Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma 1/2, Sailor Moon, Lost Universe, Stargate, or Ah My Goddess. This is a non-profit work of fanfiction meant only for entertainment.
Ice Squared
by Lerris Smith
Thor's people had done a phenomenal job getting a dome built around the old Martian city. According to the records Nabiki was able to access it was the former city of Cambria. It was one of the smaller city's on Mars, but considered a jewel because of its architecture. It had been at the crossroads of two rivers, but it was all dust now.
Anita, Kira, and Cally had been instrumental in helping to develop the new environmental matrix design for Mars. It couldn't magically turn the planet idyllic. For one thing they would require a lot more water, but it could push things rapidly in the right direction. They had also helped develop what appeared to be a simple questionnaire they planned to give people on Earth when they asked for volunteers for Mars. The questionnaires asked a bunch of indirect questions without ever stating they were looking for volunteers for Mars. The trick was they contained a bit of magic so that when they answered the questions that were there they would know most likely whether or not a particular person would be receptive to helping form the anchors needed to form Mars's new environmental matrix. Should the questions proceed well, then more direct questions would be asked, usually without the question taker noticing the changes to what they were writing on. They estimated they would need at least ten thousand settlers, though more would be better. At the rate they were going it would take days yet before they would have the needed forms filled in, though that was not stopping them from getting other things done.
Akane Tendo was surprised to find herself in the little office the people with the food had setup not too far from where there dojo was. Her father had asked her to go and get some food. She stepped in the office and was handed the food before being asked, "Hey, if you have a minute could you fill out this survey? You know tell us what we can do better and such."
Akane looked dubious at the form but shrugged and set the food down before quickly answering the questions. Yes, she agreed that the Senshi were a force for good. Yes they could be trusted. Yes, she would love to help the Senshi. Yes, she would do so even if it meant moving far away, if it was important enough. She was a little surprised when her form turned a silvery color after she answered the last question.
Her questioner was a middle aged man who said, "Excellent. They could use a person like you."
"They could?" she asked dubiously.
"Yes, I don't pretend to understand magic, but they plan to do a great magical environmental fix it thing on Mars. They would do it on Earth, but as I understand it they need almost everyone to support them for it to work and getting almost everyone on Earth to agree is almost hopeless, hence their current route of asking the Asgard to help. At any rate, the Mars plan is not harmful, at least not to the civilians involved, but you would need to stay on Mars for a couple of years. We would do everything we could to make you comfortable and even now have quite a few houses, if not ready to go, then at least habitable, with more on the way. So, do you think it is something you would be interested in? At the very least the controlled environment there should be warmer than here."
"I don't know. I'd have to ask my family. My father will probably not want to leave the Dojo and I'm not sure about the Saotomes."
"Well, it is up to you. If they would like to come then they would have to pass the test you did although I suppose they could wait until we are ready for regular settlers, but that might be some time. Mars will probably not be an easy life. It is going to take a lot of work, but I'd bet you can do of it. We have you down as one of the local martial artists which would certainly be a plus for a new settlement and we would likely try to eventually get you into property that could work as a Dojo, provided you show to have qualified teachers."
"Why would you do that? My father hasn't taught in awhile. There is Ranma's father, but he only taught Ranma, and I'm not entire sure how Ranma survived it at times."
"Ranma Saotome correct?"
Akane nodded. She said sullenly, "He used to be my fiance."
"Well its just that I have a note here. It doesn't explain why, but there is a list of people that we have been asked to encourage to go, if not to Mars then to either Pluto or Venus. Friends and family of Ranma Saotome are on that list."
Akane nodded. "I'll think about it alright. When do you need to hear a response?"
He shrugged. "The sooner the better. Our goal is ten thousand settlers, although more would be better. Once they get Mars up and running they plan to repeat the basics on Venus. You would qualify for either, or even Pluto because of your status. I don't have a start date for Venus though."
Akane nodded as she gathered her supplies only to find herself deep in thought a few minutes later as she struggled through the bitter cold to get home. She was sure they needed to go. Ranma had apparently made sure they got priority. Still, she had no idea how to convince her father.
Back at the dojo Genma was in panda form for its warmth and was playing a game of Shogi with Soun who was wrapped up in nearly as many layers. Nodoka was similarly attired. The surprise Akane walked into was that the Amazons and Happosai were also there also dressed in likely much of what they owned.
She asked, "What are you guys doing here?"
Cologne said, "Trying not to freeze. The Nekohaten was a nice enough restaurant, but it is far colder than even this and we ran out of food yesterday, with no more likely coming."
"Oh, well if that is the case, I do have some food here. I could cook."
Before she knew it, Cologne had swiped the food from her and said, "There is no need. I will stretch this as far as it can go."
"Oh. Okay. Well there was another thing. I mentioned Ranma's name when I picked this up and well, I know this sounds crazy, but he wants us all to come to Mars, well either that or Pluto or Venus."
Cologne mused, "First he flies away on a space ship. Then he gets married, although I'm still unsure of as to whom, though the middle Tendo is my guess. Now he is offering us salvation."
