Star Trek: Ranma's Story33 – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: "Ranma ½", "Sailor Moon", "Star Trek" and other genres belong to their respective owners.
Note: Although this is a spin-off to "Sailor Moon ST", you don't have to read that story to enjoy this one.
Special note: This story, which is part of "BOOK IV", takes place before the second Borg Invasion.
Part 33
Summer, 2374: Somewhere near the Klingon Empire's border.
It's been a few months since Lt. Commander Ranma Saotome (Conn) had achieved "Second Awakening" (the first being when he took on the role of "the Protector of the Moon Princess", decades ago), and thus knew his true path in life was that of "a Champion of Light".
Or some such nonsense.
From his experience involving multiple time periods, Ranma knew that he was destined to protect "the Moon Princess" (either as "the Magnificent Kamen", "the Solar Knight" or "Sailor Sol, the Senshi of Unity"), as Usagi evolves into her role as the future "Queen Serenity of Neo-Tokyo" (as well as "Sailor Cosmos") back on their own Earth. And until she is ready to assume her destiny, Ranma cannot fulfill his. And it's no use in dying, since his fate is joined to Usagi's.
Besides, Ranma DID want to live long enough to return to home someday, like he promised Akane he would.
In the mean time, he had a ceremony to participate in…
Commander Usagi Tsukino dreamed. She dreamedof a tear within normal space and time, which was destroying everything in its wake.
And then, she saw a familiar face.
"Usagi…"
Usagi, in her mind's eye, could barely make out the image. Before she could discern closer…
BEEP-BEEP! BEEP-BEEP!
Usagi woke up, groggy and cranky.
"Five more minutes, Mom…" Usagi said, as she tried to bury her head underneath her pillow.
Usagi's guest quarters opened, to reveal Counselor Deanna Troi. However, instead of wearing her standard Starfleet uniform, she wore an 18th century British Naval uniform, which indicated the rank of "Commander".
"Usagi, you should have been up by now," Counselor Troi chided, as she removed Usagi's pillow. "Worf and Ranma's induction ceremony is in 30 minutes, and you're not dressed.
"Can't Captain Picard just initiate Worf and Ranma like other Captains?"
"You know the Captain likes traditional ceremonies."
"'Traditional'?"
A short time later…
Usagi, dressed in her own 18th century British Naval uniform, looked over the fake ocean. As it was customary, both Worf and Ranma was taken out to walk the plank…
SPLASH!
"What did you have to do that for?" Ranma-chan yelled, as she sputtered ocean water.
"You shouldn't let a little bit of water tarnish your ego, Commander," Commander Will Riker chided, as he peered over the ship's railing. "Besides, I wouldn't want our newest 'Second Officer' feel insulted by a little prank."
With Ranma's promotion, he would get Lt. Commander Data's position as the third most senior officer on the Enterprise-D. Ranma didn't want to accept the promotion, since it would be unfair to Data. However, Picard had received a directive from Starfleet Command "advising" the Captain to make this so, mostly out of a need to return the martial arts grandmaster to the rank of "Captain" as quickly as possible. And since Ranma felt that he couldn't walk away from his second career at this point in his life, so he relented.
"That's NOT the point, you know!" Ranma said, as she switched back to her male form. Psychosomatically, Ranma still changes genders when he gets wet, in spite of the fact that he knows how to control his form's ability to change genders. "It's not YOU had to go through this induction ceremony!"
"Look alive, Mr. Saotome!" Captain Picard said, as he primped and strutted to the deck. "All Enterprise crewmates are the best of the best. Are you part of the best of the best?"
"I'm THE best, Captain!"
Usagi rolled her eyes.
It felt weird being back on the Enterprise, even after being essentially booted off. Still, if Picard can forgive her for her actions during the Klingon Civil War, then she should move on.
"Captain, there's a message for you," Dr. Crusher said, as she handed Picard a datapad. "It's mark urgent."
Picard takes the 'pad and looks at it. He frowns.
"Commander Riker, I'll be in my 'Ready Room'."
"Aye, sir."
As Picard leaves the holographic simulation, everyone wonders what is going on.
A short time later…
"Come."
Commander Usagi Tsukino, dressed in appropriate clothing, walks into Picard's Ready Room.
"Please, have a seat, Counselor."
Since joining the crew of the Federation Station Deep Space Nine, Usagi has been acting as "Counselor", which allows her to counsel crewmembers and others as a psychologist. However, unlike her contemporary Counselor Troi, Usagi is trained in physiological psychology (the study of both the mind and body, as they interact with each other), rather than behavioral psychology. This was nothing more than an extension of Usagi's medical background.
"You wanted to see me, Captain?"
"Yes. I take it you know what happened in my…family affairs?"
"Yes. I'm sorry about what had happened, though I am curious as to the way it happened."
Picard's brother and nephew, who ran the family vineyard in France, were killed by a fire in the wine cellar.
"So, I would like to formerly ask you to…bring them back."
Not everyone knew that it was in Usagi's power to resurrect the dead. However, there were conditions that needed to be met before such an occurrence could happen.
"Captain, what you ask of me is very difficult to do. If the state of death happened within hours, then it would not be a problem. But what happened to your brother and nephew happened a few days ago. There's no guarantee for success."
"I understand. I know that you don't like risking your life for something so…personal-"
"Captain, I didn't say that I wouldn't try to help you. I'm just saying that there's no guarantee for success. So…I will do what I can."
"I am glad to hear that, Counselor. I…realized that you never do anything that isn't in the best interests of all parties concerned-"
"Not exactly true, but I do okay. I better get going now, if I can beat the clock."
Then, Usagi puts her index and middle fingers onto her forehead.
"Be seeing you…"
ZIP!
It still perplexed Picard that trained human beings could teleport across vast distances of space.
With Counselor Tsukino gone, Picard decided to work out his frustration, by doing some training…
An hour later, down in Holodeck One, Picard was training in the Tendo Dojo simulation, under the watchful eye of his old instructor.
"Ha!" Picard said, as he delivered an upper-cut. Commander Ranma Saotome (Conn), ducked the attack, and delivered a counter punch. Picard, sensing the movement, backed off.
"May, I…rest, Sensei?" Picard asked, as he breathed heavily.
Ranma relaxed his stance.
"Sure," Ranma replied, as he bowed. "I'm surprised that you wanted to spar, knowing that you haven't trained in a while."
"Well, I've been busy, Commander," Picard replied, as he picked up a nearby towel. "And besides, I…needed this."
"Yeah. Say, do you remembered when I first offered you to teach you your first 'ki' attack?"
"Yes, I do. It was shortly before I got into that fight with the Nausicans that cost me my heart."
"Well, it certainly slowed you down, and it was because of that incident that you gave up learning the more esoteric nature of the Art. Still, I can show you a trick you can use, if you want to learn."
Picard looked away for a minute, and looked thoughtful.
"Okay, I'm in."
