Junia’s Promise

Part Two: To Lure the Crystal Army

 

 

"Ma'am, all transporters have been cleared successfully. The strike force is now on the surface around what we've designated Neo-Tokyo Tango.” The ship security officer looked to Natalie who nodded.

"Excellent. Good luck Kevin, Barkonis, and all our brave friends down there. May the power of the Guardians protect you all." She sat down in the command chair and waited. “Ian, status report on the surrounding starships around us please.”

“So far…” Ian looked over the consoles. “They are maintaining their course of patrol. We sparked their interest with that sloppy display when we first arrived, and it’s got them on edge, but they don’t seem daring enough to wander too far from their designated territories at this time.”

 

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 whom 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.

The shuttle's interplanetary drive kicked off between the Silence Glaive and the Serenity II. "This is Jupiter Royal shuttle Jovius Royitus to Crystal Tokyo control requesting immediate landing permission."

"Jovius, please state your intentions."

"I'm on route for a diplomatic mission on behalf of the Jupiter King." The girl lied to the attendant and waited.

"We have no record of such a mission today."

"That's because this is a spur of the moment thing. I need permission immediately so I may conduct business with the Crystal Millennium Neo-Queen, Serenity II.” The pilot hoped they wouldn’t question her much longer as every minute she lost, was another minute less that she had to meet up with the ones who would change the past and present.

“Shuttle Jovius, you been cleared to land at Crystal Tokyo Star Port in Neo Tokyo 12. Show the gate attendants your Jupiter paperwork and they’ll let you bypass that long lines. Safe landings Jupiter Ambassador.”

“Thank you for your help, Jovius Royitus out.” The Jupiter female thrust the controls forward causing the shuttle to lurch forward. In a matter of minutes she will have landed and would be able to start her own quest. As she came into the atmosphere, she could see the shield protecting the once famed city of Crystal Tokyo. She was able to see the havoc and destruction that had been caused when Jedite had turned the city into a war-zone. However, it was only small area compared to the wide-spread destruction that had been caused only a few weeks ago. As she passed over the wall, she could have sworn she saw a huge buildup of people in uniforms. She blew it off as if it had been nothing at all. “Must be going crazy...”

 

“Did you think it saw us?” Megumi asked, referring to the Jupiter shuttle that had just passed overhead.

“I’m not sure, but now we must hurry to the secret entrance... and there it is.” Kevin removed the scouter off his eye and pointed to a part of the wall. “The pad is just to the right of that door. Aliana, if you please...”

“Leave it to the master. Ah, what would you do without me?”

“They probably do it the old fashion way while I would’ve wrecked unholy devastation on it.” Jedite stood there proudly remembering his accomplishments until Kevin, Morisato, and Alex all looked at him. “WHAT?!!”

“It is mostly your fault that we in situation like this Jedite.” The Russian looked at him in such a way he started to cower a little. Just when the strike force thought things would degenerate further the secret entrance opened and Aliana reappeared.

“Phhhtt... you think Usagi and Ami would have came up with some better defenses.” Aliana looked quite pleased with herself.

“I think they built it without you in mind there Valkyrie.” Ryoko smiled at her Sailor Senshi counterpart, who smiled in return.

“Alright, squad one and two are with me. We’ll form a perimeter when we get inside for the High Chancellor Admiral. Remember, are job is not to kill... only to neutralize.” The Canisian Dog Warrior, General Barkonis, moved forward with about twenty forces. He had a laser rifle in hand and walked into the abyss that was the secret entrance. When he came out though, there were two guards just standing there.

“Yeah, did you see that dodge ball game last night? I didn’t think the Crystal Tokyo Imperials had a chance but I guess a lucky catch against Akita’s star player Tyhron allowed them that victory.” The first one said to the obviously not caring second.

“Who cares? It’s all about that team from Buenos Aires in Astroball. They took out that Neo New York City...” Barknois came up behind him and knocked him in the back of the neck. The guard fell like a ton of bricks into the ground as Barknois went to the next guard.

“What about them Sasuki? Sasuki...” The guard turned around to see the tall dog warrior in front of him. “Ah why me... A Canisian outside of Jupiter? Who are you?” He was punched out by Barknois who shook his head.

“The sugar man...”

