TRTSS4: In Search of a Paper Moon! – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: R1/2, SM, ST and other properties belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Part 29
For a full straight hour, Arachnid forces poured into the compound, while a combination of "Bug Bombs" and "Scorpion Bugs" were being used for good measure. Bug bombs were mindless, short-lived bugs that are similar to the roly-poly bug. They roll or hop into an area, unfurl, and then explode, usually when they sense that they are near humans. Scorpion bugs have the dimensions of a classic scorpion. However, rather than possess stingers, the bugs spew concentrated plasma at the intended target, essentially vaporizing the target. While neither bug alone could turn the tide, both bugs could prove to be a devastating edition to the war against humans…
FWOOMP!
Ranma and Rico both see a few bug bombs being tossed their way.
"Incoming!" yelled a Trooper.
"Everyone, duck for cover!" Rico yells.
Ranma, however, picked up a shovel, and knocks them both out of the intended blast zone.
BAMP! BAMP!
The bugs react, by unfurling. However, they unfurl just when the standard arachnids drones turn the corner…
FWOP!
"SKREEE-!" screeched the lead bug, and then-
BA-BOOOM!
"Humph," Ranma said, as he surveys the damage. "Wiped out a dozen bugs at the same time…"
Ranma then turns towards Rico.
"Top THAT, Johnny," Ranma said with a smirk.
"Huh," Rico said, as he gets up. "The night is still young-"
BLAM!
CRASH!
A scorpion bug breaches another section of the inner wall.
"Scorpion Bug!"
"Got it," Ranma said, as he takes aim of his rifle, and shoots a grenade into the tail, just as the scorpion bug was about to discharge plasma.
ZZZZZUUUUUMMMMMM-!
BLOOSH!
"And you guys have been having trouble with these things?" Ranma said jokingly.
"Ha, ha," Rico said. "Very funny-"
CHIRP-CHIRP!
Ranma immediately goes to his secured communications line.
"Saotome: speaking," Ranma said.
"Ranma, we found the Sky Marshal," Dizzy said over the line. "He and Lola are heading back to the 'Geronimo'. General Hauser is electing to stay behind to help with the battle."
"Alright, I want you to go with the Sky Marshal."
"Why?"
"Well, we still need someone to stay close to him, and I'm busy down here."
"Understood. And Ranma?"
"Yes, Diz?"
"Good luck. Flores: out."
CHIRP!
"What was that all about?" Rico asked.
"It looks like the Sky Marshal is in safe hands," Ranma said. "And Dix is going to remain behind to help secure the parameter."
"Alright," Rico said, as he cocked his rifle. "Now, we can get serious."
"So, you weren't serious before?"
"Yeah, yeah…"
Soon, a drop ship from Roku San docks on board the UEGS "Geronimo", carrying the Sky Marshal and his entourage…
"This is 'Flight Control' to DS-01," said the chief flight officer aboard the Geronimo. "You are clear for docking…"
Afterwards, Lola addresses everyone who came back with her to her ship.
"I'm…sorry for leaving Father behind," Lola replied softly. "But I wanted to make sure that the Sky Marshal is taken to safety."
"Eh, it's okay," Dizzy said. "Your father can take care of himself."
"Your father is a hero, as is Colonel Rico, Captain Beck," Anoke said. "I have faith in his well-being."
"I appreciate the sentiment, sir," Lola said. "Is there anything else you will need?"
"Just a hot shower and a change in clothes."
"Very well, I'll order the ship for a return trip to home…"
"Please do that, Captain," Anoke said with a smile.
Lola turns towards Dizzy.
"Will you be okay?" Lola asked.
"I'll have what the Sky Marshal is having," Dizzy replied with a smile.
"Right. See you in a bit."
After Lola begins her trip back to the command deck, she flips up her communicator.
CHIRP-CHIRP!
"Number One, Warp in 'Five'," Lola commanded.
"Understood, ma'am," said the Chief Flight Officer.
"On my mark: Five, Four, Three, Two, One. Go."
Upon Lola saying the word 'Go', the Geronimo immediately goes into warp.
WRRRRRRR-BOOM!
Hours later…
"I'm glad that you all agreed to have dinner with me this evening," said Anoke said, as Yeoman Holly Little served dinner, along with Chef Jingo Ryan. At present was the senior staff aboard the ship, which included Captain Lola Beck, Chef Engineer Bull Brittles and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Daniel Wiggs. Included in the dinner was Colonel Dizzy Flores.
"Well, I personally would rather have stayed behind to help in the fight," Dizzy said, as she sipped her drink.
"And why is that, Colonel?" Wiggs asked.
"You don't think your husband cannot get the job done?" Anoke asked.
"No, but if I was there, the job would get done faster," Dizzy replied. "That's all."
"Ah."
Anoke then turns towards Lola.
"I must say that, and if you can excuse my ignorance, I am surprised that someone such as yourself would want to join Earth Force, Captain Beck," Anoke said.
"And why is that, sir?" Lola replied.
