Naruto: Infinity Divide
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
It's been a long time since I worked on this story. This chapter covers a lot of territory so here we go. Here is chapter 55. Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
~ ~ Signifies singing
…
Last time:
Stardate 2278.224, Starbase 1, Admiral Nogura's staff room
The next day Naruto was in his older styled dress uniform facing a proverbial firing squad as accusations flew wildly among his superiors about the Wolverine's whereabouts ranging from theft to AWOL to Naruto's personal favorite, joyriding. After thirty minutes of savage criticism the blonde Vulcan had enough and said in a tone that overwhelmed the din; "If the Staff will stop these illogical, pointless and unsubstantiated accusations then I will explain the situation as to the location of NX-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine to everyone's satisfaction."
"You have a lot of gall Mister!" said Nogura.
Naruto frowned ever so slightly and said; "I also have the truth."
…It took six hours to explain the hell the U.S.S. Wolverine and her crew had been through in enough detail that the Admiral's Staff was shocked and horrified at the possible future of the Federation. Naruto closed his explanation with; "The future is in your hands Fleet Admiral Nogura. Let history be the judge of your actions regarding the Wolverine and what she discovered."
Naruto was (surprisingly) told he was free to return to the Wolverine without escort. It was then he was intercepted by Rear Admiral Lance Cartwright who said in a friendly way, "I find it hard to believe I'm saying this but I believe you impressed the Fleet Admiral; Captain Naruto. Would you care to join me for a drink? There were some questions I had that are off the record if you don't mind."
The blonde's azure blue eyes locked with Admiral Cartwright's brown ones and he said; "Of course sir. What can I do for Section 31?"
Cartwright smiled knowingly and replied; "You are well informed Captain. Well, that makes my life much easier. Let's talk in my private office…"
…
Chapter 55
Stardate 2278.224, Planet Earth Orbit, Starbase 1, Rear Admiral Lance Cartwright's Office
Admiral Cartwright poured a glass of Saurian Brandy for himself and one for Naruto. "You may speak freely in here Captain Naruto. There are no listening devices. To tell you the truth I'm surprised you've heard of Section 31's existence."
The blonde swirled his drink around before taking a sip. "I have my sources… I am not in favor of Section 31's black ops but given the events I saw reported by the Lyrans I've come to accept that your influence could be vital in the near future."
"You mean the so-called General War you reported?" asked Cartwright.
Naruto nodded. "The Federation is not ready for a war with the Klingon Empire; let alone the Klingons and the Romulan Star Empire combined. To survive we must begin a major ship construction program as well as logistical support such as bases and infrastructure. It will be a massive undertaking and we only have three years to do it in."
The Rear Admiral nodded. "I agree but the Federation High Council would never approve of such a move. Even if the data you've retrieved was shown to them; they would simply funnel funds into diplomacy with the Klingons and would ignore the military. They are pacifists by nature and will refuse any increase in military spending. You are a man of logic being a Vulcan. What would you do to change their minds?"
After sitting a moment; Captain M'Fau pondered the possibilities and said, "I would persuade the Federation High Council by letting a politician do it for me."
Cartwright said, "Would you care to elaborate?"
"Our current Chairman Buckner is an obstacle because he constantly meddling in the affairs of the military." said Naruto. "He changes sides when it wins the favor of his most powerful political allies. He is a war hawk or a pacifist depending on which way the political wind blows. He would be easy to convince to fund the military but would never follow through with it. You are well aware that he has used his influence to change Starfleet operations and starship deployments to suit his own needs, Admiral."
'So, this is how a Vulcan thinks when war can't be avoided? Fascinating. This boy is barely in his twenties but he understands Chairman Buckner perfectly.' thought the Rear Admiral with curiosity was burning in his eyes. "Assuming Chairman Buckner was to step down; who would you put in his place?"
The Vulcan hybrid replied, "Vice Chairman Baronov was a military industrialist before he retired to run for public office. He would see military expansion as a way to stimulate the economy and has always left Starfleet to make its own decisions. Of those currently on the Council he is the most logical choice to prepare for a war."
