For Rei and SunTzu the time on Earth didn't last long as they were ordered back to Coruscant the next day.
Not because of the Intel Ada got out of the guy they arrested but for their regular work.
Rei would visit Coruscant and work on their seat in the senate, even a meeting with the Chief of State was scheduled. SunTzu, together with Michiru and Haruka, had been ordered to a Congress of various selected members of the Galactic Alliance's Forces and as some of the best pilots this War had seen so far the three Guardians had been chosen to participate as well. Goal of the congress was to elaborate new and promising tactics for the ongoing shadow war.
The Royals were still in the United States and would also visit other countries on the American continent, so Sailor Venus, as leader of the Senshi, was still the proconsul for the Kingdom. Although nobody would expect from her usual behavior she took this duty very serious, but that fact, and even the support from Luna and Artemis, couldn't change Minako's ways completely.
Right now one of the Taskforce's Shuttles was standing on the rondel in front of the Palace, the Voyager and AICA were parked beside it.
In front of it, dozens of international media correspondents had their cameras placed.
SunTzu, in his flight suit, his helmet tugged in under his arm, was standing between his two wingmen, both also in their flight suits and helmets in their hands.
"Is all this really necessary? I mean, we're just flying to Coruscant. Okay, Rei will meet Leia Organa Solo but isn't this a bit much?"
"Minako thought it's a great way for some PR. You know how she is, and since she's basically the one running the show right now." Michiru said and shrugged.
The cameras begin to click like crazy and Princess Venus with Rei, in her Diplomatic Corps Uniform, and followed by Sailor Saturn, restlessly scanning the surroundings, appeared at the main entrance.
Artemis was hanging over the shoulder of the Reincarnation of Love and Luna was hanging over Rei's shoulder, both in their cat forms of course, as the three Senshi walked down the stairs and towards the shuttle and the two Starfighters.
"Why is our commanding Admiral hanging over the shoulder of the Viceroy? And the Head of the Royal Court from our designated Senator?" SunTzu asked the teal haired Senshi beside him.
Michiru shrugged again.
"Old habits die hard I guess." She replied dryly and SunTzu nodded.
Haruka was standing a bit in front of her girlfriend and her wingman and stepped up to Minako. The two began to talk to each other in heavily British accent.
"Geez, I thought I understood English. Do you understand any word, they're saying?" SunTzu asked Michiru.
"No. I usually begin speaking French to annoy Haruka when our two Brits begin to blabber." She rolled her eyes. "You know Haruka's accent wasn't that worse when I met her. It got worse after the time she did in the British Forces. And now if she and Minako talk to each other, best including Artemis as well, it's completely unknowable what they say."
"I see you two don't understand any more than I do." Rei chimed in as she walked up.
"Me and Luna neither."
"Artemis isn't even partly British. He's a Mau." The Head of Court hushed out with an annoyed face.
"Haruka! Allez, il faut qu'on y aille!" Michiru yelled over to the two blonde Senshi.
"She's right Haruka, you should get going." Minako, quarter British and quarter French from her mother's side, chimed in and told to Haruka.
"Guys, I'll see you in a few days, try to behave. And Rei? Good luck with the Chief of State, although I know you got this." Luna said before she jumped off Rei's shoulder and sat down next to Hotaru, who was standing at guard behind Princess Venus.
Haruka came over and wished Rei luck as SunTzu walked over to Minako, Artemis and Hotaru.
"Try to behave Captain. I hope we'll get some new tactics from the conference." Artemis said, as he looked up from Venus shoulder.
"Aye Aye Sir, we do. I hope so too. We keep you updated." The Pilot and Knight replied to his commander. "Minako, keep holding the fort down. If something comes up, we come home asap."
"Don't worry, I got this. And i still got Artemis, Luna, Ami and Hotaru with me. We're good here." The First of the Senshi said. After a motion of Minako, and visible clearing of her throat, he bowed down slightly in front of her. The cameras needed something to capture and the knight bowing down in front of the proconsul sure was a nice shot.
But she's not getting a hand kiss…
"Hotaru, watch the kingdom, while I'm gone."
"Affirmative. I hope you have a pleasant and informative Congress." She replied while she stood there in her Ice Princess Demeanor guarding Sailor Venus.
"Oh c'mon, don't be so stiff with your superior." SunTzu said and ruffled her hair.