Shampoo asked, "Are we going great grandmother?"
"Yes, I believe we are, but first I must contact the tribe. This is an opportunity we dare not waste. Tell me child, were their any stipulations in us going?"
Akane said, "They asked me to fill out a brief survey. It mostly asked if I trusted the Senshi and such. Then it turned silver and I was asked if I wanted to go. When I mentioned Ranma later he said that they had a note that friends and family of his were to be given priority."
"Curious." Cologne handed the food to her granddaughter and was again in front of Akane. She then held a softly glowing right hand over Akane's own left.
Akane started to draw back. Cologne said, "Do not fear child. I merely wish to check something."
Akane stilled and let her hand be touched only to experience a slight warm feeling. "That is most curious. You have touched a bit of magic, but it doesn't seem to have done anything to you."
"Are you sure?" asked a hesitant Akane.
"As sure as I can be." Cologne then turned to her great granddaughter and said, "Prepare the food. I will return shortly."
"Yes, great grandmother."
Genma held up a sign that said, "The boy could at least be here to help at a time like this."
Happosai said dryly, "You really are an idiot." He then asked Soun, "Will you be going? I know you would hate to leave the dojo."
Akane chimed in. "They said they might help us get another dojo, but you would have to teach. Could you teach me?" The last was asked hopefully.
Soun said, "Perhaps it is time. I fear we will die here if we stay. If Ranma and Kasumi think we should come then we must at least consider it. Let us see what elder Cologne finds out."
Happosai said, "I dislike abandoning my home, but we may have no choice, at least for now. I'm going to go out and try to at least get the Kuonji girl and her waiter. Perhaps I can also find the lost boy. I don't know, but I think we had better stay together until this is sorted out."
Soun asked, "Will you look for Mrs. Ninomiya as well?"
Happosai nodded and slipped through the door after Cologne.
The Asgard managed to make Canal's new body much like her own save she was now several inches taller and more lithe. Canal didn't notice anything special to it, other than having to get used to another center of balance again, but Heimdoll insisted that the body had a great deal of potential though some effort might be required to harness it.
It was only about two hours after Canal got her new body and Usagi woke up that they received a message from Thor. It seemed that the Pope requested a meeting.
Usagi said, "I will go. Perhaps if we can get his backing then we can do something sooner. Even with the additional Asgard help we are still looking at close to another two months before we can begin to stabilize the temperature. I'm not sure we have that long."
Nabiki said, "We should bring him and his entourage up to this ship. Only then will they perhaps understand the magnitude of the issue."
Hammond said, "I agree."
Usagi looked between Nabiki and the General and nodded. She said, "One of us should still go to invite them."
Jack said, "I don't know. Random beam ups worked for me."
Sam smacked him lightly on the back of the head.
Rei said, "I'll go, once I change into my shrine clothes. I have studied the catholic faith. Actually, how are we still able to communicate now that Canal's ship self is gone?"
Thor said, "Our ship systems have taken over than function."
Rei said, "Oh, well as least my English is decent. Can you send me down to them soon?"
"We can send you down whenever you are ready."
"Okay. I'll be back as soon as I change."
Sam asked the General, "Should one of us go as well?"
"That is a very good question Captain. I think, in this case, I should go."
"As you say sir."
Before they left Thor gave them each small devices that looked like nothing more than small stones. He said, "Simply hold them and I will hear what you say."
The Pope and his attendants were utterly surprised when a three star general and a shrine maiden flashed into being in their meeting room. Outside you could see Guards beginning to move.
Hammond said quickly, "Relax. We are representatives of the people you wanted to meet with."
The pontiff looked at them calmly before smiling a grandfatherly smile at them both. He got up and held out his hand to them.
Surprised the general shook it. Rei bowed deeply before repeating the move awkwardly a few moments later.
The Pope said, "Grab a chair and sit. We have much to discuss." He then turned to Hammond and said, "You are the one that has so ably run the Stargate program, are you not?"
Next he turned to Rei and said, "And you are a surprisingly skilled Shinto priestess, who actually understands some of the old ways, and who also has a night job defending our world as the Senshi of Mars?"
Rei said, "That is correct." before giving him a respective bow.
Hammond quickly followed suite. After he rose he said, "You should know our purpose was to invite you and your immediate advisors up to an Asgard ship to discuss the situation."
"I would prefer to talk with you first."
"Of course," replied the General.
"I understand that you are already doing a great deal to stop this mess, but we do not fully understand the problem. Some have suggested that God is testing our faith."
Rei said, "From what we have been able to tell the problem is not one of God but one of man."
"You do not believe God is testing our faith?" he asked.
The general said, "I met someone who I believed was some sort of heavenly being not long ago. Her singing healed a great many people in a hospital. I even met her boyfriend. He was just a nice guy who liked to work on motorcycles. Please understand that I mean no disrespect, but if anything she seemed more frustrated than anything with how little she could do."
The Pontiff asked, "Did she give her name?"
The general said, "I believe she said her name was Belldandy."
