Naruto: Infinity Divide
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This chapter starts the new Starbase 15 Arc. Here is chapter 56. Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
…
Last time:
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...
…
Chapter 56
Stardate 2279.018, Starbase 15
The Think Tank and U.S.S. Wolverine arrived at Starbase 15 and were contacted by Admiral Danzo Shimura on an encrypted channel before they could even come close enough to begin docking procedures. Naruto went to his ready room to take the message in private.
Admiral Shimura said, "Welcome to the Klingon Front Captain Naruto. I'm afraid that a dire situation has come up and I want you to take the U.S.S. Wolverine to analyze the situation and deal with it. The Destroyer NCC-507 U.S.S. Kublai*① entered the Alpha Regency System near the Klingon Border to investigate a possible Klingon incursion there and we lost all contact with the Kublai at that point."
The Admiral continued, "Alpha Regency IV is occupied by a Vulcanoid species and is strategically important to the Federation. It has been under local Federation observation for the past five years to watch their society develop. Find out what happened to the U.S.S. Kublai and deal with any Klingon interlopers in the vicinity. Are your instructions clear Captain?"
"I understand perfectly sir." replied Naruto. "The U.S.S. Wolverine will set course for the Alpha Regency System at best speed to resolve the situation."
"Very good Captain Naruto." said Shimura. "I'm counting on you."
…
U.S.S. Wolverine, Staff Room
Within minutes the Wolverine was on course to the Alpha Regency System at warp factor 4 and the staff was having a meeting. Shizuka said, "If there are Klingons there then they are violating the Organian Treaty*② of the neutral zone and we have every right to destroy them."
Samui replied, "At this point we have no proof that the Klingon Empire is even involved in this. It's only speculation from the U.S.S. Kublai's last known log entry."
Commander Kumo said, "Computer, play back the last recorded log entry of NCC-507 U.S.S. Kublai."
"Working." replied the computer.
Ship's Log, Stardate 2279.017; Commander Jason Stanis reporting. The U.S.S. Kublai has entered the Alpha Regency System to the examine the fourth planet in the system. It is a Class M world that has developed its technological level to roughly that of early 21st century Earth. We have reason to believe that Klingons or other unknown forces have contaminated the culture of this world due to two factors:
-We received a subspace distress call for extraction of the cultural observation team.
-The radio waves have shown that the planet Alpha Regency IV has fallen into a state of worldwide panic and xenophobia implying a possible invasion from beyond their world.
Admiral Shimura has instructed us to extract the cultural observation team at all costs and to destroy any foreign interlopers in the system. Whatever we run into, The U.S.S. Kublai is up to the task…
"…At all costs? …Destroy any foreign interlopers?" said Doctor Shelly Wilson. "That covers a huge area. If you play fast and loose with those orders, it could result in further cultural contamination of Alpha Regency IV. We need to proceed with great caution."
Naruto turned to Alison and said, "Doctor Fairbanks, has anything unusual occurred in the last five years according to the cultural research team?"
The redhead replied, "They recently started exploring Alpha Regency V for possible colonization. The Federation has already charted the planet and found it has no sentient life there but plenty of flora and fauna was found and cataloged. It is Class M as well so it's possible that some unknowns settled there. That's pure conjecture though."
M'rella stated, "We've sent out several long-range hails to the U.S.S. Kublai. We've picked up nothing in reply. The Kublai is either unable or unwilling to respond."
"What's our current ETA Lieutenant Rafi?" asked Mabui.
Rafi responded, "We are 28 hours out at our current speed of warp factor 4."
"Admiral Shimura said the system is strategically important to the Federation." pondered Naruto aloud.
"I would presume he meant that if a war broke out on the Klingon Front." said Mabui. "Do you think there is more to it sir?"
"Admiral Shimura was a prime mover behind the Tkon research project when we were stationed on the U.S.S. Gettysburg." said Naruto. "His primary interest was Tkon weapons, however. He has been noted to be overtly militaristic on more than one occasion. We will be cautious. The last thing we want to do is start a conflict."
"So in short Admiral Shimura is a warhawk." said Alison dourly.
