Star Trek: Ranma's Story 89 – 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.
Part 89
For ten years, Usagi Tsukino lived on Romulus as part of the deal she had made with the Romulan government. While Tasha Yar's marriage to a renown Romulan general guaranteed the sparing of the lives of the crew of the Enterprise-C, Usagi's promise guaranteed that they could be let go of their captivity within a reasonable amount of time. She knew that as long as she was in the thrall of the Romulan, her husband Ranma Saotome would be forced to suffer from this indignity...something that the Romulans enjoyed immensely. Sure, Usagi had the power to leave on her own; having achieved the level of a, for example, "Super-Saiyajin 5", coupled with her other various abilities, gave her the ability to blow up an entire planet easily, but she was a person of her word. The diplomat in here made this aspect of her career goals over-shadowed her desire to return to Earth. So that was THAT.
During this time, Usagi was forced to learn the ways and culture of her new "home", including learning the language itself. That part of her "training" was easy, since the language Vulcan was similar to the Romulan language, which was the equivalent of Spanish speaker learning Italian (or vice-versa). What was more difficult was how she was treated. Technically, Usagi was an indentured servant, which gave her very little recourse if treated poorly. Still, as the "property" of the Praetor, Usagi was treated better than most non-Romulans.
Ever since Tasha was executed for attempting to escape Romulus, Usagi was saddened all the time. Before, Usagi had someone to talk to, while she served as her daughter Sela's nanny. She would teach the girl about things that she had experienced throughout her considerably long life. She would regale Sela with stories about the things Usagi has seen, such as the heroes, gods, monsters and fantastical kingdoms (good or evil) in far off worlds. Sela would listen with attentive ears, and would make Usagi promise to one day take her on great adventures. When her mother died, everything changed between the two. Usagi became more distant, which hurt the child. It wasn't HER fault that her mother was executed for betraying her father's trust. This would cause a rift between the two. As a result, when Usagi was finally let go, there was no particular love lost. Still, Sela felt betrayed for what she perceived as quiet hatred from Usagi. In truth, while Usagi was hurt by what Sela had done, she didn't hate Sela. Still...Usagi could not face Sela for her role in Tasha's demise.
END FLASHBACK!
"You broke your promise to me, Nanny," Sela said.
"How could I, after what happened to your mother?" Usagi replied. "I understand why you did what you did, but that doesn't change the fact that Tasha Yar was executed because of YOU."
"Humph. Speaking of whom, I noticed that there is a Security Specialist named Tasha Yar aboard this ship. Care to explain that?"
Usagi looked at Sela.
"She is the REAL Tasha Yar, as far as this time line is concerned. Your mother was a version of Lt. Yar from an alternate time line where the Romulan Empire is growing unabated, while a Klingon-Cardassian alliance is waging a twenty-two year war against an Earth that has neither the United Federation of Planets nor the Galactic Alliance on its side. That war was the result of a secret mission initiated by the Romulan High Command as a means of playing both sides against the middle."
Sela nods her head in mock understanding.
"That is about correct. But let me add some details that you did not know. It is true that the RHC ordered the attacks. What you did not know was that the attacks was to get access this...'Mirror Universe'. For the past twenty years, we have been exchanging information and technology, thanks to the Serenity, the Praetor of the Romulan Star Empire, and Empress of the Galactic Imperium!"
Usagi's eyes widened at the implication. Was her alternate counterpart making a move on her own time line?
"Confused? I don't blame you. You see, the ultimate goal is for Serenity to destroy you and your precious Federation. She sees you as everything she hates. In particular, Serenity despise the fact that you became...a hero."
"So, what is her next move?"
"Humph. You think that I'd tell you something that's so obvious?"
Usagi nods her head in understanding. The Sith Lord wants to destabilize the region by first breaking the Federation-Klingon Alliance. Successfully do that, and the Romulans can pick up the pieces.
Usagi then focused her thoughts on Sela.
"You tell your Mistress that I'll do whatever it takes to stop her grand designs. And you tell Serenity this: if we meet, I WILL challenge her in armed combat. Understood?"
"But of course, my dear Nanny."
And with that, Sela left the conference room of the Bridge of the Enterprise-D.
