Summary: Sometimes getting befriended leads to strange events, in this case a possessive doctor of theoretical sciences decides that someone has to be taught a lesson for being a friend. Yet someone else pays in ways even the 'good' doctor has no way of knowing. So Displaced in time can a young college grad make a new life and can he survive the changes yet to happen to him in the process?

Displaced

Chapter 7: Adjustments, Part 2 – The Trip, Talks and Return Surprise

By: Slie Amos

This is a fanfiction story and as such any characters from existing works, such as Sailor Moon, Ranma, Robotech, BGC, etc…, are not mine but belong to the authors that created them or their agents.

ooOOooOOooOOoo D ooOOooOOooOOoo

Around the time that Airia had told Billy to expect her and Reanna, they showed up but with Iria in tow as she had a few questions about his quarters while he was gone. He just told her to do what se felt needed to keep the quarters clean, but not to over do it as well. Then after Reanna showed Billy how to use the in-build slide system to move the diplomat's trunk, to which he responded that the trunk had a hover mode being a neat touch and getting a pair of grins and light giggles before the three headed once more for the aircar parking. Once there they took a slightly larger transport almost like a van but more rounded than boxy in shape. Once in the air and headed toward a location that was several kilometers away on the far edge of the city's outskirts. Billy could see faintly what looked like a large airport but with 'planes' headed out into space as well as toward other settlement on the moon.

The two Champions just sat back and tried the relive the first time they came here by looking around and watching Billy's response to all the new locations, activity, and ships around the port. With Rei looking around before she stated, "We get so use to something that when a person like Billy sees it for the first time it reminds us what we were like the first time we saw the same thing. Like when I first saw the seat of the Realm was from the passenger window of the Martian Royal transport as it descended to land here. I was like eight and this was my first time off Mars so everything was new and just so fascinating to me. How about you Airia? And Billy how about the first time you traveled from home to a distant location there."

Seeing that Billy was still looking out the window, Airia answered first. "For me I think I was seven and it was a trip to Saturn. I had never been there, and just like you Rei it was my first trip off Mercury. The floating cities and everything about them just drew me toward learning how they worked and well you and the other Champions know how that changed my education. It was what really got me to want to learn and drove my parents crazy as they tried to get me to do more of the things a girl normal does but still schedule tutors for me as well. I think that is why my mother still tries so hard to find a suitor for me even though I am a Champion and exempt from that unless the Queen agrees to it as well. My first time on the Moon I think I had just turned thirteen and was the named Princess to Mercury and I was still very much like what you said Rei. After all there I was heading to the seat of the Queendom and all it held. It was about two years later that I became Mercury's chosen and then Champion Mercury and moved here on a mostly permanent basis. Billy, care to share about your first big trip or trips else where?" She looked at him and he nodded.

"Sure, the first trip I can remember was my parents taking me and my younger sister, who was barely one at the time, to visit mom's family in Japan. That was on the other side of the planet for us, and the first time I had been on a plane as well. To me every thing was huge and so new I wanted to see it all. I guess in a way I started to learn so much due to that day but I still found what I really like and started to focus on that or massive general studies." He gave a small smile to Airia, who just grinned back. "The first really major trip I took was a when I was about thirteen, sis was eight and want to know why me and dad were going to be gone for a month during the summer on a trip without her. Well it was not a holiday trip it was my first real training trip and we would not be camping like sis understood it, but really living off the land and the small amount of supplies we had or got while me moved around the location we were headed to. I have shown you all maps of my Earth, and will again during the trip out, but me and dad had gone to Australia and where spending it in what is called the Outback, complete wilderness outside of a few small town and villages here and there. It was to get me use to how my training trips would be like for the most part after that. All over the world even into the Artic Circle and to Antarctica the two coldest places on Earth for survival training and practice in varying environs. I think it is one reason I adapt so quickly to new locations as I can relate them to others I have been already. Though space, or zero gravity will be new, any chance I could get some practice in a cargo hold if possible? Like mom and dad always told me, you never know when you might need to know how to fight in a given environment." He smiled at the memory and while it hurt, the pain was not so bad anymore.

Rei saw how he looked and asked, "You ok talking so much about your family? I know that sometimes it hurts when I do. But you look happy, and I feel good that I was able to learn more about you before we even got to the port and out ship. We will not be heading through the actual terminal, I guess you will get that experience another time. Our ship is the sleek one with the delta wings over to the right side of the port field, the white and red one with the small group waiting for us. Airia did the Queen tell you we were getting a send off committee for this trip? Though with it being Billy's first off world trip I can see her doing that."

While Billy was looking at the long, narrow looking ship from a distance Airia was sending a message to the Queen about a committee at the ship, in case they needed to divert to a different location now. The message came back that yes there was a committee there and it had been set up that morning by a few of the Alphas and other guards and Palace staff to see them and Billy off today. Airia then stated to them, "It is fine it seems some of Billy's friends and our peers in the Alphas and Guards wanted to send us off and set this up this morning. So Billy do you think you can get the sword and pistol and your tassels out and on by the time we land? I am sure that Palace staff here will not allow any of us to touch our trunks for boarding as well." She looked at Billy then Rei who nodded.

"Airia is right Billy, me and her will exit as Mercury and Mars, and you should exit in as the Friend of The Moon as fully as you can here. It will make them feel better about sending you on this, albeit minor, diplomatic mission if you are seen to be taking things seriously here." She moved to help Billy get the items out of his trunk and found them attached to the lid for quick access, he also pulled a full cape like cloak out that matched the light grey with dark blue highlights of the outfit he was wearing. Once the pistol was on his right hip in the thigh holster, the sword on the left in a manner they where not use to but Billy said was from his training and mother's combat school, with both tassels on his left, Mastery on the inside and under the arm, Friend on the outside and over the arm. The two champions moved in back to hide the flash of their change from the outside.

ooOOooOOooOOoo D ooOOooOOooOOoo

Once they landed, several Palace servants stepped forward and opened the doors, they also placed a portable step next to the van to allow them to exit easier. And as Airia and Rei had said as soon as they had exited the transport other staff had already retrieved their trunks and were moving them to the ship that Billy could now see had at least three decks and it was a bit wider were two of them met the wings at the sides so the ship was a lot larger then he first though. He noticed Iria in the line they were being led past and aside from a very small nod he gave no indication that he saw her, though he noticed her grin as well that meant she had seen his nod.

As they approached the Guards and Alphas (again their uniforms were just slightly different but it was in such a way that Billy could never figure out in what way as to describe how) one of the Alphas stepped forward and requested a minute of their time before the embarked on their journey. Mercury, who had been tasked as the delegation leader by the Queen, accepted the request. The Alpha, who Mercury called Captain Mercel, Asked it Champion Mercury or Mars wanted to inspect the gathered troops while he talked to the other, here Mars stepped up and did the honors while the Captain and Mercury held a quick chat. Mars finished and stated that the troops were ready for a true review and smiled at them. And Mercury called Billy to her side.

"Recently we were reminded that you have three titles here; Sir, Warrior / Protector, and Master. The last for your skill in unarmed combat, a fact that was brought home when you had taken care of an event faster than a Champion and troops that had been placed nearby could even respond and was in the process of questioning the person that had attacked you for seemingly no reason. And for the first time in the memory of several of the Alphas and Guards standing here today witnessed Champion Jupiter started laughing while on duty and in full uniform. For that part of the incident all the troops here wish to thank you, but that is not the reason they want to do this little ceremony. That reason is to present you with the following, so that as a Warrior you do not go out with nothing but a couple tassels to proclaim your skills, awards for Marksman with Pistols and Rifles; awards for armed and unarmed combat ability at mastery level; an award for dedication; one for learning quickly new skills; and one last that represent you being a Friend of The Moon to all her troops everywhere. As she spoke the Captain placed each medal or ribbon on what looked like a casual uniform with the cloak added. The total was only seven but between the basic medals and ribbons it looked like more, and add in the Warrior / Protector crest and Billy now looked the Warrior that many already saw him as.

Billy saluted the Captain then bowed in thanks. The Alpha Captain just smiled and returned both. Before stepping aside and motioning for someone to step forward. Though Billy at first did not understand why a cat would wait for anything. The other two were Iria and a man Billy though was her boss, and turned out he was right.

