The Moon Dragon's Lair

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Standard Questionably Useful Disclaimer:
    Sailor Moon and all related characters were created by Naoko Takeuchi; and are copyright to Naoko Takeuchi, Kodansha, Toei, DIC and whoever else.
    Star Trek was created by the late Great Bird of the Galaxy, Gene Roddenberry; and is owned and copyrighted by Paramount Pictures.
    This story (such as it is) is MINE!!!
    This fanfic is intended solely for entertainment purposes and no violation of said copyrights is intended or implied. Permission granted to copy this to other web pages as long as this disclaimer is
attached, and the text of the story is unmodified.

Prologue
    Luna glanced at the clock and braced herself.
    Any minute now...
    "AAAAGGHH!! I'm gonna be late!!!" Moving with impressive speed, Serena rushed to get ready for school. "Why didn't somebody get me up sooner?!?"
    "I tried, and so did your mother," Luna replied. "Twice. You said you were getting up each time."
    "And you believed me?"
    "Not really," the black cat muttered.
    If she heard Luna's sarcastic reply, Serena chose to ignore it. Instead, she ran down the stairs. "See you later, Mom! Bye!" There was the sound of the door closing, and Luna watched her race off to school.
    Luna sat on the windowsill. "Well, I suppose that's some improvement. A few months ago, I would have had to try at least twice more to get her up. But..." Her voice trailed off as she looked up at the full moon, still visible in the morning sky. A patch of light nearby it caught her eye. What is that?!? she thought, eyes narrowing as she peered at it. Whatever it was, it had to be bright indeed if it was visible in daylight.
    The unknown phenomena faded away in a matter of seconds. If she hadn't glanced up just then, she probably would have missed it. She made a mental note to herself to have Amy check it out later. No trace remained of the mysterious object. Around her, all seemed to be as it was before it had appeared. Still, something about it disquieting.
I've got a bad feeling about this.

    The ship emerged from the center of the phenomena, and drifted away from it. Soon after it had emerged, the glow from the energy field faded as fast as it had appeared. Only the ship remained to
prove it had ever existed. The main section was a large saucer, connected by a pylon to a secondary hull. The lower section was connected to two engine nacelles, which were lined up at the same height above the lower hull as the upper. An outside observer would easily be able to read the service
number and name printed on the hull.
    NCC-1701. USS Enterprise.

    Space -- The final frontier.
These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise.
It's five year mission:
    to explore strange new worlds...
    to seek out new life and new civilizations...
    to boldly go where no man has gone before.

Sailor Trek: The Dilithium Dilemma
By Bill Harris
Chapter 1 - Arrival
PG13

    "Captain's log, Stardate 5046.7 After leaving the Romulan Commander at outpost 20, the Enterprise proceeded on course to Starfleet HQ to deliver the Romulan cloaking device. While en route, the ship encountered a unknown spatial phenomena, which has thrown us an undetermined distance off course. Status of ship and crew is unknown at the present time."

    Kirk looked around the bridge. Spock had already gotten back to his station, whereas the rest of the bridge crew was still picking themselves off the deck and getting back to their duty stations. Seated as he was in the command chair, he had been able to keep himself from being tossed around. There didn't seem to be any serious injuries here. Hopefully the same held true for the rest of the crew. And of the ship itself. He activated the intercom. "Kirk to Engineering."
    After a moments delay, came the reply: "Engineering. Scott here."
    "Scotty, can you give me a damage report?"
    "We've got damage to the warp drive and several secondary systems. The impulse engines seem to be in fair shape, but I would nae push them until they've been checked out."
    That was better than he'd hoped for. "Any structural damage?"
    "Minor damage only. We were lucky." Kirk heard the engineer briefly consult with someone. "We should have the warp engines back online in about twelve hours."
    "All right, Scotty. Keep me posted. Kirk out." He activated another switch on his arm panel.
    "Sickbay. McCoy here."
    "How are things down there, Bones?"
    "Had a feeling it was you, Jim. Minor casualties only. Mostly bump and bruises. A couple of broken bones, and a concussion or two as well. Nothing too serious." Now that his report complete, the doctor's voice took on an exasperated tone. "What the hell happened up there, Jim? Did you let Spock drive again?"
    Out of the corner of his eye, Kirk saw Spock glance up briefly, but he otherwise chose to ignore the doctor's barb. "We're still trying to figure that one out, Bones. Kirk out." He looked over at the first officer. "Well, Mr. Spock, what the hell did just happened?"
    "Unknown at this time, Captain." replied the Vulcan. He peered intently at his scanner readout. "I am analyzing the sensor logs in an attempt to ascertain."
    The was a hum from the front of the bridge as the viewscreen activated. A very familiar sight appeared in it. "Earth. How is that possible?"
    "Confirmed, we are in the Terran system, Keptin," said Chekov. "Only fifty thousand kilometers from the Moon." He look at Kirk. "Whatever hit us, sir, it shifted us light years away from our original position."
    "That is an understatement, Mr. Chekov," Kirk stated. The ship had previously been near the Romulan Neutral Zone. The jump to Earth was a shift of several hundred light years. "Mr. Sulu, if the helm is operable, bring us into a standard orbit of Earth."
    "Aye, sir," replied the helmsman. He operate the helm controls and shook his head at the readouts. "The ship is responding to the helm, sir, but she's sluggish."
    "Lt. Uhura, hail Starfleet Command."
    Uhura frowned as she worked the controls at her board. "Captain, I've been trying to contact Starfleet Command, but there's no response on any frequency. In fact, other than natural sources, I'm not picking up any subspace signals at all."
    "Malfunction?"
    "No, sir. Communications systems all check out." She operated her controls further. "Sir, I am detecting old style radio and television signals, consistent with late twentieth or early twenty first century transmissions."
    "Twentieth century?" Kirk strode over to the science station.
    "Confirmation, Mr. Spock?"
    Spock frowned ever so slightly and twisted the sensor controls.
    "Affirmative, Captain. I able to access the time signals from the US Naval Observatory. The year given in them is 1992."
    "Well, here we go again," Sulu commented from the helm.
    Chekov leaned over and tried to pitch his voice for Sulu's ears alone. "Just what we need, another trip back to our past." Sulu glanced over at the science station and caught the captain glaring at them. Apparently Chekov hadn't spoken quietly enough.
    Spock continued as if they hadn't spoken, giving further data from the sensor readouts. "The pollution content of the atmosphere is also consistent with the latter half of the twentieth century. Astrometric readings are also in agreement." He refined his sensor readings before continuing. "Interesting. From the date indicated in the time signals, we should see some indication of the Eugenics wars in progress. Yet, I can detect no trace of them occurring." He raised one eyebrow. "Fascinating."
    "Any theories, Spock?"
    "Based on observational data, I would hypothesize that the phenomena we encountered not only propelled us through space and time, but into another reality as well. A reality were the Eugenics wars never occurred."
    "An alternate form of twentieth century Earth," Kirk mused. After a moment's contemplation, he turned to the helmsman and said,
    "Mr. Sulu, raise shields."
    "Shields up, Captain," Sulu replied.
    "Good. At least we don't have to worry about showing up on any radar screens," Kirk said.

    Luna met with Lita, Amy and Serena during their lunch break.
    "What's up, Luna?" asked Lita. Amy glanced up from the book she was reading, while Serena mumbled a greeting through a mouthful of food.
    "I'm surprised you still have anything left," the cat remarked to Serena. "You usually have eaten your lunch before ten."
    She swallowed quickly and scowled at Luna. "HEY!"
    "She did," Lita remarked. "I'm sharing mine with her."
    "I might have known," Luna said, ignoring Serena's protests. "I spotted something in the sky this morning, and I think the Negaverse may have something to do with it." She briefly described the flash of light she had seen, and the uneasy feeling about it she had since. "Amy, could you check it out?"
    Amy nodded, and began working with her computer. "Ah, you're just being paranoid, Luna," Serena claimed.
    "I am not!" Luna said defensively, then glanced around to make sure she hadn't attracted any unwanted attention.
    "No, she isn't," Amy said. Still looking at her computer, she continued "I'm picking up some sort of energy source in orbit. Some sort of odd gamma emission. It's almost as if it were a ship of some sort. I can't tell if it's connected to the Negaverse, though. It's very diffuse and hard to lock onto. Maybe I can determine more if I analyze a longer scan."
    "Very well," Luna replied "Do what you can. We'll work in it later at the meeting this afternoon." She shot a glance at Serena. "Just being paranoid, hmmm?"

