Hong Kong May 2005
The hustle and bustle of Hong Kong on an unusually hot spring day seemed to melt the beautiful young scientist. She stretched out her long, shapely legs as she lay back in the soft black leather chair before her computer workstation. She stretched like a cat, eyes closed as the tension left her body. She let out a long sigh, and sat upright.
Smiling to herself, she reached for a fresh cup of percolated coffee. The experiment almost completed, after spending hours preparing the ZP-energy pulses used to open wormholes into the deeper recesses of the galaxy. She was satisfied with the results thus far and smiled to herself.
Hotaru Tomoe, like her father, chose a career in science. Majoring in post-quantum physics at Tokyo University, Hotaru had also completed her PHD in Astrophysics at the prestigious Hong Kong Science Academy. This was significant, for this institution was well known and respected globally.
Her father, Dr. Souichi Tomoe and his brilliant daughter shared a mutual love and admiration for one another. Souichi had won a Nobel Prize in 2000 for finding the subatomic relationships within genetics, decoding the Rosetta stone of all organic function underpinning life on Earth. His research had already led to cures for deadly conditions such as cancer, HIV and other 'Hot Viruses' as these were known in the field of immunology.
Hotaru was proud of her latest achievements. For thanks to her groundbreaking work, the clearest images of stars, planets and other celestial phenomena published in books and other media formats were celebrated the world over. But the more significant applications of her research produced technology capable of creating interspatial conduits for deep space exploration and communications. It seemed they'd barely scratched the surface.
The sound of the door opening behind her interrupted her train of thought. She smiled, recognizing the familiar footsteps approaching from behind. Brushing a loose strand from her eyes, she turned toward her father. He kissed her cheek, and sat beside her.
As if on cue, the stellar triad came into view. Hotaru smiled with satisfaction, as the image solidified on the screen.
She noticed an anomalous object orbiting a small Earth-sized world, this awesome sight, almost eclipsing the stunning moons encircling the colorful sphere that in its turn, revolved around its radiant sun Hotaru had named The Amaterasu Disk after the Japanese sun goddess. The planet –Orpheus – these names slipping into Hotaru's mind, as if they'd named themselves. She mused over what kind of people might live upon this strange and beautiful world, the data indicating the presence of a life-sustaining atmosphere, confirming her assumption.
Orpheus, its rich tones of red, indigo and pink held father and daughter spellbound. They lost themselves in its majestic beauty, its four moons, equally impressive. She plotted the planet's distance from their own solar system, storing the data on a memory pod computer -- the new Microsoft Nexus, the most advanced and smallest AI desktop ever constructed.
Souichi whistled, and Hotaru sighed with relief and satisfaction, as terabytes of information flowed from the Orpheusean system, light-years across the void of space and downloaded into the nexus.
"Sweet Pea, you have it. It's remarkable. You've found the first life-sustaining world outside our solar system, and that crystalline craft is the icing on the cake," he said, hugging his daughter as data concerning a space vessel the size of a small moon that appeared in a holographic simulation before them.
They studied the specs as these moved across the screen that were fed into a holo-imager. The planetary sphere, measuring three feet across, was revolving around The Amaterasu Disk. The holo-image of the Star, the planet and a strange crystal object hovered above the floor at the center of the lab.
Hotaru, totally in awe of the beautiful sight, felt something wonderful begin to overwhelm her as they continued to watch the mysterious planet revolve around the blazing young star.
She hit the intercom, asking Sue-Lee to contact Tokako at the Hong Kong Daily Chronicle. She turned to her father, and like a child, jumped out of her seat and flung her arms about his neck, squealing with excitement.
"Daddy, what an awesome discovery this is," she cried, eyes flashing with enthusiasm.
"Honey, you're going to set the world ablaze. You've made it. I am so proud. I love you very much," he replied, smiling. A tear nudged itself free from Hotaru's violet eyes and trickled in a line down her cheek. Her father caught it upon the tip of his index finger, and touched it to his lips. "Hey, Sweet Pea, let’s do lunch," she nodded her agreement, and they locked down the lab and headed for the lift.
Tokyo
"Can I have a look at that, Umino?" Umino looked up from his copy of Science Tokyo in surprise, as Mamoru peered over his shoulder. He thought he was imagining things when he saw the faces on the glossy cover. He tried to place them. With a shock, recognition moved across his face like an unexpected change in the weather.