“Sir, I believe that’s Sandman.” One of the soldiers spoke up.

“Yeah, your probably right but I didn’t study up on my Terran legends.” He then pointed to the two soldiers which was the cue for the squads to do what they were suppose to. In a matter of seconds, the two sentries were tied up and hidden away in an alley while the squads secured the area. “Sir, guards neutralized and ground secured.”

The rest of the strike force came through within a minute and started looking around.

“Excellent work Barkonis. Remember the plan, draw out the Crystal Army away from the Crystal Palace. If Sailor Jupiter attacks us, cover me. I alone will face her...”

“Ah yes, Jupiter Knight will face the one adversary he’s never beat: Sailor Jupiter, the love of his life.” Jedite stared to mock Kevin but Morisato stepped up.

“He just never wanted to hurt her, physically or in any other way. I will also face against her, to make sure Kevin has the necessary advantage.  Also, we don’t know if Mars and Mercury are the only other Senshi the Neo-Queen has in her arsenal. It could be possible she might have the present day Outer Senshi in her control as well... Maybe even Jedite and myself...”

“She has only has her primary three guardians with her. If there are others... it is unlikely they are in the area. The Satellite Senshi and Asteroid Senshi won’t become prominent yet.” Dusty crossed his arms shaking his head. “Be careful though as Galaxies bracelets are still very dangerous and can very much turn you into her slave just like your girlfriend and the other Senshi.”

“Alright, what’s the best way to draw out an army without destroying people’s homes?” Megumi looked at the newly rebuilt area of the crystal city.

“We move in and start drawing as much attention to ourselves as possible. Wave the Guardian Republic flags and start shooting our rifles indiscriminately.” This caused every single soldier, Sailor Senshi, Knight, or General to look at each other, but not one person knew where the voice was coming from... until they looked down.

“Aries? What are you doing here kitty? Aren’t you supposed to be with Kellie?” Kevin looked at the red furred cat, who jumped on his shoulder and started purring.

“To your first and last question, yes I am. As for your second, with Zeus neutralized, you need me... his wife with you.” The female cat purred louder as her tail whipped around Kevin’s face.

“Okay, we’re taking orders from a cat? Believe me; people will think we are just a bunch of cosplayers trying to stand out more. If you want to cause real trouble, you’ll have to destroy buildings and start offing people.” Jedite smugly smiled at his own assessment.

“Look, we are not the bad guys, you included Jedite. We are not taking out structures and killing people just to draw out their military. Do we attack a military facility or do we start taking over buildings lowering the Moon Kingdom flag and replacing it with our own?” Morisato looked to Kevin for that answer.

“We can’t win by attacking the Crystal Palace. We have no chance of victory from that point... and it would hinder other efforts. Calling attention to ourselves may not get the desired results we want. We wanted to grab their attention by neutralizing one of the traveling Moon Kingdom brigades. This would cause them to send out more of their forces. If we started unleashing our powers, it’s obvious their primary generals will show up. If I know Usagi, she’ll use her friends to lead those armies, and she will probably come out herself to investigate fully. Those four however can turn the tide of any battle. Our only mission is to draw out and hold off for as long as we can the army they send at us. We are only to use neutralizing, not killing tactics. I’m not here to start a war across time.” Kevin showed on a viewer as he outlined his plan. This hadn’t changed from his what he outlined before, but he was kind of hoping that showing military tactics would be picked up at the many cameras he knew lined the streets of Crystal Tokyo. “Alright, General Barkonis, lead the way towards the Crystal Castle!”

“Yes sir! You heard him ladies! Urban style clearing and marching! Move, move, move!” The entire strike force, save Kevin and the other main heroes marched as Barkonis followed them down the street.

Kevin looked at the Senshi then had a cock-eyed look on his face. “Where are Ryoko and Aliana?”

“They’ve been gone since we cracked that secret password, Kev-chan.” Megumi looked at Kevin as if he was already supposed to know. Kevin started to fume wondering if the two deserted him, but then thought the better of it.

 

The shadows seemed to move as someone stepped out of them. “Ah Sean-chan you haven’t lost it... in the time I haven’t seen you.” Ryoko smiled as she fully stepped out of the shadows. “However, as for surrender, you should already know that’s not possible.”