    Beryl peered into her crystal ball, puzzled. She had spotted the starship moments after it appeared near Earth and had been watching it since, but had no idea where it came from. All she knew was that she sensed incredible power emanating from it. Power she could use. Power she wanted. She manipulated the view, scanning the interior of the ship. The view eventually settled upon a room in the lower part of the ship. The power she sensed was nearby, almost... The view shifted to show a berthing holding five refined crystals.
    Those crystals! she thought. The power I sense comes from those crystals. They possess incredible energy amplification abilities. Enough to fully awaken the Negaforce! I must have them! Aloud she ordered, "Malachite, Prince Darien! Come here at once!"
    The last of her generals, Malachite, appeared along with Prince Darien. They glared at each other for a moment. "You summoned us, my queen?" inquired Malachite.
    "Yes, Malachite. A starship has appeared in orbit. It uses five crystals as part of it's power source." Images of the starship's engine room appeared in the air behind her. "I want you both to obtain them for me."
    Darien frowned. "I don't need any of his help. I can handle this on my own!"
    "I was going to say the same," sneered Malachite.
    "Enough, you two," chided Beryl. "It's time you two learned to work together. Now go and get those crystals! Immediately!"
    The two rivals bowed to her and vanished.

    "Mr. Spock, have you made any progress in determining how we got here?"
    The Vulcan nodded. "Yes, Captain. I have ascertained that the ship passed through a quantum flux in the space-time continuum."
    Kirk frowned. "We've passed through these things before. Why did this one act different?"
    "My analysis indicates that this is unlike any quantum flux ever before observed." He touched a button and a diagram appeared on one of the overhead viewers. Kirk eyed the graphical depiction of the space-time aspects of the flux, and the accompanying equations that described it mathematically, but could make little sense of it. "This flux seems to be a link, a bridge if you will, between this universe and our own. When we encountered the flux while traveling at warp speeds, the warp field around the ship energized the flux and propelled us into this reality."
    "I suppose the operative question is, can we get back to our own reality?"
    "In theory, yes. If we proceed on a reciprocal course through the flux and engage the warp engines at a specific setting, we should return to our universe. It will take some time to compute the precise settings."
    "Well, you should have some time to make those calculations, Mr. Spock. The warp engines won't be back online for another six hours or so."
    "Captain, since I am capable of performing the required calculations myself, may I suggest that we utilize our computer resources to conduct a detailed survey of this Earth? This is a unique opportunity to observe an alternate version."
    Before Kirk could reply, Uhura called out, "Captain! Intruder alert, main engineering!"
    "Send security teams to engineering. Spock, you're with me," he ordered. The captain and first officer began sprinting for the turbolift. "Mr. Sulu, you have the conn."

    Darien removed the last crystal from it's berth. All around them lay the unconscious forms of the engine room personnel. "That's all of them, Malachite. Let's go."
    "Not yet, Prince Darien. First we must make sure that this ship will never interfere in our plans."
    Darien glanced over at Malachite. He was manipulating the controls at one of the nearby stations. "What are you doing?"
    "I'm trying to disable their containment fields," he replied coolly.
    Darien shook his head. "That's not necessary! We've gotten what we came here for!"
    Before Malachite could reply, the door snapped open and two security guards rushed in. Barely pausing to evaluate the situation, they raised their phasers and fired. Darien managed to dodge out of the way, but Malachite was hit by a short stun burst before he could erect his shield. Wincing slightly from the impact, he shouted, "You'll pay for that, human!" and threw a ball of energy at the unfortunate guard. The guard was flung into the bulkhead and collapsed. Again, the door hissed open and more guards entered engineering.
    "It's time to leave, Malachite!" Darien urged and teleported back into the Negaverse. Malachite grimaced. He knew he could handle these humans easily no matter what weapons they might have, but if he delayed Prince Darien might claim all the credit. Kirk entered the engine room just in time to see Malachite vanish.
    McCoy was already checking the downed guard with his tricorder, but soon shook his head. "He's dead, Jim." The doctor shifted his attention to Scotty and gave him a shot from his hypo. The scotsman groaned and began to stir. "It looks like the others are just unconscious. Nothing too serious." The doctor moved to tend to the other injured crewmen.
    "'Tis easy for you to say, Doctor." Scotty sat up slowly, holding his head with both hands. "You're not the one with a splitting headache!" he muttered.
    "What happened, Scotty?" inquired Kirk.
    "Those two wraiths just popped up out of thin air, sir. I barely had time to sound the alert before I got clobbered." He groaned again.
    "Captain, I believe I have discovered the reason for their intrusion." Spock indicated the empty crystal berths.
    "Ach, no!" cried Scotty. He stood up, any sign that he was in pain banished instantly by the sight of the damage done to his precious engines. "They've taken the dilithium crystals!"
    "All the them? Even reserve crystal, Scotty?" asked Kirk.
    Scotty shook his head sadly. "Aye, I afraid so, Captain. They got all of crystals, including the reserve. And without them, our warp engines are just so much dead weight. We're limited to impulse
power only."
    "Captain, without our warp engines..." Spock began.
    "...we can't pass through the quantum flux," finished Kirk. "In short, we're trapped in this reality."

Sailor Trek: The Dilithium Dilemma
By Bill Harris
Chapter 2 - The Search
PG13

    "Captain's log, Stardate 5046.9 Despite having our shields up, the Enterprise has been boarded and the ship's dilithium crystals stolen. Unless we manage to retrieve the crystals, we will be unable to
return home."

    Kirk paced impatiently on the bridge, trying to keep a rein on his temper. Given recent events; his ship boarded and one of his crew killed; he was finding it hard to do. Especially when he was forced
into inaction. He had already taken those actions he could; increasing security in vital areas, directed that all crew members be issued sidearms, among others. Now all he could do was wait until Spock was able to locate the missing crystals.
    And he hated waiting.
    After a few more passes across the bridge, he finally headed over to the science station. "Mr. Spock, your report."
    The Vulcan stood up from the sensor hood. "Negative results, sir. I've completed two full sensor sweeps of the Terran system. I am unable to locate any trace of our missing crystals."
    Frustration showed clearly in Kirk's face. "It shouldn't be that difficult to find those crystals, Mr. Spock. They're the only refined crystals in this system! For that matter, they're the only pieces of dilithium within a parsec."
    "Agreed," Spock concurred, his voice as calm as ever. "Nevertheless, I am unable to locate them. The logical assumption is that they're being shielded in some manner."
    "That's just... dandy." Kirk smacked a fist into an open palm, then paused to consider this. "Do you have any theories on how they were able to board the ship with our shields up?"
    "Our sensor logs at the time of their arrival and departure indicate several subspace distortions. I theorize that they used some form of interdimensional teleport, possibly a dimensional shift. Our shields are ineffective against this form of transport."
    Chekov look up from the navigation station. "But dimensional shifting has a warping effect on organic tissue!"
    "Correct, Mr. Chekov," said Spock. "In our reality. The physical laws may operate differently here."
    "Or they may have simply found a way around the problem," Kirk added.
    "Or they may simply be immune to the warping effects," said Spock.
    Kirk nodded. "Continue scanning, Mr. Spock. I want those crystals found!"
    While Spock bent back to his scanner, Kirk fumed silently for a minute, considering. He realized that even if they managed to retrieve the crystals, the opposition might simply stage another attempt. Fortunately, there might be a way to prevent that from happening. A few strides took him over to the engineering station.
    "Scotty, is the Romulan cloaking device still hooked up?"
    "I was just starting to disconnect that alien contraption when this whole mess boiled up," he replied. "I can have it fully operational in a few hours." Kirk nodded. "But Captain, without those crystals, we won't be able to draw any power from the warp engines. And there is nae enough power from the impulse engines to use the cloak."
    "That's my job, Mr. Scott. You worry about yours."

