Commander Galos SAILOR JOURNEYS: SECRETS OF AN UNKNOWN PAST Chapter 4: Revelations. "Excuse me?" said Laurella. "Did I heard right? But everything looks in perfect shape! Almost as if it's brand new!" "You are correct, Ms. Hammerson," answered Starr. "But that's only the machinery. The programs on the main computer were wiped out during the incident that brought me here in the first place." "I don't want to sound rude, Lieutenant. But don't you have backups of your systems? I mean, that's what we do here with important information," said Ami. "And there were backups, Ms. Mizuno. But apparently the power surge also destroyed them." "But can't you call your base for help? I mean, you must have a radio or something!" said Usagi. "I'm afraid not, Ms. Tsukino. You see, we don't use 'radio'. For intergalactic communications we use a supra-dimensional wave that allows instant communication, no matter the distance, and since it's a chaotic energy frequency that exists outside normal space, we use a specially designed computer program that uses the Chaos theory to link with and utilize that wave. I have the equipment, but not the program. Besides, my home base is located outside this solar system." Obviously, Usagi had a blank expression on her face. "In that case, what are you going to do now? I mean, your family must be worried sick because you disappeared!" said Robin. "You shouldn't worry about that, Ms. Redwing. After all... I don't have a family." Answered Starr. 'Why did I say that?!? There was no real reason for it.' "Sorry to interrupt your interlude, sweetie," said Alex, startling Starr. "But I think there's a way to restore the systems." "Really? What do you have in mind, Alex?" "Well... I know it's against regulations, and besides, it's a shot in the dark, but taking in consideration our desperate situation, I began to tell myself..." "Stop stalling, Alex. Get to the point!" "All right, all right! Geez... The point is, why don't we check the cargo? After all, we're transporting advanced prototypes to Centrum, being the Leviathan among the cargo itself. Why don't we see if there's something in there that could help us?" Starr considered this piece of information. He hadn't thought of that, of course. After all, you don't mess with the goods they trust you with. But since this was a special situation... "All right, Alex. Where's the cargo manifest?" "Back in the cargo bay, pork chops." "Ok, it's a long shot, but it's worth the try. Let's go!" With that, he stood up and began to walk towards the hatch. "Excuse me, Lieutenant," said Luna. "But would you mind if we go with you? After all, if there's something in there that you need to move, we could help you." "I understand, and I gladly accept your offer. If you all please follow me..." * * * * "Excuse me, Lieutenant," said Rei after entering the cargo bay. "Why is it the doors still function if there's no operating system on your computers?" "That's because they are operated by independent systems. Consider it like your own body's normal functions. You don't think of your heart and lungs constantly for them to work, do you?" "I understand. Thank you Lieutenant. I was just curious." They were walking among the crates. There were lots of them, of every size imaginable. All of them looked made of some sort of aluminum alloy, covered with translucent material, which reflected all the colors of the spectrum. "*Sorry* to interrupt your conference, baby", said Alex, "but don't forget why are we here!" "I know, Alex! Tell me, where's the manifest?" "On the back, on the right side of the cargo doors." "Thank you, Alex." "Excuse me, Yohann... sorry, Lieutenant." Said Makoto, slightly blushing. "Please, call me Yohann. I already told you that you could call me by my name. As a matter of fact, why don't we call ourselves by our names? That is, if there's no problem with that." "Not at all, Yohann." Said Usagi. The rest of the gang said the same thing. "I take you already know all our names?" "That's right, Usagi. Alex has complete files on you. By the way, congratulations for your new status as a Senshi. The same goes for you, Robin." Added Yohann. "Thank you." Said both girls, smiling. At that moment, Yohann had reached the far end of the cargo bay, and grabbed the manifest. "Ok, I've got it. Let's see what's on this crates..." But when he opened the manifest, an envelope dropped to the floor. "What's this?" he picked the envelope, the word "Yohann" was printed on its surface. "Strange. What is this thing doing here?" Baffled, Yohann proceeded to open the envelope. On the interior was a single memory chip. "What's that thing, Yohann?" asked Robin, peeking over his shoulder. She was standing on one of the smaller crates, and even with that, she had to be on her toes to look over his shoulder. 