"I have had a request presented to me yesterday. Iria here requested that she be allowed to join the three of you so that you all had a dedicated servant who has worked on transport ships and liners before joining the Palace staff two years ago. I am going to allow this, and besides I have already cleared it with the Queen so if you three agree she goes with you. If not…" By the time he was done Iria was blushing but held her head up and stood ready to face what she thought would be the answer, No. Mercury and Mars looked at each other then Billy and gave small nods only with their eyes.

Billy looked at the man's name tag and spoke, "Manager Des, I think that all three of us would be pleased to have Iria see to our comforts during this trip, and as you have already gotten the Queen's approval, does Iria have her case or trunk here and ready?" He turned to her as he asked the last question to see her face in disbelief that her request had been accepted at the last minute. She nodded mutely not trusting her own voice right now. Though her boss nodded and motioned for another to move another trunk to be loaded onboard for Iria. His whispered to her just loud enough for the three of them to hear, "Never underestimate a Champion's heart, or a real friend my daughter. Never." He then kissed her check and took a step back.

Once the cat was alone in front of them as Iria had stepped beside Mars, Airia spoke to the cat. "Lunara I though we were going to all come to the port together, then me and Mars could not find you and were told you had left early. Should I guess as to why you did?" She smiled at the cat, who then spoke.

"Sorry Champion, but when the delegation here came to the Queen this morning I was the only one around and it was decided by the Queen to go ahead and do this as a bit of a surprise for Master Rhodes-Tenashi. I do hope that my appearance does not disturb you Sir?" Lunara said while she looked at Billy.

Billy shook his head and answered, "No, it does not though I will need to get use to a cat that talks. Because the cats were I am from do not talk as eloquently as you, they just meow or mew when that want attention, or to be feed. So please give me a little time to adjust and we should be fine."

Lunara seemed to laugh Billy thought, "We have a few that are about the same of my species as it is if I get your meaning right. I do not have a problem with going slow, we do have about three quarters of a cycle or so to adjust to each other. I am her Majesties Political Advisor Lunara of the Mau. Now shall we board and get our trip underway Mercury? I do believe that your are the one placed in charge for this one."

Airia nodded before she spoke, "Detail stand to for the boarding party!" At that every one there but the five of them quickly moved to form a path to the boarding ramp, then stood to attention or just stood tall (the Palace staff) while the others moved to board. The Palace staff were all smiling as one of their own was going with the delegation to tend to their comforts and needs for the trip, the others as two Champions and the Moon's newest Friend and Warrior / Protector were heading off to see to the Empire's best interest. Lunara was not forgotten, but as the Queens direct advisor was not see all that much outside given functions. Once they had boarded and before the doors closed and the ramp folded up, the Captain shouted, 'Champions Victorious Always!' to which everyone seeing them off responded with a Hooray! Almost as soon as the doors sealed Mercury turned to Lunara and started…

"What was the meaning of that? Did the troops and staff really want to see us off and make those awards that could have been done through diplomatic channels? I mean Billy is still some what new to all this, and I am not sure if the military angle is something he is use to at all yet…" Here Iria stepped in and spoke.

"As for the staff yes they did, and I believe that many more of the Guards did as well but I was told a limit was placed to keep the delegation smallish today. And before I am asked yes I did request to be allowed to go, but mainly as Billy's servant to help him adjust to these missions easier. It was the Queen that my father said changed it to all of you. And yes Billy, Des is my father. We as a family have served in the Empire in several rolls before getting positions at the Palace so this is not new to me. But I do think we need to greet the ship's Captain and get going before some one thinks something happened to us, Yes?" She was blushing deeply but knew she needed to get them back on track, at least till they reached their rooms.

She missed Reanna talking to Lunara, whom she had picked up quietly then let her go. "Yes, lets greet the Captain so we can be off. The trip out will be mainly us Billy, but there will be a few other passengers as this is a smaller but high class liner making a trip to Novara as part of her normal run."

Greeting of the ship's Captain was fairly anticlimactic after the send off they had gotten. He was actually glad that they had their own servant that knew the ins and outs of a liner so as to disrupt the rest of the passengers the least. He had also been surprised when the Mau in the delegation had approached ahead of the main party with a request that he was able to fulfill easily and quickly. As soon as the group was following the chief purser to their rooms he headed to the bridge to get the ship up and away and back on the run that the Solar Queen was famous for, from the Moon to Novara via some very beautiful locations in space between them.

They were able to arrive at their quarters quickly and with no more problems. Airia had explained on the short trip through the ship that she was worried that Billy might take all the awards and other items the wrong why, when it was mainly the friends and a few others that seemed to like him that actually were behind it all. Rei pointed out that a few of the newer minor diplomats may use events to make names for themselves, and that was why the Queen was trying to keep things low key for the time being on this mission. Lunara had moved up and was talking to the Chief Purser about a few minor things, mainly being sure that a Mau's dietary needs would be seen to during the trip, as many ships seemed to forget that as a Mau she did not, though could, eat the same things as the rest did, mainly because she would not get very much nutrition otherwise. The Purser assured her that he had seen to the issues himself, as he had several friends that were Mau and so he had an easier time finding what she would need during the trip.

ooOOooOOooOOoo D ooOOooOOooOOoo

Once at their assigned quarters, the Purser left them to settle themselves. Airia looked over the assignments and grinned at Rei for a moment before point out cabins. "I am in this cabin here, Billy you are in the one across the passage, Rei is in the one nest to you on the left, Iria you are in the one across from her and Lunara is in the one a little further down next to the common room that we will all use… Yes, Iria?"

"Begging your pardon Princess, but shouldn't I be in one of the nearby crew births? I mean a full cabin of this class is more that I need…" She was again blushing thinking at what the others back at the Palace would think.

Rei stepped in here, "First off Iria, the indicated cabin is the one for servants that we may bring along as it connects to the dumb waiters from the galley, is connected to the common area next door, and has small machines to do our laundry if needed. Second, only the few quarters for the Mau on this level are small and that is because they as a race do not take up much space. And finally you are tending to a Mau, A Friend of The Moon, and two Princesses who are Champions, so this is right where you should be. Also out side of meals, you will be doing very little work as we want you to enjoy this trip as well as work. Understand?"

Billy and Airia both nodded and Lunara had already got to check her quarters out. So Iria just nodded and looked close to tears, "I have always wanted to do this run, but never had a chance. Also visiting Novara I have always heard is breathtaking, as images never do the world justice. So I had to try, and now I am finding out that I am to be better treated than by anyone but Billy at the Palace, or the Queen and all the Princesses. I am sorry it is too much for me… I need a minute…" She turned to run into her quarters and hide her tears but found herself instead running into Billy who just held her carefully before speaking.

"Iria, I have always told you me and my family treat our servants as friends and family, that has not changed for me here and is why I am always so nice to you. To many diplomats and even some Royals take people like you for granted, and forget that it is the ones that work for others that make worlds and Empires work as well as they do. Now go and get yourself cleaned up and take a rest, I think that we can deal with lunch ourselves. This will give you time to adjust and see to dinner later, ok?" He looked at her with a soft smile before he let her go and stepped back. She smiled back and she curtsied and walked into her cabin.

"And some wonder why you are so liked by the staff and a few others at the Palace Billy. That is why, and I must say that any servants of your family must be very loyal at least. We try on Mercury but there are so many that it is hard to really treat them all like we want to." Airia stated after Iria had closed her door, the nod from Rei said the same thing.

"Well I think we all can use a few minutes to get ready for lunch, and I think after the surprises we have given Iria letting her rest for a few hours is nothing we can't deal with. We will just need to dress in semi-formal casual for this meal. When we get back I think a few lessons in trade law and procedures may be in order Airia, we can also do some language work during the trip out as well. You two think we can do that?" Rei just smiled as she headed to her cabin to change.

Billy and Airia agreed and then went to change as well. The rest of the trip was quiet and a lot of their course work was covered about trade law and procedures for the upcoming talks as well as several sights viewed as they passed them on the way to Navara, allowing Iria to be just one of the passengers after both Rei and Mercury loaned (gave) her a couple outfits to blend in with them better at times on board, they had her join them for a few shipboard games as well as just relaxing on a few others.

Several days into the trip the purser stopped by just before their dinner was to be served and informed them that the ship would reach Novara Port the following afternoon so they may want to be sure that everything was ready before then. He then Bowed to them and nodded to Iria who was standing to one side ready to serve dinner, a dinner she would herself join in once she had placed the items on the table. She nodded back and started to place the dishes and drinks out as the Purser left the room. She finished and joined them saying, "I will have a hard time adjusting to not doing this once we return."

