SMSTSS 30: Planet Hulkusagi! – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: SM, R1/2, ST, Hulk and other properties belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre, three-part story.
Special Note: This story is based upon the upcoming "Planet Red Hulk" storyline in Marvel Comics.
Part 1
Meet Usagi Tsukino, the once and future "Sailor Moon".
Meet Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, the now and then "Red Hulk".
Although they disliked each other for what they stand for, they did share ONE thing in common: Dr. Robert Bruce Banner, aka "The Incredible Hulk". In the case of Usagi, she had been captured by a future, evil version of the Hulk, and subjugated to a series of experiments that turned her into a Gammazon, sometimes called "The Hulkusagi". Over the years, Usagi attempted to cure herself, but has mutated further, resulting in the development of multiple gamma-enhanced forms. Eventually, the Moon Princess gave up on the idea of ever being normal again, and simply uses her form mainly as an excuse to go wild, usually in the form of engaging in marital bliss. Still, as the Hulkusagi, Usagi has had her share of related enemies which definitely complicates her life. In the case of Ross, his beef with the Hulk stems from the fact that the Hulk's "birth" came under his watch, during a Gamma Bomb test, and that the creature is romantically involved with his daughter Dr. Betty Ross, the future "Red She-Hulk". In an effort to get final revenge on Banner for ruining his career, Ross accepted the help of one of the Hulk's enemies to become "Red Hulk", as a means of fighting Banner on his terms. In the end, Ross failed in his attempts to exact vengeance, and would have been charged with treason, if it hadn't been for Banner cutting a deal with the Federal government. Nowadays, Ross serves as "the muscle" for the latest incarnation of the Avengers, while performing those duties that the government deem too hostile for their usual band of "super-soldiers", meta-humans who work directly for SHIELD…
Nevertheless, what would bring two people together, when the only thing that binds the two is their involvement with the Hulk?
SHIELD Headquarters: Triskelion, New York.
In the middle of New York's Hudson Bay lies the artificial island of Triskelion. For years, it served as the base of operations for the "Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law-enforcement Division", or SHIELD, and continues to do so to this very day in the age of super-powered acts of terrorism. However, that is not why Major General Usagi Tsukino (USAF, SGC Commander) was called upon to pay SHIELD Director General Steven "Commander America" Rogers a visit…
"I have to work with General Ross?" Usagi asked with disdain. These days, Usagi works as the director of Stargate Command (SGC), where she supervises the construction and monitoring of the Stargate Network under the auspice of a secret international agreement that is maintained by the International Oversight Advisory, while maintaining a working relationship with the System Lords, the Jaffa Free Nations, the Asgards, the Ancients, the Ori and many other species who uses the Stargate Network on a regular basis. Usgai's role is a part-time position, due to the needs of the Federal government, such as now…
"Yes, you do," Rogers replied. "I would have requested Dr. Banner or Ranma's help on this one, but Bruce can be temperamental as the Hulk, and Ranma is already…detained."
"Yes, I know," Usagi replied. "I woke up this morning with him sneaking out of the house, so that he could participate on a 'diplomatic mission' involving the Amazons of the Island of Victoria Specialis, so that we could secure more ore for construction of additional Stargates…"
Pause.
"Am I right?"
"Er, yes," Rogers said, as he broke out in a sweat. "Nevertheless, the mission that I have for you and Ross is mission-specific…"
Rogers dims the lights and activates a holographic projector.
"As you know, we are trying to replicate the Zero-Point Module, the same one that powers the Stargate Network and the City of Atlantis. I need not remind you that such an artifact could easily solve America's energy needs, and could go a long way in powering our ships."
"No, I read the report of the 'Zeds', sir," Usagi replied. "I assume that there has been some success in that regard?"
"Correct. The United Nations Intelligence Taskforce—UNIT—had a research station located on the dark side of the Moon, where one such module was being constructed without prying eyes."
"What do you mean by 'had', sir?"
"This morning, we lost all contact with the research station. Initial telemetry has indicated that there was an explosion on the research station."
"Wait. An explosion from a Zed would have knocked the Moon's orbit out of whack."
"And that is explains why we have this situation…"
Commander America changes the images of the holographic generator…
"Whatever caused the explosion created a spatial anomaly," Commander America said. "However, what is left of the station is partially engulfed by the anomaly. Further telemetry readings have indicated that the only working Zed is within that anomaly…"
Commander America ends his presentation.
"Due to the unstable nature of the anomaly, I can't risk sending a retrieval team into the affected area, due to the anomaly's affect on the local area, including the fact that it is spewing high levels of exotic energy, like gravitons, cosmic rays and even gamma rays. And I cannot request help from certain individuals like Superman without making the Zed construction known…"
Pause.
"Therefore, your mission is to recover the Zed and any other documentation that survived the explosion."
"Well, the parameters of the mission do explain why you're sending me AND General Ross," Usagi replied with a nod. "Ross is a former test pilot, as well as a former member of the US Air Force's defunct 'Tactical Air Command', and that means he is psychologically prepared to undertake a dangerous mission…"
Pause.
"And I happen to be ME."
"Don't put it like that, Usagi. You already astronautically certified, and you have a special operations and black operations background. Plus, I know that you'll keep Ross in line."
"So, who will be the mission commander?"
"Since Ross is retired, you'll be in charge."
"Sir, you know that Ross doesn't like taking orders from subordinates, even if he isn't in charge."
"Agreed, which is why I have been authorized to give you a temporary pay upgrade to four-star. For the duration of the mission, you and Ross will be partners."
