Disclaimer: Here ye, here ye I do not own Ranma 1/2, Sailor Moon or Evangelion … but they will be mine oh yes they will be mine (1)
Author's Notes: House cleaning time. One of my reviewers noted a problem with the notation system, due to the asinine upload system the original formatting was pretty much destroyed. This problem has now been fixed and should hopefully look and read a lot better now.
Now on to the reviews, thanks to all those who reviewed this fic.
Ranma girl 14; Thanks for the review, Ranma's role as a navigator shall be revealed (partially) in this chapter
Slade13: Thank you so much for your review; it was just the kind of review I was asking for in the previous chapter. I have fixed the problem with the notes (as stated above) as well as the measurement problem so thanks for pointing that out. As for the plot delivery hopefully this chapter does it better. The first four chapters are basically the set up for the rest of the story so the plot and character development should pick up much faster from chapter five onwards. Once again thanks for the review.
Jerry Unipeg: Thanks for the review. As for the kind words don't mention it you deserve them. There are very few people who review as many stories as you do and such an effort is worthy of praise.
Ryden Fall: Thanks for the review. Ranma's role as the navigator was to him an unexpected one, he had no idea what was going on. Pluto was not a choice for the vessel for reasons that well you'll see in the next couple of chapters why.
Now that I have taken care of the reviews onto the story
Mizuryunokamioh: I have always wondered why if the Silver millennium had the time gates why did it fall, why was there no plans in place to prevent it from falling or at the very least plans in place to save at least a part of it so it could be rebuilt
This is my answer to that question.
The Pluto Protocols
Chapter 2 – Beginnings Part 3
'Speech'
"Sound Effects"
(Thoughts)
Unknown Place
Unknown Time
He was known by many names in many places. Some referred to him as the keeper of keys, others as the builder of dreams, some feared him as the twilight bringer and others as the father of tyrants, his preferred moniker was however the architect of Fate.
He called himself this due to his manipulation of those around him. Driving them to what he perceived as their destiny. That was his mission, his goal, his reason for being.
It was that mission that currently had the architect swearing in almost every known language. Someone was trying to disrupt his mission, years of carefully laid plans were being ruined because something had dared interfere, that would end. His current plans were simple, remove Chaos from earth, and create an age of unprecedented order.
It had been a simple plan that only required a handful of young mortal guardians to do what they had been doing since their awakening, destroy evil. Naturally those obsessed with destroying evil would take an opportunity to ensure that evil could not reappear again. An opportunity that the Architect would give, had given to those guardians. It had been subtle, gentle, a couple of well placed dreams was all that was needed and the guardians had done the rest. The even believed that it was their idea. Yet something had interfered, where the future was once set, it had now been changed. The crystal spires that marked a future of pure order were gone replaced by a myriad of different possibilities all containing Chaos. But that would change, new plans would be put in motion and the old future, the future of pure order would be restored, because nothing would stop the Architect from achieving his mission, the fate of the Senshi was assured and he would see to it that that fate would happen no matter what.
Break
Earth
Tokyo 3
Year 2015 CE
Ranma Saotome fought back the urge to throw up as the vessel finally stopped moving. Unused to the feeling of moving at high speeds while not moving at all was very disconcerting for the young martial artist. This feeling came from the fact that as the navigator Ranma felt everything the ship did as through there was no massive hull of Ceresian Steel surrounding him.
Having finally been able to communicate with the strange voice without constantly repeated questions being hurled at him Ranma had finally figured out what the voice wanted. Apparently the strange voice was a central interface system for communication with the vessels Navigator, which of course meant nothing to Ranma at all. So that information was followed by a more simplified explanation. Ranma was chosen to move the ship and the voice was there to receive Ranma's commands and relay them to the ship.
Naturally Ranma wasn't pleased that he had been abducted by a giant flying boat in space and had announced his displeasure which resulted in another rousing game of I can repeat things more times than you can. So eventually tired and hungry Ranma had finally assented to his new position and given the voice its new destination (2).
Which has lead to Ranma's current predicament, having just arrived at some unknown destination feeling rather ill.
With the strange glowing field no gone and now being back on the platform once again Ranma decided it was time for some explanations and exploring. Unfortunately for Ranma the voice whole heartedly agreed and proceeded to make its own preparations which included the opening that had fired the glowing beam which had absconded Ranma previously being … well being opened again.
'Navigator Ranma your attention is required for the next phase of our mission'
'Huh say what now?' Asked a still disorientated Ranma as he finally managed to steady himself in an upright position.
(Heh alright now I can finally get out of here and away from that crazy voice)
'Navigator Ranma your attention is required for the next phase of our mission'
Ranma sighed as the voice got up to its old tricks of repeating its questions over and over till it got its own way. Used to this and known that the only way he got make the voice cease was to answer Ranma did so while still planning his escape.
