotatable turrets but rather went for a fair fight. SunTzu even shut down the shields.
The F-15 came close to scoring quite a few times but after some time the other pilot made a small error while they were twisting around at each other and SunTzu could take the advantage. He took out speed while the jet fighter shot forward and found himself behind the tail of the American Jet and pulled his laser's trigger.
That was dope, haven't had such a close dogfight for a while.
"Congratulations Crystal Tokyo. Thank you for the great battle." The loosing pilot came in over SunTzu's comm.
"Copy, the pleasure was all mine, great flying."
They catched up and both pilots saluted each other before the F-15 broke off.
Crystal Tokyo was officially declared the winner of the Air Battle as AICA and the Voyager formed up for a victory lap over the Kadena Airbase on Okinawa.
"Guess we showed our "allies" we're not to be messed with."
Haruka came on. It wasn't nice but sometimes it was necessary to show the rest of the world that the young kingdom in the Tokyo Bay was ready to stand it's ground. Even to opponents on earth.
"We sure did. Now let's go home."
"You lost eight out of twenty games of rock-scissors-papers. Drinks are on you." Michiru chimed in.
Not long after they were back on the Crystal Tokyo Air Base and the snubs were back in their hangars.
AICA was happy she could do some dogfighting and on the way home she and SunTzu talked about his new financial situation.
It was still unbelievable to him but since he had the means now, the first thing he did was to order AICA to make two life insurances for him. Should anything happen to him Hotaru and Rei each would receive a Million Galactic Credits. That wasn't cheap as his job was risky but at least the two girls would be financially secured in case of his death. Just in case he told AICA to not tell anybody about it.
Haruka and Michiru appeared in AICA's hangar, leaning against the structure of the building.
"What's taking you so long?"
SunTzu said goodbye to AICA and walked over to the couple, pulling out his mobile phone from his flight suit.
He opened his banking account and showed the women the amount of money he had on this account.
"What's that?" Haruka asked.
"That's my bank account. Guess I'm rich too now."
"Well, not as rich as me Mate but it's a start. But honestly where did you get all that money from? Is there something you might want to tell us?"
"A certain highly developed Artificial Intelligence had some money to invest with. Guess it's pretty boring inside this hangar at night."
Haruka nodded her head in recognition.
"AICA and her hidden talents. Anyways, If you need a financial advisor let me know. I got someone skilled at hand. And welcome to the upper class now, where we pay more taxes as we get pay from for our service."
The short haired blonde patted SunTzu's back and laughed.
"This lad. Can you imagine Michiru? First he scores Rei and now he also became rich. How much luck can a guy have."
After lunch and a drink in the officer's mess, Terra was already there and celebrating their outcome against a numerical superior enemy SunTzu had an idea how he optimally could tell his girlfriend that he was rich now.
He went over to the offices of Intelligence and asked the officer on duty if Ami was available.
A short phone call later SunTzu was standing in Ami's office.
"Hello SunTzu, what's leading you here. Got questions if I found some new Intel on the enemy?"
"Hello Ami, actually not. Uhm, I need to tell you something."
"Oh, what is it? What happened?"
"I am rich now I guess."
"Ah yeah, I already know about that. Don't forget I'm from Intelligence."
"You knew? Really?" He asked surprised.
"Of course, since quite some time actually. Not to undermine your privacy but a member of the Taskforce getting rich this fast is something we definitely have to investigate. But rest assured that you're safe, the money was all made legally and from lawful sources. Not that anybody here would contest your loyalty to the Crown and the Forces. Although I have to admit after my behavior on Glee Anselm I double checked where the money came from. I'm still sorry I treated you like I did there."
"Ah, it's cool. We're friends, it wasn't easy for you and you had your reasons."
The blue haired woman smiled widely.
"Good. By the way, AICA did some really thought out investments. So good, that I hinted the Treasury to do some of the same investments. Who would have thought Disney would get so famous in the rest of the galaxy this fast. Did you know that the Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise now is the most successful franchise on Glee Anselm?"
"Really? They should thank you for this. At least with a gift basket. Or royalty."
Ami laughed.
"Yeah they should. Anyways, is that it? Or can I do something else for you?"
"Yeah, that would be it. Unless you could help me get a table at one of the best restaurants in the city for tonight. I still have to tell Rei about my new situation."
"Hm… Unfortunately my abilities on this particular field are limited but I think Luna could help you."