A few days later, the Enterprise receives a distress signal from a scientific research station in the Amagosis star system.
"Mr. Saotome, slow to one-half impulse," Picard says.
"Aye, Captain," Ranma says, as he broke the ship out of warp space.
"I'm detecting no traffic signals," Commander Tasha Yar (Security) says, as she continued to monitor the electromagnetic fields for communications links.
Ensign Wesley Crusher (Yeoman) continued to monitor the bridge operations. He wished that he could do something significant to warrant his usefulness beyond just "the Captain's assistant". Still, it was neat to have his first post-Starfleet Academy assignment was on the Enterprise-D.
Counselors Troi watched the proceedings from their respective positions. Troi was trying to use her empathic abilities.
"Captain, I'm detecting an unusual anomaly," Lt. Commander Data says, before looking up from his station. With Usagi gone, Data switched to "Sciences", while Worf went to "Operations". "I wouldn't be surprised if there were cloaked ships in the area."
"Confirmed," Ranma says. "Analyst indicates that the anomaly may be the result of two different cloaking systems at play."
"Sir, I detect a feint life sign," Troi says.
"Hmmm," Picard says. "Riker, Crusher, Data and Saotome- go down to the station to check for survivors. Bridge to Dr. Crusher and LaForge- meet the Away Team in Transporter Room 2."
"Aye, sir!" said the assigned team in unison.
A short time later, after the Away Team has beamed down to the science research station…
"Guys, fan out," Riker says, as he surveys the area. "And stay wary."
Ranma and Wesley went to the main auxiliary station. Ranma wanted to see if the there had been tampering there, while the rest of the team checked out other systems and survivors.
"Commander, I was thinking about your offer to expand my training," Wesley said.
"Well, Wes, you're certainly ready for the next level," Ranma replies. "I mean, you understood the function of 'ki' manipulation. Heck, you even surpassed me by using your 'ki' to create your own personal realm by creating static warp shells."
"Well, I knew that I can create these dimensions by using my 'ki' to manipulate the frequency of the shells. And the Traveler helped me to further my understanding."
"I see. Well, we can always work on the martial aspects then."
"I would like that, sir."
"Good," Ranma says, as he took some readings. "Hmmm. Ensign, what do you think?"
Wesley took his readings.
"Someone was processing…Trllithium."
"Trilithium" was a refined form of "Dilithium", a crystalline object that is used in warp drives. Unfortunately, due to the unstable nature, trilithium is used as a primer for a high-yield explosive. As a result, it considered an illegal weapon of mass destruction, and is banned throughout the Alpha Quadrant.
"Great. Saotome to Riker."
"Riker here."
"We believe someone was using Trilithium."
"Well, that's not the only surprise we got today."
A short time later…
"So, what was Dr. Soren doing way out here?" Picard asked the assembled crew.
"According to Soren, he and his team of scientists were researching new ways to harness solar energy," Riker says.
"Well, that's odd," Ranma says. "Why would Soren need trilithium? I may not be an engineer or a scientist, but I do know that using THAT material has no intrinsic value."
"I have to confirm this first," Data says, "But Commander Saotome's hypothesis might be correct."
Ranma nods, noting that ever since Commander LaForge helped Data to install his "emotion chip", the Soongh-type android has been using contractions.
"Commander Saotome, from your report, I take it that you are familiar with Dr. Soren," Picard says.
"Aye," Ranma replied. "I met Dr. Soren on the day the Enterprise-B was launched…"
FLASHBACK!
"I hate this," Commander Ranma Saotome says, as he escorted Captains Kirk and Scott, and Commander Pavel Chekov to the bridge of the newest ship to be dubbed "Enterprise". While Ranma's companions were on the verge of retirement, Ranma himself was being groomed for bigger things. Already, Ranma has been assigned to the Diplomatic Corp as an attaché to Federation Ambassador Curzon Dax, who is the ambassador to the Klingon Empire. Ranma was thankful that he was doing that, rather than just being a mere bodyguard the last time he was on Q'onos.
Of course, being assigned to such a dangerous job did require a martial spirit.
Now that his assignment was over, Starfleet has picked Ranma to become the Enterprise-B's "First Officer". Furthermore, it was rumored that Ranma was supposed to become the Captain of the Enterprise-B. However, politics within Starfleet Command insisted that someone else be chosen to succeed Captain Kirk. So now, if Ranma still wanted the job, he would have to wait until Captain Harrington completes his five-year assignment as the commanding officer of the Enterprise-B. And since he wasn't going anyway any time soon, Ranma could bide his time.
"Sorry for all the press coverage," Ranma said, as he pushed the throngs of reporters out of the way. "It's something that the brass wanted."
"Don't worry about it, Commander," Captain Kirk replies. "Believe me, I was a part of that 'illustrious' group."
"She is a pretty ship at least," Scotty says.
"That she is," Chekov interjects.
"Captain Kirk, welcome," Captain Harrington says. "So, what do you think?"
"I think that you will do just fine. Thankfully, Commander Saotome will be here to back you up."
"Ah, yes. Anyway, I would like to introduce Lt. Demora Sulu, who will be the 'Conn'."
"'Sulu'?" Kirk asks.
"She's Hikaru's daughter," Chekov whispers.
"You're Captain Sulu's daughter?" Kirk asks.
"Yes, sir," Demora replies. "My father has told me a lot about you."
"Well, if you can take your seats, we will be leaving Space Dock shortly," Harrington says.
As Kirk and company takes their seats, Kirk turns to Ranma.
"When did Sulu manage to have a family?" Kirk asks.
"A while back, right after your first five-year mission," Ranma replies. "Hikaru met someone, had a family, and the rest is history."
"I see."
Kirk was REALLY feeling his age, though he did his best not to show it.
A short time later, the Enterprise-B was underway. For that day's exercise, Harrington was to show everyone around the bridge. Suddenly…
"Sir!" said Lt. S'Lok, a female Vulcan communications officers. We are receiving a distress signal from a group of refugees. Audio only."
"Okay, proceed," said Harrington.
According to the audio, a group of wanderers called the "El-Aurien" were caught up in the wake of a cosmic phenomenon known as "the Nexus", which the Vulcan Science center has tracked for centuries. Because of the gravitational wake of the energy ribbon, they could not escape long enough to avoid the damage being doing by stray energy streams.
With this bit of news, Harrington was worried. So he turned to his first officer.
"Commander, what should we do?"
Ranma looked at Harrington, then looked at Kirk. Kirk gives to the nod.
"Sir, I suggest we help the refugees," Ranma says.
"But…we're under equipped."
Ranma hands Harrington a data pad.
We may be short on staff, but I managed to acquire our much needed equipment before out departure. We only need to hook them up."
Harrington smiled.
"Go for it, Commander."
Ranma turns to Demora.
"Lt. Sulu, head straight for the anomaly, maximum warp."
"Aye, sir."
Ranma quickly turned to his old colleagues.
