SMST: Deep Space Moon! – By Ocramed
Disclaimer: SM, R1/2, ST and other genres belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story. As always, C&C are welcomed.
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.
Part 30
(The following is a continuation of the personal log of Major Kira Nerys, Bajorian Militia Liaison Officer to the United Federation of Planet's Starfleet.)
One of the most surprising things about Counselor Tsukino is that she, contrary to popular belief, is an intelligent person, in spite of her "antics". This was proven to be the case when something that occurred during the Cardassian occupation of Bajor occurs…
"You want me to do…what, sir?" Counselor Usagi Tsukino said, as she sets down her data pad. Commander Benjamin Sisko, senior officer of Station Deep Space Nine, decided to personally pay Usagi a visit, by coming down to her office, located near the Medical Bay on the Promenade.
"I want you to head the investigation into what could be a diplomatic matter," Sisko said, as he hands over another data pad to Usagi. "Apparently, there was an incident involving a Cardassian boy biting our local tailor at Quark's today."
"Okay, but Garak already told me that, when I went to pick up a few dresses I wanted," Usagi said.
"This boy is a war orphan who might have been physically or mentally abused by his adopted Bajoran father."
Usagi raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.
"Oh, boy," Usagi replied.
"It appears that you know something?" Sisko asked.
"What I know is that Cardassians believe in family, nearly above all else," Usagi said. "The fact that there is an orphan raised by a Bajoran would be an embarrassment to the Cardassian Union."
"Just as I thought, especially given the fact that Gul Dukat seemed interested in this particular boy, for some reason," Sisko mused.
"Okay, so, what do you want me to do first?"
"You can start by reining in Dr. Bashir," Sisko said. "Technically, you out-rank him, given that you two are in same department."
"Sir, we're the ONLY ones in the same department," Usagi said. "But why can't you do something about it yourself?"
"Simple. I need someone who has the medical expertise to determine of this young man is being abused by his Bajoran parents," Sisko replied, as he produced a holographic image of a Cardassian pre-teen and his adopted father.
"I see," Usagi replied, as he studied the image. "And if I find anything, what next?"
"It would make things easier for the boy to return to his people," Sisko said, as he hands Usagi a data pad. "You'll find the details here."
"So, okay, but you want Dr. Bashir on or off this case?" Usagi replied, as she accepts the data pad.
"I'll leave that up to you," Sisko said, as he sits back down. "Carry on."
Usagi sighed. Anything involving keeping antagonistic parties from open hostilities was much easier than dealing with family matters. Still, she was curious as to why there were any Cardassian children left on Bajor, orphan or otherwise.
"Well, time to get to work, I guess…"
Later, down in the Promenade at "Quark's", Dr. Bashir was discussing the matter of the Cardassian boy, named Rugal, and his adopted father Proka Migdal, who was a farmer by trade.
"Okay, so a trader named Zolan filed a complaint to Odo about Migdal mistreating his son Rugal," Usagi said. "Around that time, Rugal, in a fit of fright, bites Garak in the hand for being too…nosey?"
"That's correct," Dr. Bashir replied. "The constable intervened on that matter, but did mention the complaint."
"I see," Usagi mused, as she jots down her notes. "Well, the only thing to do next is interview Rugal and his father, which is possible as a precondition to not remain in Odo's custody."
"Well, that's it?" Dr. Bashir asked. "That's seems a bit anti-climatic."
"Actually, no," Garak replied, as he comes up to the table, carrying a sling bag on his person.
"Garak?" Dr. Bashir asked.
"Doctor," Garak replied, as he nods his head with a wiry smile. "I have to say that it is not every day that one can go on field trip for the cause of justice."
"Huh?"
"I need you and Garak to go to the orphanage where Rugal was adopted from," Usagi said, as she hands Dr. Bashir a data pad. "Considering that time is of the essence, it would be best if someone of your rank and stature go down to Bajor to facilitate our investigation. So, take one of the 'runabouts' with you."
"And Garak?" Dr. Bashir asked.
"Let's just say that certain records are not necessarily 'Starfleet' or Bajoran friendly," Garak replied.
"Ah," Dr. Bashir said.
"Just don't get side-tracked," Usagi replied. "The last thing we want is some incident impeding this investigation of ours…"
A short time later…
"So, you're Rugal," Usagi said with a warm smile. "Please, have a seat."
The Cardassian boy looks around Usagi's office, and then at his foster father.
"Dad?" Rugal asked.
