Well, the Sailors' new transformations and powers frightened Queen Marius, who used her new found planar powers to gather more energy by plane-hopping. All of this was happening while the Scouts were dealing with the backlash from going public, forced to by Marius and Stryfe. So, let's see where the Scouts are going now!
For back story, make sure you've read Enter Sailor Earth, A Friend In Need Is A friend Indeed, All In A Days Work, Sailor Moon Alternity (1-6), Best Destiny, and 15 Minutes Of Fame, in that order. Everyone knows who has what copyrights, so enjoy. Direct any criticisms or compliments to daman187@vegasnet.net, or stop by and visit at http://www.vegasnet.net/~daman187/Main.htm. Thanks!
Note: Sailor Moon and all related characters are the property of Takeuchi Naoko, Toei Animation, and DIC. Star Trek and all related characters are the property of Gene Roddenberry and Paramount Studios.
Sailor Moon: Quest for Marius
By D.Pung
Part 1: Starlight, Starbright
PG-13
Serena looked thoughtfully outside. The discussion behind her was heated.
"There is every possibility she left Nega-creeps behind so we can't leave this place unguarded!" snapped Lita. Their families and close friends were quiet, listening.
"Well, we can't just let her go unchecked!" said Amara heatedly.
"Wait a sec..." began Luna.
"And what are we supposed to do? We don't know for sure what's going on!" said Mina, arms crossed.
"That's enough," said Serena, turning. To all the non-Scouts present, it came as a surprise to see Serena take charge. "Okay, here's what we'll do. Amy, get with Stryfe and figure a way to enable our communicators to talk across the planes. We will split up. Our goal is not to defeat Marius, but bring her back here so it's easier to defeat her. As such, we can accomplish this with two teams. We do not need the whole team to defeat her underlings. Therefore, Mina, Amy, Raye, Lita, Luna, Artemis, and Darien will accompany me on our chase after Marius. The rest of you, battle any thugs Marius left behind. Keep in touch, and keep this plane safe!" She turned to Stryfe. "When should we leave?"
"ASAP. The longer you wait, the more damage that witch can do," said Stryfe, mildly amused.
"Uh, wait...where are you going, Serena?" asked her mother. Serena gazed at Amy.
"Amy, the complete history, please?" smiled Serena. "And then explain what Stryfe is here for."
"Sure, Serena. Over a thousand years ago...." began Amy.
* * * *
"So, what's our destination?" asked Amy after the history lesson was complete.
"C-23," answered Stryfe.
"C-23? That's..." began Mina.
"The prime with me as a Warp Systems Specialist," smiled Serena.
"And the Enterprise," finished Sam.
Stryfe nodded. "Remember, time frames are different. Pazrek is now a captain in command of his own ship. This will make it easier for you to track down Marius. I will leave the exact details in yours' and his' capable hands."
"We leave first thing in the morning," said Serena. She turned to the others. "Girls, remember. We now have a delicate appearance to maintain in the public eye. It's something we have to worry about. Please, be patient. Don't do anything rash. Amara," she said.
"Yeah?" she asked.
"You're in charge of the stay-at-home group," smiled Serena. Amara blinked in surprise. "Remember...keep your temper in check, ok?"
"I'll try," grinned Amara.
She turned to the families and friends. "I know this has been a big experience for all of you. A lot of surprises, and some you may even be hurt that we kept this from you. We did, so that no one could target our families as a weakness. If you spot anything suspicious, if any of you are in any sort of trouble at all, don't hesitate to call any of the Scouts, ok? And keep this information close. We may be in the public eye, but don't advertise. I want to make it as easy as possible for us to live a somewhat normal life. And....thanks."
She turned back. "Let's get some rest, and meet in the park at dawn."