"SunTzu!" The girl said annoyed. "Not while I'm on guard."
"Sorry. I just wanted to be nice."
Rei appeared next to SunTzu and linked in his arm.
"Come on, temporary foster dad, let's go and not embarrass Hotaru any more in front of the cameras. Goodbye you Guys."
SunTzu nodded and after rolling her eyes Hotaru shot him a small smile which made the Pilot answer with a smile as well.
Rei lead him away and towards the Lambda Shuttle she would take to Coruscant, the two snubs would escort it.
The Senshi of Fire then lead him to the shuttle's ramp, before she stopped linking in and walked up the ramp two steps and turned around to her boyfriend.
"I'll see you when we land."
"AICA and my offer to fly you still stands."
Rei shot him a sheepish glance.
"I'd wish I could fly with you guys to Coruscant but I have to work the whole way and this is just better from the shuttle. But maybe for the way home."
She smiled widely and leaned her head in.
SunTzu leaned in as well and they shared a kiss.
Immediately the cameras from the media began to click.
Rei's smile got even wider. Exactly how she had planned it.
"See you in a few hours Pilot."
"Have a pleasant flight Miss future Senator."
SunTzu grabbed her hand and kissed it before she turned around and walked up the ramp.
"I love you."
"And I love you."
She vanished into the shuttle and SunTzu walked to AICA, Michiru and Haruka were already inside the Voyager and waited for the take off, today Michiru would be flying.
SunTzu got into his pilot seat, AICA had already made herself ready to go.
The canopy closed and he looked out. Standing a few meters afar were Princess Venus, the Mau, both hanging from Venus's shoulder now, and Sailor Saturn and he shot them a small salute and a wink before he began to activate AICA's engines.
He smiled, as he activated the repulsors a few seconds after the shuttle.
Ami was right, we are a mess. This whole kingdom is. But I wouldn't trade it for anything else.
The two starfighters escorted the shuttle to the Galactic Senate and SunTzu briefly landed as well, while the Voyager was circling above.
He left his cockpit and ran the short distance over to Rei, they said their goodbyes at the shuttle ramp as a servant and a diplomatic officer welcomed Rei at the senate. Like before the couple kissed at the ramp again.
"I'll try to find some time tonight to meet up with you." Rei said before she politely introduced herself to the two men that were waiting for her and the servant took over her luggage. As soon as they were clear, the Lambda-Shuttle lifted off again.
The newly promoted Captain Tanaka and his crew would fly the shuttle back to earth again and be on standby. SunTzu got back into AICA and joined the Voyager in the skies above Coruscant.
Some minutes and a few kilometers further the two Starfighters where about to land at the Coruscant Fleet Academy, the place where the Congress would be held, when another fighter jockey came in over the radio.
"Holy Manitou, they really let everybody join in on this barn-festival."
"Apparently if they even invite the last rustlers from the end of civilization. You're damn awfully far away from home Cowboy."
SunTzu replied as the Bronco Buster came soaring in and joined their formation from above.
"Colt! It's nice to have a friend around. How are things?"
"Well if that isn't the lovely Michiru. Now that I know you are around way better."
Haruka cleared her throat.
"Captain Wilcox, who would have expected you here. How's your wife doing?" She said with an icecold voice and the radio went silent for a moment before Michiru came in again.
"Haruka behave please. Colt just wanted to be nice. Anyways boys, shall we land?"
Michiru was the first to touch down and the other two fighters followed in quick succession.
After getting out of their cockpits the pilots greeted each other personally before they walked inside the building.
Colt told them that he was not alone, Fireball was on his way as well but had to take a commercial flight. The other two star sheriffs would stay in Yuma, the attacks on the New Frontier had pretty much ceased but the silence could be delusive.
Inside the huge building Junior officers and Signs showed them the way to the room where the meeting would be held, one of the huge lecture auditoriums of the academy.
The three pilots were some of the first to arrive and basically had open seating.
The four of them decided for one of the last rows.
"I don't understand why they didn't invite Makoto, Rudi or one of the other team leaders of our commandos as well. They tend to do a better job than the regular SpecForces." Haruka stated after a group of SpecForce officers had passed them.
Within ten minutes the room had filled and the Congress begann with the introduction of it's head, Admiral Nek Bwua'tu, commanding officer of the Fourth Fleet. While the Fourth truly hadn't seen most of the combat in the war yet, the Admiral was a very competent officer.
