Naruto: Infinity Divide
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Here is chapter 61. Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
Last time:
"Yes, Captain M'Fau." said the computer. "Would you like for me to play it back for you?"
The blonde ordered, "Commence playback computer."
Scarlet's face appeared on the viewscreen. "Stardate 2279.166, Captain Scarlet Terrill reporting. I have sent an SOS to Starbase 15 in hopes they will send help. This station has been shut down to keep our feral comrades from breaching it and destroying the equipment here. It is my belief that they no longer have the mental facilities to override the computer but I'm taking no chances. I have set our cipher to our own Remus Marine code 105 which can be accessed from this console. If there are any of us left, we can be reached that way. We have dispersed into Alpha, Bravo and Charlie companies in hopes that one of our groups will survive without becoming infected."
"The only further evidence we have is the disease originated around medical station 16 in the south. Terrill out."
"Let's transmit this data to the Wolverine." ordered Naruto. "Shar, get a full uplink gong to the ship." He turned to Shizuka and said, "Contact the ship and inform M'rella to use Remus Marine code 105. I'm going to try to contact Captain Terrill directly from here…"
…
Chapter 61
Stardate 2279.169, Remus IX Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Ship's Log, supplemental. Commander Mabui Kumo reporting. We are in the process of uploading the Shrevport Communications Station's logs in an effort to reconstruct what happened here on Remus IX. So far it seems that the contagion spread rapidly starting approximately two weeks ago at medical station 16. Unfortunately, our scans of that facility show it to be ransacked if not totally destroyed. We suspect the damage is due to the feral Marines but until we can explore it on foot we have no proof…
…
Remus IX, Shrevport Communications Station
Shar finished the adjustments on the uplink and said, "There we are Captain. The direct uplink is complete. It should take a few hours to completely upload as there is a decade's worth of material here. Where do we go from here?"
"We have two choices." said Naruto. "We go after Captain Terrill or go to Medical Station 16."
"Rescuing the remaining Marines should take precedence." stated Shizuka. "If the contagion causes permanent damage, then we need to get everyone out that we can."
Naruto nodded. "A logical argument Shizuka. Captain Terrill's group will be our first priority." He turned to the communications screen and said, "Computer, implement Remus Marine code 105…"
…
U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
Far above, Lieutenant Commander Whitaker was stating her concerns to Commander Kumo. "It seems probable to me that the Romulan Star Empire is behind this given copper-based blood is immune to the contagion. I can't see why we aren't actively hunting cloaked ships!"
Mabui said from the Command Chair, "We are at yellow alert and our shields are up. We have half our sensors scanning the planet and the other half are watching for other ships. Whatever contagion was unleashed on the surface could be a bioweapon of ours. Also, has it occurred to you that we are on the opposite side of the Federation from the Romulans?"
Alison Fairbanks looked up from her console at the word bioweapon. Then she called sickbay. "Fairbanks to Doctor Wilson."
"Wilson here, go ahead Doctor Fairbanks." answered Shelly.
"Theorize with me a moment." said Alison. "What if we were developing a bioweapon against the Klingons? They have iron-based blood. That might explain the anomalies we found in the contagion. We have plenty of data on Klingon physiology thanks to our assisting the Klingon ship I.K.V. Investigator."
Shelly said, "Ayasugi has a minor in xenobiology as well as botany. Put her on it. If your theory pans out, then it could help speed our research."
Amelia looked dumbfounded and said to Mabui, "Aren't they going to ask for permission?"
The mocha skinned Executive Officer asked, "Do you have objections to their research?"
"Ummm, no Ma'am." answered Whitaker lamely.
"Then just go with the flow Commander." replied Mabui. "You'll find life is much easier that way."
…
Remus IX, Shrevport Communications Station
"This is Captain Naruto M'Fau of NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Captain Scarlet Terrill, please respond." said the blonde. "We have come in answer to your distress signal from Starbase 15."
