Solar Revolution

Monday, March 16

The servant clasped the most regal cloak over Fauna's shoulders. Fauna rewarded the servant by loosening the choker leash around his neck a notch. The servant scurried off to Fauna's servants' quarters. With a swivel of her heels, Fauna strolled into her Judgment Hall. She invoked a locking spell as soon as she stepped in, to prevent unwanted guests and their disturbances. Derek stood up and bowed his head in her direction. His manners were part of his appeal. He waited for Fauna to sit down, and then only took his seat once she indicated for him to do so. Fauna crossed her legs and leaned forward. "Derek, I appreciate you agreeing to meet me for this interview." The psychological advantage of sitting in a taller chair had no apparent affect on Derek. He coolly responded, "I am glad to be of your assistance. After all, this is only a small payment in my debt of gratitude. Heaven knows what would have happened had the Evolite ship not rescued me from that monster."

Fauna was amused at his inability to be intimidated so easily. "Well then, let's drop formalities. And get on with business. You used a term I'm unfamiliar with. Heaven. What does that mean?" Derek's eyes went to the ceiling as he gathered his thoughts. "This is a difficult one to describe. As simply as I can put it, many people believe that when one dies, your soul either goes to heaven or hell. Heaven is a paradise for all the good people, and hell is a place where one who performed evil spends eternity suffering." Fauna twisted her hands and fingers in such a way that a pad of paper and pen fell into her lap. She scribbled notes while asking, "So you were using the term as a curse?" "Not quite. More of saying that since heaven sees all that happens on earth, if heavens knows it, it means that that fact is even more true." "Ah." "But listen to me, I'm not a great person to talk to about all this theological stuff. I don't really follow any specific religion. Agnostic is more accurate." And for several minutes Fauna learned much about the general beliefs of earthlings.

Fauna glossed over a question that had been killing her. "What are the Sailor senshi?" A flicker of distrust passed his features too quickly for Fauna to notice. "They are the defenders of the innocent. I know there is definitely Sailor Moon and Sailor V. But I believe there is a Sailor for each planet. How do you know of them?" "We just happened to see them in action one day and were curious." She then asked him to, "Tell me about your family." Derek took a short deep breath and closed his eyes long enough for Fauna to notice. "I live with an adoptive family. I have an adoptive mother and father." Fauna became more intent, seeing how awkward he was with this topic. She enjoyed the subtle ways he squirmed in his seat, the small twitches of his brow. "Tell me more about your adoptive family, as well as what you know of your birth parents."

"Charlie and Margaret Johnson became foster parents five years ago. I was sent back to the orphanage after my seventh family. None of the families were interested in a permanent arrangement. At age ten I was their first foster kid. The two of them loved me the moment they saw me, and I had an instant liking for them. After a couple of months, they talked to me about wanting me to become a permanent part of their family. Ecstatic is the only way to describe my reaction. A home at last, after so many years. While they have had other foster kids come and go, I'm the only one they've adopted." Fauna wrote down a little note as she absently prompted, "And your birth parents?"

"When I was four, I was sent to a daytime summer camp. My parents and older brother went on a car trip. They were taking the highway when a big oil rig lost control and hit them head on. That was how they died. That day my camp counselor told me what happened by saying 'your family had to go away for a long time.' A few years later I found a newspaper article on it. The truck driver, and my parent's bodies were found, the impact making them unconscious, the smoke finishing the job. My brother's body was missing. I spent most of my life living surrounded by strangers." Fauna licked her lips, the emotional turmoil of the earthling giving her renewed strength. She wanted to probe more, throwing salt onto the recently reopened wounds. But she didn't have him hooked to obedience yet. He still had a strong spirit, something that would be fun to bring to shreds. But she had to practice patience. Too much pain and he could go into a hysterical rage or be alienated. And then he would be entirely useless.

Fauna brought the edgy emotions down by giving him some information on the Evolite society, information he could relate to. "This is absolutely fascinating. In a sense, I've adopted a horde of orphans. No one on the ship knows what a family is, that they ever had parents. One day I was cruising and stopped on a planet just for kicks. The planet Bona Dea was its name. I walked on its ground and soon found sentient beings. There weren't a great deal of them, for they were the last of their race. Oddly, everyone had amnesia of all but the most basic of instincts. They couldn't take care of themselves with the planet in ruins. I gave them refuge, a home. Despite the fact that they call me a tyrant behind my back, all of my Evolites are grateful. We travel the universe, stopping off at various planets to restock supplies and learn." And steal Bright Futures. No need for him to realize I invoked the amnesia over all of them. "So you see Derek, our worlds aren't that different. I've asked one of my Generals to give you a tour of the ship. I'd appreciate it if you would avoid topics that might confuse my Evolites or make them feel uncomfortable, such as about religion, Bona Dea, or family." Once Derek assented she took leave of herself. "I have found this to be quite useful. Now if you'll excuse me, I have issues to deal with. A servant will let in your tour guide in a moment."

And Fauna walked out and went to work in her laboratory. She had taken care to make sure that only public servants would be visible to Derek. No use in creating awkward questions over servants in chains and loin cloths. Or all the bruises and scratches and badly tamed hair. He wouldn't understand that they were often used as models in her lab experiments. Derek was ignorant to the fact that Fauna was a scientist of a sort, or the deeper extent of her sorcerous abilities. But she was considering letting him in on the knowledge, especially after he accepted everything he was told with zero fuss. Such a gullible creature. But he might be worthy to be a part of my next project. First I'd need to find an animal he is close to in personality and physical traits. And then...

Celeste shifted her weight, and laid her head in the cradle of her arm. She gave a soft moan, the equivalent of a cat's purr, as she indulged in a luxurious stretch. She arched her back and rolled her shoulders back. She laid flat on her back and opened her eyes, expecting to see the ceiling in her room. What she found was far from it. After going to the carnival last night (Sunday) when Celeste refused to talk about senshi business at the moment, Mina suggested a last minute sleep over. And since Mina's house lacked the space, she volunteered Raye's temple. So now in the morning, Celeste had woken up amidst empty sleeping bags while everyone was getting ready for school. Raye's digital clock alerted Celeste that it was 7:10. And every senshi was waiting around for Celeste to wake up.

The wait was over. The soft noises stopped for a mere moment when this realization hit. And then medley of thoughts pounded in Celeste's head. And the physical noise of all the questions the senshi were launching. Overwhelmed was terming Celeste's condition mildly. It felt like she punctured something when everyone gasped in pain and surprise. #Shield yourself! Try to cut off the flow!# a voice ordered clearly through the confusion, and a flutter of wings entered the room. Celeste struggled to bring the flow to a halt, not quite knowing how. And then it stopped. While the group of girls were all trying to regain a normal breathing pattern, Celeste and Phoebe were struggling for any breath.

Once everyone was relatively in normal shape again, Raye demanded, "What just happened!" Expectant eyes all gazed at Celeste. "I'm not sure. One moment everything was normal, then it felt like my head was a highway. So many things going on, zipping by too fast for me to stop them. And these were all thoughts, your guys' as well as mine. Best analogy is that traffic was building up." Serena softly asked, "But how does that explain what happened to the rest of us? How is it possible for her to be reading our thoughts?" A pause was taken to think this through. Finally Amy interjected, "I'm not sure she was reading our thoughts. It sounds more like our thoughts deviated into her head, and then she forced tried to force them back on track. But the whole time our thoughts were still in our heads." "I believe it is time for us to discuss this whole Solar Sailor business," declared Luna.

#I absolutely agree. I'll let Celeste explain her side of the story first.# Phoebe announced in the group of girls' heads. They settled themselves in a circle. Raye sat on her bed, Mina and Lita taking pillows to the floor directly in front of it. Amy sat on the other end of the bed, Luna and Artemis resting in her lap. Serena claimed a bean bag chair, Hotaru and Rini sharing the other. Trista leaned on the doorway, Diana alert on her shoulder. Amara lounged in the desk chair, Michelle immediately taking a seat on her lap. And Celeste folded her legs and sat in the middle with the white dove.

