Star Trek: Ranma's Adventures 2 – by DS Wynne
Disclaimer: Ranma ½ and other genres belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Part 2
(The following takes place between 8:00 am and 9:00 am.)
Okayama, Japan.
For the most part, Ranma Saotome didn't take life TOO seriously. Afterall, if you ended up fighting Darkseid, and survived, stupid human behavior is the least of one's worries. Still, fighting ANY powerful dark god (or other powerful paranormal "freak") was something that Ranma did not want to do on a regular basis. After all, while he personally liked the challenge, he couldn't run the risk of his fights spilling over to his personal life. The last thing he wants is someone close to him to get hurt or corrupted.
On this particular day, Ranma wanted to visit his old Washu Hakubi, the so-called "Greatest Scientific Genius in the Universe". Of course, Washu has many rivals in this category, like the Doctor, Metron of the New Gods, Reed ("Mr. Fantastic") Richards, and Vril Dox (aka "Braniac II") of Colu to name a few. What struck Ranma was how utterly clueless all these eggheads were in terms of the ethical ramification their scientific inquiries. Thankfully, at least Washu, the Doctor and Reed have someone in their respective lives to keep them morally grounded.
At any rate, Ranma wanted to get a full medical check-up without the scrutiny of any prying eyes.
As he got off the train platform for his long walk, he thought about how he met each and everyone of the aforementioned "brain trust"...
FLASHBACK!
England, Rifts Earth.
Ranma took his lessons as a "Temporal Warrior" to heart. After all, the sooner he could finish his apprenticeship, the sooner he could get his status as a full Knight of the Round Table at Camelot.
He was sitting by a brook, where he was utilizing his "Stop Watch" rote, whereby he could move around between the seconds. And while it was a simple spell, it could be utilized for powerful affect. However, Ranma wanted to create a localized effect. So, Ranma took a simple apple, and tossed it in the air.
"STOP!"
Sure enough, the apple hovered in the air.
"There, I did it-"
FWOOSH!
A vortex was suddenly forming around the object. An energy bolt struck Ranma, as he was knocked back. Ranma survived the blow, so he got up. As he did, he began to hear a grinding sound. Slowly, some sort of London Police Box, blue, appears. Then, a man wearing a long coat and scarf exits the box, takes some strange, pen-like device, and points it at the vortex.
ZAP!
All of a sudden, the vortex disappears.
FWIP!
The man caught the apple, and tossed it over to Ranma.
"Huh?"
"I take it that you are the fool who did this?" asked the man.
"Hey, I ain't no fool!"
"Oh? Then why utilize an under-powered rote? Do you not know that how delicate temporal mechanics are?"
"Look, I'm just learning this stuff, you know! I just wanted to see if I can do more for less."
The man arches an eyebrow.
"Who is your teacher?"
"Who wants to know?"
"I am called 'The Doctor'," the man said, as he extended his hand. "I will be interested in discussing matters of time and space with you and your teacher."
Ranma thought for a moment.
"Alright, you have deal...and my name is Ranma Saotome. Sorry about that..."
The Doctor, who turned out to be one of the enigmatic "Time Lords" was surprised to see that Ranma's teacher was a member of the renegade member of the Temporal Raiders, an alien species known for their mercenary ways. This particular one was named "Sir Frederick"...since his actual name was hard to pronounced.
(A/N: I was incorrect in the designation of Ranma and Usagi's teacher. It's "Temporal Raider", not "Temporal Masters". TRs uses mystical means to study time and its applications...primarily for mercenary purposes. Now, in the "After the Bomb" series, there is a group known as "Time Lords", who are homages to the "Time Lords" of "Dr. Who". These TLs uses science to study time and its applications. They have theorized that the time-stream is like a coils within coils within coils, and that the center of each coil are "null zones", which can serve as either "jumps" between coils or the creation of entire domains; one of the domains is the home of the TLs. Anyway, for future references, I will use this version of the TLs in reference to the TLs in "Dr. Who", in terms of giving a better description- "story mechanics" -of what a Time Lord can and cannot do.)
From that day forward, Ranma would become friends with the Gallifreyan, and even so far as to go on many adventures. The Doctor took it upon himself to "re-orient" everything that Ranma was taught, since he felt that the modus operandi of the Temporal Raider- being a mercenary -was something that a manipulator of time should not do.
Apocalypse.