A crackled reply came through seconds later. "This is Captain Scarlet Terrill of Ragnarok Company Alpha. We are requesting immediate extraction. Our group is in danger of becoming infected."
"Stand by Captain Terrill, I'm patching you through to the ship. We are currently at the Shrevport Communications Station."
"Can you beam us there to Shrevport?" asked Terrill.
"Affirmative." replied Naruto. "Stand by for emergency beam out Captain Terrill."
…
It took nearly two hours to beam the 65 members of Ragnarok Alpha Company out and examine each of them with medical tricorders to make sure none were infected. After that they were beamed up to the safety of the Wolverine.
The 62 members of Ragnarok Company Charlie were recovered next but all contact with Bravo Company was lost…
…
U.S.S. Wolverine, Sickbay
"It's a bioweapon that we believe may have been developed on Remus IX to work against Klingons. They seem to have used human DNA for a basis and were in the process of converting it to work on members of the Klingon Empire." explained Doctor Wilson to Captain Terrill. "That would account for the anomalies we found. By its very nature it affects most humanoid species with iron-based blood. We are working on a counteragent to stop the infection from spreading. The Hospital ship NCC-949 U.S.S. Sanctuary is on the way to help but they are four days out. Right now, the Wolverine is the only ship available."
Scarlet said, "I had originally had 200 people in my company. We've lost 73 to this bioweapon… and there were 600 other Marines lost as well."
"You haven't lost anybody yet." replied Shelly. "We're working around the clock to make a counteragent. There is still hope so don't give up so easily."
Ensign Maya Ayasugi confirmed it was an anti-Klingon bioweapon minutes later. "Ayasugi to sickbay, I've cracked the genetic code. While it can affect humans, the bioweapon would be lethal against the Klingon species. The chemical composition of a Klingon's lavender blood would conduct the disease even faster than human blood. We've stumbled upon a ticking bomb."
Doctor Greg Hammond and Shelly Wilson both looked grimly at each other. "Then the planet's ecosphere would be lethal to Klingons wherever the feral Marines have been." said Greg. "There is a likelihood that the contagion is transmitted through sweat from our simulations. That would mean any Klingon in close proximity with an infected Marine would most likely become infected themselves."
It took nine more hours but the medical staff soon had a working counteragent prepared and ready for field testing.
…
Staff Meeting Room
"…The only real problem with our counteragent is it needs to be injected via hypospray." explained Doctor Wilson. "I can't see a feral Marine nicely lying down and allowing someone to give them a shot."
Doctor Hammond added, "We'll also need test subjects so capturing a few of our feral comrades will be necessary."
"Well, there are plenty of feral Marines running around in the jungles down there." said Scarlet Terrill. "Can we be inoculated against the bioweapon?"
"The counteragent should act as an inoculation if it works as planned." said Shelly.
Captain Terrill exclaimed, "Then inoculate my uninjured men and arm us with hyposprays! We know the jungles here better than anyone else."
Commander Kumo stated, "Marine Captain Terrill has a valid point, they do know the territory better than we do."
Naruto said, "Captain Terrill, pick nine of your best commandos to be inoculated. Doctor Wilson, get them each the necessary hyposprays to dispense the counteragent. We need to test this as soon as possible."
…
Transporter Room 1
Captain Naruto was explaining things to Scarlet Terrill and her nine inoculated troops. "We are beaming you down to Medical Station 16. There should be plenty of infected Marines in the vicinity. Once you have injected the counteragent in as many as you can we will begin investigating the station for evidence that the bioweapon was developed there."
Captain Terrill looked frustrated. "I thought the ship's sensors showed it was demolished. It was just an unarmored first aid station."
Commander Kumo replied, "Our sensor techs picked up jamming there much like what one would expect from a cultural exchange expedition. We believe there may be a hidden facility there. If there is it needs to be investigated."
Terrill frowned. "You think that the bioweapon was developed there… Do you think its release was an accident or intentional?"