* * * *
The sunrise burst clear into the sky. Serena and Darien were sitting on the boulder, snuggled and gazing at the dawn. Raye was the first to approach and break their solitude. Mina, Lita, Luna, and Artemis joined them. Amy was the last. Serena and Darien shared a kiss, then jumped down off the boulder. Amy knocked. The boulder split open, allowing them inside, and closed behind them. Lights came on, and they walked downstairs in silence. Finally, they entered the chamber. Stryfe had the equipment powered up, and was talking through a monitor to Pazrek.
"We're almost in position, Stryfe. I will let you know the second we are ready for transfer," said Pazrek.
"Copy, we'll be standing by," Stryfe said, leaning back. He glanced at them. "Ready?" he asked.
"As we'll ever be," answered Mina. Their communicators beeped. They glanced at each other, and then activated them.
"Hey, it's just us," said Amara. "Good luck, and hurry back!"
"Thanks, Amara, everybody," smiled Serena. "Good luck to you, too!"
The node glowed white as it was activated. On the monitor, Pazrek looked up.
"Ready," he said. Stryfe turned and nodded. The Scouts glanced at each other, and then jumped through.
* * * *
As before, the transfer seemed to both last forever and only last a microsecond. When the white light faded, they were standing in a conference room. Pazrek was standing at the monitor.
"Okay, got'em. We'll let you know how it goes. Pazrek, out." He tapped off the monitor and turned to face them. He now had four pips on his collar, signifying a captain. He smiled.
"Long time, no see. Well, I can't call you hoppers, as this is deliberate, but I can call you Scouts. Let me brief you on the situation. You are currently standing in the conference room of my ship, the USS Marauder. Out the window, to either side, are the USS Deathwish and the USS Warmonger. Yes, I know these names are not in keeping with Starfleet policy, but that is because there was no other use for these three experimental ships than to form a special task force under my command with several goals in mind. First, an emergency battle group. These ships carry revolutionary new drive systems and weapons. Second, an advanced scout and special mission force. Lastly, to support Project Reunion. You Scouts, of course, know what that is," he paused.
A nod.
"Okay. More relevant info. One week ago in our time frame, Marius arrived. Her arrival was captured by a science station, Omega Facility. We are now resuming course towards it. We are hoping to analyze the available data and hopefully find a way to prevent her from willingly jumping, allowing you Scouts to capture her and take her back where she belongs. She ominously disappeared in the direction of Delta quadrant," he continued.
"I would like to help with the analysis," spoke up Amy. Pazrek nodded.
"I was hoping you'd ask, Amy. That is another reason why I am glad to have you guys on the job," Pazrek smiled. His combadge chirped. He tapped it. "Pazrek here, go ahead."
"Sir, we have Omega Facility on long range sensors. They are hailing," a young male officer's voice said.
"Thank you, Ensign. On my way." He waved for the Scouts to follow as he headed for the door. It hissed open to allow them to the bridge. "On screen." Pazrek moved in front of his chair.
An image of a pristine white outpost rotating in space was replaced by a view of the sterile interior. A man in a white uniform greeted them.
"This is Captain Pazrek of the Marauder," began Pazrek.
"Captain, I am Dr. Losjern of Omega Facility. I presume this is in response to our Reunion-coded discovery one week ago?" asked the professor in charge.
"Indeed. Myself and eight guests will be transporting over in a few minutes," Pazrek responded.
"Very well, we await your arrival. Dr. Losjern out." The screen returned to the view of the science station. Pazrek rose, motioning the Scouts to follow. They moved towards the turbolift. "Number One, you have the bridge." The door hissed open and shut as they stepped into the lift.
* * * *
"Well, we haven't seen any trace of Nega-creeps for awhile," sighed Michelle. Serena's little catch phrase had caught on with all the Scouts.
Sam grunted. "It's like the calm before the storm. It's been too quiet. Not even any ordinary crime. Something bad is about to happen."