Lance Cartwright brought up several other members of the Federation High Council just to see what made Naruto tick but the blonde's replies to his queries were always short; concise and irrefutably logical. The Rear Admiral found the long conversation extremely enlightening… He also found that Naruto was a very shrewd and calculative young man. 'Section 31 could use someone like him.' thought Cartwright.
Captain Naruto M'Fau bid his host goodnight and went tiredly back to the Wolverine for some sleep…
…
The next day the Vulcan hybrid awoke in his quarters curled up in his mate T'Lyra's warm embrace. The day had been brutal and the blonde needed his mate badly. He was stressed out about everything and the brunette gently soothed him to sleep. As always morning came too soon…
The U.S.S. Wolverine was more or less in lockdown pending completion of the investigation by Starfleet Security and the Admiralty. Each officer on the ship from the Captain down to the last Ensign was being interviewed about the actions of the ship and crew. This took approximately two weeks and though many questions were raised about their conduct; particularly in integrating civilians; it was found that they had to make do with what they had. All of the civilians were quietly transferred off of the ship with one exception; Doctor Alison Fairbanks. She simply knew too much and was offered a commission in Starfleet as a full Lieutenant. Most surprising of all; most of the brevet ranks which Captain Naruto assigned to the core of his officers stuck as they were thoroughly logical and had performed well under extreme circumstances.
Many crewmembers were rotated off of the fast cruiser and the U.S.S. Wolverine was scheduled for a ninety-day refit to bring the ship up to production standards. The higher ups decided to keep the Think Tank together after seeing their team performance and most of the remaining crew was released for shore leave while the ship was refitted. Since the crew was all designated M.I.A. for the last four years they were given extended time off to reconnect with their families…
…
Stardate 2278.254, 40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan, ShiKhar City, T'Ara and Sovar's House
Two weeks later Naruto was at home in the house he grew up in in ShiKhar City. He had to hide his shock at how much his beautiful 16-year-old little sister Talok had grown up and even more so with his 8-year-old son Siegfried. With Naruto were his mates T'Lyra, Shizuka and Samui as well as Alison Fairbanks who considered Vulcan her home more so than Earth.
The family reunion was quite an affair by Vulcan standards. After four years of absence Naruto and his mates had finally come home…
Siegfried was animatedly (by Vulcan standards) talking to his parents about space and what it was like. He wanted to sail the stars when he grew up. The platinum blonde boy wanted to go into sciences like his grandmother T'Ara and was currently learning about the basics of quantum physics. Naruto and Samui couldn't have been prouder of their son.
T'Lyra's parents fussed over both her and Shizuka a great deal before they finally settled down. They were a bit taken aback that both their daughter and their niece were mates with the same man (not to mention that Samui was as well) but since polygamy wasn't unheard of in the "honorable blue dynasty" they deemed the situation to be acceptable.
Naruto was soon with Alison at the Vulcan Science Academy where they were pleased to learn that Doctor Devlok had fully recovered from his coma and was eccentric as ever. With a combination of the Atraen Imperial Government, the Vulcan Science Academy and the Starfleet Sciences Division, the exploration of Rozm-Thul on Atra was shedding light on the Tkon Civilization like never before.
The pair of VSA alumni was walking back towards the transports to take them back to ShiKhar City when Naruto took her hand in his and said, "Alison Fairbanks, we have known each other for so long. Will you do me the honor of being my mate?"
The redhead's green eyes widened and she gave him a smile that seemed to light up the whole VSA campus. Then she kissed him passionately in front of the entire school much to his embarrassment. When they broke for air she said humorously, "That seems logical to me. I've wanted you ever since the day I saw you flatten that Andorian grayth when we were first years. You've made me very happy Naruto M'Fau."
He was blushing green and gave her a tiny smile. "I will do my best to keep you happy Alison."
The redhead grinned. "I can't wait to rub this in Shizuka's face."
"Please try to get along with the others." said Naruto. "It would be beneficial to all if you try to become friends."
Alison smiled slyly. "I'll play nice with Shizuka… Besides, I genuinely like T'Lyra and Samui… This is going to be great!"
