Disclaimer: "Ranma ½", "Sailor Moon", "Star Trek" and other genres belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Part 48
Years ago…
"Guh!"
As the tubes were dislodged from her body, Usagi Tsukino-Saotome gulped for air.
"Mommy!" said her twin daughters Hoshiko and Aiko, as they ran to hug their mothers.
"Girls!" Ranma Saotome says, as he kept them at bay to pick up Usagi in her harms. "Let me get your mother out of here-"
CLANG!
Ranma and her daughters turned to see the place surrounded by Borg. One of them, a female-shaped drone steps forth. Her cold exterior was a match for her icy beauty.
"Do you honestly think that you could have come here unnoticed? We Borg are thousands of YOUR years old…and have assimilated many species in our pursuit for PERFECTION."
Ranma sat his wife down, and pushed his daughters back.
"You aren't going to stop me from leaving here without my family," Ranma said, as he got into a fighting stance.
"No, I will not give you THAT choice. However, I will give you THIS choice: sacrifice your daughters or sacrifice your mate. We need only to have a sample of the Silver Millennium for our purposes."
Ranma realized what was going on. He knew that he couldn't let these creatures keep Usagi, knowing what he knew about her and her destiny.
So, Ranma made a choice…
Now.
Akane Tendo looked up at the stars, from the rooftop on the Montana Rocket Facility, North America. She was feeling a bit weird at the moment. Akane has already been in space before, but she actually felt that she was making a greater leap by being part of the launching of the Phoenix.
Was this what Ranma feels, whenever he boldly goes where none as gone before? Akane thought to herself. Akane recalls that whenever Ranma needed time for introspective, he would go to the roof of her house, and look up at the stars. Maybe…she should start doing the same when she returns home.
Home…even now, she wondered if she should feel guilty by insisting on following Ranma into the future. Akane felt guilty about not being there for her family, and yet…
"Miss Tendo?"
Akane turns around to see a bearded man.
"Commander Riker?"
The man steps forward, and leans on the railing that Akane was leaning on.
"You should get rest," Riker says. "You have a big day ahead of you."
"I know, but it's just that…it's kinda exciting, you know?"
"Yeah, it is. It is because of Zephram Cochran's flight that would unite the Sol System, which is what is needed to heal the schism between the Earth and her colonies."
"That's what I don't get," Akane began, as she turns to the commanding officer of the Enterprise-E. "From what my sister has told me, Earth has access to space flight."
Riker looks thoughtful for a moment.
"I remember a story that my sensei once told me. He said that he had a fiancée who was challenged for the right to be the rightful heir of her dojo. HE didn't think that the girl had what it took to win her match, so he tried to win that match for her. An argument ensued, and both lost the fight. It wasn't until my sensei's fiancée trained by her self, and took the fight seriously, that she won her fight. More importantly, her fiancée respected her afterwards because she took the time to work for her victory."
Akane squinted her eyes. This story of Riker's sounded familiar…
"Anyway, the point is that Dr. Cochran's work will represent Earth's 'human' achievement. All other efforts are either based on alien technology, or, up until now, proved to be expensive. If we're successful, space travel will prove cheap enough for all of humanity to partake in, not just for the few."
Akane nods. For a long time now, has been struggling to understand Ranma's desire to stay in the future. She had struggled to get past the "jock" aspect of his personality in order to understand his role in this "Starfleet". And it will be within this line of thought that Akane Tendo has decided on what future she will seize…
Location: "Borg Hive" (Engineering Section of the Enterprise-E).
Borg Adjutant Six of Nine was transformed. While she kept her mostly human appearance, her mannerism and dress was all "Borg". Her skin-tight leather outfit matched the Borg Adjutant One of Nine/Borg Queen's; it hugged all the "right" places. However, her cold exterior muted whatever "sexiness" 6/9 had.
"There," 1/9 says. "My 'heir' is dressed more appropriately."
1/9 then turns to the recently transformed Mr. Data. The ship's operations officer had half of his artificial skin was replaced with organic skin, making the android's appearance similar to that of the late Dr. Noonan Singh, Data's "father".