“Ryo-chan?” Sean took a good long look at his not so old friend. “I haven’t seen you since we parted ways back on Earth. Either the years have been good to you…or there’s been meddling with the door of time again…”

“Ryoko,” Aliana appeared giving Sean a bit of a surprise. “We don’t have time to fool around with relics of the past. We have a mission to accomplish and I doubt he can help us.”

“Is that really a way to speak to an old friend,” Sean yielded his stance and put his rapier away. “After all these years, have I really become just that? A relic from the past?” He signaled his house to return to their minimal alert status and posts.

Aliana looked to Sean and bowed slightly. “So how’s the position of Earl treating you? I wish we had more time, but surrender is not option... and is Saturn really hospitable when their primary attack is the ‘Silence’.” Aliana started to laugh a little.

“Ah Aliana, do you have to be so mean?”

“Ryoko, I’m only doing your job since your not doing it... Ah, actually Sean, perhaps you can help us.” 

“It is our primary attack,” Sean concurred. “However, it is our primary defense as well. I’ll have you know right now that Saturn is a neutral territory in all this havoc. Hotaru will have nothing to do with the mad moon queen’s policy or the oppression from Earth, and as Earl of Titan it is my duty to make sure their forces stay well away from our furthest borders. So, my position is no picnic in itself. So, what would you ladies need my help with?”

Nickolas poked his head out the door and peered over to where his father stood talking with the two Senshi Allies. The youth stared daringly at the two ladies, but remained back behind the door.

“Pops?” Nick called from the door. “Pops? What’s happening? Who are they? Are they Allies of Earth and Lunar?” Sean looked back at his son and waved him over.

“They are old friends of mine,” Sean stated to Nick. “I highly doubt at this time they hold their loyalties to either of those territories right now. Ladies, this is my only son, Nickolas. He’s 14 years old and the sole heir to my title and estate.”

“Hi,” Nick stood firmly by his father, but avoided eye contact.

“Hello,” the two said in unison then started to giggle.

“But, let’s get back to business, shall we?” Sean looked up at the women. “What do you need my help with?”

"We need to lure the Crystal Army from the Crystal Palace. The GDF has no interest in starting an interchrono war between the past Guardian Republic and the future Crystal Tokyo." Aliana looked to Sean. "I also assume that Jupiter and Guardia of the future have also remained neutral, but I have no idea who is in charge there. I assume its Kevin and Makoto but I have yet to ascertain that information, and at this moment I don’t really care."

“Very direct Aliana,” Sean quirked a serious eyebrow. “Although where either side holds it’s loyalty at this time, I do not know. Since Jupiter is still an inner territory we hardly communicate to maintain our operational security from being hacked by Lunar craft and militia.”

"You've been taking a page from my book it seems." Ryoko laughed at Aliana's sudden coldness.

"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. Kevin is looking for his fiancée and has undertaken a very daring mission to rescue her from her current predicament. I assume you probably know what Usagi-san has done to Makoto-san and her two other guardians?"

“I am not clear on the details…” Sean shook his head. “Like I said, we have been in the dark, so to speak, with all internal activities with the Inner planets. However, Usagi’s decent into madness is evident enough that things are becoming dire for those holding any solid allegiance to her. And due to the rumored theft of the senshi star seeds are why we remain separate and neutral…”

"Kevin brought with him a small strike-force to get back Mako-chan's star-seed. However, if the Crystal Army remains in place, any direct assault on the palace will get him and his troops captured or killed. That's why he sent the two of us to get the star seed and lower the shields so we can escape." Ryoko shook her head while wondering what to do.

“So where is young Kev-san now?” Sean looked at Ryoko.

"He's using the rest of the strike-force to help provide a diversion, but we doubt that Usagi will think of them of nothing but Cos-players."

“Indeed,” Sean shook his head then looked at the young women with stern eyes. “And how would you propose going about getting the star seeds necessary to conduct this plan?”

“That’s easy for a ninja... with my abilities. I’m going to take it as soon as Aliana drops the security around it.” Ryoko said very cocky with a smile on her face.

“I will use my powers to infiltrate the main computer and knock down the shields long enough for the task force to escape.” Aliana followed up with more assurance than cockiness.

