Junia’s Promise
Part One: Back to the Future
The Imperial Guard pulled into the Jupiter Drive Yards a week after the return of Minako Aino and the time traveling crew. Kevin had left shortly before the Senshi battling Helios disappeared into the future. His campaign against the Kartonian Empire had proven successful, though it had taken much longer than necessary. His galaxy had almost degenerated into a civil war because of the Kanoria-Kartonia dispute.
Kanoria was the name of the star system where the planet Guardia, third planet of four, spun in orbit around a yellow star. Guardia was one of two homeworlds though, as Earth of that galaxy was the other. The official name of the unity was the Federation of the Guardian Republic but it was also known as the Kanorian Republic. However, all this is irrelevant to the current situation. Kevin was sitting in his command chair hoping to resume his duties as Jupiter Knight, and spend time with the one he loved and vowed to protect.
“I think soon I will give up my position as High Chancellor Admiral and just settle down with the woman I love.” He said out loud which prompted Natalie Portalis, his second in command, to look at him.
“We both know that no matter what, you won’t be fully happy unless you’re leading a fleet, plunging head first into the heat of a battle… but then I could be wrong.” She shrugged her shoulders and laughed which brought a few snickers from some of the other bridge officers.
Kevin ignored those snickers however and looked at Natalie with a smile. “Mako-chan has changed me. I’m not the same war mongering fool I was ten years ago.”
“Yet you couldn’t resist the urge to rush against the Kartonians when you could have stayed home fighting off some no-name youma at home.” She laughed at the irony of the comment.
“Well, I’m sure things have been quite boring since we’ve been away, but now the Sailor Knights are back and the fleet is home where it belongs.” Kevin beamed with pride which brought more laughter from Natalie.
“Yes, around the gas giant planet for which you get your powers from… Jupiter Knight. You would have a very interesting resume.” She thought of a list less than American politically correct to fit Kevin.
“Sir, your starfighter is primed for launch. New Tokyo International Airport has been informed of your intentions to land…” The pointy eared communications officer hesitated.
“I don’t like that hesitation, Riverdance.”
“Well sir, they rather you land at Atsugi or Yokota since it is a military vessel you’re flying…”
“Hell no! I’m not landing at a military base. If Narita doesn’t want to deal with the extra plane than call Haneda. It’s closer anyhow to where I want to go… you know what, forget that order. Gather the Sailor Knights in the war room.” Kevin didn’t show any frustration but he had a plan.
“There you go again, preparing to attack…” Natalie started up but Kevin quickly put up his hand, which quieted her quickly.
“No, I’m going to have them help me get back to Earth without that hassle. The Sailor Teleport works for the Sailor Knights too you know.” Natalie once again laughed and shrugged her shoulder, understanding what Kevin intended to accomplish. “When the other Sailor Knights get here, tell them to head to Earth. I intend to head out with Kellie, Carlos, and Shea.”
“Yes sir... It’ll be quiet without you here.” She smiled as he walked off the bridge.
An hour later, Kevin’s feet were on solid planetary ground again as the four Sailor Knights teleported to the middle of Yoyogi park. They were met up with another who teleported just ahead of them. “What took you? I had enough time to get a hotdog and enjoy a sunrise.”
“Ah shudup Morisato. Just because you were a former Dark General, doesn’t mean you can rub in your teleportation abilities in our face.” Shea Talloy looked at the brown haired Japanese man with contempt.
“Ah but it’s so fun to do. Besides, you four can teleport too… sometimes together, or with the help of tech.” He started to laugh which brought an angry face from the tall brown haired Californian.
“If you weren’t Kevin’s future brother, by virtue of being Makoto’s brother, I would beat you down right here, right now.” Shea’s fist crumpled into balls, but Morisato paid him no mind.
“Well, before that happens, Morisato and I have to go check on Mako-chan. Kellie, make sure Shea doesn’t do anything rash. Carlos, find Megumi and Ryoko. I have a feeling I will need to speak to those two soon.” The two Sailor Knights nodded and went their separate ways.
Another hour later, the two stepped off the Toei-Oedo Subway line from Yoyogi at Azabu-Juban station. They both stretched and smiled at the familiar site that it brought. Azabu-Juban was a small district in Tokyo, but it was home for them both.