"Well, you are, well, half-Vulcan."
"Actually, I prefer being referred to as 'half-Human', since I am closer to my father than to my mother."
"Well, you have to admit that your facial features are not exactly human, ma'am," Bull said between sips
Lola squints her eyes. She knew that Chief Engineer Little was anti-extraterrestrial, and tends to show his contempt very subtly…
"I mean, you could be FOR humanity if you had plastic surgery for your ears."
"Actually, I think Captain Beck looks rather lovely with her present state," Anoke said.
"Thank you, sir-" Lola said, just as ship begins to rock, after being hit by a huge plasma discharge.
WHOOOM!
"What the hell was that?" Dizzy said, as the ship was rocked again.
WHOOM!
BOOOM!
"That didn't sound good," Little said, as she fell into the arms of the Chief Engineer.
"Chief?" Lola said, as she turns towards Bull.
"It sounded like we got hit at the secondary reactor," Bull said. "Another hit, and we're done for-"
WHOOOM!
BOOM!
WRRRRRRRRRRR…
"Sounds like we are," Dr. Wiggs comments.
"Beck to the Bridge," Lola said, as she pressed a com-button. "What the hell is happening?"
"We got tagged by bugs from a nearby planet," said the Flight Officer. "I don't know how they managed to do it, but they were able to tag on exactly where we needed to be hit, in order to bring us out of warped space."
"And out location?"
"We're over THAT planet now."
"This is not good," said Jingo, as he fidgeted incessantly. "NOT GOOD. I only wanted to do my two years and get out-"
"We have no choice but to abandon ship," Dizzy said. "Unless that primary reactor of yours can get contained-"
BOOM!
"Abandon ship, it is," Lola growled. "Number One, sound the abandon ship alarm, and clear out!"
"Yes, ma'am!" replied the first officer, as the klaxons were sounded. "Attention all hands! Abandon ship! Repeating: abandon ship-!"
"The nearest lifeboat is this way," said Lola, as she directed everyone to leave the dining room. "Each of you can carry a survival pack-!"
As Dizzy follows the rest of the dinner guest and crew, she couldn't help wonder why she had the feeling of being set up for a purpose…
Days later…
"…And in other news, the court-martial of Mobile Infantry officer Colonel Jonathon Rico, formerly the commander of the Military Assistance Base at Roku San, for dereliction of duty, will be underway during the following week. Colonel Rico, one of the legendary heroes of Planet P, would have been guaranteed the death penalty, had it not been for the rapid response of General Ranma Saotome, also a hero of Planet P. and former commander of the now famous 'Roughnecks'. For now, Colonel Rico will be held at the Alamo Bay Federal Detention Center to wait for his scheduled trial…"
CHIRP!
"We take you now to Earth Force Command, where Sky Marshall Anoke will address the citizens of the United Earth Government concerning this latest crisis."
The image of Sky Marshall Anoke steps into the frame.
"Citizens of the UEG, I come today with a heavy heart," Anoke begins to say. "Although our heroes averted the assault on our Roku San military installation, it has become apparent that our military has become apparent that the incompetence of our military officers has cost of dearly…"
Meanwhile, in a secured facility, Admiral Nabiki Kuno continues Anoke's speech. In fact, using imaging manipulation technology, Anoke's image was superimposed over hers, and thereby giving the illusion that Anoke's speech was being broadcast live. And as Nabiki moved and gestured, Anoke matched those moves minutes to the minute detail.
"Furthermore, this government will not allow protestors to manipulate the media, in a vain attempt to hinder our war efforts," Nabiki said. "Rest assured, citizens, any and all infractions that are made against Earth Gove shall be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law. Ours is a war of destiny, and for the survival of the human race, that will end in total victory…"
"And we're clear," said the production manager.
"Great job, everyone," Nabiki said, as she received applause from her staff. She then notices that Ranma and Dix, who had his hand in a sling, were not happy.
"Problem, gentlemen?" Nabiki asked.
"You know where I stand, Admiral," Ranma replied. He was very uncomfortable with all this Gestapo-like behavior that Nabiki tends to employ."
"And you, Brigadier Hauser?"
"We need to rescue the Sky Marshall, ma'am," Dix said. "I understand the need to maintain order-"
"The Sky Marshall's welfare is no longer your concern, Brigadier," Nabiki said. "You may return to your post."
"Of course, ma'am," said the Brigadier, as he nods his head before leaving the auditorium.
After Dix leaves the room, Ranma turns towards Nabiki. He and all officers who were either "flag officers" (Fleet ranks) or "field officers" (Mobile Infantry ranks) can wear the black or gray uniforms, depending on position. Ranma preferred to wear the gray uniform because of Nabiki…
"Nabiki-"
"Yeah, I know. That's why I want you to prep the Marauders for action."
"And Dix and Rico?"
"They will end up going to you, in the end," Nabiki said. "Trust me on this."
"I hope you are right, Nabs," Ranma said. "Because if you are wrong, Earth is DOOMED."
Tbc.