Lunara replied, "I think we can work something out about that Iria, and I know that Billy would not turn down a friend during a meal, but how to involve the others. I will see what I can think up before we get back. Now we need to finish this and go over the points we need to be sure are covered during the talks." With that they all began to eat and then review the major points that needed to be covered for the trade deal to pass.

Later that evening, after Iria and Billy had retired to their cabins Rei joined Airia in hers to discuss something else. "Airia, can I ask you something about the side mission we have here?" Once Airia nodded she continued, "Can this item be handled as simply as a hand over and secure it in the transport container the Queen provided? I understand why we can't mention this around Iria, but why not Billy? Do you think Lunara knows about this? I am sorry but I think I now know what has been worrying me about this trip for the last few weeks. Now that we know something is off, that feeling of mine has not gone away if anything it has gotten stronger the closer we get, it is like some kind of warning. I need to talk about it before it gets to me. And what is really worrying to me is that so far none of my hunches has yet to be wrong, there is something dangerous about this item, very dangerous."

A quiet voice spoke up behind Rei and made her jump and spin around while she gathered a hand full of fire as she did, only to see Lunara behind her. She dropped her hand as she heard what the Queens advisor had to say. "Yes, I know of this side mission Princesses, and the Queen herself is worried that something may happen during the hand over or trip back. As Iria is a servant we cannot tell her unless she somehow becomes involved during the secondary mission. Billy on the other hand, can be told if there is need, or he allies before we return. And I am sorry for scaring you Rei, but I was sure I knew what you wanted to talk to Airia about, so I followed and answered for the Queen."

Airia nodded as she started to speak, "I knew we could tell Billy if there was need or if he allied while we were gone, and I am still hoping he asks to take me to the ball two weeks after we get back, but that is not what you wanted to discuses was it Rei? While I do not have the instincts you seem to have Rei, or have information that the Queen does and so can guess that something is wrong with this, the closer we have gotten the more I have felt something off. It feels very much like when I was around when Miranda was first chosen by Venus to be her Champion but there is something else there, blocking it, controlling it that is not natural, and frankly scares me. Is that what you are feeling Rei? Because if it is I will not rest till we get this item back to the Queen and the security of the Alphas." She shuddered as she took a breath.

Lunara was looking with concern at her as Rei answered, "Now that you mention it, yes it does feel like something is trying to block the choosing of a new Champion, but how can that be? I thought that only the Queendom knew how to make the mantles and tap the planetary mana systems. Thus filtering and helping the various worlds chose one primary Champion and several secondary ones in times of turmoil. If someone else has figure that out and is trying to control it or even subvert it that could spell disaster for who knows how many." Rei now shuddered at the thought of what could happen with someone meddling with what the Queen herself said should not be controlled but channeled and filtered for safe use only, and then only by one person at a time picked by the body in question.

"If the two of you are correct, then the utmost care has to be used in handling this situation till we can secure or destroy the item in question. Though destroying it may not be an option depending on how it was constructed and linked to the body in question. May the Heavens above protect us in this if anything goes wrong." Shortly after this they all split and try to get some sleep for the morning. Worried about what this secondary mission may actually be now.

ooOOooOOooOOoo D ooOOooOOooOOoo

The following day they were all up early so that they could be sure all of their belongings were packed. Billy almost started an argument when he told the others that he was all ready to debark when they reached Novara. He pointed out that when he was on any trip he never had more that what he needed for the current day unpacked normally thus made sure he was able to pack the rest quickly as needed. Iria just smiled and giggled as she to packed like this out of habit from working on small liners and such before she joined her family on the Moon at the Palace.

Airia looked at Lunara and asked if she was packed already as well, to which Lunara replied that she did not use luggage like they did and as such had nothing to pack. This made both Rei and Airia groan good naturedly about being the only ones not used to traveling and staying ready to take their things and go, but then as Champions they normally really did not need to worry about it, just on missions like this one outside the Queendom.

On the approach to the world Billy and Iria got their first look at Novara, it was not just a planet but also several ring like structures that connected to the planet and then surrounded the twin stars of Novas Lumina's home system. With the surface area of the Colonnade added to the Garden G-type world they had developed on they had not yet needed leave their home system and the various colonies in the system had yet to ready critical population mass so they did not have a pressing need to venture to far from home just yet.

Just the knowledge and skill needed to do what they had done was staggering and the fact that all the rings were some how artistically designed around the suns furthered added to the shear level of the feat that the Novas Lumina had accomplished here. Both Iria and Billy now understood why the Queen wanted this initial trade agreement in place and soon. As other more critical agreements could then later be negotiated around that success that helped both Empires.

ooOOooOOooOOoo D ooOOooOOooOOoo

One thing that Billy had learned about the people of this system was that they could change genders from birth, though a child tended to remain their birth gender until about the age of seven or so when they needed to be taught how to control the ability. But through their teens and young adult lives the change did happen at times of stress, excitement, and other highly emotional times. This added new meaning to the term teenager problems at times and Billy was glad that he had not had to endure this, though for the Novas Lumina it was normal.

Their group was met by the delegation for the Novaas Lumina, who after a short greeting and introduction to their home world arranged for transport for the five so they could get settled in their quarters before a dinner was served for them, Iria was included in this even though she was the groups servant. She was told that she would have to visit the same places as the others and get to see and experience the same sights, events, and locations, because she may never get a change to actually return to their world.

Lunara did inform them that this was how the Novas Lumina were, and they had been like this sense even before the Queendom had encountered a small research ship of theirs almost 100 years before. The people were fairly open and loved to have a good time. Though Lunara was glad that Miranda was not there as there just might be an incident with how much that Princess still liked to party and have fun. To Billy and Iria she pointed out that as Billy was an observer and they would have at lease one as well, their observer would be the one to work with him during the talks, the Novas Lumina actually liked to have the support, as they saw him, on the team taking notes and comparing them with their counterpart from the other side. So he would not just be sitting there doing nothing, he needed to take notes on items of interest and unclear points from his view, she thought that looking at these talks from his point of view might be helpful to them all. And Iria, even though she was their servant and help she was going to be included in anything that the others were to experience or do while there, again this was just how they were, so enjoy her time in the evenings with the rest.

So over the next six days the group held trade talks with the Lumina in the mornings and early afternoons while Iria handled making sure their quarters were cleaned and clothing ready for later in the day. Billy's notes really got the attention of his counter part for the Lumina in that he was not distracted by her provocative dress or allowing him to see certain things at times. The first was because he had gotten use to Miranda and her style of dress, the second, well he knew that the lady observer for the Lumina could also be a man, besides he was not really into the curvy look with rather large breast. Athletic was more what he liked, but not all. Besides not falling for 'her' charms and the fact to he took notes on a portable computer in a notation that made no sense to the Lumina earned him praise by the Lumina and even Lunara and the others when he told them that some of his notes detailed how the delegation from the Lumina seemed very nervous and was getting more so the closer to the last day of talks drew. Almost like something was being hidden and they did not want them to find out or something.

ooOOooOOooOOoo D ooOOooOOooOOoo

That evening Airia knocked on Billy's door and asked for some time to talk about something somewhat important. He allowed her in and asked if she needed something to drink, they made small talk about the various events and such that the Lumna had been taking them to and what they had seen and experienced. Airia, told him that the final night of a negation sometimes the Lumina held what they would call an orgy but she had already explained that her and Mars could not take part due to their stations back home and that you would not be comfortable in that setting. Iria had also already explained that she could not due to oaths she had taken for the care of those she was assigned to, so the entire party had a valid reason not to join in. The Lumina would never force someone to join them in this for any reason, if was their lifestyle not others.

Billy nodded and thanked her for thinking of him in this and that yes he would have been very uncomfortable and nervous in that setting. But he got the felling that she was not there for small talk and to explain what normally happened after the Lumina finished something successfully, and he watched as for the first time sense he had arrived as Airia became nervous around him.

Airia took a steady breath and just started, "I should just say it out right, there are two reasons why I am talking to you tonight, Lunara and Rei know about one and I think suspect about the second. So I will get the easy one out first, You know of the Lunar Ball in a couple weeks, who are you taking or escorting?" She blushed here, hoping he did not think she was been pushy about something that in the greater scheme of things was very minor, but she did want her parents to meet him and this would be a good way to introduce them. She looked at him and was not sure what she saw there, mirth, someone that thought there was something much more important to discuss, and was they happiness hidden there as well.

