"LUNAR:  Tales From Crystal Tokyo"

Back to the main LUNAR page

LUNAR: The Lost Episodes

By Jeffrey C. Branch

Volume Seven: Episode 2-6.80 "Preparations"

Rating: PG-13

Lunar Training Center, Planet Luna, Sol system, 21 December 2737

            After Neo-Queen Serenity built her crystal palace several hundred years ago, Sailor Mars and Sailor Jupiter suggested that a training center be included so Senshi living or stationed on Luna could have a place to train and hone their fighting skills without having to travel to the Tsukino College on Earth.

            After input from Sailors Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, and King Endymion, along with a good five years worth of planning, the Lunar Training Center, a sprawling, three-acre facility, was built adjacent to and partially under the palace.  Surpassing even the Tsukino complex, the LTC was a state of the art training and fitness facility that kept the Senshi, and Sorcerers, at peak performance for their always arduous duties, both in space and on Earth.

            The crown jewel of the LTC was the Combat Simulation Chamber, or, as it was nicknamed, 'The Danger Room'.  Situated fifteen meters below the surface of the complex, the chamber, sixty meters square, twelve meters high, with walls composed of duranium reinforced crystal three meters thick, with five layers of shielding surrounding it, was the place where Senshi and Sorcerers could use their full powers in computer-generated holographic combat simulations without risk of damage to the rest of the facility.

            Today, the chamber echoed from the sounds of battle as Sailor Magneta led the Operation Headhunter Assault team against ten holographic battle droids.  The chamber was configured to look like downtown Tokyo in the late twentieth century, complete with vehicle traffic and civilians.

            The holodroids, standing seven feet tall were thick around as tree trunks, had four arms, with laser beam cannons mounted on their wrists, and moved with a speed that belied their great size.   The machines, two abreast, moved quickly towards the five Senshi.  Even though the droids were elaborate holograms, the combat level could be set high enough that their weaponry could injure... or kill.

            "Be careful, team!  The holodroids are programmed to track your movements and respond to your attacks!  Draw them to you so no civilians come under fire!" said Sailor Magneta.  "Remember, the safety interlocks are off, so their lasers are realistically lethal!  Sailor Ivory, Sailor Sirius, break left!  Sailor Ebony, Sailor Uranus, break right!  I'll go up the middle!  Move!"

            No one said a word.  They didn't need to.  The Senshi split up while Sailor Magneta ran right towards the robots; they scanned the incoming multiple targets, then broke ranks to follow them, just as the Senshi of Magnetism predicted.

            On the observation deck, situated ten meters above the floor, Sailor Jupiter watched the team intently, noting how well Sailor Magneta was running the session, barking out orders like a drill sergeant.  The soft hiss of the double doors behind Sailor Jupiter made her turn as Sailor Mercury entered the room and walked up to her fellow Planetary.  "How goes the training, Lita?" Sailor Mercury asked.

            "Good.  Veronika's really cracking the whip," said Sailor Jupiter.  "They've been running combat sims for an hour straight with the safety interlocks off."

            Sailor Mercury looked concerned.  "That's awful risky for a first get together."

            "I know.  But Veronika stressed that the enemy won't be easy on them.  She even quoted Nietzsche to them before they went in the chamber."

            The Planetary of Ice chuckled.  "Ah, yes.  'That which does not kill me, only makes me stronger.'  I shouldn't be surprised that Veronika is versed in German philosophy.  She certainly is a most interesting person."

            "Tell me about it.  Working with her is sure going to be an adventure."

            Back on the floor, four of the droids barreled down on Sailor Ivory and Sailor Sirius, firing their lasers on the run.  Even with her superhuman speed, a laser came uncomfortably close to Sailor Ivory's head, singeing the blue bow she wore.  Feeling the heat of the laser, Sailor Ivory lost her balance and fell.

            "Shit!  That was too close!" she growled, rubbing a skinned knee.

            "What did you expect, Cat?" said Sailor Sirius, helping the blonde haired Senshi to her feet.  "Like Sailor Magneta said, the sims are running at full strength!  That's as dangerous as it gets in here!  Let's take 'em out!  Fast!"

            "You got it, Tanya!" said Sailor Ivory, concentrating on her power.  "Ivory Light Daggers... FLY!"

            Sailor Ivory unleashed a swarm of sharp, white energy daggers at the robots, which, upon contact, would have shredded them, but the droids erected force fields, which deflected the constructs harmlessly away.

            "Double shit!  They've adapted to my attack!" Sailor Ivory snapped.

            "Yeah?  Let's see 'em adapt to this!" growled Sailor Sirius, holding up her left hand.  "Sirius Infrared Laser... DISINTEGRATION!"

