This chapter should have something for everyone in it - romance, lust, comedy and even a little slapstick. And don't worry people; we are getting towards the end of this saga. One or two more chapters at the most, promise! If you would be so kind as to take a moment out of your very busy day and write to me at, Mearari@aol.com I would appreciate it more than you'll ever know. Masked Maiden, who was kind enough to look this chapter over for me, suggested I tell you the following in advance. Fred Astaire (1899 – 1987) was, arguably, the very best movie/musical dancer of the 20th century. He was a man of such incredible grace and skill that he could (and did in the movie "Band Wagon") dance with a broom and make the darn thing look good! Standard Disclaimer – I don't own Sailor Moon. I wish I did because then I could afford to put central air conditioning in my very hot house. ******************************************** Fatal Exposure By Meara Chapter Seven – "Mind Games" ******************************************** Serenity came to Kashu in his dreams. A shaft of moonlight appeared before him. Then slowly, achingly slowly, she became visible within it. The brilliant, silver luminescence pulsed and writhed before withdrawing into her body. Serenity walked towards him clothed only in the magic that shone from inside her. She opened her arms, inviting him to join her. The two met and Kashu Hikaru pulled her into a passionate kiss. As she responded to the desire that burned in his heart, he felt some of her power flow into him until he too became a creature of magic. That done she stepped away from him and gave a smile. "Now, take your rightful place as this world's ruler." Kashu laughed, watching the small flickers of rainbow light silhouette his hands. Magic rushed through him like a river and he shouted with the pleasure it gave him. Nothing was beyond him now. He had the power of life and death over the smaller beings of this planet. He had ultimate control. But most importantly he had her. Serenity laughed in delight as they embraced, Hikaru crushing her in his arms. They fell to the floor entwined together. He was aware of nothing else but the feeling of her in his arms, and of the endless power that burned so sweetly, like wine in his veins. With a wrenching jerk, Kashu Hikaru abruptly came awake. It took him a moment to realize that it had been a dream, that none of it had really happened. Not yet, anyway, Kashu told himself. He rose to splash water on his face and clear his head. Returning to the bedroom, he fumbled with the remote and the television came to life. Kashu listened with half an ear as the talking head reporting the news went on about Sailor Pluto being put into "protective custody" by the Government. This latest development didn't really alarm Kashu. He had ultimate faith in the Governments ability to screw up just about anything they touched. Even if they did manage detain this Pluto person, they wouldn't be able to hold her for long. He had little doubt that the Senshi were planning on rescuing Pluto from the clumsy hands of the military. That was just as well. The Senshi would waste time and energy on a fool's mission, while he simply sat back and waited for Serenity to come to him. And she would come to him; Kashu had no doubt about that. Serenity and her warriors may be too powerful for him to confront en mass, but her human family wasn't. Once he had the Tsukino's, it was only a matter of time before he had Serenity. Kashu allowed him a small smile of satisfaction. It would be all too easy. ******************************************** Usagi walked through the flowerbeds in the great garden within the first gate of the Moon Kingdom. A light breeze carried of the fresh scent of green, growing things. She stopped and knelt among the roses. Taking a deep breath, Usagi allowed the delicate fragerence to fill her, washing away her troubles. She knew she was dreaming, but didn't really care. Usagi was so happy to be home and safe again that she wanted this moment to last forever. "Serenity." Cerulean blue eyes turned to see the graceful figure of her mother walking towards her. A smile of welcome lit her face and she held out her arms to her daughter. With a cry of joy Usagi rush to her and hugged her tightly. Queen Selene returned to embrace. "Happy to be home, kitten?" "I never realized just how much I miss this place, until now." Usagi sighed and allowed herself a moment to bask in the glow of her mother's love. "Things have been so hard lately mother. And I'm afraid it's going to get worse. We've never done anything but protect Earth. Why can't they just accept us?" "I don't know," replied the old Queen with regret, "I really don't know. It's always been this way between the people of the Earth and the Moon. Part