Star Trek: Ranma's Chronicles 29– by DS Wynne


Disclaimer: Ranma ½ and other genres belong to their respective owners.

Note: This is a multi-genre story.

Special note: The "Cast of Characters Saga" takes a look at the events of "DS9" from the POV of Ranma and Usagi's friends and family. Enjoy!


Part 29: "Cast of Characters: Ryouga, Act One".


Personal Log, Star-date: 50564.7. Man, the last 48 hours have been nothing more one problem after another. Somehow, the Dominion managed to get one of their Changelings to take the place of Dr. Bashir. As a result of that action, they managed to prevent Lt/Commander Dax's device from closing the Bajoran Wormhole. We had thought that the Jen'Hadar Fleet was going to attack DS9, but, instead, they went straight to into Cardassian space. I wonder why…

Naru and I were talking about starting a family. Personal, I blame Ranma for putting the idea in her head, thanks to him having so many of his family members around. Damn him! Thanks to him, my life will be living hell. Though, in this particular case, I don't mind as much.

With everything so crazy, it's a wonder if I will ever get any training done. After all, I want to beat Ranma in our next sparring match.


Location: DS9.

When Worf, Martok, Garak and the real Dr. Bashir appeared on the bridge of operations, Worf immediately looked around.

"She's not here!" Worf yelled.

Lt/Commander Ryouga Hibiki looked up from his work. He may have moved on from his feelings with Akane, but he was still concerned.

"What happened?"

"Apparently, when she employed her trick, something intercepted her somehow," Worf replied.

Just then, Ranma steps off the turbo-lift.

"Hey, guys," said Ranma. "Just want to let you know that Amanda is fine, and that she has a personal matter to deal with."

Ryouga looks at Ranma.

"When did this happen?"

"A few minutes ago, why?"

"She could have called HERE."

"Not where she ended up, and it was Nabiki who told me what had happened."

"Huh."

Just then, Captain Sisko steps out of his office with Counselor Usagi, who was still getting used to having the abilities of a Changeling…and Chancellor Gowron.

"Listen up," Sisko began. "We just received word that Legate Dukat has signed a mutual defense treaty with the Dominion, legitimizing the Dominion's foothold in the Alpha Quadrant. Furthermore, the Federation and the Klingon Empire will now re-establish the Khitomer Accords…effective immediately. Commander Saotome, Mr. Worf and General Martok- please step-forth."

The three look at each other, as they did as they were told.

"Saotome and Worf: you will be the liaison, both operational and strategic, to the Klingons," Sisko says.

"And you, General Martok," Gowron says, "You will be assigned here as the commander of our forces in this sector."

"Which means that Mr. Saotome and Mr. Worf will be working with you, General," Sisko says.

"Humph!" Martok replies. "It could have been worst."

"Indeed," Gowron says.


Ryouga has always known that Ranma will always fight for a friend, something that even HE has to admit. So when word leaked out that Bashir was a recipient of some illegal genetic modification as a child, thanks to Dr. Lewis Zimmerman's attempt to create a newer version of the "Emergency Medical Program" (which was to be based off of Dr. Bashir's likeness), Ranma intervened.

"Dr. Zimmerman, I will be taking that report," Ranma said.

Ryouga was assisting Zimmerman in creating the program, when Bashir's past caught up to him.

"You will not have my report!" Zimmerman says. "I have connections!"

"So do I, Dr. Zimmerman. And I can see to it that your research end. And if you need verification, contact Admiral Nachyev."

"No, please!" Zimmerman replied, knowing the reputation of the Russian. "Anything but that!"

"Good. Now, as far as the official report is concerned, you have decided to use another candidate-"

"There you are," Bashir says, as he enters the lab. "Commander, the Counselor told me what you are planning on doing…and I don't want you to do it."

Ranma looks at Bashir for a moment.

"You sure, Julian?"

Bashir looks at Zimmerman, and then nods.

"I rather go out with a clean conscious, than live with a lie. Besides, I talked with Captain Sisko, and he told me that my father has decided to serve time for the genetic engineering."

"All right, then," Ranma said. "It's your call."

As Ranma begins to leave, Ryouga pulls him aside.

"Ranma, question."

"What?"

