SunTzu had went to his quarters and after having applied the Bacta plaster he had fallen asleep immediately, too tired to think about anything, even about staying again or leaving.
He slept like a stone, late into the ship's morning cycle.
Bacta was a gift from the gods because when Bavaria's first space fighter pilot awoke, he didn't feel any pain at all anymore.
To his surprise he also had slept well, no nightmares haunting him, no waking up in the middle of the night.
And as if the Force just had known it, as soon as he came out of his bathroom, it knocked on the door.
SunTzu opened the door and found the King of Crystal Tokyo standing in front of him.
The cut on his lip was almost completely invisible and healed.
"Good morning, SunTzu. Just wanted to check how you're doing."
"Thank you, the Bacta plaster did miracles. How is your lip?" SunTzu asked, his voice giving away regret.
"Oh, don't worry about that. It's pretty much healed by now." The tall black haired regent pointed to the almost healed wound before he looked at SunTzu again.
"Anyways there was something else for why I came here."
SunTzu instantly knew what the King meant.
"Maybe you had time to think about joining us again. I speak for all of us, when I say we'd really like to have you back in the Taskforce."
For a moment SunTzu looked at his friend.
"I… I. Like I said, I want to wait until AICA is repaired fully."
Mamoru nodded slowly, not completely defeated but definitely being less enthusiastic than before.
"I understand. Please know, we don't want to push the matter and you have all the time to decide. I'll leave you to your businesses now. Thank you for the excellent training fight yesterday."
"Your Majesty, it's been my honor." SunTzu replied and Mamoru left.
SunTzu just had closed the door and walked back to his bed when it knocked again.
To his surprise he found a certain aqua-colored-haired Senshi of Deep Sea in front of his quarter's door, dressed in training clothes.
"Get dressed for training, pilot. Only a well exercised army is a good army. I think your personal bible told you that already."
Michiru ordered him, in a more or less commanding tone, but with smug grin on her face.
Michiru and SunTzu started their training with jogging through the ship and although she wasn't Haruka she kept up quite the high pace throughout the exercise.
Thirty minutes and few times running thought the complete ship from stern to bow later, they arrived at the gym of the ship.
What followed was regular weight training. In between two sets a wondering SunTzu asked his wingwoman where Haruka and the rest were and Michiru explained to him that her lover and Hotaru got up earlier for their daily training today, along with Setsuna. Right now a proud Haruka was getting flown around the system in an exercise flight by her foster daughter. Michiru also told that they probably would be back soon as the Taskforce's relief for guarding the system had arrived and that the Taskforce would probably leave the system soon for their next assignment.
When they finally ended their training, muscles sore and burning, Michiru sat up at the bench she and SunTzu had taken turns in bench pressing. SunTzu was one of the few that knew that the teal-haired was way stronger than her slender figure revealed.
"There's something else about today. Chibiusa and Hotaru had the ideas of having a pajama party with all ten of us. You know, since Chibiusa is grounded. Although Usagi wasn't too fond about the idea at first, after thinking it through she found it to be a good idea. Keeping up the morale of her Senshi up if you will."
With furrowed brows SunTzu looked at her.
"No boys allowed." She winked at him. "But don't worry, if you get bored, Mamoru and Artemis are on the bridge this whole night. You could keep them company for a bit."
Although he sensed an elaborate scheme to make him stay onboard, with Mamoru probably being the leading spokesperson for all of them, SunTzu had to admit he wasn't reluctant to at least not stay inside his room all of the time.
After stretching, showering and changing clothes, lunch followed. Still in the much welcomed company of Michiru, who teased him with great amusement about having a meal together in twosomeness. Of course Haruka was teased via text messages even more than SunTzu was.
Michiru said her goodbye afterwards, she had to prepare something for the get-together tonight and then would pick up Haruka and Hotaru at the hangar they would land in. Before she turned around she scanned SunTzu head to toe.
"As a fashionista, you might wanna change into something more fitting for this place." That said she briefly touched his shoulder and left, leaving a dumbfounded SunTzu back, asking himself what was wrong with his dark-navy colored Galactic Alliance Intelligence Service uniform.
SunTzu headed back to his quarters, still puzzling about what Michiru had meant with his choice of clothes. He knew he looked good in this clothes. And then, when he come past a small group of crewmen of the ship, he finally understood. The presence of an Intelligence Service Member in the depths of the ship was intimidating for most. Of course GAIS was far from the oppressive organizations that had been there before but at best a spy around didn't mean something good.
Arriving in his room SunTzu changed into the other service uniform he had with him.
He took a look in the mirror of the quarter's bathroom as he had donned it.
It's been a while…
Indeed it had been a while since he had worn the olive uniform of Taskforce Sol. And it felt less strange and more familiar to wear than he had thought. SunTzu told himself that it meant nothing that he was wearing this uniform again. He still just would wait for AICA to be repaired and then he could leave whenever he wanted to. There were no obligations here, just trying to show some uniformity while onboard. Right?