"And you, my consort," 1/9 says, as she beckons Data to her side. "Together, we shall usher in a new age!"
However, in spite of 6/9 cold exterior, Ensign Hoshiko Saotome' mind was in motion…
Location: Auxiliary Room, Enterprise-E.
"There," Starfleet Commander Ranma Saotome said, as he finished his repairs. "We now have full access to the ship-"
Just then, Captain Jean-Luc Picard enters the room, with a blue-robed companion.
"Captain Picard?"
"At ease, Commander," Picard says, as he goes over to the main control panel of the room. "I ran into Chief O'Brien, and he told me what was going on."
Ranma nods, just as he notices Picard's companion, as did Counselor Tsukino.
"Sailor Mercury?" Usagi said, as she disengaged herself from the computer.
Sailor Mercury lowered her robe's hood. While noticeably older, her beauty was still evident.
"Hello, Usagi," 'Mercury says, as the two old friends hugged.
Usagi extended her aura, wondering if 'Mercury was "real". Not only was she "real", but Usagi felt that she was in the presence of a Master Jedi who was seasoned.
"Wow, I'm impressed by your skill levels," Usagi commented.
'Mercury smiled.
"I had a good teacher," 'Mercury replied.
Just then, Worf and Tasha Yar enter the room.
"Captain, Commander," Worf says. "We have succeeded in the modifications, but for how long, we are not sure."
"We could storm those places that are occupied by the Borg," Yar says. "But we would take on heavy casualties in the process."
Picard thinks for a moment. He then turns to Counselor Tsukino.
"Counselor, is there a way to make Tasha into a 'Sailor Senshi'?"
Usagi looks at Yar. And then back at Picard.
"Sir, with all due respect, I'm not sure that this would be a wise course of action."
Yar steps up.
"Why? Because you don't think I'm good enough?"
"No, because by making you a Sailor Senshi, I would have to open up your…past."
Yar looks at Usagi with wonder.
"Explain," Picard inquired.
Usagi goes up to Yar, and placed her hands on Yar's shoulders.
"In your past life, you were the Senshi of Uranus."
'Mercury looks startled. If Yar is the latest incarnation, then the reports of Haruka Tenoh death during the turbulent years following the Third World War on Earth.
Usagi sighed.
"I didn't want you to burden your life with that of another. And I especially didn't want to burden your life, especially since you and Mr. Data are so…close."
"Are you saying that I had a…lover in this past life?"
"Yes, that, and the fact that your past lover was another…woman."
Silence.
"If I allow to access to your past life, there will be some 'baggage' you will have to deal with."
More silence.
"Sensei?" Yar says, as she turns her attention to Ranma.
"I have taught you that no matter what, you always protect the weak and helpless, no matter the cost. And I've known you too long to back away from a challenge. I have faith in you, Tasha."
Tasha thought for a moment. While she always sought to remain independent, the thought of acquiring more to help people would be worth the cost."
"I'm in."
Usagi nods, as she took out her "henshin rod". She didn't NEED it, but it served her purposes to have.
"Then prepare yourself…Cosmic Moon MAKE-UP!"
FWOOSH!
Location: The Montana Rocket Facility, North America.
"Nervous?" Nabiki Kuno said, as she got her sister Akane Tendo suited up for her flight.
"Yeah, a little," Akane said, as she looked on. "This experience is way more scary than when Ranma fought Saffron."
"I suppose so," Nabiki said, not really sure if she should bring up the fact that a more powerful Saffron would return to cause the Kanto Earth Quake, as well as who was there to stop him. "But we should focus on YOU, little sister!"
Akane looks at Nabki.
"Why? You bet two thousand yen that I'll be a success or something?"
"Don't be ridiculous…were on the euro standard."
"Ha, ha."
Just then, Akane's rivals come into the room.
"What's up?" Akane asked.
"Well…we just want to wish you luck, Akane," Ukyo smiled.
"You may be rival, but you have strong spirit," Shampoo says.
