Star Trek: Ranma's Story 58 – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: "Ranma ½", "Star Trek", "Sailor Moon" and other genres belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Special Note: After the "Star Trek: Insurrection" tie-in, I'll take a step back slightly while going forward. I will expand Ranma Saotome's "story" in order to clarify his role in the Star Trek universe. Thus, the "Enterprise" saga (which will examine Ranma's years under the commands of Captains Archer, April, Pike, Kirk, Decker, Kirk again, and Spock, all taken place before the events of "Wrath of Khan") will have seven parts, "The Next Generation" saga will have seven parts, the "Deep Space Nine" saga will have seven parts, and the "Voyager Saga" will have seven parts as well. That's twenty-eight parts total. All of them will have hints at what was going on in Ranma's life. For example, shortly after the founding of the Federation, Ranma suffers a personal loss when his best friend (guess who?) is presumed to have died during a deep space mission. How he will deal with THAT will be answered when the presumed deceased returns…changed.
And in between those sagas, there will be an interlude featuring Ranma and Usagi Tsukino's "misadventures" outside the confines of Starfleet, whether it is a sojourn into "The Rifts" (a trans-dimensional nexus that leads to even more realms and dimensions), "Middle Earth" (from JRR Tolkien), attending the other-worldly, prestigious "Illuminati University" (or simply "IOU"…and YOU are not authorized to know what the "O" stands for!), and other places.
Towards the end of this story, we will look at the Star Trek universe post-Voyager, as we see Ranma assume command of Deep Space Nine, and fulfills his role as "the Warrior of the Prophets" while guiding the Bajorans towards "paradise".
Finally, we'll wrap up the story where an older Ranma Saotome must make a decision that will define and redefine his life thus far. After all, as "the Chaos Factor", ultimately, Ranma will decide his OWN Fate. Stay tune for details.
BTW, let me know if you all want me to write up a complete chronology (pre- and post- "First Contact", since THAT is the divergent point). It will be added within the notation section in the chapter that comes after the "Nemesis" saga. Later!
Part 58
Location: Romulus.
The Romulan Star Empire had been mysterious for years, until it was discovered that this expansionist regime was being helmed a splinter group of pre-logic "Vulcans". At the time, there was a civil war between those who sought peace and harmony and those who wished to be ruled by their "passions". Eventually, the followers of the Vulcan philosopher Surak won the day, sending the "renegades" off into space. Officially, no one knew what had happened to them. Unfortunately, these same renegades would become the expansionist "Romulans", who would go on the path of the conqueror…starting with the neighboring world of Remus. Unfortunate still, the Romulans would secretly return to their mother-world, and begin to subtly influence Vulcan politics, vis-à-vis the "Vulcan High Command". Had a Vulcan monk named Syrran not have discovered the katra (or "soul") of Surak at an archeological dig in the dissolute province on Vulcan, the Romulans, who were starting to be known, would have took over Vulcan.
Too bad a Terran male name "Ranma Saotome" was in the way.
The time-lost, Starfleet cadet was escorting his commanding officer, Captain Jonathan Archer, Science Officer T'Pol and Syrran to the dig site, when Syrran was assassinated by unknown assailants. At the time, T'Pol's mother had joined Syrran as a "Syrranite", and, as such, wanted to restore the teachings of Surak to the Vulcan consciousness. The problem became clear that the VHC did not want them to succeed, and were harassing the Syrranites every step of the way.
In a desperate move, the dying Syrran transferred Surak's katra to Ranma Saotome, knowing that Ranma was "special"; it did help that the martial artist was known as "The Chaos Factor", as indicated from numerous stories that involved the camouflaging "Suliban", the cantankerous "Klingons" and the nefarious "Xindi". In fact, when a human is known to have single-handedly destroyed an entire network of dimensional warping spheres in a single sitting, such reputation would go a long way.
Afterwards, Ranma had to deal with both the Syrranites (who wanted to take Surak from him by force) and the VHC who wanted to kill him. His best friend, fellow Starfleet cadet Usagi Tsukino, was there for him, as he had to deal with memories and a conscious from a man who was instrumental in bringing peace to Vulcan.
