Disclaimer: The characters used within this are mostly the property of others. I have a few originals, but the vast majority are not original. Everything here is fiction. This is for entertainment only and not for profit.

-=oOo=-

Araiansu - Chapter 28

-=oOo=-

Doctor Tofu look over Ranma carefully. "You really do find the oddest situations."

Sam smiled at the pair. "Well, will he live doc?" she said tongue in cheek.

Ranma summoned a small ball of slightly pink energy and shot it across the room at her.

She dodged.

"What is this?" asked Doctor Tofu.

"Oh, you mean the color of my ki?"

He nodded.

"That was her fault. She distracted me!"

Sam rolled her eyes. She held out her hand palm out. Ranma concentrated and a flow of energy brilliantly white energy left his own right hand and shot half a dozen feet across the room and entered hers, before a second stream just as bright moved back from her left hand and entered his.

"Ah, so you were just messing with me," said the Doctor.

"Nope, that was her, I keep saying."

Sam said, "I might, just possibly, have sent an interesting image to my husband just before he formed those ki balls."

"Ah. I see. Your telepathic now then?"

"Between the five of us yes. We aren't sure if it will work outside."

"So you are absolutely fine?" the Doctor asked.

Sam said, "He is. Aya is better too. She isn't fine, but we are getting there. We would appreciate a second opinion though."

"Speak of the Devil," Ranma added.

Doctor Tofu looked puzzled until the door opened and Aya entered followed by both Kasumi and Rommie.

He froze as he stared at this version of Kasumi with a happy yet dopey expression on his face.

Ranma walked over and lightly smacked him.

He shook himself out of it, blinked, and said, "My apologies. I knew that there was a version of Kasumi here. You feel like her, only so much more strongly. I should have been better prepared. I'm sorry."

Kasumi smiled. "So, this is the man who caught the heart of my other self."

Aya said, "Hands off. Kasumi is ours." While Aya said this Rommie hugged Kasumi's other side.

"I know. Again, I apologize. I shall try not to let it happen again."

Rommie and Aya nodded their agreement. Kasumi smiled a small smile.

Doctor Tofu looked over Aya carefully, while returning to his normal professional behavior. "You are all remarkable. I don't think there is anything I can or should do."

"Then I'm healed?" Aya asked sketically.

"No," Ono replied. "You absolutely did totally mess yourself up, but, your well on the way to mending. The first rule of medicine is to do no harm. It would be crazy for me to attempt to improve on what is working quite well."

"Then I'll be cured soon and we can um do stuff?"

"I doubt you will every be truly cured, and that is okay. If I'm reading this correctly part of this was always a part of you. Perhaps you were always a bit more daring?"

She nodded.

"If you keep up what you are doing and monitor yourselves and maybe have a few others you trust monitor things a bit you should be fine. In time the need for even that will lesson, but probably not fully lapse. It is likely that you will always have a bias for that flavor of emotional ki, and that is okay. You just deal with it, like you have been. As to the other, I honestly don't think you have much to fear."

"What do you mean?" asked Rommie concerned.

"Kiss her," suggested the doctor.

"Which one?" all three asked.

"Surprise us," said the doctor.

Kasumi turned to Aya and ever so carefully, as if she was made of the most delicate glass, kiss her softly and tenderly. It lasted for almost a minute before she pulled back.

Rommie smiled a broad smile before going over and giving Aya an equally compelling and just slightly longer kiss. Aya looked lost for several seconds before she refocused.

"Huh?" Aya said. "I'm missing something. That was great, but wasn't the whole idea for us not to do that."

"Think about it," the doctor said. Then he added, "If you had done that say a week or two ago, how would it have gone?"

Kasumi smiled brilliantly and then flushed scarlet.

Sam said, "Their genuine feelings for each other aren't negating the remaining lust ki. They are, however, more than strong enough that they won't lose control, well unless they want to I guess."

All three blushed scarlet then.

Kasumi ignored it and kissed Rommie passionately for a good thirty seconds. "There, that is better."

Doctor Tofu laughed.

"I didn't see it," Ranma admitted. "And I should have."

"I didn't either," admitted Samantha. "I mean I thought maybe their love will be strong enough it will see them through a few times, but it felt so corny I rejected it."

Doctor Tofu said, "You all truly don't know how lucky you all are. Sharing life energy like that over a long period of time should have all kinds of negative side affects, yet I can sense a lot of their energy in you and Ranma, and you in theirs and I know it is all without problems."

Kasumi said, "They are exhausted from healing. I share what I can and they replenish me."

"Wait?" Ranma asked. "You both replenish her?"

Rommie grinned. "We didn't mention that?"

"You are generating your own life energy?" he asked in surprise.

"That is remarkable," Sam added.

"I've never even suspected such a thing was possible," the doctor admitted.

Rommie added, "It surprised me too. I'll still need their energy if we do anything interesting with the ship, but for the just sitting here in orbit part I actually generate more than I use."