Fireball couldn't make it on time but he wasn't the only one. Some other participants, mostly from units in frontline service right now had delays as well.
In his welcoming speech the Admiral also outlined the goals of the congress.
Two hours later there was a break and the two male pilots decided to get a Caf.
The two women had left for the Voyager and to move into the room they were assigned to while here already and SunTzu and Colt were standing outside of the auditorium around a high table and chatted about what they had done after the time the Taskforce had visited the New Frontier.
The Star Sheriffs and the Seventh Fleet had various more combat missions, mostly against old CIS Ships. Lately it had been quiet and the Fleet finally found it's time to proper reorganize as some of it's ships had been destroyed.
SunTzu told Colt about Bestine and Glee Anselm, as well as their actions in the Core.
"So Glee Anselm was you guys? We just had heard rumors about what really happened but didn't give it much attention."
"Dude, i have to tell you that over a beer." SunTzu said and shook his head amused.
"Sounds good, I'll want to hear the story as well." A voice SunTzu had heard before came in from behind and all the pilots turned around to spot an attractive brunette woman.
"Gistess! I didn't expect to meet you here."
"Hello handsome." The woman said and came over, she was wearing a GA Armed Forces Uniform.
"I left the Guard and transferred to the SpecForces, after the attacks from the core, been on the frontlines ever since, until they called thing here up." The female Captain said as she noticed that he was looking at her uniform.
"Colt, this is Captain Gistess Colystel. We met on Empress Teta while I was bodyguarding Rei on a diplomatic mission there." SunTzu introduced her to the other pilot.
The Star Sheriff pulled down his Cowboy hat that he was wearing as always and bowed politely down with the hat in his hand.
"It's my pleasure Captain. Nice to see that our Special Forces not even fight fierce but also look stunning. Captain Bill Wilcox from the Star Sheriffs of the Seventh Fleet, but you can call me Colt."
The ex Royal Guard laughed shortly and then smiled at Colt wryly.
"If I wouldn't have noticed you are married, I'd say you're trying to flirt Pilot."
"Not only good looking but also a high readiness of mind. Darn SunTzu, where and why do you always meet all these extraordinary women?" Colt asked, impressed that the woman had seen his wedding ring.
"Talking about extraordinary women, how is your girlfriend SunTzu?"
"Rei Is doing great, she is on the best way to become our system's Senator."
"Is that so? You must be proud."
"I am, very proud actually. Oh and don't mind Captain Wilcox, he's quite the charmer but he's at fast at the joystick and with his blaster as he is with his mouth."
Soon after the conference resumed and it went on until the late afternoon. So far it had been mostly about the introduction of the participants. Fireball had finally joined them in the late afternoon and the two star sheriffs and three earthlings went for very brief introductions.
SunTzu went to the Academy's landing spot and got his luggage from AICA. While walking there he called up Rei.
She was still busy and he told her that him, the girls, the Star Sheriffs and Gistess would head out for a beer in the evening. In that one bar they had been with Ami before.
Rei was surprised that the woman and the two Star Sheriffs were around and she told that she tried to come over as well as soon as her dinner with some of the members of the committee responsible for the insertion of new senatorial seats.
The six comrades arrived soon after darkness had fallen in the bar and got to a table.
A beer for each one and after everyone got introduced to each one later, Haruka grabbed Michiru's hand and lead her to a dance.
Gistess, sitting opposite of SunTzu followed them with her gaze.
"Captain Tenoh sure is attractive." She said to SunTzu as turned around again.
"Captain Tenoh is a woman."
"I know. Doesn't change she's hot."
"And she's with Michiru."
"I figured that out as well already. Two for one, I like that. Mind if I join them on the dancefloor."
"Absolutely not, we'll be here and having another cold one."
SunTzu was just telling the story how they had fought and bested Kengal on Glee Anselm, right now he was at the part where they were chased by the Battleship Leviathan.
"He should have told you how good I look in pirate clothing. And also he probably severely understated his Rum consume there." A voice came in from beside the table.
"As far as I remembered you actually didn't had much less rum than me, Diplomat Hino." SunTzu smiled and Rei sat down next to him, greeting her boyfriend with a kiss and then greeted the two Star Sheriffs.
"I see Haruka is having way too much fun on the dancefloor already again." She stated as she looked over to the female trio in the middle of the dance floor.