“It’s been too long since we have seen the familiar streets, eh Kevin?”
“Yeah man, too long indeed. I hope Mako-chan isn’t too pissed at us.” The two nodded in agreement as they walked to the apartment building the Makoto resided in. They both knew she was not the woman anyone wanted to make angry.
A little while later, the two made it to the apartment room that she resided in and Kevin took out the key and opened the door. When they opened it, it seemed as though no one had been there for a long time. They both looked at each other and took out their laser rifles… for all the good it would do, and started clearing room after room in typical police style.
“She’s not here!” Kevin exclaimed after coming up to her room.
“Not here either, nor is there any evidence of foul play here.” Morisato took a good look around the kitchen and went back to the entrance. “I wonder if our cells still work?”
“They should. We have them on a different frequencies from the major cell carriers. I'll call Hotaru-onee-chan and see if she knows anything.” Kevin took out his cell phone and pushed a few buttons that would connect him to Hotaru.
“Moshi-moshi?” A female voice answered.
“Hotaru-onee-chan, it’s me Kevin. I just got back from that long war.”
“Oh Kevin-onee-san, welcome back! It’s good to hear you again. Is everything alright?”
“She’s gone… missing Hotaru-chan.” Kevin’s face seemed to sour at that statement.
“Who’s missing?” Hotaru’s concern was obviously showing by this point.
“Mako-chan…” Kevin was near tears at this point.
“That’s because she got pulled into the future.” Kevin went speechless when she said this. “Usagi-chan and her guardians had a fight with a very powerful Helios. The resulting battle render Helios neutralized for the most part but it opened some kind of tear in the space-time continuum, pulling the five into Crystal Tokyo.” Kevin’s eyes got big and Morisato started to sweat after watching Kevin’s expression.
“What’s wrong Kevin? Did Sharline manage to capture her again?”
Kevin shook his head in disagreement. “She’s… she’s in… the future… Crystal Tokyo… to be exact…”
“Oh kuso! That’s going to present a problem.” Morisato didn’t have to look at Kevin to know that he fully agreed.
“It gets better you two. Usagi-chan used Galaxia’s power bracelets to steal her star seed… along with Ami-chan and Rei-chan. Minako-chan however escaped that fate thanks to some interference.”
“How do you know all this?” Kevin finally asked Hotaru while almost squeezing his cell phone.
“Because I went to the future with Jedite and Dr. Xadium. I think Zeus maybe hiding out somewhere… but I don’t know where. He might be in the future or in the present.” This prompted Kevin to activate his locator and found Zeus’s signal close by.
“He’s hiding out around here apparently. I plan on heading to the future to rescue Mako-chan from her fate.” Kevin thrust his arm into the conviction.
“Be careful, the future is not what we had thought of it before. The Guardian Republic doesn’t command the space ways anymore… or at least around Earth. Crystal Tokyo is not what we thought of the future either. There’s nothing but cos-players for citizens and Crystal Tokyo is surrounded by a powerful force shield.” Hotaru’s voice continued to show major concern for her adopted brother.
“Let me guess, a mix of Kanorian tech and the Ginzoishou.” Kevin’s voice seemed to have calmed down from his earlier situation.
“Yes, I believe so. The city’s only entrances are the surrounding ‘Neo Tokyos’ and a hidden entrance that Minako-chan got us through.”
Morisato started pacing back and forth. Kevin grabbed a pen and paper and started writing down all the information that Hotaru had been telling him. “A hidden entrance can you tell me exactly where it is?”
“I’ll download it to you through your cell phone. That should allow you to find it. However, it has a passcode… one unlike any you or I have ever seen.”
“Hmmm… can Aliana break through it?”
“I don’t know the extent of Sailor Valkyrie’s power but I assume she can. You should know her better than any of us though. She’s your yojimbo… or is she?”
“No she still is, but I guess I better gather the group that will come with me to the future.”
“How do you propose to get there?”