Usagi sighed, as she looked out into space. She couldn't believe that she could be such a deviant, all because of a key turn of events. She had been abused, first time at the hands of the Lady Ohelem D'Harkonnen, a sadistic Bene Gesserit assassin, but she had the support of her friends and allies to heal her physical and spiritual wounds. Usagi could only imagine the level of depravity her doppelganger had experienced to drive her insane. Then again, there was that incident on the other dimensional realm of "Wormwood" that she, Ranma, Queen Hoshi of Crystal Tokyo and Ambassador T'Pol of Vulcan had visited that almost did a number on her...
The Rifts: Wormwood.
It was the fifth year of being on Wormwood, when masked "Apok" trudged the terrain. An Apok was a solitary warrior who "wears" the face of the enemy, usually a demon or a monster. It is sometimes said that an Apok is either a fallen warrior who seeks redemption, or another warrior who takes up the cause of the mask's original owner...
"YOU!" said a guttural voice. "I've finally found 'The Dragon'!"
"The Dragon" turns his head to face a creature who possessed the head of a horse, but with the hairless body of a baboon. It was apparently of the same race that the infamous "The Unholy" was from. Like parasites, these creatures move from host to host, transforming the victim into a member of "The Host", an alien species bent on the complete domination of Wormwood. These creatures possessed the ability to wield dark magic- such as necromancy -and were known to create monsters out of anything. This fact did not include the fact that these creatures had monsters, demons, and depraved humans for allies and minions.
That particular fact, however, perturbed Dragon in the LEAST.
"ATTACK!" the monster roared, as his minions swarmed Dragon's position.
Dragon's monster mask show no outward expression, as he took a large sword from his sheath, which was strapped on his back underneath his pack. Covering the rest of his body was a bulky "hoody". The only distinctive trait that Dagger possessed was, of course, his mask, which resembled a classical Far East dragon's face. His dirty khaki fatigues were marred with rips and tares, which contrasted his fairly new new steel-toe boots that Dragon acquired from the black market.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG-!
Dragon swiftly blocked with his holy weapon, forged in the fire pits of a Celtic master blacksmith while spending time in King Arthur's court at New Camelot, England, on Rifts Earth. It was during that time The Dragon became the squire of Sir Clock-splitter, a member of the alien species known as the Temporal Lords, rivals to the powerful "Time Lords" of Galafrey. And on the day The Dragon became a knight of the Round, he earned the right to become a "Temporal Warrior", warriors who used "Time" as a weapon.
Like now.
Dragon had scanned his opponents before the fight got started, and predicted the most probable attack patterns within a 90th percentile. He could literally see the most likely attacks before they could occur, and whatever attack he did not foresee, Dragon improvised.
Such as the way of the Anything Goes Martial Arts style, of which the Dragon was one of its finest practitioner.
Dragon was attacked with a "demon's breath", which spewed a miasma that was supposed to render its victims weak. However, his mask allowed Dragon to breathe independently of the environment. However, the secondary aspect of the demon's breath was its acidic nature.
"Argh!" Dragon whelped, as he began to feel his skin to peel from his flesh. Demon's breath was a nasty piece work, which ate through even the strongest of substances, due to its inherent supernatural properties. Still, Dragon was not about to let a little bit of acid stop him from rendezvousing with his allies, especially with what was about to be done with-
Fft! Fft! Fft-!
A volley of arrows began to rain down on Dragon's opponents. Then-
"Earth Boulder SMASH!"
Sailor Terra cupped her hands, as dust particles began to coalesced into a rather large boulder. 'Terra power was essentially Earth Elementalism, something that was nearly impossible on Wormwood, due to the fact that the planet was made from "flesh" of various types. Still, soil had long since been imported to the planet, and 'Terra had figured out a way around the problem. Particles were still particles, and if organic matter becomes inert, and petrified, it falls within 'Terra's sphere of influence. Within her domain, 'Terra could manipulate plants and simple animals to do her bidding. In theory, with practice, 'Terra could become just as talented as a competent Warlock, which is why she is willing to learn from one.
Just as the boulder was about to mow down Dragon along with his opponents, the warrior leaped over the projectile. This left the remaining monsters focused on Dragon and 'Terra, and not-
"Vulcan Fire BALL."
-the attack of Sailor Vulcan.
