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 15: Even More "Diana's Bow" & "Respect Authority"
Meanwhile, in space…
'Diana was running for her life, while on some alien planet. All she wanted to due is lean how to be a hero…not die because of it.
"Duck!" Vigilante yells, as he covers her body with his.
EEEEEEEEEE-
BOOM!
Debris fell everywhere, as the dust rained down on them.
"You okay?" asked the cowboy hero.
"I…I think so," 'Diana said, as she got up.
As soon as they attack commenced, she and Vigilante turned to see their attackers. However, the one that they targeted first was Sailor Moon. Seeing this, 'Moon ordered the two to back to their Javelin, only to see 'Moon caught in an explosion. Now, with the loss of their "mission leader" and ship, 'Diana and Vigilante might be on their own.
"How can we stop them after what they did to 'Moon?" 'Diana asked.
"I wouldn't worry about her," Vigilante says, as he checked the bullets on his guns. He had two types: lethal and non-lethal…and he was on the verge of using the lethal kind.
"But…that power armor or whatever blew Sailor Moon up!"
"And you think that explosives will knock 'Moonie' out of the game as easily?"
"Well…there those bombs to consider…"
"Look, 'Diana, you have to realize that not all villains are those 'youmas' you gals are used to fighting. And some of them are…human."
EEEEEEEE-
"Duck!" Vigilante yells.
BOOM!
"We can't stay here!" 'Diana yells.
"Right," Vigilante says, as he surveys the scene. "In fact…we going to make a stand here."
"Here?"
"Why not? Besides…don't you martial artists of the 'Anything Goes' persuasion have this thing about 'improvisation under extreme condition'?"
'Diana gaped in disbelief.
"You…you know about the 'Musabetsu Kakuto-ryu'?"
Although the cowboy had a handkerchief wrapped around his mouth, 'Diana could tell that Vigilante was smiling.
"Sure did, 'little lady'," the cowboy replied. "And quite a number of them I would call friend."
'Diana smiles at the remark.
"Then, Mr. Cowboy…let's make these bastards pay for being rude hosts."
"Amen."
Meanwhile, back on Earth…FWOOM!
Sailor Helios dodges the attack from Major Force, using her skills of agility. She personally volunteered to take on the demented villain, since he had murdered the girlfriend of a good friend of hers. 'Force became a Quantum-based lifeform, wrapped in a metallic shell, in the same way that Captain Atom and teenager Bombshell became one: by exposing a volunteer with nuclear radiation and the metal alloy known as "Dilustel" (i.e. "Quantum metal"). However, there are only two sources one can acquire such a material natural. One source is from the Silver Surfer, while the other source is from Usagi Tsukino (whenever she is in her "cosmic" form). During the early days of the Silver Surfer visit to Earth, the U.S. government had managed to capture the former herald of Galactus, thanks to the observation notes of Dr. Reed ("Mr. Fantastic") Richards. Dr. Heinrich Megala, a military scientist from Germany, had used the notes to create the X-Ionizer, the only energy that could cut into 'Surfer's skin easily. Eventually, the Fantastic Four managed to locate and free him, but not before temporarily losing an arm (it would re-grow to full length). From there, USAF Captain Nathaniel volunteers for the first attempt to be coated by the alien metal, and became "Captain Atom". Using the left over material, USAF Major Clifford Zmeck volunteered, in order to escape a life sentence in prison for a convicted rape charge, and became "Major Force".
When it was learned that Usagi not only is a herald of Galactus, but also possessed the same "skin" as the Silver Surfer, Usagi was kidnapped as well, until word got to then-SHIELD Director Nick Fury of what had happened. Eventually, she was freed from captivity, but not before enough samples acquired to be used later on a teenaged girl "delinquent" named Amy Allen…who will one day become "Bombshell". Bombshell would become a member of a black ops team under the direction of US Air Force General Wade Eiling…who was a member of "Project: Cadmus". Eiling was in charge of the original "Project: Atom"…the same operation that created 'Atom, 'Force and 'Bombshell. And lucky for Eiling that Ranma did not know that it was Eiling that ordered Usagi's kidnapping.
"So…what's a loser like you working for the government…again?" 'Helios smirked.
