Disclaimer: "Ranma ½", "Sailor Moon", "Star Trek" and other genres belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Special note: This chapter will deal with the events of "Star Trek: Insurrection".
Author's note: I've decided to continue this series. In what format, I haven't decided yet (either as more chapters, or in a new story). So, chapters 49 and 50 will deal with the last two movies, "Star Trek: Insurrection" and "Star Trek: Nemesis". Afterwards, we will focus, in detail, on the episodes featured in STTNG, DS9 and Voyager (we barely scratched the surface of what Ranma did or did not do), and we will have side-stories featuring what had happened to Akane, Ukyo, Shampoo and Kodachi (there will be hints, but the details will be elaborated on later). Also, we will find out the final fate (if any) of the Nerima Wrecking Crew, and other characters that Ranma has come across thus far (remember, the Milky Way Galaxy is a big place). And most importantly, Ranma's action in the past will have a profound impact on his timeline, as you are about to find out how in THIS chapter.
Also, to my readers:
To "Innortal", you'll definitely find out more about Kodachi and Wesley's relationship during the "Voyager Saga".
To "DarkHeart of Ice", thanks! I'll definitely continue Ranma's POV (in a format I have yet to determine).
To "Adyen", while I hope to continue Ranma's POV, I hope that you'll stick around.
To "Jerry Unipeg", I hope that THIS particular chapter will answer some of your questions, regarding the Babylon 5 world, as well as what's been going on (more on that will be elaborated later). Ranma's adventures in the Robotech world can be found in my other story, "Sailor Moon ST: Ace of Hearts!" Check it out.
To "Nairojam", your wish is my command!
Finally, to "Wonderbee31", there is a reason why Akane, and the others, received the fate that they received. She and Ranma's other fiancées were merely arch-types for Ranma to respond, IMO. The fates that I have given them will help them to grow as people, so that when it is all said and done, everyone will return to their proper time and place as whole individuals. And we will cover those years as Ranma's story unfolds.
And now, we can get on to our story.
Part 49
2378 CE: Federation "Deep Space Nine", Bajor Sector (a few years after the second Borg incursion).
Starfleet Commander Ranma Saotome was summoned to the "Temple of the Prophets" (i.e. the "Bajoran Wormhole") where he had a meeting with the enigmatic "Prophets". Recently, the Prophets' ancient enemies, known as the "Pagh Wraths" had used his granddaughter Keiko O'Brien and his friend, okonomiyaki proprietress Ukyo Kuonji to take him and the Prophets "out". The Pagh Wraiths were essentially "fallen Prophets" who sought to intervene in the affairs of mortals, while the Prophets did not. This schism forced the Prophets to send the Pagh Wraiths down to Bajor itself, in a place called "The Fire Caves", where they dwelled in stasis. It was only recently that two of them were accidentally released, when Ukyo and Keiko visited caves while on holiday. Since coming aboard DS9, Ukyo wanted to get to know Ranma better, by getting to know his friends and family. And so far, her experiences have been anything BUT boring.
Unfortunately, her latest "adventure" has resulted in Ukyo and Keiko being possessed by a Pagh Wraith. And while both were neutralized, the possessed Ukyo managed to escape before she was cured. And now, she was nowhere to be found either on board DS9 or Bajor. So, Ranma sought the help of the Prophets to find his friend.
"No," said one of the Prophets, who appeared as "Akane Tendo". The Prophets tend to appear as people that the visitor knows in his or her life.
"What do you mean, 'no'?" Ranma asked angrily.
"The one called 'Ukyo Kuonji' has a role to play," said the prophet that appeared as "Nabiki Tendo".
"And what is that?"
A Prophet that looks like "Kasumi Tendo" steps forth and hugs Ranma.
"It will work out in the end, Ranma Saotome. It will…"
FLASH!
Ranma found himself back in the Bajoran Temple on DS9. The temple's attendant closes the Tear of the Prophet.