"How long have you known about the Sailor senshi?" Amara demanded. "Predictable to start at the beginning, isn't it? I knew for about three years. Mina, remember that time we were hiking mountains in Europe. Always seemed odd, the resemblance between Sailor V and Mina. I had suspected it for a while. Anyway, I drifted a little closer to the edge than advisable during our hike. Rocks crumbled under my feet and I fell. There was some cliff side plants, hardy little things. Guess I instinctively grabbed one. I knew that either my grip would give out, or the plant would. And I fell too far for Mina to get me by herself. To be honest, we had lagged behind, and I sent her off to get help, hoping to save her from having to witness my demise. Interesting that of all the places to appear, Sailor V came. I won't go into the details, but she managed to save me. It was ridiculously cold, and a Sailor fuku was not weather appropriate. So I gave her my jacket, in gratitude. Now, any connection between Sailor V and Mina was still unconfirmed. However, a few days later, we were hangin' at Mina's. She happened to go to brush her teeth, and I was placing my bag in her closet. I then knew there was no coincident. For there was the jacket I gave Sailor V."

Serena chided, "Mina, in the future, please remember to keep gifts of gratitude out of plain sight." But Mina wasn't paying attention. "Why on earth did you keep this to yourself for so damn long?" Celeste shrugged, "You had your reasons for not telling me. Figured I'd let you save face by keeping up the delusion." The same thought ran through the veteran senshi's heads:Did I ever inadvertently give away my identity like this? "Keep the thought volume down, please!" complained Celeste. Hotaru finally spoke up, "It's time for us to leave. We can't afford to miss school-" "-So we'll meet here after school. I'll even bring Darien," finished Rini. Trista cut off the fuming of Serena, "That would be wise. We still have much to learn about Celeste. And her abilities. I'll drop her off at her house." And so plans were made.

Tara (2^nd General of the Swarm; a.k.a. Tarantula) embedded the last jewel to hold up Vickie's (5^th General of the Den; a.k.a. Vixen) ridiculously complex "shirt". Tara thought it was little more than a fancy yellow-orange brassiere with only jewels and thin pieces of hair to hold it up. Perversely, Tara was proud of this particular creation. What Vickie had drawn on paper was a fascinating challenge. Overlapping rhombuses that went lower and lower as they reached the crevice of the bosom. The bottom points being rounded, and just tucking under the point where the rib cage starts again. And tiny rhinestone sized smoky topaz jewels that were at the top points of the rhombuses (for at the bottom they are sewn together), the jewels magically embedding themselves in the wearer's skin. The jewels connected only by crimson stands of Vickie's own hair, creating a subtle circle going around her chest, another set of jewels in a circle around her neck. Then for each jewel on the upper circle, they would each have two strands of hair reaching out to meet two jewels on the lower circle. Around the back of her outfit, the band of rhombuses was of a uniform length, jewels at the top, bottom, and overlapping side corners of each one.

The difficulty with this outfit is the ability to have it stay secure no matter what (while giving support to Vickie's generous breasts), be durable enough to handle rough handling, and the ability to be able to be removed with ease without ruining the outfit. And knowing Vickie's favorite physical excursions, all these traits would be of utmost importance. But Tara enjoyed coming up with the solution. She had four jewels on the neck shaped a little differently, storing a spell that would allow the top to tumble off slowly, jewel by jewel, in a very seductive manner. All one had to do was press fingers against all four specific jewels at once, and the top-piece would remain in perfect condition.

The rest of the outfit was standard for Vickie. There was a translucent yellow open shirt that gave the false impression of Vickie's outfit being more conservative. And the low, low cut baggy green cotton pants looked like they would slip off at any moment, but were tight in just the right places to show off Vickie's impressive buttocks and legs. The unnecessary drawstring had Vickie's trademark on it, two balls of a furry material that resembled the tip of a fox's tail. "Vickie, are you planning on going bare-footed?" Tara chided.

Vickie started, having been giving little thought to one of the few she never flirted with nor threatened. Tara held much power, having an ingenious web of informants that everyone knew existed, but not what it actually consisted of. Vickie didn't find herself attracted to women, though men didn't strike die hard passion either. But it was amusing to seduce both, the courting and teasing, and the actual action. And it always left them having an interesting tie with her, though it never seemed to go in the reverse direction. Vickie once tried to create that tie with Tara to get access to all that information, but Tara just didn't acknowledge the overtures. She didn't try deviating Vickie's attentions, nor lecture the inappropriateness of it. Vickie's actions were simply ignored. While Vickie had hitted on perfectly straight female Evolites, they always seemed to succumb to her once caresses were exchanged. Tara treated the fact that she was currently in constant contact with Vickie's supple breasts as if they were part of a dress up doll. "Nah. I was planning on wearing platforms, and later on coming up with an excuse to have them removed."

Tara gave a knowing look. "Want me to redo your hair? I have a feeling it will take every trick you got to catch this victim." Tara stepped back, giving Vickie a chance to view herself in the mirror. The outfit had the perfect effect, showing off her tight stomach and athletic arms. Bringing attention to the individual curves of her voluptuous figure. But her waist length of thick, wavy red hair was in tangles. "Only if you are going to throw it in the package. Your extortionist prices are going to force me to be a prostitute." Tara smartly retorted, "And you'd enjoy every moment of it. And brushing this waterfall of tangles is on the house. You are one of my best customers, because you want next to impossible outfits and find some way to ruin them." Vickie protested, "The spider thread dress was not my fault. I didn't anticipate Colonel Draco of the Scale coming on to me in such a primal fashion. And you know how he is when he is in heat-" "As you told me a dozen times." Tara made quick work of Vickie's silky hair. She then bound it about 3 inches from the bottom in a scrunchy, white hair emerging from the bottom in resemblance of the tip of a fox's tail.

"Now, stand on the center of the stone web." Tara ordered. While Vickie obeyed, Tara connected Vickie's remote to a plug that went to a complicated machine. Tara deftly pressed buttons, bars of light sending up and down the raised stone web. The center of the web retained light, growing outward as the bar still bounced along the strands. When the light spread to a marked line, Tara pressed one more button, the light holding every bit of information as to every physical detail on Vickie's body. The light was compressed onto the tiny chip inside the remote, making it possible for Vickie to put on this outfit at any time, or store it within the remote. "Thank you, now tell me, how do I look?" "I'd be lying if I told you you look like something sent from heaven." Vickie took that as a compliment. Saintly hood and innocence were not her objective, though her gorgeously chiseled face could manage that impression. No, she wanted to look desirable, sexy, and obtainable without flaunting herself too much. "Now then, I'm off to conquer the earthling."

Annie was walking quietly when she tripped on someone's foot. She submissively murmured an apology when a voice replied, "It was not fault on your part, madam." The tacked on title of respect made Annie shoot her eyes upward and face the face of the earthling, Derek. He had green-gray eyes that made him seem so earthy, so real. The just-a-tad-too-long hair was dark, despite having auburn undertones, and truly enhanced his flowing facial features. Doesn't he realize I'm of no importance, especially after my fictitious escapade? She was unsure how to react, unable to determine his proper ranking. "I'm Derek, a native of the planet earth. And you are..." In a soft voice, "Everyone is aware of who you are. I'm Annie, 6^th Captain of the Swarm, also known as Ant." He seemed so friendly, that she tempted an impertinent query. "Why are you here in the dormitory hall?" He looked sheepish, "I failed to recall I had school today and need to get back on Earth. And I can't find Fauna anywhere." Annie took a sisterly liking to him, the way she did with Warvus (7^th Captain of the Swarm; a.k.a. Beetle). She pushed aside the reminder how that liking resulted in an ongoing fiasco. "And that is the way it is meant to be. If Fauna wants to see you, she'll find you. Otherwise, don't bother. But I can show you out."

Derek was relieved when he heard the offer. The ship disoriented his sense of direction, and what little he knew of the ship's layout was skewed further by signs claiming certain hallways were malfunctioning. However that was possible. "That would earn my gratitude." He was curious, though he knew it probably wasn't within propriety to ask the one thing nibbling at his mind. But he felt like he could trust Annie, the first time he felt trusting since meeting the Evolites. As she led him through the labyrinth of hallways, the desire for an answer grew. Finally he asked, "You said you are a 6^th Captain." "The 6^th Captain of the Swarm," she corrected. "What exactly does that mean?" She halted. How could someone not know what her title meant? She figured he knew squat about the ranking system, and had to refrain from using the voice she used to talk to children. "Fauna is our leader. She may do some strange and cruel stuff, but she takes care of us. We are divided up into ten Clans, all but one with a single Colonel. The Clan of the Den has two of Fauna's elite Colonels, Fenrir and Cerberus. Everyone within a Clan is given a rank. There are two lower rank categories. General is higher than Captain. The highest of the Generals within a Clan is the 1^st, followed by the 2^nd, 3^rd and so on."

