Three New Sailor Senshi

Chapter One: Which Way?

Nobody knows who discovered hyperspace. Only through that otherworldly dimension was faster-than-light travel possible, and it was very dangerous. One misstep would plunge you into the abyss-or worse.

Jaina Solo wouldn’t have it any other way. She was the daughter of Han Solo, one of the galaxy’s biggest risk-takers. Sometimes the thrill was the only thing that reminded her she was alive. Besides which, she was a Jedi. A little trip through an alternate form of reality was nothing to her. She could feel where the instabilities were, and how much she could push the ships she piloted.

Her favorite ship to pilot was the Rock Dragon. It nominally belonged to her friend Tenel Ka, but since she wasn’t the best pilot, it fell to Jaina to fly the sleek Hapan starship. This particular time was quite special. She and a group of her closest friends were returning from a vacation on Coruscant. Now they were returning to Yavin IV in order to learn how to become Jedi Knights, the protectors of the galaxy.

By her side was Lowbacca, an adolescent Wookiee. The two worked in sync, checking for course corrections, bleeding off excess static discharge and a dozen other tasks. It almost didn’t leave her enough time to glance out the window, but she was able to spot an area of turbulence set against the red haze of hyperspace. A small tingle ran up her spine, as the black vortex grew closer. “I have a bad feeling about that.” She said as she began steering the ship away from it.

After a few minutes Jaina was ready to breathe a sigh of relief. The Rock Dragon was about to pass that little instability. Then the comm system crackled to life. “Ah, Jaina? We got a problem back here.” It was Jacen; Jaina’s twin brother. “I found this really cool rat-like thing near the engines. Unfortunately it looks-“ His voice was drowned out by an explosion amidships. Alarm Klaxons began blaring as emergency lights dimmed. Lowbacca growled out a series of curses as he struggled to stabilize the ship. Jaina checked the status boards. “Our starboard engine just blew! We’re losing power and our hyperdrive cutoff switch is inoperative.” Jaina fought rising panic. Without the cutoff switch, the Rock Dragon could be stranded in hyperspace forever.

Lowbacca pointed out the window and barked. His translator droid M-TD activated. “Master Lowbacca indicates that we’re caught in a gravitic funnel and are being pulled toward-are you sure?” The Wookiee nodded. “Oh, my! We are being pulled toward that instability! We’ll be dashed to a million pieces!” The ship began spinning as it came closer. Jaina dumped all remaining power into the shields and inertial damping. She could only hope it was enough…

*****

She felt the impact, as sure as if the ship had hit her directly. After 10,000 years of existence, not much affected Setsuna Meiou. As the guardian of time for her universe, she had literally seen it all. Atrocities, acts of compassion, genocide, the birth of new species…all had transpired in her lifetime.

All of those events, however, were a normal part of the timestream. A starship from an alternate universe crashing through a weak point in the space-time continuum was not part of the timestream! Setsuna knew she had to act quickly in order to determine the effects it would have on future events. Before her, a large ornate door appeared. It silently swung open, and the guardian of time stepped in.

A ‘normal’ person would only see a bright mist with beams of light before them. Setsuna was no normal person. She instantly began perceiving the patterns. One trail, bright and strong, was the proper timeline. The coming darkness and the founding of Crystal Tokyo shone through. Setsuna looked down at another thread, darker and thinner. It was what ‘could’ happen if the occupants of the starship were allowed to land. Death, tragedy and chaos awaited if they lived. It wasn’t a certainty, but Setsuna didn’t deal in certainties; she had to make the hard decisions on the fly. Sometimes it didn’t work, but most of the time it did. She concentrated, and a small ornate rod appeared in her hand. Her scarlet eyes hardened as she spoke.

“Pluto Planet Power, make-up!”

*****

Jaina’s eyes slowly opened as the fog lifted from her brain. Her vision cleared to reveal a teenaged boy staring at her. “You’re awake! Thank the Force!” He said. It was Jacen, her twin brother. He extended a hand and helped her to a standing position-only to cause her to almost faint again. “Woah! Are you trying to help or hinder me?” She said. Jacen shrugged. “Grumpy after waking up with signs of irritability. It’s good to see you all right, sis.” Jaina sidestepped him and went for the controls. “Hah, hah. Have we contacted Coruscant yet? Mom and Dad are probably worried sick about us.” She began trying to hail the capital planet, but there was only static on the comm frequencies.

She turned back to Jacen. “What’s going on? It’s working, so why isn’t it receiving?” Jaina quickly sensed her brother’s mood shift ever so slightly into panic. “To be perfectly frank, we don’t know. The comm system’s working, but it’s not picking up anything. To top it all off, Tenel Ka says the galaxy feels ‘different’. She couldn’t elaborate any further, but after a while we all felt it.” Jaina immediately reached out with the Force. She felt the fabric of the universe, the ties that bound reality together. It was quickly apparent that the fabric of space-time was different. She reached out farther, past this system. There was less life in this galaxy, and it was concentrated on the rim, not in the galactic core. “What’s going on?” She said, barely above a whisper.