At least Surak had a good sense of humor about being a part of the Chaos Factor himself.
In the end, Ranma/Surak revealed a treasure trove of Surak's writings, the VHC was discredited and disbanded, and the tom-boy T'Pau, a young Syrranite freedom fighter, who was trying to take Surak from him, became the new guardian for Surak's katra. Interestingly, a part of Surak remained within Ranma, but a part of HIM went with Surak into T'Pau. It was deliciously ironic when T'Pau picked up some of his Ranma's personality traits, something that would become useful 100 years later, when his friend Spock had to go through a ritual marriage ceremony with T'Pau presiding.
Nevertheless, Ranma earned the enmity of the Romulans from that day forward. And it wasn't going to be the last time Ranma put a stop in their agenda.
The second time was when Ranma was instrumental in the defeat of the Romulans during the "Earth-Romulan War".
The third time was when Ranma had stolen a Romulan cloaking device, and humiliated the operations commander spectacularly.
The fourth time was when Ranma, who was the commanding officer of the U.S.S Excelsior, which was on a training mission at the time, defeated a Romulan task-force, after it had attacked the Klingon world of Khitomer and destroyed the Enterprise-C.
The fifth time was when both Ranma and Usagi intervened during the "Klingon Civil War", while the Romulans were secretly backing the Klingon Royal House of Duras. Ranma's alliance with the Klingon Kang would allow them to expose the Duras and its connection with the Romulans.
The latest major conflict between Ranma and the Romulans occurred his friend Ambassador Spock attempted "unification" between Vulcan and Romulus. Ranma exposed the plot of the Romulans using Spock's agenda to take over Vulcan from within. The only good thing that resulted from this was that Tasha Yar and her demi-Romulan daughter Sela (the result of some time-travel shenanigans) were finally reunited as mother and daughter. Things are still a bit tense between the two, but it was this relationship that enabled the Romulans to side with the Federation during the "Dominion War".
Of course, there were numerous things that annoyed the Romulan High Command, all thanks to Ranma's actions.
And now, one of the Romulans' numerous "Anti-Ranma Saotome" projects is about to come to forefront…
…Unfortunately, Ranma himself was no-where to be found, at the moment.
"Picard to Tsukino," said Captain Jean-Luc Picard, over the PA.
Starfleet Captain Usagi Tsukino, acting commanding officer of the Federation Station "Deep Space Nine", looks up from what was driving her attention. At the moment, Dr. Beverly Crusher (CMO) was drawing a "blood" sample from her, as part of her over examination.
"This is 'Tsukino' speaking. What's up?"
"We can't seem to locate Commander Saotome. Commander Yar wanted to know if she needs to do a 'level one' search."
"Um, I believe that 'He-Who-Should-Not-Be-Mentioned' needed to speak with Ranma for a while."
"Great," replies Picard, thinking that Q's interference could jeopardize the latest mission. "Usagi, since Saotome is 'unavailable', I need someone with your diplomatic background to accompany the meeting with the new 'praetor'."
"I understand, Jean-Luc," said Usagi as she smiled. One of the privileges of being a Federation captain was her right to be on a first-name basis with Picard. "I'll get my things ready."
"Good. I'll see you shortly. Picard out."
"Well, we're done for now," Dr. Crusher says, as she takes the blood sample. Through the test-tube, she could see that the "blood" was turning a clear, gold gel. "I'll have this analyzed before we proceed further with your examination."
"Thanks," Usagi replies, as she morphs her sleeves back into place. Essentially, she was using her own form to make clothes for her to wear. In fact, technically, Usagi was an amorphous being, who was using her own mind to determine her form. "I'll see YOU later."
And with that, Usagi left Sickbay.
Dr. Crusher sits the sample in place, and was about to gather together her materials, that which would determine the weapon used to kill off the Romulan Senate, when she felt a presence. Crusher turns around, and sees her son Lt. Wesley Crusher. He and his girlfriend Ensign Kodachi Kuno were to accompany the Enterprise-E to Betazed, for Riker and Troi's wedding, when Picard received his latest mission.
"Oh, Wesley," Crusher began. "I'm glad that you are here-"
"Wesley", who was looking stern, pointed a finger at Dr. Crusher.
