"LUNAR:  Tales From Crystal Tokyo"

Back to the main LUNAR page

LUNAR: The Lost Episodes

By Jeffrey C. Branch

Volume Five: Episode 2-6.5 "Changes"

Rating: PG

Bavarian Alps, Europe, Planet Earth, Sol system, 19 December 2737

            The private, well-equipped recording studio echoed from the sounds of violins being played by the two women inside who were totally and completely engrossed in their music.      

            One woman, garbed in a dark blue turtleneck and a slim, black, knee length skirt was lithe and willowy with wavy, aquamarine hair that fell below her shoulders and sparkling eyes to match.  The other woman, wearing a red silk blouse and dark gray slacks sported waist long, wavy white hair and shimmering, crystal blue eyes.  For the last ten minutes, nothing in the world mattered to the women except their music, which they put their hearts and souls into.

            With a final, dramatic flourish, the women finished playing and were silent for several moments, exhausted from the energy and effort they put into their music.

            "Computer, end recording," said Veronika Steiner.  A double beep from the studio's control panel acknowledged her command.

            "Well, that was quite enjoyable," said an openly pleased Michelle Kai'oh.  With all the care of a mother with an infant, Michelle placed her violin and bow into a red velvet lined case, and closed it.  She then smiled at the white haired woman.  "That was a beautifully intricate concerto you've written, Ronni.  I loved playing it.  How long did it take you to compose that piece?"

            "Oh, about four months.  One of the benefits of being on deep space patrol in the Alpha Zone is that it leaves you with plenty of spare time," said Veronika, placing her violin in its case.  "I composed it especially for Neo-Queen Serenity's Christmas Ball.  I'm glad you liked it, Lady Michelle."

            "For heaven's sake, Ronni!  Enough with the formality!" said Michelle, rolling her eyes.  "You've been calling me that for the last three centuries!"

            Veronika, embarrassed, broke out in a blush.  "I'm sorry.  I can't help myself.  It's just that... well, you've always been an idol of mine.  And you are one of the legendary Planetaries."

            "Only when I'm in uniform.  Otherwise, I prefer to live as normally as possible," said Michelle.  She clasped Veronika's hand and gave it an affectionate squeeze.  "You're one of my oldest and dearest friends because of our respective love for the violin.  Few things in this world fill me with greater joy than when we play together.  So, it won't kill you to call me just Michelle."

            Veronika's brows furrowed and she rubbed her chin as she dwelled on what Michelle said.  Social interaction had always been a problem for her.  Then, with a straight face, she said, "As you wish... ‘just Michelle'."

            Michelle's eyes widened into saucers and her mouth fell open from surprise.  "By the Crystal!  You told a joke!"      

            Veronika grinned sheepishly.  Humor was a new concept for her, so she was pleased that her attempt was successful.  "Well, I'm not totally lacking in personality.  My First Officer's been teaching me how to be more congenial with my crew."

            "I'd say Sorcerer Spirit has taught you well," said Michelle with a chuckle.

            The women left Veronika's studio and walked into the spacious living room of her sprawling mountaintop home with a bank of floor to ceiling windows, which commanded an excellent view of the Bavarian Alps.  Michelle smiled at the incredible beauty of the scenery.  While Sailor Senshi could live on Luna if they so chose, Veronika preferred to remain on Earth, close to her beloved Germany where she was born.

            "Tea?" the white haired woman asked her guest.

            Michelle nodded.  "Yes, please.  The usual."

            With a nod, Veronika walked over to a replicator station near the doorway to her kitchen.  After pressing a series of buttons on the pad, a tray materialized on the platform, bearing two steaming cups of tea, green on the left for Michelle, Earl Grey on the right for Veronika.  Picking up the tray, Veronika walked over to where Michelle sat on a black Italian leather sofa that faced the windows.

            Accepting her cup, Michelle blew on it before sipping the beverage.  Placing the tray on the coffee table, Veronika picked up her cup and sat next to Michelle.  For several minutes, neither woman spoke as they sipped their tea, took in the scenery, and enjoyed each other's company.

            "Regardless of how many times I come here, the vista outside takes my breath away," said Michelle.  "No wonder you choose to live here.  It's a wonderful place."

            "Thank you, Michelle.  The Aerie is my sanctuary, my retreat from the world, not to mention the stresses of life as a Sailor Senshi," said Veronika.  "I'm glad for the chance to have taken this past week off to rest my body and mind after Panther's return from the Alpha Zone and what we endured there.  However, I fear things will soon change for me."

