Chapter 2: "The Stars welcome you!"
AN: Some clarifications before continuing the story.
Body armors are like those found in mass effect except the weaponry will vary depending on the Justicar, character and only regular troops and mercenaries will carry standard projectile weapons.
Ships – Enterran Federation ships will be like the human crafts in Mass Effect, Feranian ships will be like a less gothic version of the Warhammer 40k ships with some minor modifications. Other faction vessels will be explained later.
Justicars are like a combination of Warhammer inquisitors and Mass Effect Spectres, I will develop this point further.
On with the story!
Naruto have had his good share of problems since he graduated as a Justicar and was given his first assignments, excessive force, sexual harassment, criminal behavior and interfering with another Justicar's assignment. But all those problems were quickly overlooked since he gave results and it happened to other Justicar's from time to time, nonetheless to meddle in a low world and much worse, bring on board a low worlder; those weren't things that happened everyday to a Justicar.
The Cyclops had taken both Naruto and Tayuya's vessel into its bay docks and had sent security teams to secure the prisoner and the smuggled cargo. Naruto practically threw a still tied and gagged Tayuya over to the security team while he ran to the other vessel which was about to be opened. He ordered the guards to stand back as he quickly opened the door to reveal a female clad in Tayuya's body armor shyly trying to cover her well shaped body in the tight fitting armor.
Recognizing such behavior he tilted his head and asked "Hinata? Is that you?"
The red armored female nodded and apparently tried to speak but she didn't have the proper codes to initialize the armor's inner systems.
Naruto proceeded to remove the helmet allowing Hinata's long dark hair to flow beautifully while she took a long breath.
"The air inside was strange and the armor started to choke me!" said a panting Hinata
"Well that's because the ship's life support systems were off line to save energy and you didn't knew how to start up the armor, you were breathing whatever air got inside the ship when I opened it for inspection." Responded Naruto while looking a bit serious.
"But why did you hid in the ship?" questioned Naruto trying not to sound harsh since he didn't wanted to make Hinata sad.
"That, I would like to know as well. Tell me Naruto is she by any chance Tayuya's accomplice?" spoke a slim man clad in a blue and golden uniform (Mass Effect human navy officer uniforms) with grey hair a mask and an eye patch.
Every person on the docking bay sopped their routines and stood straight giving a salute to the man.
Hinata watching their behavior saluted as well.
Kakashi chuckled at her behavior which immediately told him she was by no means a criminal, but maybe an unlucky bystander.
Naruto got very nervous at his questioning; he just didn't have any excuse for this one.
Hinata bowed deeply and said loudly "Excuse me sir, my name is Hinata Hyuga and I am from the world Naruto just got out from, I came onboard without his permission or knowledge, whatever punishment he has earned for this please spare him and lay it upon me"
Hinata… whispered Naruto.
"Hmmm, so according to this you are telling me she is a low worlder. Naruto can't believe someone like her outwitted you!" said an eye smiling Kakashi.
"Anyway, we have too many bystanders so let's take this to my quarters" said Kakashi while every crew member turned around pretending they didn't see anything.
"So basically Naruto, you pursued Tayuya after leaving a trace of destruction behind, carelessly jumped into a low system, where you have no authority by the way, crashed near a populated area of the planet, manhandled your prisoner and revealed the universe's "Truth" to a low worlder without knowing if she wouldn't suffer a mental breakdown. And finally you were careless enough as to inspect your vessel and Tayuya's before taking off, violating procedure" said Kakashi in a boring tone while Naruto flinched at every mistake, flaw and crime he just committed.
Hinata stood by his side now changed into a more proper outfit which consisted of a white medical robe from the most "gifted" medic on board, still it hugged her too tight, she always cursed her ever growing chest.
"But captain Kakashi! Tayuya was smuggling forbidden weapons into the Soundya systems, level 5 ones at that! I couldn't just let her go because she hid in a low system! Also she used that weaponry against me and attempted to use it against Hinata! She can vouch for me on that one!"
Hinata nodded confirming Naruto's recording.
