Disclaimer: "Ranma ½", "Sailor Moon", "Star Trek" and other genres belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Part 83
Location: Rubicon III (a week later).
It all started normal enough.
Having discovered the Edo, a group of "Aryan" (read: blond haired and blue eyed) people, who were living on a virtual paradise. These people were proud of both their culture and their athletic physique, something that the ever-confidant Ranma Saotome could appreciate. And they wanted to share their world to non-Edo, which is why the Edo had invited an Away Team from the Enterprise-D to their world. In fact, they wanted to share everything with their new friends…prompting Usagi Tsukino-Saotome to watch her husband Ranma like a hawk.
Speaking of which, Ranma was amazed that these people did not need to actually work for their way of life. However, one of the leaders of the Edo people, an attractive female named "Rivan", stated that their 'god' was providing for them. For the most part, humanity barely have any relations with deities and the supernatural, theorizing that they were nothing more than powerful alien humanoids and non-humans; Captain Jean-Luc Picard was a proponent of this viewpoint. However, Ranma (and Usagi, for that matter) knew that the universe was a lot less quantifiable than mortals tend to think the universe is. Still, whether god or mortal, human or alien, if said being was a foe, said foe would have a problem with said Ranma.
Which brings this little tale to the point of it all. When young Wesley Crusher had inadvertently violated an ordinance of the Edo, which was simply a roped-off area, while playing catch with his new friends, Wesley was automatically sentenced to death.
Of course, everyone aboard the Enterprise-D had other ideas.
However, after an attempt to become Wesley's advocate, Picard ends up facing an alien probe from a rather large alien vessel…that turned out to be the space citadel of the Edo god. The Edo god warned them to NOT interfere in the affairs of its "children". This is on top of the fact that there is "Starfleet General Order Three" to contend with, which explicitly state no Starfleeter is to interfere in the affairs of the Edo. So…
"What are we going to do for my son?" Dr. Crusher demanded.
"There is very little we can do, Doctor," Picard replies. "We ARE exploring our options."
"That's not good enough! We're talking about Wesley!"
Crusher then turns to Ranma, who had his head down and arms crossed, while leaning on a bulkhead.
"Ranma, surely you can do something!"
Ranma looked up.
"I don't have too many options," Ranma says. "I've already talked to Lianna, and she told me that Wesley's situation did not warrant 'Green Lantern' business, and as a Starfleeter, I'm under the same obligations that everyone here is under. However…"
"Yes?"
"Doctor…Beverly," Ranma began, as he held Crusher's shoulders. "There might be a way for everyone to get what they want. All it requires is…THE AWAKENING."
There was a deathly silence in the conference room.
"What is this 'Awakening'?" Counselor Deanna Troi asked. She knew of her godfather's esoteric knowledge, but not on everything there of.
"The 'Awakening'," began Commander Will Riker, "is a technique that allows the person move beyond one's potential."
"A normal person can steadily push his or her physical and mental prowess, but there are severe limitations to what a person can and cannot do," Lt. Tasha Yar interjects.
"Essentially, what the Soul Touch does link both the mind and body as ONE, by way of a person's very life force," Yeoman Lt. Worf says.
"Thus, a person can developed inhuman-level abilities, such as extreme levels of physical and mental abilities," Usagi interjects. "Like the kind of stuff that Ranma and I can do as part of our martial arts regimen."
"Or be able to perform other feats far beyond those of mortal men and women," Chief Engineer LaForge says. "For some, this could mean a high level of inspiration that can reshape the very pillars of Heaven…or beyond."
"What everyone here is saying," says Picard, "is that Awakening will instill Wesley an awareness that will enhance his very being. All of us have experienced the Awakening in some manner. However…"
"Yes?" Beverly asks.
"The process of Awakening has its risks," Ranma said. "If done improperly…well..."
"But this…Awakening…will it help Wesley?" Beverly asked.
Ranma smiled.
"He has the potential, Bev. I had promised Jack Crusher that I would do everything I can to help in Wesley's growth. I guess Fate has decided to push this process forward."
