SMST: "Journey to Adventure!" – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: "Sailor Moon", "Ranma ½", "Star Trek" and other concepts belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Part 5
Meanwhile, back in the past…
"…And so, in conclusion, we should be able to secure a preliminary agreement with the Tamaranian government with some follow-up," Usagi says, as she spoke to the assembled group. "Any questions?"
Redfire raises her hand.
"Yes, Redfire?"
"It's not so much of a question, but a comment," says the demi-Tamaranian.
"Okay…"
"My mother still holds animosity towards you, due to the fact that you are with my father," Redfire says.
"Sounds like the usual 'soap opera'," Daniel whispers in Cameron's ear.
"She might not be as…accommodating as you would want her to be," Redfire concludes.
"So, what do you suggest, Princess?" Landry asked.
"Should at any time my mother insults Colonel Saotome-"
"And she will," Cameron whispers.
"-She will need to issue a challenge in reply."
"No," Osiris says, as she rose from her seat. "If anyone wishes to issue a challenge, it will be ME!"
"Lord Osiris, that would not be wise," Teal'c interjects. "From what I have studied of Tamaranian culture, only the issuer of the challenge can be accommodated. If you intercede of the Moon Princess behalf, that would be seen as a bigger insult."
"Oh, my," Vala says, as she raises an eyebrow. Vala, in spite of her less-than-honorable ways (like any "grifter"), she was familiar enough with the Vegan Star System (which includes the Tamaranians) to be of some use.
"Osiris, it's okay," Usagi says. "If I have to go 'mortal kombat' to secure an ally for Earth, then so be it."
"Humph!"
"Well, if there isn't anything else, then this meeting is adjourned," Landry says.
"Oh, sir!" Usagi says.
"Yes, Colonel?"
"Thank you for allowing Specialist Tsuki some 'leavel'."
"Considering the fact that you have allowed SGC access to your…resources, it's the least I can do."
"Resources" refers to the detachment of Galactic Imperium troops that Usagi, as "Darth Lune", has allowed to work with the Atlantis Expedition in the Pegasus Galaxy.
"Thanks, sir," Usagi says, as she thinks how nice it would be if Sereni Tsuki can spend time with her ex-boyfriend Mamoru…
"Any time, Colonel."
Meanwhile, in another part of Cheyenne Mountain, the T-X, disguised as a guard, surveys the area. Although SkyNet has secondary systems to prevent any unauthorized uploads for new programming. A newer version of SkyNet—"SkyNet 2.0"—will be operational in 2011. And when that happens, the so-called "War of the Machine" will begin…
However, there was a need to take care of business first…a business concerning the Moon Princess.
The Terminator stops to see the entrance of the locker rooms. From its memory, it knew that SGC teams were assembled there-
"I'm telling you, Kowalski," says one soldier. "The sooner we're done from this latest mission, the sooner Betty and I can go on our second honey moon."
"You seem to be in a hurry, kid," says Kowalski.
"Well…it's just that Betty has been so understanding about my assignments lately, that I want to do right by her."
"Well, after that bit of space opera a month ago, you definitely deserve it."
"Yeah…"
"Anyway, we depart within the hour," Kowalski says. "See you then."
And with that, the leader of SG-2 moves on.
The Terminator, after observing the conversation between Kowalski and his fellow soldier, decides to takes the soldier's place. Thus, after its target has entered the locker room, the T-X decides to follow him…
Meanwhile, back in the future…
"So, Ranma," Setsuna says, as she, Ranma Usagi and Aiko ate breakfast. "Usagi tells me that you run the dojo?"
"Oh, yes," Ranma replied, as he spoke between bites. "It's steady income for the family and I."
"So Usagi is NOT the only bread winner around here."
"Of COURSE not. But since Aiko has health issues, ONE of us should be here for her."
"Daddy, I'm not a baby, you know," Aiko says.
"I know that, but…I just want to look after you."
"Uagi, I'm surprised that you chose to work full time," Setsuna says.
"Well, like I said, I don't sleep much these days," Usagi replied. "But…I don't mind."
Setsuna nods her head, as she sees how unhappy Usagi appeared to be, from what she has observed thus far…
"Ranma, do you mind if I…help myself to some coffee?"
"Well, I can get it for you-"
"No, but you can show me where it is in the kitchen."
"Um, sure," Ranma says. He then turns to Usagi and Aiko. "Do you want anything-?"
"I'm fine, Ranma," Usagi says.
"I'm okay, Daddy," Aiko says, as she gets up. "Besides, I have to get to school now."
"Maybe I can take you-" Ranma began.
"Daddy, I'm not a little kid anymore."
Ranma looks at his little girl and sighs.
"Okay," Ranma says. "You have a nice day- Oh! Here is your lunch."
Ranma hands Aiko her lunch box, which had been placed at ready on a nearby shelf.
"You have a nice day, kiddo."
"Thanks, Daddy. Bye, Mommy!"
"Have a nice day, dear," Usagi says.
After Aiko leaves…
"Ranma, that coffee?" Setsuna says with insistence.
"Oh, sorry."
Ranma looks over at Usagi.
"Usagi-"
"I said I'm fine, Ranma."
Ranma sighs, as he gets up from his seat. As he enters the kitchen, Setsuna follows him.
A moment later, Ranma begins fixing coffee.
"Ranma, what the hell is wrong with you?" Setsuna says.
"Wha-what are talking about?" Ranma says, who was a bit startled by this sudden outburst.
"THIS…ALL this," Setsuna says. "I don't know why you are acting SO mild-mannered, but I know of you long enough to know that THIS isn't you."
Ranma breathes a sigh a relief.
"You know, you're right."
"Huh?"
"Look, I'm just trying to be there for Usagi, that's all."
Setsuna squints her eyes.
"No, this is more to this situation than THAT. So what is the real reason?"
Ranma looks outside through the kitchen window.
"What else CAN I do?" Ranma says. "Ever since Majin Buu, I realized that I could no longer protect Usagi. What good am I, but to play a supportive role?"
'Hmm,' Setsuna says. 'I must have stumbled onto something serious after all.'
Tbc.