            The Senshi of the Stars fired a massive red energy blast at the robots, but at the last second, their force fields morphed into crystalline shields that deflected the beam back at Sailor Sirius who, with a yelp, barely dodged the blast.

            "Oh, man!  This is NOT any fun!" Sailor Sirius grumbled.

            "I got an idea, Ti!  Use your scepter to blind their sensors!" said Sailor Ivory.  "They won't know how to react to that!"

            "Gotcha!"  Sailor Sirius held her right hand high and, with a flash of light, her scepter appeared.  She wasted no time pointing it at the heads of the advancing robots.  "Sirius Scepter... ILLUMINATE!"

            Sailor Sirius fired a blast of blinding light at the robots.  And, as Sailor Ivory predicted, the light disoriented their sensing mechanisms.  "Try it again, Cat!"

            "Ivory Light Daggers... FLY!" Sailor Ivory again unleashed her attack.  This time, the energy constructs hit, ripping into and heavily damaging their opponents.  "That did it!  Waste 'em!"

            "With pleasure!  Sirius Infrared Laser... DISINTERGRATION!" shouted Sailor Sirius, firing a second blast that thoroughly pulverized the robots, leaving behind nothing but four piles of metal confetti.  With the robots destroyed, Sailor Ivory and Sailor Sirius high-fived each other.

            "Righteous, girlfriend!" cried Sailor Sirius.

            "And then some!" said an elated Sailor Ivory.

            Several yards away, a barrage of laser fire had backed Sailor Ebony and Sailor Uranus onto a dead end street.  Neither Senshi particularly liked the situation.

            "Suffice it to say, Sailor Uranus, this bloody sucks!" growled Sailor Ebony.  "Training or not, I don't like this!  Ebony Darkforce... BLAST!"

            Sailor Ebony threw her arm forward; black lightning ripped forth.  Unfortunately, the holodroids saw it coming, and erected a shield to protect against it.  Sailor Ebony gritted her teeth from frustration.

            "Dammit!"

            "I hear you, Liz!" snarled Sailor Uranus.  "I hate having to jump through hoops for that white haired bitch!  Uranus World... SHAKING!"

            The powerful Planetary took out her frustrations on the two robots that she faced, firing her mighty wind based energy blast at them; however, the machines ripped up the street in front of them to take the brunt of the blast.  Instead of being wrecked, they were severely damaged from the force of the impact.  Not letting up, Sailor Uranus quickly finished them off with another blast.

            Sailor Ebony, dodging lasers, was furious at being held at bay by mere holograms.  She decided to end this once and for all.  "Ebony... SPHERE OF NIGHT!!"

            As she finished her command phrase, an immense ball of crackling black light enveloped the holodroids she was facing; as it faded, two lifeless metal hulks, with steam hissing out from them, were all that remained.  Sailor Ebony smiled wickedly at her handiwork.

            "Much better!"

            While the others were occupied, Sailor Magneta purposefully strode up to the two robots that were tracking her.  Bringing their laser cannons to bear, they fired on the white haired woman, who calmly raised her right hand.

            "Magneta Field of FORCE!" she shouted.

            Instantly, Sailor Magneta was enveloped in a protective crimson sphere of magnetic energy that absorbed the laser fire; yet, the robots kept firing, causing Sailor Magneta to wince from the onslaught, driving her to one knee.  The white haired Senshi made a pushing motion with her hand, expanding the field at the robots with lightning speed, smashing them against the side of a building, where they lay badly damaged.  But the Senshi of Magnetism, rising to her feet, wasn't finished.

            "Magneta Storm of FORCE!" she yelled.  Arms outstretched, Sailor Magneta used her powers to levitate the debris of the robots the others destroyed, surprising them in the process.  She then pointed at the robots and the tons of scrap were hurled at the damaged robots like a massive missile, instantly shredding them into scrap like a bomb had hit them; but Sailor Magneta contained the exploding wreckage in a magnetic sphere so no one would be hurt.

            "Showoff," Sailor Uranus muttered under her breath.

            "Nirvana, end combat simulation," called Sailor Magneta as she set down an eight-foot high pile of smoking debris on the floor.

            "Acknowledged, Sailor Magneta," came back the Crystal Palace's AI.  An instant later, the cityscape was gone, replaced by huge, featureless grid while the remains of the droids disappeared.

            "That will be all for now, team," said the Senshi of Magnetism as the others walked up to her.  Their hair, faces and uniforms, like hers, were smoke soiled from the realistic level of the combat.  "If I were to give out a grade on today's session, I would have to say that you were... passable."