    "Amazing." Malachite examined one of the captured crystals. "These crystals actually serve to amplify energy sent through them."
    No wonder Queen Beryl wanted them.
    "You summoned me, Lord Malachite."
    Malachite glanced up at the source of the voice. "Yes, Obsidian. I have a mission for you." He handed the crystal to Obsidian. "Queen Beryl only needs four of these to release the Negaforce. You are to use the remaining one to destroy those wretched Sailor Scouts! When you have done so, you can recover the Silver Crystal from Sailor Moon's corpse."
    Obsidian accepted the crystal and bowed to Malachite. "I hear and obey, my lord. But how am I to find the Sailor Scouts?"
    "That is the least of your worries," Malachite said with an evil smile. "The power of this crystal will surely be noticed by Sailor Mercury, if not by Sailor Mars. In the end, they will find you. Your only concern is how you will destroy them."
    Obsidian still hesitated. "I am confident in my own abilities, Lord Malachite, but I am nowhere near a match for all five of the Sailor Scouts."
    "With this crystal you are. It will absorb the energy of their attacks and channel it into you. It will also enable you to amplify your own energy and use it to attack them directly. Now, go!"
    Obsidian smiled and vanished. Malachite smiled broader, contemplating the unfolding events. That fool, he thought. He doesn't realize that the crystal will be his eventual undoing. Even if he succeeds, it will burn him out in a massive feedback loop that will reduce him to a pile of ashes. But he should keep those wretched Scouts busy long enough for Queen Beryl to unleash the Negaforce. And who knows... maybe he'll be lucky enough to eliminate one or two. Or perhaps all of them. Thinking this, he laughed.

    Luna was waiting at the temple with Raye when Amy arrived.
    "Anything?"
    Amy shook her head and began working on the computer. "Not really.If anything, the energy readings from whatever it is have become even fainter and more diffuse. All I can say for certain is that it's in orbit." Her analysis was interrupted by a giggle from across the room.
    "Oh, Serena," said Raye.
    "Hmmm?" Engrossed as she was in her latest comic book, Serena didn't hear the false pleasantry in Raye's tone.
    "Have you been listening to us?"
    "Uh huh."
    "Even when I called you a ditz, meatballhead?"
    "Uh huh." After a second, the full meaning of Raye's words sunk in. "Hey!"
    "Aha!" Raye leveled an accusing finger in Serena's face. "I knew you weren't listening!"
    "Raye, you know perfectly well, my name is NOT meatballhead!"
    "So, you admit that you are a ditz?"
    "I am not a ditz!!" she wailed. "So there!" She stuck out her tongue at Raye, and the other girl retaliated in kind.
    "Oh, brother," Luna moaned.

    Obsidian materialized on Earth, in a park in the Juban region. He fingered the crystal, establishing the link between it and himself. The surge of power he felt from it hit him like a narcotic. If Malachite was correct, the Scouts should appear soon. He hoped so. He couldn't wait to use his newfound power.

    "Captain," said Spock. "Sensors have detected one of the missing crystals, in the vicinity of Tokyo."
    Kirk scowled. "Only one? Where are the others?"
    "Unknown."
    "Mr. Spock, you're with me. Lt. Uhura, have Dr. McCoy and a security detail meet us in the transporter room. Have the quartermaster supply late twentieth century clothing, appropriate for the area. Mr. Sulu, you have the conn." The two officers barely had time to acknowledge the orders before the captain and first officer disappeared into the turbolift.

    They were still in the midst of the tongue war when Raye suddenly straightened, her gaze flitting back and forth. "What's wrong, Raye?" Serena asked, suddenly concerned for her friend.
    "I'm not sure," she answered. "I just got an odd feeling. Something's wrong nearby."
    "I'm picking up something, too," Amy said. "An energy source, similar to the one in orbit." She paused a moment, tapping at the keyboard. "It's in the park."
    "What's it doing there?" Lita asked.
    "Let's go check it out," Mina suggested.

    In a deserted corner of the park, six yellow orange pillars of energy appeared, solidifying moments later into the forms of Kirk, Spock, McCoy and three security guards. They had changed into contemporary clothing, with Spock wearing a headband to conceal his pointed ears. Spock began scanning the area with a tricorder, while the other members of the landing party took stock of their surroundings. It only took him a moment to locate what he was looking for. He put the tricorder underneath his coat. "Captain, I've located the crystal, approximately 100 meters northeast of here." The Vulcan pointed in the direction his scans indicated.
    Kirk nodded. "Very good, Mr. Spock. All right, gentlemen, remember- phasers on stun, and be careful not to hit that crystal! Let's go."

    "What is that?" asked Lita. The five girls and two cats crowded together and peered around the tree. A large black figure, it's skin shining like glass, was lurking about in the area. A large white crystal was on a chain around it's neck.
    "Trouble," Artemis answered.
    "Really? Now why would you think that?" Mina snapped at him.
    "Quickly," Luna said urgently, "transform now!!"

    Obsidian shifted his gaze back and forth. The Scouts should be here soon. Suddenly, a group of men entered the area. Distracted as he was by the humans' arrival and they with keeping an eye on him, Obsidian and the Enterprise landing party completely missed the light display coming from just over the hill.

    The landing party slowed their pace as they neared the location Spock had specified. As they approached they saw a large figure already there, much too large to be a human. It was nearly three meters tall, and it's skin was a glossy black, nearly as shiny as glass. They had seen all forms of alien life in their travels, but this was enough to give even them pause.
    "What in Sam Hill is that, Jim?" said McCoy in a low voice.
    "I'm not sure, Bones, but it's got the crystal."
    "Leave while you can humans," it warned them. "You are no match for the might of Obsidian!"
    Kirk took a bold step forward. "You have something that belongs to us. I suggest you give it back."
    It uttered a guttural laugh. "You must be joking. I'll be generous, humans. Leave while you can. It's not you that I'm after. Not today, anyway!"
    "Who are you after?" asked Kirk.
    "He probably means us!" exclaimed another voice.

    Obsidian turned to face the five sailor-suited girls. They stood in a line facing him, Sailor Moon in the center with Mars and Mercury to her right, and Jupiter and Venus to her left. "It's about time you
showed up."
    Sailor Moon went through her usual pre-fight motions. "I am Sailor Moon! Champion of justice! How dare you all cause trouble in this peaceful park! In the name of the moon, I'll punish you!" To emphasize her point, she pointed forward, indicating she meant Obsidian and the Enterprise landing party.
    "Wait a minute, we're the good guys!" protested McCoy.

    "Is she serious?" muttered Kirk.
    Spock continued scanning the Scouts and Obsidian. "I believe so, Captain. I'm picking up very high energy readings from them. There may be more to this situation than we realize."
    McCoy rolled his eyes. "Always the master of understatement aren't you, Spock?"

    Obsidian sneered at the Scouts. "Punish me? I don't think so, Sailor-trash! Not while I'm holding... this!" He grabbed the captured crystal with one hand and it pulsed, sending a bolt of energy at them. They scattered to avoid the resulting explosion.
    Sailor Mars rolled to her feet and faced Obsidian. "MARS FIRE... IGNITE!" The fireball hurtled at the youma, scoring a direct hit, but the energy was absorbed by the crystal.

    Kirk was astonished. "I see what you mean, Mr. Spock."
    "Should we move in, Captain?" inquired a security guard.
    As if in response, a wave of energy swept the area, forcing the landing party to take cover.

    "My turn," cried Jupiter. "JUPITER THUNDER... CRASH!" The electrical discharge hit Obsidian, but this was also absorbed by the crystal as well. He sent another discharge at Sailor Jupiter. After being knocked several meters backwards, she fell to the ground, obviously badly injured.
    "Sailor Jupiter! NO!" cried Sailor Moon
    Sailor Mercury deployed her visor and began scanning. The youma was somehow absorbing the energy of their attacks, and using it against them. She had to find out before it was too late.

    Instinctively, McCoy raced to help the injured Scout. Kirk signaled one of the guards to cover the doctor.
    "Fan out," he ordered the rest of his team. "Try to hit him from the sides."
    "It would be a waste of energy, Captain." said Spock. "The creature is using the crystal to absorb the energy of the Sailor's attacks. It would do the same to our phasers."
    Kirk ducked another energy bolt from Obsidian. "I'm open to suggestions, Mr. Spock."

