Reflection, cpt 10: Haruka Tenoh

Ikusa held Rei close to him, stroking his hand over the silk of her hair. "We need to get up, sweetheart." Rei sat up, wincing at the movement.

"You're a little rough." She looked down at her now bruised hips and breasts. Ikusa smiled.

"You like it rough." Rei couldn't dispute that fact. It had been wonderful, in spite of, or perhaps because of the pain. But she didn't really have a comparison.

"I suppose. What happens now?" Her words were quiet. She folded her hands in her lap, studying her long red nails. Ikusa pressed a kiss against her neck, directly on a scabbed over bite.

"I parade you around town. I suppose you're the kind who wants to work. I'll show you around Terran Eclipse, and maybe you'll see a job you like." Ikusa rolled off the bed and headed for one of the blank walls. He pushed his hand against a spot on the wall, and parts of the wall slid away. Suddenly the room had windows, and two more doors.

"What the hell." Rei's eyes were wide.

"One of Hisame's little inventions. He's a genius. I'll introduce you, all though I'm sure you won't get along." Rei stood up slowly, her gaze going to her now illuminated body. Blood was crusted on her stomach, her neck, and on some on her thighs. She flung back the bed sheets and winced at the amount of blood smeared on them.

"My father's going to think you killed me." Ikusa flashed a wicked grin.

"I'll enjoying throwing them in your father's face." Rei rolled her eyes and moved towards one of the doors. "So what's in here?" Ikusa threw the first door open. It led to a huge closet.

"Pick something in red. You're not innocent enough to wear white." Rei would have taken offense, but he had a point. She walked into the closet, surprised to find clothing her size.

"Where did you get these?" Rei held up a beautiful cocktail dress. Ikusa smiled.

"You don't want to know. The other door is the bathroom, join me?" Rei nodded following his muscular form into the second room.

Kaji stalked into the office, throwing a folder onto Setsuna's desk as he walked in.

"They're not here yet." Setsuna didn't look up from the paper she was reading. Kaji turned around.

"Who isn't here?" Setsuna turned the page.

"Anyone, everyone seems to be late today. Arashi wants you to help with his appointment today."

She set the paper down and scribbled something. "Mamoru called from the car. He wants you to get your own nanny; his says two boys and a girl overwhelm her. Mamoru suggests you find a girl that will work with Rika so the boys don't have to be separated." Setsuna pulled the reading glasses off her nose, flipped back to the first page, and stood. Her eyes pinned Kaji to the floor. "Mamoru always wants a report on your division on his desk in two hours." Kaji scowled. He had better things to do than paperwork.

"Fine." Setsuna smiled at his curt answer. Kaji turned in one easy motion and headed for his office, mumbling about paperwork under his breath. She smiled. He did hate to do reports.

"Sorry we're late, we had to pick up several tag alongs and it took forever and I don't know how anyone can work at their potential on an empty stomach." Mina breezed into the room, two girls in tow. Setsuna picked up another paper from the pile on her desk.

"Kaji's the only one in right now." Mina's eyes narrowed. Setsuna noticed the look. "Don't bother, Mamoru will have your head for doing it on company time." Mina's lips compressed into a thin line.

"Fine, I'll deal with him later." Her voice was totally different. It was hard, angry. Ami and Mako shot her surprised looks. Mina looked at her watch. "Well, time to get to work. I have three meetings this morning, but tell Usa I'm here when she comes, bye!" Her voice was its usually cheerful tinkle. She waved and headed for her office, leaving a bewildered Ami and a lost Mako alone in the lobby. Mako crossed her arms in front of her.

"So what now." Ami shrugged.

"I don't know. I have work to do, I suppose I'll go get started. You could wait in Usagi's office. She'll probably be late. She's always late." Ami pulled a pair of glasses from the purse Mina gave her and headed off for her office. Mako resisted the urge to run after the girl. Setsuna watched from behind her paperwork.

"You can wait here in the lobby or go into Usagi's office." She didn't look up, continuing to read and make notations. Mako glanced around.

"I'll wait here, if you don't mind." Setsuna simply shrugged. Mako walked to one of the black leather couches, one that faced all the doors. She sat down, her long legs crossed carefully in front of her. And her eyes never left the doors.

Haruka pulled at her collar one more time. "I hate ties." Michiru smiled and walked up behind, reaching around to straighten Haruka's attempt.

"It takes lots of practice to get them tied right." Haruka grunted. "At least it's not a dress." Michiru giggled at the disgruntled expression on Haruka's face.

"I hate dresses." She grabbed the suit jacket off the back of the mirror. "I hate paperwork. I hate meetings, and most of all I hate having to deal with stuck up arrogant men." She pulled the jacket on, shaking it into place. Michiru was sitting on the bed, a beautiful sea green dress pooled around her.

"You look nice. And you'll be fine." Haruka leaned forward, an arm on either side of her lover.

"You look more than nice. You look good enough to eat." She planted a kiss on Michiru's bare shoulder and smiled wickedly. Michiru giggled.

"You're going to be late if you keep that up." Haruka's smiled broadened.

"Really?" Michiru pushed Haruka away.

"You need to concentrate on different things right now. Do you really want me to come?" Michiru stood up, straightening her dress and running a hand through her curly hair. Haruka pulled Michiru close.

"I need you for support, even if you're only sitting in the lobby." She pressed a kiss to Michiru's lips. "I just need to know you're nearby." Michiru smiled sadly.

"You're nervous." Haruka pulled back.

"I'm not nervous. Why should I be nervous about meeting a roomful of arrogant bastards?"

"Who now have a controlling share of your company and who you'll have to work with on a daily basis for an unknown period of time." Michiru opened a drawer and dug through her extensive stash of lipsticks, searching for the right color. Haruka flopped backward on the bed.

"What if things don't work out, Michi? What if everything goes wrong? This is my future on the line. And I hate the fact that they're all men." Michiru smiled and carefully applied new lipstick.