…
Stardate 2279.020, Edge of Alpha Regency System, Federation Fast Cruiser U.S.S. Wolverine
Samui stated, "We have entered the Alpha Regency System. At our current speed we will reach Alpha Regency IV in 34 standard minutes."
Naruto said, "Bring us to a full stop outside of Alpha Regency V's orbit Lieutenant Rafi."
The trill replied, "Understood sir."
"Let's begin a wide range sweep of the system. Are there any signs of the destroyer U.S.S. Kublai or any other vessels in the area?" asked Naruto.
"There are no signs of any warp powered ships or of ion trails in the system so far." replied Alison.
The blonde hybrid turned to Shar and M'rella who were at the communications station. The beautiful Catian said, "I'm not picking up any subspace activity at all sir."
Shar said, "There is a massive amount of radio activity coming from Alpha Regency IV. It mainly seems to be centered around the subject of a 'red blood' invasion. At least from what I'm deciphering I'd say the cultural observation team may have been caught. They are enforcing blood tests on their citizens and the planet seems to be in a form of lockdown."
"You are telling me they were using human observers on a Vulcanoid planet?!" asked Rafi in disbelief.
Alison looked up from her scanner station and said, "Four of the six cultural observers were disguised humans, two were Vulcans."
Shar looked up from the auxiliary communications station and said, "Three of the humans were caught and have already been dissected." The bridge crew cringed. "The fourth human was killed in some sort of accident that led to their discovery. There is also talk of alien technology being located and captured."
"This is a total disaster!" said Alison. "Their culture has been contaminated on a worldwide scale. This could change their history for centuries to come."
"The Prime Directive has been breached." said Mabui. "We need to contact the remaining two members of the cultural observation team assuming they are still alive."
Naruto frowned slightly. "We also need to find the U.S.S. Kublai. They should have discovered all of this and informed Starfleet already. M'rella, patch me through to Starfleet Command. This must be reported."
…
Naruto was soon in touch with Admiral Fitzpatrick at Starfleet Command on Earth. "…And that is all we know so far sir." reported the blond Captain. "We are continuing to search for the U.S.S. Kublai at range but have had no luck in our search."
The Admiral looked pensive and said, "Remain on station and monitor the situation on Alpha Regency IV. Starfleet Command will begin a wide area search on the U.S.S. Kublai."
"Understood sir." replied Naruto. "We will comply."
…
Three hours later the communications and sciences teams found the U.S.S. Kublai or at least a broadcast of her on the Alpha Regency radio and television networks. M'rella said in a panicky tone, "We've found the destroyer U.S.S. Kublai. She's been hiding in the central ocean of Alpha Regency IV! They are broadcasting on radio and are totally visible to the natives on that world!"
Mabui gasped and said, "If it was a breach of the Prime Directive before then it's a full-blown disaster now."
"Can we intercept the transmissions from the Kublai M'rella?" asked Naruto calmly.
"They are broadcasting at such high power that it would be impossible to not pick up the transmission." replied the Caitian beauty.
"On screen." said Naruto.
Commander Jason Stanis' enraged face appeared on the screen. "YOU SAVAGES MURDERED FOUR FEDERATION CITIZENS! I WILL MAKE YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE!"
Naruto said, "Hail the Kublai with the following: "This is NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Captain Naruto M'Fau speaking. Commander Jason Stanis, you are breaking the Prime Directive. Cease and desist immediately. You are ordered to leave the atmosphere of Alpha Regency IV immediately."
"Transmitting sir." said M'rella. "We're receiving a transmission from the Kublai."
"Put it on screen." said Mabui.
Stanis looked desperate and said, "Stay out of this Wolverine! This is my battle; Prime Directive be damned! They killed my brother! I'll make them pay for what they did!"
Naruto snapped, "Commander Stanis, you are relieved of duty! Cease and desist. That is a direct order from a superior officer!"
"Not until I make them pay…" said Stanis as he cut them off.
Alison looked up from her sciences screen and said, "Captain, Commander Jason Stanis's older brother Joseph Stanis was among those killed on the cultural observation team…they showed his body as one of those dissected,"
"Shit! Stanis has lost it!" said Shizuka. "Unless the crew of the Kublai revolts we'll have to take the destroyer by force."
