Written By Lisa Grey
Developed by Lisa Grey and James R. Axelrad
Edited by James R. Axelrad and Johnny G
Chapter 19
February 2010...
Ranma, Vicki, Akane, and even Max were practically dog-piled by their tearfully happy squadron mates as they climbed out of the commandeered battle pod. After about ten minutes of hugging and greetings, their reunion was cut short by the Ex-POW's being hustled off to a debriefing with the brass.
The five found themselves seated along one side of a conference table with Captain Gloval seated at the head of the table and the senior brass being seated opposite Lisa and the others. Gloval had begun the meeting by informing the pilots that they had all been promoted. Then he presented them all with the Solar Cross for heroism, the highest award available in the RDF Space Arm.
Lisa began the debriefing by telling them of what they saw as they came out of the fold. She described the ships surrounding the Zentradi home base and then the ships they had seen inside the enemy home base. She then filled them in on the interrogation and the conclusions they had drawn about Protoculture.
Gloval ran some computer estimations based on the observations Lisa and the others had made. The computer returned a shocking estimate of four million ships. Clearly, the officers seated across from them were not taking this seriously and they made snide remarks and jokes.
"That's pure fantasy," Commander Jenkins of the intelligence arm said, tilting his seat back.
"Yeah, and did you see any little green men?" Major Gregor chuckled patronizingly.
The others laughed uproariously. The laughs were suddenly silenced by the ring of steel. All eyes were on a glowing blue Ranma as she pulled her fist from the hole she'd just made in the steel surface of the table.
"What's pure fantasy, you rear-echelon jackass?" Ranma ground out between her clenched teeth. "That a highly advanced interstellar warrior race can snuff out our little race like a candle in a hurricane? Or that we actually have a chance against them in an all out war? Get your head outta your fucking ass, you arrogant moron. Just because you didn't see it doesn't mean it doesn't exist."
"Commander Saotome, STAND DOWN!" Gloval commanded. Ranma's cold, glowing blue gaze shifted to Gloval. Gloval had to call on every bit of his willpower to meet the gaze steadily without flinching, but he managed it.
"Sorry, Sir," Ranma said, taking her seat as the glow faded.
"Now, as the Commander so succinctly put it," Gloval continued, "this is a very grave matter that we cannot afford not to take seriously."
"You don't mean you believe this load of bunk, do you?" Maistroff demanded.
"Were you there, Colonel Maistroff?" Gloval asked, giving Ranma a warning glace. "I've never seen two more reliable officers than Commanders Hayes and Saotome. Their story is backed up by three other officers who all have excellent records. Furthermore, to disbelieve that these invaders do not have far more potential than they have shown thus far would be extremely foolish. You have been on this ship for the last year. You know that the only explanation for the fact that we have survived this long is that they want this ship intact. Don't be a fool, Colonel. The fate of the human race is at stake here. This is no time for wishful thinking or denial of the threat. The high command must be apprised of this situation."
"Very well, Captain Gloval," Maistroff said. "I'll send a coded message at once."
"No, you will not, Colonel Maistroff," Gloval said flatly.
"What?" the shocked man asked.
"You will not send a message because this information is too important to be transmitted and potentially blocked," Gloval said. "We are going back to Earth."
"What? Are you mad?" Maistroff demanded. "We'll never make it through that blockade."
"What's the matter, Colonel?" Gloval growled. "A minute ago the Zentradi didn't present a threat worthy of your concern, now you don't believe we can break out of a simple blockade?"
"I...you..." Maistroff sputtered then gave up.
"As for you five," Gloval said with a smile. "You won't be leaving the ship for the time being. You have all earned a little rest and relaxation. You are dismissed."
(oOO/Oo)
Ranma was sitting on the couch in male form wearing a pair of black and red silk boxers when Lisa entered the room. Ranma's eyes traveled avidly over her graceful form clad only in a pair of emerald green lacy thong panties and a matching bra. She strutted sensually across the room until she stood before Ranma. Seductively she climbed up on the couch, straddling his lap, and slid her breasts enticingly up his hard muscled chest.