Sirs, Commander Chekov, I could use your much needed experience."
"Okay," Kirk said. "Tell us what to do."
Teams were divided according to knowledge. Chekov manned the medical aspect, Scotty manned the engineering, and Kirk took care of auxiliary and weapons systems. Ranma directed the rest of the crew and passengers to take their parts seriously.
Finally, the Enterprise-B made it to the refugee ships, which were trying stay ahead of the Nexus.
"Captain Kirk," Harrington began. "We'll need those extra transporters online as soon as possible."
"Working on it," Kirk replied over the com-link.
In the mean time, the first wave of refugees was being transported.
"Let me go back!" yelled a man with short, spiky white hair.
Chekov quickly subdued the man with a tranquilizer.
A dark skinned woman with dreadlocks caught the man, as he fell.
"Chekov, what's going on?" Ranma said, as he entered the transporter room. He wanted to get a quick assessment from the refugees, in order to accommodate them better.
The dark-skinned woman looked up, and saw Ranma. Her eyes widened.
"L-Lord Ranshin?" the woman said.
Ranma frowned. This was the second time he has heard that name referred to him. The first time was when he had just returned from the dead, and assisted in a time traveling adventure involving humpback whales.
"I…I don't know what you mean," Ranma replied evenly.
The woman calmed down.
"That's right, you have not reached your next evolution yet."
The woman extended a hand.
"My name is 'Guinan', and I am pleased to meet the great 'Wild Horse'."
"Pleasure."
Even though the Enterprise-B managed to get the refugees, the starship was now caught up in the gravitational wake of the Nexus.
"What are we going to do!" cried Harrington.
"Relaxed, sir," Ranma said. "Captain Kirk is taking care of that. Captain Scott, are you ready?"
"All set, Commander! As soon as Captain Kirk is ready, we go maximum."
"Sir, if you can do the honors?" Ranma said.
Harrington turned to Lt. Sulu.
"When Captain Kirk is ready, get us the hell out of here."
"Yes, sir," Demora replies.
"We're ready!" Kirk says.
With the modification of the deflector dish done, Scotty used his skills to channel power through the dish, as a means of pushing the Enterprise-B away from the gravitational wake of the Nexus.
"We're doing it!" Harrington said.
Suddenly, Ranma's danger senses rang.
"Everyone, brace for impact-!" Ranma began.
BOOM!
An energy arc lanced out from the Nexus, and hit the Enterprise-B.
"Uh…is everyone okay?" Harrington asked, as he picked himself up.
Ranma quickly checked damaged control. Then, his eyes widened.
"Saotome to Captain Kirk! Come in, Captain Kirk! James-sama!"
Ranma ran to the turbo-lift.
"What happened?" Harrington asks.
"Hopefully, nothing."
Ranma ran down to the auxiliary bay, which was near the deflector dish. Unfortunately, there wasn't an auxiliary bay to go to. Ranma looked out the shattered hull of the Enterprise-B, which was being held together by the hull integrity systems.
"…"
And thus, as far as the Alpha Quadrant was concerned, the legendary Captain James Tiberius Kirk was no more…
END FLASHBACK!
"And that was that," Ranma said. "Dr. Soren was placed in a special hospital in New Zealand, Earth, before moving to New El-Auria. The only reason why I even know the guy was that he was a friend of Guinen's. And you know that Guinen is a family friend of mine."
"Understood," Captain Picard says. "Well, keep me appraise of the situation. Dismiss."
Ranma thought for a moment. If Dr. Soren was involved with either the Klingons or the Romulans, then there is bound to be trouble.
A few days later, after Counselor Tsukino arrive back on Earth…
"Thank you for your help," Marie Picard said (in French), as she walked Usagi to the Picard Estate's main gate.
"Well, I'm just glad to help," Usagi said (in French, since the Picard family were "techno-phobes", and thus didn't allow "universal translators" on the property), as she carried her medical bag. Over the years, she has collected all kinds of health-related tricks, some involved both "magic" and "hyper-science". On Usagi's part, she used a combination of "all of the above" in order to bring back Marie's husband and son Robert and Rene (respectively). "My…spiritual connection with the Captain helped me in my success."
"I'm glad to hear that, though your doctrine is not exactly based on medical science."
"Hey, go figure. Anyway, I better get back to my ship.
"Have a safe journey, Doctor. And I will make sure that your patients get plenty of rest."
"Thank you."
"Oh! Here's something for you and Jean-Luc."
Marie had handed Usagi two cases of the Picard family winery. One was for Usagi, while the other was for Picard.
"Thank you," Usagi said, as she bowed.
Then, just as Usagi was about to begin her "Instant Transmission" technique…
"OH!" Usagi said, as she suddenly feinted.
"Doctor?" Marie said, as she caught Usagi. "Doctor!"
Before drifting off, Usagi said one thing:
"Ranma…"
A few days later, it was confirmed the crew of the starship Enterprise were killed by an energy ribbon called "The Nexus". In fact, the infamous Duras sisters, Klingons who tried to usurp the throne of the Klingon High Council, were working with an Al-Aurian named Dr. Soren (a member of the barkeeper Guinan's scattered race), in controlling the Nexus. In fact, this was the same Nexus that had caused Captain James Kirk his death. Kirk's demise affected Usagi deeply, since she and him had been involved on an intimate scale years ago, after she had concluded her relationship with Ambassador Spock, but before she became involved with Commander Ranma Saotome.
When Usagi was well enough, she went to Starfleet Command, and asked Vice-Admiral Alyanna Nechayev if she could personally deal with the crisis. Everyone knew that the Russian was a "witch" to deal with at times, though Nechayev can be fair…when it suited her interests.
"Adimiral, I need to assemble a team to deal with the problem with the Duras sisters and the Nexus,"
"I see," Nechayev said coyly. "And why should I render you assistance? Is it because of your precious Commander Saotome?"
Usagi looks at the Vice-Admiral hard.
"I beg your pardon?"
"I will let you on a little secret, Commander," Nechayev said, as she looked straight into Usagi's eye. "I don't like you. I never had. Why? Because I do not like gods dictating the role of human beings."
"You will have to clarify that, Admiral."
"Okay, I will," Nechayev said, as she takes out a datapad and placed it in Usagi's hands. "That, Commander, is only a sample of the file that I have cobbled together. And it's all about YOU."
"Admiral, most of this information is classified."
"I know. Apparently, you have quite a fan following amongst the rank and file. It's easier to dig up dirt on the undercover agents of the Romulan Tal Shiar than about you."
Usagi sat down the file.
"And your point being?"
"You are a lot more powerful than you let on, and you've been involved in both Federation and Starfleet affairs since Day One. I don't like the implication of that, Commander."
"You…you think I control the Federation and Starfleet?" Usagi said. "Both Ranma and I are expressly forbidden to use are more 'exotic' abilities while in Starfleet service, by way of General Order 999. The only time we can cut loose is if there is a universal threat, and even then it is at the discretion of a senior officer. So I think that it is ridiculous that you can be so paranoid."