The Vulcan science officer had used her skills as an archer, developed under the watchful eye of a Elven master archer in England, to rain death upon the monsters and demons with her volley of arrows. A local cleric had blessed the arrowheads, thus allowing aggravated damage to be inflicted upon the enemy. Now sufficiently "softened", 'Vulcan finished off the remaining foes with a fireball attack. What would be amazing would be the fact that her skills were based in "Fire Elementalism". However, where as 'Terra was limited on this world, 'Vulcan was not, since 'Vulcan's power was a lot more flexible in alien environments.
Soon, there was only the Host left to fight. Obviously surrounded by the three warriors, the creature choose its own fate.
"YOU WILL NEVER TAKE ME ALIVE!" the creature said, as it took a dagger from its person...and plunged it into it's heart. "ARRGH!"
Piercing the heart of a Host was its primary weakness.
As the creature began to glow, Dragon scooped up 'Terra and 'Vulcan into his arms, and quickly leaped to safety-
BOOM!
One must had to be careful when a Host "self-destructs", since exploding one spews out more spores to infect its victims. Spores needed 24 hours to effectively infect its victim.
As Dragon lands to safety, 'Vulcan looks back at the scene they just left.
"THAT was a narrow escape," 'Vulcan said flatly, who was also Dame T'Pol of Vulcan, a member of the Arthur's Round Table of New Camelot in England.
"I agree," replied 'Terra, who was also Dame Hoshi Sato, who was also a member of the Round. "Still, are 'Sailor Senshi' abilities are resistant to alien parasites."
"Well, I ain't going to take that chance," replied Sir Ranma Saotome, member of the Round and Cyber-Knight, as he took off his Apok mask. Ever since the original Dragon sacrificed his life to save his from a surprised attack, Ranma took on the role of the Apok, and swore to continue to wear his mask until the Unholy was defeated once and for all.
Ranma began to treat his wounds, caused by the acidic nature of the demon's breath attack. "Ow..."
"Here, let me take a look at that," T'Pol said, as she began to treat her companion's wounds. Ever since she went through her last 'pon farr', with Ranma, no less, she has been rather close to the knight. Thankfully, she was equipped with proper birth control to prevent pregnancy. "Really, should you not have been in your 'Sailor Helios' form, for better protection?"
"I told you, T'Pol, I ain't going to be a 'heroine' unless necessary."
"Hey, I have to deal with being a woman all my life...even after learning about my previous one," Hoshi fumed. Ever since she fully embraced her past life as Endymion of Crystal Tokyo, Hoshi had to deal with the idea that she could not be with HER Usagi. For one thing, she was Hoshi Sato, her own heir as the great grand-daughter of the Neo-Queen of Crystal Tokyo and King Endymion, since her biological mother and father were third cousins (!), and for another, Hoshi knew that Usagi was not "that way". So, she was related to just being a good friend to the future Neo-Queen of Crystal Tokyo.
"And you THINK I'm ignoring my 'curse'?" Ranma countered.
"I'm not saying that, but you've lived long enough to be used to it, I would think."
"Yeah, still...I prefer to fight as a guy, that's all."
"We should table this discussion," T'Pol says, as she puts away her medical kit. "We still need to track down where the Host is holding Usagi-"
"There!" Hoshi said, as she spotted a "roving" tower. Roving towers was constructs of the Host, which was made from the same "flesh" that everything else was. The three had been searching for their friend Usagi for weeks now, and received information that she was being held in a lab in enemy territory. Since the Cathedral could not spare any combat forces for a rescue mission, Ranma, Hoshi and T'Pol would track down their friend themselves.
"Come," Ranma said, as he put his mask back on. "Let's do this..."
"Right!" Hoshi and T'Pol says, as they ran with Ranma towards their destination.
Meanwhile, in the tower that belonged to Lord Ratzo, Sailor Moon was being transformed into a living automaton. A crab-like symbiont was strapped over her chest, as she was being strapped into a colossus. The symbiont would tap into 'Moon's Silver Millennium crystal, and fuel the engine of destruction. 'Moon herself would act as the machine's RAM chip.
CHUNK!
"THERE," Ratzo proclaimed, as the chassis was set into place. "WITH THIS, THE CATHEDRAL SHALL FINALLY FALL!"
"I don't think so!" said a voice.
"WHA-!"
Chok!
Ranma delivered a flying kick to the face of the Host.
"ARGH!"
"Where's Sailor Moon?" Ranma demanded.