Mel agreed. "Very bad," she said softly. The twins, unlike some of the Inner Scouts, were completely comfortable with the Outer Scouts and each other. They had a perfect understanding. Their combined power was extremely potent. What everyone found odd was that cocky, smart aleck Samantha controlled the reviving powers, while shy, outspoken Melanie used the violent attack powers. Melanie was the brawn to back up Sam's trash talk. They were quite happy with their fighting abilities, and their potency as a team, somewhat due to their now fully developed psychic connection.
"Yeah," grimaced Amara. "I feel it in the wind." She moved away from the window, turning back to the rest. They were meeting in Raye's temple, now the base of Sailor Scout operations. It's not like Raye's grandfather minded. He enjoyed trying to teach these girls new tricks.
"What shall we do?" asked Trista.
"Well, just stay alert. The second something's up, we've got to be on the scene. I've rather gotten used to being part of a team, and I want to show our new and improved Moonface I can lead well," said Amara.
"She hid it well," said Hotaru. "She only let on to Reeni how hard she was trying to get smarter, less klutzier, while not appearing to change. It's like, a little piece of her innocence died every day, and she tried hard not to let anyone down, most of all, herself. She was determined to make everyone proud." Hotaru glanced out the window at the cloudy skies. The first drops pattered against the windowpane.
Reeni smiled and giggled. "She tricked everyone, I was so surprised."
Sheets of rain began to fall. Water ran down the windows.
"We'll adjourn for now. Keep your eyes peeled, everyone!" finished Amara.
* * * *
They materialized on the transporter pad of Omega. As they stepped off, Mina shuddered.
"I am never gonna get used to that," she said.
"It's not as bad as Sailor Teleport," smiled Serena. "Little to no effort involved." Luna rolled her eyes.
"Captain!" Dr. Losjern rapidly approached. His eyes were somewhat wide upon spying the girls. "Wha..."
"Doctor. You are cleared for Project Reunion, are you not?" smiled Pazrek.
"Yes," Dr. Losjern said. He tilted his head. "They are hoppers?"
"No. They've come of their own will to assist in capturing the Locust."
"'Locust'?" asked Amy. Pazrek nodded.
"It's what we call travelers who come plane-hopping for their own evil reasons. Doctor, this young lady's name is Amy. She will assist you in looking at the data regarding our Locust. Any idea what the Locust was up to?" asked Pazrek.
"If she was as powerful as you say, then I'm scared," began the Doctor. He led them into a control center. "She headed into the Delta quadrant. I don't need to remind you what is there."
"What is there?" asked Artemis. Dr. Losjern gave both cats a second glance and chuckled. "Why am I not surprised. The Delta quadrant is home to the greatest enemy of any organic species."
Pazrek looked grim. "Well, Task Force Nova can handle a few of their ships with no problems. Do you think that it is possible?"
"It's very possible, Captain. Even now, we are deploying a network of transwarp detectors. This is something the Federation does not need, even with TFN here with us. We are still examining the readings. Come, Miss Amy, this way," he pointed to a console. Amy pulled out her microcomputer.
"Just Amy, please," she said as she got to work.
Serena's Sailor communicator beeped as she was about to ask again about what they were worried about. She glanced down and answered it. It was Amara.
"Hey, Moonface, just checking in. We have seen nothing so far, but like the Earth twins say, it's too quiet. Both Michelle and I feel it. Something is about to happen. The thing is, we're not sure to whom."
"Well, we just arrived at where Marius entered this place. Amy's assisting, but there's something out there they are all afraid of," said Serena softly. "Nothing to report as yet."
"Sir!" shouted one of the technicians. "Transwarp signatures detected in sector 3!"
Dr. Losjern glanced at the screen. "Very well." He turned to Pazrek. "You should intercept, Captain. Omega has no weapons." Pazrek nodded as Dr. Losjern turned back. "Sound Red Alert, and raise the shields after Captain Pazrek and his party beams back."
Amy looked up, and at Serena. "You guys should go, I need to be here researching this stuff."
"You sure, Amy?" asked Raye.
"Yeah, you guys can protect us." Amy's head was already staring at the screen, as she examined the information it contained.
