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Author of 10 Stories |
Ice Squared
by Lerris
Smith
The really odd thing was that Ranma was packing some of the clothes into his backpack, which made no sense at all unless he was taking to emulating Ryoga. She walked towards the kitchen, yet ended up pausing in the little hallway, as curiosity got the better of her. Canal was busy making breakfast although she had to pause a couple of times for her mother to explain the gas stove and where everything was at.
Her mother said, “You never did tell me why you wanted us to bring several changes of clothes, and all that food. It is no big deal, but I'm curious.”
Canal smiled and said, “It's a surprise. Don't worry, I think you will like the surprise, if you choose to honor my request.” Her smiled faded a bit in the end. Nabiki's curiosity was definitely piqued, but it looked liked she would have to wait to find out.
Ann said, “Well, I think everything is organized now and the new location for the ceremony is near the old location so there shouldn't be any big problems. I managed to get hold of Usagi's mother and she agreed to contact the others. My mother and father-” Her mother's words cut off as the thought of facing her parents hit her.
Quiet sobs filled the kitchen as Canal quickly turned off the gas burners and pulled the taller woman into her arms. Nabiki was embarrassed that she had not been paying enough attention in how this was affecting her mother. She quickly came the rest the way into the room and joined in the hug. Canal let go gently and went back to finish making breakfast.
Nabiki said, “It will be okay. Somehow it will be okay.” She smiled before saying, “Maybe introducing them to your adopted daughter will help.” Her mother nodded, yet did not seem to be up to speaking. The footsteps that approached and then went the other way probably indicated Ranma had noticed as well.
Canal's food turned out to be excellent, yet all too soon it was time to go. During the ride Ranma asked her who taught her to cook so well to which she responded with, “The greatest cook in the universe,” and then refused to say any more on the subject.
While Canal and Ranma talked, Nabiki pressed the send button on her phone and soon a text message was on its way to Minako and Usagi. Ranma looked over and asked her, “What's up?”
“Oh, just taking care of one potential problem.”
Nabiki herself shed a few tears at the choice. It was a last minute change it seemed, yet it was fitting that the girl who so loved the water be remembered in front of it. Seeing her grandmother and grandfather again was a painful thing, for she so wanted to tell them the truth, that she was still here, yet letting emotion rule over reason was a path to ruination, and she managed to resist the temptation.
Perhaps the greatest surprise was that both Kasumi and Akane came. Many remarked on how Akane and Nabiki looked similar to Ami yet Akane would simply remain polite and say that she did not know Ami well, yet she had greatly respected her. The words felt practiced to Nabiki, and considering everything that had happened recently, they probably were.
The key speaker turned out to be none other than Usagi which was a great surprise to Nabiki. From the look in her eyes she was firmly embracing the part of herself that was Serenity. Nabiki silently begged her not to do that, not for her; for her to just be Usagi now. That was enough. Unfortunately, telepathy did not seem to be a part of Serenity's skills, for her silent entreaty went unanswered as Usagi began to unfold the crumpled paper and speak.
“We are gathered here today to remember Ami Mizuno. She touched our lives in countless ways.” Usagi smiled, memories passing through her mind as she continued, “For instance, she is probably the reason I passed Junior High.” This caused some laughs from the other Senshi before Usagi continued with, “She always encouraged me and found ways to make learning fun, a task I had thought impossible.” A few giggles, quickly stifled, seemed to indicate others agreed with her.
Usagi smiled at her friends before continuing with, “We had so many adventures. So much joy and sadness.” Tears ran down her face, yet her smile remained as she said, “She was always there, always ready to lend a hand, to help us figure out the way. Her loyal support saw us through so many petty disagreements and so many dire times. Her name literally meant a friend of the water, but she was truly a friend to all, and she will be missed. She will be dearly missed.”
Nabiki could not believe she was shedding tears, but she was. She realized that many of the parents here did not understand some of Usagi's speech, but it didn't matter. Her name though, she had almost forgotten its meaning, having used it all her life without thinking about it. Now her name would mean to yield to the power of water. Strangely it fit and that gave her an odd comfort.
The rest of the ceremony was awkward for Nabiki Mizuno, since to her Ami was still very much alive, yet she too mourned the loss of innocence, the loss of the future Ami had planned out. Much of it was impossible now, or would clearly turn out different. She was, after all, a different person now.
A feeling of relief went through her as her mother scattered the ashes into the ocean. They were the remains of childhood toys, yet the symbolism was enough, and now, well now the future was before her.