The Pope said, "Her name has changed a little over time. In old Norse she was known as Verthandi. She is one of the three sisters of fate. I had heard rumors that she was on Earth. If Heaven is limiting her actions, there must be a reason. Did she say anything else?"
"Not that I recall. I do remember feeling a lot better after listening to her. My doctor was astounded that my underlying health issues were just gone. I asked him not to say anything. I got the impression that Belldandy was not doing it for recognition."
The Pope said, "That is what is commonly known of her yes. If it is still the case I will honor it. Still, can you give me where and when this happened so we can make some discrete inquiries?"
The general did so.
The Pontiff asked Rei, "What do you think of all this? Do you believe heaven will save us?"
"I believe that the spirits gave us hands and minds and the ability to learn so that we would first help ourselves. I'm not going to sit and wait for salvation, not when there is anything I can do to help. If we fail, then I pray the kami will show mercy on us, but we have to first do our part."
"Well said young one. Well said. Indeed he does often give us the skills and the means to do what is necessary, sometimes before we know we need it, and sometimes only at the end."
The general nodded once at that. Rei gave a brief nod, but it could have been of simple acknowledgement of understanding what was said.
"Now, please tell us what your plans are and help us to understand the situation. Our resources are not inconsiderable, though they are dearly taxed by the current crises. Still, perhaps we can help."
General Hammond said, "In about two months the Asgard will have completed the infrastructure to begin to offset the changes in our climate. Basically they are creating a technological shield that traps heat towards are planet." He went on to tell of how they had asked for help and how by helping the Asgard they now had the resources to help a great deal hence the two month window.
"That makes sense and I am glad beyond words that our salvation is so near, but many are going to die before then? Is there not something else we can do? What about this environmental magic you are planning on constructing on Mars? Would that not work here?"
Rei said, "I assume some of our recruits have discussed what we have told them. We expected that; hoped for it really. You see the thing we are putting in place on Mars is what failed here after one group of aliens destroyed part of it and another finished off the rest. The problem is that kind of magic is very particular. If almost all of the population doesn't support us and believe in our cause then we would fail. Unfortunately, It would apparently take a very strong replacement to fix Earth's climate, since we have not been kind to her in recent years. Dying is a fairly likely outcome, at least for those that standing as the primary nodes, which would be the Senshi including myself, since we are some of the few who have the magical capacity to do it. Please understand that we are willing to die to complete what is needed, but dying in a futile effort serves no one."
"I quite agree. Dying to save others can be a noble sacrifice, but doing so when you know it won't do any good would waste what grace has given you, and end all the service you might yet give."
Rei and the general nodded.
"So you plan to demonstrate it on Mars and Venus first?"
The general said, "Yes. That way there is evidence that it can work and in the worst case more people survive."
"I would attend when you do what you must on Mars. Perhaps if I see it with my own eyes I can recommend it."
Rei considered, "One person either way shouldn't matter, particularly if they are at least neutral. I can't think of any problems with this."
Hammond added, "Nor can I."
"What would you have done if you didn't luck into finding the miraculous ship?" he asked.
Rei said, "I don't have first hand knowledge, but from what I've been able to piece together a likely future that has passed us by is that the Senshi hunker down in Tokyo and use their power to save as many as they can. They succeed at saving some significant part of Tokyo, but much of the rest of the world dies. This probably allows them to rebuild the environmental matrix since almost all those that lived know and believe in them."
"Well, I'm glad we didn't take that route. Tell me, what do you see yourself as?"
"Sometimes I wish I was only that high school girl dreaming of college and a boyfriend. Sometimes I know I am so much more. I am a warrior from a long dead kingdom, save sometimes her memories are as clear as those from this life. I am one of the few true mikos left in this world, and am proud of my service. I am an avatar of the great fire that is linked to the house of Mars. I am a dreamer willing to see the best in people. I am one who is soon going to have responsibility to lead the new people of Mars. It is a position that quite frankly scares me, yet I know I can get through it with my friends."
"So you do not see yourself as heavenly?"
"No. I think Tennyson described our group well when he said, `Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho' we are not now that strength which in old days moved Earth and Heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will. To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
"Would you mind telling me something that perhaps you think might upset me? I promise I will not repeat it." As he said this the few attendants that had stayed to listen quickly exited.
General Hammond said, "I'll be outside as well," and slipped out behind them.
Rei smiled before saying, "You know we don't really do confession in the Shinto religion?"
The Pontiff smiled but continued to wait.
"Very well. Things I might say that could upset you. I don't suppose you care too much that I think I care for Usagi more than a friend probably should even though I'll probably never act on it."
"Caring is not a sin, though acting inappropriately could be one. Somehow I think you can do better than that."
"I don't want Usagi to die. If it meant that she lived when she would otherwise not I would rather wait for the Asgard to finish."
"You would see millions or billions die to save her?"
"No, I would do what is right, but I would not like it."
"Understandable. Is there nothing else? Perhaps you could tell me of your leader."
"No."
"No," he asked, as if tasting the word and finding it curious.
