First Contact (June 5, 2 pm) (Anemone)

[Princess Oya]

Thunder roars but does not strike. Lightning strikes but does not roar.

Choose to Be Lightning

Oya had only rarely left Jupiter; she had visited Uranus before with her parents to watch some sort of important races, and had gone with them to Neptune on vacation a few times. She had never yet been to any of the worlds on the other side of the asteroid belt, which is why she was so excited to meet actual Venusian royalty, coming to Jupiter to talk about the state of current affairs in the system. Honestly, she had thus far managed to remain blissfully unaware of what was going on, mostly due to her overprotective parents. She was only thirteen, after all, too young to worry about such things, at least in her parents' eyes. Oya would be allowed to attend dinner with the Venusian royals, and if their princess so wished, the two of them could spend some time getting to know one another, but she was not to take part in any of the official meetings.

Honestly! Sometimes she felt they treated her like she was still five years old instead of thirteen.

So there she stood, wearing her green border-printed princess gown, with coordinating wrapped headdress and a pair of beaded sandals, waiting for the Venusian ship to arrive. She knew not every world had solar-sailing ships like the Jovians had, because she had seen enough on her trips as well as sometimes when they would arrive carrying imported goods from other worlds, but wasn't sure what exactly the ones from Venus would look like. She was genuinely curious.

♥

[Princess Anemone]

Anemone had begged her parents to let her attend their formal dinner with the Jupertian royalty. At first her father said no, stating that the meeting would be mainly to discuss what he called “important interplanetary affairs”. Yet, she did not take that first no for an answer, and spent a good deal of time trying to persuade him. Her mother, being slightly easier to win over, was probably an even bigger help in changing her father’s mind. Although, when Queen Parvati found out that the Jupiterians had a daughter about Anemone’s age, it made it far easier.

The Venusian spacecraft landed, and their servants were the first to exit. They carried a variety of gifts; wines made from the queen’s personal vineyard, roses from Adonis gardens, and a few specialty foods made by the head chief.

Two attendants followed, along with a few bodyguards. As instructed, the older did not announce the royals. Princess Anemone stepped out next, with her parents a few steps behind her. She was dressed in her formal princess attire. The dress itself is a soft shade of goldenrod, a Grecian style chiffon. It features an empire style waist, accented with beaded applique and cowl neckline. The skirting of the dress is very loose, flowing, appear delicate like the petals of a newly bloomed rose. Her shoes were a pair of soft tan sandals with laces that wrapped around her ankles. Her high curly carmine tresses were brushed up in a high ponytail.

Slender hands gently ran along her skirting as she gave a formal curtsy, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my name is Princess Anemone.

Her parents gave nods in approval as the young teen gave a polite smile. “My parents, King Adonis and Queen Paravati”

[Princess Oya]

Thunder roars but does not strike. Lightning strikes but does not roar.

Choose to Be Lightning

"I present to you Their Royal Majesties King Adedayo and Queen Eniola," came the announcement, "their son, Prince Kayin, and their daughter Princess Oya."

On her best behavior, Oya genuflected to the Venusian royals while making the symbol of Jupiter on her chest. Then she stepped forward to place flower crowns upon the heads of the Queen, the Princess... and yes, even the Venusian King was given a flower crown. They were traditional gifts for greeting guests, especially the important kind.

"It is an honor to meet you," she said as she placed the crowns upon their heads (or tried to; if anybody's like, "Nooooo!" I guess she won't put it there.)

"Please, join us for a bit of afternoon tea before we get down to talking about business," her father said.

Oya didn't know what kind of business they were going to discuss. Maybe they wanted some kind of trade agreement between the two planets? She wondered if it would be hard to fly big cargo ships through the asteroid belt.

"Did you have a pleasant trip here?" her mother asked-

to which Oya added, "Was it hard getting through the asteroids?"

Her father shot her a glare of disapproval. She wasn't meant to speak so freely in important meetings such as this.

"I'm sorry," she said softly, looking down into the teacup that had just been filled in front of her. "I just got excited."