After a few more minutes and the latest update on the enemy, SunTzu said his goodbye. Ami told him, to tell AICA to talk to her about an investment strategy for the black budget and SunTzu told he would do, as soon as he would be back with AICA again before he walked out to look for Luna.
After looking for Luna for a while he found her napping on a sunny spot on the palace wall, Diana cuddled up next to her, both of them in their car form of course.
She had one eye open and fixed the eye on SunTzu as he came closer, obviously looking for her.
"SunTzu, what can I do for you?"
"Hello Lady Luna, I hope I don't disturb you."
Luna stretched out and yawned. Diana's ear twitched but her eyes stayed close.
"No, not at all. I was just getting some sun in. What's the matter?"
"Well, I'd like to talk about this in a more private environment, if you don't mind."
"Sure." The black cat with the golden crescent on her forehead nudged her kitten.
"C'mon Diana, let's help SunTzu."
Luna jumped from the wall and landed agilely on SunTzu's Shoulder.
Diana was next and SunTzu actually catched her in his arms.
Luna on his shoulders and carrying Diana they went for Luna's office in the administrative wing.
When they arrived there SunTzu told his situation to Luna.
"And now you need help to plan the perfect surprise dinner date for Rei." Luna, still in cat form said, sitting on her desk. Diana was sleeping again on the other side of the desk.
"Yes. I mean after all she's also a princess and now I finally can treat her like one. And I'd like to show this to her."
"I understand. And it's good that you came to me. As Head Administrator of the Palace I'm quite able to make the impossible possible. Just a moment."
"Thank you so much."
"No problem. But next time you'll be near the fish market. Think about me." She winked at him.
Luna made sure that he got a table for tonight in one of Tokyo's finest restaurants. SunTzu thanked her again and after doing a small call himself soon afterwards left her office and headed back to the Tokyo.
Soon after he arrived in Ginza to shop for some stuff his phone rang, it was Rei.
She had been working all day in her department, part because of the naturalization of the refugees they took from the Wild Space, part for the Seat in the Senate.
SunTzu was in a high class men's boutique shopping for a suit and accessories.
"Hello you most gorgeous creature in existence. How are you?" He could see the corners of her mouth going up before his inner eye.
"Actually rather busy, but it looks like our seat in the senate is almost through.
But someone sent one hundred red roses to my office and I wanted to say thanks. Gods, this is so beautiful."
"A hundred red roses. And what gives you the intention that it was me?"
"Because nobody else would call the receiver name Moeru Shōjo. And It's exactly the kind of crazy stuff a romanticist in disguise like you would do."
SunTzu began to smile, the flowers had been delivered even earlier than he expected.
"I love you. Unless this is some sort of excuse for something wrong you did."
"I love you too. And no. Actually it only served the purpose to make you call me. Even with duty first. And I'm glad it worked. I'd like to take you out for dinner tonight. Can you make it by eight?"
"Uhm, I should, yeah."
"Great, I'll pick you up from the palace. Wear something exalted."
"Errm, okay, sure."
"Cool. Looking forward to it."
"Me too. Till later then."
"Later Baby, have a good rest of work."
SunTzu hung up and motioned the salewoman which of the two pairs of shoes she was showing him he would take.
Another stop at a jeweler later he was on the way home and booked a transport for tonight, after he ordered a good sized portion of a fresh Tuna from the Fish Market to the palace, receiver the Head Administrator and telling AICA to call Ami up for a black budget buisness venture.
Damn, it felt great to be rich.
Over the course of the late afternoon and evening his gift to Rei didn't stay hidden from the rest of the Palace. SunTzu soon recieved various messages that ranged from "Awww, and here I thought my Mamo was the only guy with a sense of Romance in this court" over "The goddess of Love approves of this gift, but now I'm jelly of you two again" to "Fuck you Mate! Now Michiru wants me to gift her a hundred roses as well."
Yup, news travelled fast in the Royal Court of Crystal Tokyo.
At eight o'clock sharp Rei, wearing a tight, strapless burgundy colored pencil dress, matching purse, black roman sandal high heels and a strand of her raven hair falling over her shoulder came walking down the stairs of the palace's main entrance.
A black Rolls Royce was waiting at the rondel down there.
Strange, this wasn't the Queen's Rolls Royce nor was she aware of any State Visitors for tonight and she would be the the first to know about stuff like this.
As she arrived downstairs the driver got out and opened the backdoor for her.
What the Yomi? That couldn't be SunTzu, could it?
She got into the large limousine and on the other side it was really her boyfriend sitting in a dark suit and matching shirt that fit him like a glove. She never had seen this suit on him before.