"And if Wesley survives this process?"
"Then everyone will get what they want."
A short time later, on the planet's surface…
"So this…'Awakening' is a natural process?" Rivan asks. While she didn't want to end Wesley's life, the law is the law. Still, she was glad that these "off-worlders" were willing to respect her people's customs.
"Yes," Ranma says. "My people are gifted with the ability to overcome death itself through the process called 'The Awakening'. Very few people are capable are able to master this process, but, if he or she can do so, they can, as I've said, master death."
"I see. Why are you telling us this?"
"I will teach this process to Awakening to Wesley, and then you will carry out your sentencing. If he dies, then that's that. If he lives, then that's that too. Either way, you won't have to worry US interfering with your way of life."
Rivan looks at Ranma, then at a nervous Wesley.
"I do not see any problems with what you are proposing. Proceed."
Ranma nods his thanks, and then turns towards Wesley.
"Are you ready?" Ranma asks.
"Will…will it hurt?"
Ranma looks at Wesley for a moment.
"Remember when the Traveler was around? Well, HE said that you have the potential to be more than what you are today. All that is needed is the willpower to tap into that potential. You understand?"
Wesley looks at Ranma before nodding his head.
"Okay, let's do this…"
An hour later, Wesley is pronounced clinically dead, after getting a dose of poison at the hands of the Edo.
"Are you satisfied?" Captain Picard asked Rivan.
Rivan looks at the now dead Wesley Crusher.
"Yes, we are, Captain. And we are sorry for this unfortunate-"
"UUAGH!" Wesley said, as he bolted right up. He began to breathe heavily, as his mother Dr. Crusher began to examine him.
"Wesley…?" Picard began.
"Amazing! Wesley's body is removing the toxins!"
"Wesley?" Ranma asked.
Wesley looked at Ranma, then his mother, and finally the captain.
"Dad said hello," Wesley says.
With nothing to go on, since Wesley Crusher survived his execution, the Edo allowed him to return to his ship. Still, the Edo god has decided that no outsiders were to ever be permitted to visit the Rubicon system ever again, until the Edo themselves were ready for the off-worlders.
Location: Near the Xendi Sabu System (a week later).
The Ferengi Daimon Bok had set up a meeting between the Ferengi and the Federation, as part of the effort to begin the diplomacy between these two governments. To that end, Bok was offering the recently recovered USS Stargazer to the Federation as a show of good faith, which struck Ranma and Usagi as ODD. To that end, Ranma and Usagi had set up a secret meeting with the Daimon and his first officer. Strangely, Ferengi are immune to most forms of mental manipulations, a direct approach was called for.
"Alright, what's going on?" Ranma says, as sets down the so-called "Mind Sphere", which he had found while he led an Away Team to investigate the Stargazer. "I KNOW for a fact that the Ferengi NEVER give anything for free…and I KNOW that this thing is highly expensive and illegal."
"I agree," Usagi said. "I do recall…'Rule of Acquisition #18: A Ferengi without profit is NO Ferengi at all'?"
"Not to mention, there is 'Rule of Acquisition #10: Greed is ETERNAL'-"
"And there is 'Rule of Acquisition #48: The bigger the smile, the sharper the knife'-"
"Okay, okay!" Bok says. "You got me! Damn, hu-mons…"
"What is going on, sir?" replied First Officer Kazago. "You KNOW that giving anything away is not the Ferengi way!"
"It's true…I wanted to get revenge on the so-called 'Hero of Maxia' for the death of my son…"
"Wait a minute!" Ranma replied. "I remember that incident! Some jerk tried to play 'chicken' with the Stargazer! If it wasn't for the 'Picard Maneuver', our ship could have been destroyed!"
"So, YOU were there, too!" Bok said, as he brought out his disrupter to bear. "You and Picard will pay for killing my son-!"
BLAST!
Bok slumped over, as Ranma and Usagi sees Kazago re-holstered his weapon.
"I apologize for my Daimon's actions," Kazago says. "It will not happen again."