'Geez, he's real tall! And his shoulders are so strong!' she thought as she placed her hands over them. "I don't know, Robin," he answered. He shivered under her touch, but he found it strangely comfortable. "It looks like one of the chips of the communications console. Let's go back to the control room and check it out." Back at the control room... Yohann touched a button on the communications console. Immediately, a panel moved to reveal the interior of the unit. Soon enough, an empty slot appeared in front of his eyes. "Well, here goes nothing." He then proceeded to place the chip on the slot, and waited. The panel closed itself as soon as the chip was installed, and immediately the console began to hum. The lights on the room lowered their intensity, and all of a sudden... A man dressed in what looked like a military uniform was standing among the group. Everyone gasped and took a step back. Where did that man come from? Was the question on everybody's mind, except Yohann's. He knew that man. It was Commander Galos' image. "Don't worry, it's only a hologram." He said, and in the nick of time. Everyone was getting ready to transform. "*Hello, Yohann.*" said the hologram. "Well, it seems that you have communications now," said Makoto, an odd expression on her face. "*First of all, I want to apologize with you. This is only a recording, and if you're looking at it...*" "Or perhaps not." She added. "*then that means that everything is proceeding according to our schedule.*" finished the hologram. "What is he talking about??" said Mamoru, looking suspiciously at Yohann. "I don't know! Alex, you knew anything about this??" asked Yohann. "I swear, I have no idea what's the commander talking about, honest!" was Alex's response. "Who?" asked Usagi. "Shhh!! Let me hear!" said Rei. "*If everything is going as planned, by now you must have made an emergency landing at Earth, and have encountered the Sailor Scouts and Sailor Senshis. I had no option than to allow all this to happen, since the situation for everyone on Earth, is serious. I'm sorry I didn't mention anything of this to you, but I was, and am, under strict orders of not revealing too much to you. Now, the time to explain your real mission has come. If the Sailors are with you, press the transmit button now.*" And with that the hologram paused. Yohann was puzzled. 'What is going on here? The situation on Earth is serious? My real mission?? And what does the Sailors have to do with all of this??' Looking at his companions, he asked. "Well, it seems that I was duped from the beginning. It's your call. Do you want me to continue? And... more important... do you trust me?" Everyone was silent. A tense moment later, Usagi said, "I trust you, Yohann. You have shown no intention of being bad or something. Besides, it seems that this person," she pointed the hologram, "was expecting you to find us. I say that you indicate that we are here, and let's find out the truth." Everyone nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Usagi, everybody. Ok, let's continue." Yohann pressed the transmit button, and the message continued. "*Good. First, let the chip download some of the programs you need to operate the Leviathan for your mission. Meanwhile, please, everybody, take a seat. Make yourselves comfortable. This will take only a few minutes. By now, the food replicator will be back online. You can serve yourselves anything you want.*" And with that, the message paused again. At the same time, the console began to transmit, and the main computer started the process of receiving the data stored on the chip. "Well, looks like this show is on the road now." Said Alex. "Why don't you show them where is the replicator, sweetie? But I doubt anyone is hungry. That tall bimbo made enough food to feed an army!" "HEY!!" said Makoto. "Will you PLEASE cut that out, Alex? Besides, it seems that we all are going to work together on this, whatever 'this' is. Now, apologize to Makoto, and promise me you will be nice with everyone, ok? "Do I have to?" "Yes, you have to. Now, do it!" "All right... I'm sorry. And I promise to be nice with all of you from now on." "Thank you, Alex. Now, can I get you anything?" said Yohann. "Not for me, thank you." Said Laurella. "Same here." Said Robin. Everybody answered in an equal way... except Usagi. "Do you have Double Chocolate Hot Fudge?" "USAGIII!!!" screamed Luna. Hardly containing a laugh, Yohann answered, "Of course, Usagi. Just a moment..." And with that, he went to the replicator to fulfill the order. 