“You do realize in asking me this…” Sean spoke low and seriously. “You will put our territory at risk of being tagged for treason against the Moon. Even though Saturn stands as a kingdom on its own, the Moon has placed herself like a God over all kingdoms in the Sol. Her madness knows so end.”

“Apparently Jupiter has been hoarding a huge arsenal away from the queen’s eyes. In the future, we believe the Eighth Guardian Star-Defense Fleet is still here and in good condition. I wouldn’t worry about Saturn as long as Jupiter has her back, and since Kevin and Makoto still probably consider Hotaru like a sister, Jupiter will be here with the entire fleet to stop the Lunar Fleet. Unlike Uranus and Neptune, Jupiter has always been a faithful ally, and I wouldn’t ask you this without a guarantee.” Aliana looked to Ryoko who nodded.

“While Nemesis of this time probably has me at the throne again, you can be sure that we will help as well. I can make that promise as the future Queen of the Shadow Planet. Trust me, Dusty told me we still have quite a fleet to batter the Lunar fleets. However, we aren’t asking to invade Crystal Tokyo. We have no point of attacking. We need troops in G.R. uniforms to pose as the past force to draw out more troops.” Ryoko looked at Sean hoping he would help.

“Jedite is with us, but if we use his tactic again... the Queen will surely beat the Allies. We need twenty minutes to draw out the army and grab the star seed. After that, we need to have in our possession Makoto and have her removed from the bracelets power. We can hold off the army easily, we just need to give them a reason to come out.” Aliana looked at the time on the clock as she knew time was not with them on this one.

Sean turned on his heal and walked toward his manor. “I will try to patch in a communiqué to Jupiter. Granted the Lunar fleets will find such activity suspicious, and will try to hack in for their own investigation, but it is worth a try. And I’m sure…the royal house of Jupiter will have no objections in assisting us with this project…if I know Kevin-sama…there’s no doubt.”

“Kevin better not have any objections because it’s his wife and future we are trying to save.” Ryoko huffed a little while crosseing her arms over her chest.

“If you’re worried about the Crystal City tapping into your communications, well I have a few surprises for those nimrods who think they can get something past me.” Aliana smiled which drew another look from Ryoko.

Crazy woman has spent too much time around me... or she’s like this when it comes to a warring situation. I’ve never seen her like this though. Ryoko thought to herself as she tried to think of Aliana’s change.

 

On Jupiter, General Barkonis was sitting in his usual spot. He had served Kevin most of his life, and he had no regrets. His family was happy where they were and war didn’t break out every two seconds to preserve way of freedom. He loved the war and battles and the leading troops to well-deserved victories but things had quieted down... at least for Jupiter and Saturn.

Then the communication came in from Saturn about forcing the Crystal Army away from the Crystal Palace. “Ah, how quickly those years flew by. I guess it’s time to stir up the stasis quo. Admiral Portalis, Admiral Yamamoto, Prince General Morisato to the briefing room.” He then pushed a button to accept the communiqué. “This is General Barkonis, Canisian Dog Warrior, of the Alliance of the Holy Royal Kingdom of Jupiter. How may I help you today?”

“This is Sean, Earl of Titan,” Sean stated over the comm. “I have an urgent message of the utmost importance.  I have been informed of a pending recon to retrieve the stolen star seeds from the mad lunar queen. I was hoping offer my support and request the grace of the Jupiter King to join in the recognizance. Will the Jovians comply?”

Natalie, Tetsu, and Morisato all walked in at the same time just as Barkonis had answered the call. “Ooh, you mean it’s time?” Morisato looked happily at the 7' 4" Canisian happily.

“Perhaps...” A tall abominable snowman looking creature walked in.

“Ah, Admiral Faalen Sy’ina I forgot to call you in.” Morisato smiled innocently at the Glacien woman.

“Save it Morisato, I’m not angry at all. I’m just ready to do my part in rescuing the past Princess of Jupiter.” She looked at her fellow leaders and waited. She was the greatest star fighter pilot in the Federation of the Guardian Republic, but that was so long ago for her. Now she was the Jovians greatest star fighter pilot.

“Earl Sean, this is Admiral Portalis. We have all the preparations in place already.” The tall female smiled sweetly to her duke counterpart.

“We are ready to go, at anytime, just waiting for the password.” Barkonis said through the comm device.