The Fury "Wild Childe", dressed as a high-tech Amazon warrior, crouched, as she hissed at her prey. The lord of Apocalypse, Darksied, had used his scientist/interrogator Desaad to merged the "Cat Fist" with Ranma's human psyche to create his own personal "berserker". Like a hound, Darksied released 'Childe to hunt down whoever was illegally tapping into his files. In reality, the dark god already knew who was the culprit, but was curious as to what action said culprit would do.
Originally, Darksied had captured Ranma Saotome and his companions, after learning that Usagi possessed the dormant "Anti-Life Equation", something that would enable her to one day rule the universe. Fortunately, Usagi's equation could not be forcibly removed. Unfortunately, Darkseid had decided to corrupt Usagi and her companions so that he could be "the power behind the throne" (so to speak). In the mean time, Ranma, Usagi, Hoshi and T'Pol were turned into Granny Goodness' "Furies", and have served gleefully in the service their lord and savior Darksied.
Metron, a New God, and seeker of Knowledge, was bemused, as this transformed human tried to claw him. He was fascinated by the fact that even without touching him, Metron (dressed in a blue body suit with white trim and lines) could feel the very epidermal layer of the atmosphere being shredded, as Wild Childe's attack damaged Metron's personal aura.
"You'lll willl serrrve the Willl of Darrrksied!" 'Childe yowled, as she continued her attack.
Metron smirked.
"I do not serve ANY New God," Metron began. "And if you wish to MAKE me, you will have to get past Orion first."
Wild Childe perked.
"The son of my Master is here?"
"Yes," said the champion of New Genesis, as he pummeled Wild Childe into a reinforcement wall that hugged the gullies of Armaghetto.
BOOM!
The red clad, gold helmeted Orion smirked.
"Too easy," Orion says, as he turned his back.
Suddenly-
"Tigerrr Clllaw!"
Orion felt his back being shredded, followed by a-
"Moko Takibasha!"
BLAM!
Orion staggered, as he turned to face his foe.
"So, the child wishes to continue," Orion says. He then turns to Metron. "You have only a few minutes before I will kill her."
So, the battle between the God of War and the Apocalyptic Fury was joined in earnest.
Metron sighed. Had he not needed Usagi to be freed, he would not have bothered to act. However, if Usagi remains a servant of Darksied, then the Dark God's control of the universe will be complete. So, he took his Mother Box, and programmed the correct sequencing to free Ranma's mind...
PING! PING!
Suddenly, Ranma's core personality and memories were jumped started. Ranma changed personality was noticeable enough to cause Orion to cease his assault.
"Ranma Saotome?"
Ranma-chan looked at Orion and then at herself. She looked like something out of a leather-bar. Even her body was altered to be more muscular than normal. And then, she remembered what she was forced to do while under the thrall of Darksied...
"DARKSIED!"
Ranma-chan turned to find the Lord of Apocalypse, when she found herself held by force field.
"LET ME GO!"
"I will," Metron said, "but only if you calm down and listen to what I have to SAY...if you want to help your friends."
Ranma-chan calmed down and listened for a moment. Though she wanted revenge, Usagi and the others' welfare was a priority.
Vanderberg AFB, California.
It was the night of Dr. Reed Richard's launch of his rocket ship, which is rumored to possess an ion drive. If successfully launched, then the next step would be the creation of a "faster-than-light" version of the engine. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, there was talk of either delaying or scrubbing the launch. Fortunately, Dr. Usagi Tsukino (Astrophysics) and Mr. Ranma Saotome (Developmental Engineer: Aeronautical), from the National Science Council, would be visiting their old friend Reed and their mutual friend Benjamin J. Grimm. They had met in college at Empire State University, New York, when Usagi was teaching a class on "Ethical Science". In fact, many of the students of the class would end up become either superheroes (like Barry Allen and Bruce Banner for example), or supervillains (like Victor von Doom or Professor Ivo for example). Usagi always blamed herself for not trying hard enough to steer the likes of Victor to a better outlook.
And speaking of which, the real reason why the flight was put on hold, was that SHIELD, the premier intelligence network, received a tip that Reed's flight was being sabotaged by his rival. So, under the auspice of the NSC, Usagi and Ranma was paying a visit to the rocket facility.
"Reed!" Usagi said, as she hugged her former student. "How's it been?"
"Been better," Reed replied. "I wish that you'd let me go ahead with my test, you know."
"Don't worry about it. Ranma and I simply want to do an inspection before the launch. That's all."
Meanwhile, at the local hang out.
"DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK-!"
Ranma slammed his mug of beer.
"Ah!"
The local crowd cheered, as he accepted his money. After all, the bet was to "slam" the most beers.
Ranma slammed fifty, and was not affected in any way.
"Thank you, thank you!" Ben said, as he counted his take.
"Was that necessary?" Ranma asked, as he wiped his mouth. Most Earth spirits had little or no effect on his physiology.
"Hey, we earned some money, didn't we?"
"Yeah..."
Ranma and Ben went to the same flight school during the Second World War. Ben looked out for him, thanks to the rampant anti-Japanese sentiment going around. This was during the time when Usagi and Ranma had a marriage separation (Usagi was dating then-Daily Star reporter, now Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent at the time). Since flight school, Ranma and Ben have been close friends, and even served together during the Korean War in the same squadron.
"How's things with Usagi?" Ben asked.
"Ah, they've been better," Ranma said. "She STILL has a thing for that egghead from Metropolis, but it's more on the flirting scale."
"Well, don't worry about. Dames are fickle enough."
"TELL me about it."
Later that night, a heated discussion was taken place…
"Reed, I have to recommend that the project be postponed until this security leak is taken care. I'm sorry."
As Usagi leaves the bungalow, where Ranma was sleeping off his alcohol, she could hear Reed discuss the merits of Usagi's words with Ben, with Susan and Johnny Storm present. And then she over heard Susan wondering if Ben was a coward for not considering taking their rocket ship without authorization.
"Sigh," Usagi thought to herself. "It's going to be one of those evenings."
And with that, Usagi made a few phone calls…
"Reed!" Susan says, as she and the entered the rocket plane. They were all shocked to see Usagi waiting for them in a space-suit.
"Well, if you want to stop gaping, we have a launch to consider."
"I-" Reed began.
"We'll have a discussion later. Now, gentlemen?"
Everyone was seated, as ground control was fully operational. Usagi had the staff on stand-by when Richards and his people snuck aboard the rocket ship. Ranma was to act as the co-pilot.
"Oh, way to go, dude!" Ranma said angrily, as he checked his instruments. He would act as Ben's co-pilot. "I was trying to get some sleep, when you guys tried to do this on your own!"
"Hey, quit being such a girl!" Ben says.
"Jerk!"
Meanwhile, Susan Storm and her younger brother Johnny were observing Usagi in action. The Storm siblings came from a wealthy family with business ties to the medical industry in Southern California. Susan met Reed when Reed was living at her aunt's boarding house
"Lady, why are you here?" young Johnny says.
"Yes, why are you here?" Susan replies.
"Funny, I should be asking you two that question," Usagi said, as she did a final check. "Neither of you have any skills worth using on this trip, while I have advance degrees in cutting edge science and technology…just like Reed."
With that point made, the Storm siblings were silent.
"Hang on to yer backsides," Ben says. "It's going to be a bumpy ride!"
With the launch go, the rocket took off. If the project was a success, then the world will have achieved faster-than-light travel decades ahead of schedule. However, it wasn't the only thing that was being tested. Various applications were being tested as well, including deflector shields. They were designed to withstand the awesome forces of cosmic radiation, which were to be used for deep-space travel.
"Hmmm," Usagi said, as she checked the panels. "Reed, I'm picking some strange irregularities in the converter flow."
"I'm check those instruments myself," Reed said. "In fact, I did so just before the launch."
Usagi read the panel closely. She then tapped the panel just to make sure of something.
This can't be correct, Usagi thought. She then popped open the control panel.
The wire configuration was not correct.
"Reed, did you know that the wires were crossed incorrectly?"
"Oh?"
"Just a second," Usagi said, as she retooled the wires. She had studied Reed's blue-prints before coming to Vanderberg.
"There," Usagi said, as she closed the panel. "That ought to-"
Usagi's eyes went wide.
Instead of resisting cosmic rays, the shields were designed to focus cosmic rays. By why did she not detect this impending danger-
She notice a marking just below the panel itself. It was a classic rune diagram that was designed to negate ALL psychic and magical abilities. She quickly studied the configuration, and determined that it was made by a person with a knowledge of "techno magic" thanks to combining mystic elements with technological ones.
In other words, it was a trap designed to kill someone of her stature…someone who KNEW that she was going to investigate the rumors on a hit on Reed Richard's life.
It was Dr. Victor von Doom's handiwork.