"You'll do fine. Just be you, only not quite so arrogant." Haruka sat up and scowled.

"Easy for you to say." Haruka looked at her watch. "I hope you're done primping cause we need to go." Michiru set down the lipstick.

"Try not to get pulled over on the way, or we will be late."

"Hey, I was only twenty over last time." Michiru was the one sighing as they headed towards the car.

Hisame gave the girl on the couch in the lobby a cursory glance. Emerald eyes met light green. It was hate at first sight. Hisame ignored the girl's glare.

"Anything interesting happen so far Sets?" Setsuna didn't look up from her work.

"Kaji's stuck with paperwork, Mina and Ami are working, and Mamoru is late." Hisame stopped in his tracks.

"Mamoru is late?" He stood in place for a moment, his jaw opening and closing. Setsuna glanced up and was genuinely amused.

"What, no smart comeback? I'm disappointed Hisame." She turned her attention back to her work. Hisame looked towards the suite of offices where Ami and Mina had disappeared. "Bug the girl on your own time Hisame. You have a report to write and Umino needs to talk to you." Hisame resisted the urge to swear.

"I'll be in my office." He slammed the door behind him. Setsuna merely smiled.

"It's not my fault." Usagi's voice echoed from the elevator. Setsuna looked up and did burst out laughing. Her hair was hanging around her shoulders, she was holding an obviously broken shoe in one hand, and a wadded up pair of nylons in the other. But Usagi wasn't what was so funny.

Mamoru had the most interesting expression on his face. It was a mixture of anger, exasperation, annoyance, and fear. "Just don't come near me for a while, Usagi. You're dangerous." Usagi sighed and walked into the room, wobbling on her one good heel.

"Hello Setsuna. I promise I'm not cursed or anything. I'm just having a bad morning. Anything important?" Setsuna handed Usagi a stack of papers.

"For you, and Mina dragged that girl in, said something about an interview." Usagi nodded. She ran over to the girl on the couch.

"Hello, I'm Usagi Tsukino. Welcome to Terran Eclipse. Why don't you come back to my office?" Mako shook the perky silver haired woman's hand.

"Sure." Mako stood, and almost laughed when she saw how she towered over Usagi. Mamoru glanced their way, his eyes narrowing when the saw Makoto. She just smiled and walked off with Usagi.

Arashi walked in the door just as Makoto and Usagi were leaving. He caught a glimpse of long legs and dark copper hair.

"Who was that?" Mamoru stared after the girl.

"I don't know, but she seems familiar. The meeting is this morning?" Arashi nodded.

"Haruka Tenoh will be here at ten." Mamoru nodded and headed into his office, swiping the pile of papers from Setsuna's hand as he entered.

"I'll see you then, Arashi." Arashi nodded, took the papers Setsuna handed him, and left for his own office, but his mind was fixed on the strange girl who had been in the lobby.

Rei and Ikusa came down the stairs at nine, both dressed and looking no worse for the wear. Rei had wrapped a violet scarf around her neck to hide the bite marks. Her hair was in an elegant French twist, and she was poured into a tight tailored red suit. Ikusa was in gray pinstripe, with a red tie. Prime Minister Hino sat at the table across from Endymion and his sulky, silver haired nanny.

"Rei." He rushed towards his daughter, sweeping her into his arms. "Are you all right sweetheart?" Rei blinked back tears. She hadn't realized how much he cared.

"I'm fine, dad. Ikusa has something for you." Her father glared at the young man leaning in the doorway.

"I don't need to see proof, thank you. Are you sure Rei?" Rei nodded slowly.

"A deal's a deal. All I have to do is smile and look pretty." Her father frowned. Ikusa stepped away from the door.

"You really need to be getting back, Prime Minister. I'll show you to the limo." Rei let go of her father reluctantly.

"Bye dad. I'll see you." Her father wiped a few tears from his eyes, and turned to go.

"I love you Rei, remember that." His voice was soft. Rei felt the tears threatening again.

"I love you too daddy." She untied the scarf from her neck and pressed it into her father's hands as Ikusa dragged him from the room. Then she sat down by the little boy and waited.

"You're Rei, aren't you." Rei's eyes focused on the dark haired child beside her.

"Yes. You must be Endymion." The boy nodded.

"You're going to marry that man, aren't you?" Rei nodded slowly.

"You don't miss much do you?" Endy shrugged.

"Not really. Do you love him?" Rei closed her eyes.

"I don't think it's any of your business." Endy just stared at her. Rei felt a strange shiver go up her spine. The boy's eyes were too old, too knowing.

"Are you going to answer my question?" Rei looked around the room. The boy's nanny had drifted into the next room, and was watching TV.

"I don't know, I really don't know." Endy lowered his gaze.

"I hope you learn, for both your sakes."

Renjo looked at the ad in her hand one last time. "This is the right place." She ran a hand through her curly hair, lamenting the length for the three hundredth time that day. She really needed to cut it. She gazed up at the building again. "You can do this. You're qualified for the job." She took a deep breath and strode quickly towards the doors. The lobby was fairly empty. She walked up to the receptionist.

"Hello? My name is Renjo Chikyu. I have an interview with Usagi Tsukino at ten." The receptionist looked up, a bit annoyed at the girl's haughty tone.

"Take the middle elevator to the sixty sixth floor. The secretary there will show you her office." Renjo nodded her head imperiously. The receptionist sighed. Another arrogant person. Just what they needed.

Hotaru Tomoe glared at her father. "You sold the lab? How could you sell the lab?" Professor Tomoe stared at his daughter in astonishment. He'd never heard her raise her voice, ever. Now she was screaming at the top of her lungs.

"We couldn't afford to keep researching without some outside capital." Hotaru turned her back on her father. She leaned over, her hands braced on the cabinet in front of her.