Kevin smiled very tenaciously and prepared to speak his answer. “We haven’t mastered eight of the ten dimensions without benefit. However, I plan on using one of the starships to do the slingshot maneuver at full hyperspace around Sol. If done properly, it’ll propel the ship and her crew into the 30th century.” Morisato looked at Kevin like he was crazy.
“Someone’s been watching too much Star Trek I’m thinking.”
“Not really, because we’ll be forming a chronoshield around the starship when we do that. The resulting gravity pull should fling us forward in time… or backwards if we choose.” Kevin noticed a cloud of smoke appear and trained his weapon on it.
“I sent Jedite to help you out. He might be able to help you out tactically… since he tried to invade Crystal Tokyo using the cosplayers for his army.” Jedite then appeared and had a smug look on his face.
“Hello Jedite, long time no freeze eh?”
“Bite me Morisato. Kevin, I have one question for you. Why? Why do you want to go into the future just for one girl… a Sailor Senshi at that.”
“Because I made a promise to her, to protect her no matter what the cost. That promise extends through time… and because I love her. Do you really think a female could replace her in my heart?”
“Or her talent, I assume you mean.” Jedite’s sarcasm didn’t go unnoticed as Morisato balled his fist and prepared to lunge at his former Dark General partner.
“Don’t talk about my sister like that!”
“It sounds like Morisato and Jedite are about to kill each other.” Hotaru could hear all the commotion through the cell phone.
“Yeah.” Kevin then interposed himself between the two former Dark Generals. “Enough! Jedite, are you going to help me or not?”
“You could have any female you wanted… even those half-neko girls in your military yet you choose only one. Some dedication, but then after your war against Sharline just to get her back… I shouldn’t be surprised.”
“You still haven’t answered my question.”
“Of course! I have a bone to pick with that damn queen anyhow. Helping you might just help me get some revenge.” Just then there was a knock on the door and two Japanese females stepped in. One had long brown hair that was tied like Aries from FF7 and was wearing a two piece dress. The other had long black hair that was loose except at the end where a scrunchie held the hair together and was wearing dark color jeans and shirt.
“Megumi Chiyuno and Ryoko Nasino. It’s good to see you both here.” Morisato answered for Kevin who was still glaring at Jedite and waiting for anything Hotaru might say.
“That’s not all who showed up.” A male voice piped and in came a short black haired American with glasses in loose fitting attire. He was then preceded by a very tall Russian with blond hair… similar to Haruka’s. After that an American female with short brown hair with a hair piece walked in with a very distinct grace. She was wearing a semi revealing blouse and a short skirt.
“Ah, this is a surprise to see Dusty Bond, Alex Tenoh, and Aliana Johnson here too!” Megumi said cheerfully as she tried to get close to Kevin.
“It seems we have a strike force now.” Morisato beamed with pride now as he interposed himself between Megumi and Kevin. “With three Sailor Knights, three Sailor Senshi, and two former Dark Generals, even Queen Serenity II will have her hands full.”
“Thanks Hotaru-onee-chan. You wouldn’t want to come with us would you?”
“I’m exhausted from the last time I went. Perhaps Haruka will prove useful too you?”
“As long as she doesn’t get drunk, I think we shouldn’t have a problem.” The eight warriors gathered in a circle in Makoto’s living room. Jedite was attempting to sneak away to Makoto’s bedroom when Alex’s arm shot out and grabbed the Dark General off the floor.
“Just where you think you going?” Alex said in a heavy Russian dialect.
“I was just trying to find something.”
“Been taking lessons from Happosai? I know exactly the two things you look for pervert.” The Russian saw Jedite struggle in his grip, but he didn’t let go. “That’s not your business what I do in talent-no-senshi’s room.”
“You do well not to antagonize Kevin even more so than he already is. The war was a long hard one and he wants to be with his fiancée. I can understand his frustration, anger, and determination.” Alex then let go of Jedite who seemed less intent on finding out Makoto’s secrets.
“Zeus, come out from hiding… I have food.” Kevin enticed and a not-so-shiny gold furred cat crawled out from underneath Kevin and Makoto’s bed. He looked a bit scraggily and his step seemed to have little direction. Kevin immediately saw him and scooped up the poor cat in hands. “Zeus, what happened? What’s wrong, why are you in this condition?”