            Michelle was silent.  Veronika told her about her meeting tomorrow morning with Sailor Jupiter, Neo-Queen Serenity's current Director of Homeland Security.  Like all of the important positions in the RSN command structure, the Planetaries rotated through them every ten years.  Sailor Jupiter had just relieved Sailor Uranus at that particular position, much as Michelle herself had just relieved Sailor Venus.  "I wonder what your meeting with Lita will be about?"

            The white haired woman shrugged.  "I'll find out in the morning.  If you haven't any plans for tonight, would you like to stay for dinner?  I have a marvelous recipe for sauerbraten that I've been dying to try.  Afterwards, we can discuss our favorite composers over cinnamon spiced coffee.   Interested?"

            Michelle smiled and nodded.  The opportunity to spend quality time with a good friend like Veronika was inviting to her.  "Most definitely.  Count me in."

Crystal Palace in Crystal Tokyo, Planet Luna, Sol system, 20 December 2737

Department of Homeland Security

            Sailor Magneta stood at the ornate double doors to Sailor Jupiter's office, trying not to feel nervous and barely succeeding.

            She had been in the presence of the Planetary of Thunder only a handful of times, including her graduation from the Tsukino State College three hundred years ago.  Sailor Jupiter was, by reputation, an imposing, awe-inspiring figure that commanded great respect, instilled unwavering loyalty, even a small measure of fear in everyone around her.  After checking her fuku for neatness, Sailor Magneta took a deep breath, and then knocked on the door.

            "Come in," came a strong voice from inside.

            Sailor Magneta opened the doors and entered Jupiter's spacious office, decorated with potted plants.  The auburn haired Planetary sat at her desk, going over reports on a microcomp.

            Marching up to the desk, Sailor Magneta came to attention smartly, clicked her heels and saluted.  "Sailor Magneta reporting as ordered, Lady Jupiter!"

            Sailor Jupiter looked up from her microcomp and gave Sailor Magneta a wide grin.  "At ease, Sailor Magneta.  Please, be seated.  I have a lot to go over with you, and I want you to be comfortable."

            "Thank you, madam."   Sailor Magneta sat down in a plush leather chair the color of Sailor Jupiter's hair.

            "I've been going over the report you filed regarding the incident with that alien ship, Veronika," said Sailor Jupiter.  "You performed admirably in fighting off that vessel despite the tremendous damage Panther sustained, and then bringing her safely home without losing anyone."

            The Senshi of Magnetism shrugged slightly.  She wasn't one for accolades.  "My crew did all the work to bring Panther home, Lady Jupiter.  I just made sure there was a ship for them to save.  Not to sound abrupt, but might I ask the reason why you summoned me?"

            "Direct and to the point.  I like that," said Sailor Jupiter with a nod.  "Okay, short and sweet:  with Panther in spacedock for the next five to six months, I've requested that Neo-Queen Serenity authorize a temporary transfer for you here to HOMESEC."

            Sailor Magneta's eyes widened from surprise.  "Transfer?  From the fleet?  For what purpose?"

            "You're to work directly for me on a special assignment."  The Planentary of Thunder fixed Sailor Magneta a hard look.  "What I'm about to tell you is top secret and is not to be repeated outside this office.  Two weeks ago, an Infiltrator, posing as Archmage Ereunak, broke into Skunk Works and stole vital information on Sorcerer Derrelli's starship engine enhancements.  The monster killed two guards and nearly escaped, but was stopped cold by Princess Serena and a detachment of Senshi and Sorcerers."

            "An Infiltrator?  But that's impossible!" said a stunned Sailor Magneta.  "The scanning measures devised during the war to detect those monsters should have uncovered him!"

            "That's what we thought.  Apparently this was an improved model that somehow managed to get past the scans.  According to info Sailor Mercury gathered, this Infiltrator had its DNA reconfigured, rendering it invisible to our current scanning techniques."

            Sailor Magneta pondered what she had been told.  The implication worried her.  "That's not good, ma'am.  Not good at all.  What happened to the information that creature stole?"

            "Gone.  Ereunak, or whatever he was, used a shuttlecraft transmitter to send the info to the Dark Kingdom.  The crushed remains of the isolytic chip he used had been found in the shuttle," Sailor Jupiter explained.  "Derrelli encrypted his data, thank Serenity, so it'll take DK codebreakers some time to crack it, if at all.  However, I fear that's only the tip of the proverbial iceberg."

            "You suspect more of these monsters may be about?"

