TRTSS4: In Search of a Paper Moon! – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: SM, R1/2, ST and other genres belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Special note: As always, certain plot points will be different from canon sources.
Part 25
The few years since the start of the Arachnid War, hundreds of thousands of humans died during the conflict. On the other hand, millions of Arachnids have perished as well. Planets, even entire star systems, were fields of battle between "apes" and "bugs". Still, in spite of the odds, humans were on the verge of defeating the Arachnids, or, at the very least, neutralizing them as a potent threat. And, as ever, the head of the secret organization known simply as "Section 31" is one-step ahead of everyone else, human or Arachnid…
On the fringes on known space, Usagi Tsukino was enjoying a relaxing morning with her two loves: Delores "Dizzy" Flores and Ranma Saotome. It was decided long ago that since Dizzy and Usagi were really the same person, though with different dispositions, they could be with Ranma together. Ranma himself felt a bit awkward about the situation at first, but eventually relented. Since the capture of the Arachnid "brain bug" on "Planet P" in the Klandathu System, Alpha Company, now known as "Rico's Roughnecks" have seen more action than any other Special Forces group. With the attrition rate so high, members of Alpha Company were given opportunities to receive commands of their own:
Johnny Rico became leader of the Roughnecks, when Ranma was promoted to battalion commander.
Carmen Ibanez received a starship command of her own, as did Zander Barcalow. Edwina Daladier was promoted to be a fleet commander.
And Carl Jenkins, now a General, is still Director Nabiki Kuno's "lackey" (as Ranma would put it), and has delved deeper into "black ops".
As for Dizzy, she chose to become Ranma's liaison on the battalion level. Even though this meant missing some action on the field, she did like the fact a desk assignment meant being with Ranma without scrutiny.
Ranma was, of course, promoted to be battalion commander. His role was primarily to organize "First Battalion" into an elite component of the Mobile Infantry, Alpha Company included. So, for the most part, his role consists of training, evaluation and deployment of all Special Operations groups.
And Usagi is still Captain of the USS Serenity, the flagship of Ranma's battalion command. She could have accepted a recent promotion, but it would have made being with Ranma difficult. Actually, she didn't mind being Dizzy, if it meant being with Ranma. But, she likes being herself when she's with Ranma. Hence, that is why both Dizzy and Usagi are with Ranma at the same time…in "stereo".
Usagi looks over at a sleeping Dizzy and Ranma, and smiles.
"Ahhh," Usagi sighed contently, as she puts her arms in the back of her head. "I don't think anything can ruin this moment-"
CHIRP! CHIRP! CHIRP! CHIRP! CHIRP-!
Usagi groaned, as she sits up, while Dizzy and Ranma stirred. It was a special alarm feature that only one person in the entire Milky Way Galaxy would know…
"Ranma," Usagi says, as she shook Ranma's body. "'The Ice Queen' is calling."
Ranma turns his head slightly.
"Why do you think I'm not answering it?" Ranma says.
The special alarm rings again, before-
FLASH!
Usagi, Ranma and Dizzy found themselves in the middle of Nabiki's office. Nabiki was at her desk doing paper work, while Carl smirks.
"Ah!" Usagi says, as she attempts to cover herself.
"Rise and shine, boys and girls," Carl says mockingly.
Dizzy sits up. In the 23rd century, nudity was not an issue for people. Still…
"Carl, what's the meaning of THIS?" Dizzy yells.
"Hey, don't look at me, Diz," Carl replies. "Your boyfriend should have answered the hail."
Nabiki looks up from her work.
"Trying to fake unconsciousness is wasting both of our times, Saotome," Nabiki says.
Ranma gets up.
"Hey, we can all dream, you know," Ranma says. "But, 'N'…do you mind…?"
"As attractive as your male form is, you can put on some clothes."
"Good. And how-?"
"How did I transport you here from the Uncharted Territories? Now, Saotome…you know I can't tell how."
"And it's because…?"
"I like to keep my secrets, of course."
"Great, just great…"
Nabiki turns to her assistant.
"Carl, get these people some clothes and something to eat."
"Yes, ma'am," Carl says, as he looks at the trio. "I think we have something in your size…"
Twenty minutes later…
"Okay," Nabiki began to say, as she begins her presentation. "About a week ago, we lost contact with a research facility within the Arachnid Quarantine Zone dubbed 'Outpost Hotel Delta 185', which is on 'Planet X'"
"'Hotel Delta 185'…isn't that General Owens' operation?"
"That is correct," Nabiki says. "Owens was doing some work for me in monitoring possible mutations within the Arachnid structure, when we lost contact."
"A battalion was sent the to re-enforce the outpost, but the lines of contact have been cut as of yesterday," Carl says.
"Ranma, your mission is to go to Planet X, and find out why we've lost contact with Owens," Nabiki says. "Of course, this is a 'black ops' assignment…"
"Colonel, Fleet Captain will personally insert you to the planet. She will give you a twenty-four hour window to complete your mission before picking you up.
"Nabiki, why me?" Usagi says. "Surely, you can find another pilot."
"For one, spare pilots with your rating are in short supply. Also, I want this kept 'within the family'. And most importantly, to reach Planet X in a timely fashion, you will have to cut through the Klingon Neutral Zone."
"Oh," Usagi says.
"And under NO circumstances are you to divulge your mission to anyone, Ranma."
"Yeah, yeah," Ranma says dismissively.