Ranma asked, "So, doc, do you want to head down and see what we can do to help more of their people?"

"I don't see any reason why not."

Rommie asked, "Can I go too? Maybe with Kasumi for now?" Before an answer was given Kasumi leaned back and merged with her. They seemed to shine brighter before once again looking much like the Kasumi of normal, save with a slight halo caressing her skin.

"It seems you can," noted the doctor.

They spent the better part of the day doing, not as they had done, but with Doctor Tofu actually imparting as much of his very esoteric knowledge not just to them but to all the doctors around them. They were much less exhausted at the end of the day and many more people were on the mend.

-=oOo=-

Nabiki walked into the little hospital office that Ranma and his wife adopted several days after she had arrived in the system. "Hello Ranma-kun."

"Nabiki, is that really you? And your injured."

"I'm fine Ranma. Lindy and one of the other doctors have been helping me. I'm almost healed."

Ranma still rushed over. "Are you sure. It wouldn't take us much effort."

Nabiki rolled her eyes. "I've decided to go back with Doctor Tofu and learn as much as I can from him. Our Kasumi is learning from him as well. When I learn enough perhaps I can return or come here or.. Still, if the offer is still open..."

Sam said, "I'm sure any of those will be fine."

Ranma took his wife's hand and they took Nabiki's hands between them. They all glowed a brilliant white as a wave of healing swept through Nabiki like a storm. They held onto her for several more seconds as she got her bearings.

"You didn't have to use like super saiyan mode did you?"

Sam laughed.

Ranma asked, "You feel fine now right?"

"Sure. Just warn a girl the next time you do that. That was.. Intense."

Sam asked, "You don't notice anything different? Focus inward."

Nabiki looked puzzled.

"Oh come on Nabs, I'd bet your father got that much training into you before you gave up the art. I can sense that much. Look deeper."

She glared at him before sitting down, closing her eyes, and focused. After a few minutes her body was lined by a layer of faint white light. Before she knew what she was doing she ran up to them both and hugged them. "Thank you."

She stepped back, still looking at them in gratitude.

Ranma said, "It is just a bit of a head start. The rest will be on you I'm afraid."

"Ranma, I'm…"

"There is no need Nabiki. We were much younger then. How is Akane and the others?"

"Akane is well. She is working in the theatre with a full scholarship. She is actually practicing the art."

"I thought..."

"She still can't use ki, though she doesn't need to. None of their fights while acting are real."

Ranma nodded.

"Ukyo is doing well. She owns several restaurants now. No love life, but I think she married her business. Konatsu still adores her, so perhaps something will happen there one day. I don't know. The Amazons went home. Our family did receive a Christmas card from them though. Shampoo has a little girl now, but apparently is still single. They seem to be doing well."

"My mom?"

"She seems fine, though I did not know that her, Kasumi, and the doc had even seen you, and I thought I was so much better informed."

"Ryoga?"

"Happy with Akari. He doesn't have access to his ki either, but he also doesn't have any curses. They were happy the last I knew."

Ranma nodded. "Thanks Nabiki. It was good seeing you."

"And here I thought I might sweep you away," quipped Nabiki.

Sam laughed.

"You really have grown up." Then she turned to Samantha. "And you, the one to tame the wild horse of chaos. Remarkable."

"Thank you," Sam replied.

"So are you ever having kids?"

"We have kids near your age Nabiki."

"Only you Ranma. Only you." A few seconds later she asked, "Are any of them cute?"

Ranma paled.

"What is that look for?" asked Nabiki.

Sam smiled and refused to elaborate.

"Ah come on you can tell me. It is something to do with one of your kids. Is there one particular guy I might like?"

"No, no, of course not," Ranma lied badly.

"Now you have my interest. Well, we need to return to your Earth first. Perhaps I'll get a chance to meet them."

"Perhaps," added Sam mysteriously.

-=oOo=-

"I can't believe they refused to let me have my own ship," complained Lindy. "My own ship!"

Rommie said, "I rather think the engineers don't want to let you walk away with the only copy of that improved dimensional drive before they figure it all out."

Lindy sighed and nodded. "Room for one more?"

"Sure," Kasumi said.

Rommie asked, "Chrono is staying?"

"I need him to take care of some things for me."

"In that case, shall we go Aya?"

Aya slipped into the pilot's seat with Kasumi sitting nearby at a console. Rommie merged smoothly with her and in their altered voice they said ship wide, "Nozomi is about to depart. Sam, please confirm with the captain of the terraformer his readiness for towing."

A few seconds later Sam said, "They are ready to go."

Aya smiled and said, "Let's dance,"

The ship seemed to shake with a deep bass note as the onboard systems leaned into the zero point module and gracefully enveloped the massive world shaper in its fields.

The pair said, "Safeties locks released on dimensional drive. Temporarily overriding nominal limits and loading new program Heimdall three."