            "Passable?  That's it?  Just 'passable'?" shouted a furious Sailor Ivory.  "We kicked ass and took names!  I thought we did great!"

            Sailor Magneta responded by fingering Sailor Ivory's singed bow.  "I beg to differ.  Had that laser struck six inches lower, Elizabeth would be short a sister.  You can do better, Cat.  We all can do better."

            "I'm inclined to agree," said Sailor Ebony to her sister.  She then turned to Sailor Magneta with a questioning look in her eyes.  "But, I am curious about one thing, Veronika.  You purposely split up Cat and I for the entire session.  Why?  We've always worked together, ever since we first became Senshi."

            "I know.  And while that is your greatest asset, it can also be a liability," said Sailor Magneta in a professorial tone.  "If a scenario were to arise where the two of you are separated, it's important that you know how to adapt to being apart so you can overcome the situation and come out victorious.  And alive."

            "Wow!  You sound just like a teacher, Veronika," said Sailor Sirius.

            "Well, I'm not one to boast, Tanya, but I was a combat instructor at Tsukino College in the late twenty-seventh century," said Sailor Magneta, trying to hold back a smile.  "Old habits die hard."

            "Speaking of old habits, there's something to be said for familiarity, Sailor Magneta," Sailor Uranus grumbled.  "After all, we've been fighting Nega-sleeze four hundred years before you were born!"

            "I'm aware of that, Sailor Uranus.  But familiarity also breeds contempt, complacency, and over-confidence," Sailor Magneta retorted.  "Remember, because these new Infiltrators cannot be scanned, they could easily be among us, learning all they can about us; our strengths, our weaknesses, everything.  The element of surprise is our biggest advantage against this enemy."

            Sailor Uranus scowled.  Much as it pained her, she had to agree with what Sailor Magneta said.  "Yeah, yeah, whatever.  Is class over for today, teacher?"

            Sailor Magneta nodded, struggling to keep her temper in check.  She didn't feel like being baited by the obnoxious Planetary.  "Yes.  Thank you all for your participation.  We will have another practice session tomorrow, 0800 hours."

            As the others left, Sailor Sirius remained behind and walked up to Sailor Magneta who had turned her back.  The Star Senshi placed a hand on Sailor Magneta's shoulder.  "Veronika?  Are you okay?"

            The white haired woman turned to give Sailor Sirius a nod.  "For the most part.  If you wish, Tanya, you can call me Ronni."

            Sailor Sirius grinned.  "That's a nice nickname.  Look, Ronni, I know Sailor Uranus has been a real jackass.  It's her personality, such as it is.  From day one, she's never been the most likeable Senshi around; still, Sailor Uranus is as loyal and devoted to the GM as any of us.  She's just abrasive as hell."

            "No.  It's different.  She suspects me of being a menace because of my... homicidal leanings."  Sailor Magneta then fixed Sailor Sirius a hard look.  "Be honest, Tanya.  Does my reputation for bloodshed disturb you?"

            "I have to admit, Ronni, its not easy being around someone who's so indifferent towards killing like you are," said a somber Sailor Sirius.  "I was brought up believing that all life is sacred, and murder is the ultimate sin against the laws of man.  I'm sure you have your reasons for what you do, but it's hard to like you because of that."

            Sailor Magneta nodded.  "I appreciate your honesty, Tanya.  Most people hate me; even fear me for that very same reason.  I won't try to change your mind about me; that would be a dreadful imposition, but I hope you will at least respect me, as I respect you.  That is all I ask."

            Sailor Sirius smiled at the white haired woman.  "That works for me... boss."

            At that moment, the chamber's loudspeakers crackled.  "Sailor Magneta?  Sorry to interrupt you, but Sailor Venus wants to see us in her office right away," called Sailor Jupiter.

            "Understood, Lady Jupiter.  I'm on my way." Sailor Magneta shrugged at Sailor Sirius.  "Duty calls.  Thank you for talking to me, Tanya.  Not many people do, and, admittedly, I rarely encourage conversation with others.  I appreciate it."

            Sailor Sirius, still smiling, nodded.  "My pleasure, Ronni.  See you later."

Headquarters of the Lunar Intelligence and Security Agency (LISA), Crystal Palace, Planet Luna, Sol system, 21 December 2737

            Five minutes later, Sailors Jupiter, Mercury and Magneta took seats at a table in Sailor Venus' office.  The Planetary of Love grinned, while Eliana shot a quizzical look at the bedraggled Sailor Magneta, who blushed from embarrassment.