Derek understood it by making an analogy, "The way a First Mate is second in command to the Captain of a ship, and the Second Mate is third in command." Annie sighed, relieved he was grasping these relatively easy concepts. She continued the walk along with her description. "Precisely. However, currently the 4^th General and 1^st Captain are equal in rank, although there are rumors the position might be pushed to equal with 3^rd General. However, we also have an even lower position, but it is not within a Clan, only associated with it. The Petty Minions." "I see. But why are you only a 6^th Captain, when you seem so capable a person." She stifled the reply she had on the tip of her tongue, remembering that accepting the compliment could be considered insubordination. And Fauna had cameras everywhere. "It is how my superiors have deemed my skills and behavior." Derek glided over the sensitive subject with another query, "But I bet you'll one day make Colonel of the Swarm."

Annie became aghast at that ridiculous comment. "I could never replace M But... er the Colonel Monarch Butterfly. I am entirely unworthy." She then softly added, "Besides, the highest I can aspire to is 1^st Captain. Impossible to bump up a rank category, though you can be bumped down." "Why? Why are you only able to be a Captain, when you show so much potential? And why is a ship full of such wondrous magic and technology militaristic?" They had reached the Crew cabin door as she looked straight in his eye. She was scared that she might reveal too much. "I fear I can't tell you why we are militaristic, and I'm not sure how the placing of rank works exactly. You are born into it, I guess." "But..." he stopped his response, remembering his promise not to make the Evolites uncomfortable. "Let's drop this. Now, which room is this."

Glad to be back on a safer subject, Annie was more earnest with her answers, "This is the Crew cabin. The Crew actually handles all the technicalities on the ship. Since you lack magical abilities, especially the ones required to teleport from here in space to earth, you are going to need to come here for arrivals and departures. We all have to, actually, because we are directed from long distances into this room." "I see. Mind telling me where are we in space?" "Charon, the moon of planet Pluto. We can't get much closer to the earth, why I don't understand the little technicalities. But Fauna won't allow the ship any closer." Annie brushed her hand against the door, causing it to slide open. Derek insisted on letting her enter first, and Annie did so.

The Crew members on duty quickly stood up and saluted them. With as much haste, they sat down to work once more, except for one. "How may I help you?" He asked in a pleasant voice. "This is our earthling guest, whom is in need of transportation back to earth." The crew member quickly pulled up some files on the computer. "He is supposed to be given a tour at the moment." Annie let a little superiority enter her voice, "Not everything follows plans down to the letter. Circumstances have changed and he has need to return home. He has lessons to attend."

The crew member quickly typed a message and sent it directly to Fauna, and a moment later her apparition appeared, "Derek, I am sorry you didn't get your tour. There should be no problem sending you home. However, I require you to put on this armband." The apparition handed Derek a very real armband, one that looked identical to the one Monarch Butterfly put on the other day. The metal spikes clasped into his arm, and while he was in obvious pain, he kept silent. "I realize it hurts, but it allows you to travel here and back. Just press down on the bump. And you are welcome here anytime. For now, Annie may accompany you back to earth. Your tour is on rain check until you visit again."

Vickie was fuming once she found out Derek had made an early departure. Even more upset when it was revealed that Annie had been the one to escort him. Damn slut! Coming from Vickie, that was thrice the insult. She needed to do something to vent her anger, something where it took physical energy, something that would consume her attention, where she could be violent to another being. And this type of activity was her specialty. Besides, Derek had actually managed to arouse something out of her, and sexual tension had built up ever since. And there was one man who would be pleased to release the tension. The most direct hallway to Draco's quarters was malfunctioning, so she had to detour, where she happened to spot the lover of scum. Warvus. Vickie quickly figured a way for Warvus to be useful. She never thought much of Warvus, him having such a significantly lower rank. And he wasn't exceptionally young nor handsome nor great at conversation. He had no apparent sense of humor. But she knew one way to sound sincerely interested in what he says. His music. Flattery oft was the way to a man's heart. And bed. And Vickie learned much over her years of experience in the ways of praise. And she could subtly drive a rift between Annie and Warvus, taking revenge on the cur for taking away Derek.

The one thing that annoyed Vickie about the ship, which had enough rooms to easily create a half dozen palaces, was that the hallways were so small. One person could comfortably walk through the corridors in the dormitories. Two could walk, but as they passed each other it caused a cozy lack of space. Three would have to wait their turns. But for once the small hallway could work to Vickie's advantage. She leaned against the wall, slouching a touch with arms crossed right below her bosom. "Warvus, that was a marvelous concert Saturday night!" Vickie gushed, pitching her tone and body language to imitate sincerity perfectly. Vickie subtly shifted the conversation to Annie. Much was learned of her strengths and weaknesses. And Vickie plucked the valuable information from Warvus the way one would pluck the wings off a beetle. Or the legs off an ant. She'll learn not to get in the way of a vixen and her prey.

Students were struggling to pay attention to Mr. Dullan's boring history lecture. Knowing all the details in Napoleon's life prior to becoming emperor was not high on Mina's list of things to do. Why would this tedious biographical information be useful? Sure Amy says we learn from the past, but I don't think knowing that Napoleon crowned himself will do me any good. Though, that is something Celeste would do. Forgoing all formalities to prove her strength. Napoleon did that cause he had an inferiority complex, being so small. Probably did it cause he was small elsewhere as well. Mina turned her head toward the window, hiding her grin with her hair.

She absently braided her hair as she started contemplating the whole new set of problems Celeste presented. Being the Solar Sailor must have given her psychic powers. Though it seems it is solely mind-reading, cause she doesn't seem to see the future or have intuition the way Raye and Michelle and Trista do. But they can't read minds. However, this doesn't seem to be her main power. She seems to have a hybrid healing ability, a cross between Hotaru and Serena. Otherwise saving Lexie would have been impossible. And there must be a reason as to why she was able to give us a new transformation. She'll tell us all she knows later. Still, it is cool that she is the Solar Sailor rather than Sailor Sun. And that whole Petal Dome thing is fairly impressive. But man, she knew I was a senshi for all these years and only now decides to help us out.

"Miss Aino! Miss Aino!" Mr. Dullan brought Mina back to reality. A whisper from a classmate told her he wanted her to point out where the island Napoleon got banished to was located. "Uh, sure Mr. Dullan. Now let me see if I can find my reading glasses." Fortunately, Mr. Dullan wasn't observant enough to realize Mina didn't wear glasses. But her attempts in stalling until class was over was futile. There was still twenty minutes to go, and he wouldn't let her go to the bathroom until after she pointed her answer out on the map. She got up slowly, dragging her feet as she went. "Sometime before there is World War III, Miss Aino," Mr. Dullan prompted. Mina randomly thought how much Mr. Dullan sounds like Ben Stein; constantly in monotone. Mina didn't even know what the name of the island was, let alone that Napoleon was ever banished. She was at the front of the room and had turned to face the class. A last attempt was made to stall, Mina searching for the pointer.

As unlikely as this sounds, Mina was saved. She had managed to waste seven minutes. A student came into the room, trying fruitlessly to enter unnoticed. He captured the now attentive eyes of the class, taking the focus off Mina. It was fourth period, so it tended to be unusual for students to come two minutes late, let alone with only thirteen minutes to go. "Mr. Johnson, you're a little late. Do you have a note?" DJ shook his head. "I apologize sir, but my reasons will appear rather flimsy once explained." Mr. Dullan cocked his head, his mundane face appearing to fight between smirking and frowning. "Pray tell me this flimsy excuse." DJ said with utmost grimness, "I had an errand to run before school and my ride lost track of time." A ripple of giggles came from the class, and Mr. Dullan was struggling to hide his own grin as he tried to silence the class. DJ was one of those charismatic guys who could get away with murder. While most girls threw themselves at him, he never dated. By the time he sat down, Mina had snuck back to her seat in front of DJ. Mina shot a glare around at the few who looked interested in reminding Mr. Dullan where the lesson had left off. Mr. Dullan was going off on reviewing last night's reading.

Mina whirled around behind her and whispered with a flirtatious batting of her eyelashes. "DJ, where were you, seriously?" He grinned mischievously and responded, "Would you believe me if I said I was off visiting aliens?" She put her face right close to his ear and whispered, "I know better than to have faith in your words." He made a falsely aghast and pained face. With hands placed over his heart he claimed, "Dear lady has doth me much harm. Denouncing both my valor and my worthiness of faith." Mina laughed out loud at the woeful expression. "Miss Aino, mind sharing with the class what is so amusing."