    "Sailor Venus, let's double team him!" Mars cried, positioning herself on the opposite side of Obsidian as Venus.
    "I'm with you! VENUS CRESCENT BEAM..."
    "MARS FIRE..."
    "SMASH!"
    "IGNITE!"
    The twin attacks of light and fire combined and hit Obsidian. Once more, the energy of the attacks was absorbed. The crystal pulsed, sending out two energy bolts, one at each Scout, causing a tremendous explosion on either side. The smoke cleared revealing the still form of Venus. Mars had taken a blow to the head and was trying to get shakily to her feet.

    McCoy looked up from tending Jupiter and quickly scanned the unconscious blonde. She was still alive, but in bad shape. He'd have to attend to her as soon as he could, but first he had to stabilize the
injured Jupiter.

    Kirk had seen enough. "Commence firing." The red beams of energy struck Obsidian, with no obvious effect. Brighter beams of energy emerged from the crystal and raced back at their positions. One of the guards was struck and vanished in a flare of light. The other members of the landing party were more fortunate, having gotten to cover.
    "We must get the crystal away from him, Captain," Spock urged him. "Until then, he is effectively immune from our weapons."

    Mercury had come to the same solution. "Sailor Moon! We have to get that crystal away from him! Then our attacks will be effective!"
    Obsidian sent an energy blast Sailor Mercury's way. She tried to dodge, but was only partly successful. The blast caught her on her left leg, and she fell clutching at it.
    Taking advantage of his distraction, Sailor Moon moved quickly. She leapt at Obsidian, and kicked at the crystal around his neck. The force of the blow was enough to break the chain, sending it flying,
coincidentally in Kirk's direction. The youma struck back at her physically, hitting her midsection and knocking the wind from her. "Nice try, Sailor Moon, but too little, too late!" He raised a fist to deliver the final blow. "At long last, the Silver Crystal will be ours!"
    "Fire!" Four beams of red energy stuck Obsidian in the back, causing him to wince in pain. He whirled to face them. "Adjust phasers to maximum," Kirk ordered.
    Obsidian wasn't about to give them the chance. The Scouts had been effectively neutralized, so he decide to take out these pests before he finished them off. He jumped amid the landing party, scattering them, and went after the leader. Kirk fired his phaser at point blank range, but it had little effect other than enraging the youma; who grabbed Kirk by the neck and began to throttle him. Spock angled in behind the youma, placing his hand at the base of it's neck in an ineffective attempt to use the Vulcan nerve pinch.
    Obsidian used his free hand in a sweeping maneuver to knock the other Starfleet officers to the ground, while Kirk pried uselessly at the iron grip around his throat. His vision was already growing dim from lack of oxygen.
    Obsidian's neglect of the Scouts proved his undoing, for Sailor Moon had only had the wind knocked from her. "MOON TIARA...MAGIC!" she cried breathlessly, hurling the disc of energy at Obsidian. She knew she had to be careful with this shot, or she would hit the man in his grip. As always, her aim proved true, striking the youma dead center. Uttering a loud cry of despair, it disintegrated, leaving behind only a pile of moon dust. Exhausted by the battle, she passed out. Unfortunately, she fell over on Sailor Mars, knocking her out as well. Now that the battle over, Luna and Artemis rushed in to check on the conditions of their charges.

    "Are you functional, Captain?" Spock inquired.
    Kirk nodded. "I believe so, Mr. Spock." He glanced uncertainly at the pile of dust that was all that remained of the creature, then over at the unconscious girl that had saved his life.
    Satisfied that his captain was fine, Spock walked over to the crystal and examined it. After satisfying himself that it was in good condition, he handed it to one of the security force. "Return to the
ship. The captain, Dr. McCoy and myself will follow you shortly. Get the crystal to Mr. Scott as quickly as possible."

    Mercury watched as two of the strangers disappeared into pillars of light, taking the strange crystal with them. She wanted to find out about these people, but other matters took priority. "We have to get a doctor for the others. They need immediate medical attention."
    "I am a doctor," said McCoy responded gruffly. He looked at Kirk. "Jim, I've got to get these two," indicating Jupiter and Venus, "up to the ship. I can't do anything else for them down here. And they wouldn't have a chance with the primitive medical facilities here."
    Kirk nodded an affirmative and McCoy pulled open his communicator. "McCoy to Enterprise. Have medical emergency teams report to the transporter room. Stand by to beam up landing party with wounded."
    Mercury wasn't quite sure what to make of what they were saying. Ship? They didn't appear to fit the stereotype of naval personnel. Plus there were their strange weapons and the way those other two had just disappeared. That certainly didn't fit the norm. "Excuse me," she said, "But who are you people?"
    "We don't have time for introductions, Jim."
    "I'm afraid the good doctor is right," Kirk told her. "But suffice it to say for now that we're friends, and we're going to do what we can to help your friends." Kirk pulled out his communicator and opened it. "Kirk to Enterprise."
    "Enterprise, Lt. Uhura."
    "Have the transporter set on wide field, Lieutenant. Eight to beam up at these coordinates."
    The transporter beam gripped the rest of the landing party and the Scouts. The wide field beam also picked up two nearby cats as well.

    Beryl looked at her remaining General, somewhat displeased. "Tell me, Malachite, where is the fifth crystal?"
    "Only four crystals are required to implement your plan to release the Negaforce, my queen," explained Malachite, choosing his words with care. He was confident as to the soundness of his plan, but Beryl's moods could be best described as... flighty these days. "I sent Obsidian with the fifth to destroy those wretched Sailor Scouts. If he is successful, he should also be able to obtain the Silver Crystal for us."
    Beryl leaned back in her throne. "An interesting plan." Malachite relaxed internally. Just a little bit.
    "And like all his previous plans, a complete failure!" Prince Darien entered the room, glaring at Malachite.
    "What are you talking about, Prince Darien?" demanded Malachite.
    "I witnessed the battle. Several of the Scouts were injured, but Sailor Moon was able to defeat Obsidian, with some help from the starship crew. As always, Malachite, you underestimate your opponent."
    Malachite clenched his fists in rage. "If several of the Scouts were injured, then it was a partial success, at least. By the time they recover, it will be too late. We will have released the Negaforce...
and dealt with the starship, once and for all."
    Darien snorted. "You're grasping at straws, Malachite. If you could find the courage to fight your own battles, the Silver Crystal would be ours by now."
    "Why you..."
    "Enough, both of you!" snapped Beryl. "Malachite, I want you to supervise the collection of energy. When we have enough, we can release the Negaforce!"

Sailor Trek: The Dilithium Dilemma
By Bill Harris
Chapter 3 - Welcome aboard, Sailor Scouts
PG13

    "Captain's log, supplemental. We have managed to retrieve one of the stolen crystals. We have also beamed up some rather... interesting guests who may have information vital to our search. Our
questions will have to wait until they are treated for injuries received in the struggle to recover the first crystal."

    Sailor Mercury stood by the biobed that Sailor Mars lay on, with Sailor Moon's being right behind her. The medical personnel had quickly tended her wounds, spraying synthetic plaskin over the burn and using what they called a tissue regenerator, deadening the pain to that of a mild sunburn. The technology present was beyond her grasp, but the readouts were still quite easy to read.
    Sailor Mars' and Sailor Moon's readouts were well within the norms indicated on the panels, so she wasn't too worried about their prognosis. She just wished she knew more about the conditions of Jupiter and Venus.
    She had checked her computer earlier and confirmed that this ship was the source of the energy readings she had detected in orbit. She still wasn't sure who they were, but they obviously had no
connection with the Negaverse. Hopefully they were friendly. She heard someone approaching from behind her. Turning, she saw one of the men who had been in the park. Now he was dressed similarly to others she had seen here; boots, black pants and a blue shirt that had an arrow-like symbol over the left breast. But what really got her attention was his ears.
    They were pointed.
    "Greetings," he said. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Spock, first officer of the Enterprise."
    "I'm Sailor Mercury."
    He raised one eyebrow. "Interesting. I noticed during the battle that some of your associates referred to each other by various astronomical appellations. Is that the case for the entire group?"
    "Yes," she answered with a nod. "We're the Sailor Scouts. That's Sailor Moon, and this is Sailor Mars." She looked around the room nervously. "I'm... not sure where Sailor Jupiter and Sailor
Venus are."
    "Your other friends are currently in surgery," Spock told her. At her sudden look of concern he added, "I would not be too worried. Dr. McCoy and Dr. M'Benga are excellent surgeons, among the best in Starfleet. I am quite certain that Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Venus will make complete recoveries."
    "I hope you're right..." she said softly.
    After a moment, "If you will come with me, Captain Kirk would like to have a word with you."
    "I don't know..." She glanced over at the two unconscious Scouts.
    "There is nothing more you can do for your friends by remaining. Since we are obviously faced by a mutual opponent, logic dictates that we foment a rapid exchange of information so we can develop a mutual strategy." Seeing that she was still hesitant, he added, "If you wish, I can arrange for us to be notified upon any change to their conditions, no matter how slight."
    She nodded reluctantly and followed him. She knew in a way he was right but part of her didn't want to leave until she knew that they were all okay. As she followed Spock, another thought struck her. What had happened to Luna and Artemis?

