Star Trek: Ranma's Story 57 – By DS Wynne

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 story depicts the events featured in "Star Trek: Nemesis". Also, in future chapters will cover the "DS9" and "Voyager" sagas in greater detail (though this chapter will drop "hints" as to what has happened since the previous chapter), as well as take a look at previous eras, such as the "Next Generations" and "Enterprise" eras (have to, since there is a new timeline now).

Part 57

Location: Outside of normal time and space.

"Ah, Saotome," said Q, as he sipped his tea. "Sometimes, you lower life-forms have interesting aesthetics."

Starfleet officer Commander Ranma Saotome looked around. Q was dressed in an old Victorian gray suit, while Ranma found himself dressed in a tan suit. He seemed to be in a study of some kind.

BONG! BONG! BONG!

Ranma looks out of the window. He could see the famous clock tower "Big Ben" in the distance. And based upon a casual observation of the air, Ranma must be in Q's version of Victorian England.

"All right, Q," Ranma says. "What's going on?"

"I'm surprised that you do not appreciate my surroundings."

"So you re-created something out of a 'Sherlock Holmes' novel. No big deal."

"Ah, but that should clue you in on what I am about the subject at hand."

Ranma pauses for a minute.

"You want me to solve a mystery."

"Go on."

"It's related to the Enterprise-E's present mission to Romulus."

"Good."

"This has something to do with Shinzon, who just assumed power on Romulus."

"Excellent! You're not such a 'jock' after all."

Q then takes out a book from the shelf; he then scans the pages for moment, and then flips open to a particular page.

"Here," Q says, as he sets the book down on the table.

Ranma goes over to the book, and scans the page. He then looks at the cover of the book. It read:

"THE LIFE AND TIMES OF CAPTAIN RANMA SAOTOME, UFP-SF."

Ranma then scanned the author's name.

It was HIS name that was credited.

"How-?"

"Actually, you will write that book sometime in the 31st century."

Ranma was stunned. To think that he'll be alive for another 700 years was mind-boggling. Then, he remembered something.

"I can't read this," Ranma said, as he sits the book down. "I don't want to risk disrupting the timeline."

"You already did, once that simpleton sprung that trap on you," Q says, as pointed to a portrait of Upperclassman Tatewaki Kuno. "And you have changed the timeline several times, both in the past and in the future, by your very presence…'Chaos Factor'. The only reason why you remember the changes, is because of your connection with those 'Prophets' you like cow-towing to."

Ranma nods. Anyone who spends any length of time in the Bajoran Wormhole's "Temple of the Prophets" receives the ability to perceive time outside the bounds of linear time. That's how he was able to save a village filled with the descendants of a downed Defiant crew (who originally crashed landed on a planet, in the past, via temporal flux, in the Gamma Quadrant), as well as being able to save a version of his great grand-daughter Molly's future self (the one who was trapped in the distant past, and grew into a adult, feral woman). And since becoming "the Warrior of the Prophets", Ranma's perception of time is growing. He did wonder if him being a trained "Temporal Warrior", back when he roamed the trans-dimensional nexus known as "The Rifts" with Usagi, had something to do with being chosen by The Prophets, when their enemies, the Pagh Wraths, broke free of their captivity. Being involved in the 'Temporal Cold War' was another possible criteria for being chosen by the Prophets to do their bidding.

"Anyway," Ranma says, as he sets the book down. "I'm bound by Starfleet's 'Temporal Prime Directive. I shouldn't be looking at this…book."

"Do what you want with it," Q says, as he lights up a pipe. "That is, if you are brave enough to face your next challenge."

"Fine," Ranma said, as he takes the book, and sits down on a nearby chair. "If it means I don't have to hang around you that much longer, then I'll read your damn chapter!"

Location: En route to Romulus (Enterprise-E's "Ten Forward").

Thanks to recent events, Commander Tasha Yar and Counselor Deanna Troi were having lunch to discuss things.

"So," Yar says.

"Ah, so," Troi replies.

Silence.

"Heh, it feels kinda weird to think that in a previous life, you and me were, well, you know…"

"If this is uncomfortable you, I understand," Troi replied with assurance.

"Whew, I'm glad of that you understand where I'm coming from. I mean, I like you and all, but…"

"And I am married, now. It is okay, Tasha."

"Cool."

"However, on Betazed, there are customs that will allow me to have a second spouse."

"?"