Kakashi closed his eye and sighed "Even if all this is true, you have no way of proving any of this, and according to law you enforced federation's authority in neutral territory and no judge magister will take a low worlder's testimony as proof of anything, at best technically you are in more trouble than Tayuya, according to her flight records she was carrying sound enhancement devices, not weapons and she keeps insisting she had the level 3 armor with augmentations in case of pirates. Legally she did no wrong and actually requested to file an official complaint for your behavior"
"That sneaky bitch! And even after that great make out session!..." mumbled Naruto.
"Nonetheless, since much of this mess happened where no accounts can be made and a large cargo of weapons was stopped, your superiors will probably look the other side, again. Naruto as your friend I ask you to stop and consider the things you have done so far as a Justicar, wherever you tread you only confirm the Feranian violent reputation! I know you have a blunt as hammer approach to your job and though you have done some great accomplishments they are often eclipsed by the disaster you leave behind and the little responsibility you take for them. I know the higher ups have you in high regard but there is a limit to how much their careers will suffer for you" said Kakashi watching Naruto with sympathy.
"I know Sir! It's only that I was never very bright and I go after the most violent criminals, it's not my fault they bring really big guns with them!"
Hinata watched their exchange, seeing the confident Naruto being scolded by a less impressive man, not to mention she was the cause for much trouble.
Kakashi noticed Hinata's stare and changed subjects.
"Anyway, Naruto your real trouble does not involve Tayuya but our pretty guest here, you now it's a serious felony to basically pluck people out from their home world's specially low ones"
Naruto jumped a bit "But Kakashi I never meant to bring her, I told her I couldn't, and she already said it was her own decision to stowaway on Tayuya's vessel"
Kakashi raised his hand to silence Naruto and staring directly to Hinata he spoke slowly "Miss, you must understand that your actions signify a great deal of trouble for the Federation and not only for Naruto. There are laws forbidding making first contact without the proper criteria and permits from the Federation for good reasons"
Hinata bowed ashamed and spoke hurriedly "I am very sorry to violate your rules Sir, but after meeting Naruto I just needed to see his world with my own eyes, please if any punishment is to befall Naruto I ask to take it as well!"
Kakashi sighed again "Miss, first than anything, for once Naruto isn't at fault here though he is likely to be blamed anyway, your current standing hasn't been informed yet so I am in position to overlook some procedures and just take you on one of the vessels gunships back to your world and make you promise you won't tell a soul of what have you witnessed. Would that be agreeable? That way you would spare Naruto a lot of problems"
NO! I am sorry but I am not going back home without a fight, and if you force me I will tell everyone about you! Even that impossible hair style of yours! And for some things I left behind I assure you everyone is going to believe me! Sir…"
Kakashi coughed a little over the small outburst "Seems like you are not so shy, fine since you are not willing to return quietly and spare us all a lot of trouble I will inform the high command since Naruto is involved in this whole business"
Kakashi asked the comm. officers to establish a link with Terra's fleet command. After waiting a little a female voice announced that Grand Admiral Senju was waiting.
At this both Kakashi and Naruto stiffened and Naruto started to sweat a little.
At the screen the first image was that of a large generous chest barely contained by a white and gold uniform.
"Kakashi! What is it? Did Naruto blow up someone again!" spoke a strong female voice.
Both males blushed madly before the generous picture in front of them, and neither made a move to correct the superior officer. Hinata watching with some disgust at the two males as Naruto started to smile a bit.
"Ah ma'am would you please adjust your device? We can´t see your face…" Said shyly Hinata.
"What! Ah hell that midget Shizune used my comm. link again! She is having it this time! Anyway what is it Kakashi¡ Oh Naruto is with you and a medical officer? Did he got hurt or something?"
Recovering from their "show" Naruto and Kakashi straightened up. Kakashi was the first to recover and proceeded to explain in detail what happened, Hinata's presence and origins, everything.