"Right," said Lita. She looked at Serena, who nodded. Darien looked worried.
"Talk to you later, Amara, but I think the bad thing just happened to us!" She closed her communicator and ran to join the others on the transporter pad. She gazed at Amy. Her last view as she shimmered out of Omega was Amy glancing at them and giving a thumbs up.
Stay safe, Amy, thought Serena.
Be careful, guys, Amy thought as she returned to her work.
They rematerialized and raced to the turbolift. They piled in with Pazrek. He spoke.
"Bridge." As the turbolift began moving, he tapped his badge. "Pazrek to H'shang."
"H'shang here, sir," came the reply.
"Number One, go to Red Alert. Power up all weapons. Contact the other two ships and tell them to do the same. Get the coordinates from Omega, and proceed at maximum possible warp factor to those coordinates!" Pazrek ordered. He knew his Vulcan first officer well enough that he wouldn't ask why until Pazrek had a chance to explain.
"Aye, Captain," the combadge chirped. Next the loudspeaker came on as a siren went off and lights dimmed to red.
"Red Alert! All hands to battlestations!"
* * * *
Amara looked at her communicator, the snapped it closed. She glanced at Michelle.
"I'm sure they can handle it," smiled Michelle. "But the sea has not calmed. This may be part of it, but I believe both teams will be involved."
"You think Marius is launching some two-part plan?" asked Sam.
Bad news, sis, Sam heard. Divide and conquer. Admittedly, it will be tough for the Negaforce, but we're most likely going to be way too busy to assist Serena and the others should they need it.
Humph. Come on Mel, Serena's strong. We all are. They won't need us. Have faith in our princess, Sam thought back.
Yes, Serena is strong. But she has one major weakness, and it only recently became major. Her friends. Us. Everyone now knows our identities. If something should happen to one of us, Serena will blame herself. That could come at a crucial moment, and she might not react appropriately. Don't mistake me, I like her a lot. But, the Negaverse is strong, and crafty, thought Mel, a worried expression on her face.
The others had seen the interactions of the twins enough to know they were speaking telepathically. Their worried faces caused the others to glance at each other. Sam slumped in her chair.
"You're right, Mel. Serena does have that one major weakness, and it could cripple her," she sighed.
"What weakness?" asked Trista.
Sam looked up.
"As Mel put it, us. All of her friends," said Sam softly.
* * * *
Task Force Nova broke a lot of long-standing rules and traditions of Starfleet. Designed during the Dominion War, these three ships had been planned to be put into action as three new classes. Their designs were as ships built solely for war. They broke the saucer/twin warp drive tradition, too. Even Defiant-class ships were comprised of a saucer and two warp engines, fused together as they were. But no warp engines adorned these three. Instead, they used a new engine type, known as Innerspace Drive. All the drive took was a single fin with the engine components in it. And it was faster. The three ships shared some similarities.
The smallest was the Warmonger. She had a saucer, but it was bent. She looked like a deep-space manta ray, rounded and without the tail. Her frame was arced downward. On the top of the downward-arced edges, one on each side, were two backup I-fins. The primary one hung downward at the middle of the arc, directly beneath the bridge on top. Weapons were clearly in evidence. She was the most nimble and quick of the three.
The next largest was the Deathwish. She was shaped similar to a football, only hollow. Her top half was solid, and packed with weapons. From either side, two pylons wrapped downward to her sensor array. The pylons were the engines, as well. The back edges of the pylons were serrated, containing the engine grid. A backup fin hung above the sensor array and torpedo station, and the bridge was on the top point of the ship. She packed a lot of torpedoes, and a lot of shields. She played the bomber to Warmonger's fighter.
But Marauder was the most heavily armed. Considerably larger than the first two, her shields were strong and she had as many weapons as the other two combined. Her design was that of a sleek, slender, swept oval, from which extended two "wings". The narrow parts of each wing, close in to the central hull, were serrated with the engine components. A back-up I-fin was on the top of the central hull, at the trailing end. The whole point of the wings was to hold the energy and radiation away from the main hull. Each wing contained a phaser cannon embedded in the leading edge. Each wing also contained separate Innerspace neutrelectron reactors to individually power the cannons.