"Would you have ruined Dr. Zimmerman for Julian's sake?"

"Yep."

"What if…I was in trouble or something?"

"Ryouga, if you can believe this, I consider you a friend…so yeah, I'd help you out as well."

Ryouga nods his head in response.


"Ryouga!" Naru yelled, as two members of the notorious "Orion Syndicate" grabbed her.

"Naru!" Ryouga said, as he was being blocked by a well-placed force field.

The day started out with Odo requesting Naru and Ryouga's help in retrieving information on a woman named Arissa, who was suppose to have a meeting with a contact concerning an important data crystal, when her contact was seemingly murdered for it. Odo didn't want to get help from the higher-ups, since this was an "off the record" request. Unfortunately, it turned out that not only did this the crystal contained Arissa's memories, but also relevant data concerning the local activities of the Orion Syndicate. And now, the 'Syndicate has sent a couple of Naussicans goons to liquidate the problem.

Too bad no one told them one of their targets was one Ryouga Hibiki.

Ryouga grimaced, as he formed a knuckle with his right hand…and punched.

BLAM!

Again.

BLAM!

Again.

BLAM!

While he could have used his Shi-Shi Hodoken or Breaking Point, he chose to channel his power into wearing down the force field that was preventing him from his beloved wife.

SKRASH!

As soon as the force field was worn down, Ryouga was on the Naussicans like white on rice.

First, he extricated Naru from her captor's clutches. And then, he preceded pound the Naussicans into a collective heap…

"Ryouga, that's enough!" Ranma said, as he caught Ryouga's fist. Odo had informed Ranma and Pert know of the situation, when Arissa was also kidnapped (to be traded for the data crystal). Thus, the clock was ticking where innocent lives are concerned.

"But Ranma, they…they tried to hurt her!"

"I know, and I would have done the same thing," Ranma replied, as he sees Pert comforting a distressed Naru. "But it's over now, and these…people can stand trial for their crimes."

"Oh, Ryouga-!" Naru cried, as she ran into Ryouga's arms.

Later, after Arissa was restored to normal, Ranma made sure that Nabiki used her influence, within the Orion Syndicate, to ban all 'Syndicate operations within the Bajoran Sector.


"Quark, you seem depressed," Ryouga said, as he sits down at the bar at 'Quark's'."

"Well, ever since I got into this arms dealing, everyone, save for you and Commander Saotome, is avoiding me," Quark replies. "The usual?"

"Yeah, thanks," Ryouga said, as he accepts his green tea.

"Tell me, if you can. Why are you and the Commander are friends? From the stories I have heard…you've been rivals for a long time."

"Yeah, we have. Ever since the days of our Bread Feud-"

"'Bread Feud'?"

Ryouga laughs a bit before continuing.

"It's…kind of dumb, actually. Basically, long story SHORT, we fought over bread products while attending the same all-boys school…and escalated after I received a 'Jusenkyo' curse."

"So…you turn into a hot babe like Ranma?"

"I wish. I actually turn into a…piglet."

Quark actually laughs.

"Hey, it's not funny turning into an animal, you know!"

"Sorry. But I bet you WOULD look like a babe. If you did, I'd add your image to my more popular collection of holovids."

"Yeah, I heard," Ryouga blanched. "I really wish wouldn't make vids of all the females on the station. I don't want to even think of some bastard fantasizing about my wife."

"Well, for a fee…"

"Never mind. So…your problem is that you don't want to continue to sell arms, but you still want to make money."

"It's not just THAT. If I back off now, I risk losing my life."

"Hmmm. Does this Hagath guy have a rival? I know I have one, and Brunt of the FCA is YOUR rival."

"I don't know that Hagath does…but his latest client has one. In fact, I believe there is a war going on between them."

"Why don't you bring them together? No one said that you couldn't sell your weapons to the two of them at the same time. Just bring them together, sit back and watch to chaos ensue."

"Hmmm. You know what? You just gave me a good idea. I could trick General Nassuc and Regent of Palamar into 'accidentally' running into each other…

Quark grins.

"Of course! Thanks. The tea is on the house, Mr. Hibiki."

"Glad I could help."