"It's okay, son," Migdal replied with suspicion. "I'm sure this counselor has the best intentions in mind."
"But of course," Usagi said. "My interview with Rugal will be a short one, and then I want to discuss certain matters with you after I am done."
"Where will I be, until then?"
"Right across from Quark's, of course," Usagi said, as she points towards the Ferengi establishment. "And don't worry; my interview with your son will only take about…fifteen to twenty minutes."
"Okay, then," Migdal replied with a nod. He then turned towards Rugal.
"I will be outside, waiting," Migdal said to Rugal. "Okay?"
"Yes, father," Rugal said with a nod.
With one last hesitant look at his adopted son, and at Usagi, Migdal turns around and leave her office…
"Now, then," Usagi said, as she motions to her reclining couch. "Have a seat, Rugal."
Rugal looked at the couch, before sitting down…
"Okay," Usagi said, as she takes her writing tablet and light pen in hand. "Tell me about your earliest memories…"
Later, after Dr. Bashir and Garak return to Deep Space 9, Usagi examines her notes, as well as the records Garak was able to recover from the orphanage, in her suite.
"Most curious," Usagi said, as she went through her notes.
"What is?" Jadzia Dax asked, as she lowers her data pad. Ever since Usagi saved the Trill's life, Dax has been spending some time with the Moon Princess as part of her "medical convalescence".
"Apparently, as the occupation of Bajor was winding down, many of the Cardassian children were being left behind," Usagi said.
"And in the case of Rugal?"
"That's the thing. Rugal's father, Legate Kotan Pa'Dar, is alive and well," Usagi said, as she examines the hologram of a civilian Cardassian."
"Pardon?" Dax asked.
"Yes. At the time when the Resistance was bombing the homes of high-ranking Cardassians, Pa'Dar was back on Cardassia Prime on business. Only his wife, Rugal's mother and nanny were killed."
"So, Rugal's alive," Dax asked. "Who brought the boy to the orphanage?"
"Apparently, a Cardassian soldier did," Usagi said, as she brought up another hologram. "What's unusual was that it was a civilian would handle the orphan cases."
"Then, perhaps you should try to identify who this soldier is, and go from there," Dax replied.
"Well, you're right," Usagi said, as she taps her combadge. "Princess to Tailor."
"Go ahead," Garak replied over a secured com-link.
"I need information on Gul Dukat's military command. You know, whose, who."
"It's funny that you would make such a request, since I do have the information you need. Just pick it up when you pick up your lingerie."
"Ah, thanks," Usagi said with a blush. "Princess: out."
"Lingerie?" Dax asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Hey, I figure we could put together our own fashion show, while you're here."
"Cheeky."
Soon, both Gul Dukat, former military governor of Bajor, and Pa'Dar arrive at the station for a hearing on the matter concerning Rugal. Presiding the hearing was Magistrate Els Renora, who had presided over another case involving the staff member aboard Deep Space 9.
"As usual, I do not like to have my time wasted," said Magistrate Els, as she sits down in her seat. "So, let's get on with this."
"Of course," Sisko said, as he stepped forth. "As we are all aware, the Cardassian Occupation-"
"I object the use of that term," said Dukat. "In the spirit of mutual cooperation, I would like it that less inflammatory terminology should not be admitted."
"Agreed," Els said. "Otherwise, I would have to allow such term as 'Butcher' to be admitted, when addressing certain parties…"
Pause.
"Don't you agree, Gul Dukat?" Els said, as she eyes Dukat with an uncomplimentary look of derision.
"Yes," Dukat replied through gritted teeth.
"Then, I will withdraw my statement," Sisko replied. "At any rate, during the Cardassian 'presence' on Bajor, many lives were lost."
"Feh," Migdal scoffed.
"Mr. Migdal, please refrain from theatrics," Els interjected.
"But I lost my many within my own family because of the Cardassians, including two of my own children," Migdal said.
"Then, you know how I felt, when I had thought that I had lost my own son Rugal," said Pa'Dar. "I understand your hatred towards Cardassia. I get that. By why must you use my own son to against his people?"
"Telling the truth to Rugal of what happened is the truth! And had you not been on Bajor in the first place, you wouldn't have put Rugal's life in jeopardy."
"For the record, I was not in favor for what Cardassia did."
"But you were here, nevertheless."
"As you can see, Magistrate Els, this situation can be quickly resolved if you grant Legate Pa'Dar the right to reclaim Rugal, so that he may know his people properly," Dukat said.