Ranma said in a soft voice, “I'm sorry Akane,” as she began her trek home. She turned and said in her own soft voice, “I know. Me too.” She smiled a thin smile before adding, “Watch over my sister okay? She's not a martial artist.” Ranma nodded as Akane walked away. It seems she had done a lot of growing up recently, but then she had little choice. He did not see the tears that fell down her cheeks as she picked up her pace.
Canal, in a formal black dress, stepped up on the podium and asked for everyone's attention. “I know some of you are wondering why you were asked to bring spare clothing and food. I hadn't really expected Hino-san or Kasumi to be here when I made this request, or the two others that I haven't been introduced to yet, but as they already apparently know certain secrets I see no harm in it.”
Ranma and Nabiki gave slight nods to which Canal took note of before continuing with, “The reason I have asked you here is, although I didn't know Ami, this ceremony has reminded me of the passing of dear friends of my own.” Her voice became imploring as she continued with, “I would dearly like to visit them. If Ranma and everyone agrees, then I would greatly appreciate the company during the journey.”
Nabiki hazarded, “Are you offering what I think you're offering?”
Canal nodded.
Ranma said, “It's fine with me, but weren't we expecting company or something?”
Canal said, “We should be gone no more than a few days. I suppose I could leave a subspace communicator with someone.”
The others seemed to be catching on, save Hino-san and Kasumi, but they were too polite, and too curious to interrupt.
Setsuna said, “I dislike staying and waiting for trouble. Perhaps we will learn something along the way. Artemis and Luna can keep an eye out here and contact us if anything comes up.”
Artemis whined, “Hey, why do we always get the crap jobs?”
Setsuna said simply, “Because you two are the best choices and because you cannot hold human form forever.” Left unsaid, but understood thanks to Nabiki's message, was that Setsuna didn't want to deal with Ranma in the Nekoken right now.
Luna said, “Oh alright, but sooner or later he has got to get over that problem.”
Ranma for his part, remained clueless as to the true topic of conversation, but then he had a great deal of practice in avoiding thinking about cats. Canal looked over at him with a curious expression on her face before turning back to the ocean.
Suddenly, the waves rose as the surf pounded away on the beach. Michuru and Haruka were nearest the water and ended up with soaked shoes as the form of Swordbreaker emerged from the ocean. About half a minute later and it was resting on the top of the ocean parallel to the coastline. It then extending an entrance tube onto the sandy beach. Canal said, “Those who want to go can board anytime. Don't forget to bring along your supplies, although I did go ahead and store a selection of fish.”
She seemed a bit uncertain that they would honor her request as she disappeared only to walk out of the tube a minute later with a round white sphere about eight inches in diameter that she handed to Luna. She said, “Simply touch the orb and say what you wish me to hear. It may work better if you both touch it.” Luna nodded and slipped it into her storage space.
The sudden disappearance of the orb caused a small gasp from Kasumi, but she quickly recomposed herself and looked at the others before saying out loud, to no one in particular, “Oh my. I wonder if I should be here?”
Ranma looked over at her and asked, “When was the last time you had a vacation Kasumi? For that matter when was the last time you went anywhere but to the market to buy food for us? You don't have to come if you don't want to, but if you want to then why not come?”
Nabiki added, “Come on Kasumi. You'll love it, and Ranma's right. You don't get out of the house enough. You should call home and let them know that you're out camping with me and Ranma though.”
Kasumi said excitedly, “You're right, I can't pass this up. I'll go call father and be right there!”
Ranma smiled. It was a good thing to see Kasumi smile.
Rei's grandfather said, “I'm sure not going to pass up this chance. I'm old and likely won't get another.”
Nabiki's mother did not think of herself as old, yet she too was excited, and what was the point of taking personal leave if one didn't leave? Of course, she suspected this wasn't what they had in mind for the purpose, but oh well. She grabbed hold of Luna's arm and asked, “Can you drive? I can't leave my car there for that long.”
Luna said, “I don't know how. Artemis can though. He pestered Haruka into teaching him.”
“Great! Here are the keys. That should also solve the problem of you two getting home.” Luna nodded and proceeded to drag Artemis away from the ship. Someone had to be responsible and she was sure Artemis would never be the one.
In the end, the only ones who even suggested staying home were Haruka and Michuru, and that was only because they thought Hotaru should be in school.
Hotaru said, “Oh, come on. Everyone knows I get sick at times, so they won't miss me too much, and you can teach me on the ship. Please. Besides, I'm not a kid anymore. I'll be in high school next year.” Hotaru's pleading and overall cuteness eventually wore her parents down, although Haruka kept looking back at the ship, so presumably her arguing was only for forms sake.
The others nodded or simply waited. It made sense to them. Ranma looked at the blur that was the ocean passing them and asked, “Canal, can we slow down a bit and maybe try to move so the bedrooms on one side face something interesting?”