"Well, now, Mister Saotome, you started something a while ago and now you need to finish it," Lisa purred as she sat back a bit with her hands on his shoulders.
"Lisa, we need to talk," Ranma said as he placed his hands comfortable on her hips. "I've been thinking about it ever since the interrogation. We never talked about having a family. I know we are both pretty career oriented but I would like to have kids someday. How do you feel?"
"Do you want me to go off the Depo?" Lisa grinned in answer. Ranma smiled.
"Well, I think it might be a little soon for that," Ranma chuckled. "We are in the middle of a war, ya know."
"That hasn't stopped the civilians in Macross City," Lisa pointed out.
"True, but how could we handle it?" Ranma asked. "We are both so busy with our jobs. Would we have time for kids? What about my...condition? I couldn't be a father to them. Do we really want to raise kids as two mothers?"
"Why not?" Lisa asked. "Lesbian couples do it all the time."
"Yeah, but you know the kids get picked on," Ranma pointed out.
"Ranma, I have a very hard time seeing any kids of ours getting picked on," Lisa giggled. "The other kids would be too afraid of getting beaten up."
"True," Ranma conceded. "But would we be good parents? I mean, I certainly didn't have any good examples to draw from."
"I completely understand your fear," Lisa sighed. "For some reason, when I was planning my life out, kids never occurred to me. Not even with Karl. How would I balance my career and my child? It's been easy with you because we are both dedicated and we respect that in each other. With kids, it would be different. They'd be dependant on us for everything. But, you know what? Other career officers handle it. Why can't we?"
"I guess you're right," Ranma said. "But when should we start?"
"Ranma, I think you should know, I'm terrified every time you go out on a mission that you won't come back," Lisa admitted. "I love you so much that I'd die if I lost you. My career may be my purpose in life, but you are my reason for living. You know it's true. If I had your baby, then even if, god forbid, I lost you, I would have a little piece of you to hold to me. I think we should start trying immediately. We've been gone from the SDF-1 for a month and I'm due for my next shot of Depo. So I should be able to get pregnant soon." Ranma looked at her, his eyes wide in shock.
"But...we aren't even married yet," Ranma protested.
"Then we should take care of that detail right away," Lisa grinned. "The Captain could do it. There's also a minister among the civilians, and the city officials, notary publics and the like. I think given your condition the Captain would be a better choice. I want to give my vows to my husband as well as my wife."
"Not like I can be much of a husband," Ranma quipped.
"My husband will only have one duty," Lisa grinned mischievously. "It's one that he has proven he can handle with extreme expertise...fucking me senseless. My wife has proven herself more than exceptional at satisfying my needs in all other aspects."
"I knew it," Ranma quipped jokingly. "You just love me for my body."
"Damn straight," Lisa grinned wickedly and ground herself into him a little. "Now, is that a cluster bomb in your shorts, or are you just happy to see me?"
"Oh it's a cluster bomb alright," Ranma chuckled, "and it's very happy to see you."
Ranma pulled her to him and proceeded to perform his husbandly duties with great care and attention to detail.
(oOO/Oo)
"Hey there, Rickhead," Ranma said as she walked up to Rick, who was staring off into space from the large window of the Officer's Lounge.
"Oh, hey Commander," Rick said in a subdued tone. "Congratulations on your safe return and promotion."
"Gee, you really know how to make a girl feel like you're glad to see her, dontcha?" Ranma teased.
"I guess not," Rick replied glumly.
"Okay, what wrong?" Ranma inquired, taking a seat and looking expectant.
"It's nothing," Rick said, but Ranma just raised an eyebrow and gave him a look. "Okay, it's Minmei. She hasn't had much time for me anymore since she started her singing career. I suppose I have you to blame for that, but I guess it would have happened eventually. I just feel like we're growing apart."
"Rick, she's sixteen," Ranma pointed out. "You're what, twenty now? I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that, but you have to keep in mind, she's still a kid. You've grown up a lot since Pluto. You've had to. I've seen you mature from a loudmouth punk with no common sense into a promising young officer. You've become much more responsible with pilots under your command that look to you for leadership. Minmei hasn't had to deal with the harsh realities of the war like you have. She still has her innocence. If you love her, you have to be patient with her and explain to her what's on your mind."