"I don't need to take a lip from a broad," 'Force says, as he blasted 'Helios with his Quantum energy.
FWOOSH!
'Helios, in return, raised an outstretched right palm.
FWOOM!
The sheer Force of her will deflected the Quantum energy.
However, 'Helios faced a dilemma. Defeating an energy-based foe was easy enough. However, piercing the "skin" of anyone coated with the alloy will release the Quantum energy stored within his or her body. Still, as long as Superman and 'Helios keeps 'Atom and 'Force busy, Huntress can rescue the Question.
'I wonder if Usagi is having an easier time where she is at…' 'Helios mused.
Meanwhile, back in space…"Where are the humans?" said the Thanagarian, who piloted a suit of power armor, which, paradoxically, served as a life-support unit. The man had been nearly lobotomized by the Martian Manhunter, who had threatened to kill Usagi for information. The Thanagarian alloy, "Nth metal" was one for the few substances in the galaxy that had the same effect on Lunarians, as Kryptonite had on those from the Krypton system, due to its "anti-magic" properties. Unfortunately, these means that the Sailor Scouts were susceptible to the alloy. And, not surprisingly, Ranma and other creatures of "Chaos Magic" (like the supervillain Solomon Grundy) were also susceptible to Nth metal.
"I think they went over there," said his female partner, as she and another Thanagariann land from behind. The man in power armor, unlike his companions, did not have his wings.
"Well, it's a good thing we took out that Lunarian first," the man said, as he suddenly went into the jitters.
"You okay, Kragger?" said the younger man on the ground.
"I…I don't know, Soli," the man said. "My mind…don't work no more-"
"Wait, I here something," said the woman, whose name was Brea.
The Thanagarians notices rustling in the trees.
"There…I see the filthy humans!" Soli says, as all three Thanagarians fired their energy weapons.
"Diana's Arrows VOLLEY!" yelled a voice.
Suddenly, a single arrow, made from energy, fly high into the air…
"Ah, look at the silly weapon!" says Kragger.
…Before it fell back towards the Earth while splitting up into HUNDREDS of arrows.
"Ah!" said Brea, as she ducked for cover underneath Kragger's armor.
Soli was not as fortunate.
"Argh!" Soli yelled, as the arrows penned him into the ground, while delivering a shock that stunned the winged man.
"Soli? SOLI!"
Brea began firing wildly into the brush.
"DIE!"
However-
BANG!
A single-shot from one of Vigilante's revolver managed to blow the stock barrel in Brea's hands, stunning her in the process.
"Ah-!"
Now alone, Kragger whirled about.
"Come on out, you cowards!" Kragger roared.
Suddenly, 'Diana charged forward, while carrying a large mallet.
"Ai-yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy-"
Kragger fired his chain gun at the girl, but some how, he was unable to hit his target. Finally, the girl made a giant leap.
"HA!"
The last thing was the business end of "Mallet-Sama" falling on Kragger's head.
"Not again-!"
BLAM!
Thus, without a humanoid operator, the power armor/life-support system collapsed.
"Whew, I'm glad that's over," 'Diana said, as she surveyed her "handiwork".
"So am I, 'little lady'," Vigilante says, as he got some vines ready. "Let's make sure that these 'birdbrains' don't cause us any more trouble."
"Right," 'Diana said, as she began to help the cowboy take care of their captives. "And then, we can help the others."
Above them (unseen from normal view) was Sailor Moon. She had been quietly observing 'Diana and Vigilante's actions, and had only intervened when the Warrior of Diana had made her charge against the armored Thanagarian…by moving at invisible speed as a means of intercepting the chain-gun fire.
"You did good, Akane Tendo," 'Moon said with satisfaction. "You MIGHT be the hero you ought to be…"
Meanwhile, back on Earth…'Man, this sucks,' 'Helios thought to herself, as she dodged 'Force's attacks. And then, she thought to herself. "Wait, that's it!"
"What's IT, you little 'witch'?" 'Force said.
"Just a second," 'Helios said, as she reached DEEP into her personal 'pocket dimension'. "Ah, I have it."
'Helios pulls out a 100-yen piece.
"What is THAT supposed to do?"