All three ships carried what was now standard weaponry. The enhanced phasers of the Sovereign-class, pulse phasers from the Defiant-class, and quantum torpedoes. They also carried innerspace torpedoes. These torpedoes caused little to no damage to a ship's hull, but they drained power and temporarily phased out shields. Pazrek generally used them in conjunction with quantum torpedoes. All three ships had a special neuron beam, also. Usable when shields were down, they affected the crew of the ship, rendering them unconscious. Only Marauder had the phaser cannons. These combined the principles of pulse and regular phasers, combining the technology into a massive emitter. Every weapon and shields were frequency agile. Every ship could cloak.
But, would it be enough? thought Pazrek. Well, I guess we'll find out. The turbolift doors hissed open, and he and the Scouts moved onto the bridge.
"Captain on the bridge," said H'shang calmly, getting out of the Captain's chair. "We are at Red Alert, proceeding at Warp 9.9 to sector three."
The Scouts took up positions off to the side, out of the way, and observed. Pazrek sat down. "Very good. Contact Warmonger and Deathwish. Time for a briefing."
"I have them both, sir," said Ensign Warmex, the youthful Orion ops officer. Sure, she was young. But her lightning quick reflexes and wits made her the best ops officer on the ship. The old prejudice about Orion women was gone. Warmex had rearranged several faces and gotten disciplined for it, but no snide remarks followed her around anymore.
"On screen," ordered Pazrek. The screen blinked on to show Captain Mir Geffries of the Warmonger and Captain B'thron of the Deathwish. Geffries grinned, and made a mock salute. B'Thron's feminine feline face just smiled.
"What's going on, brave leader?" chuckled Geffries.
Both were surprised when Pazrek didn't smile. He was usually easygoing.
"Bad news, I'm afraid. Have your shields and weapons set to continuous remodulation. Tell your crews to reset their handheld phasers to variable freq mode. Be prepared to be boarded," said Pazrek.
"What is it?" rumbled B'thron.
"The Borg," said Pazrek.
Geffries went dead serious. "Borg, huh? Copy. You want the two of us in flyby mode?"
"Yes. During the fight, keep your eyes open for anything unusual. Also, we'll need to see what there is before we engage. If it is a single cube, we'll tackle it. Anything too bad, and Starfleet will send what help they can. They're remustering all ships now in case the Borg enter Federation space," said Pazrek.
"So, for now we're on our own?" asked B'thron.
"Yep. Be ready. Ten minutes to sector three. Stay alert!" warned Pazrek as the screen returned to external view.
"Captain!" came a call. His head turned. "Long range sensors have picked up one cube and two spheres! They just altered course to meet us! We're being hailed by them."
"Ignore it. Prepare for maneuver Pazrek delta-six. On screen when in visual range," Pazrek ordered.
The screen blinked on, revealing two smaller sphere shapes moving in front of a huge, ominous, metallic cube. The Scouts gasped.
"Signal to Starfleet: Task Force Nova has engaged the Borg!"
* * * *
Amy was preparing to go down to one of the labs to examine something when one of the scientists looked up.
"Doctor! We just intercepted a signal sent to Starfleet! TFN just met the Borg!"
Dr. Losjern nodded grimly. "Keep me informed."
Amy exited, thinking. I hope they're okay. As the doors hissed shut behind her, the scientist looked up again. "We're being jammed! We can't talk to anyone anymore, it just happened all of a sudden!"
"What?" asked Dr. Losjern.
"Uh, Doctor, we have incoming Borg ships!"
"Find a way to get the word out! Call for help!"
* * * *
The first sphere exploded in a wreck of green-gray metal as Deathwish pounded the other with lethal combinations of innerspace and quantum torpedoes. Marauder cut high over the Deathwish, escorted by Warmonger.