“Kevin-san… is that you… I thought I would… die for sure… Makoto-san’s been missing for a while now… I can’t believe how dirty this place has become…”
“Save your strength Zeus. We’ll get you to my ship where you can be healed and get a decent meal. As for the rest of us, all Senshi and Knighs form the circle… we’re Sailor Teleporting. Former Dark Generals, I trust you can teleport to the Guard?”
“Need you really ask, O fearless leader?”
The door to the apartment swung open again and a lone tall blond female stood there. “you weren’t planning on ditching me now were you?” Haruka Tenoh, Sailor Uranus, shook her head and took her place in the circle.
“Good to see you made it cousin.” Alex nodded to Haruka.
“I heard they had Lager and the highly potent Rythin Whiskey on that battleship. Of course I’m in.” Haruka started to think how quickly it would take for her to get sloshed.
“Haruka, this is a rescue mission, not a drinking foray. However, if we are successful, I will personally open you a bottle of Rythin Whiskey.”
“Great, Sailor Ur-Anus has joined us.” Jedite mused drawing the irking faces from Haruka and Alex. Before anymore damage could be done though, both Dark Generals teleported away. The others than went though the ritual of initiating the Sailor Teleport, allowing the small group to instantly teleport towards the Imperial Guard.
Twenty minutes later, the “strike-force” met in the Imperial Guard’s war room. He couldn’t believe he was about to make war on the future just for the sake of his lady. This is the same person who almost made war on an entire galaxy because of Sharline’s attempts to kidnap and subsequently marry Makoto. “I can’t take an entire fleet into the future with me, and there’s no telling if they would be effective anyhow, nor do I have the resources to be able to do so. However there is a ship with the capabilities to be able to take care of us until we decide to give our position.
“The Silence Glaive is the newest ship in the Guardian Republic’s arsenal. It has an experimental high power undetectable cloaking device and a chronometric shield which, when used with the sling shot theory, will allow the ship to go forward or backward in time when activated. Both will be necessary to complete this mission. I plan on putting everyone here in harm’s way, just so I can resume my mission of protecting Kino Makoto…”
Natalie Portalis stepped up to her Admiral’s side. “I was there when they assassinated Anri Hamasako… or in the tradition of the Japanese style, Hamasako Anri. I will not stand idly by, practically while you essentially go through the same thing again, nor would any true solder or sailor of the Republic do so. We all have your backs, no matter if the rest of the Sailor Senshi or Knights chose to do nothing.”
Irked by this direct attack, Haruka stepped up alongside of her and looked at Kevin. “I rather do my own speaking before someone else says I’m going to do nothing. I’ve seen what you’ve done in the past to save her… You truly love her and I for one can’t stand by and watch a friend tear himself apart over this injustice. What good is being a Sailor Senshi if I don’t uphold truth and justice? You have the power of Uranus beside you Kevin.”
“I agree with cousin, the power of Uranus stands by Jupiter on his one.” The Russian accent of Alex seemed to be a bit heavier then normal.
“Where Kev-chan goes, I go. The healing powers of Eden are at your disposal.” Megumi seemed very serious instead of her normal happy-go-lucky self.
“Kevin, you have been a good friend to me and have truly understood the dark powers of my truly are. You will have need for the Nemesian power of the Shadows. I intend to repair the name and respect of my planet that Wiseman corrupted and twisted.” Ryoko bowed her head to Kevin, who promptly returned the bow.
“To make sure our chronometric shield works and gets us to the future, I will accompany you Kevin. Have I ever let you down before?” Dusty smiled which drew a laugh from Kevin who patted his friend on the back.
“Some yojimbo I be if I didn’t go with the one I swore to protect. Of course I’m with you Kevin, just say the word.” Aliana’s warm words almost brought a tear to Kevin’s eye… almost.
“Though my only concern is for Ali’s safety,” Ian stepped forward from his console. “I will offer my services at your disposal. Whatever you ask of Ali, you may ask of me as well. I will remain here on standby for orders.”
“I want revenge on that damned queen and if taking away a precious Senshi of hers would hurt her, than it’s the least I can do.” Everyone looked at Jedite who returned their looks. “What?!”
