Sailor Moon ST: Hero Unlimited – DS Wynne
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon, Ranma ½, Star Trek, Justice League Unlimited and other properties belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Part 13: "Diana's Bow"
It was the next day, in Centennial Park, Metropolis, where Usagi and Metropolis' premier reporter (but don't let Lois Lane-Kent know about this proclamation) Clark ("Superman") Kent meet. While Clark was dressed in his khaki-gray suit, and wore his thick, rimmed glasses, Usagi was dressed in a stylish, white sundress, long (wrap-around) white shawl, and wide-brim sun hat. She wore her stylish white flats, and black sunglasses.
"Hello, Clark," Usagi says, as she hugs her former husband. "How's the family?"
"Well, Jonathan is okay," says Clark. "He going to graduate from high school soon, and Martha just gotten into the Middle School."
"That's good to hear," Usagi says, as they begin to walk towards the center of the park. "And are they…'special'?"
"Huh?" Clark replied.
"Well, you know…'SPECIAL SPECIAL'."
"Oh. Well, the boy is getting stronger, but his 'abilities' will be long and coming. Same with the GIRL."
"I see."
Soon, the two stop in front of the statue dedicated to Sailor Moon, who had sacrificed her life to stop the original Doomsday the first time. The bronze statue had 'Moon posing in her traditional sentai pose.
"I'm surprise that the city 'fathers' haven't moved this statue to some other place," Usagi says. "I mean…I DID come back to life, you know. Rocky, I am NOT."
Usagi was referring to the statue in Philadelphia dedicated to the famed Italian boxer. In fact, a sixth film was to be made about him, starring the actor Sylvester Stallone.
"You DID save millions of people, Usagi," Clark replies.
"I guess so. Look, I'm getting worried about you."
Clark sighs.
"You know about the deal I made in order to get Luthor's help, right?"
"Of course I know, Clark."
"How-?"
"I still have friends in 'the business', remember? Just because I've retired from 'Task Force X' and other related 'black operations', that doesn't mean that I'll lose my connections."
"Well, it's my fault that you got yourself roped into it in the first place."
"Clark, no one would have guessed that the 1950s would end up a 'false Eden': prosperity wrapped in conformity."
"And it's funny how no one has learned this, with this so-called 'Civil War' going on," Clark replied.
The "Civil War" that Clark Kent was referring to was a war between those who want superheroes to be registered with the government and those who do not want this, thanks to the multiple deaths of school children caused by a fight between a superhero and supervillain in Brooklyn, New York. Led by the hero Iron-Man of the Avengers, the pro-registration side has been trying to enforce the law that Congress has enacted. Thankfully, the Justice League fell under the jurisdiction of the United Nations, so Iron-Man could not enforce it on its membership as of yet (hence the reason why Cadmus was formed). So far, the conflicts occurring have been low-key, but Usagi feared that this 'war' will heat up REAL soon.
"Clark, I am concern about your state of mind, but I know that you will do the right thing. You are NOT him."
"Who?"
"Luthor or your fascist counterpart."
Clark looks away, and then looks back at Usagi.
"Both. I'm a hero, for goodness-sake!"
Usagi places a hand on Clark's right shoulder.
"And the fact that you are concerned about all this IS a sign of heroism, Clark. I wouldn't have fallen for that 'farm-boy from Kansas'. Oh, that reminds me…"
From pocket-space, Usagi pulls out a gift-wrapped box.
"Today would have been our seventieth wedding anniversary, Clark."
Clark was surprised, as he accepted the gift.
"Open it."
Clark did as he was told. Of course, Usagi just HAD to line the box in a thin film of lead, just to make sure that Clark was indeed surprised. When he did open the box, the Man of Steel was speechless.
It was a black-and-white picture of Usagi and Clark on their first date in Smallville, Kansas (circa 1935 CE), which was encased in a silver frame. It was a picture of them in fancy dress, dressed as "Raggedy Ann and Andy", and in fact, won for best costume. Clark was 17 years old at the time, and was the costume hero known as "Superboy", while Usagi was still grieving for the loss of her husband Ranma. In actuality, Ranma was really alive, having survived many years in the Underworld before making his escape to Paradise Island, where he, during his healing process, would father a child with the Amazon Queen Hippolyta. That child, blessed by the Olympians, would grow up to be the costume heroine "Wonder Woman".
"Where did you find this?" Clark asked.
"I was going through my old things, when I came across this," Usagi replied. "I hope that Lois doesn't mind me giving you a gift for, you know…"
"Probably she will, but I told her that you are going to be a part of my life in SOME fashion. Besides, it's not like you are going to leave Ranma for me. I know how he GETS."
"Tell me about it. He's a lot better at handling my past relationships now, than when we first got together."
"I hope so…"
"Look, I'm working on something, but I need for you to trust me."
Clark frowned.
"Alright, what's going on?"
"It's about…Lara."
"What about her?"
A few minutes later, Clark was furious.
"And when were you about to let me know about THIS?"
"Clark, you said you would trust me."
"I do! But why did you wait until now to tell me that Cadmus MIGHT have our daughter?"