The Asgard smiled as his work loaded without fault.

"We are near critical threshold. One minute to the dimensional sea."

The hum grew louder as the ship, with the aid of her co-captain smoothly pulled the truly massive ship into the realm between universes.

Less than two minutes later Sam reported, "We are good. We are leaving more trail than normal due to the mass we are towing, but nothing too bad."

Heimdall said, "You appear to be correct. It looks like your old ZPM will be adequate for this trip. You are clear to accelerate to up to half your normal velocity. I will monitor."

"Confirmed."

Back to the side, Nabiki could not help but whisper, "This small ship is towing that gigantic ship."

Lindy replied in a whisper, "And they are moving it many times faster than our own drives could while doing less dimensional damage."

Ranma asked, "How are you two doing?"

Aya and Rommie spoke as one, "We are fine. We should be able to handle this for another three or four hours easily. Kasumi can swap in then and finish."

Kasumi said, "I can sense when they are tired. I'll swap in then."

"If you need energy," he offered.

The duo replied, "You can help Aya once we swap."

He nodded.

They said, "Estimate time of arrival is seven hours."

The bass note that it began with seemed to be nothing less than one of joy.

Nearly four hours later Aya got up with help from Ranma, with Rommie remaining in the seat. Kasumi sat down and merged with her.

Ranma gently transferred energy into Aya. She went from wilted to full of energy all in the space of a few minutes.

Aya said, "Next time, change first. Your cuter that way."

Ranma laughed. The merge pair smiled an amused smile as their trip continued.

Ranma sat back down and Aya took Kasumi's former seat.

Heimdall said, "There was a noticeable drop in efficiency during the swap, but the drive continued to remain within safe levels."

Kasumi and Rommie said, "We are thinking of offloading more towards the tactical computer in those moments. We just haven't figured out how to do it smoothly yet."

Sam walked over to Heimdall's console and asked, "May I?"

She brought up copies of all of Avon's not quite artificial intelligence subprograms, flipping through it till she eliminated all but three.

"Intriguing."

"We were worried they were still too close to true AIs."

"These are fine. They have no goal of existing above other things, or any real intelligence. Do you believe he would mind if I used these?"

"Not if it helped."

"I will see what I can do."

"Let me know if I can help."

"I will. There is much I do not understand of how this ship works. I will pass my work to you for review you once I make the first pass."

"Sure."

He was still working when Kasumi and Rommie announced, "We have exchanged messages with Artha, and are five minutes from shifting back to normal space."

Sam said, "I'll head to the ZPM room. I assume you want to swap them out just as soon as we are back in normal space. I saw the readings..."

The pair replied, "Yes please."

Sam left the bridge.

The main screen opened with a view to the terraformer's bridge.

The merged pair said, "We are about to transition back to normal space? Are there any problems?"

"No, everything is normal. Do you have any last minute instructions?"

"Our energy module is near maximum entropy. We will be vulnerable for a couple minutes after we exit. Recommend you power up defensive systems as a precaution."

"Will do. You do have a replacement module correct?"

"Thanks. We have what we need. Nozomi out."

They shifted into normal space only to see the Liberator slip in right alongside them and see the main screen shift to a view of Jenna and the others piloting with Nanoha, Vivio, and Fate waiving.

"It is good to see you Liberator. Our friend here will be powering up as a precaution. We will be down for a few minutes."

Jenna said, "We are extending shields as well. Rest assured we have your back Nozomi."

Nozomi went pitch black for several seconds before backup power came online. Less than a minute later they were back fully online. Kasumi slipped out of the merge. Ranma, as with Aya, lent her energy to recover.

Rommie said, "I really hate that part of using those modules. I always feel vulnerable when we are swapping them out, or just when they are that low on power."

Heimdall said, "I still have not figured out a better solution, other than the one Neutrino Ion reactor I haven't had time to build yet. It will help, but not for things like that, and even then it takes half of your cargo space."

"I'll take it. At least that way I could still fight if I had to."

Heimdall nodded. "I could also add an automatic transfer to a second module, either a Lantean model, or one from the TSAB."

"That works. It would eliminate the only other major weakness."

Lindy said, "We will find a way to get you another. You need the one we brought I know for creating those reactors, and these are not cheap or easy to make, but we will work it out."

"Then," Heimdall said, "There is a good chance the Asgard High Council will agree to leave the Neutrino-Ion reactors in your Terraforming ship, provided of course, certain safeguards are met."

"Thanks, I appreciate it. That would easily be enough to convince who I need to convince. I'll try to get the full alliance signed by then, if not sooner."

"That would be appreciated."

The screen changed to show the captain of the big ship. "Admiral Harlaown, if everything is good here, we will head to Mars and begin first stage assessment."

Sam said, "Make sure you coordinate with the leader of the Mars Project. Colonel Siler can, no doubt, be of great help in bringing you up to speed on our current work. He and his people have put so much work to get it where it is, as has Heimdall here."