"Mmm, this is quite unprecedented not many first contacts are made this days and this Augyan girl seems to be taking it quite well. If it was up to me I would grant her refugee status and be done with it but this is also a matter for the civilian and scientific authorities. Miss Hyuga, there are no guarantee of you staying on the Federation, you might even be incarcerated for your threats to disrupt your own home world's development, this is your last chance to go back to your friends and family, are you certain you wish to remain in the Federation?" asked a polite Tsunade as she leaned on her folded hands.
Hinata was taken aback; a woman was the army's supreme commander, not in a million years she expected to see that, not to mention she was a stunning woman. But realizing they were expecting an answer she began slowly
"Yes ma'am my wish is to remain here and see this great universe of yours with my own eyes, even if I am incarcerated I would never regret this decision. As for my family, I left them with words of hope and wisdom, they would have liked me to find happiness" as she said this she stole a couple of glances at Naruto.
Tsunade noticed this and smiled a little as well "Very well as of now with my authority you are granted permission to travel in Federation's space, but you are commanded to be present for an audience before the Three great magisters in Terra to ascertain your future; you have to understand that given the unusual situation I can´t take any decision's alone"
Tsunade then turned her sympathetic look to a more serious one and addressed Naruto. "As for you Naruto, since you are responsible for this whole situation you are ordered to bring miss Hyuga before the magisters, not to mention you have your yearly checkup coming up so you were expected to be here anyway, be here in 3 days, I will alert the magisters to make time for an audience and have the medical staff be ready for you Naruto. Grand Admiral Senju out!"
"Wait granny! I don't want to have medics all around me again!" wined Naruto at the black screen.
Kakashi chuckled a little "Well Naruto seems like you are off the hook again, you should take this chance to relax and perhaps consider the possibility of acquiring a retinue, most Justicars have them you know?"
Naruto huffed "I work better alone, besides who would be mad enough to side with me given my reputation!"
"Well there are crazy people in the asylums, anyway, technicians tell me your vessel will be ready for takeoff by tomorrow, but they advise you to change ships soon, unlike Feranians, ships can´t take too much damage."
"Very funny Kakashi, and I just don't have enough money to change ships and the fleet no longer want me taking their gunships and smashing them in my assignments!" said Naruto while having his arms crossed.
"You should ask Ten-Ten for one of her creations, maybe she has a ship in her lab grounds"
Naruto lightened up "Ten-chan? Mmm not a bad idea, just gotta stay clear from her infernal creations and grab a ship while she is looking the other way"
"Hinata, seems like you will have your chance after all, hope you don't get cold feet afterwards. Anyway come with me there is something you gotta see. Kakashi don't pull us into hyperspace before an hour goes by" said Naruto excitedly as he grabbed Hinata's hand and went outside Kakashi's quarters.
Kakashi was left alone but quickly realized what Naruto wanted, so he issued the order to orbit Augya for one hour before going back into federation's space.
Naruto led Hinata while holding her hand tightly with a content smile while walking through the ship. Hinata was blushing madly over the gesture since only men and women in a relationship were allowed to do that; but couldn't help to also blush at the looks every male on the ship sent her way and feel bothered by the hungry looks Naruto received from many of the women on board.
As they walked Naruto felt compelled to speak
"Hinata, just so you know, I think that you are very brave by taking the chance to make your dreams come true, but I have to warn you though, you may be disappointed. The Galaxy can be an incredible place but when something shines brightly, larger are the shadows it casts"
Hinata squeezed his hand "I know that balance exists everywhere, love and hate, joy and sorrow, justice and injustice; I didn't expected to pursue my dreams would be easy, but I rather have a chance and be able to say that at least I tried. Your world is so large and I always wanted to have an adventure like this, I promise I won't complain for whatever tribulations I have to face to see it"
Naruto smiled feeling much more calm, now that Hinata showed her courage. As a child he always wanted to leave the Battle fleet and explore the galaxy, but when the day came to bring him to the military training program of the Federation he tried to hide in one of the massive Feranian vessels, it took 3 days to find him and send him away with a few bruises from his very angry mother. He kind of admired Hinata for showing such determination.
Naruto and Hinata arrived at the end of the aisle they were walking, Naruto let go Hinata's hand and quickly got behind her and as he covered her eyes as he spoke softly in to her ear.