"So now we have some arrogant overlord who will come in and tell me what to research?" Professor Tomoe sighed loudly. His daughter was brilliant, and normally a quiet, serious girl. She had graduated well ahead of her class. In fact her proper title was Dr. Tomoe. But she hated idiots, and she hated being ordered to do anything.

"I've been promised your research will continue unimpeded." Hotaru snorted. She'd heard that line before.

"And you actually believed them?" Professor Tomoe shrugged.

"You don't say no to Terran Eclipse." Hotaru stopped her rant suddenly, her dark purple eyes lighting up.

"We were bought by Terran Eclipse."

"As if that makes a difference, yes." Hotaru's face twisted into a strange smile.

"That makes all the difference."

"Why don't you sit down and we'll start the interview." Makoto watched the silver haired whirlwind. The girl seemed to have unlimited energy. She collapsed in the chair behind the large white desk and propped up her bare feet. "I'm sorry. I tripped and broke my shoe and ran my nylons. And look at my toe!" Usagi pointed down to her big toe on her left foot, which was now swollen and purple.

"You got yourself good there." Mako leaned in to look at the injury. "You should be more careful." Usagi grimaced.

"It's not my fault I'm a klutz, I don't mean to hurt myself. It just happens." She put her foot back on the floor and leaned close to Mako. "I hear you're quite a fighter." Mako leaned back, her face turning bright red. "Do you have some other talents?" Mako folded her hands together in her lap.

"I'm a good cook. I took a few classes at a chef school. I'm also good with plants. There really isn't anything else." Usagi's face had lit up at the mention of food.

"You're a chef! Really?" Usagi's eyes were bright.

"I'm not really licensed or anything, I never finished any course but…"

"I know what to do." Usagi yanked a notepad out of her desk. She scribbled for a bit. "Here. Take this to Setsuna up front. She'll send you to the executive area. There's a big empty kitchen there. Go shopping, make your best dish. I'll get Mamoru and the others there for supper." Mako's eyes grew a bit large at Usagi's instructions.

"Why, why do you want me to cook for everyone?" Usagi smiled widely.

"Most companies have a chef. This one doesn't because Mamoru fired the last one and no one else wants to work under a slave driver like him. So we need a new one. And I know you'll do great." Makoto simply stared at the girl, amazed at Usagi's sheer optimism.

"But you've never tasted anything I've cooked. I could be awful or lying or…" Usagi reached out and slapped her hand over the startled girl's mouth.

"You'll do fine. I bet you're the best cook ever, otherwise you'd be bragging. Go, move it. You don't have any assistants so you have no help. I'll see you at six!" Usagi stood up and pushed the still in shock girl out the door. Makoto stood outside the door for a full five minutes, her brain still trying to process what had just happened. Then her survival instinct kicked in.

Makoto marched into the lobby. Her head was high and her shoulders held back. "Ms. Setsuna? Usagi asked me to give this to you." Setsuna looked up from her never-ending pile of paperwork.

"Thank you." Setsuna glanced over the note, casting a couple curious looks at the young woman standing ramrod straight in front of the desk. Setsuna reached into her desk and pulled out a key, a map, and a credit card. "This is the kitchen, on the floor underneath this on, sixty five." She pointed out a large room on the map, circling it with a red pen. "This is the back entrance, where the elevator for the supplies is located. This is your credit card, purchase any supplies you need. These are the keys to the kitchen and executive dining room. They'll expect dinner precisely at six, don't be late." Makoto nodded at each instruction, her eyes a bit wide.

"Where should I purchase the supplies?" Setsuna smiled. Makoto acted as though she were a soldier on assignment.

"Anywhere you like." Setsuna turned back to her paperwork. Makoto took a deep breath.

"Thank you, Ms. Setsuna." Then the girl turned and marched toward the elevators.

Makoto looked over the kitchen. It was wonderful, everything industrial size and strength. She laughed at her thoughts. Now all she needed was to stock it. The cupboards, the freezer, everything was empty. Makoto rubbed her hand gently over the stainless steel counters and tapped the expensive copper-bottomed pans hanging from the ceiling. She could get used to this.

"Now all I have to decide is what to make." Mako looked down at her watch. "And I'm running out of time, dammit." She moved quickly through the dark kitchen, her heels clacking on the textured tile floor. "It's almost ten. Six…and I'll need to get the table set up too. I saw china, but I'll need flowers and…" Her voice followed the sound of heels out the kitchen door to the elevator.

Haruka Tenoh didn't take the man's hand. Arashi Ryujin was an arrogant bastard, he knew it and Haruka knew it and neither one was backing down. They stared at each other in the lobby. Setsuna had a candy cane hanging from her lips, her eyes darting from her paperwork every so often to check on the confrontation. Haruka just left her arms crossed on her chest, green blue eyes staring into Arashi's dark brown ones. Arashi was like a statue, head up and hand extended, waiting. Michiru stood behind Haruka, nibbling nervously on her lip.

"Setsuna, did my appointment for ten come yet I'd really like to…" Usagi's question trailed off into silence. She looked at the two in the lobby. "What's going on?" Haruka turned her gaze to the tiny blonde in bare feet. Usagi smiled brightly. Haruka returned the smile, and winked. Usagi giggled. Then she walked forward. "My names Usagi Tsukino. I'm Mr. Chiba's personal assistant. Nice to meet you." She bowed her head politely.

"I'm Haruka Tenoh. The newest addition to the Terran Eclipse board. Nice to meet you." Usagi pointed to Michiru, who was still lurking behind Haruka.

"Who's your friend? She's beautiful." Michiru blushed. Haruka reached around and pulled Michiru forward.

"This is my girlfriend, Michiru Keioh." Michiru bowed her head, her cheeks a bit pink still.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Tsukino." Usagi smiled brightly and hugged the girl.

"Nice to meet you, call me Usagi, everyone else does." Michiru was a bit surprised by the girl's warmth.

"How come I didn't get a hug?" Haruka asked the question with another wink at Usagi. Michiru glared. Usagi stuck her tongue out at the tall figure.