'Uh sure my attention you got it'
'The next phase of Pluto Protocol's: Find allies for eventual rebuilding of Silver Millennium and defeat of its enemies. Allies must be found within directives. Current time found to be within ze'd (3) directive. Navigators task will now begin'
Ranma simply nodded as he pretended to listen to the voice while searching the strange room for an exit. Of course this may have been a problem in the near future if the voice hadn't picked up on something.
'Has Navigator understood this, Navigator has not yet responded'
The voiced paused as it ran a small scan of the navigation room, with the Navigator's primary functions still on and yet no responses being received the voice decide to utilize another of its functions, a hard light projection.
Hard light is an amazing thing, being a solid illusion its uses were near endless a favourite being letting somebody be in two places at once. This use of hard light had provided the wealthy citizens of the millennium with near limitless freedom, freedom of time that is. One could easily entertain ones friends while still attending an important meeting, attend a child's graduation while having lunch with an important client one could even enjoy a day betting on the Slephnein races while attending an audience with ones head of state (4). Hard Light in other words is very very useful.
Thus the voice using the hard light provided for itself a body, which it then used to search for the unresponsive Navigator to see what was responsible for its lack of response. Noting that the Navigator was currently on its knees attempting to look under entry platform to the Navigation chamber (5) the now embodied voice then ran a systems check to analyse what it had found. Coming up with a series of probable reasons for the Navigator being on its knees looking under the entry platform it proceed to go with the first reason and its appropriate response. The embodied voice quickly wrapped its hands around the Navigators chest and proceeded to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre.
Ranma naturally did not respond well to a pair of arms encircling his chest and even worse when said arms began to try and crush his ribs and so proceeded to try and free himself from his unknown assailant. Ranma quickly straightened his arms upwards and dropped into the splits forcing the person attacking him to become unbalanced, he then spin his body clockwise forcing the person attacking him to let go. Having freed himself he immediately leapt away twisting his body to face his opponent.
The embodied voice was caught of guard as the Navigator responded to its emergency procedure by dropping downwards and twisting free. The voice quickly straightened itself and addressed the Navigator to prevent any further retaliation.
'Navigator cease operations this unit is not a foe'
Ranma was surprised by his attackers addressing him.
'What did ya attack me for?'
'This unit was not attacking the Navigator it was providing emergency relief'
'Huh wadda mean emergency relief? Relief from what their ain't nothing wrong with me and who are you?'
'I am the central interface system for the Arc'
Ranma blinked at the reply
(I have know idea what this guy is talking about but he sounds like that stupid voice from before)
'Hey are you that voice from before'
'Query accepted: This unit is the central interface system for the Arc that has been interfacing with the Navigator'
Ranma sweat dropped at the reply.
'Uh I'll take tat as a yes then'
'Navigator appears to be one hundred percent functional proceeding with next phase of Pluto protocols, Navigator will prepare for next task'
'Huh what task what protocols ya need ta tell me what's going on here?'
'Query mission background accepted: This vessel registration code SMV 123720 (037) CRNSC MOD ARC 001 Tryst (6) has been ordered to follow the Pluto Protocol's'
'And just what are the Pluto Protocol's' Ranma growled, the frustration of not knowing what was going on getting to him.
'Query Pluto Protocol's restricted, authorisation Navigator ….. accepted: The Pluto Protocol's are a series of contingency plans created by the 21st Queen of Pluto under authorisation of the 17th Queen of the Moon Kingdom and 17th head of the Silver Millennium. These plans were to be put in place upon the collapse of the Silver Millennium and the eventually emergence of the Heir to the Silver Millennium. The plans have been divided into four phases. Phase ze this vessel is to obtain a Navigator, status of phase complete. Phase nje recruit allies for the heir, allies are needed to rebuild the Silver Millennium and defeat its enemies. Phase status begun. Phase xi bring new acquired allies to heir and ensure heir safety. Status pending completion of phase nje. Phase vya construct forward base for immediate defence of heir and as strike point against enemies. Status pending completion of phase nje and phase xi. All phases must be completed without breaking primary directives'
Ranma felt the urge to pass out….er mentally retreat from the situation.
(This doesn't make any sense, I ain't the smartest guy in the world but even I know that Pluto is just some hunk of ice floating in space so it can't have a queen and what the hell is the silver mallenathingy anyway it sounds like the kinda thing that is those cheesy maho shojo manga that Akane reads but that kinda thing is just made up their ain't no such things as magick girls)
Still feeling confused Ranma decided to try one last time to figure out what he had to do with all of this
'So what do I have to do with all of this then ?'
'Query Navigator's position within Pluto Protocol's accepted: Unit known as Ranma is the Navigator of this vessel, units duties are: Direct vessel to destinations to obtain allies for heir, to search and obtain allies for heir, to bring vessel and allies to heir, to ensure that heir is defended until forward base is completed. Query answered is Navigator ready for fill designated task'
Now once again thoroughly confused Ranma decided to comply with his earlier urge and promptly fainted again.