"That son of a b-"
Tic-tic-tic-tic-tic-tic-tic-tic-tic-tic-tic-tic-!
"Reed!" Usagi cried, "Evasive actions NOW!"
Reed picked up on the sounds of cosmic rays bombarding the rocket-ship.
"Ben, Ranma- we got to set the ship down!" Reed cried.
Ben had made the course correction, when the ship was flooded with cosmic radiation.
"Reed-!" Susan cries.
"I'll protect you!" Reed says.
"Ahhhhhhh-!" Johnny says.
Usagi gritted her teeth, as she hugged Ranma from the back, and braced for the onslaught.
"Ranma, hold still!"
"Usagi-!"
Thankfully, the pilots' piloting skills were enough land their rocket outside of Stockton, California.
"Ah, man," Ranma said, as he inspected the damage. "There goes my career."
And Ben kicks the rocket with his foot, causing him to scream in pain.
"Dag-gone-ship!" Ben yelled.
Suddenly, Ben's form began to get rocky and massive.
"Ben!" Susan says. "You've become some sort of thing!"
Suddenly, wishing to hide, Susan turned invisible.
"Sis," Johnny says. "I feel…I feel hot!"
Suddenly, Johnny burst into flames.
"Look what you have done, Reed!" Ben yelled, as he took a swung at Reed.
Reed, who was trying to get away, stretched his body to amazing lengths.
"Ben, clam down!"
Before things could get REALLY out of hand-
FLASH!
A beam of energy engulfs the area. When everyone could see, they say that Usagi was crackling with energy. Her eyes were white on white, and were glowing. Her raised hand was surrounded by a field of white.
"Gentlemen, please," Usagi said, as she floated back down to the ground. "Let's not act like children."
"You've changed, too!"
"Actually, neither Ranma nor I have been affected by the cosmic radiation. Well...I was more so than Ranma, since I took the brunt of the radiation. And I already possessed cosmic-level powers anyway, so...all I got was an extra boost."
Ranma merely held Usagi. He would have hated to mutate into something. At least, he hoped he didn't get mutated.
After ten minutes of additional discussion…
"You guys are lucky to have…normal forms," Ben said dejectedly.
"Actually, I have a theory," Usagi said, as she went to the rocky "Thing". "Can you recall something that makes you…cry?"
"Nuthing makes me cry!"
"Well, you do cry whenever you watch 'Bambi'." Reed says.
"Hey!"
"You like 'Bambi'?" Johnny giggled.
"Shut up, kid!"
"Ben, please recall the saddest part of that film."
"It…it was when Bambi lost his mom. Reminds me of my…mother…"
Slowly, Ben returned to normal.
"Wow!" Susan says. "How did you know he could change back?"
"Well, I figure that since your abilities are tied to your personalities, then it is possible that Ben could return to normal. The reason why he'll stay in that rocky form of his, is mainly because he is a overly-macho jerk."
"Hey!" Ben says, as he transformed back to the Thing.
"See?"
"Well," Reed says, "I guess that there is one thing to do next."
And thus, the Fantastic Four were born. Usagi decline to join, but would serve as a consultant for the group whenever possible, particularly as a government liaison.
Vegan Star System.
As a favor to his training partner (and former student) Batman, Ranma went after the Teen Titans, who had been kidnapped by the lizard-like Gordorians. He used his Green Lantern ring to travel to that system.
Of course, the Oans did not like the fact that in the 24th century, one of their own, who did not even exist yet, had authorized Ranma to have one.
"GREEN LANTERN RANMA SAOTOME."
Ranma stopped his flight for a moment, and faced the astral heads of the Guardians of Oa.
"What is it?"
"You do not have authorization to go to Vega System on Green Lantern Corp business."
"Sorry, sirs, but I'm a 'paladin', not a 'knight'. There's only ONE Guardian that I serve, and SHE gave me my power."
Ranma used the term "paladin" to signify that while he is on the same "team", Ranma serves the will of a specific Guardian; in this case, Ranma was the Green Lantern of the Oan Lianna.
"We understand this, Ranma Saotome of Earth. We are concerned with how you present yourself in THIS era."
Ranma sighed.
"Fine. I'll...change."
Ranma took out his Sailor Helios Henshin wand.
"Solar Power TRANSFORM!"
FWOOSH!
Ranma became the Senshi of Light, Sailor Helios. Even more so, by combining the power of Helios with that of the Green Lantern, 'Helios' ring became a YELLOW Lantern power ring.