Canal nodded and the ship slowed down. The display shifted to a view of the ocean floor lit up by Swordbreaker's lighting. “Any of the crew quarters on that side should look out onto the ocean floor now.” She pointed to the row of rooms before continuing with, “Enjoy the show, and don't worry about the food. I'll put it away.”
They spent the better part of an hour looking at the ocean floor, before Canal accelerated again. As they approached the surface of the ocean, everyone crowded onto the bridge as Ranma took the pilot's chair and once more felt the increased drain on his ki.
“Are you the pilot Ranma-kun?” asked Kasumi.
Ranma touched his pigtail and said, “Naah. Canal flies the ship. I just kinda help as best I can.” Nabiki smiled at Ranma's careful answer, but then Ranma was always one to learn by observing others and he had been around her a lot lately.
Canal said, “Ranma is the captain of the ship. I'm sure he will learn in time. Leaving an atmosphere requires some skill to avoid problems though.”
Rei's grandfather said, “You mean if you messed it up we could end up a fireball like that American shuttle a few years ago?”
Canal turned to Nabiki who said, “A few countries can send up what basically are aluminum planes with gigantic chemical rocket engines on them. One of them broke up on reentry, when a special tile made to protect it from the heat of reentry was damaged.”
Canal said, “Don't worry, Swordbreaker cannot be damaged so easily.”
Ranma felt the energy drain from him taper off as Canal said, “Takeoff in 10, 9, 8”
“Hey, shouldn't we be strapped in or something?” yelled Dr. Mizuno.
Canal paused at Dr. Mizuno's words, and then said in an indifferent tone, “If you want. There are not enough seats up here for everyone though.” As she finished her speech, Rei's grandfather and Nabiki's mother quickly strapped in to two of the remaining stations chairs.
Kasumi looked on with concern, but considering everyone else was calm she just surreptitiously grabbed a handhold along the wall and pasted her neutral smile on her face. She wasn't worried. It couldn't be more dangerous than living next to a Dojo in Nerima right? Kasumi's eyes quickly closed as she debated the question. It seemed safer that way.
Canal looked around and seeing that no one else raised any objections said, “Psi barrier to level 2. Initial ascent angle at 20 degrees. Secondary psi systems online. Takeoff in 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Swordbreaker engage.” The normally silent engines roared to life as the entire ship seemed to hum as they plowed upward through the ocean and shot into the sky.
Ranma felt the drain on his energy grow, yet it was still below the rate that he could recover ki naturally, if not by a great deal. The rate dropped a little as the ship broke the surface of the water.
The viewscreen showed a dull red glow as the atmosphere they went through was incinerated by sliding off the psi barrier. About ten seconds after they broke through the water Canal said, “Maintaining velocity at 45 miles per second. Adjusting trajectory for optimal atmospheric exit.”
Ranma was seriously beginning to wish he could take the controls, but it was difficult to imagine handling anything at those speeds. Nabiki said, “If anyone is curious, we are doing about nine times the maximum speed of the American space shuttle right now.”
Kasumi opened her eyes and blinked before saying softly, “Amazing.” to which Mrs. Mizuno and Rei's Grandfather could only nod. The Senshi were somewhat used to it from the previous trip, although Haruka and Minako were eyeing the controls in front of the copilot's seat. For that matter Ranma looked over those controls several times himself, since there were almost none in front of himself. It made him feel a bit like a battery. He wondered if Canal still needed to fix them or something.
Canal shrugged at the complement and said, “Going faster in an atmosphere is not very efficient.” Canal glanced at Ranma when she said the last and most of those that were there before seemed to understand the implied cost, should it be needed.
Nabiki looked at Ranma. He was excited and kept glancing at the controls as if wanting to do it himself. Still, Canal's concern with efficiency was a comforting one for her. She knew from experience that he couldn't launch many of those ki blasts of his without becoming dead tired, so someone who is paranoid about not wasting energy was a very good thing, especially were they to get involved in something more complex than exiting an atmosphere. Besides, if her mental calculations were correct they would leave the atmosphere in about eight minutes, and that was fast enough.
Sure enough eight minutes later the star's could clearly be seen on the viewscreen. This seemed to somehow be the signal for Kasumi to loosen her handhold and for Mrs. Mizuno and Rei's grandfather to relax a little in their seats.
Canal announced, “Lowering the psi barrier.” She paused as she took in the eagerness of her captain before saying with a smile, “I believe my captain would like to learn how to pilot his ship.” After looking over the crowd she said, “Since we are some distance out from the closest phase drive point I would like to take the opportunity to teach him.” Ranma looked up in surprise, as eager to learn as if someone had presented him with a rare martial arts scroll. Several nods could be seen but not the movement she wanted. She went on to say, “I'm sure most of you would be far more comfortable in the lounge and it would be easier for me to teach in a less crowded environment.”