Billy sighed, "I was going to ask you once we were on the way back, as I know you are not on duty. Yes I learned that I have access to the rotation calendar so I already checked before we left. Now that your heart can slow down and you can plan how to introduce me to your family around that time as well. Besides I think the others are also introducing me to their families around that time as well. Now what was the one that Lunara and Rei know about, that seems to be rather important to talk to me like this? And do not forget I have learned how to read you somewhat over the last near two cycles now, as I know you have done the same with me."

She nodded and answered him, "Me, Rei, and Lunara are to receive something from the Novas Lumina tomorrow as we finish the talks you and Kindra will be asked to leave before they give it to us. Me and Rei are the ones tasked with getting this item back to the Moon and the Queen as quietly as we can. The problem is that both Rei and me feel that the item may be a danger of some kind but we are not sure how or what. The Queen feels the same we found out from Lunara on the way here. You picking up on the Lumina's nerves and worry is what has me here talking to you, The Queen said we could let you know about this if we needed to or felt the need to. Well we all three feel the need right now. We need you to be fully on your guard as soon as we arrive at the talks tomorrow because if anything is going to happen it will be tomorrow or once we are headed back to the Moon."

Billy seemed to think about this before responding, "Do you three have any idea what it is? And how can I help, I will need to be careful as some of Kindra's actions now make a lot of sense as she may be trying to distract me for noticing anything wrong beyond the trade talks. I have been allowed both the pistol and sword with me during the talks, as well as either the Moon blade or my Family blade but not both. As I am due to have my Family blade I will keep the rotation correct and try not to call attention to myself tomorrow." Here he stopped and waited for her to speak.

She listened to him and nodded, "Yes, we only suspect that the Lumina have found someone that has tried to make a Planetary Mantle like is used to fully empower a Champion. Both Rei and me feel that something is wrong here and our feelings are like what we have felt before when Venus chose Miranda to be her Champion and her Mantle bestowed on her. The problem we feel, and it scares us, is that some one is trying to control the choice and the power." She stopped here, as whatever Billy said could not have been nice or good as she could tell he was angry and worried.

"Why is it I seem to run across the ego tripping megalomaniacs bent of world or galactic domination, or just wanting to becoming famous as quickly as they can? Remember that is how I came to be here with you and the others now. I'll be as ready as I can be and not draw attention to myself." He got up and opened his trunk then moved a small section of it and showed her a small number of throwing stars and spikes that he had, all designed to not set off scanners. Airia nodded her understanding; Billy was not going to play around. Like with the test with Keira, he was removing the limits for this part of the mission.

ooOOooOOooOOoo D ooOOooOOooOOoo

The next morning after breakfast, and before they left for the final day of talks and the final signing of the trade agreement, Lunara was seen talking to Iria before she joined them and said that is was time to go. Billy asked how Iria was and found out that she was worried as Airia, Reanna, her, and Billy all seemed to be nervous or worried about something, and she had just explained that the group was expecting to be offered again to join the Lumina delegation in celebrating the successful end of the talks even though they had already explained why they could, or would, not be able to. As the trade deal was something that really benefited both Empires a lot. And as this was Billy's first diplomatic mission he was nervous what to expect even now with how open the Lumina was about this part of their culture.

The talks, or signing, today was short and the agreement signed and accepted by both parties as they had both been able to get what they wanted, a fair agreement on both sides. Though a final signing was planed in a couple cycles by the Queen and the Lumina's Grand Elder that would fully ratify the deal and fully enforce it making trade between the Empires easier and more lucrative for both.

As expected after the signing the main delegation requested a few minutes to speak with the Champions and Lunara while the Observers waited outside. It was a last minute deal that had been brought up that would most likely affect future dealings with the Millennium Empire and was considered a major item, so the observers needed to leave.

Billy had been able to easily act normal as none of the Lumina's delegation was really watching him today. They were so focused on the signing and the hand over after that they hardly looked his way. But now, as he stood outside and waited, he was centering himself in case he needed to act quickly between now and when they left that evening. That was something that he did not understand why hand this item over now and not just before they left, that worried him and so he would be as ready as he could be until they got back to the Moon and the Queen. Kindra had left for a few minutes before returning and seeing him with his eyes closed asked if anything was wrong.

He smiled at her, "No, I am just relaxing while I wait for the others. This trip has helped me understand how the Millennium Empire deals with other realms better and it was interesting to watch how both sides handled the talks. I also want to thank you and your people for their hospitality and willingness to let others experience your culture as little or as much as they want." They both turned as the door opened and watched as both groups exited the room, only a slight nod from Lunara told Billy that the hand off was done.

Mars spoke up as she approached them, "Billy, we had been told that we can leave right after lunch as the rest of the day will be their celebrations over the successful end to these talks. They have a small feast ready for that and then we will be leaving, this is more so we do not feel even a little pressured into joining their celebrations afterwards. So I do hope you are as ready to go as you said last night." He just nodded in response here, the last part was his cue that they had the item and needed to get moving as soon as they could, but they still had the final 'feast' that signaled the end of the talks and start of the local celebrations left before they could actually leave. They would all be on their guard all the way back to the Moon.

The Lumina had several dancers at the lunch feast that changed genders as they danced making an interesting, if very disconcerting, display of talent. The meal was good, but Billy stayed away from any drink that he felt would dull his reactions, as did Mercury and Mars. As soon as the meal was over and they could return to the ship, it had arrived a few hours before and was not the same one they arrived on, but a larger passenger liner, Iria had taken the task of getting their trunks on the ship during the meal after Mercury had commed her and requested that she make sure they could leave shortly after the meal.

"Well this bit of suspense has made this trip very interesting, but also very stressful for the trip back to the Moon." Billy stated as they took the provided transport to the port and their ride home. Looking out of the window as they traveled as he did so. They were in the back of an aircar that was separated from the driver, so he was making sure that they stayed on track for the port.

Their worry that something would happen before they got to the ship turned out to be unfounded, but just raised the chance that something would happen during the trip back. This liner had a much larger passenger capacity and count than the one that had brought them here, this was worry some as they would not be able to watch everyone on the ship and would need to stay in the area assigned to them next to the small hold they would be using for the secure container as it could not be kept in their rooms. When Billy asked why they could not just do it for better security Airia explained, even as they noticed a small detail of Luminarian Guards waiting near the ship.

"Passenger Liners do periodic sensor sweeps of the insides of the ship during travel, these are really checking for developing leaks in seals and bulkheads, but will normally detect forging power sources. This is why we have to use the small secure hold next to our rooms to contain the transport container for the item, as this item will show up as a power source until it is bonded to a Chosen Bearer and we do not want to even attempt that as we have serious doubts of the safety of this particular item at this time."

ooOOooOOooOOoo D ooOOooOOooOOoo

As they debarked the transport and headed to the ship, while keeping and eye on the Guards there, one of them approached and handed Mercury a document. Which she read and seemed to relax some before turning to the others, "The Guards have been ordered to escort us back to the Moon to ensure our safety as they have recently uncovered a plan to possible attack us and damaged the Millennium Empire's reputation at the same time, by making it look as if we started an attack on a public transport vessel. They will join us and return after we arrive on the Moon, though I hope they are not needed and can have a bit of a working holiday trip." She then nodded to the one that handed her the message and motioned them to board.

Once onboard the ship they talked with the captain and once they had been shown their quarters and the secure hold, the ship was underway toward the Moon, this trip would be fives days, which was five more days that something could happen in.

As soon as they had gotten to their quarters and Iria was dealing with their meal for the evening Airia told the others the full message, and let them read the document she was given. It stated what she had told them, but also that the one who was responsible for the item they had had been sighted recently in a nearby system. They were playing hide-and-seek with the Luminarian authorities and they wanted to be as safe as they could be till the 'cargo,' as the message called it, was delivered to be dealt with.

Lunara summed up all of their feelings, "Well, there goes the nice relaxing return trip. With this now happening there is even less chance to relax on this trip than we already had. Billy, I hate to say this but you are our back in case things turn ugly during this trip. Please keep the sword and sidearm with you at all times." Billy nodded here and mentioned that Airia knew how armed he actually was. She nodded and looked to Mercury here.

"Billy has several small thrown weapons on him as well as the two we can see, I checked after he showed me and found that the Queen had sent them to him as a back-up in case he needed them. They do not show up on normal scans so there is no problem I can see right now. I just hope all this worry is for nothing, but feel it is not going to work that way. Rei, how is your feeling on this now?"

