Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Seeing Stars ❯ Chapter 44 ( Chapter 44 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: jasonulloa 
Serena and Raye have a talk at The Silver Moon; and Jack and Diane confront the president of Stanton Aeronautical....
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Action / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.18.2007 | Pages: 7 | Words: 5.6K | Visits: 299 | Status: Completed
Serena and Raye have a talk at The Silver Moon; and Jack and Diane confront the president of Stanton Aeronautical....
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Action / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.18.2007 | Pages: 7 | Words: 5.6K | Visits: 299 | Status: Completed
Seeing Stars
By Jason Ulloa
Original story by Moonsong
Continued with her permission.
Chapter 44
Darien mentally sighed as he parked his car in front of The Silver Moon and made his way
to the other side to open the door for Serena. The drive from Serena's place to the
nightclub was quiet; it was a cloudless night and the stars were easily visible in the
black sky. Serena stared out the window and into the starry night for most of the ride
from the studio. It was a perfect night for stargazing, so he couldn't blame her for
wanting to silently admire the star-laden heavens.
Serena had borrowed one of the dresses from her trailer for tonight. It was a stunning,
white, open-backed, sleeveless dress that showed just the right amount of cleavage and had
slits in the sides that came up from the ground up to just above her mid-thigh. It was a
marvelous dress, but he couldn't remember seeing her wear that dress at any time during
the movie. He supposed it was from one of her many other movies, but he couldn't think of
which one it could be.
Actually, considering the way she looked in that dress, he was surprised he had the
capacity to think at all. She was just too gorgeous to ignore as his mind ceased
functioning for a few moments. Noticing the way he was looking at her, Serena merely gave
him a smugly satisfied look and asked him to lead the way to his car, which finally got
his brain to start working again.
During the drive to the club, Darien had mentally gone over several scenarios of when
Serena would eventually meet Raye at the club. Most weren't good. Some were doable. He was
still considering biting the metaphorical bullet and just telling her why he wanted her to
come tonight. Sure, she might get mad. The odds were certainly leaning in that direction.
Still, she was a reasonable person... most of the time. After all, he might have long
forgiven the 'White Rose' drink incident, but he hadn't forgotten it. While she might have
changed from the old Serena who so easily and callously threw a production assistant out
on his ass, she was still quite fearsome once angered.
However, all things considered, perhaps the truth was the best path to go. She deserved
that much at least. Besides, if he didn't say anything, she might get even more upset with
him than if he had told her.
"Something wrong, Darien?" Serena asked as she put her coat on and closed the car door.
"You have this look on your face like you're deep in thought or something."
Darien looked at her in surprise. He didn't think he was being that obvious.
"Actually, there's something I have to tell you before we go in," he admitted. "During
lunch today, I happened to run into Raye."
"Oh?" Serena asked, raising an eyebrow while giving him a thin smile.
He grimaced slightly, but continued on. "She told me that she got a new job singing at a
nightclub."
"Let me guess," she interrupted as she folded her arms and nodded her head toward The
Silver Moon. "That one?"
"Yeah," he nodded, grimacing again.
"Is that all?"
Darien blinked and stared at her. "Huh?"
"What, you expected me to be mad or something?" she asked, raising her eyebrow again.
"Well, Raye seems to be under the impression that you think she's trying to steal me away
from you," he replied and sighed. "I just want you two to get along. That's all."
Serena stared at him for what, to him, felt like an eternity. After a long silence, she
finally unfolded her arms and took his right arm in hers. "Well, as long as we're here,
we might as well enjoy ourselves, hm?"
"Huh?" he said, taken aback by Serena's sudden shift in mood. She was now smiling as
cheerfully as she had been when he had first suggested coming to The Silver Moon.
"As long as she understands that you're mine now, then we've got nothing to worry about,"
she explained as she rested her head on his shoulder. "Don't you agree?"
"Well, yes," he agreed as the two started toward the nightclub.
"Good." A thoughtful pause. "Darien?"
"Yes, Serena?"
"Have you ever thought about getting a tattoo?"
The sudden change of topic almost made him miss a step. "A... tattoo?" he repeated,
completely bewildered.
"I have the perfect idea of one for you," she continued with a fond smile. "You could get
a heart tattoo on your right butt cheek with the words 'Property of Serena Moon' inscribed
inside. What do you think?"
"Um...," Darien hemmed, trying to think of what to say.
Serena looked at his face and started laughing. "Oh, Darien, you should see the expression
on your face! It's absolutely priceless!"
"Really?" he muttered as he stared off elsewhere, looking away from Serena.
"Aw, are you sulking?" she said in a sweet tone. "That's so cute. But really, did you
think I was serious?"
"Of course not," he replied.
"Right," she said knowingly. "Anyway, I know that you wouldn't leave me for her, so I'm
not upset."
"Are you sure?" he asked, giving her a concerned look.
"What? You don't believe me?" she asked, giving him a reproachful stare.
"I believe you, Serena," he said as he smiled fondly at her. "And you're right; I'd never
leave you for Raye, or any other woman for that matter."
"Good," she said firmly. "Otherwise, I would have to make you get that tattoo."
"I'll remember that," he said with an amused laugh as the pair entered the nightclub.
"Miss Moon!" Vince exclaimed as he quickly came up to them. "And Mister Shields! Welcome
back to The Silver Moon!"
"Hey, Vince," Darien said, grinning at the friendly server. "Good to see you again."
"Same table as usual, Vince, if it's not taken already," Serena requested.
"Right away, Miss Moon," he nodded and gestured for her to precede him.