"I am kidding, Tasha."

"Oh. Okay. Say, do you think there's a 'Sailor Saturn' around?"

"I do not see why not. For all we know, the 'Warrior of Revolution' could be someone that we know…"

Location: "Sickbay", Enterprise-E.

Dr. Beverly Crusher was working on developing a counter-agent to the device that had killed the Romulan Senate. The red-haired doctor theorized that the water molecules were lifted from the cells of the target through a process called "aquatic-molecular de-synthesis". The weapon reverses the process in which the water is absorbed by cells. And since there is no place for the released molecules go, the molecules disappear in a form of vapor, leaving a husk behind.

"Dr. Crusher?"

Crusher looks up and sees Starfleet officer Captain Usagi Tsukino.

"Oh, Usagi," Crusher says, as she looks up from her work. "What can I do for you?"

"Well, I was wondering if you have room for a last minute, level five examination."

"Is there something wrong?" Crusher says, as she uses her medical Tricorder on Usagi.

"Well…it's just that ever since I had merged with the one of the Founders, I've been concerned with loosing cohesion or something."

Back when Usagi had assigned the Federation station "Deep Space Nine" as Counselor, a junk merchant came aboard the station to sell his wares to the Ferengi Quark. This was during the time when Constable Odo, a Changling, who was locked in humanoid form by his people as punishment. Usually, whenever Quark's contacts would visit, Odo and his security team inspect them and their wares. However, during one of Odo's inspections, Usagi came for a visit…

"QUARK!" Usagi yelled, as she stepped into the storage bay.

"Not now!" Quark said, as he tried to deal with one of Odo's men.

"You sold me a case of crappy Romulan Ale. I wanted that case for a party I was going to throw."

"You know that having Romulan Ale is illegal, Counselor," Odo said.

"I'm entitled to one CASE per year, as prescribed to my compact with the Federation as a former diplomat, Constable," Usagi said, as she whipped out her PADD. "See?"

Odo took a look at the e-notepad. As he read the document, his expression changed.

"I see," Odo said, as he handed the device back to Usagi. "I'll have to verify this, of course."

"Of course. Now, Quark…"

"Look, just take what you want until later," Quark said. "We'll talk later, okay?"

"Right," Usagi said. She looked around and saw a strange looking vial. "I'll take THIS."

"Yeah, whatever, just go."

"I'll need to have that examined," Odo says.

"Find, I'll run it by Jadzia. Later."

Later…

"Let's see. If I modulate the sound with the phonetic alphabet of the Rigellians…"

Usagi was working on upgrading the universal translator, while drinking her mug of soup. However, she was so busy, that instead of reaching for her mug, she picked up the container that contained the green goo. She had yet to take it over to Jadzia's lab.

"Yumm-SPORGH!"

Later in the infirmary…

"See? Your impulsiveness always gets you," Jadzia chided.

"I'm gonna die…"

"Don't worry, Counselor," Dr. Bashir says, as he took his medical readings. "We managed to pump out much of the substance out of you, but I would like for you to stay here for observation."

"Sure thing, doctor…if Dax keeps me company."

"Not on your life, Usagi."

In a previous life, Usagi had been romantically involved with then Federation ambassador Curzon Dax, a mutual friend of Ranma and Benjamin Sisko. While the affair was brief, it was an intense one. That is why, whenever Usagi hasn't seen Jadzia Dax for a long time, Jadzia risks the onslaught of Usagi's patented "Super Glomp". Woe to the one who stands in the way between Usagi and her "Dax-chan".

"Hey, it was worth trying."

Later, when Dr. Bashir went to check on Usagi…

"Dinner is ready- USAGI?"

Where Usagi was, there was a puddle of golden, clear goo.

"Dr. Bashir to Odo, Captain Sisko and Dax, please come to the infirmary immediately!"

It turned out that Usagi had picked up the characteristics of a Changeling. Thankfully, Usagi could assume her normal form after much concentration.

"I feel awful…"Usagi said, after resuming humanoid shape.

"Don't worry," Odo said. "I'll teach you how to manage your abilities."

And so Odo taught Usagi how to assume a variety of forms, including previous ones. Also, Usagi, thanks to her training using the doppelganger spell, she was able to create a duplicate of herself for special missions; one such duplicate would end up lost in the Delta Quadrant on the Federation starship Voyager, while trying to track down the renegade Marquis, former Federation citizens who quietly fought a rebellion against the Cardassians.