The driver closed the door behind her and got back to the driver seat.
"Driver, to the restaurant please." SunTzu ordered the man and the Rolls Royce drove off, while a pane raised up so that the passengers in the back could talk in private.
SunTzu turned his head to a puzzled looking Rei, who just had buckled up.
He took her hand and kissed it before he squeezed it gently.
"Good evening beautiful. How was your day?"
"TopGun? What is all this? Did you win the lottery!? No… no, you and Ami stole money again, right? And this time you kept it for yourself also! Am I wrong?"
"Rei, I can soothe you, i didn't do anything immoral or unlawful. I had some money over from the bonus I got for my medal and other things. I let AICA manage it and her Artificial Intelligence proofed to be quite the successful stock broker. Without the money she already reinvested I'm still a millionaire now."
Rei's face froze and her eyes widened.
"You're kidding!"
"No, I'm not." He handed her his phone with the account data showing.
"There's more than two million Galactic Credits in this account. All legal earned. I'm blessed with the women in my life. One is a multi talented starfighter and the other is the most beautiful and passionate Diplomate that ever was and will be."
Rei shook her head and smiled in disbelief.
"You and your goddamn luck." She squeezed his hand. "I hope it never runs out."
"As long as I have you, I'm the luckiest man in the galaxy."
They both leaned in and kissed.
"Where are we heading by the way? Probably not Wendy's, I suppose."
Rei asked after the kiss, looking out the window, they just crossed the bridge towards downtown Tokyo.
"The place is called Narisawa. Maybe you heard about it."
She tilted her head and looked at him in disbelief.
"How did you get a table there so fast?"
"I had a bit of help from Luna. Of course we're there for official palace business."
She smiled and shook her head some more.
The food in the two star Restaurant was beyond fantastic.
SunTzu shared no costs to pamper Rei.
"You're a Princess after all. And we should celebrate the incoming senate seat for earth, shouldn't we?"
In between two courses SunTzu just marveled at Rei. The woman drank a sip of champagne as she noticed him, staring at her.
"What is it? Did I spill?"
"I was just thinking again how lucky I am to have such perfection as the woman on my side. I love you."
She slightly blushed and took another sip of champagne to hide it.
SunTzu grabbed into his jacket and pulled out a small case.
Rei almost choked on her champagne.
"Don't worry it's not a ring. Yet." He said with a mischievous smile and a wink.
She cleaned her lips and took the case from his hands.
Her eyes went wide as she opened the box and she put her hand In front of her face.
"That… for me? Is this? Oh my god… Are those real diamonds?"
SunTzu nodded smiling.
"I thought since we've been together for almost three months three carats would be fitting."
"Oh my… I know you are crazy but this is at least in your Top 3 and I was on Phu with you. I can't accept those."
"Oh you can. I wanted to gift you something special before I start to save as money up as I can. I want to purchase AICA from the GA. So, it's just alright. And it's not that these stones would shine more than you."
Rei looked again at the earrings, each with a Diamond of 1,5 carat.
Then she looked up to him briefly before she leaned in and suppressed his grin with a kiss.
The food had been out of this world but the dessert topped everything.
A sorbet of highest quality domestic fruits.
As she finished her dessert Rei playfully licked the long spoon in her fingers, while gazing into SunTzu's eyes.
"I'm wondering with which surprise you'll come up next."
"Oh, I was thinking to write a love letter."
Rei's face took on a questioning look.
"A love letter? It's a nice idea but usually you're good enough with spoken words, what's the matter that you need to write them down?"
"Oh, I don't mean to write with a pen. I was meaning to write this love letter with my tongue." SunTzu told her with a mischievous smile and let his gaze wander down her body to her lap for a second.
Rei's eyes widened.
"Check please!" She told to the nearest waiter.
A few hours later, Rei was sound asleep, SunTzu's phone rang.
He woke up and took the vibrating phone.
The caller ID said, it was the King himself.
"My King? What's the matter?"
"Hey rich man! Sorry to wake you up, probably Rei is with you also. Hic, I need you to do me a favor."
SunTzu frowned, was Mamoru drunk? And how did he know about the new richness of his.
"At your service King. What is your wish?"
"I need someone I can trust to accompany me to the United States tomorrow. We'll be taking your ship. Be there at nine."
"Affirmative, I'll be there Sire."
"Thank you. Till tomorrow then. And don't be surprised if I'm hungover. I have my reasons." That said the king hung up.
What the hell was that about right now?