Star Trek: Ranma's Story 64 – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: "Ranma 1/2", "Sailor Moon", "Star Trek" and other genres belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Special note: Feedback time! Here goes...
To "MioRuglia" & "Jerry Unipeg", thanks!
To "Innortal", I know I had promised a separate "side-story" featuring the adventures of Akane ("Sailor Artemis") Tendo in full, but I ended up discontinuing that. It was too distracting. So I hope that my little blurb about what had happened to Akane in Part 63 will suffice.
To "Wonderbee31", I hope that you will begin to see what "changes" are taking place (mostly none, since I want to keep what has transpired in Ranma's life the same, while exploring new territory).
To "Xtor49", there has been a debate on exactly what Cap's shield is made of. In the 1980s (when I last read up on the character), it was made solely out of Adamantium, while later, it was made out of Adamantium-Vibranium (in the 1940s, they said that Cap's shield was made out of a mysterious alloy plus steel). If you feel that I should make a correction in this regard, let me know.
To "Aya Universe", thanks again letting me see you picture of Usagi as a Starfleet captain. She looks kwaii!
And now, on to the show...
Part 64
Location: "The Flying Dutchman".
"So, how was your first year atStarfleet Academy?" Robert Saotome asks his father Ranma.
"Like I said, it was tough," Ranma replies, as he bit into his stake. "However, without the usual freaks attacking me all the time-"
"'Freaks'?"
"My fellow classmates and rivals, son."
"Oh."
"Anyway, without THEM around, life at the academy was a piece of cake."
FLASHBACK!
Presidio, San Francisco, California: Starfleet Academy.
Cadet Ranma Saotome was having a difficult time adjusting to his new role as a student at Starfleet Academy. It wasn't so much that the course work was difficult, although they are challenging indeed. It was the push to become more discipline, beyond the Art,that proved to be the sticking point.
"Cadet Saotome…MOVE IT!"
"Yes, Upperclassman Niedermayer!" Cadet Saotome said, as he continued to run around the school track. He had made one too many mistakes during the drill instruction, and thus was being punished for it.
Of course, Ranma had to put up the front of suffering punishment for his "mistakes".
Later…
"I hate this place,"Ranma said, as he plopped on his bunk. He and his new friend, Cadet Usagi Tsukino, share a dorm together. "Just like in my old school, this place is full of jerks!"
Usagi was doing her assignment, when Ranma comes in. She turns to see a frustrated Ranma.
"Ah, Ranma, it'll be okay,"Usagi says.
"I hope you're right," Ranma replied. He wondered if he made a mistake of joining Starfleet...
As part of the curriculum, Starfleet cadets were given field assignments during one of their Quarters (four per School year). Since Usagi was going into "Ship Operations", she had to study different areas, such as the sciences, engineering and piloting within a general context (which is why she and others like her were sometimes called "Jacks", as in "Jack-of-All-Trades"). All Operations Specialists have to be familiar with key ship systems, so that they can substitute for the primary personnel. If, for example, the Helm Officer is "down", the Operations Specialist can fulfill that duty. On that score, Usagi couldn't wait until she learned how to pilot a starship…much to the consternation of her instructors.
Ranma, on the other hand, had chosen "Piloting" and "Security Operations" for his specialities. He didn't feel smart enough to go into the sciences, nor patient enough to be technical. Still, his chosen career tracks were just as important as those egg-headed professions. That is why he was chosen, along with Usagi, to take part in the internship aboard the Earth starship Enterprise.
"Hello!" said Cadet Usagi Tsukino, as she and Ranma walk onto the debriefing area of the Bridge of the Enterprise.
Ranma merely shakes his head. Sometimes he runs the risk of catching diabetes just by hanging out with Usagi.
T'Pol of Vulcan, the Ship's First Officer, looks at Usagi, then at Ranma, and then at Captain Archer.
"Sir, we are not being punished for something we did in the past, right?"
"T'Pol, it's not that bad," Archer said. "Besides, this will give you the opportunity to mold these cadetsinto your image!"
"I find that appalling."
"Well, I'll look after her then," said Lt. Hoshi Sato (Communications Specialist), as she placed her hands on Usagi's shoulders.
"And I'm sure Miss Tsukino would love tending to the animals in Sickbay," Dr. Phlox says with a smile.
"Well, as long as you keep her out of trouble, we'll be fine," said Chief Engineer Charles ("Trip") Tucker.