Rei fumbled in her pocket for her stone and then slipped it into the palm of her hand before saying, "Thor can you send Serenity down?"
Usagi in her full Moon Kingdom regalia appeared in the room with them.
Rei bowed to her Queen before rising and saying, "My queen this is his grace the Pope." Then to the Pontiff she said, "May I present her grace, defender of the realm, Queen Serenity of the Moon Kingdom."
Serenity nodded her head in his direction and he did the same. It was an acknowledgement of equals at best.
Rei said, "His grace asked for me to do a confession with him. I started, but then he asked about you, so I thought it best for you to speak for yourself."
Serenity said, "Thank you Rei." Then to the Pontiff she said, "I have never been to a formal confession, though my friends sometimes serve that role. Very well, at some level you wish to know if you can trust me. I don't suppose an act of magic such as healing the sick would help?"
"I am well aware of the potential for magic and technology to do such things. I want to understand you as a person."
"Alright." She paused to look out through the colorful stained glass windows as she collected her thoughts. She then turned back between Rei and the Pope and said, "I suppose I have done several sins of late, but before we get into those you should know that I am twelfth in the line of Serenity. The tradition is some time after the mother passes away the eldest daughter has the option of merging soul to soul with the spirit of her mother. I accepted that power and that wisdom because, like those before me I believed it was necessary to save lives."
"The soul is sacred. It must not be trifled with!"
Serenity said, "Our highest law is that people must make their own choices and be fully informed of them. I, like those before me went into that choice knowing what it would mean. I knew the instant I decided that my childhood was over. I do not regret it. Already it has helped us immeasurably. The Earth might be in far worse shape without it."
"I understand that you believe you did the right thing."
Serenity said, "I don't pretend to be perfect, yet somehow my friends have agreed to follow me. We will do our best, with, or without, your help, though we would dearly like it. Let's see you want to know my sins. It is good that Rei is here, though I could almost wish the others were as well. Still, it will do her good to know the frailty of her Queen and how sometimes I too struggle."
"Usagi," said Rei softly.
Serenity asked, "You are familiar with the magic we wish to do on Mars and have perhaps already asked about using it on Earth?"
"Yes. She said it was impossible."
Serenity said softly, "It is anything but impossible and I know exactly how to do it. I very nearly talked myself into doing it. My friends would understand the necessity. We would be saving potentially billions of lives!"
"Let me guess, the price was your soul."
"No, though Heaven may greatly frown on my actions and it certainly wouldn't have helped when it became judgment time. Then again they might have forgiven even that given the outcome. No, my soul and that of my friends is only truly in danger if we push for an environmental matrix without the necessary consensus of the population."
He said, "I'm afraid I do not understand."
Rei said, "I do. You could compel agreement somehow and force in place the number of souls to form the environmental matrix. Sure you could make it a gilded cage, but it would be a cage and they would have had no choice whatsoever about being there."
"Yes. That is the choice I faced. I could save billions and damn perhaps a hundred thousand souls to an environmental matrix where they would have to stay until replacements, volunteers or otherwise, took their place before passing on to the afterlife. The risk to the Senshi would be minimal. It would work. I'd just have to violate the principle at the heart of my kingdom. I admit that I was tempted, but in the end my answer remains a firm no. Though billions may die, I will not take away peoples right to make their choice. That too is what we are giving them on Pluto, Mars, and Venus."
He said, "You are building a power base and weakening Earth at the same time."
"It is true that I believe it is necessary to gain strength on the other planets. Without strength you will be attacked. People will die. It is only a matter of time. I have ruled for a long time. It may be that people will now refuse my rule and that of my friends, but it is not something I intend to simply give up on. As far as the Earth goes, it was never my goal to weaken the Earth. In fact we recently gave the US military technology that will strengthen them considerably. It will help them speed up manufacturing. We did it in exchange for some help they gave us, and because of the need. The design of the new fusion power plants are from our own records, though in that case they were partly chosen as least likely to be something that could be abused."
He asked, "You said you ruled before correct? How did that end?"
"Badly. Beryl's ambition was enormous. The fact that she wanted the Earth prince who was seeing my daughter was also not helpful. Her ambition led her to being enticed by an extra-dimensional being that corrupted and manipulated her. She used her skill and the skill of her people to forcibly drain people of their life energy and use that to create hordes of Youma that she used to decimate my empire. In the process she also destroyed and corrupted her own. My last mistake was not ordering Saturn to eliminate the Earth while there was time. So many lives could have been saved. The long night could have passed us over. Before that I missed several possibilities where her ambition might have been checked, but I had favored policies where we focused on prosperity instead of military might. It is not a mistake I will make again."
"You seek to go America's path then?"