Seeing as they had been effectively told to go take a hike, if politely, the majority of the people went to the lounge. Minako started to stay behind, but seeing Setsuna with her serious face remaining, she joined the others. Haruka and Nabiki remained as well, each for their own reasons.
After the door closed on the departing people Setsuna asked, “Have you found out anything about those that attacked Pluto? Where they came from? Anything at all?”
“When was this?” asked Canal.
“It was about half a day before we met you. They arrived on this ship,” responded Setsuna.
“I have no memory of that time or those people.” She paused in thought before saying, “The automatic systems recorded the ship passing through some kind of spatial anomaly about a week before I awakened. My best guess is it was some kind of man made hyperspace exit point, since the phase drive system was a wreck when I woke, and utterly useless without a proper captain anyway.”
Nabiki said loudly, “Dangit. I had kept meaning to ask her that, but one thing after another came up.”
Setsuna smirked before saying, “Believe me, I know the feeling. The real question is what do we do about it. Personally, if they require some kind of object to exit hyperspace near Earth, I say we go blow it up.”
Canal said, “It might work, but then they might just replace it.”
Ranma added, “What have we got to lose?”
Nabiki said, “Maybe a realistic way for average people from Earth to eventually travel to other parts of the Universe.”
Setsuna said sarcastically, “The people from Earth are not ready to deal with the rest of the Universe. They can't even deal with their own problems.”
Nabiki said, “Hey! He asked. Destroying a doorway sounds like a good idea to me as well. Even if it only buys us a year or even a month, it would be worth it.”
Canal said, “I've adjusted Swordbreaker's destination.”
Ranma hazarded, “So does this mean the lesson's are canceled?” Disappointment filled his voice at the expected answer.
Canal said, “No, the ship may be going that way but I am doing so relatively slowly since the possibility of a battle exists there and we are not ready for it. The weapons systems are only about 45 reconstructed and the rest will take days to complete. None of the crew is ready for a battle either, although we have enough people here to man the bridge stations, which would make things easier for me.”
Nabiki wondered if things would really be easier for Canal. Perhaps once the bridge crew was trained, but initially it promised to be a lot of aggravation, yet, sometimes, the Senshi as a team could do wonders. That thought reminded her of some people who should not be out of the loop here. She felt a bit guilty about discussing their plans, especially after sending Usagi out of the room. Well it really wasn't how it went, but it almost felt that way. She said, “I'll go tell Usagi while you guys get started.”
Canal said, pointing to each in turn, “Captain's, copilot's, weapons, and damage control stations. Each can function as one of the others to a certain extent, except for the captain's station which can control the entire ship.”
Ranma said, “Huh? There are hardly any controls here.”
Canal said, “My previous captain was a wizard at psi technology. You will probably find the next a bit weird.” Canal suddenly wondered if that word applied to someone who changed gender's with water. She continued with, “The red inset button at the end of the armrest activates or deactivates the pilot ship interface.”
Ranma tapped the button and a round metal covering inlaid with a myriad of patterns came out of the armrest and enveloped his right hand and forearm. Little soft white lights dotted the sides of the covering and gave off a muted glow. Ranma said, “It feels odd. It is as if my arm is larger and there are a lot of odd sensations. It almost feels like my arm is moving.”
“The interface is at its lowest setting now to allow you to begin to become used to it. The manual control to the left is multifunctional and acts primarily as a way to control the psi energy drain on the captain. Pulling it all the way back will reduce the drain to almost null. Moving it forward will generally increase the drain, but only if there is a system active that can use the extra psi energy. Some level of control is possible directly with the pilot ship interface, but that control acts as a final failsafe to protect the pilot.”
Ranma nodded just before Nabiki came back in and announced, “Usagi wanted me to ask if it would be possible for all of the Senshi to have bridge seats. She is sure that they will be able to help somehow.” Nabiki seemed uncertain about this, but her princess had surprised her before.
Canal nodded before saying, “I was just showing Ranma the pilot ship interface my previous captain built.” She glanced at Ranma's covered arm before continuing with, “Once he learns how to use it, he will be able to pilot the ship as if it were an extension of his own body.” Canal seemed sad as she mentioned the interface, yet she did not elaborate other than to say, “He must be very careful though. In stressful situations the use of meta psychology can take its toll on the pilot.”