"In the mean time, Cadet Saotome is with me," said Security Specialist Malcolm Reed.
"I can't WAIT to teach him how to pilot the ship," said Lt. Lee Merryweather, with a smile.
"I'm honored, sir," Ranma replies.
"Well, if there is nothing else, let's begin the staff meeting…"
During the quarter,Ranma and Usagi learned at the feet of the senior staff. However, not everything went as well as it could have been…
"Left! Left!" Merryweather yelled, as he supervised Ranma's piloting training.
The Enterprise was being directed through an asteroid field in a far-off system.
The cadet grimaced, as he piloted the ship away from the danger.
Later…
"You have to arm the photon torpedoes properly," Chief Reed said, as he quickly removed the fuse. "You'll need to practice some more, before I'll allow you access to live ordinance."
"Okay," Ranma said with disappointment.
Usagi was not having any more luck adapting either.
SKREEE!
"Oops," Usagi said, as she quickly shut down the frequency amplifier. Lt. Sato was showing Usagi how to interpret "Morse Code" over the various bandwidths.
"What!" Hoshi said, as she was trying to get rid of the ringing out of her ear.
Later…
"Dr. Phlox, I'm so sorry!" Usagi cried, as she began to administer the anti-toxin to Dr. Phlox. One of Phlox's animals had gotten loose, and had stuck Phlox in the process.
"Not…to…worry," Phlox managed to say. "I'll…recover…"
And so it went.
The command crew complained to Captain Archer about Usagi's antics, and, as a result, Archer was forced to report his concerns to her sponsor…
"Admiral Forrest, I really don't thinkthose twoare cut-out for Starfleet duty. While Reed, Tripp and T'Pol's objections are understandable, the others are equally concerned about her."
"Archer, it's very important that those cadet pass their first year. Starfleet Command will give you the resources necessary for you to ensure that this is the case."
"Sir, I've known you for years, and, other than the 'Warp 5 Project', I've never seen you so passionate abouttheireducation."
"Well, John, this 'push' is from Crystal Tokyo, that's why."
"Oh," Archer says. Earth was essentially a constitutional monarchy, thanks to the influence by the late Neo-Queen Serenity. After all, the entire planet was saved from the brink of destruction on numerous occasions throughout the mid-21st century. When the Neo-Queen died saving the Earth from an alien entity, the United Nations honored her sacrifice by changing its constitution, thus creating a constitutional monarchy within the governing body. Not that it really matter, since the heir of Crystal Tokyo, the Neo-Princess Serena, is in a state of permanent stasis. Still, Miss Setsuna Meioh was her "Regent", and thus could have a say within the governing body of the UN.
"I'll do my best, sir."
"I know you will, John."
Presidio, San Francisco, California: Starfleet Command.
"Well, Regent," Admiral Forrest said, as he turns to his "guest", "I did what I could."
"Excellent, Admiral," Setsuna replied. She had been given reports about Usagi's progress, and wanted keeps tabs on the Moon Princess.
And Ranma Saotome will serve his purpose by being her companion. That way, Usagi will not be so...homesick.
"Continue to inform me oftheir performance."
"Yes, Regent."
In the end, other than some few missteps, Ranma and Usagi made it through the first phase of their internship.
Unfortunately, it almost ended in disaster when a Suliban agent, a chameleon species, had infiltrated...in order to plant a bomb on board...
"Man, that was something," Ranma said, as he finished replacing the conduits that fed power between the warp nacelles. As he crawled out of the junction. He say Chief Engineer Tucker on the floor.
"Huh?" Ranma said, as he qucikly went to check on Tucker's life signs. Then, he felt his danger senses ring...
WHISH!
Ranma quickly ducked, as he turned to face a bizaare creature. The creature had skin that reminded Ranma of a skin made from numerous pebbles linked together. Its eyes were yellowish black, and he was thin and had no hair. He wore a skin-tight brown outfit that reminded Ranma of a gymnist.
"So," the creature began. "You are here as well. I wanted to simply plant a bomb in engineering, but your death will be a bonus for my employer."
"Huh?"
"As I recall, the so-called 'Warrior of the Prophets' was not suppose to arrive this early in YOUR future."
"I don't know what you are talking about, you freak!"
The creature began to slowly circle Ranma.
"Then again, you were marked for termination anyway, so..."
The creature lashed out, at speeds that surprised even Ranma.