"Will do."

Lindy asked, "How long will it take you to build the generators for the world shaper?"

"I should have the first done in a couple of weeks, and probably one a week after that. Some functionality might be possible with only two. Make sure any plan for shaping is first sent to me for review. Your ship goes about things in a different order than we normally would and will require careful coordination."

"Of course."

Sam said, "One thing that amazed me is the Asgard regularly use Stargates to transfer massive amounts of matter from places where what they need exists in the universe to where it is needed. We have done some of that with the inter system gates, but I believe there was a plan to bring in some additional resources."

Heimdall nodded.

"That is brilliant," Lindy said. "I can't wait to get our own. I hope they work in our system."

"They will," Heimdall added. "I checked while we were there. Thor should be heading there in a few weeks once he gets time to collect sufficient unused Stargates, and modify them for your universe."

"That will be great."

"Oh, and two healing beds were also approved," added Heimdall casually.

"I don't know what to say. We are in your debt."

"Well then," Ranma said, "That would seem a good reason to complete this alliance. We work for the future of everyone, and not just one."

"Agreed," everyone said at once.

Heimdall said, "I have used up most of the fissile material you provided for my previous work."

"That works," Sam said. "I originally kept it in case we needed the reactors, but as we don't, I'm glad it is gone. You don't actually need fissile material right? Other nearby elements will work."

"Correct. It was simply best to use that. It removed the danger from the environment."

Sam asked, "Well we could contact world leaders, see if we can get them to donate the spent fuel or other radioactive waste. I'm sure some moron will accuse of of something, but if we have the option to clean it up we should."

"Indeed. Please focus on those collections that are of the highest purity. The radioactivity doesn't actually help, but it can be addressed and mitigated."

"I will. I'll send you the details once I work them out."

He nodded, accepting that it would be done.

Lindy asked, "Are there any rare materials that would justify shipping from other dimensions?"

"No, though it is possible that ships might be sent to get certain materials in this universe."

"I would bet we could spare a cargo ship. Shall I try to get one sent?"

"Do you have an available source of Trinium?" asked Heimdall.

"Please show me the atomic structure."

She looked at the now main display view of the element in question. "Sandry query. Do we have that?"

"Uploading request to Artha's database. Match found. A planet was found almost eighty years ago that had a considerable quantity of ore containing this element. No practical use was discovered and the planet was abandoned."

"Where is it?"

It's location relative to them and Mid-Childa was displayed on the screen.

Rommie noted, "That is a lot closer to us than it is to Mid-Childa travel wise."

"What is it used for?" asked Lindy.

Sam said, "Trinium is a hundred times lighter and stronger than steel when correctly refined into certain alloys."

Lindy, "Would there be any objection if I sent a priority request to find resources for two large cargo ships, security, and all the necessary mining equipment, and had the first of the vessels sent here when they were loaded?"

"None," Heimdall said. "Samantha Carter can no doubt inform you of at least one useful alloy."

"We will take what we can get," agreed Lindy.

Sam asked, "Rommie is there a planet in this universe at the same coordinates?"

"I don't have an answer. Gravitational mappings of the area suggest their should be, but I'd have to go there."

Heimdall said, "I also do not know."

Sam said, "We should go and find out. Nozomi has similar pure Cargo capacity to Liberator. Neither one is really a cargo ship, but both can haul some without resorting to tether fields. I bet with this ships sensors and it's very capable crew we could effectively refine a fair amount without even leaving orbit."

Doctor Tofu said, "We should probably get back."

Nabiki said, "Can't we stay a bit longer. Surely we can do something?"

Ranma said, "It is up to you. We could drop you off, or you could probably get a ride back on Artha."

Lindy said, "Nanoha or Fate are strong enough to transport them personally, if need be. We don't encourage this without need, since ship drives are usually less disruptive."

Doctor Tofu asked, "If we stay, can I get more of your time to learn some of your new tricks?"

"Sure."

Heimdall said, "I will return to Atlantis and resume my work. Contact me if you need me." He vanished in a burst of light.

Lindy said, "I will probably be more use here. Perhaps I can help with some things."

Rommie said, "Then I thank both you and Heimdall for all your efforts and hope we see each other again soon. Just let me know and I'll alert Artha for the transport."

"You can do so now."

Lindy also vanished.

Rommie connected with the world shaper ship. The captain appeared on screen. "We are heading out in search of a possibly useful mineral. We will remain in this universe for the immediate future. Contact us if you need us."

"We will. I read the instructions from Admiral Harlaown. We will make sure all coordination is done per requirements."

"Thanks. Nozomi out."

Sam said, "I just send a message to General Hammond and Colonel Siler asking them to delegate the task of rounding up the fissile material. As far as I know we are good to go."

Nabiki said, "It is curios isn't it, that Nozomi means hope in Japanese."