"The natives of Alpha Regency are attacking the U.S.S. Kublai to no effect." said Samui. "Even if the natives resort to nuclear weapons the Kublai can shrug them off with their shields."
"Condition red. Shields up," said Naruto. "Energize the tractor beams. We are taking the U.S.S. Kublai by ship-to-ship combat if necessary. Lieutenant Nadeshiko, get the Marines ready for boarding party combat. Stun only. I want as few casualties as possible."
Naruto pivoted his chair to Mabui and said, "Commander Kumo, look up the codes to make Kublai drop her shields and scramble ours. I'm taking no chances if we can help it."
Then the blonde hybrid said, "Rafi, get us above the destroyer Kublai so we can tow her out of the atmosphere of the planet. Schrodinger, stand by on tractor beams."
The U.S.S. Wolverine dropped out of warp directly above the U.S.S. Kublai and Samui engaged the tractor beams. "I have a solid tractor lock." said the blonde bombshell. The ship shook. "They are fighting us." she added.
Tow the Kublai away from Alpha Regency IV." ordered Naruto. The fast cruiser shook as she overpowered the destroyer.
"We're pulling Kublai away from the planet successfully Captain." reported Lieutenant Rafi.
"They are locking phasers on us!" said Shizuka.
"Use the batteries to reinforce the facing shield." commanded Naruto. "Transmit codes to drop their shields."
Four offensive phasers from the Kublai lashed out at the Wolverine and connected with her number one shield at point blank range causing the cruiser to shake violently. "Number one shield barely holding at 12% sir." said Shizuka.
"Their shields are dropping Captain!" reported Doctor Fairbanks.
"They've used up their facing firepower. Drop the facing shield. Boarders away!" ordered Naruto.
"Boarders are away sir." reported Shizuka. "I can't believe it's come to this…"
"Rafi, pivot 20 degrees to starboard so our number six shield is facing the Kublai." said the blond Vulcan. Raise the number one shield."
"Marines are reporting no resistance, Captain." reported M'rella. "The bridge of the U.S.S. Kublai has been taken and Commander Stanis is unconscious and in custody."
"Was anyone else on the bridge?" asked Mabui.
"Lieutenant Shores reports negative on that." replied M'rella. "We're receiving a transmission from the Kublai's auxiliary control."
"Put it on screen." said Commander Kumo.
A tired looking blonde woman appeared on screen. "Lieutenant Commander Amelia Whitaker, First Officer of U.S.S. Kublai reporting to Captain Naruto of the U.S.S. Wolverine. Thank god you got here in time. Commander Stanis locked down the bridge citing mutiny when he found out his brother was dead… We've been trying to get control of the ship back ever since."
"What is your situation, Commander Whitaker? Do you have any wounded?" asked Naruto.
"We have 23 injured including myself due to the automatic defenses." explained Whitaker. "Thankfully none are serious. Now that the mutiny protocols have been shut down the Kublai is back under control and safe."
Commander Kumo asked, "Are there any signs of our cultural observation team?"
Commander Whitaker answered, "We picked up the two survivors of the cultural observation team before the Captain went mad. They are shaken up but alive."
"We are being signaled via radio transmission from the surface, Captain." said M'rella. "They want to know who we are…"
"This is a dire situation." said Mabui. "The Federation Diplomatic Corps won't be able to respond for days. We have no choice but to initiate First Contact and try to minimize the damage done."
Naruto nodded. He spoke to Whitaker and said, "Get the Kublai back in order. I'm going to have your Commander Jason Stanis transferred over to the brig of the Wolverine. Right now, I have to deal with the citizens of Alpha Regency IV."
Amelia Whitaker nodded and said, "Understood Captain Naruto, good luck sir. Kublai out."
Naruto turned to M'rella and said, "What do the natives call their home world?"
"They call it Orig sir." replied the Caitian beauty.