"Thanks," she said gratefully. "Oh, and by the way, Vincent," she added, stressing his
full name, "you might want to stop calling me 'Miss Moon' if you want me to keep calling
you 'Vince.' Just a suggestion."
"Ah!" Vince said, making a show of slapping himself in the forehead. "I've forgotten yet
again! I apologize."
Serena waved the matter aside. "Anyway, I hear you've finally hired a new singer."
"You've heard of her already?" he said, eyes widening slightly in surprise. "How? Today's
her first day here."
"She told him," Serena explained. "She's his ex," she added, glancing momentarily toward
Darien.
Vince looked over to Darien for a moment, then looked back after Darien nodded
confirmation. "It is a small world, isn't it?" he said with a shrug. "Anyway, before you
are seated, would you care for your usuals?"
Serena nodded, but Darien gave him a curious glance. "You remember what I ordered last
time?"
"Rum and Coke, straight up, right?" he answered quickly and with some smug satisfaction.
"Um, yeah," Darien confirmed. "I'll have the usual, then."
"I'll be right back with your drinks," he said and quickly departed.
"No need to be so amazed, Darien," she said as she removed her coat and handed it to him
before sitting down. "It's a common drink, after all."
"Hmm," he replied as he placed the coat next to him and sat down as well.
"So, how good of a singer is Raye, anyway?" Serena asked as she leaned forward, letting
her elbows rest on the table.
"Well, she's pretty good, but I haven't heard her sing in a while," he said, shrugging
one shoulder. "She usually doesn't let people hear her practice outside of rehearsals. She
says it's distracting."
"I can understand that in a way," she remarked, waving a hand in a noncommittal
half-shrug. "Some people need their full concentration during rehearsals." She turned her
head and glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "Not that I'm like that, you know.
I'm not the type of actress that lets little things like distractions bother me."
"Of course not," he replied, trying to keep a smirk from spreading on his face. Although
many people might be put off by the amount of prideful boasting Serena did, he was
beginning to find it endearing.
"Here are your drinks," Vince stated as he came back with the ordered drinks. "If you need
anything else, just let me know."
"Actually, do you know when Raye will be singing tonight?" Darien asked.
"Let's see," Vince said as he glanced down at his wristwatch. "Miss Hino should be
performing in a few minutes from now." He glanced back up at Darien and Serena. "Looks
like you both came at just the right time, then," he added with a laugh.
"Yeah, looks like," he agreed with a simple shrug.
"Well then, if you'll excuse me," Vince said as he turned to leave. "Please enjoy
yourselves."
"I guess we don't have to wait long, then," Serena said as she leaned back in her seat
with her drink in one hand.
A few minutes later, the bandleader concluded the current song and stepped down to the
stage amidst some light applause. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said as he stepped up to the
microphone stand, "tonight, we at The Silver Moon would like to introduce our newest
singer. Please put your hands together for Miss Raye Hino!"
A spotlight lit up on the far side of the stage where Raye stepped out wearing a
sleeveless red dress that also left her shoulders bare. The audience gave her the same
light applause that the bandleader received as she approached the microphone stand. The
bandleader stepped away as Raye approached, the spotlight following her as she walked
across the stage.
Darien casually glanced at Serena as he lightly clapped. Her expression seemed to be
normal, which was a good sign. She was even clapping as well. Perhaps he had been worrying
for no reason?
As soon as Raye reached the microphone, she turned and smiled at the audience, giving them
a small polite wave of appreciation.
"Thank you," she said with a wide smile as she swept her gaze over the entire audience.
"Thank you very m-" She abruptly cut off in mid-sentence as she spotted Darien and Serena
sitting at one of the tables over toward the mid-left. Her smile faltered for a second
before returning as if it had never left.
"Thank you very much," she said again as she turned and nodded to the bandleader, who
nodded back and cued the band to start playing the first song; a jazzy swing tune that
Darien thought was somewhat familiar.
"She's got a nice singing voice," Serena remarked as Raye started singing.
Darien nodded. "I'm glad she's finally landed a steady gig," he said with a pleased grin.
"She's had some success with small gigs at various clubs around L.A., but they never
lasted very long."
"Oh?" she asked, curious. "Why's that?"
"All the places she performed at were small clubs and the like," he explained. "Places
like those generally can't afford to keep a steady performer, or so she's told me."
"Ah," she said and took another sip from her drink.
**********************************************
As her fifth song came to an end and the audience broke into applause, Raye signaled to
the bandleader that she wanted to take a break. He nodded and as the song ended, he told
the band to take a break as well. Raye stepped down from the stage and walked over to
Serena and Darien's table.
"You're pretty good," Serena said, nodding to her as she approached.
"Thanks, Serena," Raye said appreciatively. "I'm glad you and Darien could come tonight."
She turned to Darien and gave him an amused look. "Though, I'm surprised, Darien. When I
suggested you come by when you get the chance, I didn't expect it to be today of all days."
"Surprised?" he asked with a small grin.
"A little," she admitted. "Though I am really grateful. It means a lot to me to have you
both here for my debut performance." She looked from him to Serena, smiling appreciatively.
"Of course," Serena said, nodding as she turned to Darien. "Say, Darien, would you be a
sweetheart and go to the bar and get Raye something?"
"I can't really drink on the job," Raye interjected, but Serena shook her head.
"No, I insist. You can drink if it's non-alcoholic, right?"
"Well, if it's non-alcoholic, then I've got no problems with it," Raye agreed.
"Good," Serena said and turned back to Darien. "Well? Scoot!" she ordered, waving him
away.
"Get me a virgin Strawberry Daiquiri, please," Raye requested as Darien got to his feet.
"Right, right," he said as he left for the bar. "Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri. Got it."