of it is envy, I suspect, but most of it is simply fear of those who are 'different'. This is why contact between our peoples was always forbidden. A thousand years have passed and still they fear us even after all this time? How very sad." "Oh mother, what do I do now?" Usagi wanted to be a little girl again and have her mother make everything thing right. "Serenity, my dearest daughter, it's time." She said as she reached out and cupped her daughter's chin in one elegant hand. "You are ready to ascend the throne and ready to become Queen." "Umm, Mom, Queen of what? This is a nice dream and all, but when I wake up the Moon Kingdom will still be nothing but ruins." Usagi said. The Queen took Usagi by the hand and led her to a marble bench. "Earth will always need the protection of the Moon Kingdom. That last, awful night, when I sent you into the future to be reborn, I also sent everyone and everything I could. The Silver Millennium will rise and be restored again through you." Selene paused at the utterly confused look on her daughter's face. Don't worry, you'll figure it all out eventually, dear." "Luna said that you sent some of the Moon Kingdom's people into the future to be reborn - people like Setsuna's sister, Lorilei. Is that true?" Selene smiled, "So she and Setsuna found each other again? I did them such a grave disservice that last night. It's good to know that some things have been made right once more. Most of the Moon Kingdom's people still sleep, Serenity, but, yes, they'll awaken now that you have achieved the Balance. Some will remember faster than others, but all will eventually awaken." "So, how will I now them?" Usagi asked. "Oh geez, Mother, things are bad enough now. I don't want to think about how people will react when they find out there's an entire Kingdom of Lunarians living on earth. What do I do?" "You'll know what to do when the time is right. I have faith in you, daughter." replied the Queen in an even tone. The future Queen of Earth made a sound of total frustration that sounded suspiciously like a dog growling, "Now I know why my hair is turning silver." Her mother just laughed, "I know how you feel, dear. I've been there." She leaned over and gave her daughter a conspiratorial wink, "And I'll have you know I hated it when my hair changed; at least at first anyway. Soon enough I discovered that not having pink hair anymore meant I could wear a lot more colors." "Pink hair? You had pink hair?!" "Where do you think my granddaughter got her hair color? Surely not from her father's side of the family." replied Selene. She gave her daughter a kiss on the cheek. "Trust in yourself Serenity and trust in those who love you. That will be your greatest strength." With a frustrated huff, Usagi threw up her arms, "This dream stinks! Nothing you're saying is making any sense. Why can't you just tell me what I need to know, anyway?" "Sorry," her mother replied with a shake of her head, "But I don't make the rules. I just have to play by them." "So who does make the rules?" Usagi had to ask. Selene started to fade away. But as she did she pointed one, long, elegant finger upwards, "He does. And trust me dear child, He can get very ticked off when people ignore them." ******************************************** Mina wasn't sure what surprised her more, the fact that her parents actually appeared to be listening to her for a change, or that she managed to keep such a calm tone of voice. Mina sat in a chair across from the couple on the large, white couch. The glass-topped coffee table in between them had a newspaper that screamed a headline about the confrontation at the television station. Sailor Venus was prominently featured in the large, color photo just under the headline. "So, you see, I was first Sailor V, then Sailor Venus." She said as she finished up her explanation of who and what she really was. Her mother and father glanced at each other quickly. For some reason that look made Mina very nervous. "Well?" she asked in the ensuing silence. Her mother folded her hands primly on her designer dress. "Minako, dear, you don't have to be afraid anymore. Your father and I understand that you've been under the influence of these aliens and we forgive you for your outrageous behavior." She spoke slowly. "What?" "Don't you worry, Minako," her father put in, "all those crazy things you've done in the past, this fixation with being an actress, we know it isn't you. It's because of them." He ignored the anger he could see dawning on his daughter's face. "But now that we know what's really going on, we've arranged for some help." Mina could only stare at her parents blankly as a man came into the room. It's was as if she had turned to ice, unable to move. The man approached her and gave a smile that never reached his