"So, we have decided to give you something on your journey," Kodachi said, as she handed Akane a basket filled with okonomiyaki, ramen noodles and a single, black rose. Akane picks up the rose with hesitation.
"Do no worry, Akane. THAT is a safe rose."
"I see…"
"Just be careful, 'kay?" Ukyo said, as she hugged Akane.
Shampoo and Kodachi followed suit.
Meanwhile, back on the Enterprise-E…
"World SHAKING!"
Sailor Uranus throws down an energy sphere, which ran across the deck and into a contingent of Borg drones.
BOOM!
Her partner, Sailor Mercury, opens her palms.
"Mercury Ice FREEZE!"
FWOOSH!
'Uranus then rushes forward, takes out her sword, and slices the frozen Borg into pieces.
SLICE!
Followed by 'Mercury's use of her blue-bladed light saber.
SNAP! Hzzzzz-
SLICE!
"Forward!" 'Uranus yells, as she directs her security squad to move forward to secure their position.
"How do you feel?" 'Mercury asks. Sailor Moon warned her not to inquire too much on what had happened to the Sailor Scouts. That is why she
"I feel…fine," 'Uranus says. "I…remember stuff, but I'm my own person."
'Mercury takes a look at her new friend, and smiles.
"That's…good to hear."
A short time later, Picard, Ranma and Usagi go straight into the Borg Hive, escorted by Borg drones. They decided that the best course of action was to go confront the Borg Queen directly. Once they are put into position, the Borg Queen appears.
"So…it has been a long time," 1/9 says. She then turns to Picard. "Ah, 'Locutus'. You seem to be in good health."
"And we plan on staying that way," Picarsd says. "We will not serve you!"
"Oh, that is alright. I have 'new' servants to help US in OUR pursuit of perfection."
As if on cue, 6/9 and Data marches forward, and stands by her.
"Mr. Data!" Picard says in shock.
"Monster!" Usagi roared, as she was about to step forward, only to be held back by Ranma.
"Wha-?"
"Ranma merely shakes his head furiously.
"Ah, even the 'Chaos Factor' knows of Borg superiority, which is why he made the choice that he DID."
Picard and Usagi looks Ranma expectantly, as the martial artist steps forward.
"For a mockery of cybernetic life, I'm surprised that you can be such a liar."
Meanwhile, back on Earth, the Phoenix is ready for take off. With Dr. Cochran were Commander Riker, Lt/Com. Geordi LaForge and Akane Tendo. She would be there as a civilian observer, something that Dr. Cochran's benefactor insisted upon.
"Okay, kid," says Cochran, as he fiddles with the switches. "Just stay calm, and have fun. Oh, and hand me that disk over there in the back."
Akane does as she is told.
"NOW, we can get started!"
Cochran puts on Stephen Wolf's "Magic Carpet Ride", a classic rock hit from the 1960s.
"…"
Finally, the launch was ready.
"This is 'Ground Control'," Counselor Troi says, as she had to adjust her headphones, due to the loud music. "We are ready for launch."
"Systems launch is a go," says Ensign Crusher, as he had to shush a fawning Kodachi.
"This is Riker, and we're ready to begin countdown."
"Phoenix, we are proceeding with the countdown now," Troi says. "T-minus in ten seconds. Nine…eight…seven…six…"
Akane could feel the rumbling beneath her, as the engines of the Phoenix roared to life. She prayed that her parents, wherever they were, were watching over her.
"…Five…four…three…two…one…LAUNCH!"
The roar of the engines became louder, as Akane was pressed backwards. The Phoenix, built on top of a Titan missile, broke its bounds, and began to climb higher heights. Akane's constitution could take the pressure, which is why she was allowed to go on this flight, but she was still nervous enough to wonder if she could still take the pressure. She looks out of the cockpit, and sees the stars. She was really going into space…as an astronaut!
Finally…
"Okay, prepare for separation!" Cochran says. "Geordie, we're ready for full throttle?"
"We're almost ready," La Forge says.
Meanwhile, back on the Enterprise-E…
"I am a liar?" 1/9 says mockingly.