All of a sudden Aliana appeared on the view screen. “Just do it Barkonis. Your pass self never mentioned about a password.”

“I’m just kidding with you Aliana. The Nadesico task-force will be arriving to pound the shields for a few minutes so the Silence Glaive can de-cloak and take care of business. After you de-cloak however, you will have only five minutes before they swarm on you.” Barkonis told her.

“Wow, your tactics has spread to fleets as well it seems.” Aliana said to the General who nodded in agreement. “We’ll need to contact the Silence Glaive and let them know the plan so Natalie doesn’t get confused with what’s about to happen.”

“We have a problem though. The Jupiter Royal shuttle landed at N.T. 12 and we have reason to believe whoever it is in now in the custody of the Crystal Tokyo. Let’s hope that doesn’t compromise us as a coalition.” Natalie grabbed everyone’s attention with that one.

“Actually we can use that to our advantage. We say that person was an ambassador of Jupiter and their kidnapping in the Crystal Tokyo territories would constitute an act of war. We can engage now with what we want and little worries about the repercussions of our actions from most the other neighboring factions.” Faalen said which piqued everyone’s interest on the new development.

“Who went there though?” Natalie looked at Faalen, who only shrugged her shoulders. 

“Earl Sean, whatever assistance besides this communiqué would be very much appreciated. If you need a Kanorian style fleet, we have one ready for you. If you require anything to help you accomplish what you need to get done, there will be no problem at all. We are always willing to help our allies, no matter the consequences to ourselves,” Barkonis told the Earl with every ounce of truth he had.

“The King and Queen regret what happened to Saturn so long ago, and are willing to go to any length to prove their allegiance to Saturn has always been genuine.” Faleen stepped up and told Sean and bowed deeply with respect to him.

 

“I thank you for your honored memory of our world’s history,” Sean replied. “I have the Saturnian fleets at my disposal. I will dispatch three of them to assist in this operation while the rest remain behind to defend our borders. Designated fleets 4, 7, and 8 will be dispatched with my friends and myself at the helms of the command ships. I’m sure the spirits of the past are rejoicing at this new alliance coming together and smile their blessings upon us.”

“Yes, our three planets have to stick together especially since the trouble that has came with the Moon Queen’s decent into madness.                                       

“Well, now,” Sean turned and looked at his friends after the comms were closed. “My decision is made. Aliana…I will place you in command of the 4th fleet on board the command ship Silver Hawk. Ryoko, you will command the 7th fleet on board the command ship Reaper’s Due. I will command the 8th fleet onboard my command ship Rising Flame.”

“I always wanted to command my own fleet. Kevin makes it looks so easy with the Guardian Republic’s Eighth Fleet.” Ryoko smiled at the earl and her companion.

“That’s because the Eighth fleet is a trained elite force. There are very few challenges they can’t face together. Sean, it is an honor to be able to serve in such a way.” Aliana bowed and Ryoko looked over and decided to bow as well.

“I’d better brief you on the fleets,” Sean stated. “Each fleet consists of the command carrier, 2 cruisers, 2 Frigates, 2 defenders, and one stealth ship. The Reaper’s Due fleet is the only fleet where all her ships have stealth capabilities. Silver Hawk is a heavy assault fleet, and Rising Flame is a defending fleet.  Either way, I chose these fleets so that we may be balanced in Combat.”

“Excellent, the more versatile we are, the better of a chance we’ll stand.” Aliana understood combat techniques thanks to all that time she spent around Kevin. “We have to get Makoto back for Kevin’s sake and the for the future of the Holy Royal Kingdom of Jupiter... and perhaps the entire Sol system.” She then thrust her arm into the air, drawing out her sword in the process.

“My people have been anxious for a fight,” Sean let up a small smile. “Ever since the Lunar Queen’s decent into madness, the air has been heavy with apprehension and animosity. I think this operation is the answer to their prayers that they have been waiting for. After all…we Saturnians were a race born for battle and victory.”

“And the Jovians will be right with you, and that means me as well.” Aliana warmly smiled and Ryoko looked at her while rolling her eyes.

“I personally would like to take a few swings at this ‘Earth Alliance’ that seems to be full of themselves.” Ryoko pointed to some of the pictures of their ships that were posted up with full battle information on them. “Must remember about them when I do become Queen of Nemesis,” Ryoko mumbled under breath.