    Luna touched the forcefield experimentally, and uttered a small yowl of pain. One of the guards outside looked down at her. "Be careful, kitty. Touching that force field could scorch your paws off."
    She shot him a dirty look, then retreated to the rear of the room where Artemis was sulking.
    "Well, what have you got to say for yourself?" she demanded in a low voice.
    "It's not my fault we're stuck here," he maintained in the same manner.
    "Not your fault?!? You nearly clawed that man's hand off!"
    Artemis motioned frantically for her to keep her voice down.
    The guard looked inside for a moment, then returned his attention to the hallway. "It wasn't that bad."
    "Bad enough that the guard shot you with that weapon of theirs. And they got me as well. It's lucky for us that we were only rendered unconscious for a while." She sighed, exasperated. "Did you have to go beserk like that? We'd probably be in that 'sickbay' place they mentioned if you hadn't!"
    The white cat glared at her. "You heard what they were saying about us. They were about to 'beam' us down, which tells me we wouldn't be anywhere near them. And if it had been Serena injured like that and they had tried to keep you away, Luna, you'd have gone a little ballistic too."
    She nodded, conceding his point. "Perhaps you're right."
    Glancing about the room, she added, "On a brighter note, I don't think these people mean the Scouts any ill will. I'm not sensing anything evil about this place."
    Artemis came out of his brooding state long enough to glance around himself. "You're right. But there's a hint of malice, as if someone from the Negaverse was here for a brief time."
    "Yes," agreed Luna. "Malachite, perhaps. He probably stole that crystal from here. But where is here? And what was that crystal?"
    "Good questions," Artemis said. "We'll just have to wait for the answers."

    The medical technician ran the test one more time, and nodded in satisfaction. "No lasting injuries, sir," she told her captain, "but you're going to have a sore neck for a few days."
    "Better than being strangled," Kirk replied with a smile.
    "Thank you." He went into the door, where his first officer was patiently waiting with one of their guests. "I told the good doctor I was fine, but he still insists on being a mother hen."
    "A wise precaution, nonetheless. Dr. McCoy's dedication to the health of the crew is well noted," Spock stated.
    Kirk allowed himself a small grin. "You'd better not let Bones hear you talk like that. He'll accuse you of becoming more human."
    Spock raised an eyebrow, but made no other comment. "Captain, this is Sailor Mercury, of the Sailor Scouts."
    He extended a hand, "I'm Captain James T. Kirk, of the Federation Starship Enterprise. Welcome aboard. I wish the circumstances were different."
    "Likewise." Her gaze flickered in the general direction of the surgery.
    At Kirk's unspoken question, Spock said, "Dr. McCoy and Dr. M'Benga are in surgery with the two more severely injured Sailor Scouts. The others have sustain relatively minor injuries and have been treated."
    "I see," Kirk mused. "And the felines we picked up?"
    "Secure."
    Felines? Secure? Mercury perked up on hearing this. "One white, the other black, each with a crescent moon marking?" At Spock's nod, "They're with us. Are they here? On this ship?"
    "They are currently in the brig," Spock replied.
    "What?!?" Mercury was aghast by this development. "They're harmless!"
    "You may inform Chief Kyle of that fact," Spock replied evenly. "He sustained severe lacerations from the white feline."
    "Artemis," she said softly. "He's probably just worried about Sailor Venus. They've been together for some time." At their puzzled looks, she added, "I'll explain later. I know we've got a lot of things to talk about, but could they be brought here first? Or perhaps I could bring them myself? I could keep them from... overreacting."
    Kirk looked thoughtful. "I don't see why not. Mr. Spock, why don't you escort Sailor Mercury to the brig. In the meantime, I'm going to check on things on the bridge. Afterwards, we can try to sort this out."

    The guard came to attention as Spock came up to the brig entrance with Sailor Mercury beside him. "...so you're half human?" she was saying.
    "Correct. My mother is from Earth, and my father is from the planet Vulcan." To the guard he said, "Deactivate the forcefield."
    "Yes, sir." The guard snapped the controls to the 'off' position, and the forcefield barring the entrance shut down. Mercury entered the room, and Luna jumped into her arms.
    "I'm glad to see you, Amy," she whispered.
    "Same here," she whispered back. "Don't worry, I think we're among friends."
    "Where are the others?"
    "Sickbay. I'm taking you there. Mina and Lita are in surgery. Raye and Serena seem to be fine, more or less." She turned and handed the black feline to the Vulcan. "Could you carry Luna, while I carry Artemis? That way we don't have to worry about him scratching someone else." Artemis meowed in protest.
    "Of course," Spock responded with his customary calmness. Mercury handed Luna to him and bent down to pick Artemis up. Thus she missed the sudden expressions of shock on both Spock's and Luna's faces. Uttering a loud screech, the cat leapt out of his grasp and landed on the bench then turned to stare at Spock.
    "Huh?" Mercury looked between the two, confused as to what was going on. The guard also became more alert at these developments, and put a hand on his phaser.
    "Fascinating..." Spock turned to the crewman. "That will be all, ensign. Dismissed."
    The redshirt looked doubtful. "Sir, are you sure..."
    "I said dismissed, ensign!" the first officer said in a slightly louder tone. The guard nodded in acknowledgement and retreated down the corridor. Spock turned back to Mercury. "You did not say that these cats were sentient."
    Mercury gasped. "How did you..."
    "He's a telepath, Mercury," Luna responded. "I felt him touch my mind."
    "A touch telepath," Spock corrected. "Typically my psi shields keep out unwanted contacts during physical contact, but I did not anticipate a sentient mind in a feline form. Thus my shielding was not at the appropriate level. My apologies for the intrusion."
    "No harm done," responded the cat. "Shall we continue to sickbay?"
    "Of course," Spock replied. Steeling his defenses, he picked Luna up again. "Once we are there, we have much to discuss."

    Sailor Moon opened her eyes. "Whoa, that was one weird dream..." Her voice trailed off when she got a good look at her surroundings. It wasn't a dream, after all. "Raye! Are you OK? Where are the others? Where are we?"
    "Ask me again when the room stops spinning," she grumbled, slowly sitting up.
    "Oh, good, you're OK." Then she frowned, "But how'd you get hurt?"
    "Your head conked into mine when you fell down, that's how," Mars snapped.
    "Oh, yeah, that's right." She felt her head tentatively. "So how come my head doesn't hurt?"
    "Because there's nothing up there to damage?"
    Sailor Moon went through a sudden mood change and started snarling at Mars. "WHAT?!?"
    Further argument was forestalled by Mercury's arrival with Artemis. "Well, I see you two have recovered."
    "More or less," Mars answered.
    "Hey, where's Luna?" asked Sailor Moon.
    "She's having a discussion in private with Mr. Spock," Artemis replied.
    "Spock? That's a weird name," Mars said.
    "I doubt that's true for him. After all, he's not human," said Mercury.