"Go easy on her; it's her first time meeting Venusians at all, much less royalty," her mother said as she picked up her own cup and took a sip.

The brew was made not from tea leaves, but from roots and herbs that had been boiled and sweetened with the juice of berries. It was an acquired taste, and Oya, who had grown up drinking it almost every day, liked the concoction very much.

Oya opened her mouth to say how she had never been to any of the planets on the other side of the asteroid belt, but thought better of it and closed her mouth again. She didn't want to brave her father's disapproving glare again, if she could help it.

♥

[Princess Anemone]

Princess Anemone gave a polite smile when the flower crown was placed on her head. “So pretty, thank you”


Adonis and Parvati knelt slightly to allow Oya to place the flower crowns on their heads.

“Well met, Princess Oya,” replied the queen Parvati.

“It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance” replied Adonis.


The king motioned for their main attendants to meet with the Jupertian’s to sort out where the various gifts were to be placed. He then gave a formal bow, followed by his wife and Anemone. “Why thank you, your majesty. It is also a pleasure to meet you and your family.”

“Yes, we do have much to speak of” added Queen Parvati, “We also have three younger ones Prince Leto, and our darling twins Princess' Delphi and Pythia.”


Anemone couldn’t help but feel a bit excited. This meant she was finally old enough to sit in on a serious meeting! Maybe she could even comment? Perhaps not… the last thing she wanted to was to upset her parents. Anemone gave her mother a small smile, who just nodded in return. “You’ll be alright” the older woman quietly mouthed to her.


“Yes, we had a pleasant journey” replied in a Paravati polite tone.

Oya’s question drew a small chuckle from Paravati, but she quickly silenced herself when she caught a similar look from her own father. The young princess waited until her mother took a sip of the tea, before taking a small sip of her own. It had a different taste than most of the teas, but she did like the slight sweetness she noticed.


“No harm done, I suppose it is one of the interesting of the things that happens when one has a teenage daughter, “ replied Adonis, “Speaking of which, Anemone would you care to answer Princess Oya’s question?”

Her mother gave him a curious look, then an encouraging smile to her daughter. "Go ahead, dear"

Anemone gently set her cup down, “Yes, father, mother…” Why!?

Her focus shifted to Oya. She tried to recall the many questions she had pestered the various crew members with. Deep down, she knew this was why her father wanted her to answer… “We were able to avoid the asteroids with the ship’s guidance system. It has been equipped with its own AI so it can avoid any sudden or large objects in our path. So the flight here was enjoyable.”

“She is correct, it is a system our scientists created, with some aid from the Mercurians” added King Adonis.

[Princess Oya]

Thunder roars but does not strike. Lightning strikes but does not roar.

Choose to Be Lightning

The Venusian royals all gladly accepted their flower crowns, even the king, which pleased Oya. She knew Venus must have a different culture with different customs, and giving guests flower crowns may not be a part of that. She was anxious to find out more about their world, and hoped she would get the chance to ask at some point. Maybe...

"I was just thinking-" she began in a small voice.

"Yes?" her father said. "Speak up, dear."

First he wanted her to be quiet, and now he was asking her to speak up?

Still on her best manners, Oya replied, "Yes, Father. I was just thinking maybe Princess Anemone and I could go somewhere and talk among ourselves while you discuss your business."

The king and queen of Jupiter exchanged a look which communicated as much as a whole discussion on the matter might have, perhaps because it wouldn't be the first time they had that discussion. Was Oya ready to enter the world of adults even at her young age? Was she ready to hear of the very adult problems currently happening in the system?

"I... don't think that will be necessary," her father said carefully, while her mother just sat wringing her hands. Clearly she was more on the side of keeping their daughter innocent as long as possible. "What we have to discuss today concerns he both of you. Her Majesty, Queen Serenity, has decided the time has come to annex the planet Earth into our empire." His voice was even and his words matter-of-fact, betraying nothing of his own feelings on the matter. "She has formally requested each planet send their Sailor Senshi to aid in her efforts."