Deciding to check for AICA he then left for the hangar and, to his own surprise, he didn't get lost on the way.
Two guys of the ground crew were busy working on AICA, her damaged engine completely having been taken out.
But the ship's spirits were high and she greeted SunTzu joyfully, her suggestive voice telling that she was feeling perfect as two handsome young men were taking care of her. Karlena joined in, letting SunTzu know that things were coming along but they needed to take apart the whole engine to check it, which would take at least a few days more.
SunTzu accepted it as it was. Still just a few days and he could leave again.
After leaving the hangar again, SunTzu noticed that he had engaged with just one Senshi today, even though they all were on the same ship. The image of Setsuna in her doctor's coat shot in his mind, maybe he could check on her. A friendly visit, she probably had been working most of the time since they left Usk Peth 1138. Maybe she would welcome someone checking on her, a sign of caring. Or would she feel pressured? His hand rubbed over the fingers on the other hand where he thought that Setsuna had touched him yesterday. Had they really been holding hands or had it been a dream? What if it really had just been a dream and all her sympathy had been just because he had helped her beat the enemy? Would she welcome him at the med bay, busy as she always was with her important work?
After stopping dead in his steps for a second to think and a deep breather, he decided against heading to the med bay. He wouldn't want to annoy Setsuna. In the back of his mind although he hoped that she would actively come looking for him. The thought alone made his heart jump. But the next thing SunTzu thought about, was that she would be angered if he would leave again. Probably she was expecting it anyways, so why should she look for him at all, he knew her stance on him leaving.
Was it futile to stay, waiting for her to make a move? Should he make one?
No, not before he could leave, in case things would go wrong, which they highly probably would.
Apart from Setsuna, Rei had told him to stay as well. Rei. The person he once had left because of. Could he stay here again at all? Apart from the situation with Setsuna, he would probably see Rei everyday. And also Yuichiro. And the two men almost had started a fight with each other last evening already. And apart from all that, he thought, as he passed a group of troopers and crewmen from different races and genders, young, happy seeming individuals that had their whole life before them, fighting for a better tomorrow, mingling with each other, apparently on their way to one of the mess halls, could he stick around and risk making these young people a target?
Still breaking his head, trying to find an answer to the goddamn question if he should stay or leave, SunTzu arrived at his room again. For a moment he had even considered to use another ship to get off the Eternal but quickly discarded the idea. If he would leave, he would leave back for the front. And how good of use was he really without AICA? Sure, another snub would make him be able to fight but it wasn't the same without AICA, even if only for a few days.
Maybe a third person could decide for him, it dawned on him and he called up Ada over the holo in his room. It was already evening on Coruscant but Ada would be probably still be in her office nonetheless.
After a few moments the image of a woman began to show. But it wasn't Ada, it was Mary and she seemed to be pretty tired.
"Captain." The blonde woman greeted him, her voice giving away exhaustion but she still sounded friendly. "You probably wanted to call Ada. I'm sorry but she and Yumeko are out of office for a mission. Their location and when they're coming back is confidential at the moment I'm afraid."
Of course… so much for someone else finding an answer for me.
"No problem. I'll call another time then. Oh, and Mary? Call it a day as soon as you can, that's an order from a higher-ranking officer."
The young woman began to smile in honest now, although still overshadowed by her exhaustion, over what maybe could have been the last order that SunTzu ever gave in his duty for the Intelligence Service.
"Almost done here and then I'm off. Thanks SunTzu. Enjoy your stay on the Eternal."
How does she?… Damn spies…
"Will do. Have a nice evening and greet the other two Ladies from me."
Both shared a last smile and then SunTzu ended the connection.
He let out a sigh, this hadn't brought him any further.
Giving up on finding an answer right now, he instead decided to do something useful and began cleaning his guns and gear.
Meanwhile a part of the Senshi already had met in the quarters of the Neo Queen, the location the pajama party would take place as well.
But right now it wasn't about having a good time together and get their minds off of the intergalactic war they participated in. Along with their King and their Queen the Soldiers of Wind, Deep Sea, Fire, Water and Wood were discussing the matter of their Guardian of Guardians onboard the ship and how they could manage to make him stay.
"I don't know if it's the right way to keep our distance. Bollocks, he's here and except for Michiru we all hid from him, instead telling him to stay."
"Haruka, I think there's nobody that knows him better than me, and I'm with Mamoru and Usagi here, if we push him, we might just drive him away. He has to make his own decision to stay or to leave."
"Rei is right. There's a lot of trauma and fear in him, I don't think pushing him would do any good."
Michiru, sitting next to Haruka on one of the couches in the living room of the Royal Quarters, laid her arm around her lover.