eyes. "Hello, Minako," he said, "Your mother and father have told what happened. Don't worry, in a few weeks you'll be clear of the influence those aliens have exerted on you. I can help you to be free of them." She continued to look at first her parents then turned to look fully at the man with the disingenuous smile. Something inside her snapped and she began to laugh, softly at first, then with increasing volume. Her parents exchanged a worried look. "Minako, what…" her father began. "A deprogrammer?" Mina finally said through the bitter laughter that exploded from her, "You hired a DEPROGRAMMER?! Oh thank you Mom and Dad! I get it now, I finally get it now!" The man moved towards her, "Look, you're confused…" "Oh no I'm not!" shouted Mina at the top of her lungs, "I'm seeing things very clearly for the first time in my life. So sorry to be such an embarrassment to you and the good old family name, but guess what? You don't have to be embarrassed anymore." She leaned towards her parents and spat out the next words with precision, "I'm not your daughter! You two aren't my family and you never were. Queen Selene picked you 'Mom' because you could carry me to term. That's right, you were nothing more than a baby machine, a handy womb." The deprogrammer began to move in Mina's direction. She raised a single finger to him in warning, "I wouldn't do that if I were you. Lay a hand on me, you twit, and I'll throw you out the nearest window." She snapped her head back to face the two who had raised her, "Why did I even bother? Why did I think you could possibly care about anyone other than yourselves?" She rose to her feet and with a motion of disgust moved for the front door. The deprogrammer lunged for her, grabbing Mina by one arm. Not even bothering to henshin, she casually took the arm, shifted her weight and tossed him into glass coffee table. "Minako stop!" her father called, "You can't know what you're doing! He can help to make you normal." "You are both such fools." Came a deep male voice. Every head in the room turned around in the direction of that voice. From the window, a white cat gracefully came to stand between Mina and the others. "Do you have any idea of the treasure that was given to you in Minako? You were entrusted with a jewel beyond earthly value but are too blind to see her worth." "Artemis.." whispered Mina. He padded towards her and leapt into her waiting arms. "Oh Artemis, you shouldn't have come." He looked at her with eyes full of anger and compassion, "And leave you to the likes of them?! Why didn't you tell me what you were up to Mina? I'd never let you face them alone." "They don't love me," she whispered. Part of her had known this for a long time, but there was certain, painful, finality to saying it aloud. Mina buried her face in his soft, snowy coat as tears threatened to erupt. "You love me, don't you Artemis?" "Always, my sweet Princess." He replied, the note of desperation in Minako's voice breaking his heart. Mina's mother gave a strangled scream and fainted. Her father was helping the deprogrammer to his feet as Mina, with Artemis still in her arms, headed for the door. The Princess of Venus tried to turn a deaf ear to her father's shouts at her to stop. "Don't you go, Minako, do you hear me? Don't you dare walk away from me. If you go out that door you can't ever come back!" She broke into a run and threw the door wide open. Holding her feline guardian tightly, Mina went as fast as her legs would carry her. Her father's shouts followed her as she ran sobbing down the front stairs that would take her away from her here and from her old life. "You can't ever come back!" ******************************************** Mamoru sat on the edge of the bed and watched Usagi as she slept. The physical changes in her had accelerated in the last day. Her hair was now the color of moonlight and longer than it had been. The crescent moon that decorated her forehead glowed softly, lit by the power that lived in his beloved now. She stirred and her eyes half opened. "Mamo-chan?" "Right here." He took her hand in his. "I was home," Usagi said in voice still heavily laced with fatigue, "I was home on the moon and it so peaceful there." Mamoru reached out and stroked her head, noticing the warmth that came from the moon sigil as he did so. "Sounds like a nice dream, Usako." "Are you all right?" she asked him despite the almost overwhelming need to sleep again. "Something's wrong, isn't it? Is it my family?" "No," Mamoru reassured her. He took all his own worries and walled them deep inside his heart, realizing that Usagi was somehow picking them up through the bond they shared. "Your family is fine. Luna is due back from seeing them in a few minutes. If you can stay awake that long, you can talk to her. From what she tells me