"Ok, Hinata, as a reward for your courage, let me give you the first gift galaxy can give to its inhabitants"
Hinata trembled at the tone of Naruto's voice and allowed herself to be moved slowly through the door that was before them. Hinata walked with Naruto's hands covering her eyes until the both stopped and he allowed her to see again.
Before her stood the most amazing view Hinata had ever witnessed. Countless bright stars lighted the empty black space, and a bit lower they could see Augya like no one had ever seen before. It had several continents Hinata never heard of, she could see lakes and the ocean she never laid eyes upon. Looking up she could see the twin moons closer than ever and shining even more brightly than on the clearest nights.
"Welcome to the stars Hinata…" said Naruto as he allowed Hinata to continue watching the many wonders her small planet could offer.
The Cyclops had jumped back to the Voyager sector of the Enterran Federation where it continued with repairs to Naruto's vessel and had allowed Tayuya to leave on her battered small cargo ship.
Tayuya had agreed to drop the complaints about Naruto's behavior in exchange for some help to repair her vessel
Before leaving Tayuya had gone to confront a frowning Naruto who wasn't happy about letting her go over some jurisdiction issues. She started screaming at a bored Naruto who to shut her up gave a surprise peck on the lips, making her stutter, go crimson and eventually leave without further trouble, though Naruto could swear he saw a small tear attempting to escape Tayuya's eyes.
Hinata on her side was subject to several basic medical checkups to see if the Cyclops environment was affecting her somehow or if she carried any decease that could spread to the other crew members. Once the embarrassing tests confirmed she was perhaps one of the healthiest creatures in the galaxy, by Kakashi´s command she was taken to the ship's library so she could learn a bit of the Enterran federation and the protocol she was to follow when addressed by the Magisters.
Kakashi had warned her that for some historic reasons the three magisters were severely antagonistic with each other but somehow managed to rule the Federation with a firm grip and sustain peace throughout most of its territories and the neighboring factions. The best strategy to gain their acceptance and favor was to treat their questions on their viewpoint.
The Armies Magister Tsunade Senju strangely was her most eager supporter thanks to her relationship with Naruto; Hinata had tried to know more about that but Kakashi told her it was up to Naruto to share that info.
The Galactic Development Magister was in charge of all civilian affairs, colonies, economics, trade, diplomacy and every aspect of civilian life on the Federation. The woman was Lizara Arremius, a cunning politician in her late fifties and one who claimed the seat after a scandal regarding the last Magister. Her standing was of further expansion and increase the number of uplifted worlds since it was a good moment to create even more economic progress.
The Science, Space and Technical Development Magister, the most enigmatic man in the Federation, everyone refers to him as Theron, one could notice that most of his body was cybernetic prosthetics and always kept his face behind a helmet. Rumor was that he was a machine cultist and had his entire body replaced with machine parts, while keeping his brain intact. Strangely he was also a most refined gentleman and was like the voice of reason among the long debates (screaming wars) between the Armies Magistrate and the Civilian one. His goal has always been the safe development of science in the name of every sentient humanoid creature in the federation. In essence the deciding vote for most matters involving Federations top decisions. His motto is the "Logic of the Machine." Though he always vouches for certain "controversial" technologies to be pursued.
Hinata spent a good amount of the first 2 days studying every bit of the Federations history in order to understand Naruto's world a bit better, but during this studies she came across with one particular historic event.
Apparently the Feranians weren't members of the Federation but rather strategic partners, the reasons given by the Federation in the official records said that it was because of the vast cultural a slow integration process.
This made Hinata confused, if Naruto was a federation's Justicar then how could he be also a Feranian? And why is the supreme military commander so protective of an apparent happy trigger?
Hinata would have to seek out many answers, but for the meantime it was more important to ensure her standing in the Federation.
The third day, on the earliest hour Hinata had her brain melted with all the information she needed for her audience while Naruto was personally hand shaking the mechanics who managed to make his beloved vessel space worthy once more.
