SMST: Deep Space Moon! – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: SM, R1/2, ST and other genres belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Special Note: This story takes place during Seasons 1 through 3 of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine". "The Ranma Trek Chronicles" takes place during Seasons 4 through 7.
Author's Note: This story is designed to be short, and will focus mostly on Sailor Moon, though Ranma Saotome (of "Ranma ½") will make a cameo from time-to-time. As always, C&C are welcomed.
Part 2
After Commander Sisko discussed matters of being "cordial neighbors" with Gul Dukat, and after allowing his crew some rest and relaxation on the Promenade, Science Officer Dax asks for some help from her "ex-girlfriend"…
"You wanted to see me?" Usagi asked, as she enters Dax's laboratory and workshop.
"Yes," Dax said, as she motions Usagi to enter. "I'm examining one of the 'Tears of the Prophets' for Benjamin."
"Ah, the Tears of the Prophets," Usagi said, as she walks up to Dax's workstation. "It's hard to believe that the Bajoran Kai was able to hide them…"
"You know about them?" Dax asked.
"From my research about the Bajoran people and the Cardassian Occupation," Usagi said, as she takes her seat next to Dax. "And the fact that Ranma mentioned them to me when he was assigned to Bajor during the Occupation."
"Ranma was here?" Dax asked with disbelief.
"I believe so. Some of his activities during that time is still 'classified', but not THIS."
"So, what do you know about them?"
"Well, from what I know, the 'tears' are similar to Lunarian crystal technology," Usagi said. "But, I would need to take a look at a 'sample' before I can make a valid comparison."
"You're in luck," Dax said, as she motions towards a container. It was essentially a large, metal—and decorative—box that had a leather strap attached on top…
"This is one of those 'tears'," Usagi said.
"They are also called 'Orbs', due to their shape," Dax said, as she reaches over to open the case…
"Wow," Usagi said, as she sees the sparkling light emitting from the light-violet orb. "I can actually feel the temporal energies coming from it."
"That's amazing," Dax said, as she began to type in some notes on her PADD. "So it's temporal-based."
"Yeah," Usagi replied, as she stares at the rotating crystal…
FLASH!
Usagi realizes that she had somehow left Dax's lab, and ended up in some sort of bedroom. There was a eerie, otherworldly quality to the scene that she was experiencing, almost like she was dreaming…
"So, you manage to wake up by your self, huh?" said a familiar voice.
Quickly, Usagi turns towards the source of the sound.
"Luna?" Usagi said in shock and amazement. "Is that you?"
The Guardian Cat gives the Moon Princess a bewildered look.
"Of course it's me, Usagi," Luna replied. "You didn't bump your head or something?"
"No, I'm just glad to see you," Usagi replied, as she stuck out her tongue. "But, if you are here, then…OH!"
Quickly, Usagi opens the door to what appears to be her bedroom.
"Usagi, wait-!"
Usagi quickly runs down to the first floor of the Tsukino residence.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Usagi cried out, as she enters the dining room. "I home! I'm really home-!"
FLASH!
"Bunny!" Dax said, as she shook Usagi. "Bunny!"
Usagi opened her eyes, realizing that she was, mentally, back on Deep Space 9. She then turns to look into Dax's eyes.
"Dax?" Usagi said, as she blinked her eyes.
"Yes, Usagi?" Dax replied.
"THAT was the most intense experience I have ever had," Usagi said, as she straightens herself in her chair. "It was like I was reliving some of my own memories, but in real time."
"I know the feeling," Dax replied. "I had a similar experience as well."
"Humph," Usagi said with a sigh, as she leans back in her chair. "It's hard to believe that I was so young and so innocent back then, when I was just…'Sailor Moon'."
Dax gives Usagi a raised eyebrow.
"What?" Usagi protested. "I wasn't the 'party girl' that I am today. When I became a 'magical girl', I was like any other girl: full of hopes and dreams…and desires for a cute boyfriend."
Pause.
"Now, I am practically ancient, due to being 'ageless', and all my adventures, consisting of fighting evil, by moonlight, in the name of love and justice, have been relegated to stories found in e-books. Humph. Some legacy I built…"
Dax sees a noticeable pale of depression beginning to forming over Usagi's head…
"Bunny, it is because of those stories that the Jadzia part of me was inspired to join Starfleet."
"Really," Usagi said with disbelief.
"Really. You, as Sailor Moon, were reluctant to take charges when it came to defending those who could not defend themselves. But, in spite of your fear, you dug deep within yourself, took charge of the situation, and fought back to win your battle in the end."
"So?"
"So, I was inspired to take a chance in life by joining Starfleet, which is not exactly 'hazard-free'."
"Well, I appreciate you trying to cheer me up, at least," said Usagi, as she places a hand on Dax's knee.
This did not go unnoticed.
"Um, Bunny?" Dax asked.
"Yes?"
"Your…hand…"
"Oh, I'm sorry," Usagi said, as she removes her hand. "Sometimes, I forget that you're not the same Dax that warmed my heart, back when Ranma and I were separated."
"No problem," Dax said. "It's just that I want to give Jadzia a chance to live a new life, free of baggage."
"I understand-"
SHHOOP!
Sisko enters the lab.
"Dax, are you ready?" Sisko asked.
"Ready, Benjamin," Dax replied.