"Listen to Ami and Rei, Haruka. I know you miss him, we all do, but it's his decision. You should know best what can happen when someone gets the notion to get pushed."
Haruka let out a sigh. "Fine. But I'll give all of you so much shit if he decides to leave without us trying to make him stay."
"Haruka." Mamoru spoke up, Usagi cuddled close onto him, head on his chest and now looking up. "I think he is already struggling against his fears. If we all would swarm him now it would only make him more fearful."
"We need to make him stay and not only because we want to. We can't let him roam around freely with what he is able to do."
Setsuna had appeared in the room, an austere look on her face and Michiru noticed the odd look Rei shot the Guardian of Time.
"That is a matter the Jedi already approached us in. If he stays there will be an emissary sent from the Order." Mamoru replied to Setsuna and than took a look around, ending with a deep glance into the eyes of the woman he loved, leaning onto him. "I think I have an idea to remind him why his home is with us without pushing him."
It was already the night cycle onboard the ship when SunTzu had finished taking care of his gear, guns and clothes. Maybe it wouldn't have taken so long if he wouldn't have gotten lost on the way to the ship's laundry to clean his uniforms and flight suits.
Now, on his way to the closest mess hall, SunTzu was dressed in combat pants and a tactical t-Shirt. Not something he should wear to an official appointment but he could always refer to being in a war when a superior had a problem with his clothing.
By the time SunTzu had finished his meal, beginning to ask himself again why the only Senshi he had seen today had been Michiru, said Magical Girls met at the Royal Quarters again. This time all of them would be there. Haruka and Michiru had arrived early but Rei, Makoto and Ami had been there even earlier. The two medics were still in the med bay, Setsuna teaching something to Minako. The two youngest Senshi were still on a small visit to the Starstruck where Helios was on duty as navigator now.
Although Haruka wasn't still convinced that letting SunTzu decide alone if he wanted to stay or not, she was in high spirits for the evening. Feeling like the rooster in the hen party she was a bit too hyped up for her own good.
"We could play a game called the blindfold kitty taste test." She joked, earning her some rather questioning looks, especially from Mamoru who was getting ready to leave.
"Haruka! Pardon her, your Majesty. She's a bit keyed-up because the First Knight is on board."
Mamoru just nodded, still looking dumbfounded, not sure if he really wanted to know what would be happening here tonight.
While SunTzu got back to his quarters and Mamoru joined Artemis on the bridge, the rest of the Senshi arrived at the Royal Quarters, where the already present Senshi already had changed into their favorite pajamas or nightgowns.
The two married Senshi had wished their husbands a pleasant evening and Yuichiro was attending poker night with some of the fighter pilots and commandos.
Of course there were the usual topics like fashion, Setsuna being the most informed here as always, even more than Michiru and Minako, the latest gossip, apart from being members of the Royal Court, at least three of them were also members of the High Society, Rei even on Coruscant, and of course, love. Especially the three married Senshi were very curious about the latest escapades in Minako's love life. The girls giggled a lot in between painting their nails and toes, doing face masks and chatting.
Minako, while brushing Rei's long hair with the raven-haired sitting in a red silk nightgown on the floor in front of the blonde on the couch, applying crimson color to her finger nails, was the first to bring up the topic which all of them, although one wouldn't admit it, were excited to talk about the most. SunTzu.
Would he leave? Or would he stay? What was Rei's take on it? What about him and Yuichiro on the same ship? Were there still feelings involved?
SunTzu, knowing that the Senshi had their gathering and that some of his other buddies onboard were playing cards with Yuichiro and therefore were doing something he wouldn't want to be part of, was beyond bored. Of course he hadn't even brought a book from AICA's storage but now he would only disturb the ground crew in their work there if he'd go there now. And he wasn't in any mood to already sleep as well.
He remembered that Michiru had told him that Mamoru and Artemis were on the bridge. Going there and maybe finding out where they were heading to now sounded better than laying on his bed half of the night, staring at the ceiling and trying to figure out if he should ran away from his friends again or stay and maybe bring them into danger.
At least the bridge is easy to find on this tub SunTzu thought as he left the repulsor-lift up into the highest floor of the ship.
After walking down a corridor, he crossed through an automated blast door and entered the bridge.
Like in a lot of larger ships the bridge was multi-storied and most of the crew was working on working stations in trenches underneath a long gangway leading directly to the reinforced transparisteel windows in the front of the bridge structure.
A look out of these windows showed the blueish colors the travel in Hyperspace usually brought with it.
Because of the Hyperspace-passage and the night cycle it was rather quiet in the large room, only silent voices, fingers tipping on keyboards and the occasional electronic sound of a working station were audible.
Both Commanders of the Taskforce were standing at the beginning of the gangway, looking over the scenery, hands crossed behind their backs.
Mamoru turned around when SunTzu entered the room and nodded at the pilot.