Hinata had been granted with custom made clothes from a crew member who also dedicated herself to tailoring. Said clothes were just her size, sporting a closed robe of white with lavender lines at the sides helping her eyes stand out even more, military boots painted and stitched with some engravings and a cape to help her remain more concealed, particularly for her generous chest. All in all, she looked like a princess or a foreign diplomat.
Both Naruto and Hinata had said their farewells and were boarding Naruto's long running vessel.
Naruto helped Hinata strap to the cockpit seat while he had ordered the ship to self navigate out from the Cyclops and start calculations for a Hyperspace jump to Terra.
"Ok Hinata, you are set to go, don't be startled by the jump, unlike the Cyclops my ship gives quite a kick when it enters Hyperspace, sigh, Kakashi is right I will have to replace this vessel soon, it's a shame, it was my very first vessel since I got my Justicar status" said Naruto as he finished strapping Hinata to her seat, only problem was that he tied her really tight exposing her chest forward, Hinata had begun to suspect Naruto's actions and his over friendliness.
The ship notified that they were ready and the course was plotted; at this Naruto jumped into his seat, only strapped one seat belt and gave the order to jump.
Hinata was startled by the sudden jump of the vessel into hyperspace, she almost threw up at the initial sensation but it quickly went away when the ship seemed normal once again except for the view outside the cockpit. A tunnel made of clear blue light.
"Amazing, I read about it but experiencing it is a very different thing!" said an excited Hinata as she stumbled with the seat belts trying to get free.
"Yeah, I was very surprised too on my first flight, Feranian vessels don't move in this manner so when I joined the Federation I was a rookie on these terms" said Naruto as he checked a few red lights on the monitor.
The last part stirred one of Hinata's questions for Naruto to come up. "Say Naruto, I was reading and apparently your people aren't members of the Federation, why is that?"
Naruto stopped his chores and looked around kindly, "I was hoping you wouldn't find out that one so soon. Well you see, as I told you the Feranians were one of the first Space faring species of the galaxy, and we unlike humans, set out to conquer other worlds. What I didn't told you was that for a long time before the civil wars began, we did conquered and destroyed many inhabited worlds, billions died under our still undefeated armies. But the conquest wasn't enough and soon the Feranian factions started to fight each other for supremacy and resources. The fighting only left 9 factions alive which finally ended the fighting in order to ensure our survival as species. For this cause we exiled ourselves to our original worlds and there we have struggled to survive for centuries. 25 years ago humanity began exploration of one of the many death worlds we left after our conquests, and clues left behind by our ancestors led them eventually to our territory"
"That's when humanity made first contact with your people?" asked a very interested and almost free Hinata.
"They knew to expect an advanced species and probably a violent one, but our lack of activity beyond our territories mislead them to think we were extinct or reformed. They underestimated us seriously. The first exploring party consisted of a few civilian vessels full of scientists, archeologists and diplomats, apparently word of our technologies had attracted a large number of "adventurers" in hopes of finding new alien technology. They were destroyed without a chance to surrender or inform anything"
Hinata raised her hands to her mouth, what an awful thing to shoot on unarmed civilians.
"After the Federation understood something had gone wrong, they sent a small military detachment led by their most powerful Dreadnaught the "Thunder God" led by war hero Minato Namikaze. He went bravely into our systems and did found evidence of the destroyed civilian exploration party. At that time the Kyubi Battle fleet had detected them and started combat without warning, the Federation's detachment was nearly wiped out instantly by our superior weapons except for the "Thunder God" which managed to fight back using some of the Federation's newest and most secret technologies. In the middle of the battle Admiral Minato managed to send a request to call off the battle and engage in terms of surrender. My mother who was already the Fleet commander was impressed by Admiral Minato's combat ability and had agreed to talk"
Hinata nodded taking it all.
"In the end Minato had managed to calm the Feranians and them in exchange recognizing his skill, declared their interest in meeting with the Federation. Though news of the battle and the indiscriminate attack on the civilians enraged the Federation's government, Minato warned them that the Feranians battle prowess was beyond the Federation's war ability and that a war with them might as well represent the Federation's end. Talks were made and hostilities had ended quickly. Soon afterwards the Federation's government grew alarmed over the genocidal past of the Feranians but the armies and science magistrates were more interested in the Feranian technologies which despite being ancient, were still far superior to anything in Federation's space.