The bell rang and Mina scurried out before being held behind. It was lunch time, and Lita was supposed to have brought lunch to feed the group today. Mina was rushing to her spot when DJ ended up matching her stride. "Sorry for bringing you potential grief." Mina gazed hard at him, "I'll forgive you after you answer this question. Do you ever drop the Shakespeare-wannabe talk?" Derek was taken entirely by surprised. "My mannerisms are not Shakespeare-wannabe. They are Arthurian-wannabe. And I talk this way only in your presence." Mina wryly retorted, "Thanks for the clarification." He added in a playful voice, "It seems as if you are in short supply of it." And DJ managed to sidestep the punch aimed at his shoulder and strolled off.

She grinned to herself, ignoring all the envious glares the girls at their lockers gave her. Mina had fun having these little mini arguments with DJ. Most people took them as flirting, that both were madly in love with each other. While Mina thought he was gorgeous and always looked forward to their conversations, she couldn't imagine herself dating him. Mina knew he was straight, DJ just wasn't interested in a relationship. Mina knew why. She was one of his closest friends, and he still couldn't bring himself to entirely trust her. Whenever Mina delved too deeply, he distanced himself. So she tried to give him a certain amount of space. He was hurt somehow, and he wasn't ready to heal. He needs someone to trust, to tell him everything is going to be all right. And I am not that person. "Mina, you better get your share of lunch before Serena eats it all!" Lita called out, interrupting Mina's line of thoughts. "Serena, I will not be happy if I'm without a lunch!"

Diana padded silently downstairs. She felt useless. Her task in keeping on eye on Celeste was pointless. At the moment, Celeste was in a restless sleep, her mind overly sensitive to another's presence. It was hurting Celeste to have people near her, her mind being a magnet for thoughts. Only one who could ease the torment was Phoebe, who put Celeste out of her misery by an enforced nap. Celeste's mind was supposed to heal during her rest, but only as long as there wasn't anyone near her.

Mom and Dad are just using this as an excuse to keep me from hearing their conversation with Phoebe. Diana's parents were in Celeste's kitchen, having a private discussion with Phoebe. Diana put her ear against the door, wanting to overhear. Artemis was demanding answers. "How long have you known about Celeste being a Sailor senshi?" He sounded irritated, not that Diana blamed him. Diana knew in her gut that they only have glimpsed at the Solar Sailor's abilities. And these abilities could have been useful in earlier battles. Battles that were barely won. #I knew who Celeste was since she was 1 day old. Her life-force called me, and I had been searching for centuries. But I didn't formally meet her until 3 years ago. At that point, her telepathic abilities were awakening. That was when I revealed my presence to her, though she learned of my other abilities only yesterday like the rest of you. I did my best to block off her ability until she is able to be given training.# Diana was surprised that Phoebe spoke in her head as well, cause Phoebe chose whom she spoke to. Then solely in Diana's head, the astral phoenix in dove form said #Listen well little one. Knowledge is an amazing power. Pay close attention and this knowledge might help you one day. The silent observer often has the best viewpoint.#

Diana was startled, but took heed of the wise words. Artemis expressed his bewilderment, "Can't you train her?" Luna went on, "Yes, I don't see why you didn't train her psychic ability. You obviously have it." Phoebe's voice took on amusement with a touch of patronization. #That is where you are wrong. I'm an astral phoenix. We are closely tied with those born under stars. In the Silver Millennium, telepathic abilities ran in her father's family. I was her partner. It isn't quite the same as your mentor relationship with the Inner senshi, but I was there to guide her as an equal. My species has a certain ability. We don't possess our own telepathic capability, or to be more precise, we don't possess a reservoir of the type of energy needed. Astral phoenixes borrow from other's telepathic capability, using naturally radiated energy to use telepathy. Since I don't have the actual energy myself, I can't teach her to wield it.#

"But that is like all the fiends we've been trying to defeat, using innocents' energy!" Artemis exclaimed. Phoebe's voice gained a touch of exasperation. #I use energy that they aren't using. Like taking heat from a fire. The fire is exerting it and is unable to use it itself. The exception is when I'm with people with actual telepathy, and then occasionally I delve into their reservoir. I've been using Celeste's telepathic energy to create a barrier between her mind and others'. But with her awakening the power of the Solar Sailor, her abilities have started to fully develop at an accelerated rate. I can't teach her lessons until she is shielded, and my shields have been worn thin.#

"Why don't you just create a new shield?" Artemis queried. "After all, we don't know how much longer you can keep her in sleep. Since she isn't conscious, she isn't likely to inadvertently resist," Luna added. #That would be logical, except a shield has to, best analogy, fit to her mind's shape and size. Too small in any spot, and her powers will push against it until it breaks. Too big, well, imagine filling a plastic bottle with water. If there isn't enough water to fill the bottle, the bottle is able to cave in easily where there isn't water pressure. And a little movement jostles the contents, cause it has the space to move. And in reality, those contents are her psychic abilities. A new shield will be placed, but her mind must grow at a slower rate. At that point the shield will be made to fit her mind, and if her powers grow slowly enough, the shield will also expand with her mind. So all we can do now is ease her pain, wait, and pray her telepathic growth will cease soon. Or else...# "She'll either strip others' of their minds, or hers will collapse under the pressure of stray thoughts," Luna finished, her grimness filling the room with a thick presence. Leaving Diana to realize that an external enemy isn't always the only fight to face. And Diana's simple faith in simple solutions was shaken. Celeste, you have a great gift. We are all hoping it will prove to be a blessing rather than curse. And I personally will pray for your quick recovery.

Start playing song: “Another Night” performed by REAL MCCOY.

Celeste once more visited the dream realm of Queen Serenity. This time there was no fight, as if this time there was no need for a battle between light and dark. "Celeste, you have pain in your head." While this could have been interpreted as a question, Serenity made it an understatement. Celeste made a small gesture to signify the affirmative. "Do you remember the rituals? The spells from the Scriptures?" Celeste felt like she should know what was the topic of Serenity's queries, but the knowledge alluded her. A shake of her head was her response, Celeste not quite trusting that if she opened her mouth that she might scream with pain. "I wish I could bring them to you to refresh your memory, but sweet-heart, you are the only one who knows their whereabouts. The Scriptures have a spell that could help you. But I'm sure it will come back to you, for you have 200 languages and dialects in your repitoir. I never did envy those who undertook the advance Scribe training." Celeste wanted the yell out that she knew nowhere near 200 languages, that she knew nothing of Scriptures nor Scribes. That she knew nothing of spells.

Celeste shut her eyes from aggravation, and she opened her mouth to speak. But the scenery had changed. She was no longer standing on the ruins of the once great Moon Kingdom. Instead she was standing inside of a majestic castle; no a palace. There was a sense of light to spare, while there seemed to be no direct source. The walls were of glass in opaque-dark shades of a rainbow of colors and the floor was of white marble. Tapestries showed both images of the moon with mythological creatures, and stars and the sun with grand astral phoenixes. She walked down a hallway, her recently developed high heels making a soft click-click-clickclick. Celeste took a moment at a mirror with golden encasing, seeing herself in a regal gown. A simple gold coronet rested on her head, her gown seeming to be made in the same pattern as Princess Serena's did. Except the gown was hues of orange-red-black. And there were spaghetti straps on her shoulders, where soft, thin veils of black cherry flowed into sleeves. The gown hugged her body, but didn't seem restrictive in the least. Lastly, she noticed a symbol on her forehead, seeming to be an overlapping star and full moon that formed a golden sun.

Celeste continued on until she reached what appeared to be a throne room. Here there were portraits of many people. They focused primarily on a couple. One was an enchanting woman with white hair and natural black highlights put in partial coils on each side of her head. She wore entirely yellow, from golden embroidered suns and moons, to the pastel yellow of her skirt and sleeveless top. One portrait in particular had the woman being held in the arms of a man in a loving manner. The man was also in most of these portraits. A smile seemed to hang on his face, the light in his eyes the painter couldn't have possibly created from thin air. He had black hair with little specks of white dyed in, giving the impression of a field of stars. Both the man and woman had entrancing blue eyes. Celeste looked at the platinum plaque underneath this specific portrait. 'Queen Clarity and King Sunblaze, the First rulers of the Sun Kingdom.'

"I will help you," a soft voice said. Celeste revolved until she was face to face with a young man. She couldn't quite make out his features, not that they weren't there, but she wasn't supposed to see them. His leather boots made his silent entrance possible. He was closer than personal boundaries made comfortable. Celeste opened up her mouth to say something, but he had deftly shushed her with his finger over her lips. "Love, please don't. You'll remember the spell in a moment. For now, just remember us." He then pulled her close and softly placed his lips on hers. She didn't resist, for he was not a stranger. She knew him somehow. Possibly an ex-boyfriend. Celeste closed her eyes for a moment, giving all that was left of her dying passion into the kiss.

