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 5
A short time later…
"I still say that proper protocols should be maintained," scoffed Odo, as he, Counselor Tsukino and Commander Sisko sat in Sisko's office. He then turns towards Usagi.
"And last time I checked, you were not in charge of Security."
"I don't mean to go over your head on this matter, but they are technically…family," Usagi blanched.
"Just how much of…family, are they?"
"Counselor Tsukino's husband, Lt. Commander Ranma Saotome of the USS "Enterprise" had a rather brief liaison with one of the Duras sisters," Sisko said.
"Too long, if you ask me," Usagi replied, as she folds her arms.
"Nevertheless, because of this liaison, a child was born."
"Yes, I am aware of…humanoid reproduction," Odo said with a scoff. "But what is special of this child?"
"My…step-daughter Ran'Qo is a princess by blood, descended from a powerful house, House Masaki, on Jurai," Usagi said with a sigh.
"'Jurai'?" Odo said in surprise. "Jurai is a powerful member of the Interstellar Alliance. Between them and the Minbari, they are a powerful, interstellar power in the Alpha Quadrant."
"Precisely, and they take family just as seriously as the Minbari," Sisko said.
"And if I recall, the Federation almost lost that war, which started over a misunderstanding involving a starship captain from one of the Federation's non-Starfleet services: Earth Force," Odo said. "If something happens to this…child, then what?"
"That is something that Starfleet does NOT want to know," Sisko said. "And that is why I am agreeing to the Counselor's attempt to extend her protection."
"But she's not related to the child, nor is she Juraian."
"True, but I am a member of a powerful Klingon house, albeit an honorary title," Usagi said. "Technically, the Duras sisters and their house are disgraced. However, by way of an ancient tradition, I can extend temporary protection for a short time, before I have to, well…"
"I take it that what you will have to do next is a lot of bloodletting?" Odo said drolly.
"Pretty much. I would either have to enslave them, or kill them and everyone in their party. Either way, I don't want to do it."
"So, just how long can you extend your protection?" Sisko asked.
"Well, by tradition, they have until the sun rises to do their business and get out of town," Usagi replied. "And since we're on Bajor's 26-hour clock-"
"They have roughly thirteen hours to do their business," Sisko said. "Where are they now?"
"They are in Quark's place, but I doubt that they are there for the food," Odo said. "But, I will not object the Counselor's protection, so long as she keeps me informed."
"Better yet, I want you to keep an eye on them discreetly," Sisko said.
"Understood. Will that be all?"
"Yes, but I need to speak with the Counselor on another matter."
"As you wish, Commander," Odo said, as he gets up from his seat. He glances at Counselor Tsukino, before leaving Sisko's office…
"Counselor, I need your advice on what I should do with Major Kira," Sisko said.
"What did she do this time?" Usagi asked.
"What do you mean?" Sisko asked.
"Well, I haven't talked with her or anything, but she seemed agitated whenever your name was mentioned, sir."
"Ah. Well, she is concerned about me granting Tahna Los asylum. I said that I would think about it, and I am, but I don't like the idea the Major going over my head with complaints about my command style."
"Sir, Major Kira is a hot-headed, stubborn Bajoran who was thrust into an assignment that she is wary of," Usagi said. "However, she is your only liaison."
"I see. So, I should just dress her down a bit."
"A bit. Besides, she is working with her contacts within the Bajoran Provisional Government to get support of Tahna's petition for asylum."
"And you know this…how?"
"Commander Sisko, just because I am no longer with Diplomatic Corp, that doesn't mean I lost my skills at diplomacy," Usagi grinned.
"I stand corrected."
Later, at Garak's…
"Knock, knock?" Usagi said, as she enters Garak's boutique and clothier shop.
Garak the Cardassian looks up from his work.
"Ah, Counselor," Garak said with a broad smile. "I'm surprised to see you here early. I haven't finished your dress yet."
"Well, I'm sure you are doing a fabulous job at your craft, Mr. Garak."
"Please, just call me 'Garak'."
"Actually, I need the services of 'Mister Garak'," Usagi said, as she gives Garak a knowing look.
"Is related to something from our…shared past on Romulus?" Garak asked.
"No. This concerns the future."
"Ah, this concerns 'the Child'."
"Yes," Usagi said. "I have no doubt B'Etor and Lursa are up to something, but I don't want to Ran'Qo to get hurt."
"So, you want me to help you by helping them?"
"No, I want you to be my eyes and ears. Sooner or later, you will know what they are up to. I want to know before what they are planning becomes operational."
"As much as I appreciate the idea of protecting one's family, my services are far more expensive than just making a simple garment," Garak said. "More so if I am your retainer."
"You will find everything you will need," Usagi said, as she hands Garak an "isolinear rod". "Quark will be the middle man, as far as payment goes."
"Hmmm," Garak said, as he accepts the rod. He examines the rod.
"I believe you. I did do some checking on your available funds, and I must say that you are certainly worth it."
"The Federation provides all my needs," Usagi said. "And I made my fortune with Ranma in the 'Uncharted Territories' decades ago, not to mention receiving…spousal support from my ex-husband Shiarkeik."
"Ah., how is the emperor of the Romulan Star Empire doing these days?"
"Not very well. He's getting up in years, and it's hard for me to visit him on a regular basis, especially in secret."
"Then may fortune smile on us all…"
Later, after Usagi sees a patient, Major Kira enters her office…
"Excuse me, but do you have a minute, Counselor?" Kira asked.
Usagi looks up from putting away her Vulcan meditations symbols. She was using it to help a patient learn ways to be more efficient in his work.
"Oh, Major Kira, sure," Usagi said, as she puts away her psychiatry tools. "I was just about to close up shop for the day."
"Well, I kind of need…your advice. And…I need to keep it to ourselves."
"Well, technically, the only way I can do that is under a strict patient-doctor confidentiality agreement."
"I still can't believe that you have any…credentials," Kira scoffs.
"Well, neither did the people who awarded my credentials," Usagi said, as she showed off both her medical degree and her psychiatry degree…among other awards and certificates. "When you've been a member of Starfleet, off and on, as long as I have, you get to choose new avenues of learning."
"Just how old are you anyway?"
"Where I come from, we don't ask that question."
"We're not where you come from."
"Touché. But to answer your question, I am…old, but youthful. So, let's keep it at that, shall we?"
"Whatever. Can I talk to you or not?"
"Sure, have a seat," Usagi said, as she motions Kira to Usagi's therapist couch.
"Um, okay," Kira said, as she sits down on the couch.
"So, Major…tell me how you FEEL."
"Huh?"
"Sorry," Usagi giggled. "Therapy humor. Okay, so, what's up?"
"I have this…friend, who might be not who he claims to be. In fact, he's trying to say that I am who I am not. Plus, he's asking me for a favor that could help Bajor, but the way he is asking me for it is a bit stressing…and stressing."
Pause.
"I just don't know what to do, Counselor. I am a patriot of Bajor, but I believe in cooperating with the Federation until Bajor is ready to stand on its own."
"Well, it sounds like you have a problem, Major," Usagi said, as she leans back in her seat. "What I can tell you is this: it sounds like your friend is manipulating you for his or her own purpose. So, unless you like being used, you should stand up for your convictions, even if it means going against this friend of yours."
"I see," Kira said, as she gets up. "Well, thanks. You're not…bad at your job."
"Stop by anytime, Major," Usagi said with a smile.
With that, Kira leaves Usagi's office. A short time later, Garak enters Usagi's office.
"Nice place, Counselor," Garak said. "Do you have a moment?"
"Is it about my dress?" Usagi replied.
"Yes, and more…"
Tbc.