Jacen put his hand on her shoulder and drew her into a hug. “Don’t worry. We’ll find out together. That’s when we’re strongest!”

Chapter Two: Blundering Towards Friendship

After a few minutes, Jacen and Jaina headed aft to the Rock Dragon’s passenger quarters to meet with the rest of their friends. There were seven of them, not counting the twins. Lowbacca barked a greeting. The gangly, fur-covered Wookiee’s translator translated. “Master Lowbacca greets you, Master Jacen and Mistress Jaina.” Tenel Ka, a Jedi trainee from two worlds-the frontier Dathomir and regal Hapes- walked towards her. “My friend Jaina, I am glad to see you alive and well.” Jaina nodded. “So am I.” She looked around. “Does anybody know where we are? When we are?” A rugged-looking individual named Zekk spoke up, his emerald eyes shining. “I believe I know what’s going on, but you are not going to believe it” He looked around before speaking again. “I believe we are in what is known as an alternate reality.”

Everybody’s face twisted in confusion. It was a full minute before anybody spoke. “Ahem. Excuse me, but what is an ‘alternate reality’?” It was Raynar, an Alderaanian Jedi with the sometimes-annoying habit of asking questions. Zekk bit his lip as he gathered his thoughts. “Okay. This is…what if Master Skywalker never blew up the Death Star?” He scratched his forehead and thought. Fortunately for Zekk, a voice from behind him spoke up. “Alternate realities are next to impossible to explain at best. It may not be wise to try, Zekk.” It was Anakin Solo, Jacen and Jaina’s younger brother. He resembled a young Luke Skywalker with his dirty-blonde hair and ice-blue eyes. “All we know is we’re here, cut off from our loved ones. There’s a city 2.3 kilometers to the northeast populated by humans. Some of us should go there for supplies while the rest stay behind for repairs.” He looked around. “Any volunteers?”

*****

After a few minutes it was decided. Zekk would go out, accompanied by Tahiri Veila, a younger Jedi Trainee. The two made a contrasting pair. Zekk was tall, serious-looking and was clad in a black jumpsuit with a vest over it. Tahiri was shorter and had a wide grin plastered on her face. Plus, she kept a constant stream of chatter going.

The Rock Dragon had crashed on the largest island of a chain, right near a large mountain. The pair quickly made their way across the landscape, avoiding the small villages whenever possible. Zekk found the houses he passed fascinating. They appeared to be made of some sort of wood, and the symbols on them were intricately drawn on them. He wondered what they meant, but the language he heard from the indigenous population was unknown to him.

Tahiri was loving every minute of the journey! This place wasn’t like her homeworld of Tattooine, no sir. Here it was green and lush with plant life, not brown and clogged with sand. She continually talked while she and Zekk walked. “This place is pretty cool. I wonder what that says. Is it even writing? I know Jawa and Tusken as well as basic, but those symbols seem weird to me. I wish-“ She abruptly stopped talking when she sensed something…powerful ahead. Zekk immediately sensed it as well. He motioned Tahiri to stop, and he unclipped a 35-centimeter rod from his belt. With the press of a button a deep red blade sprang from the rod. “Stay behind me.” He said.

They had just exited the last village and were on a dirt country road. A strong wind blew, and over the horizon appeared a woman. She was dark-skinned and was wearing a ridiculously short green skirt that showed a lot of leg. She also wore a sleeveless blouse with a black ribbon on front. Knee-length boots and gloves that came up to her elbows completed the almost ridiculous ensemble. Zekk almost dismissed her until he looked her in the eyes. Those are the eyes of experience, he thought. She’s seen death and Force knows what else.

The stranger raised her left hand, and a long staff as tall as her appeared out of nowhere. “I am Sailor Pluto.” She said, astonishing both Zekk and Tahiri. “You speak basic?” He said. Pluto nodded. “Yes. I am the guardian of time and space. You do not belong here.” She lifted the staff and pointed it at Zekk and Tahiri. She whispered.

“Dead Scream.”

A torrent of energy ripped through the air straight toward the Jedi, who were moving before Pluto spoke. Tahiri leapt back almost five meters, augmenting her leg strength with the Force. Zekk, meanwhile, had leaped at Pluto with his lightsaber swinging. Pluto immediately brought her staff up and deftly blocked the energy blade, parrying it down and almost slicing Zekk’s leg off!” I do not wish to cause you pain in this.” She said. “But you must die so the future isn’t altered!”

Zekk swore under his breath as he swung. Why isn’t my blade cutting through that damned staff? And what the hell was that…’dead scream’? His thoughts were interrupted when Pluto jumped back and raised her staff again. Before she could speak, Zekk knelt down and whipped out a small blaster from an ankle-holster. He squeezed off a half-dozen shots, hoping it would be enough.

Instead of moving, Pluto raised her staff above her head and shouted. “Dark Dome Close!” The top of the staff, a red orb, glowed as a translucent wall of energy encircled the guardian of time. All six bolts bounced off harmlessly. Zekk swore profusely and in multiple languages. He turned and saw Tahiri standing off to the side of the road. “Tahiri!” He yelled. “Get back and warn the others! I’ll take out this Nightsister wanna-be!” She hesitated. “I don’t want to leave you!” She yelled as fear enveloped her.