SunTzu walked up to the two men. Five steps in front of them he saluted and the two men reciprocated the greeting.
"Captain." Artemis greeted SunTzu, with a single word but a warm tone in his voice.
"Bored because everyone except you is busy this evening?" Mamoru asked SunTzu.
"Let's state it like that, I've been more entertained before." SunTzu answered and the three men shared a chuckle.
SunTzu's head motioned to the windows after a moment. "Where are we heading? It's been quite some time since we jumped into Hyperspace."
"Ah yes, you haven't been at the briefing this morning. Our AO has changed. We're heading for the Rimma and then it's off into the Ado Sector. Our new mission is set sail to the Southern Mid Rim, helping to patrol there. I don't know if you heard but it looks like the enemy is enlarging his use of guerilla tactics and cooperation with rogue factions on planets scattered all throughout the Galaxy."
Being under command of a high-ranking officer of the Intelligence SunTzu knew that. As if Tombstone hadn't been enough already.
"It was our idea to reinforce the forces down there. We have a lot of soldiers with experience in fighting insurgencies and irregular wars within our ranks." Mamoru explained the sudden shift of area of operations to SunTzu.
Today was like it had been bedeviled, SunTzu thought, as even this lead to mixed emotions into him. Of course they were the absolute right force for such a job. But, he had been on Tombstone and had seen how an insurgency looked like. Not to mention that he had lost Gistess there. And he very well remembered how their irregular war on Glee Anselm had bested an army far larger and stronger as theirs.
For a moment the men were quiet before the King rose to speak again. "Artemis and me wouldn't mind to have you on board for this campaign. We all know about your experience with irregular warfare."
For a moment it was quiet again before King Endymion continued. "We don't want to force you in any way to stay though. This is solely your decision. And you don't need to answer now."
SunTzu nodded, he was grateful that the King didn't push him. Suddenly Artemis made a step towards SunTzu.
"I think you haven't been up here before. There is something I want to show you. Follow me."
Artemis began to walk away, back to the entrance of the room, his white uniform and his white hair a crass contrast to the other colors that dominated the bridge.
SunTzu looked to Endymion and the King motioned him with a nod to follow Artemis.
Artemis and SunTzu left the bridge again but the Mau soon stopped at a door down the corridor SunTzu had crossed after leaving the elevator to the floor the bridge was located on.
Contrary to the large sensor-opened sliding blast door to the bridge, this one had it's upper third made out of transparisteel and was a traditional door, opened with a door handle.
"This is something Mamoru had installed for my sake. But I'm sure you will appreciate it as well." The Humanoid said as he put his hand on the door handle and then opened the door, while SunTzu closed up to him.
SunTzu now was able to see inside. It was a small room, transparisteel windows made up the opposite side of the door, showing the Hyperspace around them right now. Inside the room was a small table, with maybe enough space for two people to sit at it, at least there were only two chairs in the room. On the table was a Laptop with two headsets and two standing microphones connected to it, one on each side of the table.
SunTzu immediately understood what the room was meant for and he shot Artemis a surprised look.
"Me, or anyone else, didn't found the time to do a show yet." Artemis paused for a moment. "To be honest we haven't done a show since ever that day at Qat Chrystac."
Both men fell silent for a moment but Artemis eyes showed SunTzu that his former commander was thankful that SunTzu rescued them back then.
Artemis cleared his throat after a moment, his closed hand in front of his mouth, and then motioned into the room. "Wanna take a closer look?" He asked SunTzu.
SunTzu's answer was that he entered the room and sat down at the table.
He took a long look outside the window while Artemis entered the room as well. But the Mau kept standing behind the chair on the other side of the table, his hands on the backrest.
"What do you say?" Artemis asked SunTzu.
"Looks more professional than the old place."
"It sure does." Artemis nodded with a small smile before he fell silent again.
It took a moment before SunTzu said something. "It's been almost one year since I did that the first time."
Artemis lips curled up again, a sentimental smile. "You know that on Earth it's Wednesday today?"
This earned the Admiral another surprised look before SunTzu's gaze fell back to the laptop on the table. After a big breather SunTzu opened the laptop and turned it on.
"Say Admiral, is smoking allowed in here?"
"I'll organize an ashtray. I'll be right back."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Artemis. We're between us here, SunTzu."
The large couches the Senshi were placed on for their pajama party had been swung out and turned into huge beds so that all of them could sleep comfortably, although Makoto had mocked them why they just couldn't sleep on the floor on mats. Just like in the good old times.
"Because I'm old and need comfort." Rei had remarked in her own unique fashion as answer and all the girls had began to laugh.
Michiru had noticed that, in stark contrast to Haruka and Hotaru, Setsuna was quiet tonight, even more than usual. Something seemed to bother her, as usually she would at least converse a lot with Chibiusa when they had the time to do so, but today she was staying almost exclusively to herself.