The man in the picture stood proud beside an attractive young woman, his arm draped about her shoulder. Mamoru gasped, not believing the evidence of his eyes, as memories of the younger Hotaru Tomoe flooded back.
"It can't be. She's…dead."
Umino gave Mamoru a puzzled look, and looked again. "Yeah, it's weird all right. How is this possible? Could she have a twin? But err, that wouldn't explain Dr. Tomoe. He looks much older, and Hotaru, she's older than... You're right, she's dead."
"I don't understand this. But there's got to be a reasonable explanation, any ideas?"
"It could be a temporal paradox, or something, maybe a Youma, a new enemy?" Umino's brow furrowed, as he considered the possibilities.
"You might have something there, Umino," Mamoru replied, running his hand through his hair. "Look, call Motoki and ask him to get the others to contact me. We'll all meet at my apartment."
---
Mamoru cleared his throat and tried again. "The best way I can explain it is to show you, to bring the evidence with me."
Usagi looked confused, but sobered quickly when Mamoru held up the magazine that seemed to jump through the tiny screen and strike her like a lightning bolt, "Huh…you don't mean…it can't be, that's not Hotaru, or at least, not as she was when alive. And Dr. Tomoe is-"
---
Everyone greeted Usagi with a kiss, and then took their seats. Mamoru chose that moment to pull out the magazine Umino had given him that morning. The room fell into shocked stillness as the image of a grown-up Hotaru Tomoe, standing beside her father, jumped at them all from the glossy cover.
"Huh, no way," Rei exclaimed.
"It can't be," Makoto added, leaning forward to take a second look.
"Mamoru, this can't be Hotaru and Dr. Tomoe, can it?" Minako pleaded, "They're... She must have a cousin or something."
"Even if that were true, how do you explain Dr. Tomoe?" Artemis questioned, comforting his charge.
"I guess it's pretty weird -- I guess," Minako admitted, shaking her head.
Mamoru continued, "It's those guys. I don't know how, but if you read the article, you'll know what I mean." It was all Usagi could do not to burst into tears, as the words upon the page began to blur. "They're in Hong Kong," Mamoru said, as Makoto brought in refreshments, "We've got to go there and get to the bottom of this mystery."
"I think we ought to contact Janus and Amydarainia… I'm sure this has something to do with his manipulation of the timeline. It stands to reason, doesn't it?" Ami suggested, typing data into her computer, "Dr. Tomoe was assumed to have died with Hotaru, and no trace of him had ever been found. Well, maybe Hotaru will be able to explain some of it herself. That is, if she even remembers us."
"Hey, Ami, she's got to remember us," Usagi insisted.
"Everyone, there's no point getting upset about this," Mamoru cut in. "I will arrange the tickets and book a flight for next week. Fortunately, we have a semester reading week, so let's make the most of it. One of the Celestial Senshi in Hong Kong has contacted me, and she will be handling our accommodations and will meet us at the airport. So don't stress guys, okay?"
Hong Kong
Hotaru examined the digitally stored images featuring the crystal disk that flared to life around Orpheus. At first, the disk moved at a slow pace out of its orbit, before leaving the Amaterasu system.
"Hotaru, it's a space craft of some kind. It has to be. Look at its trajectory and speed," Souichi said, his excitement at fever pitch as he turned to his daughter. She punched a combination of commands into the computer, opening another virtual screen and re-ran the stunning images for the second time that morning.
---
Hotaru leaned forward in her chair, opened her eyes and focused upon the images of Sailor Moon and her partner, Tuxedo Kamen as they addressed the world press, taking questions on the sudden influx of Senshi arriving on Earth. She found herself staring at them as a strange sensation began to overpower her.
"Hotaru, Your forehead… It's starting to...glow," Souichi cried in amazement.
"What do you mean, Father…glowing?" she asked, in a vague tone, still staring at Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen.
"Sweetie...you've a symbol of the planet Saturn upon your brow. I think...you are one of them. Oh, now it all makes sense, Sweet Pea," he said, staring at his daughter through new eyes.
Hong Kong International Airport
Jizela, a Senshi from Orion met them as they passed through customs; her eyes alight as she took in the sight of Usagi and her companions.
"Greetings… unit and aggregate," Jizela cried, with enthusiasm. But blushed, realizing she had welcomed them according to her native custom.