Naruto sighed. "Put me on audio only." Taking a calming breath he said, "Greetings to the citizens of Planet Orig. This is Captain Naruto M'Fau of the starship U.S.S. Wolverine representing the United Federation of Planets. The vessel that violated your territory has been neutralized by our efforts. Our intentions are purely peaceful and we mean you no harm. Please respond."
There was a long pause before they received a response. "This is the Orig Assembly's Prime Minister Sartan. We would like to see your face Captain Naruto." said an elderly voice.
The Wolverine's young Captain asked, "Prime Minister, do you represent your entire planet or just one nation?"
"I am speaker for the Planet Orig's Combined National Assembly that represents the entire world."
Naruto looked over at Alison who was scanning over the data the cultural observation team had gathered over the years. "It's something akin to the old Earth's United Nations. It's a governing body but it is not in total control of its individual members. It is as good a representative body of Planet Orig as we're going to find at this point."
Naruto nodded and said, "Prime Minister Sartan, I would be willing to come down and meet your National Assembly face to face. I can be there in minutes if you wish."
"Do you have anything to do with those red-blooded creatures we found?" asked Sartan.
Naruto stated, "Most humanoids have red iron-based blood in the Federation. I personally have green, copper-based blood, however. Is it a point of contention?"
"We find red blood to be abhorrent." stated Sartan.
"Then we will avoid the issue by only sending green blooded representatives to meet you." said Naruto.
The elderly Prime Minister replied. "That would be… acceptable."
Naruto said, "Excellent, I will see you shortly. M'Fau, out." He turned to his black-haired Vulcan mate and said, "Lieutenant Nadeshiko, you are with me. Commander Kumo, you are in command. Get our marines and Captain Stanis aboard the Wolverine and see if the Kublai needs further assistance."
Mabui replied, "Aye, sir."
…
Ship's Log, Stardate 2279.021, Commander Mabui Kumo reporting. The U.S.S. Wolverine is beginning diplomatic overtures with the Planet Orig in the Alpha Regency System. It has been theorized that Orig is an ancient Vulcan Colony perhaps settled when the Romulans broke away from Planet Vulcan. While they do not follow the precepts of logic; the Origian people do seem to lead a largely peaceful existence as there have been no major wars in the past 200 years.
Unfortunately, the discovery of a cultural observation team and the subsequent rampage by Jason Stanis, Commander of U.S.S. Kublai has made the Origian people very aware that the galaxy is a much larger place than their lone star system. Our hopes now hinge on the abilities of Captain Naruto's skill to negotiate with the Origian Combined National Assembly…
…
Stardate 2279.021, Planet Orig, National Assembly Building, Unity Square
The Origian Prime Minister Sartan was standing at the edge of Unity square where it was presumed the orbiting Federation Starship U.S.S. Wolverine would alight or at least hover…And he was absolutely terrified. Sartan had seen the bodies of the red-blooded aliens and had thrown up in revulsion. Captain Naruto M'Fau claimed to be green blooded but only a blood test would show the truth.
That was when two beings shimmered into existence about ten feet in front of him via transporter beam. Naruto gave them the traditional Vulcan salute and said, "Peace and long life Prime Minister Sartan. I am Captain Naruto M'Fau of the United Federation of Planets and this is my Chief of Security, Lieutenant Shizuka Nadeshiko. We are honored to meet you." They bowed in the traditional Origian way.
Sartan returned the bow and said, "Welcome to Unity Square. This is where our people meet to discuss their differences peacefully."
Shizuka said, "Then we should have no problems Prime Minister. This is a peace mission after all."
Sartan looked at the tall, statuesque Shizuka and thought she was beautiful with her warm smile. Then he looked at Naruto with his spiky blonde hair and whisker marks. He saw the blonde's eyes were filled with power beyond his reckoning. 'So this is an alien…' he thought with a shiver.
The Prime Minister seemed hesitant to get to close to Naruto but etiquette demanded that he treat the Captain as his equal and therefore they had to walk side by side. Swallowing his fear, Sartan said, "Please come join me before the Assembly."
For the next three hours Naruto answered the questions of the assembly in a calm, logical and authoritative manner with Shizuka occasionally clarifying things. They did their best to explain the situation and that the Federation hadn't intended to come into contact with the Origians until they themselves developed faster than light travel.
