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 31

A week later…

"…So, I would like to introduce you all to Ensign Melora Pazla," said Science Officer Jadzia Dax, as she and the other staff members of the Federation space station "Deep Space Nine" gathered together to greet the Elaysian cartographer.

"It will be an honor to be part of this staff, even if for a short time," said Melora, as she sat up in her wheel chair. Due to both the Elaysian physiology and Elaysia itself, Melora's people had to have some sort of assistance, such as crutches or wheelchairs, in order to maneuver around "normal" gravity, which is typically 1G, Earth standard.

"Actually, the honor is mine, since your help will allow safe passage beyond the Bajoran Wormhole," Commander Sisko replied. "In the meantime, I do hope that you enjoy your time here on the station, ensign."

"Thank you, sir," Melora replied. "It will take some getting used to being in a heavier gravity field."

"Maybe I can help?" Counselor Usagi Tsukino offered.

"How can you help, counselor?" Dr. Julian Bashir asked.

"Well, I am familiar with different gravitational fields," Usagi said. "In fact, I know some techniques that could help Ensign Pazla to get around unassisted.

"You?" Major Kira Nerys asked.

"Yes, me," Usagi replied, as she rolled her eyes. She then focused her attention back to Melora.

"Ensign, if you're interested, you should meet me in Holosuite Three after you get settled. Today's my day off, and I usually exercise."

"I've never seen you exercise," Dr. Bashir asked.

"That's because you're too busy hanging out with Garak to pay attention," Usagi replied. "Besides, I exercise vigorously three times a week, for a about two hours. Doing more than that, with the type of exercises that I do…is a bit much."

"So, this is exercising, and not…the other kind?" Constable Odo asked.

"What? NO…"

Pause.

"I do THAT three times a week, with Dax," Usagi said with a knowing smile, even as Dax cleared her throat.

"I thought you two weren't…together?" Dr. Bashir asked Dax.

"It's…complicated, and let's leave it at that, shall we?" Dax replied.

"Well, um, I would be interested in this training technique of yours, Counselor Tsukino," Melora replied.

"Great!" Usagi replied. "You won't regret it…"

Later that day…

"Okay, welcome to my training room," Usagi said, as she greeted Melora, Dr. Bashir and Kira, even as Chief Miles O'Brien makes some last minute modifications to the Holosuite, with Quark present to protest.

"You know, I don't like having to reset this thing, after the Counselor uses it," Quark replied.

"Relax," Chief O'Brien replied. "The Holosuite will automatically reset itself."

"And you shouldn't complain anyway, since I DO pay you well for the use of this thing," Usagi replied.

"I just want to make sure that we are clear on this matter," Quark replied. "Now, if you excuse me, I have OTHER customers to attend to…"

After Quark leaves the Holosuite, Chief O'Brien completes his task.

"That should do it," Chief O'Brien replied. "We're good to go."

"Great!" Usagi said, as she looks up at the ceiling. "Computer, bring training program 'Z Fighter 1b'."

CHIRP!

The environment changes around everyone, revealing a field of some kind. In the center was a raised, stone platform of some kind that was perfectly cut. Within that large platform was exercise equipment of various type…

"I don't see anything impressive," Dr. Bashir said.

"Oh, really?" Usagi replied knowingly. She then walks five feet forward, and steps unto the platform.

"Join me, doctor."

"This is ridiculous," Dr. Bashir replied, as he follows suit. "I don't see what so-"

Suddenly, Dr. Bashir felt weighed down slightly, and nearly toppled over.

"Ulp!"

"Counselor?" Kira asked.

"Computer, reset graviton field back to 1G," Usagi said.

CHIRP!

Dr. Bashir felt the pressure on his body lift significantly.

"What the hell was that?" Dr. Bashir asked.

"That was 5Gs," Usagi said.

"Well, if this is some kind of prank-"

"It's not a prank," Usagi said. "I train in heavy gravity fields to keep in shape."

"By how much?" Kira asked.

"Just to work out? 100Gs."

"You have GOT to be kidding me."

"No, it's true," Chief O'Brien replied. "I installed the gravity plating myself, after the counselor helped me do some duct work on the station recently."