"You may take a partner to assist you on your assignment," Carl says, as he presents several dossiers on hand.
"I can take a partner with me?"
"That's correct, Colonel."
Ranma turns to look at Dizzy, who immediately lights up with excitement.
"Why not Diz?" Ranma says. "She is combat trained, is certified in 'Special Operations'…and she can access Usagi's talents if need be."
"Oooh!" Dizzy says with excitement. "Can I go with Ranma?"
Nabiki sighs.
"Fine. But the mission parameters will be the same for you, as well."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Good. Dismiss."
Ranma, Usagi and Dizzy snap into a salute.
"Now, if you follow me, I can get your gear ready…"
With Nabiki alone, she breathes a sigh of relief. She then pulls out file, which was a key element to Ranma's true mission.
"Dax," Nabiki says to herself, as she touched the latest image of Ranma's one-time love. "To think you would re-enter Ranma-baby's life once more…"
Sometime later…
CHOOM!
A Federation "interceptor" emerges from warped space, near Planet X.
"So far, so good, guys," Usagi says, as she turns her head. Standard pilot gear for "black ops" missions was a form fitting black body suit and full helmet, so that the identity and gender could not be identified.
"You guys ready for deployment?"
Ranma and Dizzy were putting the finishing touches of their trans-atmospheric suits. Essentially, they will be "planet diving".
"Done," Ranma says, as he and Dizzy makes sure that they have put on their respective helms on. "Oxygen flow at nominal levels."
"Good. Prepare for drop."
"Right."
"Ranma…Diz?"
"Yeah?" Ranma says, as he and Dizzy both turn to look at Usagi.
"Good luck," Usagi says, as she gives a 'thumbs up' salute.
"Thanks," Ranma replied.
"See you soon, Usagi," Diz says, as she enters the insertion capsule.
"Of course you will…you're me, remember?"
"I was speaking metaphorically."
"I know."
Once Ranma and Diz were in the insertion tube—which looked like an old-style torpedo—Usagi begins to launch sequence.
"Launching in five…four…three…two…one…GO!"
Usagi drops her payload, and then vectors off.
The torpedo drops into the planet. It begins to heat up, as atmospheric friction took place. And then-
POOM!
Ranma and Dizzy are expelled from the capsule.
"We're in the planet's exosphere," Ranma says, in his secured communications line to his partner. "You're ready to do some 'orbital skydiving'?"
"Um, sure," Dizzy says nervously. "Um, how many times have you done this?"
"This?"
"Yes."
"Well, I've done THIS lots of times."
"I see…"
"But it's been a while, so let's see if I can remember how."
"Don't even JOKE…please?"
Ranma only laugh, as he and Dizzy go to the planet below…
Meanwhile, what was left of the Sixth Battalion (codenamed: "Bravo Six") was on a mound…surrounded by Arachnid. Help was NOT forth coming.
"General, sir!" says a communications specialist. "Pick-up is NO GO!"
"Damn," says Brigadier General Jack Gordon Shepard, as he surveys the scene. He then turns to his Military Specialist officer.
"Lt. Dill, what's our prognosis?"
"Not good, sir," says say the psychic.
"Well, tell me something I DON'T know!"
"Sir!" says a statuesque redhead. "We're not going to last long if we stay here."
"Understood, Sgt. Rake," Shepard says. "We need a miracle, and fast-"
THOOM!
Everyone turns to see a man lands amongst the group of troopers, with a woman in his arms, while crouched. Out of fear, all guns turn towards the pair.
"Who in blazes are you?" Shepard demanded.
The man helps put the woman in his arms onto his feet. The two then takes off their respective helmets before snapping into a salute.
"Colonel Ranma Saotome…Special Operations," Ranma says.
"Captain Delores Flores…the same," Dizzy says.
Shepard salutes back.
"Special Ops, huh?" Shepard scoffs.
"Yes," Ranma says, as his eyes suddenly dart about. "Excuse us…"
In unison, Ranma and Dizzy pulls out specially modified riffles from their backs, and began picking off dozens of Arachids with single shots to the bugs' "brains".
"Whoa," says Pvt. Lei Sahara.
"That was awesome!" yells Pvt. Tor.
"Yes, Special Ops, sir," Dizzy says, as she lowers her weapon.
"You're here for the rescue?" Shepard asked.
"Actually, we're on a separate mission, to Outpost Hotel Delta," Ranma says.
"We were to secure that facility, when we were bogged down with…bugs," Rake says.
"Then I suggest that we head over there, since making a last stance is NOT in my mission statement."
Shepard nods his head. He then looks about what was left of his troopers…
"Alright," Shepard says. "You know the way, so you can lead us there."
"Right," Ranma says, as he scans the remaining troops. "This way!"
"Sir," says Dill, as he turns to face Shepard. "Do you think you should trust that man?"
Shepard turns to face his MILINT person.
"Why?"
"I sense…chaos from him."
"Son, look around you. This world is in chaos."
"Just trying to express my concerns, sir…"
And with that, Ranma, Dizzy and the remnants of Bravo Six heads for the mysterious outpost, known as "Hotel Delta 185". Unknown to all, what is waiting for them will prove the old adage, "Out of the frying pan, and into fire", is an understatement.
Tbc.
Author's note: this part of the "Starship Troopers" saga takes place BEFORE "Cooler's Revenge" and "Return of Cooler" (DBZ movies). Generally speaking, as inconsistent as the movies are, they do take place in the present timeline...with a few "tweaks" here and there.