    "Well, what did you want to talk about?" Luna sat upon the table in McCoy's office. Spock sat himself down in the chair facing her.
    "There is a great deal of information to exchange between the two of us. In the interests of expediency, I suggest the Vulcan Mind Meld."
    "What's that?"
    "It is a Vulcan telepathic technique. Utilizing my abilities, our minds will temporarily merge, becoming effectively one mind. Considering the vast area of information we have to exchange, it seems the most logical means to do so."
    "I agree," said Luna. "Please proceed."
    Spock folded his hands in front of his chest, beginning the mental preparations for the meld. After a moment, he placed both hands on opposite sides of Luna's head. Her head was too small for the usual contact points, so he improvised as best he could. "My mind to your mind," he intoned as he formed the link. "Your thoughts to my thoughts." The connection was forged, and the two minds became one. Images poured through the meld. Memories of the Silver Millennium, of the Moon Kingdom. The joy Luna felt watching the Scouts grow in power. Her friendship with the Princess. Watching her fall in love with Prince Darien.
    Other memories, these horrific. Beryl's attack on the Moon Kingdom. Watching as it is completely destroyed. The Scouts valiant, but futile struggle against the invader. Her sadness at seeing Darien and Serena killed by the Negaforce. Queen Serenity's use of the Silver Crystal and her ultimate sacrifice. The cold sleep capsule. Reawakening. Finding Serena, Sailor Moon. Searching for the
other Scouts. Her frustration with Serena. Looking for the Princess reborn, never realizing that she was under her nose all along.
    Spock's memories flowed through the meld also. His struggle growing up on Vulcan. Joining Starfleet despite his father's wishes, and attending the Academy. The years of silence with his father,
Sarek. The assignment to the Enterprise. His service under first Captain Pike and later, Captain Kirk. His reconciliation with Sarek. The travels and adventure of the Enterprise and her crew. The ship's
transition to this universe. The theft of the crystals. Mutual memories of the recent battle were also exchanged. Luna's horror at watching the Scouts fall wounded one by one. Spock's concern for his captain and friend as Obsidian choked him. Their return to the Enterprise.
    After several minutes, Spock opened his eyes and released his hold on Luna. They regarded each other for several moments.
    "Fascinating."

    McCoy walked tiredly into his office, only to find Spock sitting there. The Vulcan rose as he entered. "My apologies for the intrusion, Doctor, but I required privacy."
    "Something wrong with your quarters?" McCoy grumbled, then waved him off. "Forget it. I'm too tired to argue right now, Spock." He glanced momentarily at the black cat in the office with them, but
shook it off.
    "What are the current conditions of your patients?"
    McCoy sighed. "M'Benga completed work on the blonde just before I finished on the brunette. They're both in recovery right now. It'll be at least a week before they'll be able to leave here."
    "But they will make a complete recovery?"
    "Oh, no doubt about it." He could have sworn he heard a sigh of relief from the cat. Poppycock. "Though their constitutions are amazing. The injuries they sustained would have killed anyone else.
Even you, Spock."
    The Vulcan ignored the half-hearted barb. "Very well. I..."
    Whatever he was going to say was interrupted by the sound of a loud argument.
    "Now what?" McCoy snapped, rushing out of his office.
    "Oh, no," Luna moaned, "here we go again."
    "Indeed," Spock answered, fully comprehending the source of her distress.

    Sailor Moon glared daggers at Mars. "You take that back!"
    "Just telling it like it is."
    "Why you --"
    "ENOUGH!" Shocked into silence, Mars and Moon gaped at McCoy, who returned their stares with eyes full of fury. "I don't know what you two are arguing about, but it will stop this instant! And you!" He pointed a finger at Mars, "You lie back down this instant, young lady! You're still recovering from a concussion."
    "I'm fine," insisted Sailor Mars, ignoring the fact that room was spinning. She tried to take a step, but immediately grabbed the bed for support.
    "Sure you are," said McCoy. "Now are you going to get back in that bed, or do I have to give you a sedative?"
    "I think you should do what he says, Mars," Sailor Moon suggested.
    "When did you become a doctor?"
    Sailor Moon bristled. "I may not be a doctor, but I know common sense when I hear it."
    "Come on," Mars retorted. "You and common sense..."
    "I said stop the bickering!" McCoy interrupted. "I don't have all day to stand around here constantly breaking up these skirmishes of yours. I'm a doctor, not a referee! Now if you two can't be quiet, I'll arrange a nice long nap." To emphasize his point, he pulled out a hypo.
    "He's right," Mercury put in. "Can't you keep from arguing for more than five minutes?"
    "Not likely," Artemis muttered. McCoy blinked, suddenly taken aback. Did he just hear that cat talk?
    His speculation was interrupted by the alert klaxon going off and Uhura's voice from the intercom. "Intruder alert, all decks! Security to main engineering!"

    Spock snapped open the intercom. "Spock here."
    "Spock, we've got multiple intruders reported in main engineering," Kirk's voice came over the intercom. "Meet me there as soon as possible."
    "Captain, if the intruders are similar to the creature we faced
earlier, we may need the assistance of the Sailor Scouts to deal with them." Luna was already rushing out of the office.
    "Good idea. Bring as many of them as you can with you. Kirk out."

    Luna bounded up by Sailor Moon. "It's the Negaverse!" McCoy's jaw dropped. First teenage girls with superpowers, now a talking cat. What next? "They're attacking this ship. All of you need to get to
the engineering section to help. And that includes Venus and Jupiter as well!" Mars groaned and tried to rise.
    "Now just a damned minute!" McCoy's voice rang out. Okay, maybe there was a talking cat around here, but he was still the CMO of this ship. "Only you two," pointing to Sailor Moon and Mercury, "are
cleared to leave. The others are confined to Sickbay."
    "Be that as it may, Doctor," Spock said, "We need them in engineering. Now."
    "Spock, you know as well as I do that's impossible."
    "Not quite doctor," the Vulcan insisted. "Sailor Moon can heal the others by utilizing the Moon Healing Power."
    "The what?!? How the blazes do you know that, Spock?" snapped McCoy.
    "As a result of a mind meld I conducted with Luna," Spock replied, indicating the black cat.
    McCoy glanced back and forth between the feline and the first officer. "You had a mind meld with a CAT!! Are you out of your Vulcan mind?"
    "I hope not," said Luna. "That could have serious repercussions for my mental stability."
    Artemis looked dumbfounded. "Luna!" McCoy stared speechlessly at the white cat. TWO talking cats?
    "Fascinating," Spock said. "I don't think I have ever seen the doctor at such a loss for words. Much as I would like to have a logical debate with you doctor, there isn't time." He turned to Sailor Moon. "The five of you are needed in engineering immediately. I suggest you heal you friends and make your way there posthaste."
    "Right!" she said as she pulled out the Crescent Moon Wand.
    Recovering slightly, McCoy eyed her skeptically. "And just what do you think that will do?" he asked. "Do you think you can wave your magic wand and make everyone better?"
    "Something like that," responded Sailor Moon as Spock raised one eyebrow. It would seem that Doctor McCoy would be in for another shock. "Just stay right there, and I'll show you!"

    "Och, not again!" Scotty snapped as he ducked down into cover, hoping that his precious engines wouldn't be too badly damaged. The security forces present had been able to prevent the creatures from damaging any critical systems, but it was too evenly matched to be sure as to the outcome. He heard the sound of the doors opening and sighed, relieved that reinforcements had finally arrived.
    "I am Sailor Moon!" a teenaged voice proclaimed. "The champion of justice! I right wrongs and triumph over evil! And that means you!"
    "It's the Sailor Scouts!" hissed a fear laden voice.
    "What the devil?" Scotty muttered. He risked a look into the combat zone and gasped. Five teenage girls stood in the door, confronting the monsters that had invaded the Enterprise engine room.
    "Are they out of their minds?" he wondered. "Those lasses have nae got a prayer!"
    "MERCURY BUBBLES... BLAST!" The engine room was suddenly filled with fog.
    "JUPITER THUNDER... CRASH!"
    "VENUS CRESCENT BEAM... SMASH!"
    "MARS FIRE... IGNITE!"
    Flashes of lightning, intense beams of light and balls of fire showered through the engine room, disintegrating most of the invaders. The last youma remaining looked around wildly before he heard "MOON TIARA.... MAGIC!" and was himself disintegrated. "Well, that was easy!"
    "Easy?" The security squad looked around in amazement as the fog cleared. These teenagers had mopped up a horde of creatures in a matter of seconds that they had been struggling just to contain for the last five minutes!
    "I dinna believe it," Scotty muttered as he came out of cover and walked up to the one that seemed to be the leader. "I dinna know who ye are, but thank ye all the same."
    The doors whooshed open as Kirk entered the engine room at this point, followed shortly by Spock. A quick glance of the Scouts standing in the room amid several piles of dust and ash told him that the situation was well in hand. "Thanks for your assistance."
    "No problem," said Sailor Moon, with Mercury and Mars concurring.
    "Piece of pie," Venus said with a wide grin and flashing a "V for Victory", drawing several incredulous looks from the engine room personnel.
    Jupiter said nothing, but was staring wide-eyed at Kirk. "Wow. He looks just like my old boyfriend." As one, the Scouts uttered a loud groan, while both of Spock's eyebrows went upward.
    "Um... thanks... I think," Kirk stammered. He quickly excused himself and went over to Scotty. Jupiter continued to stare at him.
    "How's it look, Scotty?"
    "I just managed to install the crystal before this bunch of wraiths appeared," Scotty said. He glanced at the engineering status board and nodded satisfactorily. "It does nae look like anything was damaged during the fight. Warp power is now available."
    "Good," Kirk responded. "Activate the cloaking device."
    "Captain, I would nae draw too much power from the mains," the scotsman cautioned, "not when we only have the one crystal available. Too much power through it and it'll blow for sure."
    "Leaving us right back were we started. Draw power from the warp engines for the cloaking device only. All other systems are to run off impulse." Nodding, Scotty leaned over activated several controls on the main board.
    "Cloaking device?" Venus said. "What's that?"
    "A device to render us invisible to most forms of detection," Spock responded.
    "Cool!" Jupiter cried. "A stealth starship!"
    "Colloquially expressed..." the Vulcan observed, "but essentially correct."

