soton@aol.com (Soton)
Sailor Trek
Chapter 4: "Strategy session"
"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.
"OK, 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!"
"Alright, 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
sight 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."
Next Time: The combined forces of the Sailor Scouts and the Enterprise
crew are poised to strike into the heart of the Negaverse. They must
recover the dilithium crystals before they can be used to unleash the
Negaforce.
Stay tuned for part 5: "...once more into the breach..."
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