the media has backed off somewhat. You may be able to go back there in a couple of days." "Really?" Usagi was losing the fight to stay awake. "You'd tell me if something was wrong, wouldn't you?" "What could be wrong Usako? Look, you're finally getting to do nothing but eat and sleep, so enjoy it while it lasts, ne?" He gathered her in his arms enjoying how she snuggled up to him. "Are you still tired? You can sleep as long as you want to." Usagi leaned her head into his chest as she faded back to sleep. "I can? You say the nicest things, Mamo-chan." He leaned down and placed a tender kiss on her lips, which she returned before falling back into dreams. Mamoru held her in his arms for a few minutes, enjoying the peace that being so close to her gave him. While he called Usako, the name Serenity held a unique place in his heart. His beloved had a special kind of magic that could calm his deepest fears and bring solace to his troubled soul. Giving Usagi a final kiss on the forehead and placing her back on the bed, Mamoru went to sit in a chair in one corner of the bedroom. The sun sent slanted amber rays in the window near the seat. There was a small table by the chair where a potted narcissus sat soaking up the warmth of the late day sunshine. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting the flower's delicate perfume wash over him. Mamoru's snapped his head up. Within the golden afternoon light a figure walked toward him. The man, whose silver hair fell to his shoulders, came to kneel before Mamoru in respect. "Kunzite…" The one time general and advisor to Prince Endymion rose. His body wasn't quite solid and faded in and out even as he spoke. "This is my fault. She's like this because I was hurt." Mamoru sighed heavily as he leaned back in the chair. "I'm supposed to protect her. So why does it always seem that she's the one in danger because of me?" Kunzite folded his arms across his chest. "No." That statement caused Mamoru to chuckle, "No." "Then why are you blaming yourself? Your enemies would just love to have you paralyzed by self-doubt. And make no mistake about it my Prince, there are dark forces at work here, subtle and very dangerous. They seek the ruin of you and of the Princess.> "I can see what's starting to happen, Kunzite. It's a story I know all too well. This is so much like those last days before the Moon Kingdom fell." Said Mamoru. "I see the old hates and fears being stirred up and I can't seem to find a way to stop it. Hasn't mankind learned anything in the last thousand years? I wish you could be here in more than just spirit, old friend. I could use your help right about now." Kunzite moved to the window. For a moment he seemed more a man than a shadow. There was pain in his eyes as he saw Mina running in the front of the building. He jolted from his private thoughts and back to his duty. With bow, Kunzite began to fade away. ******************************************** In the center of an English garden a small table was set for three. The roses were coming into bloom, as were the day lilies and hyacinth. A slight breeze carried the pleasant scent of sun-warmed grass and the distant sea. Brightly colored birds moved through trees, their sweet song completing this most perfect of early summer days. A fine pot of Formosa Oolong tea sat in the middle of the table, covered by a gardenia shaped tea cozy. Small, delicate pastries were laid out on a platter beside the pot. Setsuna, Princess of Pluto and Keeper of the Timegate smiled and rose from one of the chairs at the table as her two guests arrived. Rembrandt Van Rijn and Albert Einstein each gave a courtly bow as they approached her. With great satisfaction Setsuna settled in for an afternoon of stimulating conversation and perfectly brewed tea. She jumped slightly, turning as a figure appeared at her elbow. "Suna," said Lorilei, "You're dreaming. Wake up!" Setsuna gave her twin a look of surprise. "I am? I thought I was having tea?" "No, you're dreaming. Look, trust me on this one, okay? I'm sorry, but you have to wake up now. Setsuna sighed and closed her eyes in concentration. The world around her blurred as the garden disappeared. In it's place a grand ballroom faded into view. A huge chandelier of the finest cut crystal reflected the many candles that illuminated the scene. She wore a damask silk gown of emerald green with cream-colored lace at the sleeves. The sounds a Strauss waltz came to her ears. From out of the crowd came a tall, elegant man in a black tuxedo. He went to Setsuna and held out one hand in invitation. "May I have this dance, my Lady?" She smiled her acceptance and together they glided across the inlaid parquet floor. The other couples in the crowd moved away and let them have center stage. Setsuna was swept away and lost in the