Ranma was beginning to feel as if Canal was being overly paranoid, but then, apparently, she had reason. Nabiki for her part couldn't help but assume that the number of warnings and not too subtle hints Canal dropped were meant to emphasize the seriousness of things, sort of like a parent who is burned will keep warning a child about fire. Of course getting burned didn't make fire any less of a useful tool.
Nabiki's thoughts were brought back to the present by Canal saying, “As far as Usagi's idea goes, there isn't a lot of extra room on the bridge.” Canal hesitated at the wry look Nabiki gave her, which seemed to indicate that either she was being silly, or the more likely case, that she didn't have to face an upset princess. Canal said, “Well there are eleven of you total including Ranma and four seats. If I enlarged the seats and the stations then two could fit per seat.” She continued absently, “It would really have to be two per seat though, since there just isn't space. I could then put a couple more seats set back and in the middle. The people occupying those couldn't control anything, but they could see everything that is going on. Of course that would still leave us short a seat, but I don't see where I'd put it.”
Nabiki said, “That would work, although rather than individual seats in the middle, just make a small three seat couch, and then that handles being short a seat. Usagi, Mamoru, and one more, could sit in the middle chairs. The Senshi could pair up in the others and I suppose I could sit with Ranma.”
Setsuna smirked and said, “Well, I'm sure one of the other Senshi would trade places with you, you know, if you considered it too much of a burden.”
Ranma considered pointing out that he was right here, but that would mean getting between two girls arguing and experience had told him how that always ended. Of course, the fact that he was enjoying trying to figure out how to pilot the ship might have had a little to do with it as well.
“I'll manage somehow,” said Nabiki dryly, as her cheeks took on a rosy tone.
Haruka added sarcastically, “I'm sure you will.”
Canal said, “Well, if no one has any objections, I'll begin modifying the other stations.” No objections were raised and Nabiki silently thanked Canal for the save, unintentional or not. Canal continued with, “I'm loading a training program for now. Just read the screen and follow the directions.” Canal seemed to be more chipper now, kind of like a kid with a secret. She spared a last glance at the left side of the captain's chair where the psi energy control was and then one at Nabiki before disappearing.
The dozen little spider like robots that crawled out of little tunnels that opened on either side of the bridge were more than a little unnerving. They sped out to the other stations and began removing, rerouting, and expanding the core stations. Some of the material that was removed from the core stations began to be reformed into seats in the middle of the room. More material marched in and out in a steady stream. One of the robots even began working on Ranma's station, but presumably the bulk of the work there would have to wait until he got done.
Ranma barely noticed the current chaos on the bridge. His mind was, for once, completely focused on learning something that had next to nothing to do with martial arts. The screen changed every now and then, which seemed to indicate that he was learning a measure of control over the system.
Haruka continued to stand and read over his shoulder. Her interest was surprising, save that, all things associated with fast moving vehicles interested her. Regardless, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have someone else familiar with the systems.
Nabiki tried to keep up with the screens herself as she quietly probed Setsuna for what she had missed. At a guess, Canal liked the idea of someone sitting beside Ranma, if for no other reason is it put someone in the position to reduce the strain on Ranma's psyche and ki, should it be necessary. It seemed she didn't entirely trust her captain's sense of self preservation, but that was just a guess.
Setsuna left to join the others. The details of piloting the ship did not seem to interest her overly much like the others. Minako slipped in afterward and together with Nabiki and Haruka followed along with the lessons. It seemed either the myriad of little spider like robots renovating the bridge or, perhaps, just wanting to let those there learn in peace kept the others away.
A few hours later the machine reported the end of lesson one of twenty. Ranma smiled as he tapped the button to disengage the system, before getting up, stretching, and yawning. The rumbling of his stomach left little doubt of what he planned next.
Ann turned around and said, “Oh, hi Canal. I was just admiring your medical facilities.” The last was said with a hint of doubt. The room felt like a care center to her, with the three beds, various monitors, drawers, and odd devices, but it certainly was not quite like any she was familiar with. Several of the little repair robots were busy working on one of the beds.
Canal said, “Swordbreaker is primarily equipped to deal with mental trauma and severe energy depletion, although a wide variety of treatments are possible here.”
“Why mental trauma?” asked Ann.
“In high stress situations like combat, there is considerable psychic stress and energy drain on the captain. There is even some on the rest of the crew, although that rarely ever becomes a danger.”
“Why would there be so much on the captain? I thought I was familiar with most forms of combat fatigue.”
Canal went on to explain about the ship captain bond. Intense combat was the main issue, and that could sometimes not be avoided. Ann agreed that it was best to keep the secrets of making such ships a secret, but was a little confused on why Canal even took the time to explain all the dangers to her, even going out of her way to explain how some of the devices worked, so she asked, “Why are you telling me all of this?”