"Why did the ship you call the Kublai attack us?" asked a member of the assembly.
Naruto stated, "One of the people you captured and dissected on your broadcasts was the brother of the Kublai's Captain and he went mad with grief. He will be facing severe consequences for his actions against our regulations."
Shizuka added, "Our people are more advanced than yours scientifically but that does not make us immune to love and family bonds."
"What does the Federation intend to do now that we have come into contact with you?" asked a representative.
Naruto replied, "Our diplomatic corps will make arrangements so that we can coexist peacefully. If your people wish it, we will leave you alone entirely. It is not our place to judge or oversee the cultural development of citizens of Orig."
"Yet you have changed our history." said an assembly member.
"And for that you have our humblest apologies." replied Naruto.
…
Naruto and Shizuka were invited to a traditional welcoming feast Naruto strictly ate vegetarian dishes as opposed to Shizuka who was eager to try a but of everything. Though the atmosphere was a bit tense by the Origian's standards a pleasant time was had by all attending…
…
Starbase 15
Admiral Danzo Shimura was watching the transmissions from the Alpha Regency System via subspace from the U.S.S. Kublai from his own contact, Lieutenant Commander Amelia Whitaker. She was on a double encrypted channel and said, "Admiral Shimura, Captain Naruto has handled this situation with great aplomb. I believe the people of Orig will agree to join the Federation as a protectorate at the very least."
Danzo smiled and thought, 'Excellent. Captain Naruto has passed my test with flying colors where Commander Stanis failed me utterly.' "Keep me appraised of the situation Commander Whitaker. We have a lot of work to do before we can build a Battlestation in the Alpha Regency System."
…
Planet Orig orbit, U.S.S. Wolverine
Ship's Log, Stardate 2279.025, Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. After four tense days, the U.S.S Wolverine and U.S.S. Kublai have been ordered to return to Starbase 15 now that Federation Diplomats have arrived from Planet Vulcan. It is the hope of our Officers and crew that the Origians remain on friendly terms with the Federation. At this point it is very difficult to say what will happen. Commander Stanis is still in our brig pending transfer to Starbase 15 security. It is difficult not to empathize with his plight but breaking the Prime Directive cannot go unpunished. His career with Starfleet is sadly over…
…
Starbase 15
The next day, both the destroyer Kublai and the fast cruiser Wolverine safely docked at Starbase 15 amidst a flurry of activity centered around the Orig incident as it had become known. Captain Naruto M'Fau was soon in the office of Admiral Danzo Shimura who seemed inordinately pleased with the situation as far as Naruto was concerned.
The Admiral said, "While the entire situation is unfortunate, you handled a delicate situation with great finesse. We at Starbase 15 are glad to have you and the crew of the U.S.S. Wolverine here on station. Very nicely done Captain."
Naruto saluted, "Thank you sir. I will pass your words along to my crew."
Shimura said, "I want to show you a map of the Klingon Front Captain Naruto. As you and your crew discovered the possibility of a war, I believe you will understand the gravity of the situation." The Admiral activated a holographic map that showed the Federation/Klingon Neutral Zone.
Admiral Shimura pointed towards Klingon Battlestations on the opposite side of the Neutral Zone along the Federation Border. "The Klingons claim their bases are purely for defensive purposes but I don't buy it Captain. Tell me where you would place Battlestations to protect our own lines from the Klingon threat."
Naruto pondered to himself, 'Is this some kind of test?' He pointed out four areas and said, "The most logical places I see to place defenses would be in these areas. He discussed his reasoning with Danzo for some time.
Then the old Admiral said, "As you can see, the Alpha Regency System is an ideal place to build a Battlestation to defend our frontiers from the Klingon threat. Do you believe we could convince the Origians to agree to become a Federation Protectorate?"
"It is difficult to say sir." replied Naruto. "A lot of concessions would have to be made at Alpha Regency IV to get them to agree to such a thing. They might be more willing if we were offer to help them develop Alpha Regency V as a place for a base."
Danzo weighed the pros and cons in his head and said, "That's an excellent suggestion Captain Naruto. I will take it up with the diplomatic corps and see what they think. Finesse is the key with more primitive cultures Captain; finesse."