"I hope that your communion with the Prophets has been fruitful," said the attendant Vedek Moran Pai. Vedek Moran was a young Bajoran female who was recently posted to take care of the "tear", which allows one to communicate with the "wormhole aliens" that dwell in the Bajoran Wormhole. Now, whether or not the Prophets choose to respond to the summons, well, that was a whole other ball of wax.
Ranma sighed.
"It…has," Ranma replied. "At the very least, I know I'll have another chance to help Ukyo."
Ranma bows, out of respect, to the vedek. The vedek responds likewise.
"Be well, 'Warrior of the Prophets'," the girl says.
"Be well, Vedek Moran," Ranma replied.
As Ranma leaves the temple, he reflects on his experiences on DS9 thus far. According to religious scholars, Ranma was prophesized as "the Warrior of the Prophets", the one who would protect the Emissary and help lead the Bajorans to paradise once the Emissary "ascends". In this since, Ranma was to Captain Benjamin Sisko as the biblical Joshua was to the biblical Moses. Both he and Sisko did not want to be religious figures. Unfortunately, like everything else, neither he nor Sisko were in the position of bucking prophecy…but he and Sisko are still trying.
And lately, besides being an emotional wreck over what has happened to Ukyo, Ranma was feeling pressure by Starfleet to be promoted back to the rank of "Captain". With the conflict between the Dominion and Federation heating up, and the tensions between the Klingons and the Federation at a all time high, everything seemed to be falling apart. Furthermore, House Rantsu, an honorary Klingon house that was formed shortly after the Khitomer accords nearly eighty years ago, has went underground as a secret society with those Klingons who owed a debt to Ranma and Usagi. It was only after the Klingon Civil War ten years ago that Rantsu was given some recognized status, as a reward for helping to defeat the Duras family's coup (the same circumstance that had forced Usagi to be kicked off the Enterprise-D in the first place). Nevertheless, Ranma is in constant contact with his agents on Q'onos, so that he and Usagi would find a way to restore Federation-Klingon relations.
Life was certainly easier when he was just a martial artist seeking acceptance and adventure. And even though Ranma didn't look it, he was, for the first time in a hundred years, feeling very old.
Meeting Ranma, as he leaves the temple, was Counselor Usagi Tsukino.
"Ranma?" Usagi asks.
Ranma looks at Usagi.
"They…declined my request," Ranma replied. "I ought to-"
"Ranma, calm down," Usagi said, as she hugged her ex-husband. "You KNOW why the Prophets doesn't like to deal with 'linear" beings like us. The Pagh Wraiths has shown us THAT."
"I know. It's just that…Ukyo is my best friend. She followed me here just to see if she could get me to marry her…still…and now she's become a 'shell' for some alien entity for who knows how long."
"We'll find her, Ranchan. In the mean time, Leeta will take over 'Uchan's'."
"Well, if it means that she doesn't have to be Quark's 'bar trollop', then that's a good thing."
"Yeah. Come, we got to get ready for that Federation-sponsored delegation…"
Location: Algeron Sector (near the Romulan Neutral Zone).
The Enterprise-E, the flagship of the United Federation of Planet's "Starfleet" was hosting a diplomatic party with the Federation's various neighbors. With the threat of the Dominion looming, and the chilled relations with the Klingons, the Federation wanted to shore up its relations with the non-aligned territories. So far, the only Minbar has continued to honor the "Interstellar Alliance Pact" that was formed 100 years ago with the Federation. The Federation has pressed to seek a more permanent alliance, by incorporating Minbar into the Federation, but the Minbari has been resistant to that idea, out of a need to remain independent.
And that brought on a new set of problems that Ranma had to deal with. Being a "Warrior of the Prophets" allowed Ranma to perceive changes in the timeline. By going back in time to deal with the Borg, a new timeline had been formed. And what's worst, an era that he thought existed on a separate timeline altogether have been merged.
