TRTSS18: The Final Frontier! – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: R1/2, SM, ST and other properties belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Special Note: This is a sequel to "The Hidden Voyage".
Author's Note: Essentially, this is a semi-AU story, which will continue to have connections with the "prime" timeline. Thus, all things that have happened, still has happened. Furthermore, besides other Star Trek adventures, the crew of the NCC-1701 "USS Enterprise" will be involved in the events depicted on the original "Babylon 5" series. Also, this chapter is short, since I want to set the mood. Of course, there will be an in-text explanation as to how all this will come to play, so please be patient. Finally, this story will be "open-ended", switching back and forth its focus between the alternate prime timeline and the original prime timeline (which will be noted). As always, C&C are welcomed. Enjoy!
Part 1
2390 CE: Prime Timeline (The Time Gate).
Sailor Pluto was having a major headache.
A madman name Oren Nero, a Romulan miner, went on a rampage of death and destruction, thanks to being tricked by a politician who knew that their homeworld was on a verge of destruction. As a result, Nero, his Romulan crew, Federation Ambassador Spock of Vulcan and the Moon Princess was thrown into the past…and created a parallel timeline in the process. And although the crisis has been resolved, the Moon Princess chose to start a new life as a Romulan female, and is now in a committed relationship with Ambassador Spock. Sailor Pluto wondered if she should let Ranma, her Ranma, know the particulars about what the Moon Princess was up to.
And then there was the situation with the alternate timeline.
The Moon Princess of THAT timeline could prove to be a problem for the future of Crystal Tokyo. It was only at the point of Nero's attack on the USS Kelvin that a divergent timeline was created. She was concerned that TWO Moon Princesses might return to the past at the same time. If that happens, either they will fight each other, or join together as allies. Time will tell if Sailor Pluto concerns will bare fruit.
In the mean time, a hands-off approach is warranted, until intervention is warranted…
2258 CE: AU Timeline (Babylon 5 Station).
Captain's Log, Stardate: 02258.05. We've arrived in the Epsilon Eridani Star System without harassment. There, the Enterprise's port of call will be the neutral space station 'Babylon 5', which will host a number of powers, including the Federation, the Minbari, the Juraians, the Vorlons, the Centauri, the Narn, the Klingons, the Romulans and the Cardassians. This arrangement had been initiated, ironically, by the actions of the rogue Romulan Nero, whose influence can still be felt four years after the destruction of Nero's ship, the Nerada. One of the things that the Federation hoped to do is to stave off a potential war between the Klingons and the Romulans, which could be mitigated by the presence of the stronger powers. After all, they have would have an interest in maintaining peace within the region. On another note, the Minbari are concerned that the Enterprise has been assigned to this sector, especially since it was instrumental in the defeat of the Minabri at the "Battle of the Line". Furthermore, the Minbari have become especially anxious, since two of the Federation heroes of that battle, Lt. Commander Ranma Saotome (CSO) and Lt. Commander Usagi Tsukino-Saotome (2ndO/Ops) have been assigned to the Enterprise. Only time will tell if their presence will help smooth or exacerbate the underlying tensions between our peoples…
FWOOSH!
The USS Enterprise completes jump through warped space, as it makes its final approach to space station Babylon 5.
"We've successfully completed the jump through hyperspace," Ensign Pavel Chekov (Nav) said. "We have arrived safely to the Epsilon Eridani Star System."
"I should hope so," Lt. Hikaru Sulu (Helm) said, as he begins the deceleration process. "Otherwise, people will blame ME for any accidents we might have, thanks to that stupid stereotype."
"Nonsense, Mr. Sulu," Captain James T. Kirk replied, as he signed a report from Yeoman Janice Rand. "They just simply expect more from you."
"Yeah, Starfleet Command paid a lot of money to bring this baby online," Ranma said with a smirk, as he performed the routine sensor sweep of the ship. After all, one doesn't want some weird, alien entity sneaking aboard the ship while entering and exiting sub-space…
"How come we still use the 'Jumpgate System' to get around, if we have these new engines?" Rand asked.
"Well, we're still building replacement vessels for the older models within the fleet, Rand," Kirk said. "So far, we have twelve fully-operation Mark-II Constitution-class ships, and several dozen other newer classes that are either on their way to service or are under construction. The only reason why we still have the older vessels in the service has to do with budgetary concerns. This is also on top of the fact that they are cheaper to maintain for civilian use than simply purchasing more powerful starships."
"Oh."
"Would you look at that," Usagi said, as she sees the station coming into view. Babylon 5 was blue with gray trim, and was big enough to house a city. Several ships, most of them Minbari, were already "parked" nearby.
"Some station," Sulu replied.
BEE-OOOOO!