"Ridiculous? You are in the perfect position to take over, particularly since your paranormal abilities are not publicly known."
"Of course not! That's what Starfleet Command wanted. Look, Admiral, I have fought for freedom all my life. Working with the Federation as a member of Starfleet for years has helped me in this. You have no right to accuse me of malfeasance, especially since you have no PROOF of which."
"You may be right, but I will be watching you. You slip up ONCE, I will do whatever it takes to destroy you. Is that clear?"
"Crystal."
"I'm glad we have an understanding. Now, as to your request, you have permission."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"You're welcome…Captain."
Meanwhile, outside of normal time and space…
Ranma Saotome woke up in a white room. The last thing he remembered was Soren activating his "solar" bomb, thus destroying a star as a way of redirecting the path of the Nexus. Apparently, Soren hoped to use this means as a way of returning to his long-lost family…
Ranma's senses flared, indicating the presence of-
"Well, well, half-girl," said a voice. "You're awake."
Ranma turned to see the always arrogant entity "Q".
"Q, what do you want?" Ranma demanded.
"Funny how you should ask that, especially after saving YOUR life."
"Okay, THANK you," Ranma replied with gritted teeth. "Now, could you tell me what you want?"
"Well, it's like this. You're connected to 'dumpling-head', right?"
"Yeah, what about it?"
"Well, did you know that she had met you before you met her?"
"Sigh. Alright, what temporal paradox nonsense are we talking about?"
"Well…let me show you…"
Q snapped his fingers, and showed a floating "view screen". The screen showed a slightly younger Usagi, Federation Ambassador Hoshi Sato and a female Vulcan on an Earth-like world. They, apparently, had just survived an emergency landing.
"Let's see. That's Usagi…Ambassador Sato, and the late Ambassador T'Pol. But I don't recognize this place."
"That, half-girl, is Earth, circa Ancient Greece."
Ranma then paid close attention, as the scenes, courtesy of Q's make-shift "tutorial" played themselves out…
FLASHBACK!
Usagi Tsukino, Hoshi Sato and T'Pol of Vulcan were wanderers of the known world, travel hear and there. Eventually, they ran into many of the legendary figures of that world, such as Atalanta the Swift, Jason the Argonaut, Perseus the Courageous, Xena the Warrior Princess and even the legendary Hercules. Of course, these weren't the only figures they met, for they would wander the lands of the East, Europe, Africa and the New World. Most importantly, they would run into gods of these lands, as they tend to walk the Earth.
As the commanding officer, T'Pol had to rein in Usagi's tendencies in getting involved with the local affairs. Unfortunately, depending on one's point of view, Usagi became involved with the Amazons, after saving the strong-willed Hippolyta from a hunt gone bad. Because she was one of the Queens of the Nation of Themiscyria, her sister Antiope being the other half, it became her right to make Usagi a "blood-sister", and thus gave her the status of honorary "Amazon Princess". There were some who insisted that Usagi takes a test known as "The Guantlet", in which the contestant must go through several challenges, which ended in a dual. Needless to say, Usagi's hard life on Arrakis and elsewhere made her more than a match for even the strongest of the Amazons.
It must be noted that even the weakest Amazon was ten times as strong any man.
CRACK!
Without batting an eye, Usagi laid-out Pythia with one blow. She didn't even need to use her speed to pull it off.
"Any other takers?" Usagi said with a cocky grin.
"Show off," T'Pol said dryly.
Thus, Usagi earned the right to become an Amazon Princess.
Of course Usagi took all this in strides, not really knowing the ramification of what her new found title meant.
About ten years later, Usagi and friends, who had decided to open a tavern at a major crossroads. The Icarus, their shuttle from the Enterprise, needed to refuel. Unfortunately, the materials needed to create more fuel were too expensive to assemble, for that time era. So, the three decided to operate a shop in order to come up with the gold needed for the necessary fuel. Usagi could cobble up something together, but it would still take time to do so.
So one day…
RING! RING!
Usagi, who was managing the bar at the time, turned to see her potential customer.
"Welcome to 'Shakey's'," Usagi began. "May I-"
Usagi saw a dozen female warriors. Then she saw Pythia…and Xena and Gabrielle!
And they weren't too happy either.
"What's going on?" Usagi asked.
Pythia got on her knees.
"I, Pythia of the Amazon Nation, formerly request Princess Usagi, of the House of Hippolyta, for assistance."
Now, Usagi knew that Pythia did not like her being a royal among the Amazons. So this was really serious.
Usagi turned to Xena.
"Okay, tell me what's up."
"We are assembling all available Amazons," Xena replied. She intended not to accepta a negative response. "Antiope is leading a war against Troy."
"What about Hippolyta?"
"Poli and half of the Nation were sent on a mission from the gods," Gabrielle replied softly. She, too, was an Amazon Princess, though of the Antiope line. "Unfortunately, it's long term."
"Alright, give me a ten minutes to get ready then."
A short time later…
"Ensign, I forbid you from participating on this excursion," T'Pol ordered, as she walked with a now suited Usagi, who mounting her gear on her steed. "You don't even know the reasons why there is this war."
"It doesn't matter, T'Pol," Usagi said, as she mounted her horse. Dressed for war, stylized her armor after her Sailor Senshi uniform. "I'm honored bound to defend the honor of my nation."
"You always seem to get into trouble, Usagi," Hoshi said, as she handed Usagi her gear. "You sure you don't want me to come with you?"
"Nah, I'm good. Besides, T'Pol will need help here."
"Fine then. Just come home safely."
"Will do," Usagi replied. "Look, T'Pol, it will still take a long time to assemble the fuel."
"I am aware of that, Ensign. However, our time could be more useful working on that project, rather gallivanting around the ancient world."
"I love you, too," Usagi replied sarcastically. "I'll keep steady correspondence while I'm away."
And with that, Princess Usagi rode with her sisters into battle…
Many years have passed since the siege of Troy began, and the Amazons performed splendidly, especially with Xena, the Warrior Princess, acting as Garrison commander for Antiope's warriors.
Unfortunately, like any war, there were casualties.
First, there was Queen Antiope herself, who was slain by the mighty Hector. As the next in line for succession, Gabrielle became Queen of her line, with Pythia as the successor.
Mighty Achilles, who divine heritage enabled him to best many men, was eventually succumbed by the arrows of Hector's brother Paris. Paris, who sought revenge against Achilles for his slaying of Hector, shot a poisoned arrow in Achilles' heel, which is the only vulnerable spot on his form. His mother, a nymph, had dipped Achilles in the River Styx, holding only his one heel, thus inventing the phrase "Achilles' heel" to indicate a vulnerable spot.