"Oh, I'm going to suck you dry…of your energy."
"Oooh, kinky!"
"We'll see, big-boy!" 'Helios said, as she held up the coin between her fingers. "HAPPO-SHIATSU REVISED: ONE HUNDRED YEN COIN!"
"Is that…supposed to…impress me…?"
Suddenly, Major Force felt his energy being drawn from his body.
"Wha-what…?"
"You know, I had always thought that there's a difference between the various types of energy signatures, so I really never tried using this attack in this matter. But, I figure, heck, there is a first time for everything…"
"Noooooooo-!" 'Force said, as he began to crumple, leaving only the metal skin behind.
Now glowing, 'Helios quietly took what was left of Major Force, neatly folded the "skin", and tossed it into a nearby garbage can.
"Moron," 'Helios said, as she went to find Superman and the Huntress. When she did, 'Helios sees that they were carrying 'Atom and Question respectively.
"We're done?" 'Helios asks.
"Yes," Superman replied. "What happened to Major Force?"
"He…collapsed under my awesome-ness."
Huntress rolled her eyes in exacerbation.
Meanwhile, in the city of Tokyo…"Akane?" Nabiki said, as she knocked on the door that led to her sister's room. When there was no response, Nabiki enters the room.
'Yep, no one is here,' the mercenary girl says. She then takes out her "Minerva Computer".
"Let's see," Nabiki mused, as she begins her scan of the room. "There is some sort of trap door system that relies on the manipulation of spatial dimensions, but I can't seem to locate the exact frequency without taking too much time."
Nabiki closes her computer.
"What were those words again? Oh, yeah. 'Montana: 7-4-1'-"
Suddenly, Nabiki dropped through a floor, and into some sort of chute.
"Ahhhhh-!"
About a few moments later, Nabiki dropped…on her 'behind' in some sort of receiving bay.
"Ooof!"
More annoyed that hurt, Nabiki gets up, as she rubs her sore 'behind'.
"When I find Saotom, I'll-"
CHIRP!
"You are not authorized to be here, Miss Tendo," says a computerized voice.
"Wait a minute," Nabiki said out-loud. "That sounds like 'Auntie Nodoka'…"
"Prepare to be immobilized."
"Now, what does that mean-?"
ZAP!
A beam of green energy enveloped the Mercenary Girl, freezing her in place.
'Oh, no!' Nabiki thought to herself. 'What now? Wait, I know…'
Concentrating, Nabiki began to make mental calculations in her head. Contrary to popular belief, she was a math whiz on an unbelievable scale; she just prefers to use her intellect to make money. And since first joining the hyper-science group known as the Virtual Adept, who specializes in "trinary algorithms" (that allow computers to become "sentient") and spatial manipulation, Nabiki has used her skill to make even MORE money. She did regret not applying her acquired knowledge to explore the concept of "Reality Hacking", but perhaps now, she can actually fulfill the requirements of her membership.
'Let's see,' Nabiki thought to herself, as she began to visualize her spatial perception in pure 'code'. She began to create, in her head, a subroutine on her actions, another for her environment, and another for the previous actions of the computer.
'Execute.'
BLIP!
Nabiki found herself standing a few feet where her "after image" was now standing. Quickly, she typed into her Minerva Computer.
"Computer, execute subroutine 'Aegis'," Nabiki says.
CHOOM!
A force field was suddenly erected in around Nabiki, preventing another immobilization "zap".
"Now, to see if I remember my 'cracking' skills," Nabiki smirked, as she began to type away on her computer. "Hmmm…this is pretty advanced stuff. No problem."
With a few more strokes on her keyboard, the Mercenary Girl successfully reset the security systems."
"Easy as pi," Nabiki says to herself. She made a beeline to the nearest terminal, and set her computer on top of the featureless panel. "I'm sure that you, my friend, have lots of secrets to tell me…"
Meanwhile, at the JL satellite…"I can't believe I had a first mission as a superhero," 'Diana said, as she got out of the captured Thanagarian scout ship. "But…I am glad that you are okay, Sailor Moon."
"Ah, it's part of the job," 'Moon replied. She then turns to the Vigilante. "So…what's the word of our bet, Mister Cowboy?"