"Cause I only hug girls." Haruka's eyes narrowed a bit, and then she threw back her head and laughed. Michiru just smiled. Arashi was still standing, hand outstretched. Usagi moved beside him.

"I see you've met Arashi." Usagi leaned forward, her voice dropping to a whisper. "He's a bit of a stiff, but I bet he's nice if you get to know him." Then Usagi grabbed a surprised Haruka's hand and plopped it into Arashi's. "I have to go. If my ten o'clock appointment comes send her in. And I'd love to talk to Michiru afterwards while Haruka and Arashi do their little 'we're men' meeting." Usagi bounced out of the room, leaving a smiling Michiru, a laughing Haruka, and a bewildered Arashi in her wake.

"Too bad all your employees weren't like that, Arashi. I'd have no problems with this little merger then." Arashi's face dropped into a serious mask, and he headed for the boardroom.

"If you'll follow me, Ms. Tenoh." Haruka scowled a bit, but followed quietly. Michiru retreated to a seat in the sun by the main window.

"I hope this doesn't take too long."

Ace was running late again. "Sure, give me the office on the far side of town and expect me to be on time for every board meeting." He shuffled the cards in his hands, enjoying the way they felt against his fingers. "One turn of the card. I only have to change one turn to change my future." He dealt himself a hand. Four queens. He shuffled the cards back in. If only life were that easy to deal. Always there were little inconsistencies, problems thrown in. His princess had a child, with another man. Ace brushed the anger from his mind. Anger led to mistakes.

"I can't do anything about the past, I can only turn the wheel of the future." He quietly slipped the cards back in his pocket and closed his eyes. Minako. He knew who Minako was, what Minako was. Behind the smile and the giggling, at night in the short skirt and the mask, she was still his princess. Always his princess, yet always just out of reach. "Why do you run away from me, Venus? Always one step away. Just out of my grasp." He could imagine her in his bed, golden hair blanketing his pillow, blue eyes closed in ecstasy. He mentally shook himself. Dreams were nice but now he needed action. He pulled the pack of cards out again.

He closed his eyes, concentrating, and slowly shuffled. Then he dealt three cards. The queen of hearts. Ace smiled. That was always his princess. The second card was the knave of hearts. Ace laughed. His card. Then the king of hearts. His smile faded. Always someone stood in the way. He closed his eyes. The past, always the past. Memories.

He remembered the first time he had ever seen the Princess of Venus, over a thousand years ago. She was the one who met the ship, graceful and calm in her golden gown that matched her brilliant hair and eyes. Ace had been Adonis then, a soldier of earth, directly under a brilliant, intelligent man. His commanding officer was rumored to be the perfect soldier. A tactician, a general, Prince of the Sun. The princess had admired all of the men from earth, but she was Venusian, and the reputations of women from that planet were not the best. The entourage from earth attempted to stay far away from the golden Ariadne of Venus. Adonis had watched the five guardians of the forbidden realms snub the shining angel. Her eyes had dimmed, but her chin remained high.

He had followed her for the entire month of negotiations. He watched her roam the palace with her friends, watched her spying on the visitors from earth, watched her sneak away to stare at her home planet on clear nights with tears in her eyes, watched her train her senshi. But his most enjoyable memory was the moment she challenged every one of the pompous princes to a fight and beat them, all of them, one right after the other. She was an unmatched warrior. The only one who had even come close to her level had been undone by the knowledge of whom he was fighting and a pink tongue stuck out in anger. Ace chuckled. It was a pity the others remembered so little.

He leaned back a bit more in his seat. Then again, their lack of memory was probably a blessing. Now he was equal with the five great princes, then he had been nothing but a soldier under them. Now he had a chance to win his Ariadne, while the foolish Prince Kunzite let her slip away. Ace smiled again. Endymion and his friends had always been fools. Ace shuffled the cards again. He sometimes wished his memories were clearer. There were still places missing, great gaps where things should have been. He put his cards away again, this time for the remainder of the trip. He tried not to rely on them too much; his predictions of the future were fuzzy at times. He had no intention of leaning on something too much. That was a good way to get killed.

The limo pulled to a stop outside the building. It was time for more of Mamoru's silly meetings, time for more intrigue and lying. Time to pretend he hadn't known these same men over a thousand years ago. Ace straightened his tie and picked up his briefcase. It was time to put on a show.

Setsuna ignored Renjo for twenty minutes to put the girl in her place. The brat had stormed up the stairs and demanded to be sent in to Ms. Tsukino's office. Setsuna had taken offense, and told the rude girl that Ms. Tsukino was in a very important meeting and couldn't be disturbed. The girl had huffed, but sat down and waited quietly. Setsuna finally gave in, and sent the now much more demure woman into Usagi's office, praying that the pompous woman wouldn't drive Usagi mad.

Usagi was on the phone when Renjo appeared. She had smiled broadly and waved the girl in, finishing her phone conversation quickly. The two sat across from each other. Renjo was a little bit awed. Usagi Tsukino was gorgeous. Silver hair, cornflower blue eyes, and perfect figure. And she radiated authority laced with kindness.

"Good morning! You must be Renjo Chikyu. I hope you didn't wait long." Usagi watched the girl for a long moment, noting the arrogant thrust of the chin. The girl was lovely, with long black curly hair and equally dark eyes.

"Good morning, I hope your meeting went well." Renjo pulled her resume from a small folder. "This is my resume, you can look it over later. I'd like a bigger office than this of course, and I'm sure the salary will be satisfactory." Usagi simply leaned back in her chair, her mouth falling open. The nerve of the girl. Usagi stood up for a moment.