For example, Ranma clearly remembered the events that lead to his daughter Aiko's death, which took place in a separate timeline in the year 2263. In his "original" timeline, the year 2363 was when he first moved into the future. Now, Ranma could clearly recall moving into the future, but to the year 2151, the year he "met" Usagi Tsukino. In fact, as he could recall the day when he met Usagi, when she had gotten caught up in a trap thanks to Upperclassman Kuno…
FLASHBACK!2005 AD: Juuban District, Tokyo (Japan).
Young martial artist Ranma Saotome was visiting his mom Nodoka, as "Ranko", and was on his way back to Nerima, when he fell into one of Upperclassman Kuno's trap.
"I got you now, foul sorcerer!" Kuno, the wannabe Samurai proclaimed, as he brought out a weird talisman.
"Wha-?"
At the same time, a dumpling-haired blond girl and a black cat were running towards a nearby temple.
"We don't want to be late, Usagi!" the black cat, with a Moon crescent symbol said.
"I know, Luna! I know!" the girl said.
Unfortunately, neither of them was aware of what was about to transpire, as they turned the corner.
When Kuno activated his trap, a vortex opens up. It sucked in Ranma…
"No-!"
…. And the dumpling haired girl named Usagi.
"Luna-!"
And thus, the two teens were gone.
"HAHAHAHAHA! I've done it!" Kuno bellowed.
Luna, understandably, was upset.
"YOU!"
"Wha-?" Kuno began, as the Guardian cat attacked.
"YOW!" Kuno yelped.
And that's how it got started.
Since then, Ranma and Usagi have been constant companions. They were present with Captain John Archer launched his ship, the NX-01 Enterprise, Earth's first starship that would be instrumental in creating the United Federation of Planets. Together, they would join Starfleet Academy, and then serve under Archer first as interns and later as officers.
Interestingly, Ranma was reunited with his "true" fiancée legendary Starfleet Admiral Akane Tendo, who was a commandant at Starfleet Academy at the time. It was only after Ranma graduated from the Academy that he and Akane had gotten together…in spite of the obvious age differences. Thankfully, Akane's martial arts discipline, coupled with her knowledge of chi manipulation, extended her lifespan greatly.
From the time they got together, until the time Admiral Tendo passed away, on the eve of the official formation of the United Federation of Planets, Ranma and Akane were truly happy. And on her deathbed, Akane pleaded with Ranma to live for himself, and made him promise that he would. As a result, Ranma turned to his classmate Usagi for solace.
Since then, Ranma and Usagi would journey to different times and realms, in an effort to go back to the year 2005, as companions; first as friends, the later as lovers. When they were just "friends" again, Usagi would meet and fall in love with a young Vulcan, who would father one of her many children. Just before Ranma and Usagi would serve under the command of Captain James T. Kirk, as crewmembers aboard the starship Enterprise, they would participate in the so-called "Shadow Wars", in which the dark forces of Z'Ha'Dum, a planet located in the Beta Quadrant, would wage a scorched earth campaign against the Federation and its allies in both the Alpha and Beta Quadrants within the Milky Way Galaxy. During those chaotic years, Ranma and Usagi were members of the paladin group known as "The Rangers", since the Earth had to deal with problem caused by various internal threats, and thus wanted to remain neutral. Thus, the two took a leave of absence from Starfleet to fight the Shadows, using the neutral space station "Babylon 5" as a base of operations (since the Federation had pulled up stakes). Sponsored by the independent Minbari, the Rangers sought to protect the peace in a fashion similar to the mission the famed Green Lantern Corp, but on a "local" level, something that appealed to Ranma and Usagi sense of justice. In fact, Ranma was a member of the GLC as one the designated Green Lanterns of Sector 2314 (which encompassed the entire Milky Way Galaxy, since each "sector" encompassed 1/3600th of the universe). The Guardians of the Universe had allowed Ranma to participate in the Rangers, since they needed someone as a liaison to the Minbari-sponsored organization.