Soon the women came back and Gistess greeted Rei and vice versa. While she had a beer, she told to the Non-Earthlings how here career was going and also asked them for the latest news.
After she emptied the beer she excused herself and wished them a happy evening. Today would be a long day for her and she would meet the Chief of State.
SunTzu followed her outside of the bar and the couple said their good nights.
"Good luck tomorrow with the Chief of State, you got this."
"I hope so but if Misses Organa-Solo gives her consent we're almost there."
"I'm sure she will. Keep me updated, I'll have my phone with me."
"I will. And I'll miss you tonight."
"I'm sorry but I guess it's better to make sure you get proper rest tonight. Plus someone has to help Fireball to look after the rest of us."
"Weren't you the one that started a bar fight last time when you were with Colt?" She laughed before she leaned in.
"Take Care and don't go to bed too late. This Congress seems pretty important and maybe it's outcome will help us."
"I won't. Sleep well Baby."
"You too." She kissed him and put her hand on his chest, biting her lip after the kiss.
"I love you SunTzu."
"And I love you Rei."
At the next morning the different participants of the Congress got together in groups to exchange experiences and based on that brainstorm tactics and counter tactics.
After a short request at one of the Admiral's staff members, Gistess joined the three earthlings and two Star Sheriffs.
Pretty soon the topic shifted to what everybody thought the forces was missing the most.
"What we are missing the most? I guess that would be the ability to bring the fire power we have available in space to the ground. I mean we could level a whole continent with a Star Destroyer but don't even make well enough use of the snubs the Capital Ships have on board." Gistess stated.
"This is why we, even though we're a small force, are so successful. We, and that goes for forces all over our planet, are trained and used to work closely alongside force multipliers. I think the same goes for the Star Sheriffs. But these tactics are not very common within the GA." SunTzu replied.
"And that's plain wrong. When I hear the stories about how you guys take on Forces ten times or more bigger with just small teams and a few Starfighters. And now think about the SpecForces would be trained in that as well?"
"We are not really trained in traditional SpecFor or regular GA Tactics and often we find difficulties to properly work alongside them." Michiru chimed in.
"I guess that's the point. We should workout a basic guideline to how our tactics could be implemented on a larger scale."
The six comrades began working on their guideline and after a few hours went to lunch in the academy's dining hall together.
SunTzu was thinking about Rei. Not long and his girlfriend would meet with the Leader of the Galactic Alliance.
Rei Hino, Head Diplomat of the Royal Kingdom of Crystal Tokyo and designated Galactic Senator for the Sol System was beyond nervous. She had been nervous all day already and not even the reassuring text messages from her friends and boyfriend could make her feel more safe.
Right now she was waiting in the anteroom of the Chief of State's office on top of a tower on the rebuilt Imperial Palace.
As she had entered the floor with it's exclusive repulsor lift the door opened she stood face to face with an older man, his brown hair mostly had turned grey already but he must have been quite the heartbreaker when he had been younger. His sly grin, as he beheld the beautiful raven haired woman just a few decimeters apart from his face, still held the promise of a man that to this day was used to jump headfirst into action and constantly needed his rush of adrenaline.
They crossed with a spin around each other and kept their gazes locked.
Before the door closed the man greeted Rei with a "Ma'am."
As Rei looked forward again she began to smile. So this was the galaxy-famed Han Solo, the husband of the Chief of State and a hero for many.
Rei catched herself thinking about that she hoped SunTzu would age as well as the former General too.
Two squat build Noghri stood guard in front of the large double door leading into the office.
They didn't do it openly but Rei knew they were keeping their eyes trained on her.
After a few minutes of waiting, Rei thought the secretary on the office table opposite of the couch she was waiting on would lead her into the room but instead the door to the room was opened by a golden coated upright walking droid.
"Misses Hino? Mistress Leia will receive you know." Rei nodded politely and got up. In her excitement it took a moment before she realized that the golden droid just had spoken in Japanese to her.
She looked at him questioningly and the droid began to babble.
"I'm C-3PO, human-cyborg relations. Glad to meet you Mistress Hino. As I am fluent in over 6 Million forms of communication I took the freedom to adress you in your mother language. Or would Basic, or English for you, suit you more." The Cyborg lead Rei through the doors, not ending his monologue.
"C-3PO, give Miss Hino a break." The aging Chief of State said before she got up from her seat. "Miss Hino, please excuse him. He's quite voluble."