"Still there, but it is stronger now, making be believe that what ever is about to happen it will be soon. But now we have to worry about the passengers as well as our cargo. This is not something I look forward to as any fighting on a ship is always dangerous." She sighed and the looked around as if something would show itself and end this waiting.

Billy had been listening but felt he needed to say something now, "One thing that I learned about Ki use was that once you get to a given level of ability you could start to sense things around you. This would be unfocused at first but with training, practice, and experience would become more focused. I mention this as since we boarded this ship I have been feeling as if something is waiting to happen, and it will be soon I fear. I think one of us needs to be near the cargo at all times till we get back. That means eating in shifts, and I will not act like I have no clue as to what is happening now, we need everyone with the training and skill to protect this item that we have. I am sorry I can't pin the feeling down, it is just so unfocused." Rei reached over and placed her hand on his shoulder as they could all see that he felt bad that he could not give them more information.

"Billy, this is how most of my 'visions' as some call them start, they get clearer over time. But I have no idea how Ki sense works, but what you have said does give us some new information. Namely that what ever is about to happen will happen very soon. Now we can be ready, and you are right all three of us need to be ready at all times. Lunara, you will need to make sure that Iria is as safe as you can arrange if something does happen, she is not a warrior in any sense of the word." The black Mau nodded as she understood that she would be unable to do much else here if something did happen.

Airia was listening as they planed but saw Billy seem to come to a decision before he placed his hand over his tassels and sighed. "Billy, is there something wrong?"

He just gave them a small smile, "I was going to wait till just before the upcoming Ball, but I believe that now is the time. And yes, this is my choice. All the event happening now has done is move the event up a couple weeks." As the other three started to ask what he meant. Billy took and removed the Friends tassel and moved it to the other side. Changing it from indicating Friend to Ally. The others looked on in surprise as he did this, that was until Airia got up and moved to embrace him.

"I am happy that you decided to ally with us, but wish it was not during this event. But this does allow you to assist us fully and if the Luminarian Guards ask we well tell them that you made to decision to ally now, as you felt it was needed and was something you were about to do anyway." She stepped back and smiled.

Rei also hugged him and said almost the same as Airia, also that she was happy that they now did not need to worry about any diplomatic fall out due to him helping them with this new mission. Lunara, was grumbling and when asked by Rei what was wrong sheepishly said that she now owed the Queen and Jupiter 50credits each as both had bet her that Billy would Ally during the secondary mission if he truly felt the need to move his decision forward some. While she had bet that he would do it later, maybe around the Ball.

Billy took and stroked Lunara's back gently, having found out that the Mau liked this to a degree, "Sorry Lunara, but I want to be able to fully help here and this is the only way to do so legally and not cause a problem for the Queen or Champions."

"I know, it was just that I though I had a better read on when you would make your choice. I guess I am more upset that one of the few times I make a call like this I am wrong, but not because I had actually misread thing. But because of events that we have no control over happening and thus changing other things as well." She took and shook her head to clear it.

"We need to be on our guard now. All three of you feel something is about to happen and that is a good sign that what ever is coming will be here sooner than later. I will stay close to Iria till we get back to the Moon or what ever is coming happens." After she said this, she jumped down off the table and headed out.

ooOOooOOooOOoo D ooOOooOOooOOoo

The next day and a half was fairly quiet. Both Mercury and Mars were off checking on something with Billy left to help guard the cargo bay. As he was taking a reading with his portable sensor, the ships emergency alert sounded indicating that someone had been attacked. Mercury commed back stating that someone had attacked a small delegation from the Lumina but that no one had been killed, just knocked out and that Mars would be heading back in case this was related to the cargo.

A short time later Mars was back with some new information, "It seems that what we have is what we thought and that the maker was, or is, trying to control the mantle or the one that is chosen by the stellar body to use it. This is very dangerous, as this will normally drive the Champion, as we call them, mad. At this point the power they have becomes a danger to all around them as no one knows what will happen. This actually happened to the Lumina, the one that created this somehow found information on the base process and then made adjustments for what they wanted." She stopped and took a breath to calm her nerves, this was what they, the Champions and the Queen, had feared.

"In doing so they tried to bond the mantle to someone of their choosing and they had eventually lost control due to the mantle being constructed wrong. The Queen even says that to try and control the mantles are very dangerous and usually deadly. They are only supposed to help filter the power flow and help the bearer use the power safely and nothing more. And now the one who created this one is trying to get it back and does not care who is in the way." Rei looked worried about something and was about to say something when Billy spoke.

"Mars, I understand. But how much danger are we in being around it? Do we need to take precautions to make sure that the transfer container is not breached? It would be helpful to know this, also I have the portable scanner set to detect any one not in our group that approaches, I am also going to be using the visor as well. I had hoped that nothing would happen but we now know something is about to." Billy and Rei both jumped and the looked at their comm systems, Rei in her hand and Billy on his left forearm. Billy swore then looked at Rei, "Go and check on Airia, the interference on the comm systems has to mean that someone is about to try something. We need to know what is happening, I will stay with the guards here and hopefully keep the item secure."

Rei just nodded and ran back the way she came, fast. The guards in the area all looked at Billy in disbelief that he had sent away their heavy support. He just shook his head before address them, "Look the main problem will most likely be elsewhere on this ship, but we cannot forget that they might really be after what we have here. But I think that they will comment most of their effort to draw off any guards and only use a very small group to try and actually get the item. We need to make sure that does not happen. We are not only protecting the Millennium Empire but also the people of the Novas Lumina as well. Will you not protect your own from this threat? I will stand and fight to my best ability to make sure no own else is harmed by this item or the one that made it for their own gain."

Standing there in his new dark blue outfit/uniform armed and determined, the passion he put into the little speech actually got the ten guards there to stand up and take positions. They did not spread themselves out but stayed in three clusters of three to four guards with Billy inside their new perimeter as their sentry, he hoped to be able to alert them to anyone approaching the cargo bay.

Several minutes later the comms cleared and Mecury reported that a large group had attacked and was trying to take over the ships bridge and upper passenger area, she and Mars would have to deal with this before they could return to assist them at the cargo bay. Billy's response was that they would do what had to be done to protect the cargo, and asked if there was a fail safe like dumping the item into space. Finding out that that could be rather dangerous, and that a ship with even basic sensors could tract it due to its energy signature dumping it was not an option. They had to protect it till either the Champions or more guards returned to help.

Billy sighed and nodded to the guards as they had heard the report and then resumed monitoring the area, only to see six unidentified life signs approach through a maintenance access tunnel to their left. Signaling the guards with him, they shifted slightly to give full coverage to that area as Billy contacted Mercury about the contacts. The return message was that they were still engaged and would be a few minutes before they could even consider sending aid.

Billy drew his side arm and got ready to defend the cargo bay, leaving the visor up with a data display of the surroundings so that they would not hopefully be caught by surprise. "Get ready they are doing something to the hatch there…"

Just as he said that the hatch was blown off its hinges even as two of the contacts were caught in the blast, it seemed that who ever this was had no care for anyone, even their own followers. The visor had saved Billy's vision and allowed him to fire at the first through the access hatch, the man was caught square in the chest and went down hard. They all saw what looked like a large grenade tossed out of the hatch only to explode with some sort of pulse that washed over the guards with little effect.

That was until Billy noticed his blaster was now in an overload cycle and was not responding, he tossed the weapon at the hatchway as he shouted, "Discard all energy weapons now!" Only one of the groups with him responded in time, the other seven guards were caught as their own energy weapons exploded in their hands or next to them when they just dropped them. The combined blast that resulted from this disoriented Billy and the other guards for a few seconds and the last three attackers exited the hatch and moved quickly to engage at close range.

One of the guards shouted that the one in the red jumpsuit was the one wanted for the reported crimes. Billy decided to focus on him and let the three remaining guards deal with the other two aggressors. Flicking his left arm out Billy launched four barbed throwing spikes that all impacted the red clad one, but only one of the spikes penetrated the light armor of the jumpsuit. When the guy tried to pull out the spike he yelled in pain as the spike caught on the jumpsuit and refused to come out.

The guards and other attackers seemed to be at a stalemate but at least stayed focused on each other. Billy now knew that this fight was going to be up close and personal as the one he was facing drew a small sword that started to glow green. Billy just drew his blade while focusing his Ki for the fight and was rewarded with the Mercurian blade starting to glow and interesting reddish-blue.