12 minutes (and 2 Fudges) later, the main computer began to function, and the message continued. "*All right, now that everything is set, I'll begin with a little background. "* A few months earlier, some unknown phenomenon caused some of our main space stations and a certain amount of exploration ships to disappear under mysterious circumstances. According to our readings, it seems that something happened outside the sphere of reality, creating some kind of paradox. We determined this because the chronometric readings differed from the moment the stations disappeared, although at the same time everything seemed to be normal. This was only known by only a few individuals back at the main base, and myself. This was not released to the public, because it was considered that it could cause unnecessary panic among the population. A search was conducted on the most absolute secrecy, and we found out that some of those lost space stations were transported back in time, and crashed on Earth and other places all over the Solar System on a time before the Silver Millenium started.*" "So that was it!" exclaimed Luna suddenly. "Alex, pause the message." Said Yohann. As soon as the message paused, he asked. "All right, Luna. Do you have something to add?" "Yes," continued the cat. "It was a complete mystery during the whole Silver Millenium the origin of some of the most intriguing ruins all over the solar system, being the most curious the ones on Earth! I mean, they seemed to be extremely advanced, but no one seemed to remember who or what made them!" "Do you mean like the pyramids on Egypt, Luna?" asked Ami. "Precisely. And some constructions on the now lost continent of Atlantis, the pyramids on Mexico, the Sun Gate on South America, the Nazca Lines, even Stonehenge on Britain!" ended Luna. "But Luna, the archeologists have determined their age, and they seemed to be constructed during the time of the Silver Millenium!" answered Ami. "I'm afraid that's not true, Ami. Let me explain. Today's archeological tools are extremely inaccurate, and are only useful to determine so much. No, those ruins are a LOT much older than anyone dared to imagine. To be precise, almost all of them were traced back to 800,000 BC!" "WHAT!!!" was the general response. "Yes," continued Luna. "The researchers of the Moon Kingdom used their powers to try to understand their origin, but nothing came out of it. Some of them tried to explore those ruins even closer, but there always was something that hindered their progress. I remember one occasion when a group of researchers went to explore the ruins located on what is now known as Amazonia, in Brazil. After arrival, they set up their camp, and began their research. Two days later, all communication with them ceased. Your grandmother, Usagi, sent a group to find the first one. That team found the equipment of the first group, but there was no trace of the people! They searched for them for months, but there was no trace of them whatsoever. Finally, it was decreeted that no more investigation was allowed, because it could be dangerous." Everyone was silent, trying to digest the information. "Well, that's interesting, Luna," finally said Yohann. "And if what this message says is true, I think they must have stumbled with one of the secured areas of that place, assuming it was one of the bases. Those areas are famous among our people for stopping anything that attempts to enter without proper authorization." "And what kind of defenses are we talking here, Yohann?" asked Mamoru. "It depends on the section and the base, Mamoru. It can range from placing the intruders on stasis pods, to total disintegration. You see, we are a peaceful race, but are extremely jealous of our secrets. We are conscious that some of our discoveries could be used to enslave or even destroy other planets. That's why we try to protect them to the best of our capabilities." "I see. But what's the problem with them now?" asked Robin. "Well, let's see the rest of the message, and find out, shall we?" said Yohann. "Alex, resume playback." "*Our surveillance has shown increased activity around what we now know is the main weapons research section of the base Cryssalid. At the time of the disappearance, Cryssalid was researching new weaponry for our ships and the rest of the bases of the Agency. We fear that, although the main archives must be destroyed by now, some prototypes could still be lying around. If someone of this era finds those weapons, our analysts predict that a new World War could ensue in the next 5 years, lending this planet completely sterilized in only a matter of days if those weapons are used.