"You are too late!" the Host says, as he pressed down an activation button.
RUMBLE!
A gigantic "thing" emerges from the ground outside of the roving fortress, just as it's heart (which contained Sailor Moon) leaves it.
"Sailor Moon-!"Hoshi yelled, as she tried to jump on top of the heart containing 'Moon.
"YOU SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS, GIRL."
Hoshi turns around to see a converging demon contingent.
"Oh, boy..."
Ranma was about to head over to Hoshi's position, when T'Pol intercepted him.
"Go after Usagi," T'Pol says, as she takes out her elven blade.
"But-"
"Just go! If that colossus reaches populated centers, then there could be a lot of people hurt."
Ranma nods. From the upper pylons in the roving tower, he could see that the vaguely bipedal automaton was lumbering towards a nearby village. And HE didn't have the power to stop it, not even as "The Solar Knight" (aka "The Magnificent Mask").
However, Sailor Helios DID.
With a sigh, Ranma took out his henshin rod, that possessed the Latin symbol of the Sun on its hilt.
"Solar Power...TRANSFORM!" Ranma yelled.
A flash of light engulfed Ranma, as he changed from his male form into his female form. Even without his Jusenkyo curse, Ranma would still have been transformed into a female version of himself. A moment later, his clothes transmogrified into a specialized Sailor fuku, complete with ankle-high stilettos and white gloves (forearm lengths). Her color scheme was a yellow/white with a black skirt. This contrasted with Ranma's rich red hair, which flowed longer than normal down her back. With a final burst of energ, Sailor Helios was reborn.
"Take care of things while I am gone," 'Helios said, as she touches her exposed skin of her right arm.
She was touching a magic tattoo that depicted a armored knight; she then took out a gold bracelet with runes inscribed in it.
"Good luck, Ranma," T'Pol called out, as she twirled her sword, just as her enemies was about to swarm her and Hoshi...
Ranma nods, as she leaps off the tower's balcony. Her aura glowed slightly, as she began her ascent. Her magic bracelet granted her the ability to fly.
In fact, before arriving on Wormwood, Usagi, the aspiring archmagus, was spending time in the mythical kingdom of Atlantis, where she was receiving instruction in Tattoo and Stone Magic, while Ranma participated in the gladiatorial arena (in order to "pay" for Usagi's courses). Normally, non-Atlanteans are prohibited from learning Tattoo, Stone and Rune magics. However, a deal was struck to allow Usagi to at least the former two magical disciplines, in exchange for Ranma's participation in the combat arena. Once completed her studies, Usagi, thanks to a recommendation from the legendary Hermes Trimegetus, was on her way back to Europe, to fine a Runic teacher, when she went missing. Ranma, T'Pol and Hoshi went after, and thus ended up on Wormwood. They been trying to find her for some time now, until they learned of what was about to be done to her. Now, it was up to Sailor Helios to free Usagi AND stop the colossus of DOOM.
THOOM! THOOM!
The bipedal beast was heading in the direction of the Cathedral, but it would have to go through several townships and villages to get there.
Sailor Helios flew in front of the creature.
"Hold it ya freak!" 'Helios proclaimed. "I am SAILOR HELIOS, the champion of Honor and Light! On behalf of the Sun, I WILL PUNISH YOU-!"
THOOM!
The creature simply swatted 'Helios from the sky, and continued to lumber forward.
"Uhhhh," 'Helios said, as she got up from her make-shift imprint on the surface of the ground. "That went well..."
Ranma turns her head to see that the colossus was about to hit town. She'll have to work fast, if she was to stop the thing. So-
FWOOSH!
'Helios poured on the air speed, as she internalized her power. The result was a glowing Sailor senshi. 'Helios then stretched her body forward, to form a makeshift "torpedo"...
BOOM!
'Helios drilled through the head of the thing, knocking out an eye. The creature roared, as it tried to swat 'Helios from the sky. Ranma dodged the attack, and resumed her assault.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM-!
The colossus was moving wildly, fighting blind from a lack of a head. This allowed 'Helios to ram straight into the creature's "heart".
BOOOOOM!
Ranma and the heart containing Usagi tumbled, as the colossus began to fall apart. Ranma fell unto the ground unceremoniously, taking up a few tears in her costume.
"Uhhhhhhh..."