"We need to find out if there actually is a facility there first Captain Terrill." said Naruto. "Your job is to find out. Once that is done, we can begin our investigation. "
Scarlet turned to her troops. "I don't have to tell you that our feral comrades are extremely dangerous. First, we stun them with phaser rifles, then we hit them with the hyposprays. We each have a hypospray with two vials. Each vial has four injections. That's eight shots apiece so let's make them count."
Seeing everyone nod confidently, Terrill turned to Naruto and saluted. "We are ready Captain."
Naruto nodded and said to Kloene, "Energize."
Captain Terrill and her Commandos shimmered out of existence.
"…And now we wait…" said Commander Kumo.
…
Remus IX, Medical Station 16
Scarlet and her squad materialized on a hill overlooking what was left of Medical Station 16. It was nighttime. Seeing several of their feral comrades sleeping or lazing about she quickly designated targets through hand signals. [Move out.] she signed.
One by one Terrill's group stunned their targets and quickly injected them with the counteragent. They were moving rapidly with extreme stealth as they picked off their feral comrades. Once they swept the area, Scarlet hand signed [63 down, no casualties.]
Then Scarlet contacted the ship. "Terrill to Wolverine, come in Wolverine."
M'rella's purring voice came through. "We read you loud and clear Captain Terrill. What is your status?"
"I have 63 targets stunned and inoculated. We have no casualties." said the Marine Captain. "There appear to be no other targets in the area. We are going to need reloads for our hyposprays."
"Understood Captain Terrill." replied M'rella. "Please have your combat medic relay tricorder readings of a recently downed Marine to the ship."
"Already on it." said Scarlet. "The data should be coming through any second."
"Confirmed Captain." replied the Caitain. "Stand by for further instructions."
…
U.S.S. Wolverine, Captain's Ready Room
Naruto and Commander Kumo were monitoring the communications. "It seems that Captain Terrill is quite efficient." said Naruto. "We could use her and two squads of commandos aboard the Wolverine."
Mabui smirked. "Making plans for our Marines Captain? What would Lieutenant Nadeshiko say?"
The blonde leaned back in his chair. "It was Shizuka's idea to begin with though I'm inclined to agree with it. Commandos would be an excellent addition to our Security squads, particularly regarding boarding party combat. Our Marines are excellent but not of Captain Terrill's caliber."
…
Sickbay
The medical staff was watching tensely as the data poured in on the effects of the counteragent they'd created. Shelly Wilson said, "We estimated the counteragent should take nineteen hours to neutralize the bioweapon contagion. Our case study Corporal Chelsea Pict looks like she will be cleared in seventeen hours. After that we can examine her for other damage."
Greg Hammond sighed in relief. "That's step one. Step two is formulating more of the counteragent. We only have so much we can make before we run out of supplies."
"Let's get the rest of our crew and the Marines aboard inoculated." said Doctor Wilson. "That is our first priority." She activated the wall communications panel. "Sickbay to Captain Naruto."
"I read you Doctor Wilson." replied the Captain. "What is your analysis?"
"The counteragent is working but will take seventeen hours to eliminate the infection completely." said Shelly. "I'm ordering everyone aboard the Wolverine to be inoculated whether they are red blooded or not."
Naruto said, "I understand Doctor. Make it so."
…
Remus IX, Medical Station 16
Scarlet saw the next group of ten inoculated Marines beam down with additional vials of counteragent in hand. She asked, "What is the situation?"
One of her Lieutenants said, "Our orders are to monitor the infected so you can begin a search of the area for hidden passages and jamming devices."
Terrill pondered and then called the ship, "Terrill to Wolverine."
"We read you Captain Terrill." came Naruto's voice. "Is there a problem?"
"I understood my orders were to get the afflicted injected with the counteragent first and search for the possible hidden base second." answered Scarlet.
The blonde Vulcan replied, "We can only make a finite amount of the counteragent Terrill. We cannot make enough for all the infected Marines without further supplies. Searching the area for the base is the most logical step at this juncture."
The Marine Captain sighed to herself. "I understand sir. We will commence our search immediately."