That evening Alison announced to the family that she and Naruto were going to become mates and asked for the other's blessings on their union. Naruto had talked to T'Lyra, Samui and especially Shizuka before he asked Alison and even Shizuka agreed that Alison was already a family member in all but name. The Earth raised Vulcan said she would try to get along with the redhead as well.
That night Naruto and Alison mind melded for the first time and made love until dawn. The blonde found out that his redheaded mate was absolutely wild much to his delight…
…
Stardate 2278.284, Sol System, Planet Earth,
The visit to Earth was much more emotional as Naruto had to visit each of his mate's families…
Cambridge, England
Samui's family in England was the easiest to deal with as both Siegfried Schrodinger and Maria were thrilled to see their daughter Samui and their grandson Siegfried M'Fau. Naruto spent about ten days visiting with Samui's parents and truly found the two cosmologists to be enlightening individuals to talk to. He spent a great deal of time bonding with his son Siegfried as well.
Everything had been planned in an orderly fashion in advance, so Samui's parents were well prepared for Naruto, Samui and young Siegfried to stay with them. Naruto also appreciated the Schrodinger's efforts to make him feel at home with vegetarian meals. All in all, Naruto felt it was a good time and held Samui's parents in high esteem…
…
Fairbanks Vineyard, California
…Alison's family wasn't prepared for the redhead's triumphant return from the dead. In her typical manner she dropped in out of the blue unannounced with her mate Naruto and said, "Naruto and I are engaged. I just thought you should know."
Her mother and father Selina and Charles nearly fainted. As expected, her older sister Maria was jealous but as anticipated the family was (generally) happy for the wayward scientist daughter of the family. William and Junior both congratulated Naruto before threatening his life if he ever hurt Alison. Naruto was at a total loss as to what to think of that…
The blonde hybrid once again was exposed to the horrid habit of the Fairbanks family eating with their hands and did his best to hide his revulsion at hamburgers and fries as he delicately ate his salad. Alison had totally adopted Vulcan ways of eating herself and while she wasn't appalled at her family's eating patterns she said mentally, 'Steady as she goes Captain M'Fau. You can do this.'
'You are enjoying my aversion to your family's eating habits.' accused Naruto.
'I am.' she replied with a mental smile…
…
Mojave, California
Shizuka went about introducing Naruto to her family as her betrothed and the Captain of the U.S.S. Wolverine. She conveniently left his other mates out of the conversation when she introduced Naruto to Keiichi and Seiko Nadeshiko. Naruto greeted the Nadeshiko's with the usual Vulcan salute and said, "Peace and long life. I am Naruto M'Fau of Vulcan."
He found that Shizuka's parents were genuinely warm and welcoming people who had wanted to meet him as he had made Shizuka so happy. Naruto was pleased to be welcomed of course but didn't think it was logical to omit the fact he had multiple mates. Samui's parents knew, and Alison's parents never asked. Keiichi asked, "So how did you become a full Captain at such a young age?"
The blonde replied, "It was a brevet rank and the Admiralty allowed me to keep the rank after our unintended four-year mission."
"Shizuka told us that you were thrown out to the outer edges of known space and it took a long time to get back." said Seiko. "We literally cried tears of joy when you brought our baby girl back to us so thank you."
'The Q is the real reason we got back when we did.' thought Naruto. "Every member of the crew of the Wolverine is to thank for our success."
Keiichi got a gleam in his eye and said, "Shizuka says you are skilled in the martial arts. Actually, she said you are a monster. Would you care to spar?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow at Shizuka who laughed uncomfortably. "Eh, Dad was a Starfleet Marine. He just wants to see a few moves."
Naruto wanted to shake his head and thought, 'Some parts of Shizuka's personality are starting to make sense now…' The blonde stated, "I am a Fifth-Level Master in the Vulcan Martial art of Kareel-ifla and a Second Level Master of V-Shan sir."
"V-shan I've seen but Kareel-ifla I've only heard tales about." said Keiichi. "Show me what you've got son."