After the "Dominion War" began, the Founders of the Dominion caught a virus, thanks to the clandestine "Section 31". However, it was Usagi who saved their lives…

On the battered world of Cardassia Prime, an unlikely meeting was taking place between foes. Usagi's ex-husband, Ranma, thought that going into the proverbial "lion's den" was fool hardy, so he escorted Usagi, Col. Kira and Odo to the meeting that could change the course of events in the galaxy for years to come.

"What do you want, pretender?" said the Founder. This particular changeling hated "solids", and she especially hated Usagi for stealing the abilities of the Changelings.

"I've come to help you," Usagi said, as she came over to the diseased Founder. While she was nervous about catching the virus herself, she instinctively knew that her act of kindness would go a long way in ending the conflict between the Dominion and the Alpha Quadrant. So she, Odo and Commander Kira Nyres snuck passed enemy lines to meet the lead Founder.

"Why would a 'solid' help us? We ravaged your territories."

Usagi stepped forward.

"Because I understand your fears. I'm here to offer myself to you unconditionally. If you have any doubts of my sincerity, you can…absorb me completely."

"Usagi, no!" Ranma said. If the Founder did absorb Usagi, then the Founders will become unstoppable.

"Ranma, I have to do this. Peace and understanding is what I can truly offer…as a founder of the Federation."

Kira clutched Ranma's shoulder in moral support. She would have been the first to prevent Usagi from doing what she is proposing to do, but she had to trust in the wisdom of the Prophets…and so should the Warrior.

"All right, but you know what I would have to do if things go badly…"

"I understand, 'Ranchan'," Usagi replied, as she shared an intimate kiss with her ex-husband. She then turned back to the "female" Founder.

"Well?"

The Changeling thought for a moment.

"Very well, Founder of the Federation. Prepare for the Joining."

With one last hug between friends, Usagi clutched the Founder's hand. Slowly, the two became one, solid goo. A few minutes later, the goo separated from each other, forming into identical twins…of Usagi Tsukino.

"Usako…?" Ranma began.

"Usagi…?" Kira began.

"Founder…?" Odo began.

"The war is over," said one Usagi, who wore a flowing gown.

"And there will be peace," said another, who wore a Starfleet uniform.

Admiral Ross, chairman of the Alpha Quadrant Task Force, was not happy that the signing of the Terms of Surrender, and the subsequent peace treaty, was already hammered out. He was particularly not happy that he signed it with one of his own officers, who had done so on the behalf of the Dominion.

"You should have consulted with me on this, Counselor!" Ross yelled.

"And risk the lives of the Cardasssian citizens in the process?" Counselor Tsukino said. "Ross, thanks to Leget Dhamar's rebellion, the Founders would have killed their own allies as an object lesson for the cost of disloyalty."

"Be as it may, you should have consulted with me first."

"On the contrary, I gave Counselor Tsukino permission to undertake her mission," Captain Sisko interjected. "Had she failed, it would not have made any difference in our upcoming battle plan."

"Humph."

After Ross gives his final orders and leaves the conference room, Usagi turns to Captain Sisko.

"Why did you lie to Admiral Ross, Captain?"

"Because, Counselor, I know that your heart is in the right place."

Sisko had to trick the Romulans into siding with the Federation, and covered up the evidence. That is why he was willing to over-look Usagi's disobedience.

"Thank you, sir," Usagi said.

"You're welcome. Just trust me a bit more next time."

Since then, Usagi had to deal with her latest change. It's one thing to be enhanced; it's another when your entire world-view changes. The unfortunate side effect is that her moods are directly tied to her appearance. If she's angry, sad, flirty or whatever, Usagi's form would be altered slightly to match. Her shape-shifting abilities were still limited, since she is, more or less, a "young Changeling" in the eyes of the Founders. And speaking of whom, some still consider Usagi a pretender, since she was never born a Changeling.

"Okay, then," Dr. Crusher says. "I fit you in this afternoon."

"Thanks, Bev," Usagi replies. And with that, Usagi leaves Sickbay.

Meanwhile, in Data's lab, B-4, who was deactivated for a rest period, activates…

Lore…

"Yes, Master Shinzon?" B-4 replies.

Activate your protocols pertaining to "the Firefly".

B-4's eyes briefly change from gold to red.

"By your command…"

Tbc.