"Gah!" Ranma said, as he ducked.
"Ah! I had forgotten that you haven't reached your next evolution just yet. This will be easier than I thought!"
The creature took another swing at Ranma, who, much to the creature's surprise, caught the incoming fist.
"You may have surprised me, freak, but you have my full attention now!"
Ranma balled up his other fist, and struck back...hard.
POW!
The creature landed on the bulkhead hard...and disappeared!
Ranma quickly scanned for his foe...and was struck by and invisible force.
Ranma rolled with the blow.
"Too hard for you, eh?" said the creature's voice.
Ranma narrowed his eyes. All life forms give off an aura. So, if he focus on that..."
Ranma sees a shape made out of energy.
He thinks he can hide from me, Ranma thinks to himself. His mistake.
POW!
The blow knocks the creature from his concentration, rendering his invisibility ability null and void.
"Oof!" the creature says, as he is knocked down.
"You want more, freak? Stand down!"
"I would like to do that, human, but YOUR time is almost up!"
And with that, the creature disappears in a shower of light.
"Damn!
Ranma hurries back to Tucker, who was groggy.
"Mr. Tucker!"
"Oh, my head...WAIT! There's a bomb on the on the warp engines!"
"Where?"
"Right there!"
Ranma runs to where Tucker points, and sees the bomb. On a few seconds were left...
"What are we going to do?" Ranma asks.
"Put it in the emergency vent chute over...there!"
Ranma grabs the bomb, pulls it and a piece of the engine casing, and runs over to the chute and stuffs the bomb in. He sees an emergency release button, and presses it...
BOOM!
The Enterprise rocks a bit, but all was well.
"Whew," Ranma says, as he slumps a bit.
"Good job, kid. Good job..."
END FLASHBACK!
"I bet that action of yours impressed Archer and the command crew, Dad," Robert says, as he ate his desert.
"It certainly did," Ranma replies. "That is why when the Xindi had attacked Earth during my third year at the academy, Admiral Archer had no problem in taking me back as a part of his crew, even if I was still a cadet at the time. And I wouldn't learn until later the reason why your mother was allowed to come along as well..."
FLASHBACK!
A few weeks after the unprovoked attack on Earth by the Xindi, a species made up of humanoids with animal charateristics, Starfleet Command decides to send the Enterprise to the "Delphic Expanse", the home of the Xindi.
"Admiral, I don't mind taking Cadet Saotome with me; he's proven his worth," Captain Jonathon Archer says over the com-link. "But it's too dangerous to bring Cadet Tsukino along with us; she's non-essential."
"You will have the MACOs, John," Admiral Forrest says. "So there shouldn't be a problem THERE."
"But why Cadet Tsukino? Other than recently passing both her Engineering Certification and Emergency Medical Technician's test, there isn't much she can offer."
"Then it will be up to you to change that. And besides, if Cadet Tsukino's tenure is a success, we can have a program for cadets that have solid field experience...cadets besides Cadet Saotome."
Archer sighs. Then again, he could remember way back in the day, when he was a Starfleet cadet…and how he always wanted to go on long-range missions.
"Fine, Admiral. I'll accept her."
"Good. And as for T'Pol…I'll make sure to run defense with the Vulcan High Command."
"Thanks, Admiral. Archer out."
"Forrest out…and good luck, John."
Click.
Archer leans back in his seat in office. He liked Usagi, but he wasn't sure if she was cut out for Starfleet to begin with. Still, Admiral Forrest would not have permitted her to be part of this mission, if there wasn't a good enough reason…
Meanwhile, in the office of Admiral Forrest, at Starfleet Academy (Presidio, San Francisco)…
"Well, that's that," Admiral Forrest says, as he shuts off his com-link. "Cadet Tsukino will be aboard the Enterprise."
"I am glad, Paul," Regent Princess Setsuna ("Sailor Pluto") Meioh, of Crystal Tokyo. "The Xindi will make good allies in the future…if we make sure that the Sphere Builders do not corrupt even further than they already have."