"Madame Chief of State, it's a honor."
Rei said and bowed down.
"Please, a young beauty like you shouldn't bow down before an old dame like me."
Rei had to admit that Leia Organa-Solo radiated grace, even when she tried to be down to earth like right now. And her smile was contagious. And Rei could also feel that Leia was rather strong in the force, as she felt the energy emitting from her.
The Princess and the Diplomat shook hands with each other.
"Please Miss Hino, sit down."
"Thank you Madame Chief of State."
"Please. From one graceful princess to another, please call me Leia."
Of course she know about the Senshi's true natures from Usagi and Mamoru.
"Rei. My first name is Rei."
As they both sat, Leia looked at Rei for a moment.
"I can imagine you're quite flustered about if your stellar system will receive an official seat in the senate and I know how hard it sometimes can be for us ladies to keep our patience, even for a hard working, intelligent young woman like you. So, I'll make it sure, the committee and me already decided."
Leia's lips formed into a wide and honest smile before she got up and extend her hand.
"Congratulations Senator."
Rei covered her mouth with her hand as her eyes widened. She knew she was on a good way but she never had thought about that it would go that fast.
In her excitement Rei jumped up and swung her arms around the older woman, hugging her. This sparked an ever wider smile in Leia and she reciprocated the hug in a motherly way. Finally a politician with some passion.
Rei finally realized what she was doing and broke the embrace after a few moments.
"I… I'm sorry Madame. I-I am just so happy."
"No problem, my dear." Rei and Leia sat down again. After a moment Leia straightened up.
"There is another thing I wanted to talk about with you."
"What would that be Ma'am?"
"Your boyfriend."
Rei began to look at Leia in surprise.
"SunTzu? What about him?"
"I assume you are aware of the prophecy?"
"As Sailor Senshi, I am."
"So you are aware of the risks."
"I am. And I can assure you he is one of the nicest guys I ever met. I just can't imagine him becoming a threat for me or the other Senshi or anyone else than the enemy."
"Let's hope that it stays like that."
"Don't worry, I'll make sure of it. And he could never become a threat to me or the other Senshi. Frankly, we are his everything."
Leia nodded slowly.
"Very well then." The chief of state paused and then took on an amused smile. LA lover destined to become personified war and a new position in the political snake pit that Coruscant is. You sure like to play with fire Senator Hino."
Rei formed a wry smile as well now.
"Playing with fire is actually my specialty."
A few minutes later and some wise tips from the Alderaanian princess later, Rei left Leia's office and was lead back to the elevator by the never quiet C-3PO.
As soon as she was alone in the elevator she clenched her fist victorious and sent a prayer of thankfulness to the gods and her mother.
She really did it! Their Solar System had a seat in the senate now and she was the Senator.
As soon as she stepped out the elevator she searched for a place where she could make a few phone calls in peace.
But first and for all she needed a cigarette to calm herself down. Being excited like a school girl didn't suit a Senator.
And she wanted to tell the good news to that maniac that was her beloved boyfriend, although people from outside kept telling her how dangerous it was being with him and how dangerous he could become. As if she wouldn't know better, she was the one that knew the deepest parts of his soul. She knew how deeply he loved and cared for his friends and the kingdom.
After a few minutes she found a small garden in midst the building. It was without a roof and lay near the tower with the Chief of State's office as well as the Intelligence Service Wing. It wasn't a rooftop garden but rather two stories under the roof, so that the few trees inside the beautifully arranged green patch of peace and quietness inside the busy palace could grow in peace.
The sun shone on the garden this afternoon and some people were seen moving on the gangways of the floors above the garden.
Rei lighted a cigarette, enjoyed the calming effect of the first long draw and then began to wander around the garden a bit, positively surprised by her find.
Located In the middle of the garden was the largest tree of the garden, full of lush green hung branches.
There were also some flower beets and green scrubs, peppered with beautiful and multicolored blooms around it.
The garden and the cigarette had calmed her down and she just felt joy anymore, as well as a certain pride that she accomplished her goals.
Who was she to inform first? Usagi? Mina?
No, the first one should be SunTzu, for his faith in her. Too bad he was at that Congress and she couldn't call him up right now but at least she could text him.
SunTzu was sitting at his place in the auditorium and was just writing down another lengthy paragraph about how Earth's JTAC Tactics could be implemented into the SpecForces Work as he felt a vibration on his mobile phone, inside his uniform's jacket.