Naruto said mentally to his mate, 'What should I do Shizuka? If I go all out, I could easily kill your Father!'
'Just hit him with a harmless takedown and stop before you hit him with a finisher.' said Shizuka.
Naruto was wondering about his most illogical mate and then said, "Keiichi, do you have a training dummy I could demonstrate on before we have an actual spar?"
Keiichi said, "Certainly. Shizuka, let's go to the mats in the basement."
Seiko sighed and said, "I'm sorry Naruto but Shizuka and Keiichi are a bit fixated on the martial arts."
The blonde nodded and said, "I now see where Shizuka gets it."
After they went down to the sparring mats in the basement Naruto saw Shizuka pull a training dummy out to the center of the mats and she asked, "What move are you going to demonstrate Naruto?"
"It is one I hope to teach you some day." explained the blond hybrid. "Step back please." he said. "This is an opening move that will totally disorient or even kill a strong opponent like a Klingon depending on how much power you put into it."
The Vulcan said to them "Observe." Naruto blurred in front of the dummy and hit it in the center torso with an open palm. The dummy exploded on impact and its head rolled over in front of the slack jawed Shizuka and Keiichi.
The blonde was standing back where he started. "As you can see Kareel-ifla is very deadly."
"You just killed Eddie!" said Shizuka as she cradled the dummy's smashed and deformed head. To her incredulity the torso looked worse.
"Eddie?" asked Naruto in disbelief.
Keiichi shed a tear. "Eddie… we had some great times together."
Naruto stared in doubt. "Are they weeping?"
Seiko shook her head. "I'm afraid Eddie had a great deal of sentimental value for them."
"…It seems that I will have to buy you a new… Eddie, then." said Naruto
"You'd do that?" asked Shizuka wiping her tears.
"Yes, of course." said Naruto.
Soon the father and daughter were looking through digital a catalogue of training dummies. Seiko sighed. "Two dummies looking for a dummy. It's pathetic."
Naruto couldn't help but wonder but bought Eddie Junior for them without batting an eyelash at the cost…
…
Stardate 2278.344, Planet Mars Orbit, Utopia Planitia Shipyards, Fleet Repair Dock 7, NX-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Personal Log of Captain Naruto M'Fau; Stardate 2278.345. Today the U.S.S. Wolverine has officially been completed to production standards and is designated NCC-1602. It evokes a great deal of personal satisfaction in me knowing the fast cruiser design is a success. Her sisterships U.S.S. Stingray and U.S.S. Eagle have already joined the fleet and another slated to be completed as U.S.S. Gryphon is under construction.
Lieutenant Shizuka Nadeshiko has been placed back in the position of Security Chief and I am pleasantly surprised to find out that our former First Officer on U.S.S. Gettysburg, Commander Mabui Kumo will be joining us as the new First Officer of the Wolverine. As it turns out she has been on diplomatic duty over the past three years as a liaison officer on Planet Atra which is in the process of joining the United Federation of Planets…
Naruto looked into the mirror at his new crimson uniform which had been introduced during the Wolverine's absence. The crew was adjusting to the new uniforms now and were still getting used to them. Lots of newer equipment had been developed as well over the last four years. The entire crew was taking classes to bring them up to date on the latest technological advancements.
The blonde hybrid had also been brought up to date on Starfleet's shipbuilding program. The new light cruiser NCC-1500 U.S.S. Kearsarge of his design had been completed last year and the class was already going into mass production with four ships completed and an additional six under construction.
On the political front of the United Federation of Planets, Vice Chairman Baranov had just been voted in as the new Chairman of the High Council. Naruto wasn't sure exactly how that had happened, but he was sure that Section 31 was behind it somehow. As the blonde had predicted, Chairman Baranov started pumping much needed funds into the military from the day he took office.
…
Staff Room
Naruto was standing at the head of the staff meeting table explaining the general situation to his officers. "…And our first duty will be to retrieve our new First Officer, Commander Mabui Kumo who most of us already know well. We will then be on a six-month tour of duty to work the new officers and crew of the Wolverine into a well-oiled machine. During these first six months I must remind you that we will be under the closest of scrutiny by Starfleet Command, so I expect each member of this crew to be at peak performance. Questions?"