joy of dancing with this amazingly agile, athletic and graceful man. As she gazed into his eyes, the slow realization of his true identity filtered into her brain. She was dancing with Fred Astaire. Since the former RKO movie star had died in 1987 at the age of 88, it was disturbing to see him looking so young – and so very black and white. Setsuna noticed that he was only in black and white while the rest of the world around them was in living color. Ginger Rogers, Fred's regular partner, was on the sidelines giving the Princess of Pluto an evil look. As they turned and headed back across the floor Setsuna caught a glimpse of Lorilei. The idea that something was not quite right nagged at her. What exactly that "something" was becoming evident as she recognized the two figures standing on either side of her twin. That Wiley Coyote and Harrison Ford should be in the same room at the same time struck her as wrong. Her suspicions were confirmed as she and Fred glided by Lorilei and her companions. The three of them held up placards that had each had one word apiece written on it. As Setsuna concentrated she could make out the words. You're Still Dreaming! Wiley Coyote then reached behind his back and pulled out a tiny sign on a stick. It read: "Wake Up!" It was the pain that convinced her that she was indeed awake this time. She still felt very odd, as if she was standing behind a thick glass window watching the world go by. For a long moment, Setsuna wasn't entirely sure of where she was or how she got there. More than anything she wanted to just let go and drift back down into dreams. Then the memory of the shooting hit her like a tsunami. Although Usagi had stopped the bleeding and healed most of the damage the bullet had caused, a piece of her fuku had been sealed inside her body when the wound was closed. Not only that, but one of her kidneys had been badly bruised and wasn't functioning very well. Pluto's body was struggling with the infection caused by the piece of cloth. The IV in her arm pumped massive doses of an antibiotic into her. She was still plagued by a high fever and her body ached miserably. As the Senshi of Pluto's vision cleared she saw a man in Military uniform standing in the room. It was hard to think clearly. "Who are you?" she managed to ask in a weak voice. "I'm Major Kaigan, Meiou-san. I am in charge of moving you into 'protective custody' tomorrow." Setsuna managed to arch one, elegant eyebrow at the man. "Thank you, Major, but I must decline your kind offer of 'protection'. I am more than capable of taking care of myself." "I'm sorry Miss," There was honest regret in the Major's voice as he answered her, "But you really don't have any choice in this matter." ******************************************** Well?" Mamoru asked Lorilei. The young woman's eyes were glazed and vacant as she "spoke" with Setsuna. He had to admit that having the two of them linked like this made things a lot easier. "The Major is gone now. And Furuhata-san was right, they're planning on moving her tomorrow." Replied Lorilei. Mamoru nodded gravely. "Does Setsuna understand what we're going to do?" Lorilei relayed the plan. She grimaced after a long moment. "What's wrong?" asked Mamoru. Inside her head Lorilei could hear Setsuna's angry voice. The sensation was similar to that of having someone shout in your ear. Setsuna may have been gravely ill, but her mental "voice' was as firm as ever. "Setsuna has some reservations about the plan," Lorilei translated diplomatically. "We don't have time for this." Mamoru sighed as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a rose. The air shimmered and Tuxedo Kamen suddenly stood beside Lorilei. "Just tell Setsuna to be ready for Motoki. She can argue with me later – when we're all safely away from here." Setsuna grumbled, reaching with clumsy fingers to remove her IV. She shook with effort as she swung her feet over the side of the bed and stumbled to her feet. That's odd, she thought to herself as her knees threatened to buckle, my legs worked the last time I used them. The door opened and Motoki walked in glancing behind him. "Thank you, but I think I can handle her all by myself, Sergeant. She's still very sick." Motoki waited until the door was fully closed before moving to assist Setsuna. She swayed on her feet as he helped her move towards the bathroom. "Do you know what to do?" he asked her gently. Setsuna gave a grim smile. "Yes, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. Are you ready?" Settling the ill Senshi of Pluto on the edge of the bathtub, he gave her a confident wink. "Hey, think of it this way, I've wanted to be able be a dashing hero like Mamoru-kun for years. Now I get my chance!" He thrust his chin at her. "Go ahead, give me your best shot." Drawing back a