Canal gave a small smile before saying, “I have studied your records, those I could hack into anyway. You are an excellent physician who works long hours for no other reason than the good of her patients.”
The surprise in Ann's face was obvious, but then the odd was normal in Juban. Canal went on with, “While I am capable of providing many medical treatments, the systems that allow me to maintain this form and interact with people are somewhat delicate and have been destroyed in the past. Just maintaining this form takes a certain amount of energy and in a critical situation any energy that can be saved can be important.”
Dr. Mizuno nodded. It made sense after all. One person, no matter how talented, couldn't do everything at once. She hadn't really planned on getting involved in her daughter's chaos, mostly because she didn't see any way to help. Perhaps there was a way for her to help after all.
Canal said, “The computers here will now do their best to provide you information on any medical related question you might have. If you need further help just call my name.”
“Can you add Kasumi's name as well? She wants to be a doctor.”
Canal shrugged before saying, “Just remember that much of the information here is in advance of medical technology on your planet. I won't ask that that you keep it secret, but I do ask that you read through the related history and consider carefully anything you decide to share with your world.”
Dr. Mizuno nodded. Medical technology was, as many things were, a double edged sword. A way to cure a bird flue outbreak, should it ever happen, might also lead to the production of a new viral weapon. She bowed to Canal before going off to look for Kasumi and raid her bag of snacks. She was just reaching down for her bag when a stray thought occurred to her. She wondered if her daughter still wanted to be a doctor, but then, Nabiki was so busy now, that it was unlikely she had the time.
Kasumi smiled at Ranma and gave him the one she was making while Makoto handed the other to Usagi. Kasumi said, “Some things never change.” to which Makoto nodded her agreement before turning back to her preparations. There seemed to be a line forming after all.
“Sure, that sounds fun.” Nabiki smiled a small smile. It was good to see Kasumi take an interest in something and she truly did want to be a doctor.
Ranma wiped his face with a napkin, got up, and stretched before scratching the back of his head and asking, “Hey Canal. Is there some place I can practice? I need to stay in shape.”
Canal said, “Most of the bulk of this ship is for the weapons and drive systems so the only space I can really work with is the crew quarters. I can rearrange them somewhat, but you will have to figure out how you want it done. For now, I would suggest doing the best you can with one of the double rooms.”
Ranma nodded. He supposed it was too much to ask for a big dojo sized area in a spaceship. Nabiki said, “There are thirteen of us, four large double sized quarters including the captains, and seven normal sized crew quarters. If each of the larger rooms has two people and the single rooms each have one, then the remaining two small rooms could be made into one larger room for a practice area.”
Ranma said doubtfully, “Those rooms were small. Even putting two side by side would still be pretty small.”
Michuru asked, “Is a practice area so important? I mean, we aren't going to be gone that long, are we?”
Nabiki said, “I don't want to waste any of our available time. If we had a place to train, and if Ranma could teach us even a little bit of his skill, think how useful that would be.” Several heads could be seen to nod, memories of their last battle flashing through their minds, although Usagi was apparently caught in a daydream about Mamoru, given her fixed stare.
Ranma said, “Well, can't you just use my room as well or something? I don't mind sleeping on a futon again.” To Ranma, it seemed that Nabiki was suddenly irritated about something. He wondered what he had said.
Kasumi said, “There is no need for you to sleep on the floor Ranma-kun. I'll probably be spending a lot of time in the medical room anyway, so I might as well sleep there.”
Dr. Mizuno added, “That is a good idea. I think I will as well, since I don't know when I'll get another chance to study here.”
“You are welcome anytime,” said Canal.
“What if someone is injured or something?” inquired Minako.
Ann replied, “Then we would probably be there anyway, if it was serious enough for them to have to stay there, and if not, we would just have to use their rooms temporarily.”
Nabiki replied, “Well that is settled. Two of the adjoining double rooms will be emptied of contents and made into one long room. This will leave one remaining double room besides the captain's which I assume Michuru and Haruka will want. If anyone else wants a double room, then find a roommate and let Canal know I guess.”
“And where will you be?” asked their Princess in her most innocent voice. It was the kind of voice that Nabiki felt herself almost automatically respond to, but she managed to close her mouth in time. The faint blush on her cheeks complemented her blue hair well.
“Daughter. Is there something I should know about?” called out Dr. Mizuno in a mock harsh tone.
“Oh come on! Nothing is going to happen, and besides, giving how close we have come to dying in the past, I think it is important to take some joy in what we can.” The last was said in a quiet voice, yet the nods that filled the room were comforting to the new person Nabiki had become.