Rafi asked seriously, "How were we lucky enough to get Commander Kumo back?"
Naruto answered, "I was told by the Admiralty that Commander Kumo was the only officer they deemed fit for the job. To be frank I'm surprised they didn't promote her to command the Wolverine in my place. At any rate I was not given any choice in the matter."
"What about the General War?" asked Shizuka. "The Lyrans and the Kzintis are already fighting and the future events we recorded are being confirmed daily. What is the Admiralty doing about it?"
Naruto looked at his most volatile mate and said, "Things are already changing Shizuka. The Federation's starship construction program has been vastly expanded. We have three years to prepare. We will do everything we can to prevent that future from happening. In the meantime, we must be patient and carry out our duties as ordered."
"Perhaps we will be fortunate enough to avoid the war entirely." said Ino.
Samui said, "We can hope for the best but must be prepared for the worst."
After discussing the war situation for a bit; the staff set about preparing for their departure at 06:00 the following morning…
…
Bridge
The next morning the U.S.S. Wolverine was free floating and left FRD-7 without any issues. Though it was considered an official shakedown cruise; most of the ship's teething troubles had already been worked out so there was little drama to be had. Naruto said, "Lieutenant Schrodinger, lay in a course for the Epimetheus Star Cluster. We are heading to Planet Atra."
Samui smiled and she replied, "Course laid in sir."
"Ahead warp factor four Lieutenant Rafi." said the blonde hybrid.
"Ahead warp factor four Captain." replied the trill.
To the onlookers at FRD-7; the fast cruiser disappeared in a flash of light…
…
Stardate 2278.358, Epimetheus III System, Planet Atra
Two weeks later there was a big farewell party being held in the Atraen capitol for Commander Mabui Kumo. "~We are sorry to see you go my friend.~" sang the Atraen Ambassador Shanis to Mabui. "~Your presence will be greatly missed.~"
Mabui smiled and said, "The last three years have been wonderful here on Atra but I'm afraid that the stars are calling me back to space once again. Thank you for your warm hospitality during my time here Ambassador Shanis."
The next morning Mabui was in her crimson Starfleet duty uniform when her communicator beeped. Mabui heard the purring voice of M'rella over the communicator. "This is U.S.S. Wolverine to Commander Mabui Kumo, come in Kumo."
Mabui smiled softly hearing the Caitain's purring tones and said, "Commander Kumo here Wolverine. I am ready to beam up with my luggage."
"Stand by for transport Commander." replied M'rella
Mabui felt the warm sensation of a transporter beam and found herself on the main transporter pad of the U.S.S. Wolverine. There she was greeted by Lieutenant Shizuka Nadeshiko who said with a salute, "Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine Commander Kumo. It is good to see you once again."
Mabui smiled at Nadeshiko's strict military greeting and said, "It's good to be aboard Lieutenant Nadeshiko."
"The Captain is currently speaking Starfleet Command. He couldn't be here to greet you personally." said Shizuka. "Please follow me to the bridge. We will have your belongings transferred to your quarters in the meantime."
The two women entered the turbolift and Mabui asked, "Did the kids grow up?"
Shizuka smiled and said, "They had to. It was a matter of survival. On the other hand, the rest of the crew is new so there are plenty of people that need to have the whip cracked on them."
When they came on the bridge Mabui had her usual professional demeanor but was actually very happy to see the members of the Think Tank hard at work at their stations. Naruto pivoted around in his command chair and said with a Vulcan salute, "Peace and long life Commander Kumo. Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine."
Mabui regarded Naruto for a few seconds and noted he carried an aura of authority that befitted his rank. She gave a military salute and said, "It's good to be aboard Captain Naruto."
The mocha skinned First Officer familiarized herself with the ship and crew over the next few days and was very impressed with the Think Tank and how much they'd matured both as officers and as individuals. It was clear to her that they were still a bunch of wild-eyed eccentrics, but they were no longer wet behind the ears.