shaking arm, Setsuna concentrated, and then let a blow fly. It struck Motoki on the left cheek and he reeled. Biting back a vulgar exclamation of pain, he looked in the small mirror over the sink. Sure enough, the area was red and beginning to swell. "Well this will look convincing…" he mumbled as he glanced at chagrined Setsuna. "Now stay quiet no matter what happens, ne?" Motoki heard Setsuna give an unhappy but affirmative response as he went back into the room. Lorilei was at the window perched precariously on the small ledge. She smiled as he gave her a thumbs up sign. Lorilei repeated the gesture. The guard in the hall was bored. At first the idea of being picked to watch over the alien had seemed like a plum assignment. However, he'd hardly seen the woman in question. It turned out that the only excitement he likely was to see was the baseball game playing on the small television at his desk. The quiet was broken by a shout, a thud and the sound of breaking glass. The sergeant clambered to his feet, knocking over his chair as he went. When he thrust the door opened he saw three things that vied for his attention. First was the semi-conscious young doctor moaning on the floor. The second was that a chair was missing from the room. It had most likely been used to make the large, gaping hole in the window where the glass used to be. But what really grabbed his attention was the young woman with the green hair in the sailor fuku on the ledge. She raised her staff and gave him a look of utter scorn. "No one may hold the Senshi of Pluto against her will!" With a hop and a leap into the air, 'Sailor Pluto' fell away from the window. The sergeant rushed back for his desk and the telephone on it. "She's escaping!" he shouted into it, "Sailor Pluto is trying to get away!" Suna made this sort of thing look way too easy when she did it, Lorilei thought as she fell. The parking lot seemed to be rushing up at her at an alarming rate. Oh yes, Lorilei decided as she looked at the rapidly approaching asphalt, this is definitely going to hurt! All the air was pushed from her lungs as something collided with her. Strong arms took her by the waist and pulled her close. With the strength of the totally panicked Lorilei clutched at Tuxedo Kamen. "Ohmygosh,ohmygosh,oh-my-GOSH!" she babbled, running her words together in a fit of nerves. Mamoru laughed lightly at her discomfort as they landed first on a second story window ledge, then finally on the ground. Although she was sorely tempted, Lorilei refrained from dropping to her knees and kissing the earth. "Please tell me Tuxedo Kamen-sama," Lorilei asked in a breathless, squeaky voice, "Does jumping off of rooftops ever get any easier?" He gave her a rakish wink as he stepped back against the side of the building, "The first hundred times are the hardest. After that, it's a piece of cake." Collecting herself, Lorilei stood in the middle of the parking lot and glanced up at the sixth floor. Sure enough, about ten seconds later, a dozen uniformed men appeared in the window and shouted at her to stop. She placed the faux Timestaff that came with the cheap Pluto costume at her side and did her best Setsuna, I'm-the-way-too-serious-Senshi-of- Time, imitation. To make sure the soldiers saw her, Lorilei waved, shouted "Sayonara suckers!" then took off at a dead run. Tuxedo Kamen kept pace with her, hugging the side of the building - an unseen escort. The fake Pluto was making good time, arms pumping away as she reached top speed. "Go right at the corner!" he called to her. Taking a hard right, Lorilei skidded to a halt, slipping on some sand in the parking lot and ending up on her bottom. "These things never happen to Setsuna…" she said as she stumbled to her feet. Tuxedo Kamen faded and Mamoru was back. He reached into his back pocket and produced his hospital ID card. A quick swipe and the two were in the side door. As he and Lorilei rushed down the stairs towards the basement, he pulled out a communicator and flipped it on. "We're in," he said, "Go!" Mercury and Mars had been waiting for that signal hidden in thick evergreen bushes that made up the hospital's attempt at landscaping. One of the nice things about the military mind, Ami decided as they crept out of the prickly cover, was that it was so very linear and orderly. Parked in front of them was a nice, neat line of military vehicles. Three jeeps, one armored troop carrier and an army ambulance made up the convoy that was supposed to carry Setsuna away from here. Rei had a devilish grin on her face as she approached the first jeep. With a glance at Ami, she silently began her work. Palms pushed onto the pavement next to the tires, she concentrated and was delighted when, a moment later, the asphalt began to bubble and the jeep sank slightly. As the