***

When Celeste opened her eyes, she was back in her room. She only remembered offhand the man in her dream, forgetting all else. Words came to her lips, her voice projecting them. The words were a spell in a hybrid of the Genoikan, Intergalactic, Stellar, and primary Moon tongues, words not spoken in this galaxy for a millenium. Her pain was concentrated to one moment, and then her telepathic powers were extended to their current limit. The pain was gone, and a snap was audible as Phoebe placed a shield that fit her mind perfectly. Despite Phoebe still being downstairs. Celeste turned on her side and fell asleep from exhaustion. And dreamed of a kiss that has never happened in this lifetime.

Stop playing song

Start playing song: “Back 2 Good” performed by Matchbox 20.

Or start playing song: “At This Point In My Life” performed by Tracy Chapman.

Fauna locked her laboratory behind her. While it had no actual doors and was keyed to Fauna's presence, there were still Evolites who could teleport or walk through walls. She headed briskly to the Great Hall, for there was a minor Summoning. The Crew was left with orders not to disturb her no matter what. Every Evolite of Colonel through 3^rd General ranking was waiting for her. The Swarm was currently out of favor. Only Clans that didn't have four representatives were the Den and Cave. The Den had 5 due to having two Colonels; the Cave had three cause it only had two Generals. Fauna had already decided which Clan was next, and was about to break her word.

Too bad for Fauna that her Crew was too obedient. Derek had come back and had been free to wander. He wandered into the Great Hall and seeing the serious crowd, stood behind a planted tree to not disturb them. "I have gone through careful consideration, and because of Mel (3^rd General of the Hoof; a.k.a. Camel) doing such good work, I have declined giving him a promotion as a reward and instead am giving him and his Clan a chance to prove themselves. As of this moment, each Clan will be given two tries to succeed on the mission, before their turn is forfeited to the next Clan. Everyone is dismissed." She halted the Clan of the Hoof members and instructed, "I will want the details of your plan by this evening. And I want this executed at exactly 1400 hours tomorrow." She then allowed them to exit, smug that she denied someone of a promotion they earned.

As Mel specifically walked to the exit, Derek got a good look at him and took a sharp intake of air. Here was the monster Camel who had attacked him, and took-- Derek couldn't remember what. But now Derek was beginning to see pieces of the deception over him fall in place. The Evolites weren't innocent nomads. They were thieves. Even Annie, and especially Fauna. Derek wanted to run as fast as possible home. But he couldn't. Some instinct told him he could still trust Annie. Maybe she could tell him why he felt compelled to remain, even now when he was disgusted about everything on the ship. So Derek scurried over to approxiamately where Fauna's parlor was. He figured he should probably keep up the charade.

Fauna was surprised to see Derek waiting for her, but she kept her composure. "Derek, what a pleasant shock. I'll send for one of my Generals to give you a private tour. Of more than the ship if I know Vickie "I'll quickly go in search of a servant," she claimed, using that as an excuse to directly find the 5^th General. In reality, Fauna sent her apparition in search of Vickie, having to go in a trance to do so. Fauna was highly amused to find Vickie on the verge of climax with Colonel Draco of the Scale. That explains why he was in such a hurry to leave the Summoning. He had something to look forward to in bed. It was after they disengaged that Fauna made the apparition's presence known. Neither was embarrassed, though Draco was annoyed at the interruption and Vickie a little disappointed. "Wipe that disappointed look off your face, Vixen. Our earthling guest is in need of your services," Fauna's voice thick with multiple meanings. Draco glared at Fauna's apparition while Vickie saucily put her clothes back on, though who the slow-deliberate performance was intended for was questionable. The fact that she could have used the remote escaped no one's notice. Vickie quickly freshened up, Fauna told her where she was waiting. Only then did Fauna vanquish the apparition. She strutted back into the room and announced to Derek, "Your guide shall be here in a moment, Vickie, 5^th General of the Clan of the Den."

Stop playing song

The training room was a mere foot away. Annie hesitated pushing open the door. In there she would be subjected to disdain and perverted overtures. But Annie was tight from nervous energy, fearing that Draco would bed her before the predetermined date. Only six more nights until Sunday. Six more days until my body is no longer mine. And then- Creators don't let this happen. I haven't done anything to deserve this. Honest. In general, Annie was a nervous creature. But in the course of three days her barely steady niche was shattered. She shook her fear off and braced herself. She stealthily opened the heavy wooden door. Lately she had come to neglect regular practice. And Annie did not want to become a rusty bum like-- "Natalie (5^th General of the Swarm; a.k.a. Snail), is that you?"

Annie was surprised to see the usually arrogant and lazy General in the training room. Even more surprised about the magician robe worn in a modest cut, for once, and a partial mask covering her prim face. Like the Phantom of the Opera or The Man in the Iron Mask, those earthling tales Derek mentioned. Bitterly Natalie sniped, "That is General Snail to you. And I've been 'advised' to sharpen my skills. As I see you must do. Now step aside, Ant." And Snail briskly walked off.

No need to contemplate such rudeness or peculiarities. It was a relief to see the massive training room scarcely populated. Annie went to the closest bench press and started easy, four hundred pounds. At least, easy for Annie. Four hundred was almost four times her weight. This abnormal strength wasn't too shocking, considering her namesake: Ant. Annie spent a good 5 minutes with this, and then gradually added more weight. She then worked every major group of muscles for 20 solid minutes each. She was tired and sweat soaked when she took a water break, walking slowly to keep her muscles moving without straining them too much.

She waited fifteen minutes longer before grabbing food from the snack bar. Using her tab to pay for the snack, Annie got enough food to make a football player blanch. Here was this petite, short, young woman with little muscle mass that was able to outdo big bulky athletes in both strength and appetite. But none of her fellow Evolites considered this a novelty, though only a scarce handful were anywhere near the physical or telekinetic strength of Annie. She still had the lack of taste to sleep with Warvus. Anyway, Annie didn't have an impressive arsenal of attacks, nor exceptional speed, nor stealth, nor power. After devouring her food, she went back to training. She then exercised her telekinetic ability, her one outstanding talent. Annie lifted each weight within her reach slowly up until they were eye level. She then lowered them slightly, controlling with an iron will the exact height of each individual weight. This continued for a few minutes until she started having them go to different levels, practicing her hard-earned patience.

Focus overtook all five senses. Annie had inadvertently made it difficult for people trying to practice levitation, specifically flying. Someone impatient strided right next to her and roughly spun her around by her shoulder. Annie was so startled that she released every weight, creating a loud thump. A lesser floor would have been damaged. Annie only looked at the face long enough to know her beloved Monarch Butterfly was glaring. Had she taken a longer glance, she would have seen the pain hidden in his eyes. Coldly he lectured, "I would think that a Captain in my Clan would have the decency to be considerate. Your reckless games have made it difficult for Evolites to actually train. What do you have to say for yourself?" He didn't expect much of an answer, but he was demanding an answer of some sort. She forced out past an oncoming stutter, "I-I'm s-sorr-r-ry M-m. I'll-" But the Monarch forcefully cut her off and shook her with the hand lingering on her shoulder. "Don't you dare speak with such insolence. You are to call me Colonel Monarch Butterfly. M is something I reserve for friends. Go back to your room, alone, Mistress," he ranted. Annie was hurt, for he had taken back the symbol of his trust. She was no longer allowed to acknowledge she had once held that trust with ferocity. And he had called her Mistress, which had it come from Derek would have been a formal title. But the Colonel had used it in the callous, demeaning synonym of whore.

Annie ran out of the training room before she would be reprimanded for the tears streaming down her face. Why would the Monarch randomly start hating her? She had done nothing wrong. Fate was taking a sick pleasure in her pain, as was Fauna from afar in her rooms. Cameras were everywhere. And Fauna had seen the whole incident with an unholy glee. But Annie was unaware of this, though the Monarch assumed it would come into Fauna's attentions eventually. Annie unknowingly ran to where there was no cameras. Not her room, though that too had no cameras. To a haven from the pain and taunts. Tara's workshop.

Fortunately Tara had no clients at the moment. "Annie dear, take a seat and I'll bring some tea." Tara didn't think Annie belonged in the Swarm. Not because she didn't love Annie and her naive innocence. It was because Annie was innocent, and peaceful, and all around not a fighter. She stood out among the cutthroat competition the way an untainted blade did among bloodied knives. While Tara was shrewd about the true workings of the Evolite society and Fauna, her blind-spot was Annie. Tara felt Annie belonged in the crew or better yet, nowhere near the Evolites. Tara naively felt that if Annie fell in disfavor, she would be put in the crew or on exile. Never occurred to Tara that if Annie was on exile, a persecution would be included. Or that Fauna truly despised Annie for some unknown reason. Tara still felt compelled to aid Annie.