After Darien left, Serena waited until he was out of earshot before turning to Raye. "Have
a seat."
"Should I get another chair?" Raye asked, noting that there were only two chairs there and
Serena was sitting in one of them.
"Don't worry about it," she told her. "Darien can get one for himself when he comes back.
Right now, we need to talk and I don't want to keep staring up at you to do it."
"I... see...," Raye said as she sat down in the seat Darien previously vacated. "This is
about the fact that I used to date him, isn't it?"
The blonde actress took another drink. "I just want to make sure of a few things," she
said as she put the drink down.
"I'm not going to try to steal Darien away from you if that's what you're so worried
about," Raye said seriously. "We're just friends now. Really."
"Let me ask you something," Serena said as she leaned forward for emphasis. "Why did you
leave Darien?"
The raven-haired singer grimaced. "I'm sure Darien has already told you why."
"I want to hear it from you," she countered. "Why did you leave him?"
Raye sighed regretfully. "I thought that he was going nowhere with his career," she
admitted. "He was going from one production assistant job to another. His last acting job
was almost two and a half years ago and it wasn't even a speaking part."
She stared down at the table with her head in her hands, lightly shaking her head from
side to side at the memories. "It almost seemed like he wasn't even trying anymore. I was
working hard to land the spots I did before this job, but at least I was trying. Darien
seemed like he was just waiting for something, like a big part would someday land in his
lap if he was patient. There were times when I told him to leave his agent and try to get
in with a more successful agency, but he refused. He told me that he trusted his agent and
had faith in her, and that I should have the same faith in him." She looked up at Serena
with a sad look in her eyes. "I really should've had more faith in him."
"Well, we can't undo our past mistakes, Raye," Serena said, thinking back on her own
regrets. "All we can do is move on and try not to repeat them." She gave her a stern look.
"That's why I want to make sure that you're not after Darien. I'm sure you've heard about
what happened with my last relationship. It was all over the entertainment news, after
all."
Raye blinked. "All of that was true? I thought a lot of that was embellishment and tabloid
nonsense."
"A lot of times they're more on the mark than people might think," the blonde actress
sighed. "And it's a pain having your personal life broadcast during primetime. But, yes,
most of what you've heard is true. That rat bastard kicked me to the curb and ran off with
some red-haired slut to Europe, leaving me with a broken heart and a million people with
cameras asking me what happened. Right then, I didn't even know what happened myself."
The raven-haired singer mentally grimaced. This wasn't something she had planned on. She
was actually feeling sorry for her. As much as she wanted Darien back, it sounded like
Serena needed him more.
'What a time for my conscience to kick in,' Raye mentally griped as she considered the
brooding actress in front of her. 'What am I supposed to do now?'
"Anyway, it's hard for me to really believe that you just want to be friends, Raye,"
Serena finally continued. "I've been burned too badly to just blindly accept that from
you."
"I understand," Raye replied. "I don't really blame you, either. But even if we're no
longer an item, Darien is my friend." She frowned slightly. "Are you going to forbid him
from seeing me?"
Serena was quiet for a few moments. "No," she finally replied. "I might be wary of others
who might try to get between us, but I trust Darien. He won't leave me like a certain
someone did. I'm sure of it."
This time, it was Raye's turn to be silent for a short time. "I'm... happy for you," she
finally said.
"You don't sound too happy," Serena pointed out.
"Maybe it's because I'm feeling more regretful than happy," she replied with a sigh. "It's
a shame that I'm on the job. A drink is just the thing I need right now."
"Tell me about it," Serena agreed, taking another sip of her drink. "Anyway, I've said my
peace." She looked past Raye and nodded her head.
Raye glanced behind her and saw that Darien had been watching them from the bar. Had he
been watching them the whole time?
"Darien apparently wants us to get along," Serena said as he headed toward them. "To be
honest, even though I'm still wary of you, I don't dislike you." She leaned back in her
chair and took a sip from her drink.
"Gee, thanks," Raye said dryly.
"Oh, don't be like that," she replied with a crooked grin. "After all, I'm a fan of yours."
"Huh?" the dark-haired singer said, confused at the quick change in subject.
"You're an excellent singer, Raye," she continued as she maintained her crooked grin. "I'm
just glad you sing here; I'd hate to have to change my favorite nightclub."
"Are you pulling my leg?" Raye asked as Darien set her virgin daiquiri on the table and
pulled up a chair, sitting between the two women.
"No, I'm serious," she replied. "I really did enjoy your singing."
"Thanks, I'm glad to hear it," Raye said as she took a look drink from the daiquiri, then
glanced at her watch. "Speaking of which, my break's almost over."
"We'll hold on to your drink for you," Darien told her. "You can finish it off on your
next break."
"Thanks," she said as she stood up. "You can have your seat back now, Darien."
"That's all right," he said, waving a hand in polite refusal. "I'll leave that chair open
for you. I'm fine right here," he said, placing a hand on Serena's hand.
Both women noted the action and had different reactions. Serena smiled at Darien, pleased.
Raye, on the other hand, kept a neutral expression.
"Well, I hope you both enjoy the next few songs," Raye said, her smile back on her face.
"One of them is an original, written by me."
"You write songs, too?" Serena inquired, slightly impressed.
"Yeah," she nodded as she headed toward the stage. "Anyway, enjoy!"
"Have a nice chat?" Darien inquired as the bandleader reintroduced Raye amidst some light
applause.
"More or less," she replied as she finished her drink.
"Are you still concerned about Raye?" he asked as he waved at Vince across the room,
signaling him to come to their table.
"Yes, but not as much as before," she said honestly. "But that's just me being cautious.
