Sailor Moon ST 1: An Enterprising Experience – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: "Sailor Moon", "Star Trek" and other genres belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Part 10
Upon the return to the Enterprise, the Landing Party were separated, with Ranma immediately going to Sickbay for treatment for his leg injury, while Tucker, T'Pol and Usagi went through decontamination (for protocystian spore infections). The remaining of the Landing Party went back to their stations, as Captain Archer order the ship to head for the coordinates provided by their Suliban guest…
"Okay, people," said Dr. Phlox, as she peeked into the decontamination chamber. "Be sure to thoroughly strip and dispose of your clothing. And don't forget to apply the creams I have provided for you all."
"How long we have to be here?" Usagi said with worry. She didn't want to be nude in front of the Chief Engineer.
"Don't worry, cadet," Phlox said with a smile. "A good one hour should do it."
"What're we suppose to do in the mean time?" Tucker asked.
"You all can talk about the mission, or something."
"Doctor, can you patch in a video or something?" Usagi asked.
"I'm afraid not."
"Nevertheless, thank you for your efforts at maintaining our health, Dr. Phlox," T'Pol said.
"You're welcome."
And, with that, Dr. Phlox seals off the observation window of the decontamination room.
"Well, we better get started," Tucker said, as he begins to strip.
"I don't wanna!"
"Cadet, you are being too modest," T'Pol said, as she strips down as well.
"But I don't want Mr. Tucker to peep at me."
"Oh, for goodness sake," Tucker said, as he faced away from Usagi and T'Pol. "I won't 'peep', okay?"
"Okay, but don't peep!" Usagi said, as she slowly removes her clothes.
With all three nude, they began to apply cream on each other, while Usagi was giggling.
"Calm down, cadet," T'Pol said, as she helped to apply cream on Usagi's body.
"But it tickles…"
Meanwhile, in Sickbay, Ranma groaned, as he looks at the alien starfish. Supposedly, as the creature drew nutrients from Ranma's body, the starfish excretes an enzyme that speeds of the patient's metabolism in order to heal fast…
"I'm telling ya, Doc, I'm fine," Ranma said, as he lay on the medical bed. "I can heal very fast."
"Be as it may, this holistic treatment will give me a chance to see if I can use it ship-wide," Dr. Phlox said, as he tapped on his personal access data device (PADD).
"So, I'm some kind of guinea pig?"
"No. The treatment is sound, but I want to see if having substitutions can increase the array of healing techniques for the ship."
"Oh, I see…"
"Besides, you being here provide me an opportunity to examine your unique genetic structure."
"I'm honored," Ranma said sarcastically.
Just then, Archer enters Sickbay.
"Dr. Phlox, how is Cadet Saotome doing?" Archer said.
"Remarkably well," Dr. Phlox said, as he slowly removes the alien starfish from Ranma's leg wound. "As you can see, his injury is almost healed."
"That's good," Archer said, as he turns to face Ranma. "So, do you think you're ready for your next assignment, cadet?"
"Sir?"
"I plan on retrieving the Klingon from the custody of the Suliban," Archer said. "Miss Sarin will be providing us the details of Suliban operations, but we would take the risk by infiltrating their command center."
"You think…I can do it?" Ranma asked. "You know, help you guys succeed?"
"Well, if your files are correct, and based upon what I have seen, you have a knack to overcome the odds, and I think we need the odds in our favor."
"Well, when you put it like that…"
Upon entering the Suliban territory, Sarin began her debriefing.
"The Suliban is a nomadic people, scattered throughout this sector of space," Sarin said, as she points to one particular area of the aforementioned sector. "The Cabal's command headquarters, 'The Helix', is located within the planet designated as a 'Class-7' planet."
"Such a planet would provide a blind spot for the sensors, due to the planet ionized and chaotic magnetic field," T'Pol said.
"Precisely. Unfortunately, your ship will be at a disadvantage, since a Suliban cell-ship can move about unencumbered."
"Not to mention the fact that a cell-ship has an advantage over the Enterprise in terms of armament and weaponry," Reed said.
"Maneuverability will be a bit intense, but I think I can manage if Chief Tucker can make the proper adjustment to the thrusters."
"Done," Tucker said.
"Getting here is one thing, getting aboard a command post is another," T'Pol said.
"What do you suggest, then?" Archer said. "Just walk away?"
"It might be wise to seek assistance from Vulcan."
"Maybe we can flush those guys out?" Ranma asked.
"And how do you propose to do that, cadet?" T'Pol said.
"One thing I learned about an antagonist is that they have bigger egos than you," Ranma said. "The fact that we're here will be more than enough to get their attention, especially since we want Klaang back."
"That is all well and good, but then what?" T'Pol said impatiently.
"The ship is equipped with grapplers, right?" Ranma said, as he turns towards his friend Usagi, who was working with Hoshi on cataloging the captured Suliban codes. "You got the queen of the gamers here who can capture objects as if it was second nature."