"Ten bucks on SunTzu." Minako's voice suddenly pulled Michiru out of her thoughts. "I don't know, Yuichiro is quite the skilled fighter as well. He's pretty fast and has the seventh Dan in Aikido. If it wouldn't be the Force…" Makoto interjected.
"Oh c'mon Mako-Chan. You know about SunTzu's capabilities. It wouldn't even take ten seconds."
"Hey, could you two stop already! My boyfriend and my ex are not going to fight. I'll make sure of that!" Rei now stepped in, her passion getting the better of her and her voice sounded irritated.
"After all, we don't even know if SunTzu will stay here or not. It's hard to believe he's here at all." She added after a moment, her voice more soft and quiet now.
"Of course he will stay. I'm sure of that." Hotaru replied from another sofa, Chibiusa's head on her lap.
Setsuna was sitting next to Hotaru and for the smallest blink of an eye, Michiru saw a twitch in Setsuna's face. As if she wasn't too sure about that.
Artemis had come back and now an ashtray was standing on the table.
SunTzu thanked Artemis with a nod and the Admiral made a gesture meaning he was welcome.
"Got one for me?" The white-haired, white-dressed Admiral asked. SunTzu put a hand into his pockets and pulled out a box of cigarettes and a lighter which he then offered to Artemis.
Artemis took the box and the lighter, pulled out a cigarette out of the box and lighted it.
"Didn't know you smoke." SunTzu stated while he took the box back from Artemis and pulled out a cigarette for himself.
"Felt like one." Artemis replied with shrughile SunTzu lighted his cigarette.
After his first draw SunTzu nodded in reply.
"Brings back memories, doesn't it?" Artemis then asked and motioned to the laptop and headsets.
SunTzu began to smirk.
"Sure does." He answered and then took another draw while he looked out the window again.
It was weird. Since ever he had sat down here, everything had been so clear. Everything felt, well, it felt like this was the place he belonged to.
After another draw he looked back to Artemis.
"This thing got all the songs on it we used to have?"
"Of course. We even got some unreleased stuff on it, thanks of the networking done by a certain blonde pop idol." Artemis smiled back at him.
SunTzu took another long look at the laptop, ready to be used for a radio show.
"Fuck it, let's do it." SunTzu suddenly let out and began to search for a specific song.
"I'll let the crew know. And make sure they hear us on the other ships as well." Artemis said and got up. "You better think about some songs you want to play."
"Attention Taskforce Sol, this is your Admiral speaking. A special transmission of our radio show, The Nightshift, will commence soon. You are all invited to tune in under channel five of the Taskforce's holo channels." Artemis's voice blared out of the intercom speakers of the three capital ships belonging to the small flotilla.
Of course the Senshi had heard that too.
"Huh? Artemis didn't do a show for… I don't even remember for how long." Minako stated dumbfounded.
"Ever since Qat Chrystac." Usagi remarked with a quiet voice and for a moment everyone in the room fell silent.
"Strange coincidence, now that SunTzu is onboard." Haruka chipped in after a few seconds.
"It's almost a year since SunTzu did his first show." Michiru added to her lover's sentence.
Artemis was back in the small room and now he and SunTzu both had the headsets on.
Both men looked at each other.
"For Marvin."
"For Marvin."
While SunTzu got the first song ready, Artemis counted down with his fingers from three and then spoke in the microphone in front of him.
"Good late evening, Taskforce Sol. It's been a while but welcome back to the Night Shift. Today we have a very special guest, an old friend of mine." Artemis motioned to SunTzu and the pilot cleared his throat before he turned on his microphone.
"Thank you, Admiral. Good evening brave people of Taskforce Sol, my name is SunTzu and now, without further ado it's time for the theme song of this show. This song is for our friend, Marvin. Wherever he's flying right now."
SunTzu pressed enter and the first song began to play.
Marvin, he was a friend of mine…
"I swear, he's back. He is officially back! He wouldn't do this show if he wouldn't stay." Minako made a point, agitating. She was sitting close behind Rei and now laid her arms around the raven-haired's body and leaned her head over her shoulder before she quietly spoke into Rei's ear. "He's really back and that he does this show speaks for him staying. Are you happy too, Rei-Chan?"
Rei didn't answer, she didn't even really smile. Only Michiru noticed that she was glancing at Setsuna who looked surprised, something the Guardian of Time rarely did. And If someone knew something about Setsuna, than it was Michiru.
"SunTzu." Artemis leaned in and pulled the headset from his head. "Mamoru would like to join you this transmission. Would you mind?"
SunTzu shrugged his shoulders, he wouldn't have mind to do the show with Artemis but Mamoru was good company as well.
"No, it's okay, I don't mind."
"Then I'm going to get him."
A minute later Mamoru appeared in the room and sat down, when the first song was finally coming to an end.