"No. Their population grows, if anything, less educated. We were a partial democracy and we required education so that the people can make informed decisions. You cannot get any kind of job unless you complete the equivalent of several years of college. If need be a truant officer will haul in a ninety year old man into classes. Voting is a requirement as is testing your voting issue knowledge. Failing the relatively simple tests has serious monetary costs and is deeply shaming. Deliberately lying to the populace as an elected official is treated much like treason would be here, though proving it is a very deliberative process. We try our best to eliminate the causes of corruption, yet we know we are not perfect. For that matter, the political mess in America right now is yet another reason why we are hesitant, but it is not just them. There is no one government. Billions of people are all fractured into different beliefs, and some none at all. Many have propaganda channels that are working overtime against us, as if we were the problem. Our solution to heal the Earth requires a unity of near perfect purpose that I do not think we can achieve, even with your help. We had planned to release records of our past and the past of the Stargate program, but those plans were partially dependent on our ship Swordbreaker, which is gone now, although I suppose the Asgard could help with that. We have been so busy. Pluto's population is growing almost faster than we can keep order there. It is limited as much as anything by the availability of food, though we are working on that as well. Mars already has nearly five thousand colonists. We actually had to stop the transport as we needed more time to clear housing for the new arrivals and get them organized."
The pontiff said, "The assassination of a world leader is never a good thing, but I think it a small matter in the current crises. You said you had records you were going to release. Perhaps you could send us a copy?"
Usagi glanced at Rei. Rei grabbed her little stone shaped transmitter and said, "Thor, can you compile the records we were going to transmit on Earth and send them down."
The room heard, "Yes, though it will take a little time. I have only conversed with Canal about this briefly so we must first determine the scope of what to send."
Serenity smiled. "It should not take long. Thor's people are very capable."
Usagi brought out her own communication stone. She held her stone in her hand and said, "Captain Carter, Once that is done please work with the others to distribute it beyond just here."
"Confirmed." Carter's voice was then heard to say, "From what we can tell television stations are a likely first release point. The Internet is anything but global these days and largely non functional due to the extreme temperatures, but much of the over the air television system still works. We will start there for now. I'd imagine the Asgard could repair the Internet infrastructure, but I'd rather not divert their attention from the primary tasks. It is not as if the magical plan is going to work anyway right?"
Serenity said, "You are likely correct. Keep the highest priority on saving lives in the here and now. We will sort out the rest later."
"Understood. You may also wish to know that the group of Chinese Amazons that Ranma knew have all volunteered to go off world. They would prefer Mars or Venus, but don't really care right now as long as they are together."
Serenity asked Rei, "Do you have a preference, or do you think Minako would? You have heard at least some of the stories from Nabiki and Ranma. They would seem troublesome to rule but very helpful as well."
Rei said, "I would speak with them if I could first." She then concentrated and her clothes shifted from those of the proud Miko to the royal dress of the heir of Mars. She again held the stone and said, "Thor, can you transport me to them? I would speak with those who may wish to become citizens of Mars."
"I have a lock on an Elder Cologne. Ranma tells me she was their leader. She is currently in Tokyo. I also have a lock on her village. Shall I transport you both to her village?"
"Yes and thanks again for all your help Thor."
She vanished and Thor appeared. He said, "They sacrificed a ship that was unique, powerful, and irreplaceable in the Universe to save us from an enemy that might one day have killed everyone everywhere. Our debt will take a long time to repay. We will protect this world until our help is no longer required." He gave a short not to the people there before vanishing.
The pontiff said, "I can see what you mean by being busy."
Suddenly several stacks of Blu-Ray disks appeared. There had to be hundreds of them there. They had neatly printed notation on them like, "Stargate missions one through five." and "The Silver Millennium ten years before the fall." Each also had additional information summarized on the disc case.
Carter's voice came from Usagi's stone. She said, "Let us know if you have any problems with those. I know not everyone has a Blu-Ray player, but it seemed the best universal format to retain at least some of the quality we have. There is no copy protection of any kind on those, so you should be able to make copies if they wish to."
Serenity said, "I'm sure they will work fine."
The pontiff said, "There is a player in a nearby room. Where would you suggest I start?"
"I haven't seen them, though I donated many of the memories used. Others came from records that still exist. I suggest starting with the Silver Millennium ten years before the fall. It is likely as good a place as any. I would be happy if the galaxy could be both close to that again and prepared to face threats that come. The records of the Stargate program are also important, since it will help you understand the threats in the universe, but of less immediate concern perhaps."
He stopped and considered her for several moments before saying, "I am not entirely sure what to make of you. You tamper with souls which I do not like at all, yet you also do not let the ends justify the means which I fully agree with. I also believe you when you say that you would sacrifice your very soul to save our world, though I do not entirely approve of such an act either."
She interrupted quietly, "It may be that in the end Heaven's grace would save my soul. I can pray for it to be so, but I would do so anyway, if it was required of me. I do have one request of you if I may before I leave."
"Oh? How may I help?"
"Pray for my friends souls. They have accepted what we call the Eternal bond. It links their souls to my own. They will not age past middle age. Should they die, particularly after the bond has time to mature, then I should be able to bring them back. Some say this kind of bond borders on evil, yet I have always thought that seeking immortality is not evil in itself. It is the why that is important. Do you seek to serve or to rule? Still, such a bond can weaken a soul over time and make them more prone to being influenced by darkness. It is my job to make sure that they never fall to darkness, as they themselves do for me."