"Games, are one thing, but neither you and Cadet Tsukino are not qualified to operate a complex machine-"
"Actually, Cadet Tsukino is qualified to operate the grapplers," Reed said. "In fact, surprisingly, she's good at combat simulations, which the cadet likes to call 'video games'."
"Humph."
"Then, if there are no further objections, I say it's time to 'bag' us a Suliban ship," Archer said.
"Once you do, I can guide you to where you need to go, since I am familiar with the Cabal's complex," Sarin said.
"Very, well, then, if nothing else, we're going in…"
Upon entering the upper atmosphere of the Class-7 planet, and spotting the Helix, a patrol of Suliban cell ships appeared to harass the Enterprise. While Reed concentrated on the ship's defenses, Usagi began her assignment.
"Come on, now," Usagi said, as she moved her joystick while looking at her station's sensors. It was patched to manipulate the grapplers.
"Now, just remain calm," Ranma replied.
"I AM calm! I just wanted to be sure first…"
"Cadet Tsukino, any time, now!" Archer commanded. "The polarized hull can't take too much of a pounding."
"Okay, sir…got!" Usagi said, as she activates the grapplers.
"Direct hit," Reed said, as he turns towards Usagi. "Good job, cadet."
"Thank you, sir," Usagi replied with a demure smile.
"Okay, Mayweather, take us up," Archer said, as he relaxed a bit. "Maybe we can get Klaang out after all…"
Upon capturing a Suliban cell ship, it was decided that Ranma would pilot the craft.
"Are you sure about this, Captain?" Tucker said. "I mean, you could send either me or Mayweather can pilot the ship…"
"Cadet Saotome is a certified pilot," Archer said. "And besides, Serin will be with us."
"That is another thing: why is Cadet Tsukino coming along?" T'Pol said.
"She does have a certificate in engineering, correct?"
"She was awarded the certificate only recently, and lacks practical experience."
"Well, she is about to get some. Bottom line, we're in hostile, and I need my first stringers to focus on the Enterprise."
"You're certainly taking a risk, Captain," Reed said.
"Risk is our business, Reed," Archer said.
Soon, the mission to gets underway…
"I still say that we should get assistance from Vulcan," T'Pol said, as Archer, Sarin, Ranma and Usagi board the cell-ship.
"Duly noted," Archer said, as he hands Ranma some data cases to install on the cell ship.
"Usagi, now, you remember what you are suppose to do with this device?" Tucker asked.
"Um, yes," Usagi said. "I'm supposed to install this thing on the main power coupler, so that the resulting de-magnetizer can de-clamp all the cell-ships from their docking ports."
"Exactly."
"Ranma, here," Reed said, as he opened his case. "These are your new weapons."
"'Phase pistols'?" Ranma said.
"I know that you don't like weapons, but I expect you to protect the Captain and Miss Sarin by any means necessary," Reed said.
"Okay," Ranma said, as he picks up one of the pistols. He felt the casing with one hand, and gripped the handle.
"Well, at least there are two settings on this thing…"
"Be sure not to confuse them," Reed said.
"Um, right…"
"Remember, the Cabal is a terrorist group who has no problem sacrificing anyone," Serin said.
"But be sure to do your best and get back alive," Archer said. "T'Pol, the ship is yours."
"Yes, sir," T'Pol replied.
"Ranma, are you nervous about any of this?" Usagi said, as she boards the stolen cell ship.
"Heck, no," Ranma said, as he finishes loading the cell ship.
"Really?"
"Well, maybe a little…"
With that, mission to rescue Klaang gets under way.
As the cell ship falls, Ranma takes the helm.
"Steady as she goes," Archer said.
"Yes, sir," Ranma said, as he steers the tiny craft, which was the size of a two-seater hovercraft.
"My, you're good," Serin said.
"Well, you and Mayweather were helpful in translating the control panel for me," Ranma said. "Other than that, Suliban ship is the same as a shuttlecraft."
"I see…"
"I see the Helix," Usagi said, as she points to the floating headquarters of the Cabal. It looked like a floating top with boils all over its hull.
"Ranma, bring docking interface online," Archer said.
"Got it," Ranma said, as he does as he is told.
"Open coaxial ports."
"Aye, sir…"
Archer then turns towards Usagi.
"Have the anti-magnetic de-clamper ready," Archer said. "If Hoshi's decryption of Suliban data is correct, then we only have a minute of opportunity to set up the device."
"Yes, sir," Usagi said, as she begins to charge the instrument.
"What about you, sir?" Ranma asked.
"Miss Sarin will take me to where Klaang is. But make sure that Usagi succeeds in her mission."
"Aye, sir…"
Ranma pilots the cell-ship to the lower levels closest to Klaang's location.
"And…scene," Ranma said, as he successfully docks the cell ship.