“I know daughter. I trust you.” She eyed Ranma a bit and smiled before tossing the last of the glass of water she was drinking on Ranma, instantly transforming him into a her. She grinned and said to Ranma, “But I trust her a lot more than him.”
Ranma unintentionally pouted cutely before saying, “I'm a guy!”
“But you look so much better like that,” added Haruka.
“Papa-san!” exclaimed Hotaru.
Ranma responded with a glare before saying, “I wouldn't do anything, and I don't mind sleeping in the Dojo area.”
Dr. Mizuno responded in a serious tone, “Can you really by sure?” She looked at Usagi and Mamoru, “For that matter can you two be sure? I've had to deliver a lot of babies from people your age who were sure it would not go that far.”
With a wry tone, Nabiki said, “It probably wouldn't matter so much if we did. We don't have a period but about once a year anymore. It is a way our bodies compensate for other things.”
A gasp from Dr. Mizuno showed her shock to this revelation. She asked, “You say this is normal?”
Nabiki nodded before saying, “It is just how we are. There is nothing to worry about.” Left unsaid was the reason why it was normal, although Mrs. Mizuno could guess that it was probably linked to their slower aging. When cornered Luna had mentioned that they were preparing for this Crystal Tokyo which was evidently in the distant future, or at least they hoped it was.
Ranma and Nabiki took the pilot's position with Nabiki setting her laptop down in the new space that seemed designed for it. Haruka and Michuru sat in the copilot's station and Makoto and Minako sat at the weapons station. This left Setsuna and Rei with the damage control station with Hotaru eager to fill in anywhere she could. Ranma resumed the training program where he left off and Nabiki worked on figuring out an interface between the Mercury computer and Swordbreaker's systems.
Canal's gave a quick explanation of the copilot's station before turning them over to the automated tutorial. It seemed to Haruka and Michuru that Sensors might be a better name for the station since it seemed their normal job was mostly to organize and prioritize long and medium range sensor results to aid in piloting or firing the weapons. Then again, Ranma had to sleep sometime right?
At one point Michuru asked, “I'm curious, we are supposed to help interpret sensor data and such, but, it just seems like we are attempting to do a job that we can't hope to do as accurately or reliably as you could.”
Canal said, “There is still only one of me and there have been times in the past when damage prevented me from doing anything.”
Nabiki said, “Canal is right. The redundancy, either human or otherwise, built into military technology has saved a lot of lives.” Haruka and Michuru nodded before going back to their lessons.
With a few prompts from Canal, Minako and Makoto activated the tutorial for the weapons systems. The footage from past battles resulted in gasps of wonder, amazement, and sometimes sadness from the pair. The sadness came at the result of the most spectacular battles, when the view on the screen remained locked on the exterior view and the ending noted the casualties on their side. It seemed the key to controlling the weapons system was to make sure they got the job done efficiently with a minimal expenditure of psi energy. A glance left at the couple sitting in the pilot's seat underlined the reason why.
At the damage control station, Setsuna and Rei began to follow the online tutorial. The primary functions of interest were controls that allowed one to reinforce the shielding in a particular direction as well as control of power flows throughout the ship. They could also drop interior doors at need, although that brought up the ugly possibility of maybe, someday, having to drop one where someone was to save others. Fortunately, a psi barrier could normally be used to buy enough time in such cases, provided there was sufficient energy to generate the barrier of course, and given the nature of battles that seemed a questionable thing to rely upon.
Mamoru and Usagi sat in the seating positions in the middle of the room. It gave an excellent view out the viewing screen, as well as giving them an overview of the others. They whispered together quietly and in the end Mamoru gave her a hesitant nod, as if he agreed with something, but perhaps did not entirely like it.
Nabiki asked, “Mom, could you do me a favor and let me have a word with my sister?”
Her mother and Kasumi looked up from their stations and her mother said, “Sure. I'll just go fix myself a snack.”
Kasumi's normally serene smile slipped a bit as she said, “Hello little sister.”
“Why?”
“Can't we just call it a mistake and move on?” said Kasumi, in a wistful voice.
Nabiki said in a somber tone, “No. I'd really like to understand. That almost went very badly. Well it did go very badly, but it almost-” Nabiki stopped her words, as she reflexively clenched her hands into fists.
Kasumi smiled a sad smile before saying, “I know. Father so wanted them to be happy, and I thought he did care for her. I suppose he does, just not like that. I'm sorry. I should have warned you.”
Nabiki nodded before pulling Kasumi into a hug. She said, “It is okay. No one got hurt and, well, this does simplify some things.”
“Onechan,” scolded Kasumi gently.
“Hey, you don't know all that is going on, and, well, I can't tell you, but that mess in Nerima is a tempest in a teacup in comparison.”