Ranma and Usagi turn towards each other, and then turn towards the Ferengi.
"Actually, I think we can come to a workable situation," Ranma says…
A short time later…
"Thank you for the 'gift', First Officer Kazago," Picard said. "I'm sorry that your Daimon is not well enough for our last meeting."
"We apologize for the inconvenience," Kazago says. "Take care."
And with that, the Ferengi left the area.
As Captain Picard sat back down, he turned to Ranma.
"Set a course for 'Starbase Nine'," Picard says. "And be careful with our 'cargo'."
"Aye, sir," Ranma replied, as he danced his fingers across the smooth panel of his Helm Control panel. No one would know about Bok's plot to manipulate Picard's mind into re-enacting the 'Battle of Maxis', using the Enterprise-D as the object for revenge, as Picard re-performs the 'Picard Maneuver'. At the same time, Ranma and Usagi had cut a deal with the Ferengi that will allow them to earn "Trader" status at the sacred market place on Ferenginar, which was the equivalent of having a seat on Earth's "stock exchange". So that was that.
Location: Beta Cassius (a week later after Ranma and company are visited by both Q and the so-called Nerima Wrecking Crew).
Ranma Saotome was a fearless man. He fought Gods, monsters and everything in between. But there was ONE person that even Ranma feared…
"Ranma-darling!"
"Ah!" Ranma said, as he jumped. He leaped up to the ceiling of the corridor of the Enterprise-D…and clung there.
"Ranma, don't be so silly," Federation Ambassador Lwaxana Troi said, as she looked up. "I'm not that bad, you know."
Ranma fell back down, and got up.
"Sorry about that," Ranma replied, as he brushed himself off. "It's just that after dealing with Q and my old…fiancées, well, I'm just a bit jumpy."
"I see. So, as Deanna's godfather, I do expect you to deliver her at her wedding."
Ranma groaned. He had known Lwaxana for years, having been a friend with her family ever since he, as the Captain of the Enterprise-B, arranged normalized relations between Betazed and the United Federation of Planets. Had Ranma not been married to Usagi, there would have been a good chance that Ranma would have ended up marrying the telepathic Betazoid.
Since being named Counselor Troi's "godfather", Ranma saw to it that she received the best education possible. And while she was trained in martial arts, Deanna was not a martial artist, being more focused on gentle pursuits like theology, philosophy, music and art. So it was understandable when Deanna pursued the field of Psychology as a career. Still, she did have an adventurer streak within her, which is why Deanna asked Ranma to convince her mother to allow her to attend Starfleet Academy. At the same time, since the death of her father, Ranma has been looking out for Deanna's best interests, which is why he was opposed to the idea of Deanna having a fiancée. Unfortunately, tradition Betazoid tradition trumped Ranma's concerns. Thus, Deanna had a fiancée, which is why her fiancée Wyatt Miller and his parents were visiting the Enterprise-D.
"Ah, Mr. Saotome," said Steven Miller says, as he shook Ranma's hand. "It's good to see you again!"
"I must say, you haven't aged a bit!" said Victoria Miller, Steve's wife.
"Good living, I suppose."
Ranma turns to their son Wyatt.
"So, you must be…Wyatt," Ranma said, as he shook Wyatt's hand.
Wyatt took Ranma'a hand, and was amazed how strong a grip Ranma had.
"Yes, sir," Wyatt said meekly.
"Come, let me show you to your rooms…"
Meanwhile, Deanna was having her hair done by her "godmother" Usagi in Deanna's room.
"I bet you can't wait until you see your fiancée, Deanna," Usagi said, as she puts up Deanna's hair in a bun.
"I suppose so…"
Usagi notices this.
"Okay, what's wrong? Is Lwaxana-?"
"No, it just that I've never met Wyatt before…"
"And?"
"And…I still have feelings for Will."
"Ah, I see."
Deanna turns to Usagi.
"How did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Deal with, well, the fact that you ended up with another man, when you were betrothed to another man?"
"Ah. So I take you heard the tale of the Moon Princess and the Earth Prince."