"There, are you happy now?"
"We are. From this day forth, you will be known as 'Sailor Helios, the Yellow Lantern'. Your battery and power ring will reflect this change. That way, you will not affect the timeline TOO much."
"Well, gee, thanks!"
"You will meet with a sister organization known as LEGION, who will help you to acclimate to the situation in the Vegan Star System."
"Yes, sir."
And with that, Sailor Helios went on her way to meet this "contact".
Sometime later...
"Hey, red!" said the pale skin Czarnia "Lobo", as he tried to grope 'Helios. Lobo was known to be a ruthless bounty hunter who fought Superman to a stand-still. "Let's go into the back, and have some fun!"
Now, Lobo was a bounty hunter whom Ranma had dealings with as a Starfleeter, as an Anla'shok and as a Jedi Knight. And in all cases, he would either fight the Czarnian...or fight off the advances of the Czarnian (when female). And even after learning the truth about Ranma and his Jusenkyo curse, Lobo STILL wanted his womanhood.
At any rate-
POW!
"Jerk! Keep yer damn hands off of me!"
"HE had that coming," said the female alien "Stealth". She and her people, who possess gold-tan skin with white hair, posses the ability to mask her presence.
The green skinned Vril Dox II of Colu smirks, as he made his final calculations. As the son of the supervillain "Brainiac", Vril possess a 12th level intelligence. That means that Vril possess human-level intelligence to the 12th power. 'Helios was just glad that Vril was on the side of good, rather than follow in his father's footsteps.
"Once we are position, we will provide you the cover to rescue your friends."
"Tell me, why are you doing this again?"
The blond-haired Vril looks at 'Helios and smirks.
"Why, to owe me a favor, of course."
"Well, I can't fault you for THAT. At least you're honest in your reasoning."
A short time later, in a Citadel fortress...
BLAM!
Sailor Helios landed, after bursting into Blackfire's lair, where she was holding the Teen Titans.
"Okay, Komand'r!" 'Helios says. "Where...are...they...?"
Instead of seeing Robin and the others tied or something, 'Helios sees Starfire's older sister Blackfire lounging on a bed seductively, while wearing provocative clothing."
"Hello, Ranma," Blackfire says. "I did not know that you were coming for a visit."
"Cut the crap, Komand'r. Where are the Teen Titans?"
Blackfire, like all Tamarians, possessed light bronze skin with varying shades of golden-brown hair, and had green eyes. As she got up, she "accidentally" dropped her clothes.
"Ever since I met you on Earth, I've been fascinated with the Earth man known as 'The Wild Horse'. If you please ME, I will please YOU...by releasing my sister and her friends."
"Hey, I'm not exactly a free agent you know! And besides...I happen to be a GIRL at the moment!"
Komand'r took 'Helios into her arms.
"I've never let an obstacle like gender get in the way of what I want."
"Oh, boy..."
Hours later...
"Alright, Blackfire!" said Ryand'r, Blackfire and Starfire's younger brother, and leader of the Vegan freedom fighters "The Omega Men", as he and his allies and associates burst into Blackfire's lair.
"Your plans are finished!" Robin said, as he assembled his Teen Titans.
And then, everyone saw what was happening.
"Holy sapphonic encounter, Batman!"
"Eh, it's nothing new where I come from," Wonder Girl smirks. "I do wonder how Sister Usagi will react when she learns of this."
Vril Dox, who was still under contract to insure Sailor Helios' safety, had decided to back up the rescue party. He arched his left eyebrow in both shock and amusement.
"Ah, yes," Lobo said, as he pulled one of Blackfire's bottle of wine from the cabinet, pulled up a seat, and began to enjoy the free show. "I knew red had it in her!"
Needless to say, Ranma was sorely embarrassed from the whole thing...especially after learning that the recording from the security cameras in Blackfire's room was first acquired by Lobo, and then later sold bootleg copies across the known galaxy. Thankfully, Usagi was not commited to him at the time, otherwise he'd be in BIG trouble!
At any rate, Ranma's various encounter with different types of heroic scientists has always been...interesting to say the least.
END FLASHBACK!
"Hello, Ranma," said Sasami Masaki, the younger child of the of the Royal Juraian line. Sasami was a pre-teen with twin pony-tails (called "Ox Horns", which is different from "Odangos") for her blue hair. "What brings you by?"
"Ah, I'm for a visit, and to get a medical check-up from Washu."
Tbc.