"Okay, you have your assignments," Archer said, as he and Serin were the first to disembark. "I want radio silence unless absolutely necessary."
"Yes, sir," Ranma and Usagi say in unison. Ranma then picks up his Tricorder, and scans the area.
"This way," Ranma said, as he jogs down the opposite corridor from Archer and Serin, as Usagi followed with briefcase in hand.
"How come I got to carry this thing?" Usagi complained.
"Because no one trusts you with weapons?"
"Humph!"
Upon reaching the nearest power conduit, Ranma checked the area for sentry probes.
"You're clear," Ranma said, as he squats down next to his friend.
"Got it," Usagi replied, as she opens her case. She charges the device, runs a quick diagnostic to check for compatibility issues, and then begins to patch the device directly into the power conduit.
"You sure you know what you're doing?" Ranma asked.
"We'll know for sure, won't we," Usagi said, as she pressed the button to set the timer. "Done. We have one minute before things get weird."
"Good, because we have to find the Captain," Ranma said, as he runs towards the direction of Archer's last coordinates.
"Wait for me!" Usagi said.
Soon, they come across Klang, who was being helped back to the cell ship by Serin.
"Miss Serin, where's the captain?" Ranma asked.
"We got separated when a security team attacked us," Serin said.
"The EMP device is set to go in 15 seconds," Usagi said.
"Okay, I'll stay and get him, while you three get back to the cell-ship," Ranma said.
"Okay," Serin said, as she and Klang leave the parameter for their ship…
"But Ranma, you'll be alone!" said Usagi.
"Please, I don't want to be distracted by protecting more than one person, okay?" Ranma said.
Usagi nods her head, and hugs her friend.
"Good luck, Ranma-kun," Usagi said, as she follows Sarin and Klang. As soon as they enter their craft, the EMP device activates, causing all the docked ship on the Helix Array to declamp.
"Now, to get the captain," Ranma said, as he turns to track down Archer…
Upon arriving at Archer's last location, he sees him fighting a Suliban male.
"Captain, get down!" Ranma said, as he takes aim with his phase pistol.
Archer ducks just as the Suliban realizes that he was now the target. With the Suliban down, Ranma goes to the captain's side.
"You okay, sir?" Ranma asked, as he helps Archer up.
"I am," Archer replies. "Where-?"
"Already gone and safe, sir," Ranma said. "But we really need to get out of here-"
Just then, a team of Suliban security forces round the corridor.
"Oh, boy," Ranma and Archer said in unison, just as the Suliban was about to discharge their weapons upon the duo…
Suddenly, a flash of light envelops the two, causing them to disappear from the scene. They reappear on the transporter pad of the Enterprise.
"How-?" Archer said.
"Sorry about that, Captain," Tucker said, as Usagi goes over to hug Ranma.
"But were you able to beam the two of us without…you know…"
"Thank T'Pol for that," Tucker said. "Apparently, the Vulcans are ahead of us in Transporter Technology, too."
"Yet another thing that the Vulcan High Command kept us from knowing about," Archer said. He then turns towards Ranma and Usagi.
"Well, it looks like you passed this mission with flying colors, cadets."
"Thank you, sir," Ranma said.
"What are we going to do now, sir?" Usagi asked.
"We finish the job by taking Klang home, of course…"
Upon depositing Klang back to Q'onos, it was learned that the Klingon carried vital information within his very genetic code, information that would prevent the Klingons from falling into a state of civil war. However, what was most curious was that the head of the Klingon High Command had single-out Ranma and Usagi, who was present when Klang was brought home, in particular, calling them together one name: Rantsu. Hoshi, on hand, said the name was an honorific one that either meant "Wild Moon" or "Honored Ones". She wasn't sure which translation was correct, since she was still learning Klingonese…
Later, on the Bridge of the Enterprise, Archer makes an announcement to the crew.
"All hands, listen up," Archer said, as he addressed the crew. "I hope nobody is in a hurry to get home, but we received orders to continue our mission."
Pause.
"UN Spacy believes that we are ready to begin our mission independently of Vulcan's supervision."
"What about us, sir?" Usagi asked.
"Well, about that," Archer said, as she sits down in his command chair. "Admiral Forrest wanted to know if you and Cadet Saotome were up to the challenge to continue your studies here on board the Enterprise."
"And?" Ranma said.
"There are enough specialists on board to help you complete your studies. So you can stay, as long as you respect the protocols of this ship."
"We'll do our best, sir," Usagi said.
"Sir, does that mean I have to play teacher with these two?" Hoshi asked.
"Well, if you want to maintain you professorship tenure back on Earth, sure."
"Oh, I see…"
And with that, the Enterprise begins its mission in earnest, second star to the right, and straight on to morning.
Tbc.
Next Time: We take a look at the events depicted in the first few months of the Enterprise's maiden voyage, and how Sailor Moon makes a return to the scene. And who is the mysterious woman who is sponsoring the Suliban? See you soon…