It most be noted that the Amazon Princess Usagi had taken a liking to Achilles, who reminded her of old boy friend Mamoru Chiba, otherwise known as "Tuxedo Kamen". In fact, the two were getting close when Achilles was killed in battle.
Scene: A distraught Usagi, dressing in a black shawl and robes, places a bouquet of Lilies on Achilles' funeral pyre, just before King Agamemnon, the commander of the Greek forces, sets pyre on fire. Usagi sobs in Gabrielle's arms, while Xena looks on, just as the skies opens up full of rain. Usagi would be in mourning for a week before she is ready to do battle.
Speaking of whom, Princess Usagi, though Bene Gesserit trained, had a tough time dealing with the Trojans, especially when the gods themselves were involved through the avatars. It was no secret amongst the Olympians that this slip of a girl would one day assume dominion over the Earth, so all manner of monsters and godlings targeted the Greek forces, and Usagi in particular. Nevertheless, fueled by righteous anger, much to her friends' concern, Usagi was neither the naïve adventurer nor the mature thinker; she was a fury incarnate, which became all to apparent during an event known as "The Battle at the Midnight Sun", when the battle took place during a lunar eclipse. While the battle itself was inconclusive, more lives were lost that night than in any other time during the war. In fact, Xena herself had to pull Usagi back, in order to prevent her friend from becoming another "Callisto", Xena's mortal enemy.
END FLASHBACK!
"Okay, so she was playing the warrior," Ranma smirked. "Big deal."
"Well…I wouldn't say that if I were you."
"Oh?"
"Yes. You see, during this 'Trojan War', there is a risk that dumpling head gets killed. That must not happen. Otherwise, dumpling-head will not save lives…including yours."
"I see. So what should I do?"
"You should play the role of protector. Once you help her survive her experiences, then I bring you back to the future."
"Sounds like a plan. When do I get started?"
"Right now, in fact. First, here-"
Q hands Ranma a datapad.
"Okay, now what?"
"Now…THIS!"
Snap!
FLASH!
Ranma found himself on the edge of the battle-site outside of the city of Troy. He quickly scanned the field, and saw his query, who was about to get shafted by an arrow...
"Usagi!"
"Huh?"
THIP!
Commander Ranma Saotome, of the U.S.S. Enterprise, caught the arrow in his hand.
"What kind of male are you?" Usagi asked in Greek. Being so engrossed in the ways of the Amazons, she began to pick up their attitudes. "Where did you come from?"
"I'm a friend," Ranma said slowly. "As to where I come from, I come from the future. Well, originally come from Japan, in the 20th century, but-"
Usagi grabs Ranma by the shoulders.
"You're from the future?" Usagi asked, in Japanese excitedly.
"You're…squeezing me…"
"Oh, sorry," Usagi replied. She had forgotten than since she joined the sisterhood of the Amazons, her natural strength had increased by a factor of ten.
"That's okay. Look, I'm here to make sure that you live long enough to meet up with your friends Ambassadors Sato and T'Pol-"
"Ambassadors?"
"Sorry, I shouldn't have said that. Will you let me escort you back home?"
"Well, sure, but I got to finish this war first."
"Hmmm," Ranma said, as he took out his data pad. "Looks like the dates match. Come."
"Where are we going?"
"We're going to build a giant wooden horse with Odysseus."
It was year ten of the Trojan War, when Odysseus initiated his plan of using a wooden horse to sneak into the city of Troy.
"Stranger, what say you?" Odysseus ask Ranma, who had been awarded Achilles' armor for his bravery.
"We can take the city, as long as we have patience," Ranma said.
Odysseus nods.
"I'll inform the rest of the men, then."
Ranma felt queasy about what was about to go down. It's one thing to vanquish monsters, but raping and pillaging human settlements left a craw in him. The sooner he fulfills his obligation to protect Usagi, the sooner he can go back to the future.
Nevertheless, the Trojans were vanquished.
Later…
"Do you have to go so soon?" Pythia asked, as she prepared to move out the Amazon forces. Xena and Gabrielle were already heading to the Far East to deal with a personal matter, leaving Pythia in charge of the Amazon Nation.
"My companion and I are heading back home by way of Ithica," Usagi said. "Besides, you know how T'Pol can get if I delay my return."
"I understand. Be well, my sister."
"And you, my sister."
The two performed an Amazon saluted.
When Usagi and Ranma chose to accompany Odysseus back to Ithica, they did not know that he had offended the sea god Neptune, who vowed that Odysseus would never return home…which included those on board his ship. So, for the next ten years, Odysseus and shipmates sailed from one island after another. Some excursions were pleasant enough. Unfortunately, most were not.
Scene one: the Island of the Cyclops.
"Me, hungry!" the Cyclops roared, as it tried to stomp on everyone.
Ranma ran around the giant into a vortex…
"Dragon Rising ASCENSION!"
POW!
With the Cyclops laid out, Usagi used her strength to roll the rock away from the entrance.
"Grab some sheep and lets go," Odysseus said.
Scene two: the Island of Lesbos.
"Come, my pig-tailed goddess," Kunaka, the island matriarch commanded. "Let me take you away to experience my Earthly delights."
"Gah!" Ranma-chan gasped, as she ran around the dinner hall.
Scene three: the Island of the Four Winds.
Usagi sat at the feet of the god Zephyr, the god of the west winds, while Ranma looked on. Even though Odysseus had managed acquire some help (which would later be squandered by a thieving crewmate), Usagi wanted to reacquaint herself with her old friend. Years earlier, during her initial exploration of the ancient world, Usagi and managed to learn how to glide on air currents from the wind god. And it was this knowledge that was passed onto her Amazon sisters.
Scene four: the Island of Circe.
"Don't worry, Ranma," Usagi said, as she rode Ranma the HORSE. Thanks to the witch goddess Circe, half the men were turned to animals. "We'll get that witch to turn you back to normal."
Man, I hate being a horse! Ranma thought to himself.
Later, Usagi would trick Circe into thinking that her magics had failed, after using Ranma's curse to become human again (albeit a female human). As a result, Odysseus' men were returned to normal.
Scene five: the Island of the Lotus Eaters.
The crew was tricked into eating a narcotic made from the Lotus plants. Ranma and Odysseus burnt most the crops as a way of weaning an addicted Usagi, who wanted to forget her harsh life.
"Snap out of it!" Ranma yelled. "Remember who you ARE!"
Usagi's eyes, which were glazed over, began to clear up.
"Ranma?"
"Don't worry, I'll be there for you."
Scene six: the Island of the Dead.
With Odysseus visiting a seer in Hades, Ranma took time to comfort a shivering Usagi. She was still suffering from the effects from the Lotus.
"I hear them, Ranma," Usagi said with a shiver. "I can hear them calling me…"
"Don't worry, Usagi," Ranma replied, as he held Usagi's hand. "We'll make it through these trials yet."
Scene seven: the twin threats of Charybdis and Scalia.