"I'm afraid you haven't been to an interview before, young lady." Usagi's voice had turned very soft, and very stern, like a mother or a teacher lecturing a wayward child. "I ask the questions, you give the answers. I decide if you're qualified for the job, not you. I make the demands and you fulfill them. You are not in control, you are the supplicant." Usagi's voice became louder with each word. "And no matter how qualified you are, someone who can't learn to put the welfare of the company ahead of their own arrogance will not be welcome at Terran Eclipse, ever." The last sentence came out as a shout. Usagi sat back in her seat, crossing her legs slowly. "Now, you have a choice. You can either pick up your resume, leave, and never darken this building again; or you can apologize to me, Ms. Meioh in the lobby, the receptionist downstairs, and any other person you may have come into contact with, and then return in one hour with a different attitude. I'm leaving the choice up to you." Usagi looked at her watch. "You have one minute to leave this office, before I call security."

Setsuna let a satisfied grin creep over her face. The girl did have a backbone after all, and a strong one at that. She might survive in this world of backbiting after all. Setsuna filed the latest report and headed down to Ami's room. She would probably have several requisition orders ready. And Setsuna really wanted to hear the bitch in Usagi's office apologize.

Renjo looked as though she'd been slapped. Her face was red, with both anger and shame. Her eyes were wide in surprise, and her fingers were tapping nervously against the table. She closed her eyes for a moment. If she wanted the job she'd need to make friends here, but it seemed as though she'd just made one, if not more, enemies. Renjo picked up her resume. She never ran from a battle. She needed this job, she needed the money. The look on Usagi's face when Renjo first entered the room had been very friendly, but now the woman's eyes made the dark haired girl cringe. Renjo needed some friends too. She took a deep breath.

"I'm very sorry. This is my first job interview and the way I acted was completely inappropriate. If you have the time, Ms. Tsukino, I'd like to reschedule this appointment one hour from now." Usagi nodded.

"Very well, you have five seconds to get out." Renjo gulped at the nasty glare Usagi sent with the words. Renjo stood quickly, and left the room at almost a run. Setsuna left Ami's office, where she and Ami had been listening to the conversation. She meandered down the hall, a smug smile on her face.

"Nice job, Usagi." Usagi looked at the older woman, a bright smile spreading across her features.

"You will tell me if she apologizes." Setsuna smiled and nodded. Ami giggled from her place at the door of her office. Usagi winked and returned to her mammoth task of rescheduling Mamoru's life.

Renjo walked back to the lobby at a brisk pace, ignoring the urge to smack her head against a wall. She yelled at herself silently. Stupid, stupid thing to do. Make enemies of the main secretary and the personal assistant. That's always a good thing to do at a job interview. Renjo took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the small lobby. A gorgeous woman with brown curly hair was seated on one of the leather couches, a small grin on her face. Renjo sat down on a chair opposite the girl.

"That was stupid of me, wasn't it?" The girl nodded, the smile on her face growing a bit larger. Renjo sighed loudly. "I just don't do well with people. I suppose it's a bit foolish of me to have majored in communications and business, but I didn't know what else to do." The girl simply kept smiling, her leg swinging back and forth. "And now you probably think I'm insane because I'm talking all about my problems to a total stranger. And I probably am." The girl nodded slightly, her sea green eyes never leaving Renjo's face. "My name is Renjo Chikyu. I'm an idiot, nice to meet you." The girl laughed loudly and took the offered hand.

"I'm Michiru Keioh. My father is a rich bastard who hates the fact that my significant other is female. I'm waiting for her to finish a meeting. Nice to meet you." Renjo smiled.

"Michiru. That's a beautiful name. Well, do you know where the lady who was at the desk went?" Michiru shrugged.

"Why don't you go apologize to the receptionist on the first floor? Setsuna should be back by the time you're finished." Renjo nodded.

"All right. I'll be back. It was nice to meet you Ms. Keioh." Renjo stood up and took a deep breath. She turned around briskly and headed for the elevator.

Ace was running through the lobby, late as usual. He looked at his watch again and swore. He was even later than he normally managed, and Mamoru would probably be after his head again. He literally ran through the office and dived into the first available elevator. He slammed his hand over the palm identification.

"Override all input, sixty sixth floor, express." The elevator doors immediately closed.

"In a hurry?" The voice came from the far corner. Ace turned around, a bit annoyed at being interrupted.

"Yes." The voice was a girl, a rather pretty girl with black hair and eyes, a nice figure, and a lovely smile.

"I hope you get there on time." The girl's smile and words were sincere. Ace glanced at his watched and groaned loudly.

"Considering the fact that I'm already almost an hour late, I don't think your hopes will help." The girl broke into laughter.

"Well, I suppose I'll just wish that your boss won't kill you." Ace found himself laughing at the comment. The girl didn't realize how close to the truth she was. The elevator slid to a stop.

"I'll see you some other time." He stepped into the lobby, the girl's voice calling after him.

"Do I at least get a name?" Ace turned and winked as the doors closed again.

"Ace Saijou." Then he ran for the boardroom. Renjo sighed loudly in the elevator, as the doors slid closed and she headed to the lobby for a second time.

"Ace Saijou."

Haruka stared at the people in the boardroom. All men. Her lip curled in a sneer. She didn't trust men any farther than she could throw them. She stood at the far end of the table, waiting. Finally the black haired main at the end of the table stood.

"Welcome, Haruka Tenoh. We're glad you have you with us." Haruka tried to restrain from snorting in contempt. Mamoru's eyes narrowed. "I'm Mamoru Chiba, CEO, founder, and president of Terran Eclipse." He waved to the man sitting beside him. "Kaji?" Mamoru sat down, folding his hands on the table, and staring at Haruka. She felt his eyes burning into her. The tall white-haired man on his right stood. Haruka watched him with slightly narrowed eyes.

"Ms. Tenoh." He nodded his head. "Kaji Hikaru. I run the security and weapons manufacturing divisions." Haruka nodded back. Kaji seemed the straightforward type. There was no smirk behind his speech, no hidden agenda. Haruka could get along with him. The man beside him stood.

