Junia’s Promise

Part Three: Stealing Back a Star Seed

The Jupiter fleet led by the Nadesico made its move towards Earth, intentionally pounding the shields for a few seconds. This caused both the Earth Federation and Crystal Tokyo fleets to turn towards the twenty ship task-force that had just completed its hit-and-run.

Just then, the Emerald Katana and Jupiter Knight strike-forces came out and did the same thing. The three strike forces then turned and made it look like they were about to run, when they split off in different directions: One towards Luna, one towards the North American continent, and the other towards the Europe side of Earth. The ships were unsure who to chase, all the mean while accusing each other of this deception. Then one ship fired... a cloaked ship hit one of the Earth Alliance ships.  They started firing on the Kanorian forces and the Crystal Tokyo ships. They in turn return fire on their opposing forces, with the Lunar forces firing on both sides as well. Then the two visible Saturnian Fleets dropped out of Hyperspace right in position to help take down various space military targets.

Sean’s fleet was totally undetectable to their enemies while making sure to remain in visibility of the dubbed “Senshi Alliance” fleets.

Aliana ordered her fleet forward as Sean’s own fleet took up defensive positions around the perimeter to give Ryoko the necessary support. Aliana figured that the Megumi Chiyuno of this time probably still had some affection for Kevin. She managed to find files pertaining to the Sailor Senshi and their current positions. Megumi built Healing Castle in the Asteroid Field, and made many colonies. Megumi however used the asteroid field to make many hidden fortifications and hide her own vast fleet. She apparently was married but she always sent nice things to Kevin on his birthday. Aliana figured those defenses were to protect Jupiter and her allies from a surprise attack. The ambushers would get ambushed themselves if they tried to get past the Asteroid Belt. The Kupiter Belt protected Nemesis and Quinox from the rest of the Sol System while Pluto’s own orbit takes it very close to the belt.

It was sad that Usagi’s own madness destroyed the team work and the friendship bonds that she worked so hard to create over the years. Kevin was ready to destroy the connection that the most powerful Sailor Senshi and the most powerful Sailor Knight had as comrades. He was making a coalition to get back his wife and perhaps knock some sense into Usagi’s mind since the Nemesis invasion apparently didn’t. With so many political factions now in the Sol System, it was only a matter of time before something like this happened anyhow.

“Ryoko, nice shot!” Aliana was very happy with the confusion outpouring from the Senshi Alliance enemies.

“Thank you Aliana, the Reaper’s Due strike force is perfect for a ninja like me. It seems Kevin was sharing knowledge with Sean when they were building fleets.” Ryoko’s face appeared on the Captain’s view screen. “We are continuing our assault to sow the seeds of confusion among the enemy forces.”

“Yes, but I counted two Jupiter fleets moving in as well. I think this assault was planned even after it ended in the future by many planets. The Jovians are making sure they are being counted in the assault as well.”

“Yes, I just saw on our sensors how they came. I wonder if it’s Jupiter Knight who’s leading the assault?”

“Kevin would usually take only the Imperial Guard unless things have changed. The lead battleships are the Jupiter’s Honor and Jupiter’s Fury which seems a lot like Kevin.” Aliana watched as they engaged Earth Alliance ships that were near Mercury. They were probably hoping to draw forces away from Earth and other regions of Sol. “Our time is quickly approaching. Silence Glaive will need a few minutes to launch her shuttles so we can but a few minutes on lowering those shields. The point is not to alert Crystal Tokyo to our own presence in the Crystal Palace until it’s too late, but have the shuttles in standby.”

Ryoko stood on the bridge of the Reaper’s Due watching the confusion that had started. Ryoko ordered the fleet to attack the Starbase that Earth was using to coordinate efforts in the Crystal Tokyo area. “Aliana, even with the extra minutes, E.A. forces and C.T. forces are gathering up to get back into position here. Silence Glaive will be found out soon, but I just was told by Natalie on board the Glaive they are launching shuttles. The future Natalie is waiting for a signal from Jupiter on board the Imperial Guard to move in.”

“Right, but turn over command to the respective commanders so we can do what we came to do.” Aliana’s face disappeared from the command chair.

“Admiral, I turn command of the Reaper’s Due fleet to you. I will be using my senshi power to get myself to the Crystal Palace to do what we were sent to finish.”