Based upon the advice of a phantom seer, Odysseus orders the crew to sail through some rocky island. According to the seer, once the crew's ship has sailed passed these rocks, Ithica was not very far.
However, there was something bugging Ranma about these rocks. Something that he had read about back in Starfleet Academy.
Usagi was picking up some very bad vibes too.
"Ranma, I-"
"Me, to, Usagi," Ranma replied, as he cursed himself for loosing his data pad a few years ago.
Once the ship was within the rocks, Ranma extended his senses, for it was dark. One of Odysseus' men lit a torch.
There was something big, nasty and dangerous lurking in the darkness.
"Usagi, get down below," Ranma ordered.
"But I'm a warrior, too, you know."
"Please, now!"
Usagi nodded, as she did as she was told.
Ranma then turned towards the crewmates whom he had grown fond of. It saddened him that many of them was going to die, thanks to-
CHOMP! CHOMP! CHOMP! CHOMP!
"AIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-!"
the monster Scalia. It had four long necks, tiny eyes and was all mouth…with huge, razor sharp teeth. It relied on sound, rather than sight, to hunt for its prey.
Ranma knew that he could protect himself and the crew, but it burned him that the Temporal Prime Directive forbade him from interfering in the natural flow of things.
At least, he can save a few of the men when they meet-
SLOOSH!
Charybdis. It was a huge, worm-like thing that swallowed entire ships and whales. It trapped its victims by opening its gigantic maw (which was lined with teeth).
"AHHHHHHH-!" the crew cried, as the waters began to get choppy.
"Usagi, do you remember how to glide?" Ranma asked.
"Yes…"
"Good. Try to grab as many men as possible. I'll do the same."
To hell with the Prime Directive! Ranma thought.
While the boat and a few men were sucked into the maw of Charybdis, Usagi and Ranma floated on the updraft that the monster was creating. And then…
SPLOOSH!
The monster spewed a jet stream of water up at the remaining crew, knocking everyone out of the sky.
"WAAAAAAAH!" Usagi cried, as she fell from the sky.
Ranma, too, lost into the sea, as he went for the remaining crew.
"Usagi? USAGI!"
Meanwhile, Odysseus had found Usagi floating near a debris. He swam towards her, and helped her up, making sure that she did not drown.
"Over here!" Odysseus said, as he noticed his waterlogged crew. Since leaving Troy, only a handful of have survived their ordeal thus far.
"Sir, we need to find dry land soon," Ranma said.
Odysseus nodded.
Eventually, they found themselves on the island of Calypso, a sea goddess, and her hand maidens.
"Well, it looks like we have visitors," Calypso smirked. "Or, should I say, permanent guests."
In spite of their collective power, neither Ranma nor Usagi would be able to overcome Calypso's power, especially since she had complete dominion over her island. This did not include the fact that the Neptune was still upset at Odysseus, making it impossible for them to travel by water.
It would be a few years before the Olympians forced Calypso to allow Odysseus and crew to leave the island.
When they did, they first made it to ancient Phoenicia, which is now called "Lebannon", and caught a ride back to Ithica. Apparently, Neptune ceased his harassment when a certain omnipotent being decided to have a word with him…
"I AM THE LORD OF THE SEAS!" Neptune raged. "YOU CANNOT TELL ME WHAT TO DO!"
"Oh, but I can, squidling," Q said, as he held Neptune in his hands. "Usagi is an important assignment to me, and I would be VERY unhappy if she cannot fulfill her destiny. Understood?"
Neptune (or Posidonis, as the Greeks called him) gulped.
A week later, Odysseus and crew made it back to Ithica, just in time to throw out Penelope's "suitors" (as in "leeches"). Odysseus, now reunited with his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus, thanked Ranma and Usagi for being by his side. The remaining crew members partied at realizing their new-found lease on life.
As Ranma and Usagi approached Usagi's tavern, Ranma stopped.
"Ranma, what's wrong? Don't you want to come inside?"
"No, I can't. This is the end of the line for me."
"Oh. Well, I guess this is good-bye, then."
"No, Usagi, this is 'see you later'."
And with that, the two hugged.
Once Usagi was inside, a familiar face looked up from her books.
"You're late," T'Pol said with a smile.
"I…ran into trouble," Usagi replied with smile.
Meanwhile, back outside…
"Well, half-girl," Q said, as he smirked. "I take it that you were successful…in spite of yourself."
"Yeah, right," Ranma replied. "Anyway, Usagi will live long enough to free me from that temporal prison that Kuno put me in."
"Quite. Now, if you don't want to waste any more of MY time, I can send you back to the 24th century."
"Right. Let's get the hell out of here."
And with that, the two were gone.
Eventually, at the close of the Mythic Age, Usagi, T'Pol and Hoshi would move on. It would be a hundred years before they returned to Jonathan Archer's Enterprise in the 22nd century. A hundred years later, Usagi, a part of the crew of the James T. Kirk's Enterprise, would free a younger version Ranma Saotome from his temporal prison, thus fulfilling a perfect circle.
It should be noted that Usagi's heroism would inspire the future daughter of Queen Hippolyta to become a hero in her own right, during the darkest moment of the 20th century: Princess Diana of "Paradise Island", better known to the world as "Wonder Woman".
Small wonder, no?
Back in the future, aboard the U.S.S "Serenity"…
"Captain, we are in range of the Nexus," First Officer Reiko Sato, the great, great, granddaughter of Hoshi Sato, said, as the Serenity banks the energy ribbon. Already, the ship is taking a beating by the waves of energy.
"Thank you, Commander," Captain Tsukino replied, as she absently tugged her cranberry red uniform, which signified her status as a command officer. "What is the ship's status?"
"The ship's shields are holding," Sato says. "We can proceed with the sensor readings."
"Good. Keep me informed further developments."
Usagi left the bridge, and went to her quarters. Years ago, she was a Starship captain for five years before giving it up for domestic life. Her best friend Hoshi, also known as "Sailor Earth", had taken over as Captain. Unfortunately, during her second tour, Hoshi had disappeared after going to an uncharted region of the galaxy, along with the rest of the crew. The Serenity was found years later, adrift in space. Since then, it had been mothballed, though it had been kept in pristine condition…until now.
"Computer, hot chocolate."
BRRRIIINNNG.
Usagi sipped her chocolate, she sat in her comfy chair.
BEEP-BEEP! BEEP-BEEP!
"Come."