Zekk’s face grew beet-red in anger. “Listen to me you kriffin’ barve! Get back to the fratzing Rock Dragon now or else Mini-Daala here’s gonna catch them by surprise and kill them. Now go!” Tahiri swallowed and turned around-only to see something she really wish she hadn’t. “Uh, Zekk? We got problems!”

Nine figures approached from the opposite end of the road. Eight were female; wearing the same odd outfit Pluto was wearing. However, the colors of their skirts were different. In the back was a man in…formal wear? He had a tuxedo on with a white mask over his eyes. In his hand was a plant with red petals. The female in the lead had the most bizarre hairstyle Zekk had ever seen. Twin ponytails were tied in back and reached down to her ankles. They were knotted in thick, almost Death Star like balls at the base of her skull. She began talking rapid-fire in the unknown language, all the while gesturing oddly.

Tahiri stared, dumbstruck at the events. Then an idea seized her. She immediately ran at the group, arms outstretched. She stopped halfway between Zekk and the group, dropped to her knees and shouted. “We surrender!” She closed her eyes and waited…

*****

Usagi Tsuskino was having a perfectly marvelous day. She was fairly certain she had passed the math test in school earlier, and now she was enjoying a hot fudge sundae with her boyfriend and soulmate Mamoru Chiba. In short, a crisis was fated to happen.

As she finished off the sundae, a small device began beeping in her bag. She reached over and, after rummaging for three minutes, pulled out her communicator. She opened it up and said. “Yes?” Pluto’s image appeared. “Sailor Senshi! A pair of new enemies has appeared just outside of Tokyo. I will attempt to hold them off, please hurry!” The communicator’s screen went dark. Usagi sat up and glanced over at Mamoru. “We have Senshi business.” She said, gaze drifting down to her sundae. “And I wanted a cheeseburger too!” She sniffed as she fought off the tears.

Mamoru sighed as he paid the waitress and hustled Usagi out of there. “I’ll get you a cheeseburger when we get back, okay?” At that her eyes lit up with happiness. “Oh, Mamo-chan! You’re the best!” She hugged him so tightly they nearly stumbled into traffic! Mamoru guided his girlfriend into his car and quickly got in. “Do you have a fix on the positions of the other Senshi?” He asked. Usagi opened her communicator back up. “Hai. Pluto’s about half a kilometer outside of town. The rest are gathering at Rei’s Temple.” She looked out the window. “Oh, we’re here!”

Mamoru and Usagi quickly got out and entered the Shinto Temple where Rei Hino AKA Sailor Mars lived. They went past the gate and began climbing the 100 steps up to the main building. Finally, they reached the top and were greeted by a young woman in the traditional red and white robes of a Shinto Priest-or in this case, priestess. “It’s about time you got here, odango-head. We were wondering when you’d show up.”

Usagi glared daggers at her. “Oh, be quiet Rei. Besides, we’re not the only ones not here. Minako and Makoto aren’t here either.” Rei sighed in frustration. “That’s because they’re getting us food. Now come on!” She grabbed one of Usagi’s ponytails and pulled, forcing her into the building followed by an embarrassed looking Mamoru.

Inside sat four young ladies around an ankle-high table. They were Ami Mizuno, Haruka Ten’ou, Michiru Kaiou and Hotaru Tomoe. Haruka got up and walked over to Usagi. “Usagi, what are we waiting for? Setsuna needs us to fight these new enemies.” She ran her hand through her short, almost crew-cut length blond hair in impatience.

Usagi nodded. “Hai, I understand. We’ll transform and teleport over to Setsuna when Makoto and Minako arrive.” Just then a rather tall brunette and a blond walked in. The brunette was carrying a tray filled with snacks-something that Usagi immediately smelled. “But we shouldn’t go fight on an empty stomach.”

Haruka felt a gust of wind, and Usagi was gone. She looked around and saw her at the table stuffing her face with food. Ami, Haruka and Hotaru were doing their best to shield themselves from the flying food, but to no avail. Rei quickly pulled her away, while the brunette-Makoto Kino to be exact- smiled. “I’m glad you liked that. I made more for after.” Ami sighed in worry. “I hope Usagi’ll leave some for us.”

At that Usagi stood straight up and shouted. “All right, let’s go!” Ami, Michiru and Hotaru all got up and shouted. “Hai!” All eight women raised their right hands, and an ornate rod similar to Sailor Pluto’s appeared. All eight shouted a phrase, similar but different.

“Moon Eternal Makeup!”

“Mercury Star Power Makeup!”

“Mars Star Power Makeup!”

“Jupiter Star Power Makeup!”

“Venus Star Power Makeup!”

“Neptune Star Power Makeup!”

“Uranus Star Power Makeup!”

“Saturn Star Power makeup!”