The Saturnian walked up to Ryoko and saluted her. “May the spirits of the past watch over you and guide you in victory. Good luck Sailor Nemesis, Princess Ryoko. Always watch your back in that palace.”

“Thank you, that’s what I intend to do.” Ryoko disappeared into a shadow near her and she was gone off the ship.

“My Lord and Earl of Titan, Princess Ryoko has left and now I am awaiting your next command.” The admiral said after opening a communiqué with the Rising Flame.

“Understood,” Sean’s face appeared on the view screen. “All three Saturnian fleets are now under my direct command. Reaper’s Due shall fall back behind the advancing defense of Rising Flame. Silver Hawk shall double up its advance and add its support to the Jovians once in range. From there stand by and maintain positions. When the time comes…Reaper’s Due will move in on Terra, and victory will be guaranteed for the allies.”

In his mind, Sean said a little prayer to his friends. “Good luck out there, Ryoko-san, Aliana-san. Whatever happens down there, may our efforts bring about a good revolution.”

The Crystal Army was surrounding the Kevin’s task force within seconds. Apparently, another Guardian task-force outside of Neo Tokyo 8 was bombarding the city, placing the whole place under alert even before his little ambush of a battalion. Serenity was not taking any chances and quickly mobilized the entire Crystal Army to shut down all the entrances to the city. Most of the army was near the entrance to N.T. 8 but another three battalions ran into Kevin’s group and quickly surrounded them. As Kevin had predicted, all the Senshi Guardians were there as well, especially upon seeing Jedite and Haruka there.

“Surrender and you shall receive quarter and a fair trial, criminals of Crystal Tokyo.” Sailor Mars, Rei Hino, said to the task-force.

“Sorry, what was that? I promise I’ll pay more attention next time.” Kevin blew off Rei’s inconceivable option for the group’s surrender.

“Grrr, if you want to play hardball.” Rei started to power up a fireball in her hands.

“I knew you liked it rough.” Jedite taunted Rei who was starting to get very angry.

“What I want is quite simple. My terms are give me back my fiancee and we leave, no harm no foul. If not, I will treat you no differently than I would any other advisary. You are no better than the Dark Mage Sharline with the stunt you are pulling and I’m prepared to fight,” Kevin said which drew a laugh from Rei.

“Fine, if you want your fiancee so bad, then you got it... be careful what you wish for though.” Rei motioned Makoto to move forward that started powering up a lightning shot.

Yongsin, I will need your help more than ever this time. I know right is on our side, but it doesn’t make this any easier. Kevin thought to the elemental dragon that was in his heart... a part of his soul.

Though you are a fool of a humanoid, you need not worry good Knight. I understand why you fight this battle. As for the troops, they are the Princess of Mercury’s robot troops, which comprises a lot of the Crystal Army. Your troops will need not hold back against this force. Stand proud as you have the Dragon of Thunder with you today.

Thank you Yongsin. Let us see if we can bring back honor and glory to a once good people. Kevin’s stance turned to a Ranma style defense. He motioned to the troops to not hold back.

“Sir, is that wise?” Barkonis walked up and asked him.

“Yes, I will not concern myself over the safety of robot troops when my own troops safety means everything. ‘PROMISE OF THE ROSE’ FORMATION!!!” As quickly as the troops were lined up, they went into a circle, similar to the style of the Senshi on that forsaken asteroid when they fought against Fiore and his troops. However, the sword style troops were at the front of the circle, while the laser rifle wielding troops were behind them.

“Do you ever get the feeling that this is going to be a Star Wars style battle?” Morisato looked to Alex who only shrugged. Morisato turned to Kevin and showed no emotion. Morisato knew that when Kevin, Makoto, and himself rumbled, they would not be near the circle. The queen wasn’t around, which didn’t concern him. Usagi probably wouldn’t bother herself with medial affairs unless she was directly threaten.

“I hope Aliana and Ryoko don’t screw around with Mamoru, or this whole operation could fail.” Aries whispered to Alex, and the Russian shook his head in agreement.

“This already looks bad for home team.” Alex looked at the surrounding army and knew how precarious there position was.

“Um, technically we are the away team.” Megumi corrected Alex’s mistake and Alex nodded in agreement.

“Cousin, there is now way we will lose. Besides, if worse comes to worse... Jedite and I can combine into Jeruka.” Haruka smiled confidently while Jedite seemed to gag.