ZAP!
"Ohhhhh…" Dr. Crusher says, as she fell over. As she falls, "Wesley" catches "his" mother. He then jerked his head, which deactivates his disguise.
"This is 'Lore'," the Soong-type android said. "I have the 'Firefly'."
Excellent, Lore…you have done a good job. Soon, we will be able to harness the power of the Senshi of Revolution!
Location: Remus.
The conquered world of Remus has long since been the home the worst offenders of the Romulan sensibilities. Since Shinzon's coup, it has become the epicenter of his military high-command, headed by the Viceroy. The Remans themselves have served as the Romulans "shock-troops" throughout the years, especially during the Dominion War. And now that Shinzon had destroyed the RHC, the Remans will begin to expand their horizons beyond the scope of their previous confinement as a race of conquerors.
Too bad the Sailor Scouts have something to say about that.
Down near a military compound, a two pairs of eyes peek over the ridge, where supplies were being loaded on several transport ships.
"Sailor Mercury'," Sailor Bajor says, as she peers through her binoculars. "I'm looking at several cargo containers being prepped for loading."
Sailor Trill was supervising the streaming data, determining what was relevant for their mission. The Borg may be the ultimate "data crunchers", but they lacked the flavor to factor in the so-called "human condition".
"I'm transferring the updated "threat matrix", 'Trill says.
Sailor Ocampa was going over the latest information she has received concerning Shinzon's biological weapon, with Sailor Neo-Moon assisting.
"Do you…think we'll succeed?" 'Neo-Moon asks, as she examined the samples from the data.
"We will, princess," 'Ocampa replies. "We will."
Back on Remus, Sailor Mercury taps one of 'Bajor's shoulders in acknowledgement. She then uses her Mercury Computer to relay the information to the orbiting "Borg Diamond", which was using 'jammers' to hide its presence.
"We read you, 'Mercury," Sailor Borg replies. "We will update the information."
In another military facility, Sailors Venus and Jupiter was using stealth to get to the main headquarters of the Remans. 'Venus received the data.
"'Jupiter!" 'Venus says. "I just received the code to gain entrance into the compound."
"Okay," 'Jupiter says, as she crouches. She sees a Reman guard passing by…
Suddenly, 'Jupiter reaches up, places her hands on both sides of the guard's face, and delivers a controlled shock.
ZAP!
'Venus opens a nearby utility closet, while 'Jupiter places the guard inside.
Meanwhile, Sailors Shin-Vulcan and Q'onos have entered a key power plant. After they take down a "check-point" 'Shin-Vulcan and Q'onos begin to adjust the control panel.
"I am opening the main vent to the power core," 'Shin-Vulcan says, as her hands danced across the panel. "You will need to go to the core itself and place the bomb there as back up."
"All right," 'Q'onos says, as she carries her special pack on her back. "I'll need to have some cover, though."
'Shin-Vulcan opens a case that contained a special Federation-issued rifle. It was specially designed to shoot through walls without leaving any traces. She then places a special head-set on her head, which will help her track down Q'onos' movements.
"You have your cover."
"Well, I guess my chances of surviving this mission has gone up a notch."
Down in one of the mines, two Sailor Scouts were visiting two girls. One was the daughter of a Reman freedom fighter. She was caught up in the net used by Shinzon that was against Shinzon's rise to power. In spite of being a Reman, she had been followers of Ambassador Spock's unification movement, and was seeking peaceful overtures in the development of sentient rights. Thus, she was one of the few Remans who were forced to mine the dilithium caves.
Sailors Mars and Earth were disguised as prisoners, wrapped in cloaks, as they were being led to the bowels of the planet.
"Move along, humans!" said the Reman overseer, as he pushed one of his latest "guest".
"Oof!" 'Mars says, as she falls down to the ground. "Why you-!"
'Earth motions 'Mars to remain silent, as she helps up the Warrior of Mars
"There," 'Earth says, as she points out to one of the prisoners.
'Mars looks over to where 'Earth was pointing. She was still getting used to the idea of a plethora of aliens being the norm, so 'Mars was not exactly sure if the creature before her was "pretty". Remans typically look "bat-like", giving them a "vampiric" quality. The girl in question was no exception…exception for the fact that the girl was one of the nicer Remans.