…
Starbase 15 Docking Berth 7, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Stardate 2279.027, Personal Log of Captain Naruto M'Fau. I am of the firm belief that Admiral Shimura has had a direct hand in manipulating the recent events in the Alpha Regency System. There was little we could have done other than to initiate contact with the Origians after the potentially disastrous actions of the U.S.S. Kublai but proving the situation was orchestrated is close to impossible. At this point I will simply have to wait and see…
It was later that week that a request was put in by Lieutenant Commander Amelia Whitaker to transfer over to the U.S.S. Wolverine. Several others had as well. The ship was in a position where they had plenty of Lieutenants but not enough Lieutenant Commanders. As she was recommended by Admiral Shimura, Naruto had little choice but to at least interview Commander Whitaker for the job.
Captain M'Fau and Commander Kumo were discussing Whitaker's record in his ready room. Mabui said, "Lieutenant Commander Amelia Whitaker has an exemplary record and impeccable references. She also served on Admiral Shimura's staff for a time, so she has his recommendation. I fail to see why you are hesitant to welcome her aboard the Wolverine."
Naruto replied, "It would be more logical for her to be promoted to command the U.S.S. Kublai than to make a lateral move to the Wolverine. According to our records she never even applied for that job."
Mabui smiled. "The Kublai will probably get and entire new staff after the Orig incident. That sort of thing is common after a disaster happens. Besides, the Wolverine is gaining a reputation in Starfleet as one of the premier ships in the to be on."
Seeing Naruto's flat look, Commander Kumo said, "Believe it or not, the U.S.S. Wolverine and her crew are becoming rather legendary. Like the he U.S.S. Constellation was and U.S.S. Enterprise is, the U.S.S. Wolverine is gaining a sterling reputation as the ship to be on. Right now, the Wolverine is considered the top post in the 3rd Fleet."
Naruto stared at his First Officer in disbelief for a long time before looking back at Whitaker's records on his tablet. "I still believe she would be better off in command of a destroyer given her record but bring her in."
Commander Kumo smiled to herself and summoned Lieutenant Commander Whitaker into the Captain's ready room for her interview. Amelia came in looking confidant in her dress uniform and answered all of the customary questions a ship commander was supposed to ask quite easily. Mabui was impressed with Commander Whitaker, but Naruto wasn't so sure.
The blonde hybrid said, "Tell me Commander Whitaker, why have you not put in to command a frigate or a destroyer? It seems to me that an officer of your caliber and background would be more suited to command than to be a watch officer on a cruiser."
"In all honesty sir, I couldn't pass up the chance to serve on the finest ship in the 3rd Fleet." said Amalia in an excited tone. "I believe that a tour of duty on the Wolverine would be both an honor and a privilege. Only the best and brightest get to serve aboard her."
Naruto wanted to sigh. 'It seems that my ship is known more here for its popularity than as an efficient design or command. How…pathetic.' He said, "Thank you for coming aboard Commander Whitaker, you will be notified within the next three days if the position is yours or not. You are dismissed."
The blonde hybrid was stuck in interviews and conferences all day, but his mates picked up a few of his errant thoughts through their mental links. Samui heard him bemoaning the Wolverine's supposed popularity and invited Rafi out to the Officer's Lounge on the Starbase to find out…
…
Starbase 15, Officer's Lounge
Samui and Rafi saw Lieutenant Commander Amelia Whitaker there speaking with other officers from the U.S.S. Kublai. "…So I'm hoping to transfer over to the U.S.S. Wolverine." said a tipsy Whitaker. "I got to tour her. I've never seen a ship so clean in my life! They say that only the best of the best gets aboard her so I'm really hoping."
Rafi snorted and sipped her Saurian brandy, 'Best of the best? More like the most insane and eccentric…'
"Here I thought you'd be a shoo-in as a First Officer on a heavy cruiser Commander Whitaker." said a lieutenant. "I hear the U.S.S. Agincourt is looking for an XO."
Another Kublai officer said, "I just came off that bucket of bolts last year, I wouldn't wish Agincourt on my worst enemy. She was in sorry shape with an even sorrier crew."