“Oh. Okay. I guess you would know.” Kasumi frowned before asking, “What about Ryoga though? You knew, didn't you?” she said in a suspicious tone.
“I only found out just before I got sick, and then that kinda distracted me.” The last was said in a wry voice, before she continued with, “Ranma was going to tell her. Heck with all the hints he gave, we all should have figured it out a long time ago.”
Kasumi nodded and sighed before saying, “Yes we all failed there. I presume, like Father and the freeloader, he was keeping it secret so as not to reveal a martial artists weakness or something right?”
“Yes. He also believes he promised Ryoga never to tell his secret, although technically the promise was to the neighbor's dog.”
“I suppose Ranma wanted to keep even the promises he made to himself, and at the same time he didn't want... Oh, that explains those times Ranma broke into Akane's room and... Oh my.”
“Yep. He's a bit of an idiot huh? A lovable one though.”
Kasumi said in a conspiratorial tone, “You are falling for him, aren't you? That is one of the reasons you were so upset about the wedding!”
Nabiki held up her hands as if to ward off the accusation. She said, “Oh, come on. Don't be ridiculous.” Nabiki's blush told Kasumi that she had scored. It also told her that she might have to talk to Akane, but then, perhaps she already knew.
“Dear Diary,
It has been a long and quite odd day, even by my usual standards of odd. I went to the funeral of a girl I'm just beginning to get to know. That sounds strange doesn't it, yet I dearly wish I could have gotten to know her. I see parts of her in who Nabiki is now, although at first I thought the changes were some reemergence of the the Nabiki I knew years ago. Then again, perhaps that too is there, but from the kind words and the tears I saw today, it seems obvious that it is Ami's influence on her that is mostly responsible for the softening. Before Nabiki seemed to be cold iron, and I think that core remains, yet silk seems to clothe her now, if perhaps not as well as it once had Ami.
We saw the ocean floor today! It was, just, perfect. I have never seen views that clear, that fantastic, even on television. Then we went into outer space, and I couldn't even tell we were moving until I got brave enough to open my eyes again. Still, not all is good, the holiday this started as, has become something darker somehow. No one has really explained anything to me, but I am no longer certain we will survive the coming days. I say nothing, because I am afraid that someone may insist on taking me home and I will not become a burden for the Sailor Senshi. They protect us all and even if all I can do is to make a little food for them, then I will do my part.
Father never mentions mother much, except to cry, but in truth Mother's family has a far prouder history than Father's. I used to think that by being there for my family that I would make mother proud, yet I fear I have made matters worse by not forcing them to grow. Still things are better now, yet that seems a funny thing to say, that when my family is torn apart that things are better. Nonetheless, it is true. Even Akane and father are a bit better after that mess. Both seem sobered by seeing how close the unthinkable had come. I still do not know if Mrs. Saotome would have really gone through with insisting on Ranma's death, and that is the truly scary thing.
Nabiki made me proud beyond words to be her sister then, literally yanking the one she loved out of the reach of Nodoka and her sword. I talked with Nabiki's new mother earlier and she told me that they had gotten Ranma to promise to never go through with such a thing, so all is well there, although I am almost surprised Ranma-kun gave that promise.
I am learning a great deal in the medical center aboard this ship. The computers are fantastic since they will ask question after question and automatically suggest areas to study so I can learn things faster. It is so much better than learning from Dr. Tofu's old dusty books. Dr. Mizuno even said that she would help me get into medical school and see if it would be possible to test out of a few courses.
I'm not really that sleepy yet, so I think I will study some more.”
Kasumi put her pen away and then slipped the diary back into her bag before quietly walking back over to the station. She quickly muted the station so as not to awake Dr. Mizuno in the other bed before returning to her lesson.
“Well my first funeral was actually a lot more fun that one would expect, but all the same I'm glad that I won't make it back in time for my second. I had fallen quite far as Nabiki Tendo and not always for the most noble of reasons. I'm still left to wonder why me? What did I bring to the picture that had Setsuna seek me out? It was certainly not pure intelligence since Ami had me beat there.”
“Unless Setsuna still knows more than she is letting on, she either picked me for what I bring to the picture, or, perhaps because picking me had the potential of bringing Ranma along. Either or both could be the truth, or maybe something else entirely. Certainly, my less than noble lifestyle as Nabiki Tendo, taught me how to get to the truth in things, and that is a skill that cannot be learned from a book.”
“I'm glad that Kasumi regretted letting our father manipulate her. She will make a good doctor someday. In other news, Ranma seems to be learning the ship at a steady pace and the others have places on the bridge, yet none of it seems fast enough. Baring a miracle, a war is coming, and we are not ready. May we survive the coming storm.”
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