Ensign Hoshiko Saotome entered the room. She was the Conn (i.e. the pilot that confers with engineering) officer. Being nearly eighty years old, thanks to her parents "genes", has not tempered her youthfulness. After being kidnapped by the Borg, Hoshiko was made Borg Adjutant 6/9, and was put in charge of the tactical aspect of the Borg Collective. When the Borg invaded the Terran sector, it was up to her to defeat Earth's forces. However, thanks to her father Ranma Saotome's quick thinking, Hoshiko was soundly defeated. However, she had used her defeat as an opportunity to infiltrate Earth. Using a normal guise, Hoshiko, as "Maran Tomesao", enrolled into Starfleet Academy using false records. Once she had graduated from the Academy, Hoshiko managed to get a posting aboard the Enterprise. Usagi had been reassigned by then to DS9, so she could confirm Maran's identity, and Ranma simply accepted that "Maran" was a distant relative of any number of women he had been involved with before settling down with Usagi some sixty years ago. It was only when the Enterprise-D came upon Lt. Commander Data's renegade "brother" Lore and his ban of renegade Borg drones that Hoshiko's true identity was known. Since then, Hoshiko has spent time on Earth being monitored by Starfleet, and has only been tentatively put on "probation" on the behest of Captain Tsukino's request.
"Mom, you got a moment?"
"Sure. What's up?"
"It's about…Dad."
Usagi sat down.
"Shoot."
"Mom, why did you and Dad brake up?"
Usagi looks away for a moment.
"When your sister Aiko died, I blamed him for not doing enough to save her. In hindsight, that was wrong of me to do so."
"Then, why-?"
"Why do I still care for your father? Well, for one, he's a familiar face from a familiar past. But most importantly, he's been there for me ever since I have known him, even after rejecting him a few times before I fell for him hard."
Usagi gets up and places her hand on Hoshiko's shoulders.
"No matter what happens, we'll get your father back. We promised each other that we would find a way home TOGETHER, and that's a promise that I'm honored bound to keep."
"Thank you, Mom. I…really appreciate it."
Afterwards, Hoshiko went to her assigned quarters to contemplate on her TRUE mission. Once she sits down in a lotus position, she closes her eyes…
…and finds herself within the hub of the Borg Collective.
Her "virtual" appearance was that of a Borg "princess": black body suit, pale skin, and steel coils for hair done in a pig-tail.
6/9 stood still, as another Borg princess steps out of the shadows.
"Report, Six of Nine," said the Adjutant.
"Every thing is going according to plan, Seven of Nine," 6/9 replies. "The humans will retrieve the one designated as 'Ranma Saotome' from the anomaly."
"Excellent," said another voice. The voice belonged to another Borg, as she, too, steps out of the shadows.
"Matriarch," 6/9 says to 'One of One', who was the nexus of the Borg collective. "I was not aware that you were paying attention to my mission."
"Of course I am, my child," the Borg "queen" says, as she stroked 6/9's cheek. "They took you away from me, so your parents need to pay. And besides, they would make wonderful assets to the Collective."
"Of course, Matriarch."
A short time later, after the Serenity collected enough data on the Nexus, Captain Usagi Tsukino made a command decision.
"Okay, people," Tsukino began. "Once we enter the Nexus, we must focus our thoughts on the task at hand."
Usagi took her data pad.
"Prepare for insertion-"
BOOM!
"Captain, a Klingon Bird of Prey has entered the scene!" Hoshiko yelled.
"We took damage to the port nacelle!" Commander Reiko Sato declared.
"Can we reroute power to increase the output for the port deflector grid?" Usagi asked.
"Negative! Auxiliary power has been diverted for the insertion process."
"Damn!"
"Captain, we just received a signal from the enemy craft!"
"On screen."
PLIP!
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the so-called 'Moon Princess!'" snarled Larissa.
"Yes, the fake head of a fake Klingon ROYAL house!" snarled the Bator.
It was no secret that Ranma and Usagi's role during the Klingon Civil War had earned them an honorary house in the Klingon empire, called "House Rantsu", a fact that unnerved the members of the disgraced "House Duras". Since then, the Duras sister Larissa and Bator have done much to wage a campaign of revenge against both Ranma and Usagi.
"As much as I want to deal with you right now, I have a crew to rescue."
"Mom, they killed Dad!" Hoshiko said.
"And if we succeed, that won't matter. And, Ensign, do not speak unless it is warranted. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Captain."
"Did we interrupt a family moment?" Bator chided.
"That is none of your business. THIS is."
Usagi activated her transceiver, that was connected to a different wavelength on the interstellar network.
Suddenly, several Romulan "Warbirds" appeared, all surrounding the Duras sisters' ship.
"I believe the Romulans would like to talk to you about your double-dealing," Usagi smirked. Based upon the Enterprise buoy, Usagi learned that Dr. Soren and the Duras sisters had double-crossed a Romulan agent to acquire the material necessary to detonate a star. It was theorized that only an exploding star could redirect the path of the Nexus.
"You can't do this to us!" Larissa yelled.
"Yes, you are of a royal Klingon House! You're supposed to give us an honorable death!"
"First, it's not my style. And secondly, after what you did to Ranma, you two deserve a traitor's demise. Ta, ta!"
"No, don't leave us-"
BLIP!
"Captain, how-?" Reiko began.
"I knew that those two would not pass up a chance to wipe out the Klingon house, albeit an honorary one, that got them kicked out of the empire. Besides, the Romulans wanted assistance in apprehending the Duras sisters, so now they owe me one for helping them in their endeavor."
"Wow," Hoshiko said. "Mom, I mean, Captain…"
"Don't worry about it. We got more important things to worry about."
And with that, the Serenity went into the Nexus…
FLASH!
Usagi opened her eyes, where she appeared in a home very familiar to her.
Wait, Usagi thought, as she picked up a photograph on the mantle place. This is-
"Mommy! Mommy!"
Twin girls ran into Usagi's arms.
"Anna? Hoshiko?"
"My name is Aiko, Mommy!" Aiko said, as she pouted.
"I'm sorry. Mommy is…forgetful sometimes," Usagi said, as she hugged.
"There you are," Ranma said, as he walked into the living room from the dojo. "I was wondering when you were going to show-"
Usagi rushed to Ranma and kissed him passionately.
"Oooo!" Aiko said, as Hoshiko giggled. "Mommy's kissing Daddy!"
"Um, you two head up to bed," Ranma said. "I have to talk to your Mother."
"I race ya!" Hoshiko said.
"You're on!" replied Aiko.
Once the girls were gone, Ranma turned back to Usagi.
"What's up?"
"Oh, Ranma, how I missed you. Please, stay with me tonight."
Ranma looks at Usagi for a moment.
"Okay, I will," he replied, as he held Usagi's hand.
The next day, the sun shone through the bedroom window, as Usagi woke up. She smiled, as she realized how much bliss she felt. She looked over at Ranma, who was sleeping by her side. And then, she frowned at the awful truth:
She was living a lie.
The "Usagi" in her wanted to be a part of this moment forever, living a simple life with her loved ones. However, the "Usa'Dib" in her, the one who achieved the sacred "Silver Path" years ago, refused to accept this illusion. As the Usa'Dib, she, by immersing herself fully into the Nexus, solved its riddle. Usagi knew what she must allow to happen from that moment on, and it pained her to spite her needs…her desires.
Desire.
Destiny.
Duty.
Usagi sighed, as she got up to get dress. If her crew did their job, Usagi was prepared to make their move.