"Here you are. Now tell your friend Tara what is bothering you." Tara had always suspected the love between M Butterfly and Annie, something extremely rare on the Evolite ship. There were perhaps a half dozen love matches on the ship. One of the most prominent was the one that once existed between the deceased Simon (3^rd General of the ex-Ape; a.k.a. Simian) and the now forlorn and melancholy Colleen (1^st Captain of the Den; a.k.a. Collie). Tara was disturbed as she heard Annie's story. That behavior was not like the Monarch she knew. But Tara had an inkling why. "Hurry off child, let dear Tara handle this one." Annie looked like she wanted to protest, but was advised to use the public bathing room and take a relaxing bath. Annie hadn't merited a private shower stall in her room, so this was tempting advice, too tempting to resist. With Annie's departure, Tara sent one of her personal servants to retrieve the Colonel Monarch. Tara did not like to see Annie hurt, especially by one she loved. She hoped to solve both Annie's heart ache and oncoming rape with one discussion.

"There you are, love!" exclaimed an enthusiastic Michelle. Amara smiled as Michelle gave her a sisterly hug. Anyone watching their exchanges would get many mixed messages. Had he known of their lover status, he would think the two were demonstrating their affection. If he had not known, he would think they were two close friends that were also partners of some sort. Which they were, as Sailor senshi. But here at Miracielo, the majority of the student body knew they were more than best friends. They had both introduced the other to friends as "My pal." But their lover status was known due to the school gossip catching the two exchanging passionate kisses in the locker room a month ago. Ever since, school has been interesting. The two had priorly become relatively popular, despite tending to demonstrate callousness and indifference. Neither were seeking to develop friendships, but if one were to come up, great. So they weren't popular due to friendliness to the right people. Not at all. Michelle and Amara were both prominent entities due to their talents. And while Miracielo boasted a great number of talented students, few were in the same level as Amara and Michelle. Michelle's paintings and composition had been given praise by an instructor (a professional) who just wasn't impressed by students' artwork. And Amara had managed to break quite a few track records. To put icing on the cake, both had skills in the other's forte. Michelle was an outstanding swimmer, one of the top on the swim team. And Amara was well versed in music; the school orchestra had on a number of occasions tried to recruit her.

However, once the truth about their relationship had broken out, the response was quite varied. Their lockers had been vandalized a couple of times, them taunted by many. There had been a few attempts to convert them, most of them focused on Michelle. After the first physical conflict, Amara had taught the instigators better. Worst incidents would have happened had they both not been so popular beforehand. Most people try to avoid them, as if they suddenly had a contagious virus. And the whole time the school administration was blissfully blind to the antagonization.

"What took you?" Michelle asked as she escorted Amara to their spot. It was at the top of the bleachers, where they could watch everyone with detachment. "During my history test, Jared kept alternating between calling me a hermaphrodite, a child-corrupter, and begging me to give him the answers. I finally shut him up by threatening to make him realize what it feels to be an eunuch first-hand." Amara gave a little smirk while Michelle's face was trying to look disapproving while she was giggling. Michelle finally got out between giggles, "He actually knew what a hermaphrodite was?" Amara clarified, "Jared used the term 'she-man.'" Michelle let the enlightenment remind her of her wait, "That doesn't explain why you are late." Amara cocked her head, "Oh that. The instructor heard the entire incident, and since I'm a lusty lesbian, I was the one to get reprimanded once the exam was over." Michelle gave a soberly sympathetic nod. Then a grin came over her mouth and eyes. "But that shows how little Jared knows. I can assure him personally that only your personality is androgynous, and physically you are entirely female. And he would be surprised to know who corrupted who," she finished with a sassy smirk. Amara teased, "There and with the whole Sailor senshi business. You were the one that tried to con me into being Sailor Uranus." Michelle's face went all mock innocence, "Me, con you into something against your will? Never. Besides, I wasn't the one that made that decision."

Michelle then had fun teasing Amara, batting her eyelashes, and bringing her lips close enough to be kissed. Amara was on the verge of falling to Michelle's charms when something clinked on the bleacher, something that whizzed where Amara's head had been a moment ago. A rock, a sharp pointy rock. Another one clinked with less accuracy, followed by a dozen others. Amara pushed Michelle down to protect their heads. Michelle turned her head to see that Jared and a group of his friends, both boys and girls, were trying to pelt them with rocks. I thought stoning died with the Salem witch trials Michelle spent an idle moment thinking. Amara was gathering the rocks near them to retaliate. "Amara, don't," Michelle pleaded. She didn't want Amara to sink to their level. "'Chelle, I'm not going to hurt them, just have it miss a few feet. Just enough to spook them." Amara's face had that stubborn look, which meant she was not one to trifle with at the moment. But Michelle was going to be just as stubborn. "You are just going to give them another excuse to hate us." "I know you don't like to fight, but if we don't, 'Chelle they'll walk all over us. I won't let that happen."

The battle of wills was dispersed cause a clear, calm, voice well versed in rhetoric interrupted. "A weak man is one who fears changes, what's different then what he is used to. And it is a weak man that causes unnecessary fights, fighting changes for his selfish need for consistency. Why do you hate so?" Michelle identified the voice's source, Gilroy, a boy who was in her English class and on the debate team. "Those two dykes aren't going to pollute my school!" exclaimed Jared. "But aren't you yourself polluting it with hatred and this shower of rocks. I don't think the next people to sit on the bleachers will appreciate your actions. All these young ladies have done is enrich our school with their talents, accomplishments, and presences." Gilroy rebutted. "They are still sick fags!" Jared argued, his voice cracking at just the wrong time. "What have they done wrong? They don't show obscene public affection. They don't try to convert others to their ways, especially against their wills. All they have done is love one another. I've seen them do nothing but ask for tolerance, not even the acceptance they deserve."

Amara and Michelle had slowly gotten up, and now were standing, watching this spectacle. Gilroy was known for being the perfect little Christian school boy, and here he was performing what could be called heretic actions. Jared's arguments were losing merit, but he managed to save some face by exclaiming, "But they have incestuous relations." Amara looked a little surprised that he knew a four syllable word. Gilroy faced Amara and Michelle for the first time since his intervention. "Is this true?" Michelle started, "He has heard we are cousins-" "See!" exclaimed a zealous Jared, smug that he wasn't in the wrong after all. Amara angrily exclaimed, "But that is an untrue rumor. We happened to have been family friends for a long time." Jared was sputtering, trying to think (as rare as that exertion is for him) of an argument. Gilroy then exclaimed, "So you have no grounds for your actions. Now, disperse before I let the administration know of your actions." Jared glared about before bringing his group of friends to terrorize another section of the school. Gilroy glanced long enough at Amara and Michelle to see the gratitude on their faces. He walked off with a small smile, Amara and Michelle waving good-bye with joined hands.

M Butterfly strolled down to Tara's workshop. He was curious as to why he was called here, but refused to cave into such minor emotions. He had to make a detour due to one malfunctioning hallway. Fauna is so busy with her experiments and meddling to ruin our lives that she fails to handle her other duties. She should take a break from delegating tasks for her mission and pay attention to the real ship priorities. Like the damn hallway malfunctions. The crew is struggling between maintaining the ship and all the other errors. But that's Fauna, overly self-indulgent in her whims with little care for the responsibilities she's developed. M realized he was being critical, but it was difficult to give the benefit of the doubt at the moment. Not when Annie betrayed his idealized image of her.

Once he entered the room, Tara immediately shut the sliding door with a gesture that resembled tugging on a thread. "Nice of you to grace my workshop," she acidly greeted. M was not in a mood to take that comment with grace. With quiet venom he said, "Don't sass me, General. Just tell me why you called me here, and then we can get on with our miserable lives." Tara arched an eyebrow, "My, my, aren't we touchy. Take a seat. We have to discuss something." She gazed at him with her dark brown eyes, evaluating what she saw. "Colonel, you have hurt one of my friends. Do you know who?" M expressed his bewilderment. Irritatedly she continued, "My friend is one of the few Fauna-graced honest, sweet, sincere, innocent Evolites. Now do you know whom I'm talking about, sir?"