"What do you mean, Commander?" Rick asked.
"Look, your job is just as demanding on your time as hers is on hers," Ranma explained. "In fact, it's probably worse since you might have to jump up in the middle of a romantic moment to answer a scramble. Lisa and I are the same way. Our responsibilities don't allow us to see as much of each other as we would like. The point is, in the time you do have, you have to make it count. You have to communicate clearly and make your feelings known. Don't even think about telling her to make more time for you because that would force her to choose between you and her dreams. Just tell her what's on your mind in a non-demanding way."
"But every time I try to talk to her she gets distracted by something," Rick complained. "Do you think you could talk to her for me? I just want to know where she stands. I could deal with us being too busy to see each other if I just knew where she stood."
"Alright," Ranma said. "I'm not going to be your go between, but I'll talk to her and suggest that maybe she needs to clarify things with you. You realize that she may not have even considered how she feels, don't you?"
"Yeah, I get that impression," Rick said sadly. "But I really appreciate you making the effort to talk to her."
(oOO/Oo)
Ranma looked at Lisa who smiled and squeezed her hand reassuringly. Opening the door to the Rose Garden, they walked in to address the squadron.
"Ladies," Lisa addressed, "what you will hear in this room today has been ordered by the captain to be classified information and repeating it is, in fact, a court marshalable offense. Most of you know about what we will be disclosing to you today. Those of you that don't, please keep an open mind and look to your squadron sisters for guidance because what you will learn today may be very hard for some to come to grips with."
"I've have a secret," Ranma said. "I've kept it for 7 years but lately a couple of incidents have caused it to be revealed. I'm tired of explaining it to people after they already feel angry and betrayed so I think I must reveal it to all of you since we must maintain a high level of trust with one another. I'm trusting you to keep this secret for me as it would end my career if it was general knowledge.
"First I'd like all of you that know what I'm about to disclose and accept me to raise your hands," Ranma requested.
The five original Roses plus Akane and Max raised their hands. The four newer pilots looked around themselves, noting that they were, in fact, in the minority.
"What you're about to hear will sound unbelievable, something straight out of the pages of a fantasy story, but by the time you leave this room your world view will be changed forever," Ranma continued. "Rest assured, that this is the truth and it'll be demonstrated."
"Gee, Mom, with a build up like that, you aren't planning on telling us you're the Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon are you? Mom, are you telling us you're a pretty sailor suited soldier for love and justice?" Midori giggled and everyone laughed, breaking the tension.
"Well, you found me out," Ranma said, gaining control of her laughter as the others that knew were still in hysterics. "I don't know about the rest, but you could say that I'm a sort of magical girl." This caused more laughter from those that knew and gave the ones that didn't pause.
Thus, Ranma began to explain about Jusenkyo and its effects and the how's and why's she was the way she was now. Of course the four women that this was news to were looking at the others as if to determine if this was a joke. They weren't sure because every time they caught one of their eyes, the person in the know would start giggling about the magical girl thing. However, any doubts as to this being a joke were laid to rest by the simple expedient of a demonstration.
"So you see," Ranma joked with the four stunned women, "I'm actually a pretty sailor suited aquatransexual soldier for love and justice." The other six women in the room, plus Max, dissolved into laughter again.
"Well?" Ranma asked, once the laughter died down. The four new members of the inner circle stared at Ranma for a while. Ranma was starting to sweat under the scrutiny when Bertha burst into laughter.
"You know," the large German woman said, "before I joined the RDF, I was a professional Dominatrix. I believe I have seen every twist and kink that the human psyche has to offer. This is not even close to being one of them. Mom, I accept your choice and respect you for having the strength to overcome such a difficult situation. I must say it's certainly...unusual but not something that freaks me out. However, if you would like to play at some point, I still pursue my hobby in my off time. I think we could have some interesting fun."