"What does that have to do with me?" Oya wanted to know. "I'm not a Senshi."

"Not yet, but you will be, and with all that's going on in the system right now, it will likely be sooner rather than later."

Intellectually, the princess knew her destiny was to be her planet's guardian one day- she was the only daughter, after all- but somehow she had never thought it would really happen. She sat silently for a long moment, gray-green eyes having grown large, trying to process the reality that it was really going to happen, and soon.

♥

[Princess Anemone]

Anemone glanced back at her parents after Oya asked if they could be excused so they could leave the adults to their business, and have a polite chat. The Venetian princess felt a bit torn at first. One the one day, she wanted to stay and listen to what the adults were going to talk about. On the other, she welcomed the chance to talk to Oya.

“I would not mind, father… mother? I promise I shall be on my best behavior”

Her mother gave her a weak smile, “No, that will not be necessary”

“I agree with you, Kingo Adedayo. Anemone, there is another reason why we wished you to attend this meeting. This will be a chance for you to finally put your gift to good use. I know, you have just discovered your henshin… but your mother was once in your shoes. She will make sure you are well prepared”

“There is a chance you both will be fighting by each other's side… on Earth.” the queen replied in a polite tone. Her smile concealed her true thoughts.

It was a lot to take in, at least for the young princess. At that moment her thoughts became flooded with questions. She gave a curious glance toward the other princess. “Princess Oya, when you get your henshin… maybe we can help each other? Somehow?”

[Princess Oya]

Anemone also seemed interested in going off to talk together while the adults talked about adult stuff, but like Oya's own parents, the Venusian king and queen thought it was time the girls began to use their gifts in the service of the Empire.

"But I'm only thirteen," Oya protested weakly, "I can't be a senshi yet."

"I didn't feel like I was ready when my time came, either," her mother said kindly, "but I grew into the role quickly, as will you."

But she also hadn't been thirteen when she had gotten her powers, Queen Eniola noted. She had been fifteen, and she hadn't been immediately plunged into a war the way her own mother had been. Indeed, the likelihood of going to war with the Earthlings was the biggest reason she was so reluctant to let her daughter take on those powers at such a young age. But events had already been set into motion, and it seemed there was no changing their minds and turning back now.

Oya and Anemone shared an uncertain glance as the other girl suggested they would be able to help one another once Oya received her powers. The younger princess tried to smile.

"Thank you. I just... this is all just so much so suddenly," she said. "It's a little overwhelming. Are we really going to have to go fight on Earth? I've never even been there before. I don't even know anything about it."

[Princess Anemone]

“I understand how you feel, Oya. My henshin was an accident… I discovered my powers only a few months ago. I know it can feel so overwhelming, but you are going to be alright. We can help each other learn.” Anemone gave another nervous smile. She was not sure if she was trying to convince herself or the other princess… maybe both?

“I mean, I know we have just meet… but if our mothers can do it, so can we...right? I am sure they are going to help prepare us for the coming battles.”

The Venusian queen’s eyes softened as she glanced toward the two young teens. “Yes, I am afraid you will both probably see a bit of battle when you visit Earth. Please, try not to worry too much, my sister will be there to guide you both. Yes, Anemone, we try to prepare you, mentally at least, for the upcoming battles”


Adonis nodded at Parvati words, “Perhaps a formal visit might be in order? It might be best for the girls to visit Earth beforehand. Even though the planet has been documented, they should have the chance to see the area in question. I believe Queen Serenity briefly mention the location… The Golden Kingdom, was it? I would like to make sure the girls are prepared if they are going to face any battles there”

[Princess Oya]

Anemone tried to reassure Oya that she would be all right. Apparently the other princess hadn't been a senshi for long, herself, having acquired her powers only a few months ago, and she didn't even seem that much older than Oya. After all, their mothers had been Senshi back in the day, so why couldn't they do it, too?