"Ready for what?" Usagi asked.
"Earlier, Dax and I hatched a plan to travel to the 'Denorios Belt', while the Cardassians are…occupied."
"Well, with the resources that you have, you'll be hard-pressed to escape the roving eyes of the Gul Dukat's ship and crew," Usagi said.
"That is why we will facilitate the use Constable Odo's unique talents," Dax said.
"He…is the shape-shifter?" Usagi asked. She was worried that her antics might attract the scrutiny of the local law enforcement officials. And now that she knows the fact that Odo could shape-shift, Usagi will have to be careful even more so…
"That is correct, Counselor," Sisko said. "Thanks to him and Major Kira, the Cardassians will be forced to leave the station, but will find that their ship's sensors will not be as capable as they should be."
"Ah, sabotage," said Usagi with a nod.
"I prefer to think of this operation as a mere…distraction."
"So, thanks to some cross-referencing of the historical records from the Bajoran archives, and some data analysis, we can find the source of Bajoran Orbs."
"In the Denorios Belt," Usagi replied.
"Correct."
"And with that, we need to take one of the runabouts to investigate that plasma field, and determine the source of the Orbs before the Cardassians catches on what we're trying to do," Sisko said.
"That'll be difficult regardless," Usagi said. "Even if the sensors of the Cardassian ship are wonky, I'm sure that the back-ups and the manual reads will be utilized."
"And that is why I want you to come with us," Sisko said.
"Excuse me?" Usagi said. "I didn't hear you correctly, sir."
"Bunny, you come on this mission," Dax said.
"Um, why do you want me to come with you, sir?" Usagi asked.
"Is there a problem, Counselor?" Sisko asked.
"I…thought that you would keep me at bay, considering what you thought of me."
"Counselor, I want you on this mission because I want an experienced Starfleet officer with me on this mission. And, in spite of my misgivings, I want to take advantage of your unique talents."
"Oh, okay. Then I better get ready then."
"Please do that. Meet Dax and I at 'Platform 1' in ten minutes."
"Yes, sir," Usagi said, as she gets up from her seat. "And thank you, sir."
And, with that, Usagi leaves Dax's lab.
SHOOP!
Dax turns towards Sisko.
"Benjamin, thanks," Dax said.
"Well, I still have my misgivings, but we all need second chances…"
Soon, Sisko, Usagi and Dax are at their designated stations on one of the runabouts: the Rio Grande.
"Runabout system are fully functional," Usagi said, as she looked at her instrument panel.
"False sensor imaging system is ready," Dax said. It was decided that a false sensor mechanism should be used, in place of a cloaking device (which is banned for use on Federation vessels by a treaty with the Romulan Star Empire).
"Then, let us see what is so mysterious about this…Celestial Temple," Sisko said. He then presses a button.
CHIRP!
"'Rio Grande' to Ops."
"Go ahead," came the reply.
"We're ready for launch. Pre-launch conditions have been met."
"Then you're clear," came the reply. "Good luck."
"Thanks. Sisko: out."
"Well, it looks like this is it, Benjamin," Dax said. "The end of the beginning."
"Or the Beginning of the End," Usagi replied.
"Let's make sure we get back in one piece," Sisko said, as he launches the Rio Grande. Destination: the Denorios Belt, located in the heart of the Bajor Star System…
Soon, they get to the Denorios Belt.
"Sir, I'm compensating the engines to take the plasma fields," Usagi said, as her fingers danced at the control panel. "But I wouldn't want to stay for the sight-seeing."
"And we won't have to," Sisko said. He then turns towards his Science Officer.
"Dax?"
"Definitely picking up a strong neutrino field," Dax said, as she continued her detail sensor scans. "Benjamin-"
"Yes?"
"From these readings, I am detecting signs of a…a…a"
"A 'what', Old Man?" Sisko said impatiently.
Before Dax could say something-
CHOOOOM!
A hole of sparkling blue light appears right in front of the Rio Grande.
"WORMHOLE!" Usagi yelled furiously. "Stress on the ship's structural integrity field is increasing-!"
"Gravity well!" Dax said.
"Hang on!"
The Rio Grande is engulfed by the wormhole, as the craft seemingly slides down a tunnel of blue light and bright swirls.
"Counselor-!" Sisko yelled.
"Compensating," Usagi replied, as the shaking of the runabout slowly ceases. "That should do it…"
"Dax?"
"I'm taking readings at the moment," Dax said. "I am hoping that this wormhole is stable."
"Let's hope that this is the case," Sisko said.
"Well, if not, I'm sure we can manage," Usagi said.
"You're optimism astounds me, Counselor."
"Thank you, sir. Any praise from you is special."
"I see…"
CHOOM!
The wormhole deposits the Rio Grande back into "normal space", before closing again.
"Well, that was…interesting," Dax said.
"It will be even MORE interesting if we can get back," Sisko said. He then turns towards Usagi.
"Status?" Sisko asked.
"Everything is operating within normal parameters," Usagi said. "No problem on MY end."
Sisko turns towards Dax.
"Dax?"
"Well, from my calculations, and this is just a preliminary report, we have traveled…70,000 light years from our original position."
"Meaning-?"
"Meaning that we are in the Gamma Quadrant."
Silence.
"Huh, and I thought we were REALLY in trouble," Usagi replied sarcastically.
Tbc.