"She's mine," Lisa growled dangerously, putting her arms around Ranma possessively. Bertha laughed.
"You are both invited then," Bertha grinned.
"Ah, thanks, but, I'll pass," Ranma laughed then took on a haunted look. "I had enough of that BDSM stuff growing up, only it was real, not something done for enjoyment."
"Understandable," Bertha said.
"And the rest of you? Midori?" Ranma asked.
"Well, I think it's weird, but in a kinda cool way," the young Japanese woman said. "I never thought I'd meet a real life magical girl, but you certainly fit the description."
"I don't know you that well, Ma'am, but I like what I've seen of you so far," Angelique said. "It took a lot of guts to come in here and be upfront with us, and you obviously have the support of those that have served with you for a while. I don't feel like you are anything other than you have shown yourself to be, an outstanding female officer and a great CO that will stand up for her pilots no matter what it costs her personally. I remember the fight between you and Commander Hayes. You had my loyalty locked up right there."
"I completely agree with Angie, Mom," Hillary said.
"Thanks," Ranma said, giving them a grateful smile. "You don't know what a relief that is."
(oOO/Oo)
Bertha Stott was walking down the sidewalk when she saw them. Three men, one wearing a dress and seemingly oblivious to the stares they were receiving. These three would be perfect for her needs. She had a BDSM party coming up and needed a few subs for some of the performances to be held at the party.
Bertha strode up to them, looking them over imperiously and wordlessly establishing her dominance. The men began to sweat under her scrutiny and she knew they would work out fine.
"You three, come with me," she commanded with authority. "I have a job for you."
Rico, Konda, and Bron, three Zentradi spies, didn't know quite what to make of this. At first they thought their cover had been compromised, but then the woman, obviously someone in charge, said she had a job for them. They decided that they had no choice but to follow her orders or their cover would be blown.
(oOO/Oo)
Ranma walked into the White Dragon. Lisa was off doing something that she wouldn't tell Ranma about and had told Ranma not to expect her for most of the day. So, after coming out to the girls and talking to Rick, she decided to have lunch at the White Dragon and maybe talk to Minmei.
"Ranma!" Minmei exclaimed, catching sight of the redhead. "You bad girl! You still have to get with the studio to do the back ups and the song you promised them before they can release the album."
"Yeah, sure Minmei," Ranma said. "Do you think I could talk to you for a bit?"
"Um...sure," Minmei responded. She led them over and sat them down in a booth. "What did you want to talk about?"
"Well, I wanted to tell you a story," Ranma said. "It's the story of a young man and a young woman and a war. You see, this young man was against wars and the people who fought them. Unfortunately one day war came to his life. Now there was this girl the young man was interested in and cared about a lot. The war threatened her though it really didn't touch her world beyond a looming specter of impending tragedy. This young man found that he couldn't stand by and do nothing when the girl that he cared so much for needed to be protected. So against everything his father had taught him, he became a soldier to make sure the war never touched the girl.
"As the war raged on, just outside of the girl's world, the young man saw many horrible things and lost friends and comrades to the war. He was forced to grow up very fast as his youthful idealism was torn from him. Still, as long as the girl was safe, he could bear the burden placed upon him. The girl went about her life, looking forward to her future and was largely able to ignore the war. She kept busy and between both their responsibilities, they weren't able to see much of each other.
"And then one day the young man didn't come home from the war. The war had claimed him and took him from the girl. When she was told what had happened, the girl realized that she had never told the young man how she felt about him. She had always thought she was too young to have to worry about such things and had assumed that there would be plenty of time to tell him she cared when she was older. But now that could never be. You see, she didn't have plenty of time and now she would never have the chance to be with him."
"That's so sad," Minmei said wiping a tear from her eye.
"Yeah, it is," Ranma said. "Minmei, don't let this be your story."
"What do you mean, Ranma?" Minmei asked.
"I mean, Rick," Ranma said. "Do you care for him?"
"Well, of course I do," Minmei said. "He's a really good friend."
"Is that all, Minmei? Just a friend, or maybe more than a friend?" Ranma asked.