Each girl was immediately bathed in a bright light. When it faded, they were no longer mere high school students; they were the Sailor Senshi, guardians of love and justice. Usagi AKA Sailor Moon took Sailor Mars’ hand. “It’s time to teleport.” She said, all trace of her fun side gone. The eight Senshi and Mamoru-who had changed to his alter-ego Tuxedo Mask-joined hands. They closed their eyes as an otherworldly light enveloped them…

When Ami opened her eyes, they were now on a country road outside of Tokyo. As Sailor Mercury, the blue-haired genius tugged at her earring. A deep blue visor materialized over her eyes and a small laptop computer appeared in her hands. She began scanning the road ahead with the sensors embedded in the visor, looking for any signs of the enemy. After a short while she shouted. “Sailor Moon! Pluto is fighting with two people just ahead. They’re both very powerful.” Sailor Uranus AKA Haruka unsheathed a jewel-encrusted sword from her side. “Let’s just kill them now!” Sailor Mars shook her head. “No. This doesn’t feel right. I don’t feel anything evil with those two. It almost feels like they’re lost.” The raven-haired Senshi stared straight-ahead and concentrated, tapping into what some people call the ‘sixth sense’. She could feel when something was going to happen, what people were feeling. It always scared her and thrilled her simultaneously.

After a minute her shoulders slumped in defeat. “I can’t determine what they’re intentions are.” Sailor Moon half-smiled. “That’s okay.” She then clenched her fist in determination. “Let’s go!”

The eight Senshi and Tuxedo Mask broke out into a dead run and quickly reached Pluto and the two enemies. One was a man dressed in black firing energy bolts at Pluto. The other appeared to be a small girl in an orange jumpsuit. Even weirder was the fact that she wore no shoes. The Champion of love and justice paid those facts no mind as she affected a pre-battle pose and began her speech.

“Hey, you! You can’t disturb the peaceful villages here! These people work hard and have a right to live how they please. I can’t forgive you for that.” She raised her left arm in front of her body and pointed at the two people with her right. “In the name of the Moon, I’ll punish you!”

Suddenly the small girl ran at them. Sailor Uranus readied her sword, while a blue light began glowing from Mercury’s hands. What happened next surprised everybody. Instead of mutating into some demon, she simply stopped, knelt down, threw both arms in the air and shouted in English! Sailor Moon, Sailor Jupiter, Mars and Saturn immediately turned to Mercury, Uranus, Neptune AKA Michiru and Venus AKA Minako, all asking the same thing. “What did she say?”

Chapter Three: A Match Made In Hell

Tuxedo Mask, as usual forgotten until now, spoke up. “I believe she said ‘We surrender’.” He stepped forward and walked toward the girl. “Can you tell them your name?” The man in black ran incredibly fast and was at her side in a moment. He was also brandishing some sort of energy sword. “Don’t tell them anything, Tahiri!” The girl-Tahiri guessed Tuxedo mask-stepped forward. “My name is Tahiri, and this is Zekk. Who are you? Where are we? And why do you look so ridiculous? And why did that lady shoot at us? What’s a ‘Dead Scream’?” The normally stoic Mask was taken aback by the stream of questions from the girl. He looked back at Sailor Moon, who was waiting a translation. “They appear to be lost!” He shouted.

Sailor Moon stepped forward. “Mamo-chan, will you please translate?” He nodded as Sailor Moon began speaking. “We apologize for the attack. Right Pluto?” The elder Senshi, could only nod, having been taken aback by the sudden turn of events. Was I wrong? Oh, god I could’ve killed innocent people. She hung her head in shame.

Tuxedo Mask translated Sailor Moon’s speech. Tahiri apparently believed them, but Zekk wasn’t. He gripped his sword tighter and glared daggers at the entire group. “I want to believe you. “He said through clenched teeth. “But right now I have a hard time believing you after that nutjob back there nearly killed us.” He glanced down, and did something nobody expected. He fiddled with his the handle for his sword, and the blade retracted back! He clipped it to his belt and held his hands out to the side.

Sailor Moon smiled. She concentrated, and a light shined over her body. To Zekk and Tahiri’s amazement, her clothes melted into strands of energy and retracted back into a broach on her chest! After a second a schoolgirl’s uniform appeared. She pointed to herself and said. “Usagi.”

*****

Far to the north lay the Arctic Circle, sight of an invasion that was started 10,000 years ago-and was just stopped ten years ago. The Dark Kingdom under the control of Queen Beryl tried to invade, conquer and defile Earth, all because she couldn’t get the guy 10,000 years ago. Because of her jealousy, a pocket reality was destroyed and a species made extinct-save for one individual.

Time had no meaning for him anymore. What little sensory input he got was distorted, like a dream you can’t wake up from-or a nightmare. He had been frozen in crystal with no chance of escape-until now.

A dark cloud appeared above his prison. He heard a voice in his mind, not unlike the other voices in his head. This one, however, actually sounded calm.

Greetings, my young apprentice. I have been awaiting you.

Huh? Who are…what? Are you alive? Are you dead? Are you me? Am I me?