'Navigator has shut down primary response functions, conduction response method ze: Wait until Navigators normal functions have resumed'
Fortunately for the voice Ranma regained consciousness quickly and finally managed to make some sense of what he was supposed to do.
'So all I have to do is find some people to help out some heir to the silver millemthingy huh?'
'Navigator's task is to find and recruit allies for the heir to the Silver Millennium'
Ranma sighed 'Ya know a simple yes will do. Ok let's do this then the sooner I can find this heir some allies the sooner I can get home'
'Navigator is ready to begin task beginning briefing: Navigator this timeline is scheduled to collapse within one standard terran rotation, Navigator must find possible allies within this time window, allies should be of either military or civil competency. Navigator with convince allies to swear allegiance to the heir. Such an oath will be binding. When task is complete or time window is close to finished this vessel will pick up Navigator and any allies, does Navigator understand mission'
'Uh yea find some people who can fight and er don't bout the civil thing and bring them to you in one year or something like that right?'
'Navigator's response to mission briefing adequate, preparing for decent of Navigator'
'Huh that doesn't sound good' A now very worried looking Ranma responded.
'Releasing Navigator'
'Huh what do ya mean by tha….'
Cut of mid sentence Ranma was once again engulfed by a bright light and soon found himself suspended above a large sign bearing the words welcome to Tokyo 3 just in time to hear a series of loud sirens going off
'Oh crap, that doesn't sound good'
Break
Earth
Tokyo City – Jubaan Ward
Year 2004 CE
Setsuna Meioh sighed softly as she looked outside her office window. Being a high school guidance councillor had its upsides and downsides. One of its upsides was that unlike the regular teachers Setsuna had plenty off free time during the day. Very few students would be allowed to see the councillor during class time, and few students would ever waste a precious lunch hour for visiting her either. This left Setsuna with only a handful of appointments per day most of which tended to be resolved in a matter of a few minutes. This free time however was both a blessing and a curse. It had been a blessing when Setsuna Meioh had been sailor Pluto a member of the Sailor Senshi fighting evil whenever it appeared, allowing the time guardian to focus on the task of fighting said evil. However since Galaxia's defeat there was little evil left and so Setsuna found herself in temporary retirement. This made the time a curse, in other words Setsuna was bored.
Deciding to relieve a small portion of that boredom Setsuna decided to use who precognitive powers an see into the future. Unlike with the time gates which allowed Pluto to view the future of any single individual at far as she wanted, her own precognitive abilities allowed her to only view a short way into the future and only with people close to her both in a spatial sense and in an emotive sense. Pluto decided to view Rini first and easily slipped into the mental state required for viewing time. The vision was quick to come, showing Rini chatting with Hotaru at lunch (still an hour away) then moved to the future princess's art class where she would truly show that Usagi was her mother by tripping on a single sheet of screwed up paper and falling head first into a large bucket of paint.
(Well at least it's pink) Pluto thought to herself giggling. However it was at that moment even as the giggle died off that Pluto noticed something was wrong. Rini usually had a thin glowing line attached to her when being viewed either by Pluto's precognitive abilities or by the time gate. The line was and indicator that she did not come from this time but rather a different one. The line was a kind of temporal umbilical cord. However it wasn't present, now worried Pluto immediately transformed into her Senshi form and (after saying a quick prayer in thanks for sound proof rooms) teleported to the time gates.
Break
Pluto
Underground Bunker – Cronos
Year 2004 CE
Pluto's panic increased as she arrived at the time gates only to see …. nothing. The gates were gone, leaving a puzzled and fearful Pluto. The Senshi began to rush around the Gates holding area, a large under ground bunker, in search of any clue that could unravel this mystery for her.
(There is nothing here, no blast marks to indicate an attack, the walls, the floor, the ceiling all still intact so there was no forced entry. Only I have knowledge of the gates location so no body could have teleported in besides the bunkers security system would have notified me. All this can only mean one thing)
Pluto's face paled as she realised the only explanation for the gates disappearance. The gates had been closed….
End?
Well another chapter finished so read and review. My beta reader is still busy at the moment so the spelling and grammar may not be up to scratch so once again I apologise in advance for that. So once again please review and let me know if it was good bad or whatever. Till the next chapter,
Adieu
(1) This line comes from the Movie Wayne's World which I also do not own.
(2) Actually Ranma had gotten so tired of being asked he told the voice to go away and choose a destination itself. Which it did.
(3) Function of 'd similar to that of 'st or 'rd so ze'd read as 1st
(4) Naturally the last suggestion would be very ill advised as depend on which head of state you were meeting you could wind up as a guinea pig for the local mages/scientists.
(5) The navigation chamber is the field of glowing light.
(6) SMV stands for Silver Millennium Vessel. 123720 is the construction number meaning that it is the 123720th space faring craft built by the millennium. (037) is another construction number this one indicates that its construction is unknown to the millennium and that it is the 30th craft to have been constructed in secret. CRNSC stands for Cronos Class. MOD ARC stands for module Arc the ships sub class and finally 001 construction number for that class of ship.