            "I apologize for my appearance, everyone," said Sailor Magneta.  "I just finished training with the Assault team and didn't have time to clean up."

            "Don't worry about it, Veronika," said Sailor Venus.  "Okay, here's what's happening, people. Eliana and I were going over possible targets that might interest the Infiltrators, and we came up with a whopper."

            "That being...?" asked Sailor Mercury.

            Sailor Venus turned to Eliana, seated next to her.  The slender Israeli cleared her throat before she spoke.  "Neo-Queen Serenity's Holiday Ball on Christmas Eve."

            "In the name of the Moon," muttered Sailor Jupiter.

            "Yeah," said Sailor Venus.  "In addition to the royal family, major dignitaries from every planet in the GM will be in attendance.  The Infiltrators would love to wreak havoc there.  This has got disaster written all over it.  We should cancel the Ball immediately."

            "I agree.  We don't dare put the Royals at risk," said Sailor Jupiter.

            "I don't.  We shouldn't cancel the Ball," said Sailor Magneta.

            The others stared at Sailor Magneta as if she had suddenly grown a second head.  "You can't be serious!" said a shocked Sailor Jupiter.

            "I have never been moreso.  Sailor Mercury needs one of these creatures to study in order to learn what makes it tick, and then find a way to detect it.  As she said an hour ago, the only way to accomplish that would be to capture one," Sailor Magneta said calmly.  "Instead of waiting for another attack, why not put ourselves into the position where these monsters come to us instead?"

            "Why not?  I'll tell you why not!  Because it's bloody damn dangerous!" shouted an outraged Sailor Venus.  She then turned to Sailor Mercury, who had yet to speak.  "Sailor Mercury!  What do you think?"

            "Actually, Sailor Venus, I agree with her," said Sailor Mercury.

            The eyes of Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Venus widened and their mouths fell open.

            "Now, before you accuse me of having taken leave of my senses, hear me out.  This mission isn't even a day old and we're already fighting a defensive battle, waiting for the enemy to strike before we take any sort of action," said Sailor Mercury.  "From the start, we should be proactive instead of reactive.  While the former is laden with risk, the latter is certain to cost innocent lives because we're sitting on our hands with no way of knowing when, or where, these monsters will attack."

            Sailor Jupiter stroked her chin as she mulled over Sailor Mercury's words.  "Hmm.  You have a point there, Amy.  Okay, what do you have in mind?"

            Sailor Mercury turned to Sailor Magneta, whom she suspected already had a plan.  The blue haired Planetary was not disappointed.  "We hold the Ball, as planned.  It will most likely draw out one or more of the Infiltrators, no doubt with orders to assassinate the royal family.  We then capture the creature, and Lady Mercury has her subject to study."

            "Just like that, huh?  In essence, what you're suggesting is that we use the Royals as bait," a still angry Sailor Venus pointed out.

            Sailor Magneta stunned everyone by nodding.  "Precisely.  Lady Venus, you act as if we're talking about ordinary humans.  Neo-Queen Serenity, King Endymion, and Princess Serena are the three most powerful beings in the known galaxy.  They are hardly defenseless.  And they will have Sailor Guardian Eos and all the Planetaries nearby to safeguard them."

            "That's all well and good, but what about the dignitaries?  Who'll safeguard them if an Infiltrator gets past us?" Sailor Venus wanted to know.

            "That, I cannot say.  I'm not clairvoyant.  But I still believe we should go through with the Ball."

            Sailor Jupiter shook her head, her face grim.  "I'm sorry, Veronika.  It's just too risky.  I can't sanction your plan with a clear conscience.  Amy?"

            "Admittedly, I'm not comfortable with this either, but we may never have a better chance to capture an Infiltrator this early in the mission," said Sailor Mercury, a look of stern resolution on her face.  "Reservations aside, I say we proceed."

            "Hmm.  Looks like we have a stalemate," said Sailor Venus, stroking her chin.  "The way I see it, there's only one way to break the tie."

            "And how do we do that?" Sailor Magneta asked.

            Sailor Jupiter's lips curled into a wry grin.  "How do you think?"

Throne room, Crystal Palace, Planet Luna, Sol system, 21 December 2737

            "Your plan sounds very daring, Sailor Magneta," said Neo-Queen Serenity, after having heard everything Sailor Magneta and the Planetaries told her about the plan to capture an Infiltrator at the Holiday Ball.

            Sailor Magneta shrugged slightly.  "Yes, but there is a considerable element of risk involved, Your Highness.  I can neither deny or sugarcoat that reality."

            "Risk is right," said a frowning King Endymion.  "We've seen the shuttlebay video.  These new Infiltrators look like death on wheels.  Never mind an attack on us, all the dignitaries and guests coming to the Ball would make an inviting target."