I am your new master. I can give you freedom from this crystal prison, and sanity. Will you accept my offer?

Sure. No! Yes! No! Yes! PLEASE END THIS!

Very well. The cloud descended over the crystal, cracking it like an egg. After a few seconds it shattered, freeing the man inside. He crumbled to the ground, shivering. He wore a gray uniform with red trim. His eyes darted all around, finally settling on the dark cloud of evil descending upon him. After a minute of coughing, he spoke his first words in ten years. “AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!! Get away from me!” He threw up his arms and attempted to throw up a telekinetic shield. Unfortunately for him, the decade in stasis had drained his energy to nothing. The cloud enveloped him, permeated and consumed him. The man rose, his formerly blue eyes now an eerie orange. The voice came to him again. Excellent my young apprentice. The man smiled the smile of a predator. “Thank you, but who are you?”

I was…I am Palpatine, dark lord of the Sith. And you, Jaedite, shall be the vessel for our vengeance. Overhead the heavens rumbled as they witnessed the most unholy of unions.

*****

For the fifth time in thirty minutes, Jaina fought back the urge to strangle Zekk. She was definitely surprised when he and Tahiri came back accompanied by nine young women, a slightly older man and two cats! Tahiri had launched into one of her long-winded talks, explaining that they were the ‘Sailor Senshi’ and they guarded…love? It was all very confusing to everybody.

The biggest problem was language. Only about half of the ‘Senshi’ spoke basic, so conversations were awkward until Lowbacca spoke. He was showing the tall brunette named Makoto around the engine room. He grunted, switching on the translator droid clipped to his belt. “Master Lowbacca says that this is where the ship is…Miss? Do you understand me?” She shrugged, indicating she had no idea what M-TD was saying.

That’s when the blue-haired one named Ami walked up. “Excuse me. May I borrow that?” She was pointing to M-TD. The Wookiee hesitantly unclipped M-TD and handed him to Ami, who bowed and said. “Thank you.” She removed a small case from her purse and opened it, revealing a small but powerful computer. Lowbacca watched warily as the petite woman scanned M-TD. After a few minutes she handed the droid back to Lowbacca. “Thank you.” She said before hurrying out. Not five minutes later she returned, holding nine small earpieces. She handed one to Makoto, who immediately put it in. She turned to Lowbacca and said. “Can you hear me? Good!”

Elsewhere on the Rock dragon, the Senshi and Young Jedi met each other and, based on common interests, became friends. Outside ran Lusa and Haruka. Lusa was a Chironian-upper body of a young woman, lower body of a horse. She galloped along at full speed as she and Haruka raced. Cheering them on were Raynar and Michiru, their respective sweethearts. Michiru shook her head as Lusa passed their vantagepoint. “She’s very graceful. When did you meet?” Raynar looked up in thought. “It was about two years ago on Yavin IV. That’s where we train to be Jedi Knights. In a way we’re kind of like you Senshi, except the women there don’t wear short skirts and shout out their attacks.” He looked at her in puzzlement. “Why do you do that?”

Michiru shrugged. “I honestly have no earthly idea.” She looked down and laughed. “Ha! Haruka won!” The aqua-haired girl slid down the hill where she and Raynar were watching and ran up to the still-panting Haruka. “Congratulations!” She said as she hugged her. Haruka put her arm around Michiru’s shoulders and gave a brief squeeze before turning to Lusa. “That was great. If you knew the terrain better you would’ve won.” Lusa took her hand and shook. “Thank you. I’ll admit, you’re the first human to ever beat me in a foot race. I want a rematch.” Haruka nodded. “Sure.”

*****

Setsuna steeled herself for the task before her. She walked up to Zekk and Tahiri, who were outside dueling with those energy swords. They both sensed her approaching and turned to her. Zekk looked apprehensive. Tahiri meanwhile smiled and walked up to her. “Hey Setsuna. How are…” She stopped as she sensed the Senshi’s mood. Setsuna bowed and said. “I was not able to say this earlier, but I apologize for attacking you earlier. I sensed something from the timestream, but I misinterpreted it.” She looked up only to see Zekk’s face. “You made a mistake. From what you’ve told me being the guardian of the entire space-time continuum has to be stressful.” He extended his hand. “Peace?”

Setsuna stood up and straightened out her dress. She smiled and accepted Zekk’s outstretched hand. “Thank you. I-“ She jolted as images of Zekk’s future passed before her. She pulled away and began blinking, trying to clear her head. “Woah!” She looked at him. “You better get used to changing diapers, kid.”

Chapter Four: A way Home-And the Catch…

Jaina and Ami were sitting at the Rock dragon’s controls. It was night, and most of the other Senshi had left. The other Young Jedi had turned in and were fast asleep. The only other sentient awake was a small black cat named Luna. The two were studying sensor data from the Rock Dragon in order to find a way home for the stranded Jedi.

Ami studied three-dimensional images of the anomaly, trying to figure out just what it was. “It appears rather inert until actual impact. This might sound weird but it almost seems like you forced it open.” She looked up at the now-very startled looking Jaina. “Jaina? What’s wrong?”