Legate Dukat and his Jem'Hadar escorts board the station, demanding the return of the Cardassian Ghemor. A few years earlier, Ghemor had kidnapped Kira, and tried to trick her into thinking that she was a surgically altered Cardassian spy. Since then, the two have made their peace, and now were to engage in a Cardassian ritual that would allow Ghemor to pass on everything that he knows to his heir. In this case, Ghemor has designated Kira as his heir. Of course, Dukat was not about to take any chances of any secrets falling into the wrong hands. He did offer a "Usagi" to heal him of his sickness, but Ghemor would have none of that. A Usagi, a plant-like clone of Counselor Usagi Tsukino, was a member of the Dominion, dedicated to health and healing. And how they came about was quite strange…

FLASHBACK!

Sometime before Ranma became a regular aboard DS9...

One day, during a routine mission into the Gamma Quadrant, the Defiant came across an unknown star system. Sensors indicated a third planet from the system's star was devoid of sentient life, but was capable being inhabitable. So, an away team was to be made.

"Dax, I want you, Dr. Bashir, Lieutenant Eddington and Counselor Tsukino," Sisko says, as he turned towards his away team.

"Why do I have to go?" Tsukino says. "I was working on incorporating more languages into the universal translator."

"Besides, I don't want Usagi get grabby while on the mission," Jadzia smirked. Jadzia had to worry about the flirtations of her old flame at times.

"Hey, I was frightened that time. You know how brave, rugged and strong you are."

"What about me?" asked Bashir.

"What about you?"

"Aren't I brave, rugged and strong too?"

Usagi looks at Bashir, then turns to Jadzia Dax.

"Anyway, it was only just that time, Dax."

"…"

"I want you and Dax to go to the planet because of your extensive backgrounds," Sisko replies. "Bashir will be the on-site medical personnel, while Eddington acts as security. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir," Usagi responds.

"Then you are dismissed."

When everyone, including a few technicians and security personnel, made it to the transporter room, Eddington pointed something out.

"Wait a moment. We're not exactly in transporter range."

"We know that commander," Dax says. "Usagi?"

"Hmmm? Oh, okay. Everyone, grab each other's hand."

Though concerned, everyone, including Eddington, did exactly as Usagi told him or her to do.

"Great! Now, let me think…" Usagi said, as she placed her fingers to her temple. She had a far-away look…

"Got it! Hang on folks," Usagi said, as she grabbed Jadzia Dax's shoulder…and not in a normal way either.

"You're enjoying this," Dax quipped.

"Every time," responds Usagi, as she activates the "Instant Transmission" technique. She is using this trick in order to avoid detection by Dominion long-range sensor sweeps.

ZING!

"I can never get used to seeing that," Petty Chief Miles O'Brien says, as he leaves the transporter bay.

With the away team underway, each member perform his or her function. Dax takes on the hard science aspect, while Tsukino takes on the soft sciences. Between the two, Dr. Bashir analyzes various substances to see they have any medical applications. And Lt/Commander Eddington and his team conduct a survey, to see if the planet itself on could be useful to Starfleet, in light of the Dominion threat.

Sometime later near a meadow…

"What an unusual arrangement of flowers," Usagi mused, as she took her plant readings.

"Just be careful," Dax says. "I'm getting some unusual readings, not unlike a hive mind."

"Got it."

While Usagi was taking samples, she failed to realize that one of the flowers was slowing enlarging…

"Jadzia, take a look at this-"

Usagi's sixth sense had alarmed. Then, slowly, Usagi turned her head…

CHOMP!

"Usagi!" Jadzia yelled.

"What happened?" Eddington says, as he runs up, with phaser drawn.

"This plant…ATE…Counselor Tsukino."

A short time later…

"Well, Usagi's vital signs are still going strong," Dr. Bashir says, as he took his readings.

"We got to get the counselor out of there," Eddington replies. "We need to do something about this field, too."

"No," Dax replies. "This entire field is a sentient life form, or several in fact. I did take precaution in case we get another "devouring" in the works."

"Jadzia, I'm getting a spike in Usagi's readings…"

"Same with the field. Everyone, stand back-"

AH-CHUNK-AH! AH-CHUNK-AH! AH-CHUNK-AH!

BLARGH!

"Ooof!" Usagi says, as she was chucked out of the large flower.

"Usagi, are you okay?" Jadzia asked.