Rommie said, "I've always meant to track the reason for that down. It has always meant hope, and I always thought the coincidence odd."

"Fitting," Sam said.

Aya asked, "Shall we go?"

Rommie said, "If anyone wants to get some rest. I can handle the trip."

Nabiki says, "I can stay up and I guess wake someone up if something happens?"

Ranma said, "That works."

Doctor Tofu said, "I will as well. I'll give Nabiki a lesson or two."

-=oOo=-

Ranma and Sam beamed down not far from the gate where they detected what appeared to be a hastily setup base camp. They investigated and found a computer that was still had an in progress email open as well as an empty and boiled away coffee pot. They also found evidence of set of explosives that had been used and another that was still sitting there.

They kept searching until they ran across an old totem pole.

Sam asked, "Nozomi, do you find any evidence of people down here? We think we may have a missing Stargate team."

Rommie said, "Affirmative. There is a local village. Caution…"

Ranma and Sam instantly dodged out of the way of several blow darts.

Sam yelled, "Stop firing."

The natives kept attacking.

Ranma and Sam were a blur as they continued to dodge the attacks. They then quickly disarmed their attackers, who proceeded to try to go hand to hand.

Ranma said, "Last warning. Stop or we will stop you."

They did not stop.

Ranma and Sam proceeded to quickly and effectively disable the attacking party. They then double checked that they hadn't caused any permanent harm.

"Well that's just great," complained Sam. "Now we don't have anyone to ask questions of."

"We could go to their village," suggested Ranma.

"Nah, we can't leave these people vulnerable. I suppose we could beam then there."

Another Indian approached. He called out, "I'm Tonane. Who are you?"

Sam stood up. "I'm Sam, this is my husband Ranma."

"What did you do to the warriors?" he asked.

"As little as possible," Ranma said. "They should wake within the hour. We could wake them if you wish."

Tonane said, "Nah, they deserve a nap for being so hasty. What can I do for you?"

Sam blew out a breath. "It seems we are in a little bit of a mess. Were not with the people that came here. I'm with a different group now. I suspect they upset you."

"They did. They caused great damage to the land. The spirits took them for their crimes."

"Are they alive?" Ranma asked.

"They are. They are with the spirits."

Sam asked, "If we repaired the damage, could we um get them back?"

A black bird landed nearby and cawed. A wolf padded in.

"How very curious," Ranma said. "You are very much not what you seem."

Tonane shrugged. "They are the spirits." Then after a moment later he added, "They have agreed to your terms."

"So, would you like us to repair it by hand or can we use our technology?"

The wolf growled softly.

"You should do it by hand."

Sam sighed. "Show us the way."

The bird cawed again.

"Before you go, they wish to know if you too want the Ke," Tonane interpreted.

Sam said, "If you mean the trinium, then yes we certainly have an interest, but we aren't going to blow up anything to mine it, or even remove any at all without your permission."

Tonane said, "That is good. You said you are a different group. What makes you think they will leave and not return?"

"Yes, that is a mess. No doubt they by some other means are interested in this material for reasons similar to our own. We have a second source if need be. Okay, first off we are going to ask nicely and if that doesn't work we are going to threaten to withhold resources from them. Finally, you can just bury the gate. We can help if you want. They don't have ships."

The wolf barked sharply.

"Xe'ls wonders if we can come to some kind of deal?" Tonane asked.

Ranma said, "Well first off we aren't going to give technology significantly advanced of your own. There is too much risk, mostly to yourselves, but to others as well."

"That's alright. We don't want any of that."

Ranma asked, "What do you want? Food, clothing, building materials, medicine, healing?"

"What kind of building materials?"

Sam asked, "What kind do you need? We could also teach you how to build with them, or create your own or really anything within reason. Yes, we aren't going to give something ridiculously advanced, but the basics, sure, if we can help?"

"You also mentioned healing? Can you heal the sick like the spirits can?" asked Tonane.

Ranma said, "We have no idea if it is the same. I would assume not, but if someone is sick, we will take a look."

"There is no need. The spirits have helped all those in need."

Sam said, "There are significant threats in the world outside of this one. Some of which we have faced and defeated. That is something we can help with. While our group is going to try to defend anyone we can really, it still helps if we are all part of the same team."

The crow cawed.

"T'akaya says there is no need."

Sam said, "That is disappointing, but we will still fix what was broken, and if you want, we can help you bury the gate to hopefully discourage anyone from coming back. We will even still help you with building materials and such if you want."

The wolf huffed.

"The spirits are pleased. Come, I will take you to the area they devastated."

The Sailish provided solid Trinium tools including shovels, axes, and rakes. Ranma and Sam worked hard spending twelve hours a day doing the work of a half dozen people a piece. At the end of the third day the Sailish helped them to seed the new area with grass and tree seeds.

Ranma asked Tonane, "Would you mind if we tried something? Maybe we can really make this right."