            "I do.  We'd be foolish to think otherwise, knowing how the DK loves to foment terror.  The threat potential to the military, and the public at large, is enormous," said Sailor Jupiter.  "With the fleet still recovering from the war and this new menace in the Alpha Zone, we're stretched thin on security here, and on Earth, as most of our Senshi and Sorcerers are being deployed into space.  While the RSN Tactical Response Squads are tougher than nails, an enemy like this calls for a much stronger force.  That's why you're here, Veronika.  You're to be part of a special team that'll help us find those bastards, and smash them."

            "But... why me, ma'am?" Sailor Magneta wanted to know.

            "Two reasons.  One:  your power.  The Infiltrator that sneaked into Skunk Works was incredibly tough.  It survived the attacks from a dozen Senshi and Sorcerers until the Princess finished it off.  Since your magnetic powers puts you almost on par with any of the Planetaries, we're going need your strength," Sailor Jupiter explained.  "Two:  your ruthlessness.  Unlike the majority of Senshi, you have no trouble with killing.  Your reputation for bloodshed and destruction has made you rather infamous among the Sailor Senshi.  Even Sailor Uranus finds you unsettling.  Coming from her of all people, that says a lot."

            "That is of no significance to me, Lady Jupiter.  I have to remain true to my beliefs regarding the evil we fight.  Destroy them at all costs," said Sailor Magneta, her face darkening.  "A dead enemy ceases to be a threat to us, plain and simple.  I cannot afford to worry, or care how my fellow Senshi perceive me."

            "That's good, Veronika.  I'm going to need your particular brand of aggression.  Despite how many times you've been reprimanded in the past by the Magistrate General for your violent behavior in the field, Her Highness believes you're the right person for this job.  Considering how messy things figure to get on this assignment, I'll need someone who's not afraid to pull the trigger when it counts."

            "I... see.  What about my ship?"

            "Sorcerer Spirit can oversee the repairs to Panther.  He's one of the top Executive Officers in the fleet, so I'm sure he can handle things without you.  Her Highness needs you here to combat this threat from the Infiltrators."

            Hearing that, it took no time at all for Sailor Magneta to make her decision.  "Lady Jupiter, if Neo-Queen Serenity needs my services, then I am ready to answer the call.  Have any others been recruited for this assignment?"

            Sailor Jupiter nodded.  "Yes.  Sailor Uranus and Sailor Sirius are onboard.  I've just notified them of their orders.  So are the twins, Sailors Ebony and Ivory.  I wanted to get Sailor Vulcan, but she's off on an assignment for Her Highness.  Still, we'll have plenty of firepower.  And I'll be coming along too.  Sitting behind a desk pushing paper isn't my style."

            In spite of herself, Sailor Magneta grinned slightly.  Two of the Planetaries along with Sailors Ivory, Ebony, and Sirius, three battle tested veterans.  Firepower indeed, she thought.

            "That's not all.  Sailor Mercury will be working behind the scenes with us in her labs at Skunk Works, searching for clues to the new Infiltrators.  And Sailor Venus' Intelligence Department will provide us the eyes and ears we'll need here and on earth to monitor potential hot spots that might interest the bad guys."  Sailor Jupiter then snapped her fingers as something came to mind.  "Oh, I almost forgot.  You're going to be my second in command."

            "Me?" said a startled Sailor Magneta.  "Milady, I appreciate the honor, but wouldn't Sailor Uranus be better suited for that position since she's higher in rank than I am?"

            "Rank has nothing to do with my giving you this position, Veronika.  As a starship captain, you've got much more recent experience than they do at combat strategy and thinking on your feet.  I'm going to need those skills on my team."

            "Then I graciously accept the position, madam."

            "Good.  One more thing. I know you live on Earth, a beautiful chalet in Bavaria, Sailor Neptune tells me.  However, for the duration of this assignment, you'll have to relocate to Luna," said Sailor Jupiter.  "I want everyone on the team quartered in one place.  I've secured an executive suite for you here in the palace.  Will that suffice?"

            "Yes it will.  Before I begin, may I take the rest of today to inform Panther's crew of my orders, and move some personal effects from my home?"

            "Of course.  The twins are currently enroute from the border of the Alpha Zone and won't arrive until early this evening.  They were stationed on the heavy cruiser SLS Giant, which was providing security for the manning of a RSN listening post.  We'll have our first meeting here, tomorrow morning, 1000 hours."  The women stood as one and, with a smile, Sailor Jupiter held out her hand.  "Welcome to HOMESEC, Veronika."

            "Thank you, Lady Jupiter," said Sailor Magneta, shaking the Planetary's hand.  "I will do everything in my power to justify your faith in me."

Ulysses Dockyard, in high Lunar orbit, Sol system, 20 December 2737

The SLS Panther

            "You're leavin' us, Skipper?" a shocked Hitch asked.