"Look at you! And look what happened to you yesterday. I KNOW that you won't become a fascist, but you tend to go half-cock when angry."
Clark huffed his sigh.
"Okay, so what's happening now?"
"I got the Question looking for more clues as to Lara's whereabouts, as well as evidence pertaining to Luthor and his role in Cadmus."
"Alright…"
"Look, it will be okay, but we have to do this by the numbers. Luthor needs to pay, but we do this by the book, okay?"
"…"
"Clark?"
"Okay, Usagi, I will…ease back a bit."
"Thanks," Usagi said, as she gives Clark a peck on the cheek. "We WILL get through this."
Usagi and Clark then walk towards an Italian restaurant that they use to frequent when they were both reporters (Usagi's specialty was in "photojournalism") for the "Daily Star" in the 1940s.
"What do you have going on this afternoon?" Clark asks.
"Well, Hawkgirl and I are going to train some new recruits in piloting the 'Javelin'."
"Who are these recruits?"
"Let's see…the Vigilante, Vixen, and Sailors Jupiter and Diana."
"Aren't 'Jupiter and 'Diana those girls that got kidnapped by Roulette?"
"Yes. I want my Sailor Scouts to interact with the 'League, so piloting is a part of that initiative. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all. In fact, that's how 'Supergirl' started out."
"I'm glad. And Clark, don't tell Kara that I told you about her involvement in all this. Please?"
"SIGH. Okay, you have my word."
"Good! Let's eat…"
Later, back in Japan…"Kasumi, I'm home!" Akane says, as she enters the foyer. After dealing with the usual shenanigans at Furinkan High School, all she wants is to relax for the evening.
"Oh, hi, Akane!" Kasumi says, as she peeked head into the hallway. "How was your day?"
"The same…and that jerk was no where to be seen."
"I'm sure it's okay," Kasumi says. "I could use your help in the kitchen."
"Sure, let me get cleaned up first."
As Akane reaches the upstairs landing, she sees Nabiki trying to peek inside the bathroom.
"Um, Nabiki?"
Nabiki, startled, turns to face Akane.
"What?"
"What are you doing?"
"Just checking on something."
"Oh. Well, let me know when you are done, because I need to help Kasumi fix dinner."
'I rather deal with the demons than deal with Akane's cooking,' Nabiki thought to herself.
Luckily for her, Akane had other plans made for the 'un-cute" fiancée. As soon as Akane closed the door, to her room, behind her-
BRRRRING!
-Akane found herself on some sort of transporter pad…and in her 'Sailor Diana' costume.
"Wha-what's going on?" Sailor Diana says.
"Ah, you're here," says Sailor Moon. "Welcome aboard the Justice League satellite."
"S-Sailor Moon?"
"Uh-uh. A friend of yours told to me that you wanted to be a hero, right?"
"Well, I always wanted to be a hero, ever since I was a little girl!"
"Well, then, you will certainly have that chance. Come…follow me."
Reluctantly, 'Diana gets off the transporter pad. She gawked as various heroes walked by.
"If I might ask…who is the person who told you about me?"
"Our mutual friend asked me not to reveal his or her identity just yet, since he or she want you to take advantage of your training."
"What will I be trained in? I happen to be an advanced practitioner of my family martial arts style…the Musabetsu Kakuto-ryu."
"Actually, I know this. In fact, it's not my place to determine your combat prowess. Besides, in my opinion, all you need is to refine your combat skills, and you are good to go."
"Really?"
"Really. But the training that I have in mind for you is…piloting."
"Wha-what? But…I just got my driver's license last year!"
"And there you go," 'Moon says. "You'll do just fine, as long as you listen to your instructors."
"Who?"
"Me and 'Dumpling-Head'," says Hawkgirl, as she greets the two Sailor Scouts by the hanger bay. To 'Diana, Hawkgirl looked like a woman with gray feathers. She had olive skin, and a short haircut. The "winged avenger" then turns her full attention towards 'Moon. "And I still say that children have no place piloting a space craft, let alone learning how to do so."
'Diana was about to retort, but-
"Kendra, stuff it," 'Moon says. "You are only a few years older than Sailor Diana, so I don't want to hear it."
"Fine. Just be sure that the kid does as she is told."
And with that, Hawkgirl enters the hanger.
'Moon turns her head towards 'Diana.
"Don't mind her," 'Moon says. "She's been having relationship problems with a fellow Justice Leaguer."
'Diana nods her head. And then, something pops into her head.
"Shouldn't I let my sisters know that I won't be home tonight?"
"I wouldn't worry about it…"
Back at the Tendo Training Hall…"Dinner is ready!" Kasumi calls out.
Nabiki goes down the stairs.
"Kasumi, have you seen Akane-?" Nabiki began.
There, helping Kasumi to set up dinner was…Akane?
"Why, yes, Nabiki," Kasumi says. "She is right here."
"Akane" beams a smile.
Nabiki squints her eyes, but says nothing as she sits down to eat.
"This…this is tasty," Nabiki says, as she continued to eat her meal.
"Of course it is," says 'Akane'. "What do you think I am…some un-cute 'tomboy' who can't cook?"