The ever present wolf and crow looked on. The crow cawed softly.

"The spirits would like to see this."

Ranma and Sam sat across in the loose dirt over where a tree seed was planted.

Sam said, "So you think your idea will work?"

Ranma replied, "Maybe. Shall we?"

Sam held out each of her hands to her husband. He joined hands with her as torrents of brilliant white energy enveloped them and spread throughout the entire clearing. Suddenly, out of a clear sky clouds formed and then rain started sprinkling, changing Ranma into his cursed form.

They kept up the application of energy. Below them the tiniest trunk of a tree started to form, even as grass slowly started to rise around them. They kept the effort up. The grass grew several inches and the tree at the center grew to about a foot. The others nearby they planted grew only a few inches.

Sam and Ranma halted their efforts.

"Remarkable. That was almost as good as the spirits, though they had to help you with the rain. How is it that your husband became…." He hesitated. "your wife?"

"It is a long story," Ranma said. "But we can tell it if you want. We are pretty beat. That took a lot of energy."

"Now you understand the damage they did. That you were able to repair even this much is a promising thing to us."

The wolf huffed again. The crow cawed.

"The spirits say they will release a large amount of the Ke for you to take with you, and request that you return from time to time to say hello."

Sam said, "I don't know what to say. Thanks," she tried.

"That is all we ask."

"And the others?" Ranma asked.

Suddenly a half dozen people appeared.

Sam immediately addressed them, "SG-11 I am Samantha Carter of the EDF formerly of SG-1."

"We know who you are. Are you the one that freed us? I can't even remember where we were."

"No, they accepted our apology and freed you."

"I thank you for that."

"I need you to tell your leader that this planet is off limits. They are unfortunately not happy with how you acted and intend to bury the gate."

"But we need that Trinium."

"We have a second source. Ask and tell us what it is for and we will try to get it, but please leave these people alone. They could have easily killed you."

Ranma said softly, "I think they could have killed us, and we are not easy to kill."

The crow cawed in amusement.

Tonane smiled.

"I don't see that we have a choice. Should we break down our camp?"

The wolf barked.

Tonane said, "Xel's says that there is no need, that you should just go."

"That is probably for the best," Sam agreed.

Ten minutes later SG-11 was gone. Seconds after that the gate was sunk deep into the earth.

Tonane said, "Come, I will show you the spirits gift."

They walked to the river and sure enough rolled against one side was a very large boulder of it. Ranma, already wet, waded into the River. Sam followed him in and together they lifted the massively heavy boulder from the side of the river and set it gently on the ground

Sam asked again, "Are you sure we can have this?"

"Of course."

Sam said, "Rommie can you beam up the rather large chunk of Trinium in front of me?"

"On it.. Boy you got lucky?"

"Luck had nothing to do with it."

They watched as the refined ore disappeared in a flash of light.

The bird shifted to a strange alien woman. The wolf to a similar man.

"It is about time you should us yourselves," remarked Tonane.

"You are not surprised?" asked the woman.

"Nah."

The woman said, "We were curious about the story behind your transformation. Such is unheard of, even among our people."

"Sure," said Ranma. "Perhaps we could stop and have dinner? We could beam up to the ship if you want."

"That would be acceptable."

Tonane asked, "What does.."

He got that far before the entire group was beamed to a conference room.

Nabiki, and Doctor Tofu were there.

Heather brought in the first dish, with the other helpers from the Vatican bringing in other dishes. Kasumi and Aya brought in another dish and laid it on the table.

Rommie walked in as well. She said, "Guests, you are welcome aboard the Nozome. While you are here may you know peace and protection from all threats."

Xe'ls said formally, "We thank you for your hospitality."

Tonane said, "The food smells very good."

Aya said, "Kasumi is a very good cook."

Tonane sat down when Heather held out a chair.

Heather started to leave. Sam asked, "Your not eating?"

"I didn't think there was space."

"Nonsense. You are also a member of this crew." Heather nodded and took a seat off to the side. The others demurred though.

Sam said, "We don't normally stand on ceremony, but would understand if you did."

"Nah," Tonane said, "We normally are too busy for such things. I'm just glad our spirits decided to actually show themselves."

T'akaya said, "We assumed that you would not be ready to see us as we are."

"I don't see why not," Tonane said before reaching for a piece of baked chicken and some rice.

Rommie asked, "Pardon, I'm not familiar with your species. Is the food not compatible?"

T'akaya said, "No, this is fine." She then pulled up a plate and started filling it with food.

Xe'ls also sat down and began filling his plate. "I would like to know what you intend to do with the Ke we gave you."

Rommie asked, "We could head back to Earth and we could introduce you to Heimdall."

Xe'ls and T'akaya heads turned towards her rapidly.

"Know him do you?" quipped Rommie.

T'akaya said, "It seems unlikely to be the same person."