The raven-haired woman stood a little over six feet tall. Her eyes glowed with a soft silvery-blue light, barely visible behind her shades. Jizela, thought it fortuitous that the people of Earth were now part of an interstellar community. But it would take time for them to get used to the diverse cultural complexity that existed amongst the stars.
"Hi, I'm Rei," she extended her hand, and the girl took it, turning it over, examining it. Then a flash of sapphire-blue light rushed through Rei's palm, and she gasped at the vivid images flooding her mind. She squeezed Jizela's hand. "Wow, Wicked cool," Rei, laughed.
"I'm afraid I'll take sojourns to become acquainted with Earth customs," Jizela admitted, with a wry smile. "I enjoy learning...stuff?"
The girls giggled. Mamoru and Usagi looked for the moon cats, and sure enough, a stunning blue-gray cat with white star upon her brow, slinked up to Mamoru, "Hi, gorgeous. I'm Star," she pronounced, welcoming Mamoru and the assembly with stunning green eyes.
The dainty cat jumped into Mamoru's arms and began to purr. Everyone laughed, including Jizela, "You'll have to excuse my guardian, she's not inserted into your cultural...whatever, err, customs?"
"You're a cutie, Star," Usagi giggled, fussing over the attention-grabbing fur ball.
They gathered within the airport's most popular restaurant. Makoto recommended the seafood and Indian cuisine. Trusting Makoto's judgment, they ordered accordingly. Jizela scanned the food unobtrusively, and then nodded her approval. She settled on the seafood combo.
They enjoyed a sumptuous dinner with desserts, fine wines, and other refreshments. They discussed their intention to arrange a meeting with Dr. Hotaru Tomoe and her father the following day.
They met the next morning after breakfast, and drove to Hong Kong University, accommodation already arranged for them all.
Usagi sat upon her bed, next to Mamoru, and sighed, "Well, we're here at last, Mamo-chan," she said, placing her feet on his lap.
"Maybe we'll get the answers we're looking for," he replied, considering whether to tickle Usagi's bunny toes.
"I don't want to shock her, or have her think we're weird or something," she said, a look of concern upon her sweet face.
"I think we'll be guided by the Ginzuishou, Usagi," Mamoru said. She nodded, and it was then he tickled the soles of her feet. She squealed, bringing Minako and Ami into the room, with Rei not far behind.
"Hey, Odango, with that noise, you could be used to ring the start of class," Rei laughed, as the two girls sparred.
"Hey guys, I have more news. Our silver Composoid friends are here on campus," she announced, with dramatic aplomb.
---
The warmth of the morning sunlight bathed the young scientist, who stood by a fountain, spinning the stem of a single delicate white flower between her fingertips. She kissed each petal, lost in thought. The lush colors and fragrances within the exotic microclimate of Hong Kong's Dreamy botanical park paid homage to her senses. She explored each intriguing pathway branching off into fascinating dimensions of verdant shadow, losing herself within its colorful splendor. Drenched by sunlight, accompanied by a small party of fellow visitors, she felt completely at ease.
She loved the sensual caress of the breeze upon her long slender legs. Sighing with pleasure, she squatted and breathed in the heady aroma of a South American fern before straightening, and continuing on her way. Hotaru's white leather high heels clicked rhythmically on the stone causeway as she moved. She wore a short pink-velvet skirt, and a frilly white lace top that revealed a little cleavage, the white leather shoulder bag.
She sat upon a marble bench, crossed her legs, and pulled out a comb and mirror. She applied fresh lipstick, and then produced her notepad to check her list of seeds, saplings and small trees she wished to purchase. Hotaru would have these sent to their home the same day.
She didn't notice the white fluffy cat with a crescent upon its brow that jumped into the tree behind her. The large, muscular feline draped upon a low-hanging branch.
Hercules was aware of Hotaru's Senshi nature. Suzanne Cherry Blossom had assigned him to the new Senshi sleeper. He needed to make his observations both thorough and discreet. It was certainly true this famous scientist was a genius. After reading her file, he was intrigued.
Following the bright colored signs, Hotaru entered a large open area of expansive lawns and groves. She moved at a pace along a narrow stone causeway and looked up, smiling at the trees rustling and swaying in the warm breeze. The evergreens reminded Hotaru of exotic dancing shamans in a trance state. She was enjoying the beautiful day, reminiscent of those sacred groves dedicated to a nature goddess.