“Though I don’t do this out of revenge, I do out of respect of my sister. What would my mom and dad say if I didn’t do something to help my sister out. My future brother-in-law, let’s go to the future and rescue her from her fate.” Morisato put his arm around Kevin’s shoulders and the two embraced as brothers.
“Thank you everyone. Natalie, would you come with me to Silence Glaive though it means the top two from Imperial Guard won’t be there?”
“Of course Kevin. You need command structure and that ship has a crew… not a command crew. Besides, Imperial Guard has Barkonis in charge…”
“He’s in charge actually of the ground forces coming with us. No, looks like Commander Jenn Polis is in charge.” Kevin shook his head at that.
“You mean half-neko girl? Oh Sundance is going to love that.” Natalie started to laugh at Aliana’s comment but Kevin dismissed it.
“I don’t care what his personal preferences are. I need her in charge since the big three are leaving. Get the Emerald Knights that are onboard onto the Silence Glaive. Make sure all the systems are operational too, from weapons, to tractor beams, the black hole shields, and of course all the essential items necessary. We leave in an hour from the JDY to Sol for preparation of the sling shot maneuver.”
“Not a lot of time Kevin, but I shall make sure the preparations are completed. That Saturn class battle cruiser was just about ready to enter the war too but it had to end without her being tested. How appropriate she be the one on the front lines of our latest war.” Natalie shook her head but Kevin looked at her questioningly.
“Like I said before, I hate going to war everyday…”
“But going to war for love, Kevin you know that’s truly the best and most honorable reason.” Morisato took up the mantle for Natalie.
“Didn’t Troy fall because of that?” Dusty made sure to remind everyone.
“Yes, but they fell to the attackers. And I’m not looking to conquer, I’m looking to save the one I love. Crystal Tokyo will not be razed to the ground, and it’s not like we have the forces to take the palace anyhow with only one ship. This is a rescue operation only, so keep your thoughts clear on the true objective.”
On board the Silence Glaive an hour later, Kevin and Natalie were on the bridge. The bridge was much different from that of the Imperial Guard. Instead of a bridge that showed only the space around the ship, the bridge had multiple view screens. When not in use, the area around the bridge was quite visible. The command crew that would ultimately be responsible for the ship, had entered the bridge and took the respective places, except the future XO and CO which was be taken over by Admiral Junia and Captain Portalis.
“Natalie, inform the JDY of our departure intent. Prepare to initiate the experimental Interplanetary Drive.”
“Aye sir. Ensign Ty’rho clear us from docking bay, proceed then outbound to Jupiter high orbit.”
“Yesssssss ma’am.” The Doomin male lizard hissed and complied with the order. “Moving at .2 thrussssss… we’re clear of the docking clampssssss.”
“Initiating Interplanetary Drive in five, four, three, two… engaging!” The ship the propelled itself at a high rate of speed away from the planet Jupiter.
At Sol, the Silence Glaive came out of interplanetary drive at a distance equal to half the distance from Sol to Mercury. Kevin stood on the bridge and looked at the Helms officer. “Charge the chronometric shield and prepare for full hyper speed!”
“Charging, shield is now at seventy two percent and rising.” The tactical officer told Kevin while the Doomin lizard Helms officer set the course for the slingshot effect.
“Ssssir, the sssship issss ready for Hypersssssspace…”
“Initiate then… now!” The helms officer complied and pushed the button to launch the ship into hyperspace. Just as the ship started to feel the full gravitational pull of Sol, the shield reached maximum power which Kevin looked to the tactical officer. “Set year for late 30th century, about two weeks after the others showed up.” He looked at the group who was eyeing him. “It’s tactically smarter, they won’t predict this and will have lowered their guard some. I don’t want to sacrifice lives just for this mission.”
“To the thirtieth century then!” The ship full hyper speed as it came around Sol and shot out of the early 21st century like a rock from a slingshot… disappearing from all present day scanners.
It dropped out of hyperspace, right into a hornet’s nest it seemed. The area was full of starships… not Guardian Republic though as far as Kevin could tell. “Initiate the cloaking device. Let’s stay hidden until we can get to Earth.” The ship complied with Kevin’s request it seemed and the ship shut off unnecessary lighting and external transmitting devices, to even more lower the chances of being spotted by these unknown ships. “Steady as she goes to Earth.”