"A few days ago, I would think you were talking about 6^th Captain Ant. But I know better now. She is a little slut who manipulates men's hearts. So who are you talking about?" Tara cringed at his bitterness. "I am discussing Annie. And it would do you good to not speak of her in such a demeaning manner. She does not deserve this." He cocked his head, "Funny, I never see you defend Vickie. So why are you defending this promiscuous lowlife?" Tara stood up and threw her hands. "I thought better of you than to take rumors at face value. Annie is still a maiden. And even if she wasn't, that should make no difference. All that matters is that she loves you and you her. But if you don't accept what I'm telling you and talk with her before Sunday, all is lost. Draco has set his sights on Annie, and she will be an unwillingly bed partner. He too believed the rumors and Annie has no way to defend herself from a lusty Colonel. Even I can not protect her. That is something only you can do." He looked a combination of disgust, dismay, anger, and sympathy. "Why should I believe you?" She countered with, "Why should I lie?" And M's eyes went wide as realization hit him.

Annie reluctantly crawled out of the steaming bathtub. She quickly towel dried her body, then put lotion on her skin. She was meticulously thorough. Her skin must be perfect, as everything else must be. She slipped on one of the clean white robes left for Evolites and wrapped a towel around her head. Her problems were still there, but she was able to take a new look at them. Or wait to think about them until later. Annie walked out of the cubicle she just used and headed to the vanities to paint her nails. She had inadvertently chipped the paint earlier. Now she had to remove what was left and then repaint them dark blue and red with black ant designs. Annie had been the only bather in the public bathing room when she had entered. The bathing rooms being separate was one of Fauna's few segregations between male and female. Only the highest ranked or richest Evolites had the privelege of private bathrooms. Few even had toilets in their quarters, though most had sinks and mirrors. So Annie was surprised when she heard splashing up ahead. She couldn't avoid walking past that cubicle, she quickly glanced at who it was.

She was shocked to see Natalie. Not because it was Natalie, but what had happened to Natalie's body. It was covered with raw wounds that were swollen and bloody. Whips were the only thing that could have done that. But what was worse was that Natalie's mask was tossed aside, giving Annie a chance to see the horror of what once was a charming face. Most of the right side was without skin, and what little skin was left was skinny strips that were held in place by drying blood. The once arrogant nose looked as if it would cave in from a little movement. Natalie's right eye was almost entirely swollen shut, despite chunks of the lids missing. What little of the right eyeball was showing was bloodstained white. No wonder Natalie wore the mask, but who could have done this? Annie quickly rushed onward to the vanity, oblivious to the red tinge the bath water had gained.

"A question I've wanted answered; how can a hallway malfunction?" Derek asked his tourguide. Vickie answered with a superior grin, "Haven't you wondered how come the ship is so huge but has gone unnoticed?" At his nod she continued, "Evolite technology allows us to condense space by the plane theory. The plane theory is that the physical world is an infinite amount of geometric planes that our bodies exist in simutaneously. Our minds however exist on one plane at a time, which is the plane we experience. What our crew has done is use Fauna's technology to travel on different planes and allow our consciousness to drift. The crew then builds the different rooms on separate planes and once again uses Fauna's technology to allow doorways to instigate the shift in consciousness to the new plane. A hallway malfunctions when it is unstable in its plane or the plane itself has become unstable." Derek was surprised by this heavy philosophy. His guard was coming down around Vickie, though he fought to keep his mistrust.

Vickie on the otherhand was having fun flirting with him. "Where would you like to go next?" "Wherever you see fit." That was just the opening she was waiting for. She led him to the dormitories, describing how the arrangement wasn't set. It wasn't based on rank nor gender nor Clan. Turn after turn led them to the hallway that contained her room. She said so and indicated for him to enter first, but he insisted on following etiquette. Vickie found that charming, being treated like a real lady rather than a sex toy. Vickie's rank (and current relationship with Fauna) allowed her to have a living room, a kitchen, a private bathroom with a bathtub, a den, and her bedroom. So when he entered into her room, he saw an innocent living room rather than her erotic bedroom. She turned on some instrumental music and told him to have a seat on the couch. A moment later she had drinks laced with lour, an Evolite drug known for increasing euphoria and passion, and sat next to him.

"Yum, nice and fruity," he said. He started babbling while she gave prompts, all the while moving closer to him. Finally she said in a husky voice, "Derek, I find you extremely attractive. Physically, mentally, and especially" in a heavy whisper, "sexually." She didn't give him a chance to respond. Vickie pressed her sensual lips on his and inserted her adept tongue into his mouth, playfully brushing his teeth. Vickie decided to keep this outfit in good condition, so withdrew herself from his awkward embrace to press the four jewels required to remove the outfit. She pushed him on his back on the couch, giving him a good view of her slowly exposing breasts. She made a note to compliment Tara on the effectiveness of her outfit. Vickie then went to work on getting his pants off.

Finally in a breathy voice he asked, "Aren't you worried about getting pregnant or STDs?" Vickie stopped and pulled herself away from him so she could talk to him at a comfortable sitting distance, though she purposely posed herself to give him a view of her voluptuos torso. "What do those words mean?" He looked embarrassed as he explained with a blush, "Pregnacy is what happens when a man and woman make love and both are fertile. It means the woman is carrying a baby in her body." With her barrage of questions on this topic, he realized two things. One he was going against his promise to not talk about topics that make Evolites feel uncomfortable. The other was that all Evolites must be sterile, either by birth or by accident. Or that they were having it imposed on them.

The senshi had once more met to learn about their newest ally. Celeste now was shielded, though she had no idea how to actually use her abilities. #I'll show you soon. For now let them learn what they've gotten themselves into. I of all people know that you are not going to just sit around and be told what to do. You are here to instigate changes, not continue the worn out path.# That was heard by Celeste alone. "Let's finish the inquiries before moving on. Celeste, when did you learn about the rest of the senshi, and that you yourself are one?" Raye started. "Mina and I have kept a written correspondence. And it seemed logical as I heard in the newspapers of appearing Sailor senshi and Mina went on about new friends that the two were connected. And I only found out that I myself am also a senshi last night." Quiet Hotaru asked, "How come of all the nights to appear that you came last night?" Phoebe butted in with #I'll answer this one. Last night was the day of the sun, the Solar Sailor's guardian planet and most powerful night. She was the last resort, for I knew her psychic abilities would accelerate beyond my control if she was awakened. But also there was an emotional boom. Celeste saw her best friend in dire trouble. It was the only way for her to help.#

Everyone gained thoughtful masks, trying to think up more questions. Darien burst out, "How come you were able to give the girls a new transformation?" Celeste's voice got slightly distant, parts of the puzzle falling together. "I have a different past then the rest of you. The Sun Kingdom was not ruled by the Moon Kingdom, but was an ally. My father descended from a different part of the universe, and my mother... she tried to outrun her heritage while trying to still embrace it. Her name, I can't remember, but Serena, Princess Serena, our mothers were sisters. Queen Serenity was my mother's elder sister, my favorite Aunt." Shock silenced any outbursts, but Celeste's face gained pain as she continued. "When Beryl destroyed the Moon Kingdom and all of its subjects, I survived. I was protected, by... can't remember that either. Anyway, while your memories were blocked and you were sent to the present, I was still in the past cleaning up the last of the details. I memorized passages to enable powerups, from the... Golden Scriptures," she forced out. "Think of the mind as a labyrinth. Associated memories are grouped together. Queen Serenity blocked the pathways associated with the Moon in your minds, but I've lost the way in my mind back to the Moon. Anyway, this powerup required rings of different metals with different engravings blessed with the passage, and the light of the Solar Sailor to spark it. I subconsciously did all of this."

"You managed to feed us enough power to give a new transformation?" a wide-eyed Trista spluttered. "No. Each new transformation doesn't mean you have more power than before. Do you honestly believe the Evolite petty minions are more powerful than Queen Beryl? NO! After a rigorous battle, as I said before, that transformation is maxed out, unable to once more allow you to reach your full potential. And since I of the Silver Millenium had no idea what your new transformations would look like, I had to revert you girls back to your original forms to 'powerup'. I realize that term is misleading, but I'm not in the mood to worry about it," Celeste admonished. This jumpstarted a load of speculation. Celeste hadn't realized how she knew all this, and the feel of Phoebe's mind told her that Phoebe wasn't feeding her the information. It must be the trances! The one when we saved Lexie yesterday, and the one from this afternoon. And now I know Queen Serenity was talking about the Golden Scriptures, but I can't remember where they are or their significance.

