Star Trek: Ranma's Story21 – By DS Wynne

Disclaimer: "Ranma ½", "Sailor Moon", "Star Trek" and other genres belong to their respective owners.

Note: This is multi-epic story with many elements to it.

Special note: While this is a spin-off story to "Sailor Moon ST", you don't have to read that one to enjoy this one.

Part 21

Starfleet Academy, Terran Sector.

While Commander Ranma Saotome was going native on the Klingon homeworld, the newly promoted Captain Usagi Tsukino received an appointment to become Starfleet Academy's newest school commandant. Her extensive experience, which was at least one hundred years more than Ranma's, as a member of both Starfleet and the Federation Diplomatic Corp, allowed Usagi the chance to become the head instructor. Besides, after all these years, Usagi wanted to remain Earth-bound for a while.

Over the years, Usagi has come to expect many things, most of which involve some life-altering adventure in some weird dimension. Still, being a member of Starfleet has been the most fulfilling experience in her life. Well, getting her best friend Ranma Saotome to admit that he was insecure around women, even after all these years, was the proverbial feather in her cap. In fact, Usagi could honestly say that getting Ranma's admission was a lot easier than it was when she and Ranma fought against Lord Sauron and his minions. She still got the scars from that adventure to prove it.

Nevertheless, good or bad, Usagi's life was a roller coaster of possibilities, and having Ranma in her life made it fulfilling.

Unfortunately, Usagi was in a state of depression.

She had received the news of the death of her friend, James T. Kirk, while moving into her new office at the Starfleet Academy. As the new Academy Commandant, Usagi has the opportunity to promote the curriculum for the school. This was not an opportunity that she wanted to pass up. Still, she wondered what her old school teacher Ms. Heruna would think of her newest career. She'd probably faint from the shock, Usagi always thought.

Too bad her big career move was marred by the news of Kirk's death.

Usagi berated herself for not being at the launching of the newest Enterprise, to prevent her former commander's death, which was an Excelsior- class starship commanded by Captain Douglas Harrington. While a good man, Usagi always thought that "Dougie" was too much of a bureaucratic butt-kisser, no doubt encouraged by Starfleet Command. As a matter of fact, after Kirk retired from duty, there was a purging that occurred within Starfleet's ranks of those who followed Kirk's command style. The few remaining officers who did not toe-the-line were sent on less-than-stellar career paths. Usagi, always an academic first and foremost, went into the teaching field, while her best friend Ranma Saotome were given very hazardous duty assignments. In Ranma's case in particular, he was temporarily assigned to Q'onos, where he would train and study with the Klingon warriors. Little did Starfleet know, that Ranma would develop a loyal fan following; thus, he would receive the nickname "Targ" (after the most dangerous beast a Klingon can find on the home world).
It would be a week later that Usagi received a message from Kirk, post-marked. She was reading a lot of correspondences from various parties, congratulating her on her new status when she received it. She carefully opened the message, which contained a video recording. And there, in her monitor, was James T. Kirk. In spite of her age, which was now well over 100 years, Kirk still made her swoon. In a way, Kirk was the type of dashing figure right out of the romance novels. The only reason she never went after him, was that he was a known commitment-phobe. And after several adventures that involved him and several ladies, Usagi thought that Kirk would never be satisfied with her being his one-and-only. Still, he was a good friend to Usagi, and could be counted on always. After a moment of looking at Kirk's picture, Usagi played the message.

"Usagi, if you are reading this message, then it probably because I've died. Hopefully, I've died in the arms of a beautiful woman, but that's neither here nor there.

"Anyway, the point of the message is this: I've always thought that you were a capable officer, but who doesn't want to be in the center of the action. It's not that you are incapable of doing so, but it is because you hate to risk the lives other people. I understand this. However, that shouldn't get in the way of a good career that you have certainly developed since the time I have known you. Hell, based upon your record, which has been outstanding by the way (if you don't count that harem fiasco that occurred between you and 'Young' Mr. Saotome on Rigel 7 years ago), you should have commanded the Enterprise after Chris Pike's promotion. Certainly, after I got bust up the ranks.

"At any rate, I must formally request, as my last wish, that you consider taking command of your own starship. I made sure that Starfleet will give you first crack at whatever that have ready for launch. As a matter of fact, these new 'Constellation-class' starships that are in development will bring back the exploration aspect to Starfleet in the forefront. I may have been an old war-horse, but the love of discovering a new world is why I joined in the first place. So please, just consider my words, okay?

"And by the way, I've always thought that you had the best set of legs this side of the Milky Way. Take care of yourself, Usagi. And especially, take care of Ranma. He's a good man, even if a bit head-strung."

With that, the screen went blank.

Usagi sat in her chair for a long time. She knew that while Kirk was an impulsive individual, he never gave out recommendations lightly. That's what made the crew of the NCC 1701 special; each and every one of the old crew looked out for each other. It was both a blessing and a curse to have such a legacy, especially since Starfleet has now frowned upon it. Usagi had to make a decision real soon.

"Lt. T'Lyn?" Usagi asked over com-link. Since moving into her new office, Usagi had to deal with a secretary that, in her opinion, was rude and condescending. But, being an easy-going sort, Usagi was not about to bust her assistant for insubordination. At least, not yet.