I'm hoping that things turn out all right with her; she seems like someone I could get
along with pretty well."
"I hope so, too," he agreed as he finished his own drink.
**********************************************
"Mr. Stanton, I presume?" Jack asked as he and Diane entered the office of the president
and CEO of Stanton Aeronautical.
"Speaking," Max replied, seated at his desk at the far end of the large room. "You'll
forgive me if I don't get up," he added as he paged through what seemed to be a very thick
report. It was easily the size of a novel. "I'm very busy, so please make it quick. What
is this information you have regarding Juléi and a 'certain item' of mine?"
"First off, sir," Jack began, "We assume that you are aware that she stole a certain
valuable item that you have been known to possess - the Yellow Nijizuishou crystal."
"Yes," the brown-haired president replied without looking up from his report. "And?"
"And, we assume that you have heard that she had been murdered and the crystal stolen from
her as well," Diane added.
"I've heard that, too," Max replied tiredly. "Is there anything else that I already know
that you want to tell me?"
"We're just curious as to why you hadn't contacted the police regarding the fact that your
crystal was stolen," Jack told him. "After all, it's a very rare crystal; only six others
of its kind exist in the world. The only reason the public knows that the crystal was
taken from you was because police and reporters were asking you about it after the
kidnapping and robbery in Washington, where in addition to another Nijizuishou crystal
being the only thing that was stolen, two children were kidnapped as well."
"So, what does that have to do with me?" he inquired. "So I didn't contact police right
away. Is there a law that says I have to? I'm an extremely busy man and I've got things
that are more important than a pilfered crystal to worry about." He paused in reading his
report long enough to glance up at the private investigator. "Besides, the crystal I had
was replaced by a glass fake. That's why I didn't contact police right away; I thought it
was still in my possession."
Jack and Diane exchanged glances for a moment. "There's more, Mr. Stanton," Jack said,
thinking quickly. "We also have reason to believe, based on information that we've
received while pursuing this person, that our culprit might be in the employ of someone
who works here at Stanton Aeronautical."
Max silently closed his report, set it on the desk, and leaned forward with his elbows on
the desk and his hands folded together. The lower half of his face was obscured by his
folded hands. The posture was calm, but seemed subtly threatening as well. "May I ask how
you've come to this conclusion?" he inquired.
"We cannot disclose all of our information," Diane replied. "What we can say is that our
contact has provided us with sufficient evidence linking our man with someone in Stanton
Aeronautical."
"So, I have a criminal in my organization," he said darkly. "Who?"
"That, we don't know yet," Jack told him. "We were hoping that you could provide us with
some information that could help us."
He remained silent for a moment, considering. "Like what?"
"Our contact mentioned something about a location in the middle of the Mojave Desert,"
Diane jumped in quickly.
"We have a testing grounds in the southeastern area of the Mojave," the brown-haired
president said as he reached over to the intercom on his desk and pressed a button.
"Victoria."
"Yes, Mr. Stanton?" the secretary's voice came back quickly.
"Contact Kevin in R&D. Have him print out a copy of the map to the Proving Grounds and
bring it to the front desk. Also, tell Marcy that I'm sending our visitors back down. They
can wait for Kevin there."
"Right away, sir."
"Is there anything else you wish to speak with me about?" Max inquired as he leaned back
in his chair.
Jack and Diane exchanged glances again. "Um, no, sir," Jack said, shaking his head.
"That's all."
"We appreciate your cooperation with this," Diane said gratefully.
"That's all right," Max said with a pleasant smile. "I'm glad I could be of help. I'll be
launching an investigation of my own soon, so I may need to contact you later regarding
whatever information you are able to disclose on this matter." He reached over and
activated his intercom again. "Victoria."
"Yes, Mr. Stanton?"
"We're done here," he told her. "Please escort our visitors back to the front desk. On the
way, please get their contact information."
"I'll be right there."
"I'll trust that you'll cooperate with me on this," he said as he leaned back in his chair
again.
"Certainly," Jack agreed.
"Good," he said as Victoria entered the room again. "I appreciate your taking the time to
inform me of this matter. Good day."
"Same to you," Jack replied as he and Diane followed the secretary out of the room.
As soon as the thick double doors to his office closed, Max reached over to his phone and
pressed the button that would switch his phone over to his private business line. Once he
heard the dial tone return, he quickly dialed and waited for the other end to pick up.
"Jed, here."
"We've got a problem," he said coldly. "That detective and his associate came to see me
a few moments ago. They're getting too close."
"I'll take care of them."
"Wait," he interrupted. "I've got a better idea. I've directed them to the Proving
Grounds."
"That's where the Tomoe girl is being held, right?" Jed countered. "Tell me there's a good
reason for this."
"Well, since Zed and Mel are already there, I figured that once you get over there, at
least one of you three would be able to take care of this problem," he said dryly. "Is
that a good enough reason for you?"
"More than good enough, Max."
"Good. I'll be expecting good news soon."
**********************************************
To Chapter 45
**********************************************
Author's Note: Man, these long delays between chapters are becoming quite annoying. I'm
getting worried that it's going to start becoming the norm. I hope not as I'm getting so
close to finishing this fic. I'd better make sure that the next chapter doesn't take as
long to come out, since I almost forgot how this chapter was supposed to go. -_-; At any
rate, please forgive the long wait between chapters. Next chapter: Tira and Christy make a
startling discovery; Jack and Diane make plans to head into the Mojave Desert; and Mina
reveals some of the results of the contract negotiations to Darien.
Disclaimer: All original materials belong to their respective
owners. Sailor Moon belongs to Naoko Takeuchi and a bunch
of big companies. No copyright infringement is intended. This
story belongs to Moonsong and myself, and I would appreciate
you emailing her or myself for permission before posting it
anywhere else. Thank you.