"Gee, thanks."
"Don't mention it…General."
Later, at Area 51, Usagi prepares to leave Earth for her mission, albeit unmolested…
"Oh, this is great," said Dr. Daniel Jackson, as he chuckles while Usagi loads up her gear into a cargo bin. Jackson was the resident xeno-linguist and archeologist for SGC.
"What?" Colonel Cameron Mitchell (USAF, SGC, SG-1) asked. He would be the one to pilot Usagi's craft into the anomaly.
"Fearless leader got shanghaied yet again," Jackson said. "I like having peace and quiet, anytime Usagi is not around."
"Don't you have something better to do, Jackson?" Usagi replied.
"No, I don't think so."
"Humph."
"Well, we're all set," said Colonel Samatha Carter (USAF, SGC, USS "George Hammond"), as she hands Usagi the manifest for the mission. "The 'Hammond' has been modified to deal with the increase levels of radiation and gravitons, as will Cameron's craft."
"What is so special about this particular mission to warrant such a risk?" asked Teal'c, a Jaffa who was the liaison between SGC and the Jaffa Free Nation.
"Well, as you know, we've been working on ways to replicate the means of creating a 'Zero Point Module'," Usagi said. "Well, we have one less ZPM to make."
"Really?" Vala (an alien adventurer and con-woman) asked. She happened to be the host of a System Lord named "Qetesh", which she didn't want to be, but did so in order to placate the followers of renegade System Lord Ba'al, leader of an alliance of rogue humans (called "The Trust") and disaffected Systems Lords (called "New Mind") known as the Praxis Alliance, into standing down. There were many, particularly amongst the Jaffa Free Nation and the Tok'ra (the Gao'uld primary rivals), that felt that the Systems Lords should have been eliminated. Usagi would counter that if the Tok'ra's founder, Egeria, could change for the better, so could the other System Lords, which was proven to be correct as evident by the fact that the most powerful System Lords were allies of Earth…
"Really," Usagi replied. "My partner and I have to retrieve it, should it still exist."
"Then why can't we send an SG team to retrieve it?" Mitchell asked.
"Unfortunately, the radiation levels of the anomaly are so high that normal shielding methods will be ineffective," Usagi said. "I…I happen to be prepared for such an occurrence."
"Ah, you're talking about your green persona."
"Precisely."
"Well, I do find your physiology most fascinating, ma'am," Carter replied. "But, is there a cure for your condition?"
"Nope," Usagi said. "Besides, I've long since accepted my…condition as a part of me."
"So, where is your partner?" Jackson asked. "He isn't here-"
"He is now," said a deep, looming voice from behind.
Jackson turns around to see the Red Hulk standing behind him. Red Hulk stares down at the archeologist with his glowing, yellow eyes while folding his arms. He wore a pair of black pants that seemed to fit on his person…
"How did you-?" Vala asked in surprise.
"Unlike the normal variety, I can manipulate energy," Red Hulk said. "Light is a form of energy, as is sound."
"Which is how you were able to circumvent normal means of detection," Carter said, as she nods her head.
"Great, everyone is here," said General Jack O'Neill, director of Homeworld Security, as he and Commander America walk up to the assembled group. Everyone, save for Teal'c, Vala and Dr. Jackson, snapped to attention.
"At ease," Commander America said, as he hands over a secured, metal brief case to Usagi. "You have your mission-specific protocols in place, Usagi."
"Thank you, sir," Usagi replied.
"Does anyone have any questions?"
"I do," Teal'c said, as he stepped forward.
"Ah, Ambassador Teal'c," Commander America said. "What is your question?"
"Is is true that you have fought over a thousand men in a single battle?"
"Um, pardon?"
"Teal'c is a fan of Earth's historic warriors and their ethos, Steve," O'Neill replied.
"Oh, I see. Well, I do recall taking on Nazi Germany's elite guard, HYDRA, in a single evening near the Rhine. Although, I do admit that Usagi and our allies in the Invaders did most of the work by preventing reinforcements."
"No way!" Mitchell said, as he turned towards Usagi, and looked at the Moon Princess in awe. "You fought alongside of Commander America?"
"Ranma and I did, actually," Usagi said. "Our mission was to prevent the Thule Society from summoning extra-dimensional entities to help the Axis. Unfortunately, we learned to late that Berlin had already sent an advanced battalion of HYDRA soldiers to facilitate the entities' arrival. So, Commander America took on the soldiers, while the rest of us dealt with the entities."
"But why did you leave General Rogers alone to deal with the enemy?" Carter asked.
"Because I asked her to, Colonel Carter," Commander America said. "Dealing with elite commandoes is a lot easier than dealing with demons that could turn the tide against the allies."
"Ah, I see…"
"But, that's history," Usagi said, wanting to change the subject. "I'm ready for the mission."
"General O'Neill, the Hammond is ready," Carter said. Even though she and O'Neill were together, she was also a military officer…
"Great," Red Hulk said with annoyance. "Let's get this mission over and done with."
"What's wrong with 'Big Red'?" Mitchell asked.
"He's just annoyed that I'm in charge of the mission," Usagi replied.
"Well, I'm annoyed that you're in charge of SGC, so I know how he feels," Jackson said with a grin.
"Humph."
"You better get ready, Bunny," O'Neill said.
"Just a second," Usagi said, as she closes her eyes a bit. When she opened her eyes again, they were glowing green.
"Hey, watch this next trick," Usagi said, as she explosively transformed into the Hulkusagi.
"Impressive," Vala said.
Tbc.