"Yes, you are," Ranma says, as he points a finger at the Borg Queen. You tried to give me an impossible choice: sacrifice my daughters or sacrifice Usagi. Well, YOU know what really happened…"
FLASHBACK!"Well, Chaos Factor?" 1/9 says mockingly.
Ranma didn't say anything, but he dropped and kicked a "Happo-darken", his old master Happosai's brand of firecracker, into the Borg Queen.
BOOM!
Ranma picked up his family and ran to the escape hatch, where his emergency escape pod was located. He couldn't risk using the "Instant Transmission" technique with all the interference running amok. While trying to reach his escape, Ranma had to wade through dozens upon dozens of Borg. With his family in their state, there was no way he could cut loose. Finally, he made it.
"Come on!" Ranma said, as he puts down his wife, he made sure that his children was safe in their seats before beginning his launch-
BRRRRRIIIING!
"Dadddy-!" Hoshiko yelled, as she was suddenly de-materialized.
"Hoshiko-!"
WOOSH!
The escape pod had launched, but Ranma would be damned if he would let some freaks keep her daughter.
Suddenly, that was no longer an option, as the Borg ship that he had just left exploded.
BOOM!
"No!" Ranma said, as the pod that he was on tumbled helplessly into deep space. When Ranma stabilized the pod, all he could do was to wonder what had happened, as shrapnel had pierced the pod's hull. He could try to figure out a way to get Hoshiko back, if she was still alive, or stabilize the pod so that Aiko and Usagi has a chance to live.
He chose the later.
As his pod limped back towards the Alpha Quadrant, Ranma used his will to keep the pod together long enough to find a habitable planet. But that could be years in the making! So, with his last ounce of strength, Ranma used his "chi" to place the pod's inhabitants into suspended animation.
(A/N: Think of the suspended animation trick the Aang the Last Air-Bender used in the cartoon series "Avatar: The Last Air Bender", when he and his flying bison was literally put on ice.)
It would be years before T'Sara Spocksdotter (the daughter of Usagi and Spock of Vulcan) and Hoshi Sato (an old friend) were able to find them.
In the end, a Starfleet inquiry would not find Ranma culpable of what had happened, but the damage to his family was already done.
END FLASHBACK!"So you see, you never gave me a choice…you forced the issue for me!"
"It really does not matter, Chaos Factor," 1/9 says. "I have your daughter, after all!"
With a wave, a video screen appears.
"Data, prepare to destroy THAT ship," she says, as the Phoenix was on the verge of making history.
Meanwhile, aboard THAT ship, Dr. Cochran was about to make history.
"Prepare to expand warp nacelles," he said, as he got into position.
"Ready to expand," La Forge says.
"Expand!"
The side-panels of the Phoenix pop off, as the familiar warp nacelles expand into place, giving the rocket literal wings.
"We're ready to go to warp at any time," Riker says.
"Let's go to 'warp' on my mark," Cochran says. And then a shadow was cast over his ship.
It was the Enterprise-E.
"Is that…your ship, Commander Riker?" Akane asked in amazement.
"Indeed Miss Tendo," Riker says. "THAT is what is at stake."
Akane nods.
Back in the Engineering Section of the Enterprise-E, Data was ordered to prepare to launch a spread of quantum torpedoes, with the goal of destroying the Phoenix.
"Deploy the weapon discharge," the Borg Queen says.
BLAM!
As the spread of torpedoes were launched, another ship appears.
It was the Defiant.
Using it's ablative armor and shields, it took the hits intended to destroy the Phoenix.
"WHAT!"
At that precise moment, the Phoenix jumps into warp.
"They did it," Picard says.
Data and Ranma looks at each other. With a smile, they turn to the 'Queen.
"Resistance is futile!"
And that's when it all went to heck.
Earlier, Ranma, through Usagi, was able to contact Data (through a secured "wireless" connection). Picard had told Ranma that the android had been captured. Once Data status was known, a plan was formulated.
Phase "Alpha" was complete.
"You will pay-!" the 'Queen began, when she notices a dimming of the power grid in her section.