Prologue Copyright © January 24, 2000 Moonsong.
Other Chapters Copyright © August 12, 2000 Jason Ulloa.
All Rights Reserved.
By Jason Ulloa
Original story by Moonsong
Continued with her permission.
Chapter 44
Darien mentally sighed as he parked his car in front of The Silver Moon and made his way
to the other side to open the door for Serena. The drive from Serena's place to the
nightclub was quiet; it was a cloudless night and the stars were easily visible in the
black sky. Serena stared out the window and into the starry night for most of the ride
from the studio. It was a perfect night for stargazing, so he couldn't blame her for
wanting to silently admire the star-laden heavens.
Serena had borrowed one of the dresses from her trailer for tonight. It was a stunning,
white, open-backed, sleeveless dress that showed just the right amount of cleavage and had
slits in the sides that came up from the ground up to just above her mid-thigh. It was a
marvelous dress, but he couldn't remember seeing her wear that dress at any time during
the movie. He supposed it was from one of her many other movies, but he couldn't think of
which one it could be.
Actually, considering the way she looked in that dress, he was surprised he had the
capacity to think at all. She was just too gorgeous to ignore as his mind ceased
functioning for a few moments. Noticing the way he was looking at her, Serena merely gave
him a smugly satisfied look and asked him to lead the way to his car, which finally got
his brain to start working again.
During the drive to the club, Darien had mentally gone over several scenarios of when
Serena would eventually meet Raye at the club. Most weren't good. Some were doable. He was
still considering biting the metaphorical bullet and just telling her why he wanted her to
come tonight. Sure, she might get mad. The odds were certainly leaning in that direction.
Still, she was a reasonable person... most of the time. After all, he might have long
forgiven the 'White Rose' drink incident, but he hadn't forgotten it. While she might have
changed from the old Serena who so easily and callously threw a production assistant out
on his ass, she was still quite fearsome once angered.
However, all things considered, perhaps the truth was the best path to go. She deserved
that much at least. Besides, if he didn't say anything, she might get even more upset with
him than if he had told her.
"Something wrong, Darien?" Serena asked as she put her coat on and closed the car door.
"You have this look on your face like you're deep in thought or something."
Darien looked at her in surprise. He didn't think he was being that obvious.
"Actually, there's something I have to tell you before we go in," he admitted. "During
lunch today, I happened to run into Raye."
"Oh?" Serena asked, raising an eyebrow while giving him a thin smile.
He grimaced slightly, but continued on. "She told me that she got a new job singing at a
nightclub."
"Let me guess," she interrupted as she folded her arms and nodded her head toward The
Silver Moon. "That one?"
"Yeah," he nodded, grimacing again.
"Is that all?"
Darien blinked and stared at her. "Huh?"
"What, you expected me to be mad or something?" she asked, raising her eyebrow again.
"Well, Raye seems to be under the impression that you think she's trying to steal me away
from you," he replied and sighed. "I just want you two to get along. That's all."
Serena stared at him for what, to him, felt like an eternity. After a long silence, she
finally unfolded her arms and took his right arm in hers. "Well, as long as we're here,
we might as well enjoy ourselves, hm?"
"Huh?" he said, taken aback by Serena's sudden shift in mood. She was now smiling as
cheerfully as she had been when he had first suggested coming to The Silver Moon.
"As long as she understands that you're mine now, then we've got nothing to worry about,"
she explained as she rested her head on his shoulder. "Don't you agree?"
"Well, yes," he agreed as the two started toward the nightclub.
"Good." A thoughtful pause. "Darien?"
"Yes, Serena?"
"Have you ever thought about getting a tattoo?"
The sudden change of topic almost made him miss a step. "A... tattoo?" he repeated,
completely bewildered.
"I have the perfect idea of one for you," she continued with a fond smile. "You could get
a heart tattoo on your right butt cheek with the words 'Property of Serena Moon' inscribed
inside. What do you think?"
"Um...," Darien hemmed, trying to think of what to say.
Serena looked at his face and started laughing. "Oh, Darien, you should see the expression
on your face! It's absolutely priceless!"
"Really?" he muttered as he stared off elsewhere, looking away from Serena.
"Aw, are you sulking?" she said in a sweet tone. "That's so cute. But really, did you
think I was serious?"
"Of course not," he replied.
"Right," she said knowingly. "Anyway, I know that you wouldn't leave me for her, so I'm
not upset."
"Are you sure?" he asked, giving her a concerned look.
"What? You don't believe me?" she asked, giving him a reproachful stare.
"I believe you, Serena," he said as he smiled fondly at her. "And you're right; I'd never
leave you for Raye, or any other woman for that matter."
"Good," she said firmly. "Otherwise, I would have to make you get that tattoo."
"I'll remember that," he said with an amused laugh as the pair entered the nightclub.
"Miss Moon!" Vince exclaimed as he quickly came up to them. "And Mister Shields! Welcome
back to The Silver Moon!"
"Hey, Vince," Darien said, grinning at the friendly server. "Good to see you again."
"Same table as usual, Vince, if it's not taken already," Serena requested.
"Right away, Miss Moon," he nodded and gestured for her to precede him.
"Thanks," she said gratefully. "Oh, and by the way, Vincent," she added, stressing his
full name, "you might want to stop calling me 'Miss Moon' if you want me to keep calling
you 'Vince.' Just a suggestion."
"Ah!" Vince said, making a show of slapping himself in the forehead. "I've forgotten yet
again! I apologize."
Serena waved the matter aside. "Anyway, I hear you've finally hired a new singer."
