Suggested changes: {before : after}
On Wed, 12 Jun 2002 23:50:29 -0500 The Eternal Lost Lurker
<lurkerdrome@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
On the morning of 3 July 2001, the Prime Minister and
members of the cabinet were approached by a young woman
identifying herself as "Sailor Venus". Venus invited
the government officials to attend a private function
at the crystal structure located in Juuban. This meeting
has shed new light on many of the bizarre events of the
past few days.
I like it that the Prime Minister is reporting the funeral as a private
rather than a state event. It allows him to avoid acknowledging their
sovereignty yet.
While the Prime Minister does not wish to disclose all
details of the meeting for reasons of national security,
the government assures the public that there is no threat
imminent from the "Sailor Senshi" or from their current
base of operations, which they refer to as the "Crystal
Palace". The Senshi have assured the cabinet that they
did not cause the destruction of the Juuban district,
and until such time as any evidence to the contrary is
presented, the Prime Minister has stated that he is
inclined to trust the Senshi.
Unexpectedly direct and honest, but this is fantasy after all.
"Mm..arigatou, Mako-chan," she said. Running a hand through her hair, she
sighed. "I'm trying to figure out how to go about setting up communications
with the outside." She rubbed at her eyes. "It helps that the {Prime Minister : Government}
is willing to cooperate to an extent...at least, until we start discussing
our plans for reconstruction."
I'm using Government in the sense of the governing party or coalition in
the Diet.
Mimas made a sound which could have been a chuckle. "I have been in contact
with the assistant module in the Lady Uranus' suite," he said. "Apparently,
Lady Uranus is rather regretting her decision to test Lord Shingo's
powers..."
In other words, ya shoulda seed da odder guy. :}p
At least Shingo has an in-house healer.
"She's...dangerous, Okaa-san." The Senshi turned away, speaking quietly.
"She was our enemy, three years ago. She worked for a powerful evil entity
which was collecting pure hearts in crystal form, intent on using them to
bring about the destruction of the world." She turned around, and winced at
her mother's shellshocked expression. "I know she doesn't seem so now, and
perhaps she isn't, but...back then, she was thoroughly evil."
I'm a little surprised Kaori didn't come over to ask Mizuno-sensei
something and hear just this part of the conversation before running off.
Serenity glanced around at her subjects. "I wish to know the status of our
situation with the outer world."
This sounds like she's trying to be formal and hasn't quite got the hang of
it yet.
"Also, at the Prime Minister's {bequest : request}, I've agreed to a press conference
prior to the reconstruction meeting," Pluto added. "The general public isn't
sure what to make of all this, and apparently needs reassurance that we're
not a threat."
The queen was silent for a moment. "Very well then. You have dealt with this
matter appropriately, in light of the circumstances." She smiled briefly as
Mercury bowed and moved away from the throne. "Are there any other matters?"
I'm half expecting Usagi to visit Kaori soon. She's probably the best
one to reabilitate Kaori and she does need something to do besides grieve.
Everyone is getting used to her being the Queen though and I'm sure her
advisors would be horrified at her going out unattended, which may be
another part of its appeal to her.
Having two identities could allow her to be both the Prince(ss) and the
Pauper. I'm a little surprised that no newshound has made a stronger
connection between the bride at the wedding and the queen in the palace.
(later) The government does have that information, but has not chosen to
use it yet.
As his power grew, he began to think less and less of his "savior". Clearly
mired in idiotic tactics that would never lead to dominance, Princess Wraith
was doomed to failure, doomed to be defeated again. A being of his power and
intelligence should not be forced to serve one so foolish.
Besides, what has she done for him lately? I didn't expect his gratitude to
last very long anyway.
"The Palace was constructed thousands of years ago, and hidden in a number
of pieces both deep within the Earth and the Moon," Mercury said. "It was
dormant until the marriage of our queen, upon which time it appeared as was
{prophecized : prophesied} long ago."
"Many millenia ago," the green-haired Senshi began, "a great empire existed
which spanned the entire solar system. It may be difficult to believe,
especially in light of what modern science has discovered about these nine
planets, but rest assured it is true. The seat of government for this empire
was the Earth's moon.
They keep saying "rest assured". If I were watching, I'd be nervous.
Mercury broke in. "That enemy was an anomaly," she said. "A rogue general
named Jadeite who somehow escaped the destruction of the Dark Kingdom. We
are admittedly uncertain as to how he gained so much power, but we *are*
certain that he destroyed himself, and that he was the *last* threat from
the Dark Kingdom."
Of course no one has gone there to look and see how Wraith is doing.
"We're also stepping up our own training regimen to familiarize ourself with
new powers gained when Neo-Queen Serenity ascended her throne," Pluto added.
"Jadeite caught us at a bad time, but we assure you we *will* be ready
should such a threat appear again."
"We are no threat. Everything is under control. These aren't the droids --".
Oops, wrong story.
"I...I'm not sure..." The youngest Senshi sighed. "I don't think so, but it
was really weird. It's gone now, though." Giving her boyfriend a peck on the
cheek, she smiled. "Anyway, I'll let you get back to work now. Don't push
yourself too hard!"
They really need to get in the habit of reporting those 'odd' feelings to
Ami, Setsuna, or perhaps Tomoe.
Sailor Pluto stood, clearing her throat. "Gentlemen," she began, "if I may?"
Who's she talking to? :}b
"When the Crystal Palace appeared, it didn't destroy the Hikawa Shrine. It
absorbed the structures of the temple and integrated them into its own
infrastructure." Mercury laid a hand on the smooth, glassy surface. "The {Cry
stal : Crystal} Point doesn't possess a great deal of energy on its own, but it does
have enough energy to self-replicate, provided it can find pre-existing
matter to convert in a similar manner. This table is now generating energy
of its own, as you can see, and can self-replicate just like the Crystal
Point and the Palace itself."
*One large wad of feces thrown into the fan? Check,* Mercury thought to
herself as the assembled politicians and businessmen reacted in the expected
manner.
I can certainly see the politicians reacting badly. Any smart businessmen
will want to know a lot more about the legal and financial structure before
responding.
The diplomat schooled his expression carefully as he bowed. "I assure you,
all due consideration will be given before we reach a decision."
Another synonym for "You've got to be out of your mind!"
The tall Senshi appeared properly {chaste : chastised}. "Still," she said, "it's
possible...anything is possible, when you get right down to it."
I doubt chastity has anything to do with this mess.
Mars walked over and firmly slapped the hyperventilating girl across one
cheek. "Settle down, Chibiusa-chan. Everything's under control."
Is this anything like the scene in Airplane?
"Mercury, can't you hose them down or something?"
"Umm...I would if my brain weren't frozen solid right now, I think. Yes."
That would probably take at least a bubble blast.
"Tsukino Usagi, but you used to know me as Chibiusa," the teenager replied.
Did Mamoru take Usagi's family name? That was one of the ways I'd expected
to tell them apart, Tsukino Usagi and Chiba Usagi.
"Hai, {mother : Mother}," Usagi said, nodding.