"Attention all hands on deck!" said Worf over the PA system. "Primary systems have been rerouted. Ship's Engineering Section has been rendered null and void. Returning control to the Bridge."
Phase "Bravo" was now complete.
"I still have 6/9-!"
"Hoshiko, catch!" Usagi said, as she threw her daughter her henshin rod. From the moment she went virtual, vis-à-vis the ship's computer systems, Usagi was trying to re-establish a psychic connection with her daughter. She had to have faith that Hoshiko did not voluntarily turn against the Borg. And in the end, together, mother and daughter, they finally defeated Hoshiko's programming. Hoshiko had long since forgiven her father for seemingly abandoning her that fateful day, but she needed to find the strength to move on. Her father's admission of failure was the proverbial icing on the cake.
KTCH!
"Six of Nine, you are ordered to submit to the will of the Borg!"
6/9 looks at the 'Queen.
"I am Hoshiko Saotome, of the clan Saotome! And I am my father's daughter!"
Hoshiko raises her Henshin Rod.
"Borg Power MAKE-UP!"
FWOOSH!
With the collective might of the Borg drones, and the power of her "star seed", Hoshiko became the Senshi of the Borg…SAILOR BORG! Like her mother, she had the traditional Sailor fuku. However, the color scheme was black with silver and green trim. The symbol of the Borg (a hand that is holding a cube) was etched on her broach. 'Borg had a black staff with digital lines that adorned its surface (like a computer motherboard).
"You will pay for your insolence," the 'Queen said, as equipment came flying out, and latching onto her.
Ranma wanted to go in, but his daughter stopped him.
"Father we need to do this," 'Borg says.
Ranma looks at Hoshiko, and then at the changing Borg Queen.
"Alright," Ranma said, as he backed off. "Just be careful."
Ranma turns to the others.
"Let's get out of here," Ranma says. Picard, Usagi and Data follows suit.
Once the 'Queen was finished her transformation, creating a makeshift power armor for her self, she went to grab 'Borg in her hands.
'Borg leaps out of the way, and runs up the 'Queen's arm.
"You are NOT Borg!" 'Borg says, as she leaps up, and, using her enhanced aura, cleaves the makeshift head off its shoulders with her staff.
Desperate, the 'Queen then take her hand, and forms a cannon.
BLAM!
'Borg takes the hit, but uses her staff to make a shield, by twirling it. Still, the force of the blast was enough to knock her back a bit.
"Silly child, I am eternal…I AM Borg! I am the sum of the collective!"
Meanwhile, the Phoenix, having made a successful jump into warp space, circles back.
"Wow," Akane says, as she sees Earth in the distance. It was like a blue marble with white swirls.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Riker says.
This was what Ranma has fought for, Akane thought to herself. He was fighting for the right to expands one's horizons in a universe of infinite possibilities.
Back in the Engineering Section of the Enterprise-E…
"No," 'Borg says, as she gets up. "You only represent the 'hardware' aspect of being Borg. I am the software of the Borg!"
'Borg began to draw power from not the Borg drone, but from the people within them. And she didn't just take their power; she asked permission to take their power.
The digital lines on her staff and now her face glowed, as 'Borg raised her left hand, and exposed her palm faced up.
"Resistance…is futile!"
A large sphere was formed.
"No!" the 'Queen yelled. "This is NOT over!"
"I know," 'Borg says. And the white energy sphere began to expand and engulf the entire room…
Everything went white.
Hours later…
When Hoshiko opened her eyes, the first ones she saw looking down on her were-
"Mom? Dad?"
"We're here, Hoshiko," Usagi said, as she hugged her daughter. Ranma merely held her daughter's hand. Apparently, Hoshiko was brought into Sickbay after her fight with the Borg.
As Picard looks at the reunited family, he turns to Dr. Crusher.
"What is Ensign Saotome's status?"
"Well," Dr. Crusher began. "She is as normal as she can be, considering the fact that she is still a…Borg. Apparently, her attack absorbed every Borg drone on the ship, but left the victim intact. So…everyone else is "normal", which is a good thing I suppose."