Secretly he pulled it out and read the text message he just received under the table.
Colt next to him could have sworn that the jaw of the force sensitive dropped to the floor.
"Guess who's a Senator now," read the message SunTzu's Girlfriend had sent him.
SunTzu looked up, stowed his cell phone again and got up, making his way towards the entrance, while the five others looked surprised at him.
"You guys excuse me, I gotta go." Was the only thing he said to them.
"Captain, where are you heading?" One of the staff officers from the Fourth Fleet asked and SunTzu stopped and turned around to him.
"I'm sorry Sir, but the newly appointed Senator of Sol requests me to immediately appear in person."
After hearing that Haruka threw her hands in the air.
"Yes!" She loudly cheered while beside her Michiru clapped in her hands with a beaming smile.
"I'll be back as soon as I can, Sir." SunTzu more or less lied to the higher up.
"Give her our congratulations." Michiru said and the other four friends nodded approvingly.
As soon as he was out the door SunTzu contacted AICA.
"AICA, get ready to lift off. And try to locate Rei's phone."
"What's the matter, is she in danger?"
"No. She just got the confirmation that she will be the Senator of Sol. And I want to congratulate her ASAP. By the way, while your locating her phone, search for the nearest flower shop as well."
"What? She's really the Senator now? You make sure she's coming over to where we land, I want to congratulate her as well."
A few minutes later SunTzu, after a small stop in a flower shop a few blocks away, was on his way to the Imperial Palace.
He called up Ada.
"SunTzu! What do I owe the pleasure? You need certain Intel? A background check of someone? An alibi for neutralizing someone?"
"What?! No, I just need landing clearance for the Imperial Palace."
"Oh. Yeah, of course. I'll get you one near my office. Stop by, when you're done with whatever business you're attending to here."
"Thanks Ada, I will."
SunTzu landed at the Imperial Palace, Ada immediately had gotten the clearance, got out of AICA and grabbed the bouquet he just bought from the backseat of AICA.
The AI piloted him through the Palace to where Rei was. The Senshi was actually pretty close nearby.
Rei just had ended her call with Usagi, the third person she had informed, the second had been her grandfather. The Royals were still on the American continent but the rhapsodic Neo Queen promised to be there for Rei's Inauguration in two days. Next to be informed was Minako. Rei was sitting on a wooden bench on the side of the small garden inside the palace, when SunTzu entered the garden through a door.
The pilot was pretty surprised to find such a nice green spot inside the huge Leviathan of building the palace was.
From the door he could see that Rei was on the phone with someone and it was pretty obvious from the beaming smile on her face that she was in the best mood.
He stood there for a moment, the bouquet in his hand when she noticed him and immediately jumped up and walked over to him.
"Mina, I'll call you back later again. There's this hunk of pilot with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers I have ever seen and he's smiling at me."
SunTzu smiled as he stepped forward as well and he had to make sure she wouldn't damage the flowers when she literally jumped onto him.
He hugged her back, the huge bouquet behind her back.
"I'm so, so proud of you Rei. You made it my love." SunTzu said when she was about to crush him with her embrace.
"Thank you for always believing in me." A tear of joy rolled down her cheek and when SunTzu noticed it he stroked over the trail the tear left before he gently lifted Rei's face up and slowly pressed his lips against hers.
The kiss sent a shock of warm mess and comfort through both of the lovers, as their souls touched again, even without reaching out with their powers.
"Woah, that was intense." Rei said when they finally broke the kiss, closing her eyes and leaning her head on his chest. "I love you." She continued, her voice almost a whisper.
"And I love you more than anything else in this galaxy my princess." SunTzu replied while he closed his eyes and leaned his chin on Rei's forehead.
For a few seconds the galaxy stood still for them, there was no Coruscant, no Senate, no War, no Crystal Tokyo, just the two lovers in their embrace.
Suddenly someone yelled from the railing of the corridor two floors above.
"Hey Senator Hino, it's nice to finally see a honest politician in the senate."
Thanks for spoiling the moment Ada…
"You guys, stay down there. I'm going to join you."
The high ranking Intelligence Officer said and disappeared from the railing.
The two lovers looked at each other and with an amused smile Rei rolled her eyes, while her boyfriend shrugged with his shoulders.
"Oh yeah, I got these for you. I saw them and found them perfect for you. They're Alderaanian Flame-Roses."