Scarlet's combat medic said, "Corporal Pict is waking up! Stand by to stun her again if necessary!
Corporal Chelsea Pict woke up feeling very lightheaded. She saw Captain Terrill looming over her with a phaser rifle pointed at her. "Ugh…what hit me?"
Scarlet commanded, "Name. Rank. Serial number!"
"Chelsea Denise Pict, Corporal!" said Pict. Then she rattled off her serial number.
Captain Terrill nodded and lowered her phaser rifle. "What's the last thing you remember Pict?"
"I-I was in Medical Station 16 looking over Private Davis…." Chelsea shook her head trying to clear it. "He had some kind of fever and was delirious and violent. The medics had him restrained. Then I started feeling dizzy and fell over. I must have blacked out."
"You don't remember anything after that?" asked Scarlet in a concerned tone.
"No Captain, the next thing I knew you had a phaser rifle pointed at me." answered Pict in a harried voice. "What happened?"
"You were hit with a bioweapon." explained Terrill. "This Private Davis you described must have been a carrier of it."
Chelsea's eyes widened. "What happened then?! The whole station could have been exposed. We were all around Davis!"
"Calm yourself Corporal." said Scarlet. "A counteragent has been developed and you've been injected with it. You'll be under watch to make sure it is one hundred percent effective. In the meantime, try to relax. You and all those infected lapsed into a feral state so god only knows what happened during your blackout. Do you remember the Stardate that Davis was brought in sick?"
"It was Stardate 2279.152 when they brought Davis in." answered Pict.
Captain Terrill nodded. "That was over two weeks ago. You must have been among the earliest infected."
Slowly but surely the downed Marines started waking up and soon the Medical Staff of the U.S.S. Wolverine had a new problem. Many of the formerly infected Marines were physically injured while in their feral states.
…
U.S.S. Wolverine, Sickbay
Ship's Medical Log, Stardate 2279.171; Doctor Shelly Wilson reporting. We have run out of the materials necessary to synthesize the counteragent to combat the Remus IX bioweapon that we encountered. The Hospital Ship U.S.S. Sanctuary is still two days out. We are currently taking care of the many injured Marines aboard until the Sanctuary arrives. So far, we have rescued 353 Marines of the 800 known to have been stationed on Remus IX.
Those afflicted by the bioweapon seem to have suffered no permanent damage although many were injured fighting each other in their feral states. Few of their injuries have been life threatening but twenty-one have been found dead due to wounds that proper First Aid could have dealt with. It is a tragedy that they died that way…
…
Starbase 15, Admiral Danzo Shimura's Office
Admiral Shimura was dumbfounded. He had read the reports coming in from the U.S.S. Wolverine and now was talking to Captain Naruto M'Fau directly on screen. "Captain, I've never heard of any bioweapon facilities under the Federation Navy or Marines in this sector. The Hospital Ship Sanctuary is moving at her best speed. What else do you want?!"
"I need to know where the central command is on Remus IX." stated Naruto. "None of the Marines we have rescued know of one existing. If we contact the Commander in charge of the Remus System, then it might be possible to unravel this mystery."
Danzo was sweating, "You know damn well I can't just hand out that kind of classified information over subspace."
Naruto's eyes crackled with chakra. "Then we need a Galactic Survey Cruiser or Scout out here to scan this world with special sensors Admiral. The Wolverine has located signal jammers all over Remus IX to hide the facilities and scouting on foot with infected Marines scattered everywhere is too dangerous."
"Cease your investigations of Remus IX's Marine facilities until I contact you, Captain." commanded Danzo. "Focus on rescuing the Marines in cooperation with Captain Gambol of the U.S.S. Sanctuary when she arrives. We will resolve the other matters then. Shimura out."
…
Remus IX Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Ship's Counselor Ino Yamanaka was nearly bowled over by the shockwave of anger boiling over from the Captain's Ready Room. "Ohhh boy." she thought aloud. "I'd better head up and see the Captain."