Mamoru greeted SunTzu with a nod and when the song stopped, the King beat the Pilot to the microphone.
"Greetings and good evening, Taskforce Sol. Don't mind if your Commander-in-Chief joins in as well, but I wouldn't want to miss tonight's show with our special guest. SunTzu, anything you want to say to properly introduce yourself to our new members?"
"First of all, welcome and thanks for joining me your Majesty. And to introduce myself, I think I have the perfect song."
Some people call me the Space Cowboy, yeah
Some call me the Gangster of Love…
"So this was Mamoru's plan. To make him reminisce about his time here." Ami stated into the round.
"One of us should go there and check on him, maybe we can persuade him to stay this very night." Haruka replied.
Everyone was expecting a discussion to break out who would go as she would be the most fitting but the discussion was shut down before it started.
"I'm going. Making him stay as top priority so it's just right that I go there and support Mamoru." Usagi stated with a firm voice and the Senshi showed their approval.
"Then get going, Odango. Before we miss that chance."
The song ended and Mamoru motioned to SunTzu that he would take the word again.
The King was still smiling about the choice of song.
"You sure still know how to properly introduce yourself. Apart from that, is there something you want to let the Taskforce know? I can imagine a lot of your old comrades are interested to know how long you will join us."
SunTzu's eyes fixed Mamoru and for a moment he just looked at him.
"Well, my ship is unfortunately damaged and before it's repaired by the Taskforce's ground crew, which I have to say is the best crew I've ever seen when it comes to taking care of my starfighter, I'm grounded here. After that… Well, we'll see."
"I think I speak for a great lot of us, if I say we wouldn't mind if you stay. I think you know that."
"I do but I'm still honored by it. Taskforce Sol is a damn fine fighting force. And it's been an honor to serve along you guys. But it's not that easy for me and I have my reasons if I leave again." SunTzu silenced but before too long Mamoru took over again and pulled the laptop back towards him.
"Just wanted to let you know. Anyways, it's time for our next song. And it's one of the All-time favorites of the Taskforce, sung by our very own Minako Aino. Here's Route Venus."
It didn't took long after the song started and the Neo Queen entered the room.
SunTzu got up to bow down but she motioned him to sit down before she settled down on Mamoru's lap.
"The troops really love that song." She finally said with a coy smile.
"Always did. She told me it's also one of her first big hits." SunTzu nodded with a smile and Usagi nodded, it made her feel nostalgic.
"It feels like forever." And then she looked at SunTzu, while her hand wandered into Mamoru's.
"Mamoru was right you know. We all would like you to stay."
"Usagi…"
"No. Please, let me finish. I know things were hard for you when you left but I also know that things have changed."
"It's not only that. I make people become a target when I'm around."
Soft blue eyes looked into his, truth speaking out of them.
"You saw it with your own eyes. We are a target even without you around. On the other side how many other units have a bunch of badass women with magical powers in them? It's a fact that you and us are main targets for the enemy no matter where we go. And while I'm not such a skilled military commander as Mamoru or Artemis I do know it's easier if we stay together and have each other's back."
SunTzu didn't answer but instead looked out the window. They had fallen out of space at Ansion, SunTzu realized.
"Listen, we don't want to push you. But we both know how important your vow to defend the Senshi is to you. And you can't do that from the other side of the Galaxy. SunTzu, you know we Senshi will fight. All of us, we need to. To save this Galaxy. But I would feel better if someone keeps an eye out for us."
Usagi looked up to Mamoru and the young King spoke up.
"Stay with the Taskforce, where you belong and of what you are a part of."
SunTzu's gaze wandered out of the window again.
The song ended and while SunTzu stared out the window he lighted another cigarette while Mamoru started the next song without a break.
Except for the music playing it was quiet most of the duration of the song now and SunTzu smoked his cigarette.
After extinguishing it in the ashtray he took a last glance at Ansion before the ship jumped back into Hyperspace, now heading Coruscant as next stop.
It was time for a decision.
SunTzu closed his eyes and sighed. Suddenly he got up and straightened himself, before his arm moved into a salute while the two Royals got up as well, their clothes, Mamoru's uniform and Usagi's pajamas transforming into their regal gowns.
"Your Majesties, permission to rejoin your War?"
The King saluted back in a brisk way, while a large smile formed across the face of the Neo Queen.
"Permission granted, Captain. Welcome back in Taskforce Sol." Mamoru welcomed SunTzu back to where he always had belonged.
"Yes, welcome back. Finally! And now you guys excuse me but I have to get back to my pajama party. I think there's a whole bunch of girls waiting for my return and some answers." The couple transformed back and Usagi said goodbye to Mamoru with a gentle touch on his face and a gentle grip on SunTzu's shoulder on her way out.
"See you guys tomorrow."
Usagi just had left the room when a chat window on the laptop popped up. It was Artemis, telling them they had a caller on one of the intercom channels for the show.