SunTzu presented the bouquet to Rei. In there was dozen of some of the most beautiful flowers Rei had ever seen. They looked a bit like roses from earth but they're color really made them appear like Fire.
There probably wasn't any flower better fitting for the Senshi of Fire as those. And they smelled wonderful.
Rei marveled at the flowers for a moment before she thanked him with another kiss.
The door opened and Ada Wong entered the garden as well.
"SunTzu, you could have told me while you were coming here. AICA just told me the news, after I asked her what you were up to here."
Ada walked over and hugged Rei, while she congratulated her.
After a few minutes the Agent left again and SunTzu and Rei walked over to AICA.
The KI of the Starfighter congratulated the newly appointed senator effusively.
"I have to head back to the academy, shall we drop you off somewhere?"
"I'd need to hit up the Senate building and take care of preparations, so I really wouldn't mind a lift."
While the couple and AICA were on the way to the Senate the Earth got their first news about it's new Senator.
Minako Aino, Pop Star and Idol, as well as unofficial PR professional of the palace tweeted the news in her own, incomparable ways.
Congratulations to my BFF for upgrading from Diplomat Hotness to Galactic Senator Hotness! You go Bish!
Within one hour telephones were running hot with reporters and news agency all over the earth asking for verification of the rumors about the Planet's new Galactic Senator.
The blonde haired Senshi broke the Internet with her message so hard and so fast, that Usagi and Mamoru had to schedule an impromptu press conference while they were still visiting Buenos Aires.
SunTzu dropped Rei at the Senate Building, where the two lovers were already eyed curiously by the ever present media representatives, especially after their goodbye kiss and the self-confident strut the black haired beauty in her Diplomatic Corps Uniform with the beautiful flower bouquet in her hands did into the building. SunTzu left again and flew back to the Academy where he joined his curious friends again. Of course all of them wanted to know details.
The Congress's second day ended in the evening, the six comrades had finished their ideas into a multi paged recommendation. The remaining five people came along well without SunTzu as he already had finished most of his proposals and ideas earlier. And they understood his sudden departure, they rather were interested in news from Rei as well.
The six officers were talking about what they could do in the evening when Rei shot SunTzu a message. With the help of the Senate's concierge service she scored a table at the highly exclusive restaurant Clarendox and wanted to invite him. He joked around that he would miss out on tonight's beerfest with the others then but he would join her.
He appeared at the luxurious apartment building where Rei's place to stay was located at and he was dressed in his best uniform, fully decorated and with a fresh haircut and even his full beard had been trimmed and styled.
She opened the door in a Galactic Alliance Diplomat Corps Uniform, not a dress. But she had all her service ribbons and awards on.
"I'm sorry, I didn't bring any evening attire nor had I time to buy something, I was busy choosing furniture for my office. And this is probably one of the last times I'm going to wear this uniform ever again, so I thought it would be okay."
"Of course it's okay. You know I like an Uniform on you. And I mean you could wear a potato bag and you still would totally slay."
"Great." She stroked trough his beard and pulled him in for a kiss. "And thanks for the compliment."
Wait till you see what's underneath TopGun. Like I knew we would go out and I took preparations for this. It's definitely not officially issued, Pilot.
Rei's phone vibrated and she sighed and closed her eyes in annoyance for a moment before she looked at the phone screen. A congratulation from one of the diplomats of the palace.
"Minako made it public and Usagi just held an official press conference about my appointment as Senator and ever since my phone won't stay quiet anymore. Yomi, even my dad called. In person. Can you imagine that?"
"Really? That's nice isn't it?"
Rei shrugged her shoulders as she packed her handbag.
"I guess. But he just congratulated me to my new position and wished me luck for the big task. It was rather as awkward as ever. But at least Grandpa is cheering like crazy. He's taking Phobos, Deimos and Nanako out for Yakiniku and Drinks tonight." She giggled. "I hope he behaves."
A few minutes later, thank god an A-Wing didn't need to take the regular repulsor lanes, the two landed in front of the Restaurant. When they arrived people were swarming a couple, apparently some Celebrities that were just about to enter. But as soon as the black A-Wing with the grey stripes landed heads turned to AICA.
And when the the Canopy opened and Rei shaking her raven hair as she got up, making the first camera click.
SunTzu stood up as well and climbed out the cockpit before he gave Rei a hand as she climbed down.