Hotaru then found herself walking along a gravel path that curved into a junction where the pink granite causeway reappeared. Green boundaries forming the demarcations between the temporary structures where one could purchase all manner of plants and garden fare looked back at her. The luminous green hedgerows sprinkled with pink and white blossoms eye-catching, as were the assortment of other plants. Against this backdrop, a long set of trestle tables had been set up, lined by teenage girls with flowers in their hair, handing out baskets of flowers and branches laden with budding white blossoms.
She thanked a sweet ten-year-old and cradled the blossom-laden branch in her arms. Then approached the table where she concluded her purchases.
Five minutes later, Hotaru sat in the botanic café. She ate a modest lunch, and made a few calls on her cell phone over coffee before returning to the lab.
---
"I must speak to Tokako. I have to be at that press conference, or at least, meet Sailor Moon and her Senshi. It's my responsibility to help them in any way I can," She jumped to her feet, slipped her arms around her father's neck and kissed his cheek.
"Let me know if you need me. Call me on your cell, okay?" her father asked, his eyes blinking away tears. "I'll call Isadora and have her prepare tea a little later. It's her turn to cook tonight, and she'll be preparing your favorite. Your younger sister will be home late, also. I'll take care of the lab, honey."
Isadora was a tall, auburn-haired woman of classic beauty with a brilliant mind and lovely nature. She was Souichi's second wife. Isadora was born in Saint Petersburg in the Russian Republic. She met Souichi while attending an international conference on the influence of contemporary science on young people. They hit it off right away, and within three months were married.
Hotaru and her younger siblings were very close. Tatiana was a beautiful child with long black hair, a dusky complexion, and slender frame that gave her the looks and poise of her mother. She had just turned eighteen, and loved life with a fierce intensity. Tatiana wanted to become a novelist, and had written many short stories, many of which were published in an anthology that won the prestigious Hong Kong youth literature award.
Their father insisted she complete her education, and Tatiana was happy to do just that.
The Studios of the Hong Kong Television Network
The door of the Silver Ferrari opened, and a pair of white high-heeled sandals preceded beautifully sculptured legs as Hotaru Tomoe climbed from the back seat, closely followed by her friend, Tokako Yumi from the Hong Kong Daily Chronicle. Hotaru checked her make-up in the car's rear-view mirror then straightened.
"Ready, Hotaru?" Tokako asked, smiling at her friend.
Hotaru shrugged and released a sigh. "No, I guess not, but I'm going to do this anyway," she chuckled. "Come on, Kako-chan, let's go, shall we?" the two women laughed as a large media contingent swarmed around the entrance to the building.
"Eyes like hawks," Hotaru growled, as she put on her best fake smile. Tokako followed her example and the girls continued on their way.
They walked into the atrium of the Hong Kong national television network's headquarters, the impressive fifty-story glass tower shone like a shimmering beacon upon the city skyline. Tokako presented their passes, and the tall uniformed man nodded them through.
Journalists recognized the brilliant young scientist. She was all smiles and elegance as she soaked up the flashes from a vast array of cameras. Tokako found herself also a subject of interest, for she was somewhat of a celebrity in her own right, an astute journalist and quite beautiful. The tabloids were obsessed with her. She felt a little more at ease amongst her peers, amused to be standing on the opposite side of the media divide for once. She winked and joked with the journalists encircling them like a flock of hungry seagulls, microphones appearing out of nowhere. Hotaru and Tokako found themselves bombarded with a host of rapid-fire questions, directed mostly towards the brilliant young scientist, Dr. Hotaru Tomoe, about her work and its links to the Celestial Senshi.
They wanted to know if the huge crystal craft orbiting the Earth could defend humanity from the powerful enemy that had already attacked Australia's Red Center. Tokako had to shout to be heard, clearing the way for Hotaru and herself to pass.
"Dr. Tomoe, What's the relationship between the planet Orpheus and ourselves?" Kim Janie, from the Pakistan Daily Star inquired.
"Miss Tomoe is Hong Kong under any threat of attack by those creatures?" asked Tan Lee of the Chinese Associated Press.
"Dr. Tomoe, NASA has posted pictures of the awesome craft in orbit on their website and YouTube is showing your sensational footage to an audience of billions. How did you feel when both you and your father discovered Orpheus, its moons and the fact we are caught up in a galactic war?" Teresa Jones, from the BBC enquired.