"Why did they accept such a thing?" he asked gravely.
"They sought the strength needed to help in this crises. I am touched beyond words to have such a trust from them."
The Pope looked at her as if trying to understand the very concept of her existence. Finally after almost a minute of staring he said quietly, "This is very disturbing."
"Could you?" She hesitated, but seeing his caring expression continued on, "Would you please pray for my friends for me?"
"That I can do, and for you as well."
"Thank you."
"Now tell me why you agreed to such a thing."
She looked around and seeing no one but herself and the Pope said softly, "All things have costs. Our people choose the path of the spirit over science, though our science was and is respectable too. I am probably the only one alive that knows how carefully the original set of celestial guardians were checked and analyzed. At its heart they had to be near incorruptible. For some odd reason I found these qualities in women more than men, though it exists in both as Ranma Saotome has recently shown me." The Pope's brief expression of amusement was quickly noted and ignored.
She continued, "It is not that magical power makes one evil, or opens oneself to evil or any of that. We were very careful, and the process was refined over the millienia. Power though does tend to be corrupting, and despite our great power we are not fully immune to certain types of negative energies, or simple human weaknesses. Simply put, even if the crises wasn't here I would be glad to see such a bond form, though I could never order it or even ask directly for it. For you see, it may be through me but it is also to each other. Together they are a team that is hard to beat and hard to corrupt. It balances us."
"But why did you need these Senshi in the first place?"
"I saw that the people were failing to achieve their potential. Sure I was powerful, but I was also untouchable and distant to most. The Senshi are guardians, but no mere human can do everything by him or herself. They can, however, inspire. That was my dream for them that remains to this day."
"They sound awfully close to idols," he said softly.
"It was always a concern that we would become too remote, too removed from the people. It was why the disguise functionality was developed. I used it originally to walk among my people and the others often used it to do the same. We did our best. I won't say all our decisions were correct ones. Even now the part of me that is purely Usagi regrets giving up her childhood, though would not have changed her decision to do it."
She smiled a sad smile and said, "Yes, I have made mistakes. One of my greatest was leaving Setsuna alone for so long after I died. Now should I die their ties to me will settle again with Ranma and Nabiki, though they will be much like they were to me when I was reborn. They can choose to accept the Eternal bond once more or not. It must always be their choice, not anyone else's in such things."
"But I understood that your group seeks to rule not simply serve. Surely you could inspire without ruling." He seemed confused as he tried to fit the pieces together.
Serenity said, "It may be arrogance, yet I believe that the wisdom I have inherited from my past selves will allow me to serve well in a leadership role, yet ultimately if people choose another then that will be their choice though I will most likely do my best to persuade them otherwise. I have always believed that when good men and women refuse to lead it means they grant permission for less good men to do so. On the disks you should see my leadership well. I am for the most part proud of it, save for my failure to stop Beryl and Metalia in time. I believe our actions since that day show that I have learned that lesson, but you can judge for yourself. I am always looking for wisdom and would appreciate any words of council you can give me."
He said, "Thank you for your time. I will say a prayer for your and your friends souls and ask the lord to grant you his wisdom and guidance."
She smiled a rueful smile and asked, "But you will not pray for our success?"
"Not just yet. I am most concerned about this business of using souls as you do. It is most troubling. I understand your reasons, but am concerned that you have often used the ends to justify the means. This magical fixing of environments may be one of those times."
"Yes, I do not disagree with you there. It is not something done lightly at all and it is so much easier to begin anew on Mars though it will take much longer there than our Earth plan."
"How so?" he asked.
"On Mars no one will have to die, though those that are part of the original group on Mars and others if invited can chose to become a part of the environmental matrix on Mars when they do die. A matrix is sort of like a world unto itself. People can serve there for years, but usually not more than a century before their spirits choose to move on while others take their place. The crime we did not know about on Earth was that there was a huge existing matrix where people had been forced by need to serve far longer than they should have. Mars and Venus are so much easier because the Asgard are going to help us terraform the world with our magic being only a part, and eventually a smaller part. It is much like they are doing on Earth now, though less abrupt."
"Then why do it at all?"
"Terraforming is slow. Our help can speed up the development of Mars and have areas of it habitable in less than a decade with the whole planet in perhaps a generation. Our environmental matrix does more than simply help to insure good weather. It links the people on the planet to a certain extent and makes us stronger and even healthier. By not ignoring the mystical world as our cousins the Alterans did we gain much from it. It is not without controversy, yet it is the path we choose. People gaining abilities like telepathy and empathy or even healing abilities are not unknown. In fact a very few on this planet sometimes already have them."
"The old ways. Yes, a fair few of our order have a touch of it and I know some of the very best martial artists can do similar. I have generally thought it a good thing and a blessing of God."
"I could still heal someone if you wish, if that will help convince you."