When Ino got to the Bridge she saw a rather harried look in the eyes of Naruto's mates Samui, Alison and Shizuka and wondered how T'Lyra was doing. The Betazoid quickly knocked on the Captain's Ready Room door. "You may enter Counselor." said Naruto.
Ino gulped and entered the Ready Room. She saw Naruto's eyes glowing like twin suns with fury. 'This isn't good.' "You need to calm yourself Captain. Think of your mates."
Naruto's glare faded back to his normal azure pools. "It appears Admiral Shimura doesn't want us to continue our probe into the source of the Remus IX bioweapon. We have been ordered cease our investigation until he contacts us."
The Counselor's eyes widened in shock. "What are we going to do then?"
Naruto sat down across from her and said, "I don't know Ino. Perhaps this is a test of our loyalties."
"Did he give us orders on what we are supposed to do?" she asked.
The blonde Captain replied, "He said to focus on rescuing the Marines by coordinating with the U.S.S. Sanctuary when she arrives."
"Perhaps the Admiral's hands are tied on the matter." suggested Ino.
Naruto pondered for a few moments and said, "Admiral Shimura is a warhawk but it seems unlikely he would engage in such an obvious coverup. It could cost him his career."
That was when M'rella called. "Captain, we have a message coming from Remus System Command. It's on a double encrypted frequency for your ears only."
Naruto shared a silent glance with Ino who quickly got up and excused herself. "Pipe the message through M'rella."
"Aye sir." replied the Caitain.
…
Naruto saw a full Marine Colonel on the screen who quickly identified himself. "This is Colonel Hubert Dowling of the Starfleet Marines. You must be Captain Naruto of the U.S.S. Wolverine."
Naruto nodded. "You are correct Colonel. I am Captain Naruto M'Fau. What can I do for you?"
"I received a message regarding a bioweapon you have been investigating." said the Colonel. "The efforts of the U.S.S. Wolverine and your crew have been truly astounding and I thank you sincerely for developing a counteragent so quickly. You have saved hundreds of Marine lives through your actions."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "You want us to cease our investigations permanently Colonel?"
Dowling shook his head 'no.' "I am solely responsible for the bioweapon being developed and leaked into our Marine forces."
The blonde Vulcan frowned. "You expect me to believe that?"
"It's the best deal you're going to get Captain. It was an accident, but someone must pay the price." replied the Colonel. "I'm giving you the exact coordinates of the bioweapon facility which created the Remus IX strain as well as surrendering myself into your custody."
Naruto wanted to growl. "…And what do you want in return?"
Dowling replied, "In return, you are to agree to leave the Remus System as is once you wipe out the infection in cooperation with the U.S.S. Sanctuary."
"…And if I disagree?" asked the Vulcan.
"Then your career in Starfleet is over Captain." stated Dowling. "You must realize that bioweapons are a necessary evil Captain. That's the way it is. Do you accept the terms for my surrender?"
Naruto was disgusted with the situation but quickly calculated that he had no choice in the matter. The Admiralty wouldn't help him and Colonel Dowling (or whoever he was) would act as a scapegoat. "Very well Colonel, I accept your terms."
Dowling nodded. "Excellent Captain, I knew you were a reasonable man. Here are the coordinates you need…"
…
Stardate 2279.176, Remus System, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Captain's Log, Stardate 2279.176; Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. The situation on Remus IX has been resolved. The U.S.S. Sanctuary took over rescue duties as soon as they entered the system and implemented the counteragent we developed here on the Wolverine.
Colonel Hubert Dowling is residing in the ship's brig pending transfer to Starfleet Command for trial. The bioweapons lab that leaked was turned over to Starfleet Intelligence Division and we were ordered out of the Remus System to return to Starbase 15 for a full resupply.
There has been one positive point. We were fortunate enough to have my request fulfilled to have two squads of commandos under Captain Scarlet Terrill transferred to the Wolverine. She and her two squads seem very pleased to be aboard as in her own words, "Remus IX left a bad taste in her mouth."