After her first week of observing the crew hard at work Mabui reported to Naruto in his ready room and said, "Captain, you run a very tight ship. Both the Wolverine and her crew are splendid."
Naruto set down his tablet and stylus before saying, "I am glad that you have a favorable impression of the Wolverine. I trust you have a list of things that need to be improved. I'll expect a full report of your findings and how they need to be rectified by 06:00 tomorrow."
Mabui was a bit taken aback. 'Is he expecting me to find that many problems? Captain Asuma Sarutobi was a lot more fast and loose with his style of command.' "Permission to speak freely sir?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow in curiosity and said, "Granted, Commander."
"I honestly don't see any major problems aboard the Wolverine that need to be dealt with." said Mabui. "You have a very efficient command structure set up. Certainly there a minor issues that need to be polished out but from my experience they are the sorts of things that will work themselves out. Morale is excellent and the crew is becoming acclimated to the ship quite nicely."
If Naruto was surprised, he hid it well. The blonde Vulcan said, "Very well Commander Kumo, if any problems do occur then please bring them to my attention. You are dismissed if there is nothing else."
"Aye sir." said the Commander.
…
Commander Kumo's Quarters
Mabui invited Shizuka over to her quarters for a drink that evening and said, "If you don't mind Shizuka, can I ask you some off the record questions about the Captain?"
The Earth raised Vulcan asked, "What is it you want to know?"
"Is he always so hard on himself?" asked the First Officer. "I believe he expects me to tear this ship apart."
Shizuka swallowed her drink and said, "Naruto fully expected you to be given command of the Wolverine in his place."
Mabui's dark green eyes widened. "But why? He shows all the signs of being a superlative Captain. He's light years ahead of where Captain Sarutobi was on the Gettysburg at first."
The Security Chief smiled and said, "Naruto cares for every single person on this ship. He doesn't realize how much that shows. He is charismatic and dynamic in a way that I've never seen. The crew strives to do their best because they know he expects it of them as well as himself. I'm probably biased because I love him but that's how I see it."
"I don't think Captain Naruto realizes it but even Fleet Admiral Nogura favors him." said Mabui. "The Admiral told me himself that Naruto is going places."
Shizuka's eyes widened. "I had no idea you know Fleet Admiral Nogura."
Mabui smiled and said, "I served on the old man's staff for three years. I really look up to him. He doesn't praise people lightly so when he does praise someone you can be sure that they've earned it. He said to me, Mabui, that boy is going to go places. I want you to lend him your cool-headed advice when things get too hot. That's how highly the Fleet Admiral regards him."
The Earth raised Vulcan said, "Why do you suppose the Fleet Admiral would like Naruto though?"
"Because Naruto was willing to lay it all on the line, consequences be damned." said Commander Kumo. "When the Wolverine came home after being absent for four years the Admiralty was going to sack all of you and went after Naruto like a pack of rabid dogs. Naruto was fearless and dressed them all down. He told them the way it was and the way it was going to be. The old man took a liking to Naruto after that."
The Security Chief chuckled. "Naruto never told us that. He just said he was very tired and that it had been most unpleasant."
"Maybe you ought to ask the Captain about it some time." suggested Mabui. "I'd personally love to hear his version of the story."
…
Stardate 2278.361, Epimetheus Star Cluster, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Two days later, the Wolverine was doing a routine calibration of her sensors when they picked up a distress call from the Light Survey Cruiser NCC-974 U.S.S. Voyager. M'rella said, "The U.S.S. Voyager is under attack by hostile forces in the Clymene Star System. The signal appears to be being jammed at the source but I can still make out an audio signal."
"The Clymene Star System just outside the Epimetheus Star Cluster." said Alison.
"Give me and ETA at Warp 10.5 Samui." said Naruto.
"44 Minutes Captain." answered the blonde bombshell.
"Lay in an intercept course to U.S.S. Voyager." commanded the Vulcan hybrid.
Samui answered, "Course laid in sir."
Naruto ordered, "Warp 10.5 Rafi. Execute!"
Mabui asked, "Can you signal the Voyager M'rella? Inform them we are on the way."