Both Magistrates had offered the Feranians full membership into the Federation but my mother cut them short arguing that she could smell their ambition and that Feranian technology had brought enough death to countless as to allow it to fall into inexperienced hands"
Hinata nodded again and decided to ask "And that is the reason of why your people remain an ally but not a member of the Federation?"
Naruto nodded "That's one of the main reasons but there was another issue, a more subtle but very important one. Most humanoid species in the Federation's fold are diplomatic, and generally seek peace. My people for some reason are brutal, violent, harsh and very aggressive; this generated several problems with Federation representatives and soon enough another crisis was erupting. My mother had explained them that it was our curse, for the spirits of the countless my people had slaughtered tormented our souls and robbed us of any form of inner peace. Admiral Minato once more rose to the challenge and before hostilities began anew he introduced to the Feranian's several meditation exercises to allow the Feranians to have some control over their aggressive nature, many laughed at first but when the Feranian leaders adopted them with joy no one dared to question the results."
Naruto sat again staring at the window
"Eventually a good understanding was reached and Federation - Feranian relations has been improving over the years, I am one of such improvements. My mother gave her only son to become an agent of peace and order. Basically I am an experiment to see if the Feranian's have any chance of becoming Federation members"
Hinata softened her eyes, Naruto had such a great responsibility on his shoulders and by the look of things he wasn't succeeding.
"Wow Naruto, that's a great deal of responsibility, and you insist on carrying it alone? Captain Kakashi mentioned something about getting help, cant' you have any help?"
Naruto smiled and chuckled "Well at first I did planned to get help, but after some events in the academy and on my first assignments, people just avoided altogether calling me to be a larger threat to their lives than any criminal out there"
Hinata gave him a quizzical look, "Why? you seem to be a nice person and you caught that horned girl"
Naruto was now a bit embarrassed, "You see, I do things the Feranian way, I was educated among them for most of my life and you learn soon enough that getting the job done was paramount. But the Federation authorities demand getting the job done right, and believe me, that little extra word carries a lot of weight around here. But it doesn't bother me, I have come through and most of my assignments are too dangerous, carrying people with you only increases the chances of getting them hurt"
Hinata frowned a little "But don't you get yourself into more danger for that?"
Naruto laughed out loudly "Sorry Hinata but you see Feranians are tougher than any other race out there, believe me if someone can go into a suicide mission and return alive it's a Feranian"
As Hinata frowned over Naruto's careless attitude towards his own safety the navigator computer announced that they were dropping out of hyperspace and into the Sol System, seat of the Federation's government and home to over 50 billion citizens spread through Terra, Mars and the many developed moons and stations of the system.
Hinata looked throughout the window and witnessed something even more marvelous than space itself. Hundreds of vessels circulating close to each other and never touching stations, satellites and vessels large as mountains. Naruto was glad she was so marveled as to stop her judging.
"This is Federation's local space traffic control please identify yourself" spoke a male voice through the intercom.
"This is the vessel Shadow Clone, I am first class Justicar Naruto Uzumaki, id 99066 please confirm" said Naruto.
"ID confirmed, welcome Justicar, we are sending the approach vectors for the Phalanx military complex on the moon, Magister Tsunade wishes you to take a shuttle to the capital as soon as possible. Good day sir"
"Thanks, good day too" responded Naruto.
Naruto turned around to a still amazed Hinata.
"Welcome to Terra Hinata"
AN: Done with the second chapter.
Hope people like it though I didn't have many hits with the first chapter.
Don't expect an update very soon since I am going to refocus on my main story.
Any questions I will be glad to answer as for Naruto being with many women, it will be more like some flings, one night stands he hasn't fallen for Hinata yet and Hinata is starting to dislike Naruto's behavior. But it will improve I promise!
Any advice is very welcomed.
Read, Enjoy and Review.