*" "Oh, my God..." muttered Rei. "Is that true? I mean, are those weapons that powerful??" "Alex, pause. I'm afraid they are, Rei." Answered Yohann. "Some weapons are so powerful, that they could level a mountain with one single shot. And I'm talking hand weapons! The heavy weaponry is far more powerful than that! Resume the message, Alex." "*That's where you enter, Yohann... and the Sailor Scouts and Senshis. You are aware of the kind of security our bases have, and we don't know what kind of modifications could've been made at the time those bases crashed. You alone can't do it, and that's why I'm asking you, defenders of the Solar System, your cooperation to get rid of all that. I'll understand if you refuse, but I'm begging you, in the name of life all over the universe, to help Lieutenant Starr to find and destroy those weapons. Even more, all the bases must be rendered useless. It cannot be allowed that the information, if it still exists, contained on those bases is revealed to the citizens of this era. You are not ready for it yet! "*Before this message ends, I want to apologize to you, Yohann. The reason nothing of this was briefed to you earlier is because you are, and pardon the expression, a stubborn, hot-headed maverick!*" Everyone giggled at that remark, even Alex and Yohann. "*If I should've told you all this earlier, you should have gone and tried to do it all by yourself. And unfortunately, would have died trying. Your entire mission was a cover-up, not only for you, but for the rest of the population as well. We couldn't risk any of this leak out. The contents on the cargo hold are items you are going to need to build a base of operations there, and we also included some extras especially designed for your friends. I know they are powerful, but this time they are going to face not an enemy, but the most advanced weaponry ever known to mankind. Take care, Yohann. And you too, Sailors. I have faith on all of you. Oh, and before I forgot, those 3 weeks of R&R that I promised you, Yohann? Those are real. Please come back and enjoy them. You are my best man, and I want to keep you like that. "*Well, that's all. Good luck.*" After the message ended, the console turned off and the lights returned to normal. Everybody was silent for a while. This was too much! This time, they were not going to fight an unknown enemy, but something that was new and ancient at the same time! Laurella looked around. 'This is incredible. And if this ship is only an example of their technology, then this isn't going to be pretty!' "Although I just heard it, I find this hard to believe. I mean, is this for real? Could this be that dangerous?" asked a wide-eyed Mamoru. "I'm afraid it is, Mamoru." Answered Yohann. "Think of it. We have researched every field known of science and magic. Try to imagine if someone found it and tried to use it for world domination. I mean, that person literally could have the power to become a living god! And personally, I trust the information I just heard." "Well, I say that we go and trash that place for good!" said Makoto. "I mean, if all this is that dangerous, it shouldn't be left lying around just like that!" "You're right, Makoto," said Rei. "I say too to go and blow that joint!" "Hold it right there, girls. Aren't you forgetting one little detail?" interrupted Alex. "And I know what you mean, Alex." Said Yohann. "We are not ready for this thing yet. First things first. We are going to need a base of operations. That much was hinted by the message we all saw. Second, we are going to research everything that is known about the places where those bases are located. And third, we must design a plan to strike the bases." "You're absolutely right, honey! I've already accessed the main computer and checked the data downloaded onto it. We have at least a 3 months window before we have to go to the site where Cryssalid is located." "And where is that place, Alex?" asked Ami. "It seems that it's the excavation site near the Sphinx, in Egypt." "Of course! The secret chamber that's located under the Sphinx! It has to be it!" exclaimed Ami. Immediately, she began to explain. "An underground chamber was located not long ago, and the local government is still debating if to open it or not." "Well, that gives us some time to