Usagi was in a terrible state. Her hair was frizzy, her clothes were torn, there were vines and roots imbedded in her skin, and she had a mucous-like film all over her body.

"Usagi?" asked Dr. Bashir, as he began his medical scans.

Usagi looked at Bashir, then Jadzia and finally to the plant she was spewed from.

"Did…did I just have…sex?" Usagi asked Jadzia with a quizzical eye.

(A/N: A little "Family Guy" humor, when Quagmire was caught up in a fight between the comic strip character Andy Capp and his wife in a bar.)

Later…

"We should do something about that field," Eddington says.

"No," Jadzia says. "As long as we make sure that we keep away from it, we should be fine."

"Well, I am worried about Usagi," Bashir said. "She lost a lot of fluids, and her energies are low."

"And what of the unusual amino acids that were found in her blood stream?"

"Well, from what I can gather, it's the same substance found in newborns."

"So, in other words, Usagi was in some sort of womb."

"Exactly."

"Sir!" shouts Crewmember Lara Vasquez, a member of Eddington's security team. She was also the communications technician. "We got an encrypted message from the Defiant."

"Encrypted?" Eddington asks.

"Benjamin wouldn't have sent an encrypted message unless-"

"-There was Dominion activity," Bashir finished.

"All have the perimeter secured, just in case we have company," Eddington says, as he takes Vasquez with him.

"Maybe Usagi can-" Bashir begins.

"No can do," Jadzia replies. "I know from my Curzon days that Usagi has to be in top shape to perform her tricks. Julian, is there medication for which to…jump-start her metabolism?"

"Why?"

"From experience, Usagi has a rapid recovery rate."

"I have limited options, but I'll see what I can do."

In Usagi's tent…

"So…cold," Usagi said with a shiver. She was feeling ill, and using a blanket in order to keep her warm.

"Do you remember anything while you were inside that thing?" Jadzia asks.

"N-no," Usagi replied. "I…just need some rest…"

Jadzia hugged her long time friend.

"Don't worry, Usako. I won't leave you…just don't get any ideas, though."

"D-drat…"

The planet's moon rose in the east, illuminating the field where Usagi was "devoured". As the moonlight brightened the leaves, little pods began formed from the steams. These pods grew large, until they were the size of watermelons. Then these now huge pods burst open, revealing embryonic organisms. These organisms grew bigger, until they appeared to be human in appearance. These humanoids began to take on the recognizable appearance of…

…Usagi Tsukino.

And there were hundreds of them.

The next day…

During the night, Jadzia Dax dreamed of being pursued by a multitude of Usagi Tsukinos. It wasn't like she didn't care for Usagi; it was that, by Trill law, Jadzia should not pursue the past.

"Uhhh," Jadzia said, as she opened her eyes. "What a dream…"

Then, she noticed a hand wrapped around her. Jadzia then turned her head to the right.

It was a naked Usagi.

"Usagi, what are you…doing…here…"

Then, Jadzia noticed more naked Usagi's all around her.

"Wha-?"

The throng of "Usagis" slowly stirred. Then they sat up and smiled at Jadzia.

"Darling…" the Usagi-brood said.

"YAAAAAAAAH!"

Eddington woke up to the scream. Why didn't the parameter alarms sound?

As he left his tent, he stumbled over a body.

"Oof!"

"Sir, are you al-RIIIIIIGHT!" Lara Vasquez says, as she, too, stumble over a body.

"Goodness!' Dr. Bashir says, as he takes his Tricorder readings.

"Julian, they're-" Jadzia began, as she left her tent in a hurry.

"I know, I know. They are all duplicates of Usagi, though semi-plant based."

Meanwhile, out in space…

"The Hierarchy believe that there is a Federation on that planet," said Kimi, a Vorta. The Vortas are a race that administered the Dominion Empire. "WE and our sister ship are to investigate, and terminate if the need arises."

"We pledge our services to the Founders, for the Founders mean life to the Dominion," said "The First". The First and his squad of Jem'Hadar, who were bipedal lizard warriors, were the backbone of the empire.

"See that you remember that."

Back on the planet of the Usagis…

"Well, its not every day that one can spawn a new species," Bashir said, as he sipped his tea.