Picard nods. He wasn't sure what he wanted to put on his official report, but he'll do whatever was necessary to make sure that a certain Saotome family was never separated again.
Later, still…
"You want to STAY here?" Ranma asked Akane.
"Nabiki needs me," Akane said. "EARTH needs me to rebuild it."
"But…I thought that we, well, you know…"
"Ranma, I will always love you, but I don't want to be the damsel in distress any more. Besides…you never know when we will run into each other again."
As Akane and Ranma hug, Ranma smiles at the thought of finally accepting his fiancée at face value.
"I'm proud of you…you uncute tomboy," Ranma says, as tears of joy stream down her face.
"Thanks…you jerk."
And thus, that was that.
Shampoo, like Akane, chose to stay behind in order to help rebuild the Amazon nation…especially if it meant getting Mousse out of her hair once and for all.
Ukyo and Kodachi chose to follow Ranma back into future. Ukyo wanted to see if she could finally get Ranma to marry her, while Kodachi wanted to be with Wesley Crusher. Only time will tell if this would prove to be the case.
2370s CE: Federation Station Deep Space Nine, Bajoran Sector.
Starfleet Commander Ranma Saotome was reading his historical texts, when his doorbell rang. He wanted to be with Usagi, who was spending time with their daughter on Earth, but he had to take the Defiant back to DS9. Hopefully, Captain Sisko will cut him a break and allow him some shore leave.
"Come," he says.
Lt/Com. Jadzia Dax (SciSpec) enters the room.
"I got those after-action reports for you to sign off on," said the beautiful Trill. All Trill possessed symbiotic lifeforms that enabled them to have lives that expand hundreds of years.
"Alright," Ranma says, as he sets down his datapad. While going over the forms, Jadzia looks at what Ranma was reading.
"What's this?"
"I was reading the historical documents of Admiral Akane Tendo, who was Starfleet's first flag officer."
"Really?"
"Really. In fact, it was she who helped Dr. Archer get approval of his 'Warp Five Project', which wasn't easy considering how the Vulcans viewed humanity at that time."
"Yeah. It says that Admiral Tendo never married."
"Yeah. No one knows why that this was the case, but she was indeed dedicated to her work."
"I guess that counts for something. Oh, by the way, Miss Kuonji wanted to remind you to be there when she opens her Okonomiyaki shop on the promenade. Quark thinks that her meals will pump up business around here."
"You don't say."
Ranma did like having an old friend around, and he really liked the fact that Kodachi had decided to do something with her life by joining Starfleet as an academy cadet. At least it will give her time to make her life worthwhile.
"Before I forget, we'll be getting two interns her for a visit. Ensign Amanda Rogers and Ensign Pert will be assigned here for a while, as they complete their advanced studies on Bajor."
"Oh, that's right," Ranma said, as he handed the notes back to his old friend. Amanda was a friend from his days on the Enterprise-D, and Pert was the great, granddaughter of the Joketsu matriarch Xian Pu. Even after all this time, the Amazons were STILL trying to marry him to one of their own; Pert is the latest "contestant". And because of the changes in the time stream, Ranma did not know the side effect of what had transpired since his trip into the past. "You mentioned that last week."
"Well, I'm glad you were paying attention for a change."
"I'm glad, too."
As the two continued to chat, a lone presence observes the room in silence.
"Ranma, you jerk," the blond-haired Amanda Rogers said lovingly, as she remained invisible. Ever since she became a Q, Amanda was able to remember ALL of her past lives, including the one as Akane Tendo. Even before her remembrance, Amanda liked Ranma. Now that she remembered who she really was, Amanda was determined to make up for lost time.
Fin.
Author's note: Just out of curiosity, should I continue past chapter 50? The next chapter will cover "Star Trek: Insurrection", and "Star Trek: Nemesis". I can use chapter 50 to cover Ranma's "DS9" and "Voyager" years, as well as resolve the Ranma/Akane thing (i.e. like a full circle), thus ending this story on a solid note. Let me know what you think.