"And you don't feel the effects?" Dr. Bashir asked, as he scans Usagi's body with his medical Tricorder.

"Not after that first year of training," Usagi said. "Though, I do get light-headed in less-than-1Gs."

"And here I thought you were light-headed regardless," Kira replied.

"Very funny, Nerys."

"I…I thank you for showing me this," Melora said. "But how can this help me?"

"Well, that's good part," Usagi said, as she shoos Dr. Bashir off the platform. "THIS is what I wanted to show you. Computer? Restore graviton field to normal setting."

CHIRP!

There was a slight humming sound that could be heard within the holosuite.

"Chief?" Kira asked.

"Gravitons are up," Chief O'Brien replied. "That anything and anyone on that platform is feeling the effects of 100Gs."

"And you are okay, counselor?" Dr. Bashir asked. He noticed that Usagi's bio-energy field was increasing in strength.

"Yep," Usagi said, as she performed a cartwheel. "I feel fine…"

Usagi then straightens herself.

"Now, for my next trick, here I go," Usagi said, as slowly lifts off the floor.

"What?" Kira said.

"Amazing," Dr. Bashir said.

"How…can this be?" Melora asked in wonder.

"I learned how to manipulate my 'chi', aka 'bio-energy', in a directed way," Usagi replied. "I wanted to show you that I can teach you how to float, at the very least, in heavier gravity fields."

"How long will it take for me to learn?"

"It's up to you, but, if you're ambitious enough, I say…two months, which is about how long your stay is."

"I see…"

"We can use medical alternatives, that could help you adapt to a regular environment," Dr. Bashir said. "There might be side-effects-"

"Counselor, when can we start?" Melora asked.

"Well, whenever you're ready," Usagi replied. "I'm always here three days a week."

"Then, I'll be here next time," Melora said with a smile. "To think, I'll be able to move around unassisted."

"You won't regret it…"

A week later…

"They're greedy, misogynistic, untrustworthy little trolls, and I wouldn't turn my back on one of them for a second," Kira said, as she, Dax and Usagi were upstairs having a "business lunch" at Quark's. Of course, it didn't help matters with Kira having one-too-many shots of Romulan Ale.

"Neither would I," Dax replied between sips. "But once you accept that, you'll find they can be a lot of fun."

"How can you SAY that?"

"Because, that's what makes the Ferengi an interesting species," Usagi replied.

"Oh, that's right," Dax said. "You were aboard the USS Enterprise when official 'first contact' was made."

"Yep," Usagi said, as she sets down her pad. "Then again, the Ferengi we met were military, not merchants."

"I didn't think the Ferengi had a military," Kira asked.

"They do," Dax replied. "The difference is orientation. So while the Federation has a military built around exploration and defense, the Ferengi-"

"Has a military built around their business practices," Kira said.

"Precisely, though, most of the time, the Ferengi Alliance is prone to hiring 'military contractors' to front their operations, outside of Ferengi space-"

Just then, Quark runs up to Usagi's table.

"Ladies," Quark said.

"What's up?" Kira asked.

"I have a request from for an audience for the Grand Nagus," Quark said, as he looks over at Usagi. "And he wants to see the counselor."

"Me?" Usagi asked.

"Oh, that's right," Dax replied. "Grand Nagus Zek is here to facilitate a trade pact with some Gamma Quadrant residents."

"Ugh," Kira replied.

"What happened?" Usagi asked.

"Let's just say that trying to buy my affections is not 'sexy'," Kira said in disgust.

"Ah, so Zek has been propositioning you?" Dax asked with a smile.

"Don't remind me…"

"But why would Zek want to see me?" Usagi said.

"I don't know, but I'm just the messenger," Quark replied.

"I wonder if it's about that seat at the Ferengi Futures Exchange?" Usagi wondered aloud.

"Wait, you're involved with the Ferengi?" Kira asked.

"Yeah, well, early in our dealings with the Ferengi, we kind of blackmailed the Ferengi into having a seat on their board," Usagi replied.

"Why?"

"Because, they pissed off Ranma?"

"O-kay…"

"Well, how long will Grand Negus Zek will have to wait?" Quark asked impatiently.