It took twelve more hours to get to Earth but that was only to assure that detection was avoided. There a lot of starships around in the inner Sol System which worried Kevin a bit. However his long range sensors picked up the JDY… apparently it wasn’t abandoned and was still firing a Guardian Republic IFF. That was good because that meant there were still some Kanorians in system should things get too ugly and he needed to pull into a friendly dock.
“We won’t reveal our position to them until absolutely necessary. I’m not sure how they would greet the first High Chancellor Admiral of the new Guardian Republic.”
“Sir, we are entering Earth orbit. We should be fine here as most of the ships are in a higher orbit than us.”
“Must be the lack of technology that forces them to remain in high orbit.” Natalie turned to Kevin who agreed by nodding his head.
“Sir the CMS Serenity II, CMS Crystal Millennium, CMS Ginzoishou, USS Dauntless, USS Dallas, and USS Del Rio are in close orbit to us and they’re picking up strange readings around us. I think they may know we are here.” The communication officer hadn’t taken his eyes off the comm screen while relaying the message.
“Re-adjusting the cloak… there, the cloak is fully operational again. Seems we had some holes for a second or two. They won’t see us again unless we allow them too.”
“Just in case, move us 100 km from our present course. That’ll make sure they definitely know no one’s home.” Natalie looked at the humanoid lizard, who complied with the order.
“That did it, now they’re going back to what they were doing. Looks like the two sides really don’t like each other. They’re blaming the other for the ‘distraction’.”
“Excellent! Gather the alpha strike force in the main transporter room. Have the other four strike teams report to their respective smaller transporter rooms. Make sure the transporter rooms are all locked on the same location.” Kevin turned an left the bridge. Before he did he looked to Natalie and smiled. “You have the bridge Portalis.”
“Aye sir. Godspeed to you, your friends, and the strike force…”
To be continued…
Sean, the Elder Earl of Titan, was in his manor, sitting alone in his personal study reading through his personal logs from years past. The door to the room opened with a slight creak as his only son Nickolas poked his head in, but Sean made no motion to acknowledge the boy’s entrance.
“Pop…” Nick called out to his distant father. “Pop…something weird is happening. Earth and Moon are calling in lots of strange reports. Pop?” Sean still made no motion to answer his son. Nick was about to turn and leave when his father suddenly stood up out of his chair and turned his head toward the nearest window.
“Someone…” Sean muttered. “Someone is coming here…no, they are here…now.”
“Pops?” Nick looked up curiously at his father. “Who is here?”
“Nickolas, remember what I taught you,” Sean replied, his face was stone cold and serious. “Go stand ready to give the order to the sentries. I’m going outside to meet our…visitors. Remember, if anything happens…”
“I remember, Pops,” Nick nodded and ran down the hall to his post. Sean moved from his study and out to the main hall leading to the Manor’s great front door. Someone was in his courtyard, that much he was sure of…but as to who it was, Sean was determined to find out one way or another. He kept his Silence and flame at the ready and opened the great door and cautiously stepped outside. His sharp eyes scanned his estate, looking for movement or details out of place.
“Intruder upon my land,” Sean daringly called out. “You have already been detected by my sentries and I am aware of your presence. Be you friend or foe of the Earth and Moon, I will give you timely quarter in my house. Show yourself and surrender without incident otherwise, I cannot guarantee my Saturnian hospitality.” Sean waited for a response, all the while praying to the spirits in the back of his mind.
“Rhea…” His mind echoed his prayer. “Watch over us…protect us with you holy golden flame…” Movement then caught his eye and he flashed his gaze in the immediate direction and his Fire and Ice Rapier appeared in his hand. He raised the weapon and pointed it where he spied the intruder’s shadow.
“You…can it be…?” Sean’s dark eyes suddenly lit up when he saw the face of his ally.
On Jupiter, another had recognized also the significance of what was happening. "If the history books are correct.. Time to head to Crystal Tokyo." The pony-tailed girl entered a high speed shuttle and took off towards Earth.