build a base." Said Yohann. "Are you kidding?? Just to build a garage to hide this monstrosity is going to take more than 3 months! Besides, if you decide to do it right here, it's going to be quite a trip for anyone of us to come here!" Said Laurella. "Don't underestimate our capacities, Laurella. But you are right. I'll have to find a place where to build my base. It'll have to be close to you, so we can all reunite. And it will have to be big, so that an appropriate place for the Leviathan can be erected. Any ideas?" was Yohann's answer. "I say that we all go and ask Setsuna. After all, she has lots of contacts that can help you finding a suitable place." Said Robin. "We have a plan, then. I say that we get out of here, and head towards your place. Any questions? No? then, let's go." Said Yohann. "Alex, turn on the holographic projector, and link with the main computer. I want to know if something comes close to the ship." "Your wish is my command, sweetbuns!" was Alex' answer. And with that, everyone left the Leviathan and went to Setsuna's mansion. * * * * "... and that's the story so far." Ended Luna her explanation. Michiru, Haruka and Setsuna, along with Robin and the rest of the Sailors were listening to Luna's recollection. They were silent during the whole story, and after Luna finished, Haruka was the first one to talk. "Lieutenant, Why didn't you tell us all of this since the beginning?" "Please, call me Yohann. The reason I didn't say anything earlier is because, like the rest of you, I was ignorant of these facts. I understand your doubts, but believe me, I'm as surprised as you." "And who was the person on the hologram, Yohann?" asked Michiru. "His name is Galos. He's the commander in chief of the space station Moon Rider, and my best friend. I don't have any reason to doubt his information. He seemed very preoccupied." "All right, I trust you... for now." Said Haruka. "What's first on the agenda?" "First thing, is to find a place for our base." Said Yohann. Right on, Rei entered the conversation. "Why don't you use the temple? I mean, That's been our meeting place for years." "Thank you for you kind offer, Rei. But it won't work. Remember that we are going to use the Leviathan for this affair, and your place isn't big enough for it. Besides, even if it were, how long do you think we'll be able to hide its existence from your grandfather?" was Yohann's answer. Rei just blushed. 'Of course. He's right. What was I thinking?' "Setsuna," asked Robin. "I told him that you could help him finding a place. After all, you are very resourceful! Do you have any ideas?" "As a matter of fact, yes. I do." Answered Setsuna. "I know of a place not far from here. It was an old hotel, but now it's abandoned. It's still for sale, and if you want, we can go now to check it out. It will only take us a few minutes." "That sounds good to me. Let's go." Said Yohann. "Excuse me, but can we go too?" said Robin. "After all, as you already said, we are together in this." "Fine by me. What does the rest say?" "Alright!!! Let's go!" yelled Usagi. * * * * 30 minutes later... "What do you think? Does this serves your purposes?" asked Setsuna. Everybody was looking at the place. I wasn't that run down, and was a fairly big place. There were sections that needed refurbishing, or perhaps it was better to demolish them, but overall, the main sections were in good condition. "It will do, Setsuna. It will need some work, but I think the commander included some construction equipment on the cargo. And the best part is that it's not far from everybody. The location is excellent." "Hey, everybody! Look at this! This is soooo cool!" screamed Usagi from the back of the place. Everyone went to the back, and saw Usagi standing near a now empty swimming pool. Its size was almost of olympic size, only shorter by a few feet. It had a high diving board, and some changing boots nearby. "Do you think you could repair this? It would be so neat if there was a place to swim! We could organize parties, reunions, and...!" began to say Usagi. "All right, all right! Hold your horses, Usagi!" exclaimed Yohann among the general laughter. "As a matter of fact, there's something we are planning to do with it, right Alex?" "That's right, sweetbuns! And that's an excellent idea!' "And what are you planning, guys?" asked Shingo. "That will be a surprise, my friends. Thank you all for your help. I don't know how I'm ever going to repay your kindness. Mamoru, do you think I could sleep one more night with you? I promise, it will be the last, because tomorrow