Anemone's parents tried to reassure her as well. Queen Serenity would be there to help guide them, the girl's mother said, which actually did help make her feel a lot better. Queen Serenity was the most powerful woman in the solar system! If anyone could help Oya learn to use her Senshi powers, could protect her in the upcoming war, it would be her. Then Anemone's father suggested the girls actually go to Earth to have a chance to see it beforehand.

"That sounds terribly dangerous," King Adedayo said. "If anyone on Earth learned who they were, their very lives would be in danger!"

"Perhaps they should pay a visit to the moon, however, to get to know Queen Serenity and learn about why they're meant to be going to Earth. We can't ask them to go off to war without knowing what they're fighting for," said Queen Eniola.

"I think I would like to go to the Moon Kingdom first," Oya opined. "I've never been a Senshi before, and if Her Majesty, Queen Serenity, can help me learn more and faster I would like to have that chance."

[Princess Anemone]

“True, I simply hate the idea of the girls going to fight on such… unknown territory. I would feel better if they had the chance to take a look at this Golden Kingdom before any serious conflict starts. Hmm…. Or perhaps we should send a few spies of our own?” Adonis suggested to King Adedayo.

The Venusian Queen gave a small nod“Good idea… It will give the girls the chance to ask more detailed questions on their upcoming mission” Parvati turned her attention toward the young princess of Jupiter. “On that note… I am sure my sister would love to meet with you, Princess Oiya.” She offered her a warm smile“You will be in safe hands. ”

“Besides Oiya, I want you to see the Moon. Perhaps we can even visit my cousin, Princess Serenity. Queen Serenity is nice too, I am sure she will help ease your fears… maybe a few of mine too” suggested Anemone.

[Princess Oya]

"Spies?" Oya's father repeated. "That sounds like something more befitting the Mercurians."

Not that he looked down on the Mercurians... well, maybe he did just a little, but it was more that he didn't understand their ways than that he didn't like them. They had all the best technology in the solar system, and yet they used it almost solely to make people's lives easier, more so than creating weapons.


"I think a bit of reconnaissance may be in order, actually," Queen Eniola said. "I know I would certainly rather know what we're getting our daughter into before we send her to that backwater planet."

"Very well, we'll put together an exploration party to have a look at Earth before we join the battle more officially."

But it seemed the adults could see Oya's side of things as well, as the Venusian Queen agreed that Queen Serenity would love to meet her. Princess Anemone even suggested introducing her to her cousin, Princess Serenity. Knowing that they were so familiar with the Lunar Royals already helped ease some of Oya's anxiety.

"Can I, Mom? Dad?" she asked, her gray-green eyes wide and her hands folded in front of her in a pleading gesture.

Her parents exchanged a glance that communicated as much as a whole conversation on the matter.

"Very well," her mother said finally. "We'll allow her to visit the moon and meet the Queen and Princess Serenity, so that she may learn a bit more about the cause and her own powers before proceeding to Earth."

"Yay!" Oya enthused, before she regained control of herself and said, "I mean, thank you both for this chance. I won't let you regret the decision."

[Princess Anemone]

“They have never struck me as that curious… I always assumed the Mercurians were far too busy on their intellectual pursuits and lacked that type of ambition.”

Parvati gave her husband a curious glance before focusing her attention toward the Jupertain royals. “I agree. The information could prove to be extremely useful.”

“Wonderful, I will have my head operative contact yours. It should not be too hard to send a small party down. I think their main goal should be to uncover basic information on this Golden Kingdom”

“I will also inform my sister of Oya’s arrival. I am sure she will want to plan a meeting for the young girls. I assume she also in contact with the Mars and Mercury on this matter” Parvati could not help but wonder about their reactions.

“How wonderful...” Anemone chuckled softly, “Thank you, your highnesses, Queen Eniola and King Adedayo” Her attention turned back to their daughter, “I promise you will love the kingdom, the palace is so beautiful. And, I will do my best to help you too… we can train together to make things easier. ”

[Princess Oya]

<<I think this thread is at a good stopping place. Let's close it and move along to the next thing. >>

[Princess Anemone]

(Yes! Let's plan their Moon Queenie meeting )