"Yes, you told me that story."
"Oh. Well, while I was intended to be with Prince Endymion, according to tradition, the 'Wild Horse' captured my heart. And let me tell you, your godfather's stamina on our honey moon was-"
"That is alright. I do not need know the details of your and Uncle's 'sex life'."
"We're adults here. Anyway, my point is that these things work out. If you are not meant to be with Wyatt, then you won't end up with him."
"If you say so…"
A few hours later, an almond shaped ship approaches Haven, the planet that the Enterprise-D is presently orbiting. Identified as a "Tarellian" vessel, Captain Picard was concerned about the deadly disease that the ship's inhabitants might be caring. However, it became apparent there was something up with Wyatt, who swore that he had dreamt of this vessel before…
"Tarellian vessel, this is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation starship Enterprise-D. We implore you to not disembark at this particular port of call."
CHIRP!
The view screen lights up, revealing a beautiful woman.
"Captain, we need a place for our final rest," the woman says. "There's no place to go…"
The woman then notices Wyatt, who had asked Deanna if he could observe her at work. Wyatt was studying to be a doctor, wanted to see how a combined civilian practice could work.
"Wyatt…"
Wyatt looks at the woman.
"Ariana…"
It turned out that Wyatt and Ariana have been dreaming of each other for years. Talk about star-crossed lover…
"I need to go to her!" Wyatt yells. "Please Captain, you must let me go to her!"
"Wyatt, I cannot do that. It will endanger your health."
Wyatt nearly sinks in his body, as he hears this. However, someone steps up to the plate.
"What's going on?" Usagi said, as she steps unto the Bridge with her data pads. She was catching up on her reading on alien diseases.
"The Tarellians just showed up," Riker says.
"Oh, really?" Usagi said, as she raised her hand…
SNAP!
When Usagi snapped her fingers, the entire Tarellian ship is bathed in a soft glow.
"There, that's that."
"Did you-?" Picard began to ask.
"I only removed the symptoms of their disease. They are no longer contagious, but they still have the disease."
"Then allow me to go with the, and help find a cure," Wyatt says. He then turns to Deanna. "Deanna, I-"
"I understand, Wyatt. Go. These people need you."
And with that, Wyatt goes with the Tarellians. Ranma, using his contacts, was able to set up a world for them to live on which was outside of Federation jurisdiction. The Millers were saddened to see their son run off with another woman, but were hopeful that they will see Wyatt again. As for Lwaxana…
"You know, I just lost an opportunity to see you in the buff, Ranma-darling," the Betazoid said, as she hugged Ranma. She and her attendant Mr. Hom were returning to Haven. "Keep my baby safe."
"I promise…"
Later, at the Saotome quarters…
"How did you manage to do what you did earlier?" Ranma asked, as he handed his wife her evening tea. Their daughter Aikiko was over at a playmate's quarters, and Ranma's granddaughter Keiko was out on a date with one of Ranma's former student (Petty Officer Miles O'Brien). And Lianna was home on Oan conducting Guardian business.
"Well, ever since Q first visited us, I've been studying how he behaves," Usagi said, as she sipped her tea. "And when I, Riker and the others ended up playing his stupid games on that planet he created, I REALLY studied what he was up to."
"And…?"
"All he was doing was performing 'hyper-science' at the 11th level. You know, 'magic'."
"So, does this mean that you will become a Q-type person someday?"
"Well, with some hard work, maybe. I mean, I am supposed to be a cosmic being someday as both 'Sailor Cosmos' and 'Neo-Queen of Crystal Tokyo' someday. And I'm not the only person with that type of potential either."
"Oh?"
"You and Wesley for one…but becoming an 'Ascended' being is definitely something only a few people have the potential of becoming."
Ranma nods, as he sets his tea down.
"You know, with the 'girls' gone…"
Usagi looks at Ranma, and sits her tea down. She then holds Ranma's hands.
"Why, Mr. Saotome…you're trying to seduce me?"
Ranma grins.
"You bet, babe."
Tbc.