Rommie said, "Opening a connection to Atlantis. Attempting to contact Heimdall." In the middle of the table a couple feet in the air Heimdall's head appeared.

"Is there a problem?" He then noticed their newest guests. "You survived in this universe? We checked thoroughly and could not find you in the universe I am from."

Xe'ls replied, "Our ship was separated from the Asgard Fleet that was protecting us when they were attacked in one of the first battles against the replicators. They were escorting us to a safe planet. We did an emergency jump and ended here, without the resources needed to even repair our ship. We soon adapted, befriending the local people in what we thought was a safe way. Eventually we lost the interest in leaving. Did you ever defeat your foe?"

"Yes, the Asgard in this universe did, thanks in part to Sam and Ranma here, as well as contributions myself and others from my universe made. It still took a great deal of work, but we won."

T'akaya asked, "Are you the one who needed the Trinium?"

Sam said, "An SG team tried to use explosives to mine the Trinium. Their protectors, as you might imagine, took offense and captured the team. We repaired what we could and they gave back their prisoners. We planned to bury the gate to prevent future trouble, but they already did. They also gave us a very large chunk of Trinium."

"I see. I will speak with the American president and convinced him to stop. There is no need to leave your Stargate buried unless you wish to do so, and yes, I was the one that asked them to find more." He turned to Rommie. "I am sending information on a communication device. Could you please replicate it and give it to them."

"Of course. I shall begin right away."

"You have my thanks. Are there any further issues that need to be addressed?"

Heimdall asked.

Xe'ls asked, "Is the Trinium we provided enough, or shall we collect more?"

"It would be of great help if you could produce more. I will arrange to get it through the Stargate."

Sam said, "We talked to them about building materials. Perhaps Stargate Command can make some of it up to them? If they can't, we of course will. We also talked about teaching them, but it seems not to be necessary…."

T'akaya laughed. "That is true. Perhaps one or both of us should Journey with you for a time?"

Xe'ls said, "Perhaps, though I have a request. We detected a large asteroid headed this way in about two years. We have been working to repair our ship…"

"Where?" Rommie asked. A three dimensional representation of this system and surrounding space suddenly replaced Heimdall, who was moved off to the side.

T'akaya pointed her finger at the farthest edge. "It should be approximately there."

Rommie said, "I've got it." The floating image zoomed way in, then showed the asteroid tumbling through space and various readings of scale. It's big, but nothing we can't easily divert. If there are no objections I'll head there now."

Everyone turned to their guests.

Xe'ls said, "If we can eliminate the threat, then let us do so. I would still like to repair our ship."

Sam siad, "We will be glad to help."

Rommie said, "Course laid in. You might as well finish your dinner. We are going to need to jump to get there anytime soon and I'll want a full crew there and ready, but I will get us started."

In the middle of the table they could see the planet begin to recede in the distance.

"Is that our home?" asked Tonane.

Xe'ls said, "It is. The Asgard are protectors of the galaxy. Our history says we were fortunate to receive their help long ago, and now it seems they, and their friends are helping us again. It was rude of us to force you to do manual labor."

Ranma shrugged. "We were overdue for the workout in any event."

Sam said, "We truly did not mind. I actually enjoyed it, and without that, we wouldn't have thought to try the trick with the plants."

T'akaya said, "We may be able to help you improve on that trick. We had sensed your potential easily, but did not know you were so well along in the ways of an adept."

Tonane asked, "So, are the Asgard one of the reasons you protect us?"

"Yes, we are taught that this is our reason. In gratitude for being saved, we choose to help those we can."

"Amazing, well then we will certainly do our part."

They finished their meal and returned to the bridge. Sam and the others took stations.

Tonane's aliens took seats along the back.

Rommie stood before her captains in the front. Aya kissed each softly before taking her seat.

Rommie merged with Kasumi and took the pilot's seat. She announced shipwide, "Attention Nozomi is now entering a potential battle alert condition. Please remain in quarters with belts fastened if possible. We are going to stop an asteroid from colliding and destroying the Sailish planet. Further, it is possible that this asteroid is similar to the one that was set on a collision event with Earth. Until the threat is neutralized we will remain on alert. Releasing locks on primary weapons systems and charging drones. Diving."

They watched as the graceful ship once again skipped opening a hyperspace window and instead slid themselves gracefully into the subspace layer they wanted with no special tricks.

Sam said, "ETA is one minute."

"Engaging full wavelength cloak and preparing for stealth scan upon exit. Be ready, in case we trip anything."

Ranma said absently, "We need to find an excuse to take Liberator on a trip. I miss flying."

Rommie and Kasumi smiled and looked back at him briefly.

Aya was less tactful, "You turned her down? Your loss."

Ranma turned and smiled a smile of appreciation at his beloved.

Aya added, not repentant, "Still your loss, though we will admit appreciation for your beloved."

Sam rolled her eyes and said, "Gee thanks."

The merged pair said, "Exiting hyperspace and starting minimal scan."