            "We're aware of that, Serenity.  That's why Mina and I are recommending you cancel the Ball," said Sailor Jupiter.

            Serenity turned to Sailor Mercury with questioning eyes.  "Amy?  Do you think this operation is worth all the dangers it entails?"

            Sailor Mercury nodded.  "I do, Serenity.  It's imperative we capture one these creatures as soon as possible so we can study it, then devise an effective defense against them.  What little information we have on them simply isn't enough.  This might be our best opportunity to get the upper hand on the Infiltrators.  In my view, the risk, while considerable, is justified."

            "There is another factor to consider for going through with the Ball, your Highness.  Increased morale," said Sailor Magneta.  "We are only a year removed from the war, which the GM is still recovering from.  To cancel the event, given the importance of Christmas as a celebratory holiday, would severely demoralize the citizenry, and give the impression, not just to your subjects, but to the Dark Kingdom, that we are succumbing to fear; that we are allowing the enemy to dictate the way we live.  If that were to happen, then we've already lost!"  Christmas' true origins and connotations were lost far in the past; but its message of goodwill and getting together had survived; the annual Holiday Ball was but one way of celebrating it.

            Serenity dwelled on Sailor Magneta's words, and the force they conveyed, not just to her, but also to everyone else in the room.  Sailor Jupiter, in particular, was proud of Sailor Magneta for the things she said.  With a long sigh, the ruler of the Golden Millennium made her decision.

            "Sailor Magneta, you have moved me with the strength of your argument.  You are absolutely right.  We must not run.  No matter what," she said.  "When I first became Sailor Moon over seven hundred years ago, I was the worst sort of coward in the beginning.  I ran from everything:  I ran from the enemy, from my responsibility as Earth's protector, even from my destiny as Neo-Queen Serenity.  As I matured, I vowed never to run from anything, ever again.  And I will not run here.  The Ball will proceed as scheduled."

            Sailor Jupiter nodded.  Once Serenity made up her mind, no force in the universe could change it.  "As you command, Serenity."

            Serenity then fixed the Senshi a hard gaze.  "Ladies, it will be up to you to do everything in your power to protect the guests coming to the Ball.  The event will be broadcast live throughout the Golden Millennium.  It would not do for everyone to witness a bloodbath should those monsters come calling."

            "We understand, Serenity.  We'll make sure that the guests are protected," said Sailor Venus.    

            "Very good.  Sailor Magneta?"

            "Yes, my Queen?"

            "Michelle told me that you and she will be performing a violin concerto, that you wrote, at the Ball," said Serenity.

            "Uh, yes," said Sailor Magneta, not anticipating Serenity's statement.  "However, given my more pressing responsibilities with HOMESEC, perhaps I should withdraw from the performance."

            "You will do no such thing!  In fact, I am looking forward to it," said a grinning Serenity.  "Over the centuries, I have developed quite a taste for all varieties of music.  And, I have heard you're a very talented violinist.  I would love to hear you play."

            Sailor Magneta allowed herself a small smile, then curtsied.  It felt good to have been complimented by the ruler of the Golden Millennium.  She got the impression that Serenity was quite skilled at making people feel special.  "Then I shall play my very best for you, my Queen."

            Once the Operation Headhunter team left the throne room, Sailor Jupiter turned to Sailor Magneta.

            "You really shined in there, Veronika.  I was impressed with how you drove home the point to the Queen about the importance of standing our ground, and not turning tail like Mina and I suggested."

            "I genuinely meant no disrespect to you or Lady Venus.  I simply wanted to express my opinion," said Sailor Magneta.

            "But you said just the right thing.  What needed to be said," Sailor Venus pointed out.  "Lita definitely made the right call in picking you for the team, Ronni.  You're a standout in more ways than one."

            "Thank you, Milady."

            "Enough with the formality!  It's all so embarrassing!" said a smiling Sailor Mercury to the white haired woman.  "Our original titles will do, Veronika.  There's no need to stand on ceremony when there's work to be done."

            Sailor Magneta grinned.  Ever since she was a child, and long after she herself became a Senshi, Sailor Magneta had always envisioned the Planetaries as mythical, omnipresent, godlike beings.  It was refreshing to see that they just as human as her.  "As you wish, Sailor Mercury."

            Sailor Jupiter, also smiling, nodded.  "Okay, gang, let's get back to HOMESEC and start working on plans for the Ball!  Like Amy said, we've got a ton of work ahead of us, and not much time to get it done!"

TO BE CONTINUED...

Back to Top