"Initiate maneuver!" snapped Pazrek. The Marauder dropped low. Pulse phasers ripped into the cube from the Warmonger as Marauder fired a salvo of innerspace torpedoes, followed by quantum. Her wing phaser cannons were charging. Deathwish finished off the sphere and cut to the right of Marauder as Warmonger circled the cube, making numerous strafing runs. Energy beams and torpedoes flew from the cube.
No holding beams? wondered Pazrek. It's almost as if they want us to win.
"Cannons charged!" called Sokor, his Bajoran tactical officer.
"Fire!" ordered Pazrek. Deathwish and Warmonger broke off, circling wide to approach Marauder from behind as two humongous beams of pulsing phaser energy shot out. Both impacted and buckled the cube's shielding and burrowed a huge hole into the cube, blasting out the other side as the cube exploded in a glorious explosion of green gases and wrecked metal.
Pazrek stood as cheers rang out over the bridge. "Good shooting, Sokor." He turned. "Signal Starfleet. Borg scout force destroyed."
"That was a scout force?" asked Luna.
'If they were serious, multiple cubes would have been present. However.." Pazrek trailed off.
"Sir?" asked H'shang.
"It was too easy. Did any of them use a holding beam? It was as if they wanted us to win...like if they were bait," said Pazrek.
"Well, if that is the case, and I find nothing wrong with your logic, then what was the real goal?" asked H'shang.
"Hmm...contact Omega Facility!" he ordered.
"No response, sir."
Pazrek whirled. "We've been had! Helm, plot course to Omega! Maximum warp! Engage!"
"Oh, no," gasped Artemis.
"Amy," worried Serena.
* * * *
Amy exited the lab, and walked absentmindedly towards the lift to go back up to control. Suddenly, the post rocked from an impact, and the lights went out. Dim emergency lighting kicked on. What the? thought Amy.
The intercom came on. Screams were audible as someone shouted, "Run! Try and escape from them! Someone-" The transmission was cut off by a gasp. Fear welled up in Amy. Now, now, Amy, you are a Sailor Scout. Find out what was happening. There has to be a solution, she scolded herself. She pushed her fear down and ran down the corridor. She rounded the corner in time to see Dr. Losjern step out from the turbolift, panting. She moved towards him, failing to hear the transporter hum behind her in her concern.
"Dr. Losjern! Are you okay? What's happening?" Amy asked as she neared him. He looked up and his eyes widened in shock.
"Look out!"
Amy whirled, raising her hand to transform, but what she saw shocked her. It had once been human, but the soft hum of technology came from numerous cybernetic devices implanted in it. It grabbed her raised hand and lifted her effortlessly off the deck, moving its humanoid hand towards her throat. As she struggled, twin long, slender tubes issued from its wrist, and injected themselves into her neck. Her eyes widened in pain as she was dropped. She found she could not stand. Then the pain increased. Due to her Scout nature, she felt every little nanoprobe- millions of them- burrowing throughout her body, rapidly taking it over. The pain grew more intense, washing over her, almost causing her to pass out as the nanoprobes began taking some of her tissue and converting it to various metal parts. By this time, she couldn't scream, couldn't do anything as her body was ripped from her control. Then, she felt another stab of intense pain as hundreds of thousands of minds smashed into her mind, probing her most intimate secrets. They learned everything and asserted their control, banishing her last protest. It took under sixty seconds for the process to be complete. She regained her feet.
"Miss Amy?" asked a wide-eyed Dr. Losjern. Her skin was whitening rapidly, and things were moving around, under her skin. "Are you okay?"
She turned towards him, stepping in front of the drone in a robotic movement.
"Amy?" he asked.
The voice was not Amy's, but a robotic-sounding feminine voice.
"We are the Borg. You will be assimilated."
Her arm rose as he backed against the wall, eyes blinking in shock.
"Resistance......Is Futile."
TO BE CONTINUED..........