"I can that this is going to be a problem," Els said. "On one hand, Mr. Proka did go out of his way to adopt a child, especially a child of Cardassia. On another, speaking as a Bajoran, family is indeed important, as is developing normalized relations with Bajor's neighbors, including Cardassia Prime…"
Pause.
"Commander Sisko, if you have anything to say in the matter, I would greatly appreciate it," Els said, as she turned to face the Starfleet officer.
"In order to help you make the best possible decision, I would like to introduce to you my counselor, as an expert on this matter," Sisko said.
"Oh, yes, the trouble-maker," Els said.
"With all due respect, I'm not a trouble-maker," Usagi said.
"Well, I guess holding Bajor hostage over the status of one of its moons was just something that you did on a lark."
"Just sticking up for those Bajorans who can't defend themselves, that's all."
"Humph. Very well, make your points, and keep them pithy."
"Yes, of course," Usagi said. "From talking to both Mr. Proka and Rugal, I can honestly say that they do care for each other. I found no physical or verbal abuse that could warrant state intervention, though Mr. Proka's prejudice, as understandable as they are, has been inappropriate in the raising of Rugal. If Mr. Proka is allowed to retain custody of Rugal, family counseling should be prescribed as a precondition to keep Rugal."
"But, I should have a right to be Rugal's father!" Pa'Dar said. "Shouldn't I have some rights in this matter?"
"Sir, Rugal was but a toddler, when he was adopted," Usagi said. "Mr. Proka is all he has known. And while I agree that his views are unbecoming, I do think that it is possible for him to gain a better perspective on the Cardassians THROUGH Rugal…"
Pause.
"And how, if I may add, do we know that Rugal can adapt to Cardassian culture?" Usagi said. "From what I know, Cardassians are indeed family-oriented, but are conservatively so. You may risk disgrace politically, but you can survive the family dynamic. Can you honestly say that Rugal will be accepted by your family? Do you think that Rugal will be able to deal with a family that might think he has been tainted by Bajorans?"
Pa'Dar purses his lips, but says nothing.
"What a tragedy this is," Dukat says with a smirk.
"Yes, it is," Usagi said, as she pulls out a small data pad from the table. "But, tell me, Gul Dukat, why did one of your aides leave Rugal behind, at the orphanage, knowing that Pa'Dar would be looking for him?"
Dukat's eyes widened, but he says nothing, even as Pa'Dar turned his head towards Dukat in anger.
"I thought so," Usagi said. She then faced Els.
"Magistrate, I have no further material to introduce at this time," Usagi said, as she resumes sitting down.
"Always the trouble-maker," Els said with a slight smile. "Commander Sisko?"
"I have nothing more to add." Sisko replied.
"Very well. In light of Counselor Tsukino's testimony, Proka Rugal, formerly Rugal Pa'Dar, will remain in the custody of Proka Migdal. Furthermore, I hereby order the Proka family to attend family and diversity counseling…"
Els then turned towards Pa'Dar.
"Legate Pa'Dar, if you want to get to know your son again, start small," Els said. "It will take some time, but, if you truly love Rugal, you'll make the effort."
And, with that, the hearing was over…
Later, Pa'Dar and Sisko have a short meeting in Sisko's office.
"Well, it does look like I will survive this scandal back on Cardassia, in light of the fact that Dukat wanted me disgraced for going against the Bajoran Occupation in the first place," Pa'Dar said.
"And that was why you were off-planet when your compound was attacked," Sisko said.
"Apparently so," Pa'Dar replied. "It wouldn't be too hard to create enough security lapses to allow the attack on my home to happen."
"So, what now?"
"Well, I decided to take the magistrate's advice, and request a diplomatic post to Bajor, so that I might have a chance to get to know my son again, not to mention that with so many Cardassian children here, there is bound to be a relative that could take them."
"The Federation will help in this endeavor," Sisko replied.
"I do have to say that your counselor was brilliant, in exposing Dukat's possible duplicity."
"She is…something," Sisko said.
Just then, a panel from Sisko's office opens up, revealing a Usagi, as she sits on a sled that is being pulled by voles (i.e. giant Cardassian rats).
"Onward!" Usagi said, as she points a pen of some kind, causing another panel in Sisko's office to open. "Coming through! Mush-mush-!"
As soon as Usagi exited the office through the second panel's doorway, both panels shut at the same time.
THUNK-THUNK!
Pa'Dar turns towards Sisko with a quizzical look of confusion.
"As I said, she is…something," Sisko said in a deadpan manner, leaving Pa'Dar speechless.
"…"
Tbc.