The brunette Jedi suddenly got out of her seat and began pacing. “The only reason we impacted was because some kriffin’ rat chewed through the starboard power coupling and blew engine two. I hit my head and blacked out, missing the landing.” She shook her head. “The only way home then is to nearly kill us.”

Ami got up and walked to Jaina. “It’s not hopeless. The released energy is what opened the hole, not the actual explosion. All you would need is a source of energy and you'd be home free.” She gripped Jaina by the shoulders and steadied her. “Think. Is there anything onboard that can generate that power?” Jaina’s gaze drifted as she thought.

After a few seconds she smiled and half-shouted. “Yes! There’s a half-dozen proton torpedoes in the hold. Tenel Ka’s grandmother insisted she have them to repel assassination attempts.” Jaina ignored Ami’s confused look as she began talking. “I’ll have to figure out the appropriate warhead yield by comparing the data on the explosion.” She glanced at her chronometer. “Hey, shouldn’t you be getting home? It’s getting pretty late.”

Ami gasped in horror. “Oh, no! I have an advanced biology test tomorrow! I’ve got to get ready!” She scooped Luna up in her arms. “Ready, Luna?” The black tabby purred. “Yes, Ami. It’s not like I have a lot to do.” The two young women shook hands as Jaina led Ami out of the Rock Dragon. “Bye!” Yelled Jaina. Ami turned around and waved before running off into the night.

*****

Ami slowed to a walk when she reached Juuban, the district in Tokyo where she lived. Luna jumped out of her arms and walked alongside her. “I felt something from Jaina, Tenel Ka and Tahiri back there.” She said.

Ami looked down at the feline. “You mean their Jedi powers? We all felt it, especially Rei. That kid Anakin even said that they were their universe’s equivalent of the Senshi.” She thought for a second. “You don’t think they’re Senshi, do you?”

Luna chuckled. “Actually I-“ A bright glare flashed from the horizon. It was as bright as the sun, but it was 9:30 at night! Ami whipped out her communicator and contacted the Senshi. “We’ve got a strange light emanating from…” She trailed off as a figure emerged. He was older, with short blond hair and a uniform Ami hadn’t seen in ten years. This time however, his eyes were changed. They were sunken in and shone an almost frightening orange. Ami thought for a second and patched into the Rock Dragon’s comm system. “This is a message to the Senshi and Jedi. A Youma thought dead for ten years is back. His name is Jaedite and he seems very…powerful. I’ll hold him off but I’ll need backup!”

She put away her communicator and held her transformation wand aloft. Resolution crossed her face as she shouted. “Mercury Star Power Makeup!” A blue light surrounded her, melting her clothes and forming them into her Sailor Senshi outfit. She immediately struck a pose and shouted. “People need sleep in order to-“ She never finished as Jaedite raised his arm and shot lightning at her! Her entire lower body was enveloped by bluish-white arcs of electricity, siphoning away some of her life force and throwing her back ten feet.

Jaedite chuckled as he walked toward her. “Sailor Mercury! It’s good to see you again. How’s Moon and Mars?” He began channeling energy into his left hand. Yes, yes! You have learned much chortled Palpatine’s spirit. Sparks erupted from his cupped hand as he advanced…

Chapter Five: In the Name of the Force

A rose hit the pavement in front of Jaedite, stopping him in his tracks. He looked up and saw a man in formal wear and a white mask perched on top of a lamppost. “How dare you attack Sailor Mercury! She’s a good friend to us all.” Shouted Tuxedo Mask. The Youma inwardly groaned-and grabbed him telekinetically, throwing him into the side of a building! “I thought I killed you at that airport so long ago. Oh, well. All the Senshi will die.” He let Tuxedo mask drop all the way to the pavement, nearly killing him. Jaedite turned from him-and jumped out of the way of eight Senshi attacks in the process. Inwardly, both Jaedite and Palpatine smiled. At last! Vengeance is at hand!

Sailor Moon ran up to Tuxedo Mask, cradling his head in her arms. “Mamo-chan! What has he done to you? Please don’t die!” Tuxedo Mask looked up at her and smiled. “Don’t worry, I’m all right Usako.” She helped him to his feet and shouted. “How’s Ami?” Sailor Neptune, who was taking Mercury’s pulse, looked up and said. “She’s weak, but not dead. Looks like she’ll be fine with rest.”

Jaedite snarled. “It’s a shame the same can’t be said for you!” With that he began firing off lightning with his left hand and telekinetically grabbing with his right. Sailor Saturn ran up to him, brandishing her Silence Glaive-basically a long pole topped by a blade sharp enough to cut diamond. Being slight of stature she channeled all her strength into one blow. She swung-and the Glaive skidded off a personal forceshield. Jaedite glanced at her and casually flung her through a store window.

Uranus cupped her hands and channeled her power into them. A bright yellow ball of energy appeared. She yelled. “World Shaking!” And flung it at him. Simultaneously, Uranus mimicked her movements, shouting out. “Deep Submerge!” An almost watery ball of energy shot from her hands. Both flew at him, gathering speed and size. He yawned-and raised his hand. Both spheres stopped and flew back at Uranus and Neptune, who barely dodged.