"It's okay," said the Reman girl, as she comes over to the two. She gave 'Mars a cup of water, since the mining caves can get very arid. "Rocco is just antsy about processing new prisoners."
"Thank you, Miss…?" Mars began.
"R'Ma'na," the girl says with a toothy smile.
'Mars looks over to 'Earth who nods her head.
"How…would you like to become…a 'Sailor Scout'?" 'Mars asked.
"Huh?"
Location: Somewhere outside of time and space.
Starfleet Commander Ranma Saotome shuts his "autobiography" closed. He closed his eyes, and rubbed his forehead.
"Oy, vey," Ranma says.
"Indeed," Q replies, as he continues to smoke his pipe. "You are quite involved in these trying affairs, dear Ranma."
Ranma looks outside the study, trying to contemplate his next move.
"Tell me, why are you doing this?" Ranma says, without bothering to turn his attention.
"As I said before, you are the Moon Princess' 'First Knight'…and her mate. And, as I said before, Usagi is MY daughter, so I have a vested interest in her welfare."
"Is that why you made sure that King Endymion was reborn as a woman in his second incarnation?"
"…MAY-be…"
Ranma rolls his eyes.
"Well, if I have to deal with 'Shinzon', I'll need some training."
"Which is where I come in, Dad," said a voice.
Ranma turns to see his foster-son Son Goku. Ranma and Usagi raised the Saiya-jin warrior from the time when he was a small child, some timebeforethe two had served as a test crew for the first Federation starship Enterprise, under the command of Captain Robert April. The Earth-like world of "Chikyuu" was an Earth colony that was founded during the age of early space exploration from Earth, when it still took years to travel across the universe at "Warp One". Much of Ranma and Usagi's advance martial arts training was developed on Chikyuu, resulting in both of them becoming more powerful than an average human. Interesting, Ranma has always been human throughout this experience, avoiding artificial means of "powering up", resulting in him being proud of his achievements. He did have his potential expanded by various aliens and mystics- the Old Supreme Kai being a recent one –but Ranma was still essentially human. His beau Usagi Tsukino, on the other hand, had been augmented with Saiyajin DNA, and had evolved into a "Saiyajin Princess"…much to the consternation of the so-called "Prince of all the Saiyajin". Originally, Usagi, being the "Mad Scientist" that she is, developed a "booster serum" with her pal Dr. Bulma Briefs. She was afraid that when the Saiyan Prince Vegeta and his henchman Nappa invaded Chikyuu, none of them would survive…especially since the fabled "Dragon Balls" (seven mystic, orange spheres that, when gathered, grant a single wish) were not accessible at that point in time. So the booster serum, developed based upon Goku's son Gohan's genes was to give Chikyuu's chief defenders, "The Z Warriors", an edge. However, only Krillan and Usagi used the experimental serum, while Ranma and the others declined the offer. Unfortunately, there was a side effect that didn't come to the fore until later, mostly when Usagi already compromised genes, thanks to the dreaded "Xenomorph Incident", interacted with the serum. The result? A Usagi Tsukino who achieved the "fifth" level of the legendary "Super-Saiyajin".
Not that Ranma was small potatoes. Ranma did achieve the previously unheard of "Super-Human" status, without the need to get doused with cosmic rays, gamma rays, or a bite from a radioactive spider. Ranma was faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap a building in a single bound, and nothing less than a bursting artillery shell could hurt him.
And that didn't include the chi, mystic, psychic or "chakra" tricks that are at his considerable disposal, which more than made up for any deficiency Ranma might have in a fight…especially where Shinzon is concerned.
"All right," Ranma sighed, as he took off his jacket. "Let's get to work."
Tbc.
Author's note: A little more "exposition" in parts (more than I cared for), but it was necessary in order to justify what is about to go down.
Next time: As Ranma Saotome trains for his up-coming fight, as the Sailor Scouts continue to undermine Shinzon's forces, as Dr. Crusher's destiny as "the Firefly" is revealed, the true identity is Shinzon himself will be revealed…and nothing will be the same ever again! Honest.