“Oh, I don’t think I want to see that one.” Dusty also seemed to gag. “I think Setsuna may try to take advantage of this situation though... but I can’t tell you what.” Dusty had a few people including Barkonis give him looks but he dismissed them.

“ATTACK!!!” Mars yelled and the humanoid looking robots charged the group.

“Time to go Terminator on them!” One of the troops yelled as he prepared to attack the robots.

“I think that’s why they’re trying to do to us!” Another one yelled back.

“Fire the lasers!” All the laser wielding Kanorian troops started to fire their plasma rifles at the almost impossible to miss wave coming right for them.

“WORLD SHAKING!!!” Haruka threw her fist towards the ground and watched the destructive ball tear through the robot ranks. “Hahaha!”

“Aren’t the Senshi supposed to do their famous taunts first?” Another soldier piped.

“Forget that, I think they may have actually learned something from all the fighting they did!” Another exclaimed as he pulled the trigger faster.

“My turn cousin... WORLD SHAKING!!!” However, unlike his cousin, he jumped high into the sky and intentionally fell towards the nearest enemy formation, causing the Earth around him to quite literally shake. The unsuspecting robots started to fall and crumble apart.

“That’s throwing your weight around.” Megumi pointed at the latest attack by Alex.

“Supreme Thunder!” In the typical fashion of Makoto, Kevin crossed his arms and built up the electricity before letting it rip into the robot army.

“Dark Thunder!” Morisato followed up with the same attack, except his thunder was a black color, instead of the yellowish-white of Kevin and Makoto’s.

“They’ll tear apart my armies at this rate.” Ami fumed and decided to take matters into her own hands. “Shine aqua... ILLUSION!!!” The ferocity of Ami’s attack would have ripped through the lines of the Kanorian’s if Jedite hadn’t stepped up and deflected the blast. However, Ami’s attack was much stronger due to the bracelets, causing Jedite to start getting shoved back.

Kevin ran over to help and put his hands forward. “SONIC SHIELD!!!” The purple glow of the shield helped ward off Mercury’s attack from hitting the group. This of course was a double edged sword as Kevin was able to block the attack but was unable to attack himself. However, with Yongsin’s help, that might not matter. It depended on how Sailor Jupiter reacted to her Jupiter Knight’s decision.            

“Sparkling Wide Pressure!” Makoto wound up like she was throwing a baseball and hurled the ball of lightning at Kevin. However, the lightning ball curved and hit Rei in the chest. Makoto stood in shock of the attack’s veering and Rei struggled to get back up.

“You bitch! You’re supposed to hit them not me!” Rei cursed as she got back up.

“But I did aim for them!” Makoto yelled back, and Kevin snickered. He believed that Yongsin was laughing as well to the confusion that was caused.

Foolish females! They are unaware of my grand presence! The Dragon gloated from within.

“Just be more careful next time! We are supposed to destroy these invaders... NOT EACH OTHER!!!” Rei motioned for another unit to charge forward and they did. Kevin and Morisato both turned to Makoto and knew it was time to take her on. Kevin dropped his shield and jumped into the air and his arch-angel style wings appeared and allowed him to fly over to Makoto’s position. Morisato, on the other hand, teleported to behind Makoto and prepared his assault.

“You think this is a game?!” Makoto asked her brother as she sensed his presence. “You can’t defeat me, one of the Senshi of the Light! I will...”

“Mako-chan, I thought you were mostly action. You weren’t this much of a braggart. I see being around the mad queen has changed you... or is it those bracelets?” Kevin said as he touched down in front of Makoto and allowed the wings to disappear.

“Kev-chan... no, you are my Queen’s enemy, therefore you are my enemy.” Makoto responded and proceeded to slap Kevin across the face. The blow caught Kevin by surprise as he thought his face got readjusted three inches to the right.

“You have no idea why I am here do you.” Kevin said rhetorically to his princess, and future wife.

“You have turned against the Moon Kingdom too, just like my brother did. You want to see its destruction!” Makoto answered very defiantly as the three started to fight.

“True, I hold no love for the current direction of the Moon Kingdom; however, I am no traitor and have no intentions of taking down the Moon Kingdom. I came to get YOUR star seed, and free you from your current enslavement. I am your Knight and that’s my job... no matter who my enemy might be.” Kevin threw a roundhouse kick at Makoto but it failed to connect.

Aliana and Ryoko ended up in the main security room of the palace. They could see where the Jupiter Star Seed was placed and could restore it in Makoto. However they had to get it first without tripping any alarms. “We need to neutralize these security personnel.” Ryoko whispered.