    Malachite frowned. The starship had faded from detection moments ago, but not in the way he had expected.
    "Malachite!" Beryl yelled.
    The general started. "Yes, my queen?"
    "I believe I had ordered you to supervise the collection of energy needed to release the Negaforce. Why have you not done so?"
    He bowed to her. "Forgive me, my queen, but I was taking steps to be sure the starship could not interfere. I..."
    Beryl snorted. "Even if they knew our exact plans, there is nothing they can do to hinder our plans! Supervise the collection of energy! All else is secondary!!"
    "Yes, my queen."

Sailor Trek
By Bill Harris
Chapter 4: "Strategy session"
PG13

    "Captain's log, supplemental. Thanks to a miraculous recovery by our guests, the Sailor Scouts, we have successfully repelled another boarding attempt by our opponents. Mr. Spock has identified them as being from what's called 'The Negaverse'. Our main priority now is to locate and recover the remaining crystals."

    "You mean this is a spaceship?!" Jupiter exclaimed.
    "Starship," Spock corrected. "The Enterprise is a Constitution-class heavy cruiser, one of only twelve such vessels in Starfleet."
    The scene in the briefing room was a rather incongruous one. At one end of the table, Kirk, McCoy and Scotty were being quietly briefed by the two moon cats. At the other end, Spock was handling a
similar duty with the Sailor Scouts.
    "Okay, so you guys are from another universe, where it's the twenty third century," Mars summarized. "No Sailor Scouts, no Negaverse. So what's the deal with that crystal that youma had?"
    "I believe that your question would be best answered when Luna has finished briefing the captain," Spock replied.
    Coincidentally, Luna had finished her exposition on the Sailor Scouts' history, both ancient and recent.
    "It's almost to much to believe," McCoy commented.
    "When you consider that you're hearing this from a talking cat, Bones, it's not really that hard," Kirk replied.
    "Aye," Scotty agreed. "And considering the way that white haired devil popped in and out of engineering like a wraith, along with those other beasties."
    "White haired devil?" Sailor Moon asked, obviously puzzled.
    "I think he means Malachite," Venus chipped in.
    "If you mean this individual..." Spock inserted a data cartridge and an image of Malachite in engineering appeared on the central monitor. "...then you are correct."
    Jupiter's face darkened with barely controlled fury. "That's Malachite, alright."
    "I don't get it," said Venus. "What was he doing here? Lately all he's been doing is try to steal the Silver Crystal from Sailor Moon."
    "Yeah, usually through some crazy scheme," Mars added.
    "Which you always seem to get in the middle of," Artemis quipped.
    "Hey!"
    "Well, I'm not the one who went to the 'Moon Princess Skiing Con- OW!" Artemis rubbed his now sore nose.
    Hoping to prevent the meeting from getting too much out of order, Spock responded to Venus' original question. "He stole the ship's dilithium crystals." Knowing full well what the reaction would be,
Spock brought up a picture of Prince Darien. "Along with this individual."
    "Darien." Though spoken quietly, this one word from Sailor Moon was filled with emotion.
    "I understand from Luna that you and he are quite... close, and that he has been brainwashed into working for the Negaverse. In that respect, I'm sorry," Kirk said sympathetically. Then, in a more
strident tone, "However, I now have two crewmen dead as a result of all this. One during our battle to recover the crystal; and the other when these two stole them in the first place. I want to know is why."
    Sailor Moon looked horrified. "Dead? Did... did Darien...?"
    "Negative," Spock said, shaking his head. "Darien had already departed the ship by that point. Malachite was directly responsible for the crewman's death."
    "Aye, he was," Scotty stated. "But he was in a quick enough hurry to leave once the crystals were taken."
    "So the operative question is: why did they steal the dilithium crystals in the first place?" Kirk said.
    "Well, if we knew what dilithium was, maybe we could help," Mars said.
    "A logical request," Spock replied. "Dilithium is a crystalline substance which is an essential element to our ship's main power source. In simple terms, it serves as an energy magnifier, amplifying the energy output from our matter-antimatter intermix chamber to power the ship's warp drive system. Five crystals are used in total. Four as primaries, with the fifth serving as a reserve."
    "If you don't understand him, don't worry," said McCoy. "I work with him everyday, and I still don't understand him."
    "It can amplify all forms of energy?" Mercury asked.
    "Correct."
    The blue haired Scout looked thoughtful. "But if it can amplify energy, including organic energy, then..." Her voice trailed off as she considered the implications. "Oh, no!"
    "What is it?" asked Sailor Mars.
    "They could use the crystals to amplify an amount of negative organic energy, producing enough to recharge and release the Negaforce!"
    "That doesn't sound good," said Sailor Moon.
    "Of course not! It's disastrous!" exclaimed Luna. "If they're able to release the Negaforce, they'll be unstoppable!"
    "All right, already, Luna! I got his drift!"
    "Once the Negaforce has been released, the forces of the Negaverse will strive to conquer this Earth," Spock said. "Once they have accomplished this, I believe it is likely that they will attempt to spread their influence to our universe. The Federation itself could be at risk."
    "Agreed. Our best strategy is to locate and retrieve the crystals before they can be used in that manner," said Kirk. "Any luck in that department, Mr. Spock?"
    The Vulcan scowled. "Unfortunately, we have made little progress in even locating the missing crystals. Since they are in another dimension, it seems unlikely that we will be able to locate them unless Beryl and her forces return them to this plane of reality."
    "By then, it'll be too late," said Artemis.
    "There must be some way to locate the crystals," McCoy blurted.
    "I am open to suggestions, Doctor," Spock replied, as imperturbable as ever.
    "I might be able to help," said Sailor Mercury. She opened her computer and began manipulating the keyboard. "I've been having some success scanning into the Negaverse. Unfortunately, the range is quite limited."
    Spock eyed the minicomputer intently. "Remarkable. May I examine it?"
    "Certainly." She handed the computer to Spock. The Vulcan examined it closely for several moments, seemingly entranced, then began operating it tentatively.
    "Fascinating." The first officer's voice had an almost... reverent tone to it.
    McCoy looked on with a bemused expression. "Don't look now, Jim, but I think he's in love." This caused Mercury to blush a bright red.
    "Doctor, that is most illogical. I am merely examining a most fascinating piece of equipment," Spock replied.
    "I'll bet," McCoy retorted in a low voice. Mercury turned even redder, and the other scouts began to giggle.
    "Doctor, you are fully aware that, as a Vulcan, I am quite incapable of the emotions you are implying," Spock continued as if there were no interruption.
    "That you'll admit to," McCoy challenged.
    Spock ignored McCoy's last remark. "Captain, I believe that Sailor Mercury's computer will be able to locate our stolen crystals if it is interfaced with the ship's main computer. We can then utilize the ships sensors and scan directly into the Negaverse."
    "If Sailor Mercury is agreeable..." Kirk began.
    She nodded vigorously. "Of course. Anything I can do to help."
    "Very well. Mr. Spock, you and Sailor Mercury will proceed with the interface and begin scanning for the stolen crystals."
    "Jim, even if we locate the crystals, how are we going to get them back? It's not likely we can beam them out of another dimension," said McCoy.
    Kirk eyed his first officer. "He's got a point, Spock. Any suggestions?"
    "Not at this time, Captain. However, I do have the beginnings of a theory based on the method Malachite used to board the ship. I shall explore the possibilities after setting up the scanning run
for the crystals." At a nod from his captain, Spock left the briefing room, with Sailor Mercury following.
    McCoy pointed to the Scouts. "In the meantime, I want the lot of you back in sickbay."
    "Why? We're fine," Mars protested.
    "Maybe so, thanks to that Moon Crystal thingamajig, but I still want you checked over to be sure. So don't give me any grief!"
    Kirk chuckled. "I know from personal experience that it's impossible to argue with the doctor."
    "Gee, he must be related to Mars."
    "WHAT?!"