During the Shadow Wars, one of Ranma and Usagi's children, Aiko ("Anne") Nodoka Saotome-Sheridan, who was thought dead, had become an agent of the Shadows as "Sailor Z", the Senshi of Chaos. She had disappeared years before during an expedition into the still unexplored Beta Quadrant, only to return to her to her husband Captain John Sheridan, commanding officer of Babylon 5. John had resigned his Starfleet Commission in protest over the Federation's decision to remain neutral during the Shadow War. In fact, many of Starfleet's finest became Rangers during this time, and it was during that time that Ranma and Usagi had to stop their daughter once and for all.
Ironically, Aiko would be later reborn as the twin sister of Hoshiko Saotome many years later, and thus receive a second chance at life as a Sailor Scout for justice.
At present, Aiko, as the now "good" Sailor Z, is back on Z'Ha'Dum, quarantined by Minbar, where she guards the gateway that leads to Negaverse and other dark realms…including that of "the Watchers of the Deep" and the Cthulu (though, on occasion, one can still see the occasional "shadow vessel" roaming about in that sector of space). Many have foolishly tried to go to Z'Ha'Dum, since it has been said that there is technology and treasure there the likes that mortal men dare to imagine. And they have never been seen again. Even the Borg and the Dominion have tried to take over that star system, sending scouts and forces to that system, end up disappearing like many have in the past. So, for the most part, that world has been left alone.
By the way, it has now turned out that it was the order-minded Vorlons, the rivals of the chaos-minded Shadows, were responsible for the so-called "galactic barrier", the same one that caused Commander Gary Mitchell, Dr. Elizabeth Dehner and Usagi's "evolution", that kept many species contained in the Milky Way Galaxy. With the Vorlons, along with many other ancient races, gone "beyond the rim", the barrier was no longer needed. In fact, their departure would usher in a new age of exploration for the Alpha Quadrant.
And that was THAT.
And it is because of stuff like this that is causing Ranma to have many headaches. He knew stuff that he should not know, and experienced things that he should not have. Heck, until now, he has never been a Green Lantern, and yet he is now. Ranma promised himself that as soon as he could, he'll have to document everything that he has ever done, otherwise, he'd go insane.
END FLASHBACK!"Problem, Commander?"
Ranma looks up to see Captain Picard. Like all other Starfleet officers present, Picard was in his dress whites.
"Just dealing with these headaches, Captain."
"Ah, so you're still suffering from 'temporal narcosis'."
"Yeah. My doctor told me that I'll be able to adapt over time, but I don't want to have to take medication."
Ever since his doppelganger (thanks to a martial arts technique, called the "Shishin No Ken", allowed this to come about) disappeared, along with Usagi's doppelganger and the crew of the starship Voyager, disappeared in the Badlands (within the Cardassian Demilitarized Zone) a few years ago, Ranma had to deal with the fact that he wasn't as powerful as he was before. His headache would have been cleared up long before now, and it took a great deal of effort to perform the "Instant Transmission". Still, Ranma would have been more than willing to give up his power if it meant bringing back Kodachi Kuno (who was on her internship as a Starfleet Academy cadet), Wesley Crusher, Pert Xian Pu, his daughter Hoshiko Saotome and the others from wherever they are now.
"Well, I'm sure that you'll do whatever it takes to get yourself well."
"HEHEHEHEHE-!"
Ranma and Picard turns to a now drunken Counselor Usagi Tsukino, who was laughing at an off-color joke by Romulan delegate.
"And that is yet another headache I'll be dealing with on the way back home," Ranma smirks.
"Ranma-sama!"
Oh, no, Ranma thought. He turns his head.
"Hello, Laxwanna," Ranma replied.
The raven-haired ambassador of Betazed comes up to her old friend.
"I heard what happened, darling," Laxwanna said. "Miss Kuonji was a nice girl."