"Where is the crystal spacecraft from, and are they friends or foe?" James Solomon, from the New York Times asked.
"The Senshi in Australia have held a press conference after the spectacular Uluru battle...are you planning to work with Sailor Moon and her Senshi?" asked Katherine Kirundi, of the Alice Chronicle.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we've no time to answer your questions right now, but we shall in time...Dr. Tomoe must keep her appointment, so please excuse us," Tokako shouted, as the throng, with some reluctance opened a path for them to pass.
Hotaru wore a stunning pink cotton dress that floated to mid-thigh with gold piping crisscrossing the bodice and a white hip-length cotton jacket. Tokako also impressive in her stylish figure-hugging black silk pantsuit and hip length raven-black hair that caught the light from the multitude of camera flashes as they made good their escape.
Unbeknownst to the two women, a nimble-footed white cat almost knocked an Italian reporter off his feet as it sped past after the girls. The fluffy snowball zeroed in on the sound of clicking heels moving towards the lift.
"Ma-ma-mia...that kitty almost killed me," Remo Gerardo, from Rome today cried, picking himself off the pavement.
"Come on, Remo. You're exaggerating, you tripped over your own feet," laughed Lucinda Milano, his dark-haired assistant.
"I only got a picture of that white fluff ball and the backs of Dr. Tomoe's legs...damn it Lucy!" he scowled, as she helped him to his feet.
"I can get the pictures into People magazine. You know, they'd pay a lot for Dr. Hotaru Tomoe's shapely calves," she laughed, winking at Remo.
"Hey, for a smart mouthed rookie, you're a quick study…and pretty too," he said, hugging her and kissing each cheek. The bright-eyed photojournalist blushed before her peers, who found the whole episode quite amusing.
Tokako let out a long sigh, after the lift's doors closed behind them. They stood, each lost in their own thoughts while on their way to the twenty-fifth floor.
Hotaru's eyes focused on a large fluffy white cat at her heels busy washing itself.
‘What is a cat doing in a lift? The same cat I've noticed sleeping on my bedroom window each night. He's the same cat that follows me down the street. The same one I've given Tuna and fresh cream daily... Err, but why is he hear in the center of the city?' Hotaru asked herself.
"Hey boy...how did you get here?" Tokako asked, squatting to stroke the cat's soft fur.
"Tokako, he follows me almost everywhere. I noticed him sleeping outside our home a few weeks ago. He pops up at the oddest times," she laughed, as she ruffled Hercules's soft white ears. Tokako pulled out her Palm Pilot and checked off her list of questions to ask Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen.
"This feels so strange, Kako-chan. I don't know how to broach the subject with them... Do I say I'm one of the Senshi, or do I get her to agree to an interview with you first to break the ice?"
Hotaru suddenly felt faint as her voice trailed off, a swirling multi-helix of stars shrouded in purple mist came into view. She found herself hovering above a calm crystalline sea, surrounded by soft indigo skies. Hotaru's eyes focused on the child lying upon a huge pink flower, serving as cradle and raft.
She found herself within the body of the child, looking about, and crying out as a wall of fire surrounded her floral raft. She screamed in terror as the flames drew closer, leaping higher into the air. Then the strangest thing happened. She beheld a sky filled with beautiful multi- colored crystal butterflies. They circled like a flock of birds before descending and moving towards her.
It was at that moment, she saw her; Sailor Moon was flying amongst these beautiful creatures towards her with arms extended. The amazing Senshi queen possessed a pair of crystal wings fashioned after the mosaic splendor of the butterflies. Hotaru felt herself floating towards her, upon the wind and into Sailor Moon's arms. The fire dissipated, and the sea calmed once again, as she felt herself carried in warm loving arms.
When she opened her eyes, Hotaru's back was propped up against the wall with Tokako kneeling over her, pressing a cool flannel to her forehead.
"Hey Hotaru... You're ready to know it all," Hercules said, sitting a few paces away.
"By the Kamis...that cat...spoke, are we both crazy, Hotaru?" Tokako cried, as her eyes stared at the bright-eyed Moon Cat with golden crescent blazon upon his brow. Tokako asked if she could borrow the washer and soaked it under the drinking fountain and slapped it over her face, "Why do I get the impression our lives will never be the same...my best friend, a Senshi warrior in waiting, and a talking Moon Cat guardian? Well, nobody could ever say our lives are dull, eh?" she laughed, as Hercules chuckled and wrapped his tail about his body.