The attack leader shouted something in an unknown language that was translated by his computer (the laptop) to mean; "Focus on the cargo bay only. Forget the guards. Secure my divine right to rule the Novas Lumina NOW!"

To which, the last attacker turned and fired a small missile or grenade at the cargo bay door. This forced Billy to jump and roll away, even though he did spin as he came out of the roll and tossed three shurikens at the last of this guys followers, all three caught the attacked in the chest or neck and dropped him to the deck. Finishing the spin in a guarded position Billy was looking at the leader who seemed to be totally enraged. Making a quick comm call to Mercury to let them know the situation, and found out that they were just heading back, but would take a little time because of the damage to the control systems for the bulkhead doors. His only response was a simple, "Make it quick."

"You fight well, join me and be rewarded for your skill. I am destined to rule over all and nothing can stop me." Billy noticed that the gem in the guy's headband was glowing as he spoke in Lunarian, and he felt the need to listen to him. And as Billy shook his head to clear the odd thoughts the man attacked and only Billy's reflexes and training allowed him to counter the attack. Having now realized that this man had some way to try and control others through the headband, the gem now being dark and Billy's head was clear, Billy focused on the fight and guarding himself from further mind tricks. He hoped anyway.

The fight was going to be short, especially if the attacker hit with his blade, as it seemed to have something dripping off it that actually hissed and made small holes in the deck where it landed. Billy focused on the fact that if this guy got into the cargo bay and to the item everyone on this ship was in danger of what ever this apparent mad man wanted to do. So after an attack combo that forced the man back, Billy took the few seconds to mentally remove all the limits he had placed on his skills and abilities. Having now actually killed at least twice now was no time to think about forcing the other to submit, this had to be ended the hard way.

As he opened his eyes the attacker jumped the distance between them somehow and knocked them both into the cargo bay, Billy received a message from Mars that they were almost there, they were less than a minute away. Billy just replied with a pained 'copy' before charging up he ranged Ki attack to the fullest. His opponent pulled a smallish item from a pouch and threw it toward him even as Billy released the life essence attack back at him.

The ball of Ki impacted the thrown item and both detonated throwing both fighters back from the point of detonation. The man in the red jumpsuit hit the cargo bay bulkhead hard and Billy hit something that gave under the impact…

ooOOooOOooOOoo D ooOOooOOooOOoo

Mars and Mercury with six guards were running toward the secure cargo bay, while Mars sent a message that they were almost there. His pained 'copy' added speed to everyone as they realized that he must be the only one left defending the bay. Some of the weapons that their opponents had had been nasty surprises; like the grenades that made their own energy weapons into bombs in their hands. The impulse grenades were a know item but used during a ship boarding action made them very dangerous.

When they turned the last corner into the passage where the cargo bay was the sight that greeted them was a shock. Guards and attackers all down; dead, injured, or unconscious all over the corridor; the cargo bay door was destroyed. As they slowed to approach the cargo bay there was a large explosion that was accompanied by the sound of metal and crystal breaking, and almost instantly afterword there was another, smaller but much closer blast. The second one was right on the other side of the bulkhead wall and made them all jump back.

After a second, Mercury and Mars cautiously moved around the blown bay door and the sight that greeted them and the guards with them stopped them in their tracks. In the middle of the room was a 6-foot tall redhead in an outfit very much like theirs but the base color was a dark blue. The outfit was more of a jumpsuit with thigh length skintight shorts under a skirt that was just a little shorter. The skirt was white at the top with red flames rising up from the bottom. There were no bows like Mars and Mercury had, but the suit did have a flame red harness over the jumpsuit that supported a beautiful Solar Gem in a sun burst setting. The suit did have a collar like theirs being the same dark blue as the suit with bright red triple strips.

This person's hand was extended toward the wall that had been between them before and looked as if she had just thrown something toward the wall. Mars checked what may have been her target and saw the very one that they were trying to stop; he (or she at that time) looked very crispy and heavily singed. They had moderate to sever burns on their arms, legs, face, and torso. The headband they had on was cracked and looked like it was about to fall off but something was holding it in place. Mars motioned for the six guards to secure the prisoner as she could see them still breathing, though it was labored.

As she turned back to the other Champion, as who else could this be, she was worried that they may have to fight her as well… Then it hit her; where was Billy? She could see his sword on the deck a little ways back but nothing else. Then Mercury asked a single word question and the scared looking Champion nodded slightly and looked down at herself and Mars saw her eyes roll back in her head and moved the catch her as she fainted, before turning to look at Mercury in disbelief.

While Mars had checked out the spot that the new champion seemed to have attacked, Mercury focused on the redhead. The blast mark around her was an indication that something had gone wrong, and she saw the remains of the secure transport container that they had had the damaged mantel in laying broken where it has come to rest after the explosion. There was something at the red-head's feet that drew her attention and with her Mercury Link noted that it was what was left of the new Champion's headband and gem that had been in it. The Link also picked up the remains of a connection between that headband and the damaged one on the head of their prisoner, she saved that info for later. Now focusing on the redhead's face she found that it looked familiar, then she saw the Headband, the Headband of a Friend of the Moon. Quickly she scanned the person and could not believe what she found.

She looked up just as Mars turned and regarded the new Champion and said, "Billy?" That one word received a small nod and the redhead looked down at herself, then collapsed in a dead faint. Mars was able to catch her before she hit the deck, and then looked back at her in disbelief.

Mars then asked, "What the hell happened in here? And how can this be Billy? He was a male and not a member of the Novas Lumina." The worry in her voice was clear to all in the cargo bay and they all shared it.

"I have no idea until we can get and review the security holo footage, but my scan of her returned that the headband she is currently wearing is Billy's and is currently still being worn by him. It seems that we now know how He controlled others, or at least tried to. The headband he has on. The one in pieces next to you Mars was the one that our new Champion should be wearing, but for some reason shattered breaking the connection. There is also the fact that the secure transport container is laying broken on the other side of the bay so I believe that the fight between these two somehow made its way in to the cargo bay and something happened that saw Billy impact, or land on, the container and it some how ruptured. After that point I am not sure what happened or why Billy is currently a 6-foot tall redheaded Champion. We will need the Queen to figure that one out I believe. I just hope that Billy is not permanently harmed due to this." Mercury was crying by that point. She did not try and hide her worry for their friend, but turned to the guards before continuing.

"Make sure they do not escape, with the injuries they have I doubt that will be a hard task now as they are lucky to be alive at all. This ship does have a secure medical bay so use it a be sure that all the guards have a defense for their mental attack, though I think it has been destroyed with their headband. We will secure this one ourselves as I doubt anyone but Mars or me will have a chance if something happens between now and us arriving on the Moon." The guards nodded before going about transporting the heavily injured prisoner to the secure med bay.

"Rei, I will secure his sword can you please take and place him in his quarters. We will have to bring Iria in on this now, as we will need her to help take care of Billy. I do not know about you but that troubled feeling I was having is gone, but I feel as if something has gone right." Airia sighed and gently touched Billy's cheek, "I pray to the heavens above that you are not harmed by this event, though I fear you will be changed in some way my friend. You still are to be my escort to the Lunar Ball in a few weeks so please get better."

They had been moving toward the quarters when Iria carefully approached them, "Champions what has happened, as soon as the first alert sounded Lunara made sure that me and her were in a safe location. Where is Master Rhodes-Tenashi? I do hope he has not been injuried and who is this new champion that…" Here she took a step back in fear, "How can this be, a new Champion? Wait all the fear and nerves of the Novas people… Some one made a tainted mantle? Where is Billy? Please tell me he is not harmed." Airia moved and embraced Iria, then guided her into Billy's quarters where they all watched and Reanna placed the redheaded Champion on his bed.

Both Iria and Lunara gasped in shock at what this could mean. Iria almost fainted herself while Lunara ask the obvious questions, "It that actually Billy? And how is this possible? I can now see the Friend Headband but… How?"