"You've heard of her already?" he said, eyes widening slightly in surprise. "How? Today's
her first day here."
"She told him," Serena explained. "She's his ex," she added, glancing momentarily toward
Darien.
Vince looked over to Darien for a moment, then looked back after Darien nodded
confirmation. "It is a small world, isn't it?" he said with a shrug. "Anyway, before you
are seated, would you care for your usuals?"
Serena nodded, but Darien gave him a curious glance. "You remember what I ordered last
time?"
"Rum and Coke, straight up, right?" he answered quickly and with some smug satisfaction.
"Um, yeah," Darien confirmed. "I'll have the usual, then."
"I'll be right back with your drinks," he said and quickly departed.
"No need to be so amazed, Darien," she said as she removed her coat and handed it to him
before sitting down. "It's a common drink, after all."
"Hmm," he replied as he placed the coat next to him and sat down as well.
"So, how good of a singer is Raye, anyway?" Serena asked as she leaned forward, letting
her elbows rest on the table.
"Well, she's pretty good, but I haven't heard her sing in a while," he said, shrugging
one shoulder. "She usually doesn't let people hear her practice outside of rehearsals. She
says it's distracting."
"I can understand that in a way," she remarked, waving a hand in a noncommittal
half-shrug. "Some people need their full concentration during rehearsals." She turned her
head and glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "Not that I'm like that, you know.
I'm not the type of actress that lets little things like distractions bother me."
"Of course not," he replied, trying to keep a smirk from spreading on his face. Although
many people might be put off by the amount of prideful boasting Serena did, he was
beginning to find it endearing.
"Here are your drinks," Vince stated as he came back with the ordered drinks. "If you need
anything else, just let me know."
"Actually, do you know when Raye will be singing tonight?" Darien asked.
"Let's see," Vince said as he glanced down at his wristwatch. "Miss Hino should be
performing in a few minutes from now." He glanced back up at Darien and Serena. "Looks
like you both came at just the right time, then," he added with a laugh.
"Yeah, looks like," he agreed with a simple shrug.
"Well then, if you'll excuse me," Vince said as he turned to leave. "Please enjoy
yourselves."
"I guess we don't have to wait long, then," Serena said as she leaned back in her seat
with her drink in one hand.
A few minutes later, the bandleader concluded the current song and stepped down to the
stage amidst some light applause. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said as he stepped up to the
microphone stand, "tonight, we at The Silver Moon would like to introduce our newest
singer. Please put your hands together for Miss Raye Hino!"
A spotlight lit up on the far side of the stage where Raye stepped out wearing a
sleeveless red dress that also left her shoulders bare. The audience gave her the same
light applause that the bandleader received as she approached the microphone stand. The
bandleader stepped away as Raye approached, the spotlight following her as she walked
across the stage.
Darien casually glanced at Serena as he lightly clapped. Her expression seemed to be
normal, which was a good sign. She was even clapping as well. Perhaps he had been worrying
for no reason?
As soon as Raye reached the microphone, she turned and smiled at the audience, giving them
a small polite wave of appreciation.
"Thank you," she said with a wide smile as she swept her gaze over the entire audience.
"Thank you very m-" She abruptly cut off in mid-sentence as she spotted Darien and Serena
sitting at one of the tables over toward the mid-left. Her smile faltered for a second
before returning as if it had never left.
"Thank you very much," she said again as she turned and nodded to the bandleader, who
nodded back and cued the band to start playing the first song; a jazzy swing tune that
Darien thought was somewhat familiar.
"She's got a nice singing voice," Serena remarked as Raye started singing.
Darien nodded. "I'm glad she's finally landed a steady gig," he said with a pleased grin.
"She's had some success with small gigs at various clubs around L.A., but they never
lasted very long."
"Oh?" she asked, curious. "Why's that?"
"All the places she performed at were small clubs and the like," he explained. "Places
like those generally can't afford to keep a steady performer, or so she's told me."
"Ah," she said and took another sip from her drink.
**********************************************
As her fifth song came to an end and the audience broke into applause, Raye signaled to
the bandleader that she wanted to take a break. He nodded and as the song ended, he told
the band to take a break as well. Raye stepped down from the stage and walked over to
Serena and Darien's table.
"You're pretty good," Serena said, nodding to her as she approached.
"Thanks, Serena," Raye said appreciatively. "I'm glad you and Darien could come tonight."
She turned to Darien and gave him an amused look. "Though, I'm surprised, Darien. When I
suggested you come by when you get the chance, I didn't expect it to be today of all days."
"Surprised?" he asked with a small grin.
"A little," she admitted. "Though I am really grateful. It means a lot to me to have you
both here for my debut performance." She looked from him to Serena, smiling appreciatively.
"Of course," Serena said, nodding as she turned to Darien. "Say, Darien, would you be a
sweetheart and go to the bar and get Raye something?"
"I can't really drink on the job," Raye interjected, but Serena shook her head.
"No, I insist. You can drink if it's non-alcoholic, right?"
"Well, if it's non-alcoholic, then I've got no problems with it," Raye agreed.
"Good," Serena said and turned back to Darien. "Well? Scoot!" she ordered, waving him
away.
"Get me a virgin Strawberry Daiquiri, please," Raye requested as Darien got to his feet.
"Right, right," he said as he left for the bar. "Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri. Got it."
After Darien left, Serena waited until he was out of earshot before turning to Raye. "Have
a seat."
"Should I get another chair?" Raye asked, noting that there were only two chairs there and
Serena was sitting in one of them.
"Don't worry about it," she told her. "Darien can get one for himself when he comes back.