"I believe we've already met, Ms. Tenoh. Arashi Ryujin. Head of mergers, acquisitions, and the straight business sections of the company. Finance, whatever." He shrugged slowly and took his seat. Haruka felt her teeth grind together. Arashi rubbed her the wrong way. Too arrogant, and always looking down on those around him. The last man on that side of the table stood. He was short, shorter than Haruka in fact, with sunny blonde hair and hazel green eyes.

"Umino Gurio. Computer systems and technology. Call me if you need anything." The young man returned to his seat quickly. His face was still a bit red from the speech. Haruka smiled. Umino would be easy to get along with, although he probably was a bit arrogant of his skills. Haruka watched the boy take a notepad out and scribble something on it. Then his eyes lit up and he continued writing. Haruka smiled. She had seen that look in Michiru's eyes. The boy was probably a genius with a good reason to be proud of his skills. Haruka's eyes returned to Mamoru. He was still simply staring. He waved a hand to the other side of the table. The solitary person on the other side of the table stood.

"I suppose I'll go next, we have three more members coming but they're all late as usual. Hisame Kasumi. Research and Development. If it isn't possible I'll make it possible." Haruka resisted the urge to pound the man into the floor. He was smirking, as though his balls made him far superior to any woman. Then his eyes narrowed and Haruka felt his eyes examine her carefully. Haruka cringed inside. She just knew he had found a new potential guinea pig. The door behind her swung open and a man with golden hair raced into the room.

"Sorry I'm late. Traffic. I see we've started the introductions." Ace slammed his briefcase down and held out his hand. Haruka took it slowly, squeezing as hard as she could. "Ace Saijou, I run the Terran Eclipse Agency. We run most of the media in Japan, as well as handle most actors, singers, writers, whatever." His smile was blinding. Haruka took a small step back. He was trouble. Charming, obviously intelligent, and something in his eyes, a hidden agenda.

"Haruka Tenoh." Her words were short and her tone brisk. Ace just continued smiling and sat down. A low drawl came from the other end of the table.

"While we're waiting for our last stray member, why don't I give you a brief overview of what we expect from you here at Terran Eclipse. Haruka sat down with her hands in her lap and listened.

Rei and Ikusa finally arrived at noon. Her hand rested lightly on his arm. Her eyes took in every inch of the building.

"It's beautiful." Her voice came out almost in a whisper.

"Yes it is. Designed by our architect turned secretary Setsuna Meioh. I think she got tired of the pressure of running her own business." He shrugged eloquently. "Now she runs everything here, but doesn't have the title or salary." Rei stifled a laugh. Ikusa smiled and took her toward the central elevators. "I'm a bit late for my meeting, but that's all right. Mamoru will drive our new board member nuts with introductions, lectures, and presentations before he gets to the fun part." Rei's smile grew wider. The two walked slowly into the elevator. Ikusa watched the girl through slightly lowered eyelids. Even standing in an elevator she was gorgeous. He pulled her up against him, the entire length of her body plastered against him.

"Ikusa, what are you doing?" She hissed the words.

"Do you know how gorgeous you look today? I want to throw you on the floor and take you now." Rei felt her blood pressure rise a bit at his words.

"Ikusa." He slammed a hand against a pad on the elevator.

"Emergency stop, no alarm, no entry." Then he pressed his lips to Rei's, molding her mouth beneath his own. Rei moaned under his touch. Ikusa stripped Rei's jacket off and unbuttoned her shirt. His hands pushed her bra upward, freeing her breasts for his hands and mouth. Rei pulled off his jacket and untucked his shirt. Her hands ran under the white cloth, caressing his broad chest.

"Ikusa. Oh god." He grabbed the edge of her skirt and jerked upward.

"You wore the stockings. That is so fucking sexy." His mouth latched onto one pouting breast while his hands ran over her bare thighs above her stockings. Rei reached for his pants, unbuttoning them quickly and freeing his erection. Her fingers ran down his length. Ikusa groaned. Then he threw Rei against the wall and plunged into her warmth. He captured her screams of pain and pleasure in his mouth. Then she lifted her legs, wrapping them around his waist. Ikusa held himself back, waiting for his firebrand to finished. She screamed into his mouth, her muscles rippling around him. Then Ikusa let out a shout of his own.

Rei slowly lowered her legs. "I can't believe we just did that." She yanked a handkerchief from her purse and tucked it between her legs. Ikusa merely smiled. He slowly tucked in his shirt, buttoned his pants, and put his jacket on. Then he helped Rei pull herself back together, his hands lingering over her body.

"Dammit Rei, you're just too sexy. If we weren't already so late I'd take you again." He kissed her again, hunger in the kiss. He pulled away, leaving Rei breathless. Then he slapped his hand back on the elevator pad. "Sixty sixth floor, express." The elevator kicked back into motion. Rei leaned against the wall, still a bit out of breath and now very sore. Ikusa drew her into his arms, resting his chin on top of her head. "I think, firebrand, that you are amazing." Rei closed her eyes and leaned into his embrace, ignoring the strange feelings blooming in her heart.

Setsuna watched the two exit the elevator with slightly narrowed eyes. The looks they were giving each other were enough to make the sappiest romantic run and hide.

"Good morning Ikusa. You're late." Ikusa nodded at the serious woman.

"I know." Setsuna raised an eyebrow.

"And you're not afraid?" Ikusa burst into laughter.

"I had permission to be late." His eyes glanced over the room, noting the brown haired girl sitting on the couches by the windows.

"Haruka's?" Setsuna nodded.

"Yours?" She gestured towards Rei, who was becoming slightly annoyed.

"Setsuna, I'd like to introduce you to my fiancée, Ms. Rei Hino." Setsuna's face switched quickly from amusement to surprise.

"Really? Congratulations." Rei's face turned a bit red.

"It's wonderful to meet you, Ms. Meioh." Setsuna smiled at the girl's manners.

"Call me Setsuna. I have a few people I'd like to introduce you to, if I can steal you away." Ikusa looked toward the door of the boardroom.