"Hey guys, is everything okay?" asked the petite blonde. Emily Travis was Tokako's photographer from the Chronicle.
"I think so, Emily," Hotaru stammered, looking at Hercules, who shook his head and trotted towards the studio where Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Kamen and the Senshi were holding court, "Sorry, please forgive me," Hotaru said, straightening her skirt. "I'm just glad I can laugh about it... You see, I'm usually quite particular about where I choose to faint," Hotaru laughed, as the three women walked along the carpeted concourse towards the studio behind the trotting Moon Cat.
"Hey, there's a mark on your forehead... I think it's...Hmmmm…glowing," the blonde-haired journalist started.
"It’s okay, I guess it's probably a trick of the light," Hotaru offered, by way of explanation as Emily stared after Hotaru and Tokako as they passed through the large cedar doors.
The Senshi sat in a crescent with Tammy Falconer and Rod Sukiyaki from the Hong Kong National news team, relaying questions to the Senshi, including a couple of Senshi Hotaru hadn't seen before.
"People around the world have seen the footage featuring the battles between Araknitopa forces and your Senshi. The leaders of the consolidated global council have agreed to meet with you and discuss our induction into the Celestial Senshi Community. They've also agreed to have you, Sailor Moon, representing our interests and accepted you as sovereign of our world. Can you explain to our viewers what these changes mean in their day to day lives, and how the interstellar war might affect the short to medium term future of our planet?"
"Already, the disputes in the Middle East have ceased. People now realize the futility of long standing conflict along with the senseless acts of terrorism that have all but disappeared altogether. Humanity is no longer alone, and there is a common enemy to overcome, uniting us all in ways not thought possible," Tuxedo Kamen answered, pausing for a moment before continuing, "There's a lost history to reclaim, and future to build for us all."
"You're of course, correct by suggesting our regional disputes have ceased due to the Araknitopa threat. Then how are we to defend our world, and are there enough Senshi to do the job?" he asked, frowning.
"Yes, and what's more important, our solar system -- formerly the Sulean system -- will soon acquire the armament to adequately defend our planets and do some serious damage to the enemy," Sailor moon added, smiling.
"Miss Moon, but how can this be? You say we've the armament to fight this enemy, where are these ships?" Jacques Darra, from The Bastille, French weekly demanded.
"Jacques, the technology I speak of far accedes anything we currently have... I can't give you exact details for security reasons, but Tuxedo Kamen will explain this a little further," Sailor Moon answered, looking lovingly in her fiancé's direction.
"We will be announcing the arrangements for planetary defense at a follow-up conference in Tokyo in less than two weeks."
"My name is Sailor Mercury. I'm sure you've read our profiles, so excuse me if I cut to the chase. I can assure you we're not in any immediate danger of attack, at least, not yet anyway. But we're fortunate to have a powerful craft in orbit to protect us. This mighty vessel, provided courtesy of the people of Mau, a race of beings that assume the form of a domestic cat can also take on human form," she said, to a fascinated audience.
"I'm such a creature...and my partner, Artemis. And please allow me to introduce you to Loki from the planet Orpheus and his associate, Morgana... Prince Onyx, who has arrived just this afternoon to be with us today -- Hercules -- a descendent of our race and sleeper," Luna held the audience in the palm of her paw. They were fascinated, "Allow me to explain. You see, there are Senshi, Shitennou – warrior generals -- and Moon Cats that have incarnated on your world, unaware of their true nature. I believe your press kits contain a folio for your perusal that ought to elucidate this point. I suggest you check pages 127 and 128. We had discovered others had been sent to the future from a much earlier epoch...two of these Senshi are with us today."
The two Senshi stood and bowed to the applause of an enthusiastic audience. "There are hundreds of sleepers making contact with us daily, from all over the planet. If you read on, you'll find most of your questions have been anticipated, and if you've more, then simply email Suzanne Cherry Blossom at the address provided in your kits," Artemis added, mewing at Luna.
"What is the situation with the Orpheuseans?" Anna Velthuyzen, from the Dutch News service enquired.
"I believe there's somebody in the room who could shed a little light on this... Dr. Hotaru Tomoe, could you talk about your work on the deep space scan research project?" Tokako announced, inviting her stunned friend to take the floor.