    "There!" Sailor Mercury said. She looked up at Spock, who was standing next to her by the bridge science station. "I've established the linkup to the main computer."
    "Impressive," Spock stated. "I had anticipated that it would take much longer to complete the interface."
    "Well, my computer is designed to be easy to use." She looked somewhat apologetic. "And... it is somewhat more powerful than your ship's computer." Her soft spoken statement drew several amazed looks from the other members of the bridge crew. Even Spock looked a bit taken back by this.
    "Fascinating."
    "I'll need the specifications on dilithium crystal structure before I can set up the scanning protocols."
    "Very well." Spock activated the audio link to the library computer. "Computer, access files on dilithium structure and transfer them along the established linkup."
    "Working..." The computer made various clicking and whirring noises as it complied with the command. "...complete."
    Sailor Mercury tapped several keys on her computer and nodded in satisfaction. "Yes, they're here. I'll modify the scanning program now." She began working furiously on the small computer.
    As she was doing so, the turbolift doors opened, and Kirk strode onto the bridge. "Any progress, Mr. Spock?"
    "Yes, Captain. Sailor Mercury is configuring her computer to scan the Negaverse. We should be ready to begin momentarily."
    "Mr. Spock," said Sulu, "I've completed the sensor sweeps you asked for."
    Spock nodded. After a questioning glance from the Captain, he said "I asked Mr. Sulu scan the surrounding space for spatial distortions while I was assisting Sailor Mercury. If my theory is correct, Malachite is using a spatial distortion to transport himself between this dimension and the Negaverse."
    "Can we do the same?"
    "Possibly."
    "I see. What have you found, Mr. Sulu?"
    "I located three spatial distortions in the Earth-Moon system. Two are on Earth itself -- one at the North Polar region and the other in Japan. The third is located on the moon, here..." He tapped a
control, bringing an image of the moon on the main viewscreen. There was a blinking light on one of the mare. "...in the Sea of Serenity."
    Kirk regarded the image for a moment. "Well, Spock? Can we use these distortions to beam the crystals out of the Negaverse?"
    Spock examined the readouts on Sulu's viewer for a moment. "Not directly. However, if we produce a modulated subspace field at the site of one of the distortions, it should create a dimensional interconnecting corridor. We should then be able to direct a transporter beam directly into the Negaverse. If necessary, it would allow for communications as well."
    "It'll take a lot of power to generate the field," Scotty said. "But the impulse engines have enough to do the job."
    Spock shook his head. "Negative, Mr. Scott. The field generator must be located as close to the site of the distortion as possible."
    "It'll have to be a shuttlecraft then," replied the engineer. He sighed. "I think it's got the power reserves needed, but it'll be a near thing."
    "I suggest using the lunar site, Captain," said Spock. "A shuttle would be too visible at one of the sites on Earth."
    "Agreed. How long to make the necessary modifications, Scotty?"
    "Not long, sir. I'll get right on it." The engineer headed for the turbolift and left the bridge.
    Mercury looked up from her computer. "There. The scanning program is complete. I'm initiating scans of the Negaverse... now." She tapped on the keyboard, and the words 'Scan in progress' appeared on the screen.
    "Good work," said Kirk.
    Spock glanced at the science station. "The scans of the Negaverse should be completed by the time Mr. Scott has finished the shuttle modifications."
    "Excuse me," said Sailor Mercury. "Could you tell me where the other Scouts are?"
    "I've assigned them temporary quarters," replied Kirk. "Luna suggested that it would be a good idea for them to get some rest, once McCoy had finished with them." He smiled slightly when she fought back a yawn. "And I think it would be a good idea for you, too."
    "Yes, I think you're right. Could someone please show me the way?" Kirk motioned to a security guard, who followed Mercury into the turbolift.

    "Here you are," the guard said. "You and Sailor Moon have been assigned these quarters."
    Mercury thanked the guard and entered. The room was darker than the corridor had been, but not much since the ship was observing 'nighttime' conditions. It didn't take long for her eyes to adjust. Suddenly feeling very tired, she allowed the transformation to reverse itself as she made her way into the bedroom. Serena was sitting up in the bed, reading something on the viewer. Luna had curled herself up on the bed, and at least gave the appearance of sleeping. Serena looked up when she came into the room.
    "Hi, Amy. How'd it go with you and Spock?"
    "Good. The linkup to the main computer went fairly smoothly. The scanning program is running now. They'll call us if anything develops."
    She gave her a sly look. "Are you sure that's all you two were doing?" Amy colored slightly at the insinuation.
    "Serena! We were working!"
    "Oh, really?"
    Luna came to her rescue. "That's enough, Serena. Both of you should get some sleep now."
    "Oh, all right. Just let me finish this one book."
    "What are you reading?" Amy asked, curious despite herself.
    Serena turned the viewer towards her with flourish. "Ta daa!"
    Amy took one look, then bowed her head in disappointment. With the entire literature of the Federation to chose from, Serena was reading comic books!

    The buzzing from the intercom woke them up. Serena screamed "I'm going to be so late!" and tried frantically to get ready for school before realizing where she was.
    Luna hopped onto the table and answered the call. "Yes?"
    "Spock here. The captain and I will be meeting you there in five minutes." With a click, the intercom went silent.
    Amy checked her watch. "It's only been four hours. I wonder what's happened."
    "We'll find out soon enough," Luna replied. "Hurry up you two, and transform."
    The door buzzed five minutes later, and they greeted Kirk and Spock as they entered. The others followed them in. "The good news is that the scanning program worked like a charm, and we've got a location for the crystals. The bad news is that it looks like our opponents are on the move. Uhura has monitored reports of people fainting or complaining of weakness."
    "They're gathering energy to release the Negaforce," Artemis said.
    "That was my analysis," Spock replied. He handed Mercury her computer. "Unfortunately, it forces us to take action before we can adequately prepare ourselves."
    "You can't beam the crystals out?" Luna asked.
    "I'm afraid not," Kirk replied. "The sensor resolution was only good enough to pinpoint a general location, not good enough for a transporter lock. If we want them back we're going to have to go after
them ourselves." The captain looked hesitant. "Look, I can't order you to do this. To avoid our presence from contaminating your universe, my crew and I must attempt to retrieve the crystals. But it's not your responsibility. If you wish, I can have you beamed back to..."
    "Don't say another word, captain," Sailor Moon interrupted. "We're in. We're going to help."
    "Thank you," Kirk said as they exited the room. "Luna, Artemis; Mr. Spock will escort you to the shuttlebay."
    "Why?" Artemis asked.
    "The shuttle is carrying equipment to generate a subspace field that will enable us to transport directly to the Negaverse," Spock explained. "We've determined that the optimal point to produce the field is in the center of what was the Moon Kingdom."
    "And since you've been there before, I want you to accompany Mr. Scott on the Galileo," Kirk added.
    "I don't know how much help we can be, but anything we can do," Luna answered. Before leaving she turned to the Scouts. "Good luck."
    "We'll meet Commander Giotto and his security detail in the transporter room," Kirk said after they left. "Once the Galileo is in position we'll beam in. I would have preferred more time to drill our forces in working together, but that's not possible. Ready or not, we're going to the Negaverse."

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