"…"
As much as Ranma's disguise as Akane LOOKED convincing, Ranma was not exactly a convincing actor in not so serious situations.
Meanwhile, Sailor Diana found herself in the co-pilot seat, with Sailor Moon by her side in the pilot seat. With her, 'Moon and Hawkgirl was a Black 'supermodel' named 'Vixen' (who could mimic the abilities of animals), the American, modern-day cowboy named "Vigilante", and-"Gosh," Sailor Jupiter says. "This is SO neat!"
'Diana could have swore she has met the tall girl in the green Sailor fuku before…
"Okay," Sailor Moon says, as she tosses 'Diana her "lite" headset. "Put those on."
"Okay," 'Diana said hesitantly, as she did as she was told. "Um, how do you know that I have a license?"
"Checked your records, thanks to the Japanese government."
"Oh."
"Now, the control system can be arranged in any format. We do this to compensate for those who are not bipedal."
"So…I can reconfigure the control panels."
"Yes."
"So…can I reconfigure the panel to resemble a video game controller?"
"Oh, brother," says Vixen.
Vigilante laughed, while 'Jupiter giggled. She has had training, so she can afford to laugh good-naturedly.
Hawkgirl merely "harrumphed".
"Yes, you can. Computer?"
CHIRP!
"Reconfigure the panel to resemble a standard arcade control system."
"Like 'Starfox Assault'?" Akane asked.
"Like 'Starfox Assault'."
CHIRP!
In moments, the panel is reconfigured.
"The pedals on the floor controls the boosters and the breaks. But remember, each pedal controls ONE engine, while the other pedal controls the other engine. I've set the thrusters for automatic, so the computer will help you by compensating."
"And what will YOU do?"
"I will compensate the computer. Now to move forward, all you have to do is move the joystick control forward. The computer will let you know when to apply more boost. But for now, taxi to the indicated spot on your heads-up-display panel. And don't worry…it will be like trying to park your car, except the gas and breaks are controlled by the joystick."
'Diana looks up to see the virtual display pop up in front of her. She was be directed to a particular spot of the flight deck.
CHUNK!
"What was THAT?" 'Diana asked.
"You're locked in place, now," 'Moon says. 'Now, I want you to lean back, and relax."
"Okay."
"THREE," came a voice on the loud speaker.
"What was THAT?" 'Diana asked.
"TWO."
"That's the countdown sequence," 'Moon said. "Did you have anything to eat recently?"
"Um, no…"
"ONE."
"Good."
"LAUNCH."
VOOM!
The Alpha-class "Javelin", designated "A01", is catapulted out of the satellite, and into space.
"AHHHHHH!" screamed 'Diana.
As soon as the A01 is out into space, there was a noticeable feeling of weightlessness.
"Oh, Kami-sama…"
"Congratulations, Sailor Diana…you have learned how to launch a spaceship," 'Moon says. "Now, we can begin our instructions…"
For a few hours, each trainee took turns how to pilot. Since the craft was big enough to move around the cabin, an impromptu meal was made, courtesy of Sailor Jupiter.
"Here ya go," Sailor Jupiter says, as she passed out the sandwiches.
"Thanks," 'Diana replies. "You know…being out here is space…learning how to fly…it is kind of fun."
"You said it, little lady," says Vigilante, as he chews on his sandwich. "And Ah must say that these sandwiches are mighty delicious."
'Jupiter blushes at the compliment.
"Do you have any thing more…light?" Vixen asks.
"I have fresh sushi—salmon and "veggie—and 'toss' salad…" 'Jupiter replied.
"I'll take the salad," Vixen says.
"Sure thing!" 'Jupiter says, as she passes the salad and fork to the supermodel. "I have vinaigrette dressing, blue-cheese and ranch."
"I'll have a touch of vinaigrette…"
Back in the cockpit, 'Moon was monitoring a peculiar signal.
"Hmmmm…" 'Moon mused.
"What is it?" Hawkgirl asked.
"I'm getting a feint distress signal from the sector near here," 'Moon says, as she refocused her sensors. "It's in uncharted territory…"
"Should we investigate? You ARE the most senior member of the 'League here."
'Moon strokes her chin.
"I don't see why not. We check it out, do our thing, and we go home. At the very least, we can fit this into our lesson plans."
Hawkgirl nods her head. She then turns towards to back area.
"Listen up. We might have a rescue mission to deal with. Since we are going into uncharted territory, I would ask that you follow the chain of command."
'Diana swallowed hard. First, she was in space. Now, she was going to some alien world…?
"Hey, relax," 'Jupiter says. "What could possibly go wrong?"
Meanwhile, on the planet where A01 was heading, a plan of revenge was being hatched…
Tbc.
Author's note: Slowly, I will bring in the Sailor Scouts and the Nerima Wrecking Crew into the story, which will culminate in "Brainiac Moon versus the World" (the next-to-last chapter in this story). Stay tune for details.
Next time: We continue "Diana's Bow", where we will see if Akane ("Sailor Diana") Tendo has what it takes to stop a revenge plot on an alien world. And then we will see the spark that will launch the war against the Justice League…as well as against the Sailor Scouts and the Nerima Wrecking Crew! See you then!