Jupiter glanced around. “Where is everybody? Shouldn’t the police have shown up by now?” The Youma laughed. “I’m afraid the citizens of Tokyo are experiencing a midsummer’s night dream.” He shot out more lightning, but stopped as he sensed nine very powerful beings approaching. Palpatine’s spirit cried out. No! How did those brats get here? No Jedi could reach this reality!

*****

Jacen whistled softly as he approached the battle. “That guy is bad news.” He turned and saw his brother Anakin staring intently at the gray-clad figure. “Are you okay?” The younger Solo bore holes in the man. “I can’t believe it. How is this possible?” He pointed at Jaedite, who was staring back. “Your new body looks good on you, Emperor Palpatine!” Jaedite smiled and allowed Palpatine to speak through him. “I am glad you remembered our encounter so long ago! However I have no need for you anymore. Lord Jaedite is my new vessel. Together we will rule.” He raised his hand and began shooting lightning at the Jedi, who scattered.

Jacen and Jaina leapt at the Sith apprentice, lightsabers ignited and brought to bear. The twins landed on opposite sides and swung. Jaedite held out his hands and, faster than human eyes could make out materialized a broadsword in each hand. Jaina’s lightsaber was parried right out of her hand, sending the violet blade flying. He placed his palm on her chest and pushed, sending her flying into a storefront. Tenel Ka and Tahiri ran to her. Jaedite parried a strike from Jacen-and fired a bolt of lightning at the building where the three young Jedi were. Jacen watched as his sister, girlfriend and friend were buried by rubble.

Jaedite turned to Jacen. “And now, young Solo. You will die.”

*****

Jaina, Tenel Ka and Tahiri jumped back as the entire front of the building collapsed. It was almost impossible to see, and dust choked the air. Tahiri looked around. “How do we get out? There’s too much structural damage to move the debris in front of us! Is there a way out in the back? Probably not but it couldn’t hurt to look.” Tenel Ka, who was supporting Jaina’s weight, let her slide down to the floor. “Are you hurt my friend?” She asked. Jaina smiled. “I think I’m okay. The glass cushioned some of the impact.”

Tenel Ka got up and looked at the rubble where only seconds before stood a display. “We cannot leave by the front.” She glanced toward the back. ”I also do not believe the back is a viable option. We would have to circle around the block, costing us time.” A small voice from below her startled the warrior Jedi. “Perhaps I can be of help.”

Jaina sat up on her elbows and saw the source of the voice. “Luna? How did you get in here?” The black cat walked toward Jaina. “I leapt in before Jaedite collapsed the front of the store. Listen. You three are more than you think. I believe you could be Senshi.” A soft glow emanated from a crescent-moon shaped mark on Luna’s forehead, and a soft beam of light struck each girl on the forehead. “Yes, yes. Hold out your hand.”

Each one did, and a small rod appeared in them. Jaina looked over hers, then asked Luna. “But how? We’re Jedi Knights, not Senshi in defense of love and justice. Besides which we’re from an alternate reality.” Luna shook her head. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from. Each of you has a strong sense of justice and are powerful.” Tenel Ka pointed to the rubble. “What about Lusa?” The tabby shook her head. “She too has the power. Unfortunately her sense of justice is skewed.” Jaina cursed to herself. “Damned Diversity Alliance.”

Tahiri hefted her transformation wand. “How do these work?” Luna looked up at the young blond. “Shout out the name of your planet of birth and the phrase ‘Planet power Makeup’.” Jaina got up to a standing position and lifted her rod. Tenel Ka and Tahiri did the same. Three cries went up into the night.

“Corellia Planet Power Makeup!”

“Dathomir Planet Power Makeup!”

“Tattooine Planet Power makeup!”

*****

Zekk knelt down and fast drew his blaster. In the blink of an eye he fired off a dozen shots, all lined up with Jaedite’s head. They would’ve killed him-if there wasn’t a forceshield surrounding him. Jaedite looked at him and gestured at the remains of a mailbox. The blue box rose up and shot at Zekk, nearly killing him.

Jaedite walked forward, parrying Jacen’s lightsaber blows with one arm while battling the rest of the Senshi and Jedi with the other. It was not going well. Sailor’s Mercury, Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Venus and Tuxedo Mask were down, injuries ranging from cuts and scrapes to broken bones and, in Venus’ case a concussion. The Jedi weren’t fairing good either. As a matter of fact, only Zekk and Jacen were still standing.

Jaedite chuckled. Soon, my master. Soon these fools will die, paving the way to our conquest. Palpatine’s spirit laughed as well. You have done well, my young apprentice. Suddenly the collapsed storefront blew open-but did not collapse the rest of the building. Three figures stepped out, looking like…Senshi?

Jaina stepped forward. She wore a gray skirt with matching ankle-high boots. Her Sailor Fuku had a black bow on front with a ribbon tied at the back around her waist. She pointed at Jaedite and said. “I am Sailor Corellia! You have injured my friends and tried to take over this planet. I won’t allow it!”