"You'll have to forgive me for not expecting to be called upon at such short notice, Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Kamen and your Senshi I bid you welcome from Hong Kong's scientific community," She said, by way of introduction.
She opened her folio, slipped a crystal memory pod into her palm top, and placed a holo-imaging sphere into the cradle. Hotaru activated the virtual keyboard, set up the data links and re-ran the footage featuring Orpheus and her magnificent moons. The massive crystal disk and its journey into the war zone at Quola brought sighs and applause from the audience.
Tears welled up in Sailor Moon's eyes at the sight of the full-grown young woman standing before her. Hotaru was too caught up in her impromptu demonstration and subsequent lecture before an expectant worldwide audience to notice the effect she was having on Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Kamen and the Senshi.
"These crystalline craft in many instances are twice the size of Hong Kong, New York, or Tokyo for that matter. The crystal craft I discovered can travel at speeds that make a mockery of our contemporary understanding of physics," she paused for a moment, as Sailor Moon stood and crossed the floor and hugged the surprised scientist. Hotaru was both honored and a little embarrassed by the open public display of affection. "It's an honor to meet you, Sailor Moon. I have many questions, and I must speak with you after the conference, it’s extremely important." She pointed to her forehead, tracing the symbol of Saturn. Sailor Moon gasped, loud enough to draw the eyes of everyone upon the two women.
She patted Hotaru's arm, "We'll talk later, okay?" Sailor Moon whispered, Hotaru nodded, and Moon returned to her seat.
Jizela took off her shades and revealed her brilliant silver eyes that caused a sensation as the cameras focused upon the extra-terrestrial Senshi, who sat with her long legs crossed, lapping up the attention she was getting. She had transformed before the conference and sat in her lavender fuku with its white sash and silver knee length boots, her hair falling in a tumble to her waist, her form now bathed in silvery light. Members of the press asked her everything from how far her world was in relation to Earth, what she ate to questions about her sex life. She caused a sensation after an annoying newspaperman from Brazil raised her ire by suggesting the Senshi were an elaborate hoax and the attacks were staged by Hollywood. Jizela looked at Neptune, Uranus and the furious Jupiter. Sailor Moon giggled then nodded her ascent.
Jizela used her power to lift the terrified journalist eight feet off the floor to counter his accusations. He cried out in terror, his arms and legs flailing in mid-air for the best part of three minutes as people continued to laugh at the journalist's expense. With a toss of the head and still laughing, Jizela waved her arm and he fell in a heap, none the worse off for his extraterrestrial encounter. This won her a round of applause.
"I trust I've made my point, my good sir?" she said, uncrossing her legs and leant forward, offering her hand that he dared not refuse. He took it and was instantly assailed with a celestial history lesson he'd never forget. He found himself out of his body, and witness to the most remarkable experience of his life. After he'd returned to normal consciousness, he bowed and apologized, vowing to write a book about his visions.
They'd expected Jizela to come up with something interesting as a diversion. But this was perfect, and Jizela loved every minute. The distraction allowed Sailor Moon and the others to depart without being bogged down with further questions as they took lifts to the rooftop, and climbed aboard waiting helicopters that spirited them away, much to the frustration of the media at street level.
*^*
"Hotaru, you're probably wondering why I'm crying right now and acting like a fool. Well, somehow you were teleported into the past and have grown up, never knowing your true identity as Sailor Saturn…at least until recently," Usagi explained, taking her hand.
"Usagi, I don't understand. If my father and I are supposed to be dead then what happened?"
Uranus and Neptune explained her alternate existence as a thirteen-year-old, and her father's life under the control of Pharaoh 90 and Mistress 9. After they'd finished, Tokako knocked on the door and stepped into the room, hugging her friend.
"Well, I think we all need to find ourselves somewhere interesting to let down our hair, and get some well earned R & R...there's a lot of debriefing before we return to Tokyo," Loki suggested, and everyone nodded.
"I know the best karaoke bar in Hong Kong, and they've a great restaurant called the Hungry Dragon, You'll love it," Tokako offered, now the official media publicist for the Senshi.
"Well, guys, why are we wasting time in the hotel?" Mamoru questioned, picking up Star, stroking her fur before handing her to Jizela. "I've booked the seats for our flight tomorrow for noon, and that means we can sleep in," he said, lifting Usagi off her feet and spinning her in a circle, kissing her.