Both men sat down again and SunTzu took the call over.
"Hello Caller and welcome to the Nightshift."
"Oi, I wondered if you guys still take requests?"
"For one of our best pilots? Always. What can we play for you, Captain?"
"You know there's that new song from a fellow Brit named Ashnikko, it's called Slumberparty and fits perfect for our little gathering here."
"Coming right up.."
"Thanks Mate and give my regards to the King. Tell him this song sets the vibes for this little party we're having."
Three minutes later SunTzu and Mamoru almost lost the moderation after questioningly looking at each other, wondering what really was going down at that pajama party.
"This one was for Captain Tenoh! And now I got one track coming up on my own behalf. I know a lot of you folks out there ask yourself if I'm gonna join the Taskforce again and I will this song answer your questions for me.
I'm coming home
I'm coming home
Tell the world I'm coming home
Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday
I know my kingdom awaits and they're forgiving my mistakes
I'm coming home, I'm coming home
Tell the world that I'm coming
SunTzu lighted another cigarette.
"So much for smoking less." He snorted at Mamoru.
A few decks away a bunch of Magical Women began loudly cheering when they heard the song. Usagi just had arrived back the moment the song started to play and when the first verse came on and they saw Usagi's grin all dams broke. Cheering the loudest of course was Haruka but even Setsuna had to smile, probably wider then she actually wanted to in public.
Mamoru and SunTzu soon were joined by Artemis again, who shook the hand of SunTzu and welcomed him back as well. He even had sent someone to organize a six pack of beer so the men could toast to SunTzu's return.
Together, sometimes switching seats, so Artemis could host the show along his King and his new-old best male pilot, they pulled a real night shift.
One of the highlights for the pajama party, maybe caused by the generous amounts of champagne that had been served, a certain blonde had it stored in cases something had to be celebrated, was definitely when Artemis played the brandnew Dua Lipa Song he just had gotten his hands on from Minako who had it from the other singer herself. Rumors had it the singer would film the Video for Levitating in Crystal Tokyo.
The three man were broadcasting most of the night, and the crew members who were still working, from the bridge down to the engines and the deepest bellies of the ships, enjoyed the show thoroughly as the music made their work somehow more diverting.
It was almost day cycle on the ship again, the equivalent of the early morning hours when the show ended. SunTzu announced the last song of the night.
"That's it Sol. My co-hosts look like they could use some sleep and if anyone wants to know where I'm going now, I'll answer that with a song again. As last song before we're signing off again, here's Deep Blue Something with their one-hit-wonder Breakfast at Tiffany's and that's exactly what I'm gonna have now. This has been the Night Shift, my name is SunTzu and it's been a pleasure to host this show for you great people on board these ships. Sleep sound, Sol!"
SunTzu shut down the broadcast and the three men, at their second six pack, toasted with their beers again.
"We still got it. How did it feel SunTzu?" Artemis asked with a broad grin.
"Damn great. But you know what, I'm out now. I need to get something to eat. Food's better here than on other ships."
"Alright then, me and Artemis will head to the officer's quarters." Mamoru stretched out. "I'm sleeping in one of the unused officer's quarters onboard. And so I can sleep out for once, I'm not telling anyone except Usagi in which room."
SunTzu and the two other men, four beers in, firmly shook hands as goodbye and while Mamoru and Artemis headed to the officer's quarters, SunTzu headed to the nearby dinning hall. Tiffany, the head of the kitchen staff was there and had heard that he was coming over after the show. She was waiting with a fresh made sandwich already. The food was heavenly, and while eating SunTzu couldn't help but grin like a Cheshire Cat. Alone that sandwich was worth coming back and staying.
After his late night, or early morning, snack, and after having to shake some hands by crewers having heard the show and thought it to be great, SunTzu went to a very special place onboard the ship. Hotaru had told him where to find it and to SunTzu's repeated surprise he easily found it actually. On the back of the structure which held the bridge, a few floors underneath the bridge, was an observation deck, similar to the one on the Far Side. Because of the way the room was cut into the inclining structure of the bridge tower the door to the room had a small tunnel like exit. The room itself was larger than it's equivalent on the Far Side but just like the observation deck on the old flagship, this one had a few benches to sit down and lush, beautiful green vegetation around, making it kind of an indoor garden. To SunTzu's delight it was empty when he entered. He sat down at one of the benches in front of the large observation window and for a moment just gazed at the vision of Hyperspace. Had it always looked that beautiful?
He lighted another cigarette, the last one for tonight and took a draw, while he let the day and his decision settle down. He was back with the Taskforce so. And in this very moment it definitely felt like the right thing to do. Like why did he ever had to think about it at all? It had been the right decision, right? Yes, yes it had been, right now he was sure about it.