The pontiff looked pained. He said quietly, "Very well. My sister's grandchildren. They were deeply frostbitten. They may lose their fingers and toes soon. There are many others at the hospital. I. I know you are deeply busy and the use of such power may cost you and I cannot even promise to bless your plans but.."
Serenity said, "Say no more. We will do what we can. We cannot promise to save all those who suffer, but perhaps we can save these at least."
"I pray that it is so."
Serenity once again held the communications stone and asked, "Thor, could you ask if the available Senshi could join me here? I know Rei is likely still busy at least." She also asked, "Could someone ask if General Hammond would like to join us as well?"
There was silence for several seconds before the remaining transformed Senshi flashed into the room including Canal in Ranma's former costume.
Minako said, "We have got to get one of those transporters. That is way less annoying than a Sailor Teleport."
Haruka said, "Agreed. It is even better than Setsuna's portals that Ranma still hasn't figured out."
"I'm working on it!"
Michiru asked, "So, what did you need us for?"
Serenity said, "We are going to go to the hospital near here." The last was asked in a questioning tone.
The pontiff said, "The hospital I was referring to is several levels down. It was only designed for perhaps a hundred, but there are several hundred there. It is like that everywhere I'm afraid."
Serenity said, "I understand."
Then to the Senshi she said, "I know we can't save everyone, but I thought we'd try to save at least these people. Hotaru can look at the worst cases then step aside and we can try to do what we can for the group as a whole."
They received a message from General Hammond shortly before they headed down. It turned out that he was in an impromptu meeting with Italian government officials giving his own update on the threats in the universe and what was happening in America. His message indicated that he would catch up with them later.
It took almost an hour before Hotaru called it quits. She had regenerated the fingers and toes on a dozen of the worst cases, including those of the pontiff's sister's grandchildren before Haruka said she needed to stop. The Pope personally gave her his blessing before Michiru asked Thor to retrieve her.
What was surprising was when Ranma too insisted on doing what she could with pure ki healing that was incidentally magnified by magic. She could not match Hotaru's pace, yet she was not too far behind either. Nabiki had to hold her up at the end.
Ranma said, "I am fine. I just need a little time to recover some of my ki."
Usagi asked quietly, "How long do you need? We can proceed without you if you are tired."
"Ten minutes or so. I don't need to use ki in what we will be doing. I just need to recover some for my own use." She then pulled several snack bars out of nowhere and began eating, absently taking a glass of water when it was offered.
Usagi nodded. The rest accepted glasses of water as well as they sat down to wait for Ranma to recover. Her meditative position so far seemed too still to be quite real, yet not fifteen minutes later her eyes opened and she grinned. Her wife asked, "How much could you really recover in that little bit of time?"
She said, "Maybe ten percent or so. I can't keep up that recovery rate yet, but it is enough for now." Nabiki looked dubious but nodded nevertheless.
They moved to the waiting area in the emergency area of the hospital. It was closest to all the worst injuries, though the entire hospital was not that big, as it was more of a thing for the Pontiff and immediate staff.
Serenity said in a ringing carrying voice, "We are here to help as we can. If anyone here does not wish for us to attempt to heal their injuries then please say so now."
Given that the Pope was standing by her side no one even considered refusing. She said, "Thank you for the trust you are placing in us. I ask nothing for our help save that you speak kindly of us and help each other in the future."
She called forth the Silver Crystal as she held it in her hands. There were oohs and ahas as it glimmered and shown with its inner light. She said, "The Silver Crystal is the last great artifact of a once proud empire. My friends will be channeling their magic to me so that I may focus and direct it through the crystal. Their magic comes from their ties to the worlds in this solar system. We are mostly reincarnations of the people who lived long ago, before the long night. We are doing all we can to prevent another."
There were questions, but Serenity moved on as the room began to be bathed in a pure white light as the Senshi stood behind her each with one hand at least partially touching where bare skin could easily be found around her shoulders or her arms. The power shot forth from Usagi and the crystal and where it touched a torrent of healing took place. People still near death despite Hotaru's desperate work rose and stretched. The noise of all the heart monitors seemed to intensify as suddenly everyone's heart beat as one. The effect lasted only minutes, but the entire hospital was healed even as Serenity fell to her knees unconscious.
Nabiki cursed, "That damn soul sucking rock. If it harmed her..."
Ranma quickly moved over to her and held her head in her own hands as she gently trickled healing ki into the reckless blond. Nabiki looked on in worry herself, yet Usagi soon roused as her clothes shifted back to her ordinary day to day ones. Ranma abandoned his own attempts after a nudge from Nabiki.
Usagi said, "My soul is fine. I got carried away and my energy was just drained."
"You were nearly dead!" exclaimed Ranma.
"That was foolish of me. I am sorry for risking my life like that. I had no right to do so, not with the commitments I have made that remain unfilled. I went too far, yet there was always one more. I am sorry." She truly sounded contrite and regretful.
Canal moved over and gently took Usagi in her now longer arms. She said, "I do not know fully how to use all you have helped me to become, yet let me at least try?" Usagi nodded as she felt Canal hold her head in her hands as she felt a torrent of energy flow from her, magnified by the strength of her old soul. Less than ten seconds later Usagi said, "Enough." Canal stopped what she was doing.