"You are enjoying this, aren't you?" Jadzia said.

"Will we see the Mother soon?" said Usagi #1.

"Yes," Usagi #95 interjected. "We want to see the Mother."

"We want the Mother! We want the Mother! We want the Mother!" chanted a crowd of Usagis.

"We better do something-" Eddington began. He least he knew now why the sensors failed. Each Usagi could pass off as Counselor Tsukino, so the sensors did not trip.

"I'm here," said Usagi, as she stepped out of her tent. She still had her blanket wrapped around herself.

"Usagi, you should take it easy," Jadzia said, as she tried to comfort her friend.

"I'm fine, Dax."

"You are the Mother," said Usagi #2.

"I guess. Um, Jadzia?"

"Yes?"

"Why haven't you clothe them?" Usagi asked. She didn't want any body knowing what she looked like underneath her own clothes.

Before Dax could respond, the camp was over-run by Jem'Hadar soldiers.

"Freeze or perish!"

All Starfleet personnel dropped their phasers and raised their hands. They were then herded to a spot separate from the Usagis. Then, the Vorta commander came into view.

"Hello, my name is Kimi. And I declare this world the territory of the Dominion."

"What are you going to do with us?" asked Jadzia. "And what of them?"

"You," Kimi said, as she pointed at the Starfleet personnel, "Are prisoners of war. They," Kimi said, as she pointed to the Usagis, "belong to the Dominion."

"I won't let you make them slaves, Vorta," Usagi as she stood forward.

"Hmmm," Kimi replied. "You did look familiar. It's an honor to meet one of the Founders of the Federation."

"What does she mean?" Eddington asked.

"Oh, you don't know, Commander?" the Vorta mocked. "I guess it's not common knowledge then. But I'm sure Commander Dax here can illuminate the situation."

Jadzia turns to Usagi, who nods her consent. Then, the Trill tells everyone that Usagi was over 200 plus years old, having served aboard the first starship ever to bare the name "Enterprise". Usagi was, in effect, an Immortal.

Then, Jadzia thought fro a moment. If the Usagis were clones of her Usagi, then they should have her natural abilities.

"Usagi, thanks to her experiences is an army of one. Right?"

Usagi looked at Jadzia. She was still too weak to do something herself, but then Jadzia gave her an idea. While she could manipulate chi or mana, psychic energy was doable. All she needed to do is send a single command to the other Usagis, and pray that the trick works…

GROUP STUN.

Suddenly, all the Usagis looked up, and sent a psychic wave outward….

When the wave was over, everyone, except the Vorta, Usagi and her "children" were left standing. The Vortas were natural psychics themselves, and could shield most of the effects of the wave.

"What did you DO?" Kimi asked in disbelief.

Usagi walked up to Kimi and stared straight into her face.

"Even if we leave, there's nothing Starfleet can do to stop you from abusing THEM. So, I want your promise that the Dominion will take care of them. Properly. Because if you don't, I will hold you personally responsible."

"I don't believe you."

Using whatever energy she could muster, Usagi's eyes glowed green.

"Oh, I'm sure you know EXACTLY what I'm capable of, especially since the Hierarchy is very thorough on who's TRULY a threat to the Dominion."

GULP!

END FLASHBACK!

Since then, the Dominion has been true to their word. There was a concerned that the Dominion might try to tap into the Usagis racial memories to glean information about Starfleet, but there was nothing that could be done. Ranma, in particular, was not pleased at all, mostly stemming from the fact that he had to worry about TWO set of clones: Darth Lune's Serenitys (who were "Sith Inquisitors") and the Dominion's Usagis (their child-like healers). But, like Starfleet, there was nothing he could really do about it either.

With the security on high alert, Ryouga was asked to help Pert watch over Ghemor.

Ryouga yawned, as Jem'Hadar soldiers stood-by. One of them was staring at the Operations Officer.

"What are YOU starring at?" Ryouga said.

The Jem'Hadar looked at Ryouga.

"I have heard that you are a powerful warrior."

"Yeah, so?"

"As powerful as Ranma Saotome?"

Ryouga pauses for a moment.

"I have some skills where it counts."

"Good. I look forward to the day when I can claim that I have vanquished a powerful foe like you."

"Gee, thanks!"

Tbc.