"I'll try Commander." Said the Caitain beauty. Her tail kinked in frustration. There's too much interference Commander."
"Keep trying." said Mabui.
…
The Wolverine was burning an ion trail a kilometer wide as they shot towards the Clymene System.
"ETA 16 minutes Captain." reported Samui.
Naruto turned to Alison and said, "What do we know about the Clymene System Doctor Fairbanks?"
The redhead looked into her scanner and said, "It's never been explored. It's a red giant star with two gas giant planets both with numerous moons. The red giant star is throwing off masses of radiation which could be part of the reason there is so much interference in contacting the Voyager."
The blonde hybrid turned back to Samui and said, "ETA?"
"8 minutes." replied the augment.
"I have a visual." said Rafi
"On screen." ordered Mabui. "Magnify."
The old light survey cruiser was obviously taking a beating and was on the run from four frigate sized vessels that were firing some sort of plasma beams at the U.S.S. Voyager. Mabui said, "Phasers are charged sir, shields at maximum. Shall we decelerate and begin arming the photon torpedoes?"
"Negative." replied Naruto. "Alison, will our tractor beams work amidst all this radiation?"
"They should Captain Naruto." answered Doctor Fairbanks. "The radiation isn't dense enough to interfere with a tractor beam."
"Excellent." replied Naruto. "Charge the tractor beams and lock onto the Voyager. We're going to pull her away from those creatures."
"Creatures?" asked Mabui.
"Call it a hunch Commander Kumo. I only sense four consciousness out there." said Naruto. "Get Ino Yamanaka to the bridge."
Ino arrived on the bridge about the time the Wolverine was decelerating to match speeds with the plodding Voyager. "Tractor beam locked on the U.S.S. Voyager Captain Naruto." said Samui. The hostiles have stopped firing,"
"I've made contact." said Ino. "They seem fascinated and curious about our tractor beam."
"Ino, tell them we mean them no harm and that we are taking the other ship away." said Naruto.
The Betazoid spent a few minutes communicating with the creatures and said, "They've asked us to please take the noisy one away but since we are quiet, we can stay."
After towing the battered Voyager to safety away from the creatures and the radiation zone, the crew of the Wolverine started assisting the Voyager with much needed repairs.
It didn't take too long for the crews of the two ships to put the puzzle pieces together,..
…
Edge of the Clymene Star System, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Ship's Log, Stardate 2278.361; Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. The U.S.S. Wolverine has made peaceful contact with a race of starship sized space creatures that identify themselves as "sailors" that live primarily within the atmospheres of the massive gas giants of the Clymene Star System and "sail" between them.
By some bizarre twist of fate, the frequency of standard subspace transmissions causes extreme discomfort to them and when the U.S.S. Voyager repeatedly sent out the Universal peace message they thought the Light Survey Cruiser was attacking them and became quite enraged. We were fortunate enough to have our counselor Ino Yamanaka aboard to make contact with the "sailors" and pacify them.
As the U.S.S. Voyager is damaged, we are escorting the Light Survey Cruiser back to Starbase 6 where she can be fully repaired with the promise of sending a "quiet" ship to talk to them. I recommend that Betazoid Counselors be stationed on all exploratory vessels from now on but whether this is logistically possible is a matter of conjecture at this point.
In general, Lieutenant Yamanaka has stated that the "sailors" are a friendly and intelligent race that is as curious about us as we are them…
…
Starbase 6
The U.S.S. Wolverine and the U.S.S. Voyager docked safely at Starbase 6 only ten days later on Stardate 2279.006, just after New Year's. Naruto and the crew of the Wolverine started resupplying as quickly as possible so they could get underway again. Their unexpected detour with the Voyager had earned them a good reputation in the fleet, however.
It took four days to resupply the Wolverine was given orders to go to her new home, Starbase 15 where the Federation Third Fleet was based on the Klingon Border under Admiral Danzo Shimura...
…
POSTSCRIPT:
This chapter flowed fairly well. The U.S.S. Wolverine and her crew are on the Klingon Border for the time being. See you next time, Blue out. 5/7/22