'Is U.S.S. Agincourt really that horrible...?' wondered Samui and Rafi as one.
"What about one of the new light cruisers like U.S.S. Kearsarge?" asked another. "I heard the shipwright who designed that class was the same one that designed the fast cruiser."
Samui smiled. 'That's my man.'
"The Kearsarge is already overloaded with officers. So is her sistership U.S.S. Alabama. The Starbase 15 Personnel Office commanding officer actually laughed at me when I said I'd like to transfer to a new light cruiser and said everybody wants to get on them. He told me to get in line. With my record I'd never make it aboard the Wolverine either. They say you need a doctoral degree just to be a custodian on that ship."
Rafi's eyes widened. 'Are we that bad…?'
"Well, I hope you make is Amelia." said a fourth Kublai officer. "Make sure to make the appropriate animal sacrifices to the Starfleet transfer gods. Only Starfleet's finest get to serve aboard that ship."
'Starfleet transfer gods…' thought Samui as she nursed her scotch. 'That guy is really wasted…'
…
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Staff Room
Two days later, Captain Naruto M'Fau was taking his lunch in the ship's staff room as he watched a holographic dance performance sent to him from his parents on Vulcan. Commander Kumo entered and saw a gorgeous young Vulcan woman dancing with what appeared to be metal fans and shimmering traditional Vulcan dancing clothes.
The young woman seemed to be like the wind as she weaved, spun and moved at incredible speeds to an equally fast rhythm that Mabui thought she'd heard somewhere before. The Commander found herself utterly mesmerized by the amazing performance and after the dance ended, she said, "That was an amazing dance routine Captain Naruto. I had no idea you were interested in the classical arts. It was very moving… Who is she?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow in amusement and said, "That would be my younger sister Talok M'Fau. The Vulcan dance critics are touting her as a genius of traditional and modern dance. She is known as The V-Shan Dancer. I look forward to seeing her perform in person the next time I visit Vulcan."
Mabui smiled and said, "I can see why. I guess she inherited a different kind of genius than you Captain."
The blonde Vulcan replied, "I thank you on her behalf. While Talok is gifted in mathematics her true calling was always dancing. She gets that from Father's side though she inherited her looks from Mother. It evokes great satisfaction in me seeing her succeeding in her dream to dance professionally."
"Vulcan culture is much richer than I realized." said the Commander. "I had no idea your people could show such passion."
"You simply need to know where to look Commander Kumo." replied the blonde. "I presume by the tablet you are holding that you had something you needed my input on?"
Mabui laid her tablet on the table and said, "A decision needs to be made on who our new senior watch officer will be. You ran six Lieutenant Commanders through the hoops Captain. It's not like you to take so long to make a choice sir."
Naruto looked at her tablet and said, "Lieutenant Commander Whitaker is the most logical choice for the position, but it will but difficult for her to fit in. She will find that most of the officers on this ship are… eccentric as Shizuka likes to say."
Mabui laughed. "Eccentric is an epic understatement Captain; I've never met so many strong willed intellectuals in my entire life. I hope Commander Whitaker took some serious debate classes or she will be eaten alive…"
…
The next day Admiral Danzo Shimura approved the transfer of Commander Whitaker from the U.S.S. Kublai to the U.S.S. Wolverine. Amelia was genuinely thrilled to be assigned to the fast cruiser and it showed. She reported to the bridge after having her belongings stowed in her shiny new quarters and said with a crisp salute as she came off of the turbolift:
"Lieutenant Commander Amelia Whitaker reporting for duty sir!"
Naruto came over and said, "Welcome aboard Commander Whitaker. I hope you find your tour of duty on board the Wolverine to be a productive one…"
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Google NCC-500 Saladin to see this ship's appearance.
*②: Organian Treaty was enforced by the incorporeal beings known as the Organians and stopped the Federation-Klingon War of 2267. (As seen in TOS Episode "Errand of Mercy.")
…And so a new member joins the crew of the U.S.S. Wolverine. Will she survive the challenge? See you next time, Blue out 5/12/22