"RANMA!" T'Pol said, as she helped her part-time lover up. "Are you well?"
"Kinda...is she...?"
"I have her," Hoshi said, as she walked over to her friends, with Usagi in hands. 'Moon still had a symbiont attached to her chest. "We should see a 'Wormtongue" or a monk."
A "Wormtongue" is a shaman, who typically had various worms of different functions attached to the inside of the his or her mouth. The Wormtongue are attuned to the ways of Wormwood, including knowledge of symbiotic lifeforms such as the one attached to Sailor Moon's chest.
"What about the lab-?"
BOOM!
Ranma could see the roving tower, as it blew up in spectacular fashion.
"Fusion blocks," Hoshi said. "Come, let's get help."
Ranma nods, as she and her allies disappear to safety, thanks to a teleportation scroll that Ranma had acquired...
"Commander?"
Usagi shook her thoughts to the present.
"Oh, Tasha. What's up?"
"I...I wanted to ask you about Sub-commander Sela," Lt. (SG) Tasha Yar asked. She looked visibly upset.
Usagi sighed.
"Pull up a chair, Tasha, 'cuz I have a long story to tell..."
Q'onos.
In the Great Hall, there was an impromptu meeting in the dining room.
"Worf!" Ranma said, as he clasped his former crew-mate. Due to the nature of the Klingon sensitivity of outsiders, Ranma wore his Klingon clothes. In this case, his uniform signified his status as a member of the House of Kang, and was a "Da'Har Master", which was the equivalent of a "Field Marshal". Still, there was a lot of Klingons who didn't like the fact that a "human" could obtain such an honor. Thankfully, Ranma had a lot of friends and favors within the Klingon Empire, and it certainly helped that he was the legendary "Bane of Romulus".
"How's it going?" Ranma asked, as he broke his embrace.
"The war is going well, sir," Worf said.
"Good," Ranma replied. "Come, lets get us some blood wine."
As Ranma filled his cup from a barrel, he noticed that Worf seemed uncomfortable with all the ruckus.
"Wine?" Ranma said, as he handed Worf a mug.
"Thank you," Worf says.
"You seem to be a bit uncomfortable around here," Ranma said, as he poured himself a cup.
"I am happy to be of use to my people."
"Glad to hear that," Ranma said, as motioned Worf to a table. "Duck."
"What-?"
Ranma pulled Worf down, just in time to avoid a thrown body.
"Argh-!"
"Remember to pay attention to your surroundings," Ranma said, as he and Worf rose to a standing position.
"You seem so...comfortable around here," Worf commented.
"Hey, I've been in WORST places to unwind. Try having a meal in a place where sidearms is part of the dress code."
"But...we all carry weapons here."
"Which is why I feel right at home."
"..."
Just as Ranma and Worf sits down, one of the bar trollops plucks right into Ranma's lap.
"Oof!"
"Hey there, my Lord," said the sultry Klingon vixen. "I heard that the only human to be a Dahar master would visit this fine establishment. Is it trueof your...legendary prowess."
Ranma caught an eyeful of Klingon cleavage.
"I...appreciate the interest, but I happen to be a family man."
Ranma showed the woman his wedding ring, which was forged from the purest metals in existence. Inscribed on it's sruface was his wife's full name; Usagi's wedding ring was inscribed with Ranma's full name.
"Pity," the woman said as she got off Ranma's lap. "Here is an incentive, if you change your mind."
The woman stuck her tongue in Ranma's ear seductively, causing his pigtail to stand.
As the the bar trollop walked away, she gave Ranma a wink.
"Wow, what a woman," Ranma said, as he took a gulp of his wine. "Whew!"
Ranma then noticed Worf's disbelief look. So, he gave the Klingon a smack on the arm.
SMACK!
"What was that for?"
"Worf, you got to enjoy life to the fullest. Sure, I may be a bit of flirt, or that I like to mix it up now and again. But I live for life...I enjoy it. The trick is moderation, and to know what's important. Back when I was younger, winning was not just everything...it was the only thing. I had to learn what was important in my life, and, in this case, my friends and family are the most important factors in my life."
Ranma takes a swig of blood wine.
"More wine!"
"Coming!" yelled the bar trollop.
"Drink up, Worf. For TODAY is a a good day to LIVE."
On that, Worf smiled.
Tbc.