"I better get in there and await my punishment." Setsuna laughed.

"Cat will be in soon, have fun." Ikusa pulled Rei into a tight embrace and kissed her. "I'll be back later, darling." Then he let go of the now dazed girl and headed into the boardroom. Setsuna smiled.

"Why don't we start with Usagi? If you can survive her I'll introduce the others." Rei nodded and followed the black haired woman down the hall.

Makoto ordered people like a drill sergeant. She had forgone her heels for more comfortable shoes, and her tight suit for loose slacks and a sweater. She had on a white apron and a chef's hat. And she felt at home. The delivery boys came in a constant stream. Mako watched the deliveries with a burst of pride. Now if she only knew how many would be eating. Finally the last delivery arrived, and was put away. Mako took off the hat and apron, locked the kitchen behind her, and headed for the top floor.

Ikusa opened the door and strode into the room, a wide smile on his face.

"Sorry I'm late. I had a busy morning." Mamoru had the urge to groan. Ikusa positively radiated satisfied male. Haruka turned to face the newcomer, her hackles rising immediately. Ikusa flopped into his chair. "Did I miss anything?" Haruka turned away, her eyes fixing on Mamoru.

"I bet you had a busy morning. Meet the newest member of our board, Haruka Tenoh. We did introductions, and we were just finishing reports." Ikusa glanced at the newcomer, a bright smile covering his face.

"Welcome, Ms. Tenoh. I'm Ikusa Hinode. I'm the political end. My job is to make sure we get away with everything possible." His smile turned a bit cold. "And I always do my job." He folded his hands over his chest and leaned back slightly. Haruka looked him over carefully. She'd heard stories about this man. He was considered to be one of the most ruthless members of Japan's National Assembly. The door on the other end of the room opened and a woman stepped inside.

"Ms. Tenoh. I'd like you to meet Ms. Shibo. You are in the inner realm of Terran Eclipse now. There's no turning back." Haruka looked from the newcomer's glowing eyes to the fierce look on Mamoru's face. Something was up.

Usagi Tsukino was definitely not what Rei had expected, even after their meeting the night before. She was even more beautiful in the sunshine, but in an innocent, girlish way. Rei thought the girl could pass for a fairy with a pair of wings. Usagi was also very open, honest, kind; air headed, and had a tendency to hurt herself. Rei winced in sympathy as the girl whacked her shin into the table for the fourth time.

"What do you do, Rei?" Usagi flopped down in her chair, massaging her sore shin.

"I was a priestess at a Shinto shrine." Usagi leaned forward, curiosity in her gaze.

"Why don't you work there now?" Rei closed her eyes for a moment.

"It burned down earlier this week. I was the only survivor." Usagi's eyes filled with tears.

"That's so sad. I'm so sorry I brought it up." Rei waved a hand in the air.

"It's nothing. I'm fine." Usagi watched the girl through slightly narrowed eyes.

"Are you any good at organizing things?" Rei looked up in shock for a moment.

"I think I am." Usagi's eyes lit up.

"Can you type? And all that other secretary stuff?" Rei nodded slowly. Usagi stood up and twirled around the room.

"That's wonderful! I really need some help around here, one of me just can't get all the work done." Usagi grabbed the now startled Rei by the arm and dragged her down the hall to an empty office.

"Usagi, what in the world are you talking about." Usagi pushed the girl inside.

"This is your office, I'll be right back." Usagi returned with a stack of papers and a dark haired girl.

"This is Ami. She's the computer whiz, and knows most anything else. Can you get this paperwork edited and filed today?" Usagi looked down at her watch. "Oh shoot, that girl's supposed to be back soon. I have to go, talk to you later." Usagi left the room at a run.

"Is she always like that?" Rei turned wide eyes up at the slightly taller girl.

"Usually worse. I can't believe she's running around here barefoot. Hello, my name is Amy Miz…Kou. It's nice to meet you." The girl in blue held out her hand. Rei shook it gently, amazed at the sense of familiarity. Ami tilted her head to the side. "You seem very familiar, like I've known you for a long time." Rei felt a shiver go up her spine.

"I was about to say the same thing." Ami shrugged.

"Well, I'll set up your computer and stuff, and then I need to get back to work. It's nice to have you here." Rei nodded and Ami sat down and got to work.

Rika had the urge to tear her hair out. Akira and Endymion were hellions. But they were nothing compared to Chibi-Usa. "Get back here you two." Akira simply laughed and took off across the wide yard again. Three on one was not good odds for a nanny. "Twins. Remind me never to take another job with twins." She yanked her silver ponytail tighter and took off running. "No matter how handsome and sexy their fathers are." She heard giggling behind bushes up ahead. "All right you two. I'm serious this time." The water balloon hit her square in the chest, soaking her jeans and sweater. Rika stood with her mouth hanging wide open for a moment. She looked up and saw a little girl giggling in the tree above her head.

"Chibi-Usa, you get down here right now." A second water balloon hit her from behind.

"You'll never catch us, slowpoke." Akira took off to the right, Endymion to the left. Rika's mouth opened and closed a few times.

"I really need some help." She took off after Endymion.

Akira slid through the still open hole in the front porch and raced towards the back of the house. :Endymion:

:We got her good, Akira: Akira responded with a bit of mental laughter.

:Yes, but you do realize we're going to get in big trouble: Akira could feel Endymion's agreement.

:Why don't we let her catch us and suck up all day. Maybe she won't tell on us: Chibi-Usa was slightly breathless even in her mind speech.

:Sounds like a plan. Meet you at the back door:

Rika finally caught the three, sitting like perfect angels, in front of the back door by the kitchen. "You are in big trouble." The children looked down at the ground.

"We're sorry Ms. Rika. We just get bored." Akira mentally poked Endymion.

"We're really sorry Ms. Rika. We'll never throw a warm water balloon at you again." :I didn't say anything about lukewarm or cold ones however: Akira attempted not to dissolve into giggles at Endymion's little comment.