Usagi, before leaving the bedroom turned to look at "Ranma" for one last time.
"Good-bye, my darling."
When Usagi stepped into the living room, she saw Hoshiko and Reiko playing cards, while two familiar faces sat reading the paper.
"Captain Kirk," Usagi said.
"Huh, why so formal, Usagi?" Kirk chided. "I know I've been gone for a while, but I doubt you'd change THAT much."
From her immersion, Usagi had learned that Kirk did not die years ago; instead, the Nexus sucked him in, where he lived in a state of Nirvana for years.
"You know me SO well," Usagi smirk. "Captain Picard, did Commander Sato inform you of our plans?"
"Yes," Picard replied. "We must stop Dr. Soren BEFORE he destroys this system's sun. We can't let billions of people die for his selfishness."
"Agreed. Captain, my up-coming actions may seem unusual, but, for the sake of the future, I must do what must be done."
Picard looked Usagi intently. Reiko had told Picard that Usagi had to become one with the universe through "immersion" (methodology notwithstanding) in order to unravel the mystery behind the Nexus. The side effect of that is that Usagi tend to receive glimpses of the future, as well as their importance.
"Damn it, Usagi, I don't like to accept things on faith alone!"
Usagi looked at Picard, and placed her hand on Picard's cheek.
"You had enough faith in me to save Robert and Rene's lives. Please, Jean-Luc, have faith that I know what I am doing."
Picard's hard eyes softened.
"Okay. But please, don't let me down."
Usagi then nodded.
And then…
FLASH!
Usagi found herself aboard the Enterprise, just as the ship was being attacked by the Duras sisters.
"Usagi!" Commander Saotome said, who was piloting the Enterprise, as the ship was rocked by Photon torpedo fire. The last thing he remembered was being transported back to the exact moment of his would-be demise. He was surprised to see Usagi pop on the bridge, after he did.
"Tsukino?" Commander Riker asked, wondering how she got to the ship.
"What happened, Commander?" Usagi asked, as she walked to the auxiliary control station.
"The Duras sisters showed up, and launched a surprised attack. Apparently, they figured out our shield frequency."
"And, the Duras sisters…?"
"We managed to destroy their ship."
Bator and Larrisa must have used a long-range transporter beam to escape the first time, Usagi thought. I got to make a note of that. "Okay, how much damage to the Enterprise?"
"Critical," Data replied. "We need to prepare for saucer separation."
"Okay," Usagi replied, as she tapped her combadge. "Captain Tsukino to Serenity, are you all set?"
"Yes, Captain," said a voice.
"'Captain'?" Riker asked.
"Long story. Commander, initiate separation."
"Yes, Ma'am!" Riker chided.
Once the Enterprise's Saucer section was launched, the Secondary section blew up…
BOOM!
Just as the Saucer section was about to crash on a nearby planet…
WHOOM!
The Serenity, having gone back in time a day in the past, catches the Saucer section. All the Serenity crew members are returned to where they were in the past, Commander Reiko Sato secretly gave Vice-Admiral Nechayev a briefing on the crew's findings (much to the Admiral's dismay), reassembled the crew and ship, and arrived just in time to rescue the crew of the Enterprise.
"It's a miracle…" Deanna Troi says.
"I got to go," Usagi said, as she performed an "Instant Transmission".
ZIP!
On a nearby planet, Kirk managed to knock the launch mechanism out of Dr. Soren's hands, while Picard dove to grab it. An Al-Aurian is typically stronger and much-long lived, so Soren beating up Kirk and Picard was understandable.
Of course, he never expected to see the Moon Princess.
ZIP!
"Dr. Soren, I presume," Usagi said, as she used the Vulcan nerve pinch on Soren.
"Urk!"
Both Picard and Kirk looked at Soren and then at Tsukino.
"Hey, I DID live on Vulcan for a while, you know."
Later…
With the crisis averted, the Enterprise crew was temporarily dispersed for other assignments, until a new Enterprise is commissioned.
At Starfleet Command, a meeting of the minds was taking place.
"You wanted to see me, Admiral?" Tsukino asked.
"I read your report, Captain," Nechayev said. "I just wanted to ask you a question: why?"
"I did what I did in order to prepare for the coming 'locusts', Admiral."
"Ah, yes, the Borg. For a person who believes in idealism, you allowing the Enterprise-D to be destroyed is quite curious, coming from you."
"I…saw the future, Admiral. I don't expect you to understand, but our existing technology needs to be upgraded quickly, if we are to face this threat. The Enterprise-D was designed for an age when exploration was a leisurely pursuit. That's over now."
"I see. So the ends justify the means?"
"It never does, which is why no one should know about what I have done."
Nechayev looks at Usagi and smiles.
"At least we can come to an understanding of our mutual positions. I still don't like what you represent, but…I can appreciate your talents and intentions. Consider the matter close."
"Thank you, Ma'am."
"Dismiss."
Tsukino leaves Admiral Nechayev's office, and runs into Picard, Kirk and Saotome, who were standing in the main foyer.
"Captain? Captain? Ranma?"
"Hello, Usagi," Kirk said. "So, how did it go?"
"Well, as well as it can be expected," Usagi said, as she sat down on a nearby bench. "Nechayev considers the matter close, subject to future scrutiny. She will allow me to keep my present rank, but I'm going back to counseling. Captain Benjamin Sisko will still be my superior officer at Station DS9."
"I see."
"But I should congratulate you on your new assignment."
"It's not the Enterprise, but the Serenity is a good ship."
"Yes, she is," Usgai chided. "Commander Sato will make a good first officer for you."
"Good."
"And stay away from my daughter Hoshiko, Kirk," Ranma said, as he cracked his knuckles.
"Come on, Ranma. You know me."
"That's why I said what I said."
"Yes, James," Usagi interjected. "She's young enough to be your grand-daughter."
"But…she's eighty-years old!"
"Doesn't matter. She's STILL my little girl."
"Alright. On my honor, she's off-limits."
"Good. And what's happening on your end, Jean-Luc?"
Picard almost bristled at the familiarity, but held back since they were now equals.
"Robert and Marie wanted to have dinner with us, so…"
"I gladly accept," Usagi said with a smile. "Can James and Ranma come to?"
"I am sure that my brother will not mind."
"Ranma? James?"
"Sure."
"The pleasure is mine."
It would be a year before a new Enterprise is commissioned, but Ranma's time with his old crew was over. He had just received orders to be assigned to Federation Station Deep Space Nine as the U.S.S. Defiant's chief pilot. The ship was a tough little ship, which could use the skill of Starfleet's number one pilot. And it will give him a chance to get to know Usagi better.
The sky's the limit.
Fin.
Author's note: I know that I am skipping some chapters, but this one was "in the hopper". I will be working on all the "missing" chapters at the same time. So, when I next time release a new batch, all parts will be in order. Sorry for the inconvenience.