"Well, I don't know if Miss Diana's floating act counts or not, but I am a good sport about it," Vigilante says.
"I tell you what. Let's call it even, okay?"
"Fine by me. If you ever in the Houston area, I'll treat ya to that Texas-size beef stake."
'Moon is beaming a smile at the comment.
"And if YOU are ever in Japan…you'll get that Kobe stake I mentioned."
"Little lady…you have yourself a deal."
"Killer."
Then, 'Moon turns her head towards 'Diana.
"Sailor Diana, I hope that you have, to lack a better word, 'enjoyed' your experience, both in training and on the field."
"It's an honor being watched over you, Sailor Moon," 'Diana bowed her head.
"Likewise," 'Moon replied likewise. "Report to conference room five for your final debriefing."
"Yes, ma'am!"
And off Sailor Diana goes with Vixen and Vigilante.
"You know what, 'Dumpling'?" Hawkgirl says, as she stands next to 'Moon.
"What?"
"She isn't half bad."
"I'm glad to hear that."
When Hawkgirl walks away, 'Moon sees Sailor Helios running towards her.
"We got problems," 'Helios says. "Nabiki is trying to access the files aboard the Rantsu."
"So? Just do what you normally do when ever she snoops in your business."
"Alright. Just hate suppressing her memories, whenever she gets too close."
"Considering the fact that she hasn't always looked after your best interest, I'd say Nabiki is getting off lightly. In fact, that reminds me, I'll have to set up a special trap for anyone trying to get to the 'penumbral' realm of the Moon Kingdom."
A penumbral realm are snap shots of eras long since passed, particularly places with high levels of resonance (think "psychic footprint"). This is different from an umbral realm, in that a place has layers of alternate dimensions (in the case of the Moon, the umbral realm is Arcadia). Sometime in the Victorian Age, Usagi rediscovered the penumbral realm of the Moon Kingdom, an action that woke up the ghost of her mother Queen Serenity. Since then, the two have been forging a mother-daughter relationship, while Serenity does her part in awakening Usagi's younger self in the late 20th century. Still, with the defeat of Sailors Galaxia and Chaos, Serenity moved on to her reward in the after-life…first to Heaven, and then later to be reborn as Rini ("Neo-Sailor Moon") Chiba. As strange as this may sound, it is within the lore of the phases of the lunar cycle: the child becomes the parent, and the parent becomes the child. Usagi had guessed correctly on this, ever since she indulged herself in the partaking of the mélange of Arrakis, when her so-called "past lives" ended up as mere reflections of herself.
At any rate, Usagi did not want anyone else rediscovering the Moon Kingdom until she is ready to reveal its existence to anyone beyond her husband Ranma.
"Yeah, yeah," 'Helios said. "Look, I better get going before anything ELSE goes wrong."
'Helios turns to leave.
"Ranma?"
'Helios turns back towards 'Moon.
"Yes, Usagi?"
"I love you."
'Helios looks at 'Moon…and smiles at the comment.
"I know."
'Moon chuckled to herself, and smiles.
Meanwhile, on Earth at "LexCorp"…"We don't if their intrusion at that Cadmus facility will do any good, but I'm not going to take any chances," Waller said over the communications link.
Luthor looks up from his work.
"Then it's time to up the ante," Luthor says, as he goes over to the nearest terminal. He patches up a program entitled "JL Satellite Beam Cannon". "Keep me informed on any additional developments."
"Right. Waller: OUT."
CHIRP.
Luthor thought about targeting the Cadmus facility that held the Question. However, he came up with a different idea.
"You and the 'Dumpling' have been more than a nuisance, Saotome," Luthor said to himself, as he changed the coordinates. "I have enough to deal with eagarding the Kryptonian. Besides…with Tokyo attacked, the UN will have no choice but to resend its mandate…thus allowing the United States government to clamp down you little friends."
Thus, with some keystrokes, the targeting sequence has begun.
"Welcome to Armageddon."
Tbc.
Author's note: This is it…the moment we all have been waiting for: the destruction of the Justice League…and both the Sailor Scouts and the Nerima Wrecking Crew! Be here for "Endgame", and see if our heroes will survive the coming onslaught. See you then!