Michelle curiosly asked, "How did you save Lexie?" This caused the girls and Darien to hush as Celeste responded. "The Evolites are trying to steal Bright Futures. Anyway, I realized that there was a time limit to retrieve the Bright Future or else she would die. And the Future had been tainted, so if it went back into Lexie, her Future wouldn't reach its promised capabilities. I guess I had glimpsed this from Banana Slug's mind or Snail's. So I managed to get the Future out of Banana Slug in the form of energy, and took it into myself. From there I went into a trance where I managed to make the Future neutral by using my own energy to cleanse it. It would have taken too much out of me to make it as bright as it once was. So when the Future went back into Lexie, it was no longer guaranteed that she would fulfill that Bright Future. Instead, it is up to her to work for it." And all the girls stared at her with a frightened awe at this vessel of power and knowledge; and the startling attitude of not always getting hundred percent wins. And for a mere moment, a ray of sunshine gave Celeste the appearance of an angel. But Phoebe's psychic influence blocked this uneasinest. Mina slipped in a, "So, now can we have fun with gossip?" And the indulging smiles that answered her was all she needed.

Tuesday, March 17

"Mel, you picked the short straw. This is your mission. I already picked out a target. He should be in school at the moment. And don't bother getting a petty minion, for I have faith in your abilities," Colonel Mare (of the Hoof) instructed. She then typed in the coordinates down to a thirty foot radius. "His name is Gilroy. Oh yes, you don't have to bother lowering his guard cause we've got a batch of special phuter spray just for our missions. And every wasted drop will come out of your pay. Understand?" Camel (3^rd General of the Hoof; m.c.k.a. Mel) nodded his head and gathered up the materials needed. Mare signaled the Crew member to transmit Camel to Earth, this specific attempt set into motion.

Michelle leaned against the red sporty convertible. She was teasing Amara, to either get a kiss or to have Amara berate her for abusing the car. "Why didn't you bring the cycle?" she asked. "I didn't like the way the brakes were working. I'm going to bring it in for a checkup later." "Shouldn't you be at practice? I thought you had a track meet Wednesday, which is tomorrow." Amara lifted her eyebrows and cockily said, "I don't need it. Besides, I don't trust myself to not tackle and strangle Jared." Michelle commented, "But it would have been fun to watch his face while you did that. Or when you outrun him." The two shared amused looks. "You don't have to stay tomorrow. I could arrange for Darien to give you a ride," Amara said, wanting for her to say no. Michelle softly said, "I love watching you run. And while a ride with Darien would be tempting, I think you'd have to fight over the privelege of murdering me with Serena. Besides, the other team is suppose to have some cute runners." Amara didn't ask which gender Michelle refered to. Either and neither would surprise her.

Since both of them got out so early, and this was during 6^th period, no one was there to see the quick kissed they shared. Or at least, there shouldn't have been anyone. A weird looking man had appeared. He glanced at them for a second, uninterested. The man then cleared his throat and asked, "Do you know where Gilroy is?" Michelle felt like something wasn't quite right. "Are you a relative?" His eyes unfocused a miniscule amount, so neither girl noticed. "Do you know where Gilroy is?" The man's posture was dominating, and Amara pulled Michelle a little closer to her. "Not at the moment. Why don't you go ask the administration office?" He nodded his head indulgently and said, "Right." He headed to the office. Amara nudged Michelle and whispered, "Follow." They both kept a distance from him, and watched from outside the office as he went in. A couple minutes later Gilroy came in, and walked out with the man. The man guided Gilroy to the parking lot. Meanwhile, Michelle and Amara hid behind a tree, still keeping their distance. And then the man revealed himself to be the enemy. Camel, one of the notorious Evolites. Gilroy collapsed on the ground as Camel stole his Bright Future.

Start playing song: “Back 2 Good” performed by Matchbox 20.

Or start playing song: “At This Point In My Life” performed by Tracy Chapman.

Derek avoided Vickie after he had a chance to leave Fauna's parlor. He refused to think of her, not after what happened yesterday. He reluctantly thanked her in his mind, for showing him how to get to the Crew cabin. He felt something tug on him, trying to hold him back. It felt like it came from his arm. What does this damn armband do to me? I hope I haven't gotten in over my head. But by staying on the inside, I can hope to accomplish a way of stopping them. From whatever it is the Evolites are doing. Derek was surprised when he reached there, having navigated the twists and turns of the ship's hallways. He put his hand on the door to have it slide open and strolled in. "I need to return home." The Crew members had been given orders to let Derek come and go as he pleases. Fauna knew the armband would work when she wanted him to stay on the ship or at home. "Coordinates, please?" the Crew member asked. "I don't know the coordinates. Can't you just send me to my house?" Irritatedly the Crew member said, "I would if I had the coordinates. Listen, we have some programmed in from the last person. I believe it is for Miracielo High School. I'll send you there and you can figure out your way home from there. And next time look up the coordinates in that book over there. It can take a while, and that is not my job." Derek nodded and said "Gracias," as the Crew member sent him on his way. The Crew member called as Derek left, "The same to you!" and then muttered, "Earthlings, they've got absolutely no manners."

Once more Celeste was in the power dome, the object of the struggle betweem Beryl and Serenity. I can't bring myself to give Beryl the title of respect that the term Queen connotes, and I never thought of Aunt Serenity as the Queen of one of the most influencial kingdoms in the universe. For some reason, perhaps because of her anger, Celeste found it more difficult to aid Serenity, finding herself inclined to become passive or, she shudddered, turning to Beryl's side. However, Celeste managed to overcome those inclinations, and once more allowed Serenity to win. This time they did not hug, and Celeste made a conscious effort to keep her eyes open. She should have closed them, for the instant shift in scenery was disorienting. "You are on your way, sweat-heart. I guess I shouldn't push you to find the Scriptures, at least not before you are ready, but they are so vital. Sure it gurantees the Silver Millenium's demise, but it is a necessary evil," Serenity told Celeste. Celeste was beginning to wonder about Serenity's sanity, for she was talking as if the destruction of the Moon Kingdom had never happened. But then again, she did die a millenium ago. She isn't alive now, in the present. She sacrificed that for us, for the future.

Serenity held Celeste at arms length, looking straight into Celeste's eyes with those eyes that were the very image of (excuse the pun) serenity. "I suppose it is partially my fault the senshi have gotten so divided and unable to fully reach their potential on their own. There were so many loose ends to tie up, and I had only begun teaching Serena the inner workings of ruling our kingdom. The Stellar Wars were finally being forgotten, the rulers of each planet within the entire galaxy had only just become secure in their roles, and I had to deal with the politics of both the Moon itself and our reign over the galaxy. And I had finally gotten the next generation of senshi to begin their training. There was so much to do, and Serena learning how to be a proper Queen was more of a priority than learning to be a proper leader of the senshi. I didn't realize until later that the Moon Kingdom would be destroyed. If I had known..."

Celeste calmed the oncoming guilt hysterics, Serenity's calm eyes looking anything but. "You did the best of your abilities and knowledge. And it is perhaps best that the situation worked out this way, otherwise I wouldn't have been needed so direly to reawaken. It is not your fault, just the result of a patchwork of variables. And I am positive that I can bring the senshi up to full strength. There is no use blaming yourself for something that was beyond your control, nor irreversible. Now then, if I promise to actively search for the Golden Scriptures, will you stop all this nonsense?"

Serenity nodded and gradually regained her composure. She then wryly commented, "I had my doubts about you. Not your intentions, but your abilities. I think you will be more than adequate to fulfill your future. But the sooner you remember your Scribe training and retrieve the Golden Scriptures, the sooner you can protect your bright future. And by doing that, you'll be on your way to fulfilling it." Celeste had never realized Serenity was so, so... human. She always seemed to be beyond self blame and guilt and needing comfort. I guess I made her a demi-god in my mind. Does anyone think the same of me? However, a wave a light washed over Celeste, causing her to open her eyes, her real eyes.

Fauna had been furious to learn Derek had seen the senshi fight Camel. He had readily admitted this. Fortunately he hasn't made the connection between Mel and 3^rd General Camel. But I don't think of the Sailor Senshi as much of a threat. Afterall, it took them quite some time to defeat Camel, who never was exceptionally strong. And three of them were disposed by the time Derek had left the school. However, I must tighten my leash over him. And have my Evolites take the Sailor senshi seriously.

Hope you enjoyed this episode. Sorry my episodes haven't been put up for a while, but our internet access was gone. Be prepared for more upcoming episodes and an entirely new look for the whole site. Please E-mail me at [email protected]. Keep reading. =vD
Love, Sailor Eeveon Girl- Thursday, August 16, 2001