"Thanks," Ranma replied. "I just…wished that I was on top of my game, that's all. Everything is too routine for me lately."
"Well, you can do like I did, and become a 'new' parent again, like I did."
"No, thanks. And don't give Usagi any ideas either."
"As one noble house to another, I give you my word of honor that I will not SAY anything to her."
"Oh, Ranma," Usagi said in a sultry manner. "I need some…coffee, and I would like for us to have…coffee together!"
Ranma gives Laxwanna a dirty look.
"I did say that I wouldn't 'say' anything," Laxwanna said with a wink and a smile. "Besides…I need for you to give my young son a bride, so that our families can finally unite."
"Here we go again," Ranma says as he rolls his eyes.
Just then, Picard receives an important message from Starfleet. He then turns to Commander Riker and says something. Picard then turns to Ranma.
"Commander, we have a situation with Data. Apparently, he has been malfunctioning, and is going berserk."
Ranma's eye widened. Dealing with a renegade android was one thing; dealing with a renegade android that has enough armament to take down a good-size starship was another. He would have to rethink the wisdom of allowing Usagi to give Data "Dr. Gero Upgrade Kit".
"Count me in, sir."
"Thanks, Commander," Picard replies. "As soon as the delegation meeting is over, the Enterprise-E will join you shortly. Commander Riker will have the mission briefing."
Picard then looks at Usagi, who had her head down on the table.
"And I'll make sure Usagi is sober enough to participate in the mission," Picard smirks.
A short while later, a shuttle from the Enterprise-E enters a region of space known as "the Brier Patch", which makes even impulse power virtually impossible, save a narrow corridor. The planet of the Baku was located in the heart of this area of space. Joining Commanders Riker and Saotome was Commanders LaForge and Worf.
"Alright, we'll have to figure out why Data is acting the way he is," Riker says, as he checks his equipment. "So, who's going to be the one to personally deal with…Data."
"I'll do it," Ranma says. "I'm still at my tip-top shape."
"Not all of us has the gift of immortality, you know," La Forge says.
"Hey, trust me when I say that immortality is NOT a gift."
Soon, they make it to the earth-like Baku homeworld. Its rainbow-like ring almost had a hypnotic effect on the team.
"So…beautiful," Worf says.
The others look at Worf with a quizzical eye.
"Well, it is!"
Suddenly, the shuttle was being attacked by an unknown foe.
"Damn!" Ranma said, as he steered the shuttle out of the way of the attack. Being a pilot for years have given him razor sharp instincts. But his thoughts of Ukyo have impeded them.
"Evasive maneuver!" Riker says. "Worf, who's attacking us?"
"Checking…a Federation-type shuttle…it's Data!"
"That surprise attack got us good," Geordie says. "We have to do something before we get hit again."
"Leave that to me," Ranma says, as he willed his Green Lantern ring into existence…
BOOM!
Data's launching of his shuttle's photon cannons destroyed the shuttlecraft. Thankfully, Ranma had already have gotten his GL ring activated. Now, he wore his GL costume, which was like the clothes he used to wear when he was a teenager. However, instead of a Red or Blue, the shirt was green, and had the Green Lantern symbol (within a white circle) etched on his back. And he didn't bother wearing a mask with his uniform.
"Everyone alright?" Ranma asked, as he re-enforced his bubble.
"We are," Riker says. Then, he looks at the planet below. "Take us down."
As Ranma did so, he could see Data's shuttle barreling down on him and his crewmates.
BLAM! BLAM!
"Damn!" Ranma said, as he realized that Data had deduced what had happened, and that he changed the frequency of his weaponry to the "yellow" spectrum. Streaks of yellow-colored energy pierced Ranma's force field. And as everyone knew, the power of the Green Lantern ring has a weakness for anything colored "yellow". And wood, for that matter, but that is the LEAST of Ranma's problems.
"I'm getting too old for this," Ranma smirks.
Tbc.