I'll begin the construction." "Of course, Yohann. No problem. But are you going to do it all by yourself? This place would need an army to get it up running again, not to mention to build a secret base! What are you going to do?" asked Mamoru. "I was going to ask the same question. I know you must have some pretty interesting things on that ship of yours, but aren't you being a little bit overconfident of your own abilities? I mean, don't you need any help?" was Shingo's comment. All the girls had the same question on their minds. "Thank you for your offer, but everything is taken care of. As a matter of fact, I want to ask you all a personal favor." Said Yohann, a serene smile on his face. "Of course, Yohann. What is it?" asked Robin. 'Why does he smile like that? He looks like the cat that ate the proverbial canary.' 'You'll see in due time. Just let me assure you all... it's going to be a surprise!" was his cryptic response. "The favor I want to ask all of you is... Mamoru, Shingo, can you keep the girls out of my hair? Thanks!" * * * * One week later... Rei, Usagi, Makoto, Ami, Robin and Laurella were having a meeting at the temple. No one had heard a word from Yohann or the rest of the Sailors for one week. Mamoru and Shingo were the only ones that were in full contact with Yohann, but they weren't saying a word. "You'll be surprised when you get to his place." Said Mamoru 2 days ago. "Yeah! It's going to be unbelievable!" was Shingo's contribution. And that was all they said. "I swear, Mamoru doesn't know how lucky he is that I'm in love with him. Sometimes, he can drive me so mad that, that... ooh!" said Usagi, frustrated because she hadn't been able to make Mamoru confess what was going on at Yohann's new place. "Make that one double for me, Usagi. Your brother can be so stubborn!!" said Laurella, having met the same results as Usagi. "Yesterday, I tried to surprise Yohann, and all that I found was the door locked like a bank vault! I mean, I knocked until my knuckles almost bleed, but no one opened! And I swear that someone was working inside. I heard a lot of commotion in there!" said Robin. "It was the same for me the day before yesterday. I thought to invite him to lunch, but no one answered the door." Said Makoto. She was positively frustrated. "And I tried to send a message to Alex using my compact. The only answer that I obtained was a message that said 'nice try, sister. Better luck next time!'" was Ami's commentary. "I have and idea! Rei, why don't you ask the Fire?" said Usagi. "What are you saying?!?! The Sacred Fire is not a toy! And it can't be used for such frivolous things! Really, Usagi, sometimes you are such a fool! " Said Rei. And in a lower voice she added, "Besides, I already tried that. Nothing." "What?? And you are calling me fool!?! Rei, you are so mean with me!!" But before the usual battle began, they heard someone crossing the temple's entrance. "I wonder who could it..." began Robin, but before she could finish, the door opened. "Hello, everyone!" it was Mamoru. Shingo was behind him, a big grin on their faces. "Hello, darling." Both said, looking at Usagi and Laurella. "HMPH!!" was their answer, giving them stares cold enough to freeze a blazing fire! "Err... I take it you are not happy to see us, right?" said Shingo. "The nerve! And you dare to ask! After keeping us in the dark for a week!" retorted Makoto. "Yes! And what if poor Yohann needed help?" was Robin's contribution. "But that's why we're here for! Yohann's base is ready, and he extended an invitation to all of us for the great opening!" answered Mamoru. "Chibi-Usa is waiting for us in the base. I took her there earlier. Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna are on their way. Rei, do you think we could use the temple's van to get there?" The girls' humor changed immediately. They couldn't believe what they heard! The base was ready and there was going to be a party to celebrate its opening! "But how, when, what...??" began to ask the girls all at the same time. "Whoa, hold it girls! Yohann will answer your questions when we get there! And now, shall we go?" was Shingo's response, but as soon as he finished his commentary, there were six streaks of light (at least, that was the only thing he and Mamoru were able to distinguish) heading towards the van, and a second later, six voices calling for them to hurry. "Mamoru?" asked Shingo, his head still spinning. "Yes, Shingo?" answered an equally stunned Mamoru. "Tell me again, why do we love those girls so much... I keep forgetting." TO BE CONTINUED...