            "Only temporarily," Sailor Magneta replied.  Upon arriving at the dockyard, she had Panther's senior officers gather in the conference room where she made her announcement.  "I've been reassigned to HOMESEC to work with Sailor Jupiter while Panther's being repaired.  I wish I could give you particulars regarding my assignment, but it's been classified top secret."

            "You will return to us, won't you, Captain?" Dr. Chavez asked.

            "I certainly hope to, Rita, perhaps sooner than later.  Right now, I just don't know."  The Senshi of Magnetism then fixed crystal blue eyes on Sorcerer Spirit.  "Panther, note in ship's log:  effective immediately, as per orders of Neo-Queen Serenity, Sorcerer Spirit is now acting Captain of this vessel."

            "Duly noted," said the ship's A.I.

            Spirit nodded, his chest swelling from pride.  "I assume command, Sailor Magneta.  Panther will be in very good hands."

            "I know she will.  And I'll expect weekly reports from you on the repairs.  Commander T'Kira, for the duration, you'll be acting First Officer."

            The Vulcan scientist remained impassive.  "Acknowledged, madam."

            "I'll make a speech to the crew regarding my transfer in a few minutes.  But before I do, I just want you to know that I appreciate everything you've done to help bring Panther home."  Sailor Magneta paused as she struggled to find the right words to say to her trusted officers.  "I know I don't say this to you nearly enough- expressing heartfelt sentiment has always been a problem for me- but I truly believe that I have the best crew in the fleet.  And it's been an honor to serve with you."

            Chavez grinned.  "I'd say you had no trouble with sentiment that time, Captain."

            "I'll second that," said a chuckling Hitch.  Spirit just smiled while T'Kira and Shokar, ignorant of the importance of human emotions, were impassive.

            "Okay!  Get out of here before you have me in tears!" Sailor Magneta growled, half jokingly.  She felt embarrassed.  "I've got a speech to give and packing to do."

Bavarian Alps, Europe, Planet Earth, Sol system, 19 December 2737

            Veronika, dressed in her RSN uniform, stared about her at the twelve metal suitcases in her living room.  Filled with spare uniforms, civilian clothes, toiletries, thick hardcover novels, her classical music collection on isolytic discs and her violin, Veronika was impressed at having packed everything she needed for her stay on Luna in so short a period of time.

            The white haired woman's thought drifted to her upcoming assignment with HOMESEC.  What sort of dangers would she and Sailor Jupiter's team face from the Infiltrators?  How would they manage to detect these creatures?  What sort of chaos were they here to commit?

            "So many questions, and absolutely no answers," she muttered sourly.  The ringing of the bell interrupted her thoughts.  Walking to the front door, Veronika opened it to reveal a fresh faced, nervous young black man in an RSN uniform- an Ensign from the insignia on his collar- who came to attention and saluted her.  Behind the young man, in the cemented front yard, was a shuttlecraft to take her to Luna.

            "Good evening, Captain Steiner!  I'm Ensign Michael Burton, HOMESEC Administration Officer!" said the young man.  "Lady Jupiter sent me to pick you up, ma'am!"

            "At ease, Ensign.  And thank you for coming," said Veronika, remembering how nervous she was this morning when she met Sailor Jupiter.  She then waved an arm at the cases behind her.  "That's all my luggage."

            Burton nodded and rolled up his sleeves.  "Very well, ma'am.  I'll load them up for you."

            "No need.  I can handle that myself."  Veronika stared at the cases, her eyebrows creased slightly from concentration, and suddenly, they rose a foot off the floor.  Burton's eyes all but fell out of his head at what he saw.  Veronika, seeing the expression he wore cocked an eyebrow at him.  "You look shocked, Ensign.  Didn't Sailor Jupiter didn't tell you I was a Senshi?"

            "Uhh, yes, ma'am.  She did.  But I thought you had to be in Senshi form in order to use your powers."

            "That's true, but I'm different.  You see, I was born a mutant.  I can use my powers of magnetism anytime I want.  However, I'm many times more powerful as a Senshi.  Shall we go?"

            Burton, still startled, and amazed, nodded.  "Yes, ma'am!"

            Once the suitcases were loaded aboard the shuttlecraft, Veronika settled into the navigator's seat on the flight deck while Burton sat in the pilot's chair.  After powering up the shuttle's sublight engines, he deftly worked the controls and the craft lifted smoothly into the nighttime sky.  Veronika looked down below at her house, and the Bavarian Alps as they quickly receded from view.  Given the dangers of her new assignment, the white haired woman idly wondered if she'd ever see either again.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Back to Top