:Shut up Endy, if I laugh we're dead: "We'll be good all day Ms. Ashley, we promise." Chibi-Usa batted her eyes a bit. Rika sighed loudly.

"All right, you three. Inside. Lunch, a two hour nap, and maybe TV tonight if you're good." Akira smiled widely.

:Told you it would work: Endy turned to his friend and they gave each other a high five before running into the house. Chibi-Usa walked sedately behind, a wicked grin on her face.

"Why do I feel like I've just been had?" Rika followed the two slowly. Sometimes she would swear those three were talking to each other telepathically. They synchronized way too well, and the looks they gave each other. Well, at least she now had something to hang over their heads for the rest of the day. She rung out her shirt and went inside to find something to wear.

Makoto knocked gently on Usagi's door.

"Come in Mako. What do you need?" Mako took a deep breath.

"Do you have a list of how many will be at the dinner?" Usagi furrowed her brow.

"Well, it the entire board comes, that's eight, plus they'll probably all bring dates and Endymion and Akira and Chibi-Usa are coming…that's nineteen, plus I'd like to invite the Three Lights and Setsuna." Makoto's eyes widened a bit at the mention of the famous singing group. "So I guess plan on twenty-four to be on the safe side." Makoto swallowed loudly.

"Twenty-four? All right." She slowly turned and left the room.

"Mako, I'm sure you'll do a great job." Mako smiled at Usagi's attempt to cheer her up. Then she left for the kitchen again, her mind spinning.

Rei watched the copper haired girl walk down the hall. "Who's that, Ami?" Ami looked up from her spot underneath the desk.

"Oh, that's Makoto, she's a chef. Usagi kind of took her in too." Rei smiled.

"So Usagi likes to adopt people." Ami shrugged.

"She just wants to take care of everyone I guess." Rei nodded and turned back to the report she was proofreading.

The doors opened slowly, with a nervous Renjo inside. Her meeting with the receptionist downstairs had been humiliating, but Renjo knew she had been pompous and arrogant as the girl claimed. She slowly walked into the lobby, glad to see Setsuna in place behind the main desk.

"Ms. Meioh?" Setsuna didn't glance up from her work.

"Yes?" Renjo swallowed. These people weren't making life any easier.

"I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier and I hope you'll be able to forgive me." Setsuna looked up, a smile in her eyes.

"I'll think about it. Usagi's waiting for you. Have fun." Renjo nodded and headed toward Usagi's office.

The door was open, and Usagi was concentrating on something on the computer. Renjo knocked lightly on the door.

"Just a minute, I'll be right with you." Renjo stood quietly in the door. She had a feeling Usagi was testing her patience now. One minute passed, then two. Renjo stood quietly, eyes on the silver haired girl pecking at the computer keyboard. Finally she looked up. "Come in and sit down." Renjo walked in the room and sat down quietly. Usagi's smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "May I see your resume please?" Renjo handed the folder over and sat quietly. Usagi spent a quiet moment reading. Then she set the folder down and folded her hands in front of her on the desk. "I had every intention of booting you out of the office after this interview, Ms. Chikyu. But you apologized very nicely, you befriended a girl in the lobby with no difficulties, and you resume is very impressive. I'll give you a job under one condition. You leave your arrogance at home." Renjo couldn't keep the hope from springing up in her eyes.

"Thank you so much Ms. Tsukino." Usagi frowned.

"Ugh, that makes me feel ancient. Call me Usagi. Come on, I'll show you to your office." The two women stood up and headed down the hall.

Akatsuki Nikko glanced at the office building nervously. He had to be here, somewhere. She ran a hand through her long red hair, her dark brown eyes staring at the doors nervously. She took a deep breath. It was now or never. She wouldn't have the courage to do this any other time.

Taiki stared out the window at the rain, which was trickling from the sky. He was worried. Yaten and Seiya were also staring out the windows of the car. The weather made everyone feel a bit bleak.

"Do you think I could manage to get a date with her?" Taiki looked over at Seiya.

"A date with who?" Seiya folded his arms behind his head.

"Usagi, of course. The most beautiful, kind, wonderful woman in the world." Taiki resisted the urge to groan. The last time Seiya had been like this about a girl it had meant a trip through sewers in Paris to escape rabid fans.

"Seiya, I don't think she's your type." Seiya glared at the back of Yaten's head.

"Of course she's my type. She's beautiful, funny, innocent, nice." Yaten rolled his eyes. Taiki merely slapped a hand over each ear. When Seiya got in this mood, it meant hours of listening to long lists of the girl's virtues.

"You haven't been complaining much today, Yaten." Taiki attempted to block out Seiya's droning. Yaten sighed loudly.

"I have something on my mind." Taiki smiled.

"That something wouldn't happen to have blonde hair and blue eyes." Yaten glared back at his friend.

"Shut up Taiki, you're mooning over that little Ami girl. Look at us, we're pathetic. World famous singers without girlfriends." Yaten turned back to the window. "And there are other things that we should be worried about." Taiki nodded, pushing thoughts of Ami from his mind.

"You're right, Yaten. It's been six years now, and not a trace of her. I'm starting to give up hope." He leaned back in the seat. "You know, I hardly remember what she looked liked." Seiya's voice trailed off.

"She was beautiful, the most beautiful creature in the cosmos." Yaten's voice was whisper soft. "I hope she's all right. Her letter said she was coming here to search for the cause of all the problems." Taiki shrugged.

"Maybe she left all ready." Seiya shook his head.

"There's nothing there for her to go back to. She would have returned here, I know she would have." Silence descended over the car, while the rain dripped over the windows.

AN: I decided we needed a bit of the past this time. Notes:
1. Colons around a sentence mean it's being spoken mind to mind, telepathically.
2. You may think you know who people are, but I bet you're wrong, hehehe.
3. Rika isn't really anything but my own little invention…so if you're trying to decide what characters everyone is…she's just there for plot purposes