"Well," Minmei said blushing. "Maybe someday when...I'm...older..." she trailed off as the import of Ranma's story snapped into perspective. "You're saying I should tell him?"
"Yes," Ranma nodded. "I'm not saying you have to do anything you aren't ready for, but right now he's feeling pretty lonely and confused. He doesn't know how you feel about him and feels like he's losing you because you get to see so little of each other with your singing taking off and everything. He doesn't feel like there's a place in your world for him anymore."
"But that's not true," Minmei denied. "I do want him in my world."
"Then maybe you can talk to him," Ranma said. "About the two of you. I know he wants that. He told me he could handle not seeing you much if he just knew where he stood. Maybe you should tell him how you feel."
"You're right, Ranma," Minmei said with determination. "I just never thought..."
"And you shouldn't have had to," Ranma reassured her. "That's why war is so terrible. It forces us to grow up too fast."
"Thanks Ranma," Minmei said. "I'm gonna go call Rick right now."
(oOO/Oo)
March 2010...
As the SDF-1 neared Earth, Ranma and Lisa were quietly married in a small, private, but completely bizarre double ceremony performed by the captain. Guests included only Roy, Claudia and the members of Wild Rose Squadron. Roy stood as Ranma's best man for that part of the ceremony, while Claudia was Lisa's maid of honor. For the second part, Vicki stood as Ranma's maid of honor while Claudia still stood for Lisa.
After the ceremony, there was a small reception that included a few more guests. It was kept short and non-alcoholic due to the threat of attack as they got closer to Earth. The Brides, now known as Lisa and Ranma Saotome-Hayes, were eventually sent off and informed they would be court marshaled should either of them turn up for duty before the SDF-1 touched down on Earth again.
Gloval's plan, based on Lisa's assessment that the Zentradi didn't want to destroy the SDF-1, was working perfectly. They had been surrounded and shadowed the whole way back to Earth but the aliens did not attack. This held until they reached Earth orbit. Then something bizarre happened.
Part of the alien force attacked, forcing Gloval to scramble the fighters, transform the ship and fight off the first wave. The second wave was coming in, but then the other part of the Zentradi fleet moved to intercede on the SDF-1's behalf. It was a perplexing action for the Earth forces but they were thankful for the respite as the massive ship began to plow atmosphere.
Ranma and Lisa were of course going nuts through out the battle, unused to not being in the thick of it but they managed to distract themselves...barely.
Once the SDF-1 touched down in the Pacific Ocean, the newly weds did something they hadn't done in a long time. They carried a pair of deck chairs out onto the deck of the SDF-1 and proceeded to sunbathe. They were shortly joined by the other Rose's, much to the delight of the crew who were also out to get the first breath of fresh air they'd had in a long time.
Of course, sunbathing entailed quite a lot of their slow sensual sunscreen application, much to Akane's discomfort as she looked on enviously.
"You know, Ranma," Lisa said lazily as Ranma rubbed sunscreen on her. "The only thing that would make this better is a frozen Rumrunner."
"Nu uh," Ranma said with a wicked grin. "No booze for you, Momma."
Lisa looked at her curiously for a moment and then nearly fell out of her deck chair as the implications sunk in.
"No way!" Lisa said. "You couldn't possible know that." Ranma grinned and tenderly rubbed Lisa's flat tummy.
"Ki doesn't lie, Love," Ranma smiled. "I can feel it in your ki right here." Ranma placed her hand over Lisa's womb. "It's mostly just a pooling of your ki, but I can very faintly feel another ki signature developing."
Lisa looked down in awe and wonder at where Ranma's hand rested. Suddenly she burst into tears of joy and grabbed Ranma in a hug.
"I'm so happy, Ranma," Lisa said. "I love you so much..." Lisa trailed off, suddenly tense. "Oh dear..."
"What's wrong, Beautiful?" Ranma asked.
"What are we going to tell my father?" Lisa said, suddenly afraid of what her father might say.
"I guess it'd be too much to ask that he wouldn't have an issue with this, huh?" Ranma sighed. Lisa looked up at Ranma, narrowing her eyes.