Airia responded, "Yes, this is Billy. As to how… We have no idea right now only guesses. Mars we need to get to the Moon as quickly as possible, please inform the captain. Though I think they will not argue at this point, what with the attack on the ship and now this. Just tell them that the attack was to help try and get the cargo but we still have it in our possession. Also please have the head of that Lumina party talk to Lunara shortly. Iria, we need you to help us care for Billy till we can get this sorted and that will not happen till we get back to the Moon and the Queen. Lunara I want you to review the security holo from the bay with me and then talk to the Lumina delegation leader and make sure that they know we have the situation under control and will keep it that way till we reach the queen." She took a breath and then went about pulling the security holo from the ships computer while Mars went to do her tasks.

ooOOooOOooOOoo D ooOOooOOooOOoo

All in all everything went smoothly for the next 22 hours, as the ship made a hard burn to the Moon. Meaning that they went straight there and not along the normal sightseeing cruse route. The only thing that happened during that time was that Billy had woken and now was worried that he would harm his friends for some reason even though he did not feel as if anything was wrong or off. Iiria taking and placing a finger to his, her currently, lips as she told him she trusted her friend fully as she made sure he ate and rested was something that everyone liked, even the Luminarian delegation, as it showed that he was not a danger. That maybe the broken headband had been to controlling link that had caused all the problems, but till the Queen was able to verify this and figure out why this happened they would not really fully relax.

Billy did find that on the harness, on the new outfit, he still had access to his new laptop and the portable multi-scanner. He also could still use the bracer mini-system connected to the laptop and his visor that was also connected to it. Both Mars and Mercury tried to talk him through the power down cycle that he should have but nothing happened. This was something else that they needed the Queen for; he could not even do the partial cycle to return to the outfit he had been wearing at the time.

As the ship approached the Moon several Lunar Naval vessels approached and had the liner follow them to a different port on the Moon so that the ship could be fully checked over once all the passengers had debarked. This port would also verify each passengers information before transporting them to the normal port to catch a ship to their final destination or just to their destination on the Moon.

The Champions, Iria, Lunara, and the changed Billy all waited for the rest of the passengers to debark before they did so through a small cargo port away from the others. They were met by a full company of Alphas that did not know what to do when Mercury, Mars, a servant, and a Mau diplomat would not let them get too close to the new Champion. They explained that the Friend and Ally of the Moon Billy was still nervous and scared that he may hurt someone that they felt he should just be escorted and not locked down for the rest of the trip.

When the new Champion, who had her arms folded across her chest and was rubbing her arms nervously, stated that the Alphas were only trying to do their jobs and that she took no offense to that, the leader of the unit took and scanned the new Champion and sucked in his breath. Noticing this Mercury asked, "Captain Mercel, is there something wrong?"

"No Ma'am, it is just that what ever happened is going to really make some waves if it gets out. Detail take up escort positions Bravo-9 and lets get these folks to the Queen like we were asked to." Responded the captain.

Seeing that the new Champion did recognize his name the captain just moved to take a position behind Mercury as they new headed to the large military transport that would take them all to the palace and the Queen. The closer they got the more Billy seemed to shake. Iria was across from him and would reach across and gently touch his forearm in a reassuring manner as did bit Mercury and Mars. Mercel was next to Mercury and she explained as best she could what had happened and what was bothering the new Champion, namely that he no longer knew what his life was. He had followed his training and now faced a very uncertain future, as no one was sure if anything could be done to help him as he had not been able to revert, even party, back to how he had been dressed before the event happened. His life was even more upside down than when he had first arrived on the Moon a few months ago.

The captain nodded to her report and explanation of the event that led to this and had no idea how he would have reacted if the positions had been changed. His respect for the New Ally of the Moon was very high now, as was his concern about what lay ahead for him, or her… sometimes his head hurt due to magic.

Once at the Palace they were taken, not to the Throne Room, but to a room in the lower sections of the research department, a section that Billy had never been in before because it was restricted to a very small number of people. Despite Iria's demands to remain with her friends in this time of uncertainty she had to stop at the same check point as all but the captain and one other guard, Mercury, Mars, and Lunara. The ones she had just spent the last few weeks with promised to tell what they could later, she nodded and left with tears of worry and fear in he eyes.

Once they arrived in a largish room where they met the Queen and two others wearing the lab coats of the heads of one of the R&D sections, twin sisters it seemed. Before anyone could even report the Queen smiled and welcomed them all back and actually walked up and hugged Billy, before she turned to Mercury and asked her to report on the secondary mission.

Mercury detailed all the major point from the moment that the Lumina had given them the item all the way up to the end of the fights. The one in the cargo bay she relayed, as she replayed the holo of what happened right at the end just before Mars and her arrived. "As you can see Your Highness, when the impulse grenade impacted on Master Rhodes-Tenashi's Ki-blast the combined blast wave tossed them both back, very hard. The Luminarian we now know as D'nile slammed into the bulkhead and was almost knocked out, but had suffered several broken ribs, a broken arm and leg, and sever bruising over most of their back, along with a concussion. While Bil… Master Rhodes-Tenashi was thrown back with the same force, except right in to the transport container. He had been worried about something happening to the container but we had never gotten a chance to discuss it as D'nile had just started their attack to try and get the Mantle back. The way he impacted the container would have seen him in the trauma bay for several days normally, but the container ruptured and the Mantle came in to contact with him and it seems to have bonded to him. But this explosion and the Champion's Headband breaking and falling off dose not make sense." She stopped here for a moment to take a breath and gather her thoughts on how to finish their report.

"We think that D'nile was using the headband they wore to try and control others, almost everyone of their followers had one grafted to their heads, as was the one that D'nile wore themselves, lends support to this. So if the Headband on the new Champion was the control point and it was somehow broken, we feel that Master Rhodes-Tenashi was then able to regain control and put D'nile out of the fight. Though it was very close to being permanently out." Here Billy started to break down drawing concerned looks from all in the room, the mumbled statement made was caught by a few, but it was Mars that responded.

Not caring about protocol now Mars embraced him before she stated, "Billy you did what had to be done. They would have killed you and all the guards to get to the Mantle. I know from personal experience that your first live combat situation is never like they show in some many holos. You respect life and do not want to take one if you can help it. The guards that were hurt or killed was not because you did anything wrong, they either did not follow their orders correctly or were just out classed by their opponents. It happens and those in the command position in the field like you were, have to accept that it happens. Now let us help you, we want to help you." She had bent down slightly to look in to the eyes of her friend as she spoke and could she the hurt and the fear there.

Mercury added, "We will help you Billy, you are a Friend to us and we stand by our friends."

That got the redhead to respond as she looked at Mars, Mercury, the Captain, Lunara, and the Queen. She did glance at the twins but had never met them before. Everyone in the room nodded to her and / or gave a small smile. Billy may have been a Master of martial arts and held a degree in an advance area of study, but at that moment he, no she currently, was a scared little child that had been torn for her old life for a second time in just a few months.

The Queen then gently asked Billy to tell them all he could remember about the fight and anything about the change after the container had ruptured. Billy just nodded and took a deep breath before going over the fight and what had gone through his mind at times as well. "When I realized that it was just me and him…her… "Billy shook his head here, "and saw what I believed was acid dripping from their blade I had to do something that I hoped would never need to do and remove a simple block I placed on myself during meditation. This was a block that prevented me from attacking someone with killing intent with any hand weapon other than a gun. It only took a second but this D'nile had somehow jumped a good ten feet at me and knocked us both into the cargo bay, I charged and tossed a Ki-blast as they threw what I thought was a grenade, when they impacted and detonated at the same time I was thrown back into something that I felt collapse under me. At the same time I saw her hit the wall and slump down. The next thing I know is that some one with a gentle voice was talking to me and I was in was seemed like a golden room while the voice explained that I had been chosen because I had a good heart and a desire to protect others, but that this was also only a temporary situation…" his voice almost cracked here before, "if it was temporary why can't I revert at least? Why am I stuck like this, in a body that is not mine…." Mercury embraced him this time while he calmed down enough to finish.

While he was calming down the Queen had looked at the twin in the purple lab coat and she nodded and moved to a computer and started to check things. She gave a smile of encouragement to the Moon's newest Ally when Billy looked toward her, and this seemed to help him continue with the story.

"Sorry, I am just completely out of depth here, and scared witless." This was said softly, the fear was still there but something else was to, the determation that they had all seen in Billy before this happened. "After I was told that this was to be temporary I felt as if something was trying to tear my head open. The gentle voice was back again telling me I had to resist and to break the outside chains or it would destroy me as it had destroyed the others before. I do not know exactly what I did, but I focused my Ki and prayed that the Lord would help me, the next thing I know was feeling something torn away from the outside of the golden room and hearing/feeling an explosion seeing the one that had been attacking me physically and mentally trying to get up and I just… I am not sure… But I somehow threw a rather nasty looking fireball at them that hit and they stopped moving but was still breathing. I froze at that time, though the voice was soft said I would return to normal at the right time. About this time I noticed both Mercury and Mars looking at me when Mercury just asking if I was Billy." He steadied himself here before finishing, "I looked down and saw a woman's body that I somehow knew was mine, and I just passed out." He shook his head and took another calming breath.