Remembering something he pulled out his phone. Of course a lot of messages but he was looking for something else. SunTzu grinned, just as on the Far Side the observation deck had speakers to play music.
He connected his phone and began to play music. The music was not playing loud but it gave a nice background.
He had almost finished the cigarette when the door glided open behind him and he heard steps coming towards him when a single person entered the room and came closer.
"When was the last time I told you that smoking is harmful?"
SunTzu's lips curled up into a wry grin but he didn't turn around. It seemed that she had hidden her aura to approach him.
"I swear I wanted to smoke less but today makes for an exceptional case." And then he turned around.
Setsuna stopped next to him and folded her arms. She was in her Sailor Fuku. Of course, she wouldn't run around here in a sleep dress or night gown, she had way too much class for that. At least she didn't have the Garnet Rod in her hands.
"We heard that you made a choice. Welcome back."
Was that a hint of a smile on her lips?
"Thank you." SunTzu said with a sincere smile as he got up and extinguished the cigarette in the ashtray next to him.
"Are you not tired?" She asked, right arm now hanging down to her core and the left hand closed around the right elbow.
"Aren't you? How was the party?"
"Well, we still didn't sleep yet. The girls had a reason to celebrate." She told him with another hint of an smile and sat down next to him on the bench.
SunTzu's face showed a half grin for a second. "I'm glad they are celebrating and not doing the opposite. What about you? Why you're wandering through the ship alone?"
"I was searching for you. I thought it just would be fair if I'd tell you that it's good that you're back. It's good for Hotaru. And I think for yourself as well. You know as the one in charge of your mental well-being"
SunTzu nodded and turned his gaze back to the window. He couldn't look at Sailor Pluto right now or he would blush. Just the simple fact that she wasn't mad at all because he was back made his heart beat faster and he feared that his face was turning into crimson shades already.
Setsuna did the same and for something between a minute and eternity, the two of them just sat there in silence and watched the view of Hyperspace travel.
Until the next song began to play. SunTzu smiled into himself. Whoever was running the show, may it be the Force, one god, multiple deities, Karma or all of them together, showed their sense of perfect timing again. With the smile still on his lips he got up and turned to Sailor Pluto, extending an arm to her. He had made one hard decision tonight already and it felt like it was the right one. Why not use this momentum of feeling good.
"Dance with me Setsuna." He asked the emerald-haired Guardian of Space and Time, clearly taking her by surprise.
"Wha… why?" She asked, looking up in his face.
"Because I want to celebrate my newfound place in this Galaxy with a dance."
"I… I don't know."
"Would you prefer if I get trashed or smoke a celebratory cigar instead?"
Setsuna closed her eyes and let out an very audible sigh but then laid her hand in his and let SunTzu help her to get up. The pilot pulled her close with her willingly letting it happen and the two began to slowly dance to the song that SunTzu found more than fitting right now. And so, while the Righteous Brothers sang their Unchained Melody, the two of them danced closely embraced, arms around each other, Setsuna's head nestled on SunTzu's chest. Neither one of them saw that the other's eyes were closed as both of them just enjoyed the closeness of the other. No words, just embracing the other.
Unknown to the two of them, ten pair of eyes, hidden in the dark of the tunnel-like structure of the observation deck's entrance, observed them dancing.
"Who would have thought that the Ancient One and the Kraut were into each other?" Haruka asked, her voice on the low so they wouldn't be heard.
Usagi, wrapped in the arms of Mamoru behind her, had a joyful expression on her face. "They're so cute together."
"How is it for you, Rei? Jealous?" Makoto teased the raven-haired standing in front of her, with Minako between them.
"They seem to enjoy the moment. And they do fit very well together." Her head slumped down. "Okay. Can we go now? No need to spy on them any further." Rei turned around to Minako. "I need ice-cream, Mina-P, now. Bring me somewhere where I can have a bucket of dark chocolate."
Minako began to smile empathically and laid her arm around her Rei's shoulder.
Unbeknownst to Rei, while the group had been watching Setsuna and SunTzu, Michiru had been observing Rei.
And she noticed that everyone except Rei had been surprised to find SunTzu and Setsuna dancing close together. Rei had already known about it as well, it seemed. And apart from Michiru herself, Rei probably was the only one that understood that it wouldn't be that easy for Setsuna to get together with SunTzu. Not at all, not after all the Senshi of Time had been through.
The group left and the last Senshi to go, behind the older ones, who were now joking with each other, where Hotaru and Chibiusa. They took a last look at Hotaru's mother and her trainer dancing and fist-bumped before they turned around and left as well.
The song was coming to an end and SunTzu raised his head as did Setsuna, both looking deep into the other's eyes, their faces just a few mere centimeters apart.
"I… I'm sorry. I can't! This was a mistake! Sorry!" Setsuna suddenly uttered and ended the embrace, more running than walking away, leaving the room and a dumbfounded SunTzu behind.