"It doesn't matter if he has an issue with it," Lisa said fiercely. "I'm your wife and I'm proud to be so. If he can't handle that then it's his problem."
"Are you sure, Honey?" Ranma said, concerned.
"I've never been more sure of anything more than I am of the fact that I love you and I am ridiculously proud of you," Lisa smiled reassuringly. "You know, Daddy didn't approve of Karl. He wanted me to find someone with 'more fighting spirit'. Well, I did, so if he doesn't like the rest of the package he can't go pound sand. I can't wait to introduce you." Ranma laughed nervously.
"Yeah, I can't wait," Ranma said deadpanned.
(oOO/Oo)
"Hey Commander?" Rick said, knocking on Ranma's office door.
"Yeah?" Ranma asked, motioning for him to come in.
"I wanted to say thanks for talking to Minmei for me," Rick said.
"Is everything all better now?" Ranma asked.
"Yeah, we finally cleared the air," Rick said. "She's officially my girlfriend now and we worked things out so we could see more of each other. We also communicate a lot better now."
"That's great," Ranma smiled. "I'm happy for you both."
"I have another favor to ask, Ma'am," Rick said scratching the back of his head uncertainly.
"Go on," Ranma prompted.
"Well, you see, Minmei is being allowed to leave the ship to go see her family in Yokohama," Rick explained. "She's asked me to go with her."
"Oooo, things must be getting serious if you are going to meet the folks," Ranma teased. Rick laughed nervously.
"Uh...yeah, well, I was wondering if Icouldborrowyourfanjettoflyherthere?" Rick finished in a rush. Ranma blinked a couple of times.
"You want to borrow my fan jet to take Minmei to see her parents?" Ranma asked. Rick nodded in confirmation. "Well, I don't know..." Ranma said thoughtfully. "Do you promise not to fly it into the middle of any airshows you might happen to be near?"
"I...um...learned my lesson the last time, Ma'am," Rick sweatdropped. Ranma chuckled.
"Good to hear it," Ranma said. "Sure, you can borrow it. But if it comes back with so much as a scratch, you'll be eating through a straw. Got it?"
"Yes, Ma'am. Thank you, Ma'am," Rick said excitedly. "I'll take good care of her for you, Ma'am."
"Take good care of both of them," Ranma chuckled. "Have a good time."
"Thank you, Ma'am," Rick said, rushing out of the office to give Minmei the good news.
(oOO/Oo)
"Are you ready, Mrs. Ranma Saotome-Hayes?" Lisa smiled at the woman beside her as they approached the shuttle hand in hand.
"As ready as I'll ever be, Mrs. Lisa Saotome-Hayes," Ranma said with a look of determination.
"Just remember, if Daddy makes me choose, you and the baby are going to win hands down," Lisa said reassuringly. "I love you and I'll never let you go."
"Thanks, Lisa," Ranma gave her a weak smile. "I love you too."
"Ladies, are we ready?" Gloval asked, giving them a fatherly smile as they boarded the shuttle.
"Yes, Sir," Lisa smiled. "Let's go face the music."
As soon as they were in the air and at cruising altitude, Ranma made her way to the small galley and began to heat up some water. While it was heating she entered the lavatory and changed into the male version of her uniform. Once that was done she adjusted her ribbons and medals, took her hair out of its French braid, putting it in a low ponytail, and exited the compartment. The water was boiling so she steeled herself and dumped the minimum amount to cause the change over her head. Now male and properly attired, he spent the rest of the flight being coached by Lisa and Captain Gloval on monitoring his mannerisms.
Their plan was to show Lisa's father a son-in-law he would be proud of and once Donald Hayes expressed his approval, they would drop the bomb on him. To make it work, Ranma had to be on his best male behavior. He would have to monitor his mannerisms ultra closely. It was, perhaps, not the nicest way of doing it, but Lisa was still harboring some resentment about her father disapproving of Karl.
Ranma hoped this would be the last time he had to explain about the curse. He was getting seriously tired of repeating the tale.