An incoming message caught Sean’s attention, and he activated the main screen to receive.

“Hmm, perhaps we’ll find out soon what to do?” Ryoko only nodded her head to Aliana.

“Good news, my friends,” Sean smiled widely. “I just got a message via the Platinum Palace on Saturn. Hotaru has approved our movement. It is time to set the plan into action.”

“Emerald Palace on Jupiter has also acknowledged their readiness. The Nadesico, Thunderstorm, and Emerald Katana strike Imperial Guard class battleship strike groups will hit strategic locations to draw off the enemy forces. Shadow Palace has two strike groups on standby in the shadow of Luna just in case.” An aide at one of the communication terminals relayed to Sean and the two time traveling warriors. The two Senshi nodded in agreement with the statement.

“Nickolas…I leave the defense of Saturn in your hands until I return,” Sean put his hand on his son’s head. “Make me proud.”

“Right Pops,” Nick nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

“Cute kid there Sean, and he looks just like you when you were younger.” Aliana teased which brought a blush from Nick.

“Ready, my friends? Sean then turned back to Aliana and Ryoko. “To the shuttles then. They will take you to your command ships.”

“Aye Sean, however... Ryoko and I will end up using our powers to get back to the Crystal Palace when the time comes. I assume you already have commanders in place to take over when this happens.” Sean nodded in agreement and the three took off to the shuttles.

 

The Guardian soldiers had hid behind pillars waited for the Crystal Tokyo Soldier platoons to get within range. A fog had been cast over the battlefield thanks to Megumi’s abilities. The Soldier platoons seemed to be made up of human, not robot troops. Kevin and Barkonis motioned for the troops to set their weapons to heavy stun. As the group of soldiers stopped in front of where the ambush was to take place, Kevin smiled and yelled, scaring the Crystal Troops. He then charged while firing his rifle and the others did the same. The Crystal troops were so overcome with fear that most dropped instantly the first shots were fired. Those who tried to escape found another ambush blocking their path. The robot troops that came to back them up were cut down by the superior skill of the Star Samurai that ambushed them.

There was much yelling and screaming as the confusion fully overtook the Crystal troops. A battalion’s worth of soldiers had got caught up in the ambush. The learned the fury of a well planned and executed strategy as not one of them was allowed to escape the ambush that followed into a pincer attack. The Crystal troops were no match for the seasoned, well-trained, and battle-harden troops from the Federation of the Guardian Republic.

Kevin grabbed one of the soldiers not stunned and looked at the poor thing. The young man was no more than eighteen. He shook his head while not showing any emotion. “Call out the Sailor Senshi and your army.”

“I thought... you... wouldn’t want... them to... come out...” The boy looked like he was about to wet himself. Kevin shook his head in disappointment.

“The Crystal Army has become sad. I want the Senshi to come out to play with us. That’s my whole motivation for being here, so call them out or I will do it myself.” The kid agreed to do it and called for reinforcements and the Sailor Senshi against an unseen powerful enemy. Kevin then did the kid a favor by putting him down and stunning him. “Trust me; you don’t want to be any part of this fiasco when it goes down the young one.” Kevin and his strike group now how ten minutes before they would get their wish and draw out the Crystal Army away from the Crystal Palace.

 

“Fleets are positioned and ready for departure, my Lord,” The First officer announced. “We await your command.”

“Understood,” Sean sat in the command chair. “Open communiqué with the Reaper’s Due and Silver Hawk command ships. I’ll see if they are set and ready to go.” The officer saluted and executed the order. Both bridges of the corresponding ships came on the view screen.

“My friends,” Sean spoke firmly. “We are about to cross the threshold into the war zone. Are you ready to for the battle to come?”

“Let’s give ‘em Hell!” Ryoko’s enthusiasm was a help to boost morale.

“All ships, engage Hyperdrives,” Sean ordered to the fleets. “Set the coordinates to the outskirts of the Terra borders, and be prepared for anything. May the Spirits of the past be with us in battle.”

“HO!” The Saturnian crews cheered in unison as they raised their fists to Sean’s encouraging words. The Hyperdrives were activated and all ships vanished from sight, heading into the heart of the awaiting fray deep within the Lunar/Terra territory.