Usagi said, "We really have to teach you some control and maybe some healing spells as well."
The Pontiff said, "I don't believe I am familiar with you Miss."
The young women easily passed Usagi back to Ranma's arms and then stood. She was still a little awkward on her feet. "My name is Canal Volfield. I was the heart and soul of the Lost Ship known as Swordbreaker. To save the Asgard so they would be free to help us more they loaded me with all the bombs they could and I used my abilities to phase right into the heart of their mortal enemies world and detonate destroying them to the last."
Canal continued, "Usagi only just managed to save my soul and the soul of the one who was with me, and even then the only way for her to live was as part of me. I regret her loss, even as part of me is warmed by her warm and caring soul. Let it be known that Sheryl Remington, sometimes known as Sarah Smith died a true hero. She was the daughter of Stella Remington, head of Britain's Security Service before she died in the recent attack. Her sacrifice insured that not only were the Asgard safe from the replicator threat but so were we."
The Pontiff said, "Surely, you yourself deserve some credit as well."
With passion Ranma said, "Your dang right she does. If anything I should have been there, but I wasn't. I was convinced there was no point, but it seems there was. She walked into hell to save us all. Both of them did. I saw it at the end, linked to her as I was. Those damn mechanical monsters were swarming her like locusts, devouring her whole before she blew them all to hell. The resulting weapons release caused a permanent black hole to be formed. Their soul was trapped there before Usagi yanked them out with our help."
Nabiki placed her right hand on Ranma's left forearm and said quietly, "We had already given every bit of power we could to Canal. We didn't know."
Canal said, "I admit, I deliberately didn't tell you that you could still help. The cost was too high and you can help so much more living than dead. I wanted you to live, yet when Sarah came and offered to see it to the end I reconsidered. She desperately wanted this. She had lived a life of service and this was the best way she could see to spend her death. Still, do not praise my own sacrifice too much. I was scared. I admit that, yet a part of me has wanted to be free for such a long time and Usagi had already promised to try to save me. I do not regret losing my ship self, save that now I can no longer protect my friends as I once did."
The Pontiff said, "And that is why you deserve credit as well. Tell me, had there been another way for you to keep your ship self and still accomplish that mission with the same degree of certainty, what would have been your choice?" It was rare for the Pope to discuss things this openly in public. People were in focused on their words as if nothing else existed.
"I'd have probably stayed a Starship. I know the Asgard have promised to protect us, but for how long can they truly afford to keep a heavy enough presence here to do so? We are one populated world among countless others, and they are so very few."
The Pope nodded. He said, "I believe that you all are good people and that you all are a true force for good, though with abilities that may tempt you to stray. You must remain steadfast." The last was the closest he had come to issuing a flat out command.
He then turned specifically to Usagi and said, "I too am a fan of Tennyson. I believe the quote was, `Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho' we are not now that strength which in old days moved Earth and Heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will. To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.' I ask that you continue to do your best for us all as we continue to work and pray for your success. I will be there with you when you begin the healing of Mars."
Usagi rose on unsteady legs as she bowed a shallow yet respectful bow to the pontiff. She said, "I thank you for your prayers. We will not fail you." She seemed an impossibly frail youthful form to base their hopes and dreams on as both Ranma and Nabiki hovered nearby to catch her. Once Ranma had a gentle hold of her arm Nabiki pulled a communications stone and held it before saying, "Beam us out of here Thor. Usagi and Ranma need to rest."
In a single bright flash of light they were all gone. The people in the room remained stunned. The pope looked around for a moment making eye contact with everyone before saying, "When you tell people of this day, I ask you not to focus on the shiny jewel that helped heal everyone. It was a thing, and things have little true value. Instead focus on the young women and child that gave of their strength so that people may be healed. I believe our Lord would approve of the work done this day, and though I still cannot be certain of some things about them, I do truly believe they were good people."
One brave soul asked, "Your going to Mars your Holiness?"
The Pontiff smiled. "It is a long story, and there is much yet to do today. For now, perhaps we could get some doctors to check everyone. If nothing else, I'm sure others could use the space."
One doctor who was still stunned snapped out of it and said, "Right away your Holiness."
As the pontiff was leaving one of the doctors heard him say, "Convene the college of Cardinals or as best as you can in the next thirty minutes. Make sure there is a big television and a Blu-Ray player and a place nearby to sleep when we must. They left us records of their past. I intend to understand this new group as quickly as possible. It may be that the Holy See will support them, but that still remains to be decided."
"Yes your Holiness. The main auditorium will be made at your disposal. We will have to shuffle some people due to the crises..."
"They may watch if there is space and they remain quiet, or they may be placed in my own rooms if needed. Just get it done."
"At once your Holiness."
Author's Note: This one took awhile to edit as I spent some additional time on it. We are nearing the end of the nearly ready material. Now might be a good time to review if you haven't already. I can't promise a review will change anything that will be written, though one already has changed my plans somewhat.