"Cool your jets, Quark," Usagi said, as she hands her data pad to Dax. "I'm on my way…"

As she gets up, the Moon Princess begins to undress.

"What are you doing?" Kira asked.

"Standard protocol is for an alien female to present herself nude before the Grand Negus, as a sign of respect for Ferengi culture," Usagi said. "Basic diplomatic stuff."

"I'll be sure to put your things away, on my way back home," Dax said.

"Thanks, Dax," Usagi said, as she gave Dax a peck on the cheek, before leaving their booth.

"Wow," Quark said. "I like her style."

"I like it less," Kira replied.

On the way to see the Grand Negus, Usagi passes Sisko and Odo, who were touring the Promenade.

"Commander," Usagi replied.

"Um, Counselor?" Sisko asked.

"Meeting with the Grand Negus."

"Ah, carry on," Sisko replied.

"Thank you, sir," Usagi said, as she goes on her way to see Zek.

Sisko turns to look at Odo.

"What?" Odo asked. "Technically, I don't wear any clothes either, due to being a shape-shifter."

"Duly noted…"

"…And so I need your help as a third party, to help with these negotiations," Zek replied, as he sat with Usagi.

"And since I still have my diplomatic 'card', you think I can pull it off," Usagi said, as she reads the notes taking from Zek's assistant Pel.

"Well, I was referring more to your status as the wife of Ranma Saotome."

"Well, we don't need to bring him into this," Usagi replied. "But I have to say that I am surprised that you would call me into this, when your assistant is doing fine."

"Unfortunately, Pel is…a female."

"Oh?" Usagi said, as she notices Pel's smaller earlobes. "Ohhhhhhh…"

"Precisely," Zek said. "It was only recently that I found out that my 'assistant' was female, disguised in order to be a proper Ferengi. However, by the time I did learn of my assistant true nature, the negotiations were already going forward."

"I see now," Usagi mused. "If the 'liquidators' back on Ferenginar learn that a woman was handling the negotiations, you could lose stock back home, even if you are successful."

"Precisely," Zek replied, as he accepts his tea from his 'man-servant' Maira'du, a rather tall, burly male Hupryian who never speaks. "Even as we speak, there are rumors going around that a female is conducting the negations between my people and the Dosi."

"And you want me to come out as the female who is doing the negotiations, but one who is not directly connected to you," Usagi said.

"Yes," Zek said with a toothy smile. "It's a win for all."

"No, it's a win for YOU," Usagi replied. "You will have avoided an embarrassing situation, while I take the hit. And most likely, this situation will enable you remove the seat Ranma and I obtained from the Futures Exchange, too."

"How did you know?" Zek said in awe.

"I can accept other people's view of me, Zek, but don't underestimate my intelligence, something that I worked hard to discipline over the years."

Usagi then gets up.

"I think you can handle this on your own," Usagi said, as she was about to leave.

"Please, we can make a deal," Zek said.

"Really?" Usagi asked.

"You have my word."

Usagi raises an eyebrow.

"Honest!"

"Okay," Usagi said, as she sits back down. "I help you, but my family is keeping that seat on the Future Exchange."

"Yes, of course."

"In fact, I want Pel to manage it," Usagi said, as she turned towards Zek's aide.

"Me?" Pel asked.

"Yes. You can be in the position to help women of Ferenginar gain respectability through action. And the best way to do so is by managing my family's seat…"

Usagi then turned towards Zek.

"And you can get a cut in any profit made," Usagi said.

"Hmmm," Zek mused. "I will consider the matter."

"Oh, thank you, Grand Negus!" Pel said, as she kissed Zek's cane. "I will make you proud of me."

"Don't thank me just yet," Zek said. "There're still the negotiations to follow through on."

"I wouldn't worry about it," Usagi said dismissively.

"Why is that?"

"As Rules of Acquisition #74 states: 'Knowledge is power'," Usagi grinned.

"You know the rules?"

"Learned the rules from Quark."

"Oh, I see," Zek replied. "I'll just have to thank him for THAT."

"Zek?" Usagi warned.

"Okay, okay. I'll just take his commission on the deal. Okay?"

"Yeah, okay."

Tbc.