The couple walked towards the entrance when someone asked them who they were, the exact moment as AICA lifted off again. The A-Wing flying on itself was quite the head turner as well.
"I'm just a pilot but the lady is the new Senator of Sol System. You should take a picture of her." SunTzu said and motioned over to Rei, who shook her head in amusement.
"Senator, a picture!" One of the paparazzi said and after a small look to the ground, considering it, Rei pulled in to a pose.
After a few pictures were taken she waved SunTzu over and took pictures with him. Nobody cared for the celebrities a few meters away anymore when SunTzu bent Rei slightly down and planted a kiss on her lips.
This sparked a loud laugh from the raven haired as he pulled her straight upwards again.
"Enough with the pictures now, the Senator is hungry." SunTzu announced and holding hands they walked into the restaurant.
They were sat down at a nice table for two.
Rei still was amused about SunTzu's antics.
"What was that TopGun?"
"Oh, I thought letting Coruscant know about the newest Senator wouldn't be the worst idea. Also this means more evidence pictures that the most beautiful woman in the universe is my girlfriend."
"You silver-tongued devil you." She smiled at him and their grasped each other's hand on the table.
The waiter came back with the menu and the wine list.
They opted for a vintage bottle of Coruscant Blush wine, Rei really wasn't sparing any expenses tonight.
In between the appetizer and the main course Rei addressed something that she was feeling the whole evening already.
"One couldn't tell from your looks but I sense that something is bothering you. So, what is it?"
SunTzu took a sip of wine and then cleared his throat.
"You know I'm beyond happy for you and I know this is your dream, but I'm a bit afraid that you'll be too busy with your new function here and we won't spent much time together anymore."
Rei looked at him for a moment.
"I understand your concern. And I was thinking about it as well, I even talked with the Chief of State about it. I don't need to constantly be on Coruscant, actually Madame Organa-Solo encouraged me to stay part of the Taskforce. It would make a good example. A Senator in front service, this could be exactly what the GA needed to let people know the Senate still cared about it's troops in the people suffering from the war."
Rei took on an inviting smile.
"Also, you know that I can't be without for more than a few days."
SunTzu took her hand it kissed it before he smiled at her.
"Now, who's the silver-tongued devil?"
The rest of the dinner was a mixture of sweet talk and the finest of foods.
By the time AICA picked them up they're hunger for food was more than sated, but their hunger for each other hadn't been satisfied one bit.
AICA was flying in one seat configuration and the couple was already hands and lips over each other before the A-Wing even was at a cruising level.
Sailor Senshi. Senator. Priestess. Fierce Warrior. Loving Girlfriend. Caring Granddaughter and Friend. Passionate Lover. A Princess and a Freak. Magical through your powers and trough your nature. Beautiful as fine art and tough as nails. Rei Hino, you are the baddest.
SunTzu, just wearing pants leaned against the railing on the balcony of the apartment's balcony and marveled at Rei, the cold breeze of the night cooling his upper body.
Rei was naked except for her red and black laced slip and her uniform jacket that halfway covered her perfectly shaped breasts. She smiled at him mischievously with a glass of red wine in her hand and a lighted cigarette in the other while she was sitting on a chair after they took a break from messing up the sheets.
"Why are you staring?" She asked and took a draw from her cigarette, her red lip stick leaving a stain on the cigarette.
"I'm just marveling at how perfect you are."
A shy smile creeped on the raven haired's face.
Seeing her like this, even after all this months and all they already had been through her beauty still made his heart jump and sent a sting of pain in awe of her beauty through him.
In this moment SunTzu finally decided to buy a ring. He wanted, no he needed, her forever.
"Gods, I feel so released now that we finally got our seat in the senate." She took a sip of the wine before she locked her gaze on him, a predatory grin forming on her mouth.
"And the best thing is, that as Senator I can officially order you back from wherever you are just to do me."
SunTzu slowly walked over to the sitting Rei.
"Sounds like taking advantage of your position Senator Hino."
The pilot said as he kneeled down between her legs and placed one of her legs between his shoulder.
"Just making sure you'll be where you belong, Pilot."
"Like right now?" SunTzu aspirated and began to slowly kiss his way up her inner thighs while his hands grabbed around her waist.
Rei leaned her head back and took another draw of her cigarette, the wine glass still in her hand.
When had she ever felt better than right now?