Lunar Boot Camp

[Corwin]

Serenity frowns at Ami. "Poor Artemis had soldiers sent after him. His tail was set on fire. He barely escaped with the rest of his fur untouched!"

[Halbarad]

Ami looks at the queen in puzzlement. "What are you talking about? I will admit I lost my temper with that... that CAT, but I certainly did not set him on fire-not intentionally, at least. I DID ask the guards to remove him from my chambers until he could speak to me like a human being instead of trying to bribe me with promises of toys and candy here on the Moon, but I certainly did not ask them to chase him." She looks down, a bit embarrassed. "I will admit to losing my temper and throwing a torch at him, but I didn't think I did anything more than singe his tail a bit. He certainly wasn't on fire when the guards escorted him out of my chambers."

[Corwin]

"So you say." Serenity narrows her eyes. "I'll have a long talk with Artemis when he returns, and get to the bottom of this."

[Halbarad]

Ami keeps her eyes lowered. "Of course, your Majesty. I will apologize for my part; I can't place all the blame on Artemis' head."

[Ebiris]

Rei smiles warmly. "Well, now that that's settled, we can all put it behind us and move on, why, we even have a Sailor Mercury now, so that improves our chances, right?"

Wait a minute, her inner monologue prompts, Remember that outfit you wore when you became Sailor Mars? Rei did indeed remember it. And that also prompted thoughts of Makoto dressed in similar attire, causing a warm flush to spread throughout the Princess. Then she notices Princess Ami. Little seven year old Princess Ami. Who would transform into Sailor Mercury and wear... Dear God, my eyes!!

The only visible manifestation throughout this train of thought is a slight twitch of her facial muscles as her smile becomes more than a little strained...

Could be worse... at least there aren't any male Sailor Senshi...

[Halbarad]

Ami blanches as Rei mentions Sailor Mercury. If she is Sailor Mercury, then does that mean that the one she saw was...

Hurriedly banishing the thought from her mind, she remembers the book which the Martian princess has been carrying since they met at the library. "You said you went to the St. Claire Library to research Metallia; did you find anything there?"

[Ebiris]

"Only one book," responds Rei, "but it's a big one. The library wasn't exactly conductive to studying it, so we've been waiting until we can get some peace and quiet before we properly read it."

Of course, knowing my recent luck, the section 'How to easily defeat Metallia in 5 simple steps' will have gotten burnt in the fire... she thinks sadly.

[Corwin]

An angry red light flashes over the room, making Serenity look around in worry. "Someone's trying to enter the room," she says for the benefit of the others, heading steadily towards the door. "Someone's trying really hard."

Reaching the entrance, she presses her palm against the smooth metal surface. Her hand sinks in, and the room's defenses melt away, returning the situation room to its previous state.

"What is it?" Serenity demands, as the door opens.

"A private liner has left Earth's atmosphere, My Queen," a lieutenant in the Lunar Space Force informs her, saluting. "Princess von Magellan onboard the MDBG Serenity has been tracking its course and is respectfully asking for further orders, Ma'am."

Serenity nods curtly, and turns towards her guests. "Okay, this is it. We have a few hours to prepare." She smiles. "Make yourselves presentable for meeting with foreign dignitaries. I'll dispatch someone to take you to your quarters, if you'd like."

[Ebiris]

Rei stands and bows respectfully at the dismissal. "Very well, your Majesty. If you can have someone direct us to our quarters, we can get changed and make a start on this book until it is time for the meeting."

A thought occurs to her, and she adds, "Would you like us to appear in our Sailor Senshi attire for the first meeting with the Earthlings?"

[Halbarad]

"I hate to ask, but on the subject of living quarters... I hadn't arranged for any long-term living arrangements here on Luna, as I had originally only expected to be giving you my message and leaving again for Mercury." Ami grimaces. "I was expecting to take rooms in the city until I departed, but I haven't done so yet."

[Corwin]

"Sailor Senshi?" the Queen asks, smiling at Rei. "Who are those?"

Turning to look at Ami, she shakes her head. "This won't do. I'll have Sylphiel prepare one of the guest rooms for you."

"This won't be necessary, Your Majesty," a voice rasps from the entrance. The lieutenant jumps in the air in shock, as an old woman appears by his side, as if out of thin air. "I've already made the proper arrangements."

"Oh, you have? That'll be great!" Serenity exclaims, clasping her hands together. "Would you take Princess Ami with you then, Genkai?"

The old woman bows. "As you wish, My Queen."

[Ebiris]

Rei nods silently, taking the hint about keeping their identities as Sailor Senshi secret.

"Ah, Genkai..." Rei acknowledges the old woman's presence with a stunning lack of enthusiasm. "Yes, lets go to whatever you have arranged for us."

If things get too bad, at least Mako-chan and Ami have no obligation to put up with her crap...

[Halbarad]

Ami turns to the old woman and smiles. "Er, thank you, Ms. Genkai." Ami gives the queen a final curtsy. "Thank you again for hearing me out, your Majesty."

Ami joins Rei and Genkai at the door to the situation room. "I suppose I'm ready to go whenever you are. Filia can help take care of my belongings once we get situated, I suppose."

[Brian]

Offering the Queen a deep and respectful curtsy, Makoto turns away, and towards Genkai. "It's nice to see you again, Genkai-san. Er... if it's not too much trouble, do you know where I'm staying, as well? I do hope I get to stay near Rei-chan."

[Corwin]

Genkai smiles -- evilly, those who know her might say. "That's not a problem, Makoto dear," she says in a sweet voice. "Just follow me...."

She turns around and walks down a corridor, the three princesses following her as they go through a veritable maze that is the castle's system of passageways. After a few minutes of walking, the four stop at an elevator. Genkai smiles once more, looking at Rei, and presses the 'down' button, whistling to herself as she waits for it to arrive.