Tenel Ka stepped forward. Her skirt was as red as her hair, with matching high heels and bow in front. She put her hands on her hips and leaned forward. “I am Sailor Dathomir! Your attacks reek of the Dark Side, and that is a fact.”

Finally, Tahiri stepped forward. Her skirt was dark yellow, the color of sand. He knee-high boots, ribbon on front and back all matched. “And I’m Sailor Tattooine! What you do is evil, and I can’t forgive you for that.” All three girls struck the same pose; left arm bent in V-shape in front, with right arm pointing ahead just above the elbow. They all spoke simultaneously.

“In the name of the Force, we’ll punish you!”

Jaedite blinked in massive confusion. “What? More Senshi? I’ll kill you all!” he shot lightning at them, but hit nothing but air. Tattooine jumped up and put her hands together. She extended her index fingers and shouted. “Tattooine Sand Blast!” A huge sandstorm erupted from her hands, enveloping Jaedite and, most important, penetrating his forceshield!

Jacen saw his chance and swung, battering down his guard and knocking his sword away! Jaedite stepped back-directly into Sailor Corellia’s line of fire. “Corellia Starburst!” A wave of energy shot from her outstretched palm, hitting the Youma in the back-and drawing greenish blood.

Sailor Dathomir stepped forward. “I believe it is my turn. Dathomir heat wave!” A bluish flame formed around Sailor Dathomir, shooting out and engulfing Jaedite. By this time the surviving Senshi had regrouped end were pouring attacks into him. Still it wasn’t enough. Sailor Moon got to her feet, in pain from being struck by a brick in the back. She raised her right arm and a large scepter appeared. She began spinning around, building energy into one powerful blast…

“Rainbow Moon Heartache!” A heart-shaped blast of pure energy flew and hit Jaedite at near subsonic speeds. He barely had time to look death in the face and scream before he was destroyed. In his place hung a black cloud-Palpatine’s spirit. You cannot destroy me! Vader failed. Skywalker failed. You cannot…He stopped talking as Jacen, Zekk, Anakin, Raynar, Lusa and Lowbacca surrounded him. They all had lightsabers ignited and formed a solid wall of the Light Side around him.

Jacen grimaced. “Anakin, how do you stop the dark?” Anakin stepped forward. “You shine light upon it.” The two touched sabers, destroying Palpatine’s spirit for all time. An echo of a scream could be heard in the mind of all.

Epilogue

The next day saw a flurry of good-byes as the Senshi saw the Jedi off. Lusa and Haruka shook hands. “I guess I’ll never get that rematch.” Said Lusa. Haruka patted her on the shoulder. “That is bad. Maybe next time I’ll go to Chiron and race you there.” The two laughed and parted.

Zekk and Tahiri bowed before Setsuna. “It was an honor fighting beside you.” Said the older Jedi. Setsuna returned the bow. “The honor is mine. You two will become powerful Jedi.” Tahiri’s eyes got wide. “Really?” The guardian of time smiled. “Trust me on that.”

In the cockpit were Jaina and Ami. They went over last minute details. “Okay. This warhead yield should produce the desired effects.” Ami nodded and blinked back tears. “Good luck Jaina. I’m going to miss you.” Jaina half-smiled. “I’ll miss you too.” She checked her chronometer. “It’s time. Don’t worry. We’re sister Senshi now. For love and justice…”

Ami completed the phrase. “Pretty soldiers in sailor suits.” Jaina got next to Ami and they both posed and said. “In the name of the Moon, I’ll punish you!” The blue-haired genius patted Jaina on the shoulder. “Bye.” And left.

The nine Senshi watched as the Rock Dragon’s thrusters ignited. The ship rose and gracefully lifted skyward. They waved as it receded out of the atmosphere and into space. Rei sighed. “I hope they make it.” She concentrated for a minute. “Yes. They will make it.” Setsuna looked at her in mock anger. “Hey, I thought I had the market cornered on prophetic visions.” The Senshi of fire smirked and stuck her tongue out at her.

*****

It didn’t take long for Jaina to find the anomaly. It was sitting in hyperspace, almost daring to be opened. Her copilot Lowbacca targeted it, counting down. Finally he roared and launched a proton torpedo straight at the inky hole. It impacted, causing a bright flash and ripping it wide open.

Jaina gunned the engines, driving the Rock Dragon at it. The ship passed through-and entered an area of hyperspace identical to the one they just left. Jaina counted to ten, and activated the hyperdrive cutoff. The red smear of hyperspace disappeared and changed to a mottled starfield. All the Jedi reached out with their senses, probing…

Jaina and Lowbacca could hear the cheers from the aft quarters as they all reached out with the Force. This universe felt right. She sat back and smiled. Now then, she had read reports about pirates in the Corellian Sector. I wonder if those ruffians could use a little dose of love and justice?

The End

All Star Wars characters and items are the property of Lucasarts. All Sailor Moon characters are the property of Naoko Takeuchi.