“I’ll leave that to you. I will enter the computer and gather the required information.” Aliana whispered back. The

Two nodded and hit their fists together before undertaking their respective tasks. There were only four guards, so Ryoko knew that taking them out would be a lot easier than expected.

She went into the shadows and appeared behind the farthest back guard and hit the poor fool in the back of the neck, knocking him instantly out. She lightly laid him across the floor, making no noise and keeping the others in the dark of what had just happened. The next one did not allow Ryoko such liberties, as when she took him out, his fall was picked up by one of the two remaining guards who looked at his two unconscious buddies.

“Signal red alert in the castle, we have intruders!” He yelled to the final member of the group. However, as he yelled it, the third personal fell with a thud. The final guard ran to the console to push the button but Ryoko appeared in front of him and smiled.

“Too bad, but worry not. You’ll live to learn from your mistake.” Ryoko’s smiled made the poor man shudder as he attempted to pull out a weapon. However Ryoko was way too quick for that and knocked the man out, across the neck of course. “You’re clear Aliana, but I do not know for how long.”

“Accessing all files… Thankfully these files are actually in some kind of order, unlike Usagi’s life. Found the information... she tried to have Ami put it behind some class 4 protection folders.” Aliana’s voice said softly to Ryoko who stood there tapping her foot.

“I don’t care how she does it, or did since that’s not my cup of tea. Just tell me where I need to go, so I can get the star seed and you work on shutting those shields down so we can get the hell out of this nightmare.” Ryoko reiterated to Aliana who seemed to understand.

“I got it.” She placed it in the same room as the Silver Crystal... near the Neo-Queen’s bedchambers. Kuso! This could be a lot harder than I thought.” Ryoko’s eyes started to get big as Aliana said that.

“What’s wrong?” Ryoko looked at the computer putting out all the information to her.

“Well, it seems Usagi didn’t join her Sailor Senshi in the battle. You will probably have to get passed her... unless she’s passed out.” Aliana paused for a second which Ryoko looked at the computer funny.

“WTF?! What are you talking about Aliana?” Ryoko’s impatience seemed to be showing up.

“She’s passed out asleep still. What a lazy queen... and here I thought she had actually learned something about being royalty. This could not get any easier for us. However, we have only two minutes before the Silence Glaive decloaks and another five before it gets chased by both the Earth Federation and Crystal Tokyo fleets. You have to get that Star Seed immediately so I can lower the shields for the Silence Glaive.” Damn Haruka for spilling that beer on the one panel that was connected to all the transporters. We would only need it down for less than a minute... now we need all five for those shuttles. How can she be so careless... how could we, the Kanorians, been so careless on putting all the transporters systems to one connection point? Aliana thought as she opened the files necessary to lower the shields surrounding the city.

Ryoko appeared in the Silver Crystal room. She saw the Silver Crystal plus four star seeds. She wasn’t worried over the fourth however. She saw the emerald green crystal that belongs to Makoto. She didn’t sense any other traps around, but she had to trust the fact Aliana had managed to shut down the alarms protecting Makoto’s star seed or even her own Senshi Powers may not protect her from the trouble she might come across.

Ryoko moved towards the star seed and grabbed at it. Nothing happened and Ryoko breathed a sigh of relief only to feel another presence enter the room. She slowly started to turn around and was shocked to see who the person it was. She was thankful it wasn’t Usagi, but the person didn’t make it any easier.

“I knew when reports of Kevin’s invasion here were motivated for one purpose, but to use you to do his bidding Ryoko, I’m shocked.” Shea crossed his arms and smiled at the stunned Ryoko. She noticed that the usual gauntlets the Sailor Knights had were replaced by the Galaxia Bracelets that Usagi had used to steal her guardians’ star seeds and take them under her control.

“Shea, why...” Ryoko tried to regain her thoughts.

“Because when that Time Lord showed up with the past Sailor Senshi and Jedite, they took back Minako and that left the Venus spot opened. Usagi sought me here in your future and requested an audience with me. I was in control of protecting the orbiting Galifery Castle around Venus. She needs to replace the Minako of the past presence, so she stole my star seed. Now I lead my life in her service and I have no say and control over it. Blame Hotaru, blame Jedite... or better yet, blame the Princess I was supposed to protect. I don’t as its better me than her... and that’s what Kevin should be doing instead of his invasion.” Shea’s long winded speech almost bored Ryoko to tears as he tried to make Ryoko feel sorry it seemed.