"The next thing I remember was waking up in my quarters on the ship with Iria watching over me and quietly talking to Lunara. I found out that Mercury and Mars had been guarding the door mostly to prevent anyone from trying to enter and harm me. I have never thanked you two for that, nor you Lunara for watching over me during that time. Or Iria for that matter I need to as soon as I can." They could tell he was trying to be calm but could see he was fighting for it as well.

The Queen nodded to the other twin, in the red lab coat, who also moved to start checking things on a different computer, then she spoke, "Thank you Billy. What you have told us fits with the records from the original work done on the Mantles almost 1300 years ago. Each Mantle is linked to a given stellar body and each stellar body can at times communicate with the person bonded to it. This communication is normally in the form of a female of some kind; young, old, gentle, hard, loving, and helpful. These are but some of the attitudes we have on file from the earliest experiments into tapping the planetary mana pools to help protect the worlds, the ones that had started the experiments had wanted to create several warriors for each staller body but found that with the Mantles only one person could be bound at a time. With out the Mantles a staller body could pick hundreds or more, but none really every have a large pool of power. The Mantles help filter and assist in using the stellar body's mana to protect it or the system. The Mantles that were first made had a control in them to make sure that the ones chosen did not try and overthrow the Crown then, but it was quickly found that doing so made the Mantles unstable and thus dangerous to everyone, including the users. I will not get into the technical details as that would take several cycles just to get past the basics. I wanted you to understand that I think you may have helped the stellar body to remove the controlling element, or as it is seen by the stellar body's mana, the taint that would end up casing more harm that help." She stopped and looked at everyone before stepping toward Billy and requesting that every one else please stand back.

After they stepped back she took and placed one hand at the top of Billy's sternum, just below the hollow in her neck. The other hand she placed at the base of her back, where the back and bum meet. While she was not touching Billy, just the placement of her hand in relation to 'her' new body had a blush on her face.

The queen then took a slow breath, closed her eyes as her hands started to glow, a second late and magic could be seen to flow between her hands and the blush on Billy's face had gotten deeper at the same time. After a few seconds the magic stopped and the Queen opened her eyes, and smiled. Everyone, including Billy, relaxed when they saw the smile. She took a step back and stated, "Things are not as bad as they seem, Billy I will help you revert back fully, but you still need to make a choice. It seems that the Stellar body wants to thank you for removing the main taint to the Mantle though it is still damaged and it may never be able to be corrected. We cannot destroy this one as it has been fully bound to a stellar body and as such to destroy it can do damage to the body it is bound to. I would suggest you accept the gift, or gifts, as this is a very unusual situation. No matter what you decide to do you have been touch by some of the greatest magic ever created and this will change you."

Everyone looked at him, as he spoke, "I would like to know what is being offered so that I can make an informed choice here. I know that, well feel that, what is being offered will help me but after what happened on the ship I would like to know more first this time." He looked down embarrassed about asking what the gift, or gifts, were.

The Queen just nodded in understanding, "Close your eyes and picture yourself back in that golden room, you will find the items being offered there. The final choice on any is yours and yours alone. After this I can help you revert back and release the Mantle from you."

They all waited as they watched Billy close his eyes and relax into a meditative state when Mercury stated, "I am a little jealous of how easily he enters that state, I have been practicing meditation for years and have yet to enter into a full meditative state like that, that fast." When he smiled after a minute the others started to get anxious to find out what was happening.

When he opened his eyes and smiled, Lunara could not wait any longer, "So what does the stellar body want to give you and did you find out what the body is and where?"

I will tell you all the two gifts offered and accepted once the Mantle is released. As to what the stellar body is and where, Your Highness the Millennium Empire and the Novas Lumina need to explore the system near where D'nile was first found. There is a stellar abnormality there that will astound everyone, a Sun that has started to go Nova but some how was arrested in the middle of the initial release. The people that did this have long since died out but their civilization is still partly intact, this is also where D'nile fond the information to create this Mantle, but I think their information was incomplete. Please Your Highness, Help me revert and to release the Mantle so that it can be hopefully fixed so that this race has one truly special legacy left to them." Billy was now smiling and relaxed, his fear of an unknown future and life settle for the time being.

Smiling the Queen walked him through a slightly different process to revert to his normal body and damaged clothing, Captain Mercel was happy to note that the tassels showed an ally and master warrior now, as was the Queen. After waiting a minute the Queen then walked Billy through releasing the Mantle, though she did have to aid him slightly as there was no one to give the Mantle to as that was what this process was normally used for. Once the Mantle had been released and was placed in a holding system they could all see the beauty of what was almost pure energy with only a few solid parts that contained the Runes, enchantments, and links to the stellar body, the feeling that each got now was one of peace and rest.

The red clothed twin stated, "The Mantle is stable though some of the filtering and stabilizing enchantments are missing. This Mantle is actually unfinished, if this is what that lost race had gotten to, then they almost had completed harnessing planetary mana systems. What I see here is very much like the records show of the third stage binding attempts here, and the fifth stage is the one we use as it is the one that works the best. A sixth stage was attempted but it became unstable to easily. I will more this to the secure storage for now." She then took the holding system and headed from the room through a door in the back of the room.

Now the twin in the purple clothing approached Billy, "It would seem that the redheaded woman you were while in Champion mode was actually what you would have looked like if you had been born female. Now I really want to know what the gifts that the spirit of a star gave you for helping it get free, as I am sure all your friends are."

Billy blushed here again before he started, "Well first off, I think that Mars and me will need to practice some times." He held up his hand and looked at it for a second and he was then holding a handful of white flames. "It seems that the Star granted me the ability to use fire magic to a point." Mars smiled, after she recovered from her surprise and just nodded about helping him learn this new skill, the Queen smiled though hoped that this was the biggest thing gained.

"Second, was something I am going to need to get use to around friends first before anything else." Here he closed his eyes leaving the white flames in his hand and reverted to the redheaded woman, then changed quickly back again. "I will need to practice that so that I can hold the switch longer. I am not like the Lumina, this is a magical ability, and one I was born with." Everyone was surprised here, "Hey it was more that I did not have a choice in the matter the first time, this time I did and I have no issues with it. Males and females are almost the same in their abilities just the gender is different, and yes ladies I know that you go through things men don't, if you can handle it I can learn to as well." Billy swayed and shook his head, "I think I better get to bed, I am suddenly very tired."

Everyone there smiled at that, though the two male guards were not sure if they agreed but they did not need to worry about it really. But Mercury responded here, "That is normal I believe, for what just happened. You should be fine in the next few days. Though I am courious about why you accepted the gender change? With your leave My Queen, we will see Billy back to his quarters here and how much can we tell Iria, she was brought in on the mission at the end and is very worried about Billy?"

The Queen nodded here, "Let her know that the Mantle was safely removed, and Billy I believe that is what has made you so tired. It was not transfered to another and so actually took more effort to remove from you. Also the gifts that Billy received, but I am still wondering exactly why you accepted the second one… We can talk about that another time, as I have to be leaving soon to talk to the Lumina delegation about this, I will not discuss the gifts, just that it was removed and dealt with. Nothing else with Iria, the fact that her friend is now safe and what he gained from this should be more than enough." She took and turned to leave through another door on the side of the room. "I will wish you all a good day, Captain please see that the correct reports are filed later for the guards involved."

As the Queen left Mercury and Mars both took one of Billy's arms each, "Now lets get you to your quarters so you can rest. I have a feeling though that the Queen will be changing the location of your quarters shortly as you are now no longer a guest, but more of a resident." Came from Mars, with a smile on her face. "We will work out a training schedule for your new skill in a few days. Airia do you have anything to say?" They had led him from the room toward some lifts while talking.

"Not really, though I will have more questions once I have time to sit and go over what happened. Billy needs to get some rest, we will deal with the rest later." Airia then selected the correct level and they continued helping Billy make it back to he quarters and bed, as he was all but asleep when the reached the Guest Wing, he needed the help. The two Champions left to find Iria and inform her of what happened, and then they would retire until the next day as well.

Chapter 7 FIN