Right now, we need to talk and I don't want to keep staring up at you to do it."
"I... see...," Raye said as she sat down in the seat Darien previously vacated. "This is
about the fact that I used to date him, isn't it?"
The blonde actress took another drink. "I just want to make sure of a few things," she
said as she put the drink down.
"I'm not going to try to steal Darien away from you if that's what you're so worried
about," Raye said seriously. "We're just friends now. Really."
"Let me ask you something," Serena said as she leaned forward for emphasis. "Why did you
leave Darien?"
The raven-haired singer grimaced. "I'm sure Darien has already told you why."
"I want to hear it from you," she countered. "Why did you leave him?"
Raye sighed regretfully. "I thought that he was going nowhere with his career," she
admitted. "He was going from one production assistant job to another. His last acting job
was almost two and a half years ago and it wasn't even a speaking part."
She stared down at the table with her head in her hands, lightly shaking her head from
side to side at the memories. "It almost seemed like he wasn't even trying anymore. I was
working hard to land the spots I did before this job, but at least I was trying. Darien
seemed like he was just waiting for something, like a big part would someday land in his
lap if he was patient. There were times when I told him to leave his agent and try to get
in with a more successful agency, but he refused. He told me that he trusted his agent and
had faith in her, and that I should have the same faith in him." She looked up at Serena
with a sad look in her eyes. "I really should've had more faith in him."
"Well, we can't undo our past mistakes, Raye," Serena said, thinking back on her own
regrets. "All we can do is move on and try not to repeat them." She gave her a stern look.
"That's why I want to make sure that you're not after Darien. I'm sure you've heard about
what happened with my last relationship. It was all over the entertainment news, after
all."
Raye blinked. "All of that was true? I thought a lot of that was embellishment and tabloid
nonsense."
"A lot of times they're more on the mark than people might think," the blonde actress
sighed. "And it's a pain having your personal life broadcast during primetime. But, yes,
most of what you've heard is true. That rat bastard kicked me to the curb and ran off with
some red-haired slut to Europe, leaving me with a broken heart and a million people with
cameras asking me what happened. Right then, I didn't even know what happened myself."
The raven-haired singer mentally grimaced. This wasn't something she had planned on. She
was actually feeling sorry for her. As much as she wanted Darien back, it sounded like
Serena needed him more.
'What a time for my conscience to kick in,' Raye mentally griped as she considered the
brooding actress in front of her. 'What am I supposed to do now?'
"Anyway, it's hard for me to really believe that you just want to be friends, Raye,"
Serena finally continued. "I've been burned too badly to just blindly accept that from
you."
"I understand," Raye replied. "I don't really blame you, either. But even if we're no
longer an item, Darien is my friend." She frowned slightly. "Are you going to forbid him
from seeing me?"
Serena was quiet for a few moments. "No," she finally replied. "I might be wary of others
who might try to get between us, but I trust Darien. He won't leave me like a certain
someone did. I'm sure of it."
This time, it was Raye's turn to be silent for a short time. "I'm... happy for you," she
finally said.
"You don't sound too happy," Serena pointed out.
"Maybe it's because I'm feeling more regretful than happy," she replied with a sigh. "It's
a shame that I'm on the job. A drink is just the thing I need right now."
"Tell me about it," Serena agreed, taking another sip of her drink. "Anyway, I've said my
peace." She looked past Raye and nodded her head.
Raye glanced behind her and saw that Darien had been watching them from the bar. Had he
been watching them the whole time?
"Darien apparently wants us to get along," Serena said as he headed toward them. "To be
honest, even though I'm still wary of you, I don't dislike you." She leaned back in her
chair and took a sip from her drink.
"Gee, thanks," Raye said dryly.
"Oh, don't be like that," she replied with a crooked grin. "After all, I'm a fan of yours."
"Huh?" the dark-haired singer said, confused at the quick change in subject.
"You're an excellent singer, Raye," she continued as she maintained her crooked grin. "I'm
just glad you sing here; I'd hate to have to change my favorite nightclub."
"Are you pulling my leg?" Raye asked as Darien set her virgin daiquiri on the table and
pulled up a chair, sitting between the two women.
"No, I'm serious," she replied. "I really did enjoy your singing."
"Thanks, I'm glad to hear it," Raye said as she took a look drink from the daiquiri, then
glanced at her watch. "Speaking of which, my break's almost over."
"We'll hold on to your drink for you," Darien told her. "You can finish it off on your
next break."
"Thanks," she said as she stood up. "You can have your seat back now, Darien."
"That's all right," he said, waving a hand in polite refusal. "I'll leave that chair open
for you. I'm fine right here," he said, placing a hand on Serena's hand.
Both women noted the action and had different reactions. Serena smiled at Darien, pleased.
Raye, on the other hand, kept a neutral expression.
"Well, I hope you both enjoy the next few songs," Raye said, her smile back on her face.
"One of them is an original, written by me."
"You write songs, too?" Serena inquired, slightly impressed.
"Yeah," she nodded as she headed toward the stage. "Anyway, enjoy!"
"Have a nice chat?" Darien inquired as the bandleader reintroduced Raye amidst some light
applause.
"More or less," she replied as she finished her drink.
"Are you still concerned about Raye?" he asked as he waved at Vince across the room,
signaling him to come to their table.
"Yes, but not as much as before," she said honestly. "But that's just me being cautious.
I'm hoping that things turn out all right with her; she seems like someone I could get
along with pretty well."
"I hope so, too," he agreed as he finished his own drink.
**********************************************
"Mr. Stanton, I presume?" Jack asked as he and Diane entered the office of the president
and CEO of Stanton Aeronautical.