Uhura immediately goes to answer the hail…
"Captain, we're being hailed by the station commander," Uhura said, as she turns towards Kirk.
"On screen."
BLIP!
A human male of salt-pepper hair appears on screen. He had a stern look about him, and he wore a distinctive uniform.
"Good Day, Captain Kirk," said the man. "I wish to welcome you and the crew of the USS Enterprise to space station Babylon 5."
"Thank you for the welcome, Captain Sinclair," Kirk said. "I look forward to our meeting, once we get 'parked'."
"I look forward to that as well. Commander Ivonava will direct you to your holding station. Sinclair: OUT."
CHIRP
"He didn't seem too happy to see us," Usagi said, as she turns towards her husband.
"Actually, if you look at his mannerism, he was not happy to see Kirk," Ranma said.
"Why would he be that?"
"Well, from what I recall, there are a lot of people who think that the captain was too young to get such a prestige assignment as commanding Starfleet's newest vessel."
"Ah."
"Say, how come the station personnel are using different uniforms?" Sulu asked. "I heard that the human contingent were Starfleet."
"It is part of the necessary protocol that the station personnel would be identified as being 'neutral'," Spock said. "As a result, this station has the distinction of having its own command structure, which includes its own naval and ground contingents."
"Huh."
"Well, I for one will be looking forward to our new assignment," Chekov said with a smile.
"And why is that?" Kirk asked.
"Rumor has it that there is a sect of 'Technomages' that have a home here, and I for one am looking forward to advance my knowledge of mathematics, sir."
"Well, I guess we all have something to look forward to," Kirk said.
"Sir, I just want to say that we might have some…problems with the Minbari, in light of the history of the Enterprise," Usagi said.
"I am well aware of its role during the Federation-Minbari War-"
"Actually, she mean us specifically," Ranma said, indicating himself and Usagi. "We kind of, well, essentially took the Grey Council hostage in order to force a surrender."
"THAT I did not know. I knew that you and Usagi were war heroes during that time, but I didn't know the specifics."
"Much of 'Battle of the Line' it is still classified, but I just wanted to let you know OUR role, just in case."
"In case of what?" Kirk asked out of curiosity.
"Ranma is known amongst the Minbari as 'The Chaos'," Usagi replied. "During the war, he and a number of special operations personnel systemically broke the Minbari war machine. That's why the Grey Council had ordered a direct strike against Earth, in a surprise attack, because, eventually, the Minbari would not have been able to maintain their ability to wage war."
"Yeah, well…I just hate the fact that because of THAT, the warrior caste still hold a grudge against me," Ranma said, as he shakes his head. "Sheesh!"
"Wow, that is fascinating to hear, Mr. Saotome," Kirk said. "I would love to hear some of your war stories sometimes."
"Sure," Ranma said.
And with that, the Enterprise was parked.
A short time later…
"Do you ever get the feeling that you are being watched?" Ranma said, as he looked around the promenade, as he sees Minbari staring at him from around the room…
"Just relax, Ranma," Usagi said, as she eats her meal. "You have fans."
Ranma turns towards Usagi.
"THIS kind of fandom I don't need-"
"Excuse me," said an older Minbari, as he taps Ranma's shoulder.
Ranma turns to look at the Minbari.
"Yes?"
"Are you…the Chaos?"
Ranma sizes the Minbari up, and stands.
"That's what some have called me," Ranma said evenly. "What of it?"
For a moment, the air seemed electrified…
And then, without warning or any other indication, the Minbari extends a hand in friendship.
"Umm…huh?" Ranma asked.
"We still have not forgotten your role in our defeat, Chaos, but we respect your prowess as a fellow warrior," said the Minbari. "We give our word that as long as you and your ship is here, we will not seek revenge on you or your House."
Hesitantly, Ranma accepts the handshake. Basically, he and the warrior caste were coming to an understanding of sorts.
"Um, thanks?" Ranma said, as he shook the Minbari's hands.
When the handshake was broken, the Minbari curtsey his head with a nod, and returned to mill about with his fellow Minbari.
"Huh," Ranma said, as he sits down.
"See?" Usagi said. "That wasn't so bad. The Minbari are not such a bad people after all."
"Or really?" Ranma asked.
"Yes, REALLY. As long as you don't pick a fight, they won't either."
"Huh."
As the two resumed their eating, someone was spying on them from afar…
"So, you have arrived as it has been foretold," said the female Minbari quietly, who continued to wear her cloak's hood over her head, so as to remain inconspicuous. "I knew it was the right thing to do, to sue for peace amongst our people, when you and the Moon Princess boarded my ship during the 'Battle of the Line'."
Pause.
"And now, the die is cast, and the fate of the galaxy will soon be decided."
Tbc.