Forrest nods. He was familiar with the Princess' ability to observe the timeline. However, temporal mechanics was tricky business, and it took a lot of effort on the Guardian of Time's part to rebuff 90 percent of the incursions caused by the event known as "the Temporal Cold War", a "quiet" war between time-travelers who seek to dominate the timeline. Unfortunately, one of temporal factions, the other-dimensional Sphere Builders, who seek to reshape normal space into their own image, were that ten percent that got past Setsuna. So now, it's up the Enterprise to stop the Xindi from doing the Sphere Builders' bidding: the destruction of the Earth; the first attempt created a swath of destruction from Venezuela to the Florida panhandle. Commander Tucker, the Enterprise's chief engineer, was deeply affected by the attack, since his hometown was mostly destroyed, and his younger sister killed. Forrest really wished that the heroes of yesterday were still around, but they haven't been seen since "the Second Dark Ages".
Food for thought, yes?
The next day…
Cadet Usagi ("Sailor Moon") Tsukino sighed, as she looked out from the observation deck in the rear of the Enterprise. She could see the Earth, as her ship leaves Earth orbit. Usagi would not have gone, if Setsuna hadn't convinced her to. The only good thing about all this…is that she gets to see her new friend Lt. Hoshi Sato (Communications Specialist), whom she has corresponded with since, well, forever.
"Usagi, are you okay?"
Usagi turns to seeRanma standing there. Apparently, he has been standing there for a while.
"Ah, it's nothing," Usagi says.
"Okay, come on," Ranma replies, ashe walks up to stand by Usagi's side. "You're a lot more bubbly than this."
"Oh, okay. It's just that with how Captain Archer's mission is, I…I don't want to fail him."
Ranma chuckled.
"What?"
"You know, with an attitude like yours, we might make it back alive."
"How so?"
"Well, you care about how you will do, and you are mindful of the captain's expectations. I say, if you keep those two things in mind, then you have nothing to worry about."
Usagi nods. Then she smiles. She then hugs Ranma.
"Thanks. I needed that."
"Glad to hear that."
And with that, Usagi leaves.
When Ranma is alone, he turns his attention to the Earth. Lately, he has been trying to start up a relationship the semi-retired Admiral Akane Tendo. And lately, she has been a bit more receptive to his advances.
Not that trying to date Akane is a justification for trying to save the Earth. After all, a martial artist is supposed to protect the weak and helpless.
Still...
"I promise that I will be back, Akane," Ranma vowed. "I promise."
And with, the Enterprise set a course to the mysterious Delphic Expanse, in order to stop the Xindi from destroying the Earth.
END FLASHBACK!
"Eventually,we would confront the Xindi race, after much exploration of the Delphic Expanse," Ranma said, after paying his tab. "Apparently, the Xindi, who consists of seven varieties of sub-species, were fighting amongst them selves, when their homeworld blew up."
"Wait," Robert says, as he gets his jacket. "Weren't the Sphere Builder involved in all this?"
"Correct. The Sphere Buildersn had been defeated by a Federation-Xindi alliance shortly after your mother assumed command of the Enterprise-E. So they went back in time to undermine that alliance by pretending to be gods. Theytook advantage of the Xindi, who werestill suffering from their civil war at the time, andconvinced the Xindi that the Earth would one day destroy them. As a result, they urged themto takea pre-emptive strike on Earth."
"I see now. The Sphere Builders hoped that by 'helping' the Xindi to destroy a pre-Federation Earth, they could reshape the Milky Way Galaxy unhindered."
"Right. In fact, they needed to have the one person who was responsible for the Federation-Xindi alliance destroyed before they could advance their agenda: the future Starfleet Captain Usagi Tsukino, of the Federation starship Enterprise-E."
"Mom was that important?"
"Of course she was...IS! They banked on the idea that if they can destroy either Enterprise, the Earth or your mother, the Milky Way Galaxy would be theirs for the taking."
"I see..."
"Well, we better get back to the house. You KNOW how she can get..."
And with that, father and son went home.
Fin.
Author's note: Other than a few details, everything that Ranma has experienced in the previous timeline happens in the new one. The only difference is that in the new timeline, Ranma is already in Starfleet when he meets Kirk and his crew. That means that future installments will be NEW additions, rather than rehash of the stuff from the previous chapters. So, as the story continues, we'll learn more about Ranma's time in the world of "Star Trek"...and beyond! C&C are welcomed.
Next time: It is the year 2246 (twenty years before the reign of Starfleet Captain James T. Kirk). We take a look at Ranma and Usagi's life during the time of Captain Robert April, as the two uses their considerable expertise and experience from their extensive travels to field test the new Constitution-class starship Enterprise. Unfortunately, an old enemy from their past might end their renewed careers before they truly begin! See you nex time!