Senshi of Mars moved the next vehicle, Ami stepped in and crouched down. Gathering her power between her hands, she directed icy fog onto the surface of the pavement. In seconds, the asphalt was solid again. When the soldiers tried to use these vehicles, they were in for quite a surprise. ******************************************** Makoto had a look on her face that Michiru had seen only a few times before. The Senshi of Jupiter was afraid. She carefully hung up the telephone. The television was turned down. Michiru couldn't make out the words. "Hotaru and Duncan will be on the next flight to Tokyo. They should be here by tomorrow morning. What's got you so upset?" Mako leaned over and turned the sound up ever so slightly. The young man with the perfect cheekbones and hair had an oddly out of place smile on his face as he spoke. "…with almost complete certainty that Mizuno Ami is Sailor Mercury and that Hino Rei is Sailor Mars." Michiru went white as she glanced at the door to the bedroom where her very vulnerable Princess slept. "Oh God…" The newscaster continued to go on in a cheerful voice. "We have camera crews on route to the Mizuno home in the Juban district of Tokyo." A female talking head now joined the man on the screen. "That's right Yoshi, and I'm on my the Hikawa Temple. As reported at the top of the broadcast, we have uncovered the civilian identities of at least two of the so called 'Sailor Senshi' so stay tuned for…" Both were on their feet before the picture faded away from the screen. Makoto ran into the bedroom and emerged less than a minute later with still sleeping Usagi in her arms. Michiru scrambled around the Mizuno apartment gathering clothes, blankets and her purse. She ran down a mental checklist of what they had to have. There was too much to do in too short a time. "Leave it," barked Mako, "we've got to go now!" Abandoning what she couldn't easily carry, Michiru bolted for the front door of the Mizuno apartment. A quick look assured her that the hallway was clear, at least for now and she nodded to Mako. As they dashed off for Michiru's car neither noticed that Mako's small communicator had been left behind in the rush. ******************************************** As hoped for, confusion had set in by the time Mamoru and Lorilei got to Setsuna's room. Thanks to the small bag of clothes that Ami's mother had left behind the medical incinerator (which even now was burning the Pluto costume and balsa wood Timestaff to ashes) in the basement, they both looked very official. The green hospital scrubs made them appear to be just any other pair of over worked, under rested residents. The soldiers were taking orders from an officer who barely noticed them as they strolled past, pushing the gurney into Setsuna's room. Motoki was still on the floor. He gave a load moan for effect as he heard the door open. Mamoru shut the door behind him. "Are you okay Motoki-kun?" he asked as he helped the young doctor to his feet. "You're going to have a lovely black eye in a few hours." Mamoru commented as he handed Motoki a pair of green scrubs to put on. Lorilei had made straight for the bathroom and was helping a very unsteady Setsuna out towards them about the time Motoki finished hastily pulling on the disguise. "Hang on Suna." She was whispering to her as Mamoru took the ill Senshi in his arms. "We're getting you out of here." Major Kaigan was still barking orders as he spoke on the telephone to his superiors. A part of his mind registered that the gurney with the three doctors was going by him and into the elevator. "The window, sir. Yes, I know we're on the sixth floor. Right away general." Kaigan nearly slammed the telephone back down onto the receiver in disgust. "You and you," he called to the only two soldiers left by him, "seal off this floor. I don't want a breeze to get in or out of here without my express approval!" It wasn't until the soldiers ran off to as they had been told the knowledge seeped into Kaigan's mind - three doctors? Three doctors had left, but only two came in. With a curse he glanced at the elevator and saw that it seemed to be heading for the basement. He rushed for the stairs. ******************************************** Mamoru didn't like this one bit. Setsuna lay on the gurney, only half conscious and burning with fever. She was sweating heavily, her breathing labored. Lorilei stood next to her, holding Setsuna's hand and calling gently to her. The damn elevator seemed to be taking forever to get to the basement. At last they glided to a stop and the doors slid open. Major Kaigan stood in front of them, gun drawn and breathing heavily. The sound of the safety clicking off was clearly audible. "You're not going anywhere." ******************************************** Next: Chapter 8 – "Fire Storm"