"No, Captain Tsukino, your collection of 'Hello Kitty' has not arrived yet," the Vulcan replied back.

"Uh, thanks. Actually, I need to get a com-link to the Klingon homeward. Contact Commander Saotome through the Federation embassy."

"As wish…Captain."

"I don't see what's the problem, Usagi," said Ranma, who had taken a break from a Klingon training exercise called "The Gauntlet". This exercise entails the participant to go through a series of trials administered by Klingons. As far as Ranma was concerned, it was merely an excuse to beat the crap out of each other. Ranma did pass the test, of course, and impressed the Klingon warriors in the process.

"But you know I rather teach than command a starship. I think I better training new officers in an academic fashion."

"But isn't being a Starship Captain is like being a teacher? A role like that teaches by example, as well as give people the inspiration to be the best they can be. 'Sides, couldn't you say that Kirk was the best teacher to teach us about life out in the field?"

"Yeah, I guess you're right. By the way, how's the program coming along?"

"I'm having the best time in my life. You should've come along for the ride."

"No thanks. Fighting wild beast and pain-sticks is NOT my cup of tea."

"I suppose not. Hey, I've been meaning to ask if you still want me to be your coach at the upcoming Winter Olympic games, once my duty assignment is over in six months."

"Yeah, I suppose I can use your help in the snowboarding competition, especially in the air gymnastic part. But do me a favor by making sure my outfits are not made from unstable molecules. The Vulcans STILL think me suddenly going topless was just a ploy to get the Gold medal."

"Fine, but you do have to admit that you could easily have gotten a high- paying modeling career outta that fiasco."

"Perhaps."

"Anyway, I got to go. The one of the fellas wants to buy me and the others a round of blood wine, and I don't want to be late for that."

"Why Ranma, I didn't know that you liked to drink."

"I don't, but since Klang challenged me to a drinking contest, I got to uphold my honor."

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah."

"Alright. Hugs and kisses, Wild PONY."

"Whatever, Moon BUNNY."

A month later...

"This is Shuttle One calling home port, over," said Ensign Jim Barret, as he skillfully piloted the shuttlecraft through the docking bay of Starbase One. He was determined to make a good impression on his famous and quite beautiful passenger.

"Go ahead, Shuttle One."

"ETA will be in tem minutes."

"Roger that, Shuttle One. Will be ready for your arrival soon."

"Roger, and over and out." Ensign Breton then turned to face his passenger. "We should be able see home port just about…now."

"Thank you, Ensign," replied Usagi, as she puts down her data pad that listed the crew roster. She wanted to make a good impression on her first starship command.

"There she is, Captain. That is U.S.S. Serenity. It's one of the newest ships that Starfleet Research and Development has introduced. It is a 'Constellation-class' starship, and, while small, it is the fastest in the fleet, thanks to its four-nacelle design. I guess you are pretty lucky to have first crack at taking the helm."

"Indeed, Ensign. I'm looking forward to it."

Ten minutes later...

As Shuttle One docked, an assembly of key crew members gathered together to wait for the arrival of their captain. Each one of them has heard of Captain Usagi Tsukino's reputation, and it is rumored that she was around since the formation of the United Federation of Planets. Once the shuttle successfully docked, the Quarter Master blew her whistle.

"Attention. The Captain of the ship has boarded."

Usagi stepped out of the shuttle and surveyed the assembled crew. She had a chance to read upon her new senior staff. A woman that strangely looked familiar stepped forward. It was her eyes that tipped off her identity. They glowed blue. Is this little Shinko? Usagi thought to herself.

"Commander Shinko Sato reporting, ma'am. I am your new First Officer."

"Sato? Are you related to Hoshi Sato, Commander?"

"Yes, ma'am. She's my great-grand mother."

"Yes, she is. You definitely have her features. I hear that she has resumed her duties as Shinto priestess of the Cherry Hill Temple?"

"Yes she has, ma'am. She asked me to ask you to visit her more often."

"I suppose my job has taken precedence for the last ten years. Remind me to call Hoshi later on, okay Commander?"

"Certainly, Captain. Anyway, let me introduce you to the others…"

One hour later...

So, this was it. Usagi was about to command the Serenity.

"Captain, all decks report ready," said Communications Officer T'Lyn. Usagi couldn't believe that her former assistant asked to be assigned to her ship. Maybe she respects me after all…naw, Usagi thought.

"Thank you, Lt. T'Lyn." With that, Usagi stood up. "Attention all hands on deck. As you know, this is my first command. To be honest, it is a job that I particularly don't relish. However, it is a job that I am qualified for, and it is a job that Starfleet has seen fit to give me. I hope that my actions as your captain will earn both your trust and your confidence in me in the coming months. If you still do not think that I am qualified, then you have my permission to leave the ship.

T'Lyn suddenly got up to leave the bridge.

"T'Lyn…" warned Usagi.

"Just a little human humor, Captain," T'Lyn smirked, as she returned to her station.

"Sigh. Anyway, we have a job to do. Ensign Barret, take her out."

Fin.