“Well Shea, you let your guard down to the enemy... and you knew what Kevin did in the past. How could you forget what Kevin would talk about to you when we are successful?” Ryoko’s resolved tempered quickly as she planned to complete her mission.

“The problem is I didn’t forget. I’m your own worse enemy thanks to Usagi’s control. Even Sharline couldn’t do this to me or Sean when we were in his grasp. I can’t ignore my duties no matter how unjust they maybe.” Shea whipped out the Venus Sword, preparing to use it. “Sailor Nemesis, ally of the aggressor Jupiter Knight and enemy of the Moon Queen, Serenity II, prepare to defend you against the justice.”

“Please, you talk about justice but Usagi’s current rule is anything but that. I will take this star seed back to it’s appropriate owner and truly restore justice. I’m sure you know of the many fleets attacking Earth’s two factions right now. They attack because they have that sense of justice now and are prepared to restore back on Earth.” Ryoko was waving the Jupiter Star Seed when she started to disappear through a shadow when Shea took off towards her.

“Venus Love Me Chain!” Shea used the attack to wrap around Ryoko and whip her right out of the shadow. This of course caught Ryoko off guard as she dropped the star seed and tried to pick her own self back up.

Shea took advantage of the confusion to grab the star seed and run out of the room. Ryoko got back up and chased after the now running Shea. “Kuso!” She took out the comm device and pushed a button. “Aliana, we have a problem because Shea’s been turned into a Usagi zombie and has Makoto-san’s star seed. I need you to stop him so I can get it back.”

“Okay, I have you both on the security screen. Usagi’s was being woken up though so we have to hurry.” Aliana managed to erect a security force shield that Shea would not know about until it was too late.

“Gotcha so I’ll get it back here as soon as you can stop him.” Shea was on the floor with the Jupiter star seed in hand trying to figure out what just happened. Ryoko bent over and took the star seed back very quickly while smiling. “You got knocked the freak out, Beyotch.” Ryoko taunted as she disappeared through the shadows again. She was prepared this time for his attack that never came. She reappeared in the Security Room where Aliana was waiting for her. “Got the Jupiter seed right here in my hands.” Ryoko held it up and Aliana nodded while grabbing it.

“Just in case Ryoko. The shield is set to go down in ten seconds and Shea is up and very pissed. Just what did you say to him before you left?” Aliana looked at Ryoko with her arms crossed.

“Nothing much... just a little taunt. Let’s go back to Kevin before Usagi and Shea get here.” Aliana nodded in agreement and the two used their powers to leave the Crystal Palace. Just as soon as the two left, Serenity II and Shea burst into the room. The four guards were just starting to regain consciousness when the two looked around. Usagi turned to Shea and was very pissed off.

“Find that damn ninja and bring her before me... and her friends as well. I was that star seed back even if it costs me every soldier’s life! If I feel more benevolent than usual, perhaps they will spend their lives in service to me like they should be doing.” Serenity II turned around and stormed out of the Security Room. Shea shook his head and had to prepare to do the impossible. He figured by the time those two showed up, they would be with Jupiter Knight’s group and that meant going up against Jedite and Kevin. He didn’t fear Jedite since he figured him to be a washed up old ex-Dark General but he did cause all that damage in Crystal Tokyo last time. Kevin had Yongsin as his ally and that meant the power of his lightning would be far greater than even Shea’s Galaxia Bracelet powered up an abilities. He would have to outsmart the Lightning Tactician and his groups.

“What did I do in my life in the service of Kanoria did I do to deserve this?” Shea then put away the Venus Sword and called for a regiment to come with him and he charged out of the castle. The controlled Sailor Senshi were about to get some reinforcements.

Meanwhile:

“My Lord,” The regent Commander saluted Sean on the bridge. “We have reached our designated position, and are holding strong. The Reaper’s Due is preparing to descend into Terra.”

“Excellent,” Sean rose from his chair. “I will accompany the Reaper’s Due. You have the bridge of the Rising Flame Commander. Maintain the defensive grid and stand by for further orders from me.”

“Yes, My Lord!” The commander bowed respectfully as Sean turned and headed for the teleportation room.

“I hope I’m just in time for a little fun,” Sean thought to himself.