"Speaking," Max replied, seated at his desk at the far end of the large room. "You'll
forgive me if I don't get up," he added as he paged through what seemed to be a very thick
report. It was easily the size of a novel. "I'm very busy, so please make it quick. What
is this information you have regarding Juléi and a 'certain item' of mine?"
"First off, sir," Jack began, "We assume that you are aware that she stole a certain
valuable item that you have been known to possess - the Yellow Nijizuishou crystal."
"Yes," the brown-haired president replied without looking up from his report. "And?"
"And, we assume that you have heard that she had been murdered and the crystal stolen from
her as well," Diane added.
"I've heard that, too," Max replied tiredly. "Is there anything else that I already know
that you want to tell me?"
"We're just curious as to why you hadn't contacted the police regarding the fact that your
crystal was stolen," Jack told him. "After all, it's a very rare crystal; only six others
of its kind exist in the world. The only reason the public knows that the crystal was
taken from you was because police and reporters were asking you about it after the
kidnapping and robbery in Washington, where in addition to another Nijizuishou crystal
being the only thing that was stolen, two children were kidnapped as well."
"So, what does that have to do with me?" he inquired. "So I didn't contact police right
away. Is there a law that says I have to? I'm an extremely busy man and I've got things
that are more important than a pilfered crystal to worry about." He paused in reading his
report long enough to glance up at the private investigator. "Besides, the crystal I had
was replaced by a glass fake. That's why I didn't contact police right away; I thought it
was still in my possession."
Jack and Diane exchanged glances for a moment. "There's more, Mr. Stanton," Jack said,
thinking quickly. "We also have reason to believe, based on information that we've
received while pursuing this person, that our culprit might be in the employ of someone
who works here at Stanton Aeronautical."
Max silently closed his report, set it on the desk, and leaned forward with his elbows on
the desk and his hands folded together. The lower half of his face was obscured by his
folded hands. The posture was calm, but seemed subtly threatening as well. "May I ask how
you've come to this conclusion?" he inquired.
"We cannot disclose all of our information," Diane replied. "What we can say is that our
contact has provided us with sufficient evidence linking our man with someone in Stanton
Aeronautical."
"So, I have a criminal in my organization," he said darkly. "Who?"
"That, we don't know yet," Jack told him. "We were hoping that you could provide us with
some information that could help us."
He remained silent for a moment, considering. "Like what?"
"Our contact mentioned something about a location in the middle of the Mojave Desert,"
Diane jumped in quickly.
"We have a testing grounds in the southeastern area of the Mojave," the brown-haired
president said as he reached over to the intercom on his desk and pressed a button.
"Victoria."
"Yes, Mr. Stanton?" the secretary's voice came back quickly.
"Contact Kevin in R&D. Have him print out a copy of the map to the Proving Grounds and
bring it to the front desk. Also, tell Marcy that I'm sending our visitors back down. They
can wait for Kevin there."
"Right away, sir."
"Is there anything else you wish to speak with me about?" Max inquired as he leaned back
in his chair.
Jack and Diane exchanged glances again. "Um, no, sir," Jack said, shaking his head.
"That's all."
"We appreciate your cooperation with this," Diane said gratefully.
"That's all right," Max said with a pleasant smile. "I'm glad I could be of help. I'll be
launching an investigation of my own soon, so I may need to contact you later regarding
whatever information you are able to disclose on this matter." He reached over and
activated his intercom again. "Victoria."
"Yes, Mr. Stanton?"
"We're done here," he told her. "Please escort our visitors back to the front desk. On the
way, please get their contact information."
"I'll be right there."
"I'll trust that you'll cooperate with me on this," he said as he leaned back in his chair
again.
"Certainly," Jack agreed.
"Good," he said as Victoria entered the room again. "I appreciate your taking the time to
inform me of this matter. Good day."
"Same to you," Jack replied as he and Diane followed the secretary out of the room.
As soon as the thick double doors to his office closed, Max reached over to his phone and
pressed the button that would switch his phone over to his private business line. Once he
heard the dial tone return, he quickly dialed and waited for the other end to pick up.
"Jed, here."
"We've got a problem," he said coldly. "That detective and his associate came to see me
a few moments ago. They're getting too close."
"I'll take care of them."
"Wait," he interrupted. "I've got a better idea. I've directed them to the Proving
Grounds."
"That's where the Tomoe girl is being held, right?" Jed countered. "Tell me there's a good
reason for this."
"Well, since Zed and Mel are already there, I figured that once you get over there, at
least one of you three would be able to take care of this problem," he said dryly. "Is
that a good enough reason for you?"
"More than good enough, Max."
"Good. I'll be expecting good news soon."
**********************************************
To Chapter 45
**********************************************
Author's Note: Man, these long delays between chapters are becoming quite annoying. I'm
getting worried that it's going to start becoming the norm. I hope not as I'm getting so
close to finishing this fic. I'd better make sure that the next chapter doesn't take as
long to come out, since I almost forgot how this chapter was supposed to go. -_-; At any
rate, please forgive the long wait between chapters. Next chapter: Tira and Christy make a
startling discovery; Jack and Diane make plans to head into the Mojave Desert; and Mina
reveals some of the results of the contract negotiations to Darien.
Disclaimer: All original materials belong to their respective
owners. Sailor Moon belongs to Naoko Takeuchi and a bunch
of big companies. No copyright infringement is intended. This
story belongs to Moonsong and myself, and I would appreciate
you emailing her or myself for permission before posting it
anywhere else. Thank you.
Prologue Copyright © January 24, 2000 Moonsong.
Other Chapters Copyright © August 12, 2000 Jason Ulloa.
All Rights Reserved.