"It's a bomb!"

The ship groaned as Rommie and Kasumi slammed every ounce of energy they could at the engines to force their way deep into subspace and away from the now active explosion.

The impact hit the ship anyway as everyone was for the most part held by seatbelt or if they were unlucky slammed into the nearest bulkhead.

Ranma quickly made his way up to where Kasumi's form was passed out. Without waiting for them to come round he quickly but gently gave them a stream of his own energy.

Sam said, "We are way deep in subspace. The ship took serious damage. This is bad. Whoever the hell was behind that, they were ready for us, or someone like us."

T'akaya asked, "Can we help?"

Sam said, "There are injuries scattered throughout the ship. Can you help them? We are still pretty tapped out. You can also get them to the medical bay. Anyone can show you."

"We will."

Doctor Tofu said, "I'll help."

Nabiki added, "Me too."

Aya gently helped Ranma lift Kasumi, but it was Kasumi's body only. He ignored the merge of all three as he and Sam gently laid Kasumi down and continued to repair what they could from the sudden shock.

The merged trio said, "A lot of the energy to shield and emergency jump came from Kasumi. How is her body?"

Ranma said, "Not great. Do you have to have her soul with you?"

"We are helping her soul recover. Can you help her body?"

Sam said, "We think so."

"Good. Unfortunately, the hyperdrive is toast." They announced ship wide. "Due to the emergency jump our hyperdrive engine was destroyed. In order to return to normal space I am unlocking the dimensional drive. It would not normally be used from this level of subspace, so be alert and cautious." She shut off ship wide.

"Drive unlocked. Easing our way back out of this mess."

They waited for over an hour until they had finally return to normal space. By choice they chose to return a very long way away from where they were. Once they were back in normal space Aya and Kasumi separated from Rommie with Kasumi's spirit returning to her now exhausted body.

Rommie went over to her, clearly in little better shape.

Ranma took the pilot's chair.

Sam said, "Opening a connection to Hiemdall."

"Greetings." Seeing who was in the chair and Ranma's expression he added, "What is the problem?"

"The simple asteroid we went to investigate and either divert or destroy turned out to be a bomb. Kasumi was seriously hurt helping Rommie do an emergency jump deep into subspace. Our hyperdrive is destroyed. Kasumi separated from her body and Aya merged as well to pull us out of there with the D-drive. We are okay for now and recovering, but anything that can hurt or surprise this ship is concerning. We didn't use that much energy to scan it and we did it from stealth. Even if it had a bomb, it shouldn't have gone off."

Sam said, "I'm sending our logs of the event. I'm worried there is another player, that either wanted a possible Trinium source cut off, or we are missing something."

"Indeed. Do you require immediate assistance?"

Rommie managed to focus. "I can't heal, not for a day or so. We shouldn't leave Earth not defended either."

"I am asking Thor to dispatch an additional Asgard ship to Earth and several more to investigate the site of the explosion and provide additional protection for that planet. I will join you from the Artha as soon as I am able."

Xe'ls and T'akaya returned. "We filled your healing beds with the worst and then healed two others."

Nabiki and Doctor Tofu returned right after.

"Thanks," Ranma said, even as he knelt again over Kasumi.

T'akaya said, "Let us help. You are exhausted."

Ranma and Sam stepped back as their new friends approached.. Their hands lay above Kasumi and energy flowed into her.

T'akaya said, "She is deeply wounded, but will recover in time."

Ten minutes later they stopped and Doctor Tofu took over. He looked worried.

Ranma turned to Rommie and asked, "How are you?"

"I've been better. I'm sorry I can't do much right now. It is a little hard to focus right now."

Aya just looked worried, even as she held Kasumi's hand.

Ranma said, "Let's get all three of them to their quarters. Doctor Tofu, Nabiki, will you please stay with all three?"

"Of course."

Ranma bent down as Doctor Tofu gently handed him Kasumi. Nabiki helped Aya and Rommie went transparent as they moved to the captain's quarters. Aya kicked off her shoes and laid on the bed even as Ranma gently handed Kasumi to her. Rommie gently laid next to them. She said, "I have enough energy for now, but until we are in better shape I won't have the focus to heal safely."

Sam said, "Take your time to heal. We should have help soon."

Rommie said, "The bridge controls are released to your logins, such as they are. I have identified and marked a half dozen atmospheric leaks. None are significant, but I suggest manually sealing them until we can recover some."

"We will get it done," Ranma said.

"Good." With that, Rommie closed her eyes, and for the first time in a long time fully and completely slept.

-=oOo=-

Author's Note: One thing about writing a massive amount of text without any distractions, is well, things keep moving. I'm not saying I don't have to edit these, but many of them haven't required a lot. The worst ones was when I later decided something had to be changed with events. When you actually do get to those points later it is surprisingly tedious figuring out how to rework parts, and even then may not flow as naturally as the original draft did.

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