…
Stardate 2279.179, Starbase 15 Docking Berth 7, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Admiral Danzo Shimura came aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine to see Naruto without conducting a formal inspection. He located the Captain in his Ready Room after speaking briefly with Lieutenant Commander Whitaker. When the Admiral came in, Naruto saluted and Danzo gave him one of his rare smiles. "At ease Captain Naruto. I'm here on an informal visit."
Naruto raised an eyebrow in his usual way before offering the Admiral a drink of Saurian Brandy. After accepting the drink, the old Admiral said, "I realize that you are disgusted with politics Captain but you did the right thing. What is it you Vulcans say about the needs of many…?"
"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one." quoted Naruto.
"Yes, that's the phrase." said Danzo. "That and I'd have hated to lose you. You are one of my best Captains. Believe it or not, arresting Dowling instead of tearing Remus IX apart really did benefit the needs of the many."
"Time will tell sir." replied the blonde.
Admiral Shimura finished his brandy and said, "We are both busy men Captain so I'll leave you to your work. A word of advice though."
Naruto asked, "Sir?"
"Never leave the Captain's chair." said Danzo. "Once you are promoted it's all politics."
"I'll bear that in mind sir." replied the blonde. Shimura nodded and departed.
'I never imagined Admiral Shimura was capable of a friendly visit. It must have been the brandy.' thought Naruto with a mental shrug.
…
It took two weeks to completely resupply and finish the upgrades that were started before the Remus IX mission. Naruto and his mates got to see Talok perform at Starbase 15 once again much to his enjoyment. Then the order was given by Admiral Shimura to proceed to the Epsilon Ceti B System, more specifically to the 'pleasure planet' Risa for three weeks of well-deserved shore leave.
…
Staff Room
"Alright, finally some time off!" cheered Rafi. "I've heard that Risa is a regular paradise."
Commander Kumo said, "It is, with the seaside beaches and wonderful food and drink you can sit around all day and just enjoy doing nothing."
"Sounds heavenly to me." said Amelia Whitaker. "As overworked as we have been we deserve a vacation."
Doctor Wilson added, "The Medical Staff in particular deserves a break. Perhaps some forced relaxation is in order."
"I wonder if they have any science exhibits or museums there." said Alison.
Shizuka frowned. "Why would you want to go to a museum? This is Planet Risa we're talking about here!"
"Learning is a vacation." replied Doctor Fairbanks in a pontificating tone.
Ino smiled and said, "Everyone has different ideas of what the ideal vacation should be."
…It didn't take long for the entire crew to get excited…
…
Stardate 2279.189, Epsilon Ceti B System, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Naruto was sitting in his command chair when Samui announced that they had just entered the Epsilon Ceti B System. "We'll be entering Planet Risa's orbit in 23 minutes." said the blonde bombshell.
Rafi deftly maneuvered the fast cruiser into orbit of Risa. "We are in geosynchronous orbit over the capital city of Nuvia, Captain." said the trill woman.
"Incoming hail from Nuvia." purred M'rella with a smile. "Shall I put it on overhead?"
"Pipe it through M'rella." said Naruto.
A sultry female voice came through. "The Risian Hedony welcomes you U.S.S. Wolverine, please enjoy your stay in the Epsilon Ceti B system. You may begin disembarking via transporter when you are ready."
Shar said, "That was quite a welcome. I never imagined someone would contact us in such an alluring way."
Naruto raised a perplexed eyebrow and Commander Kumo smiled. "The Risians have recreation down to an art form." said Mabui. "Shall we begin disembarking Captain?"
The blonde Vulcan nodded. "Make it so Commander Kumo. Our shore leave officially starts now."
…
Planet Risa, Capital City of Nuvia
Naruto and his mates beamed down to Nuvia two hours later. Alison was reading her datapad to Naruto, Samui, Shizuka and T'Lyra. "Years of tectonic activity resulted in the planet's surface being fragmented into ten small continents, all about the same size, and all located around the equator. Regarding the climate, Risa has warm temperatures and tropical humidity tempered by mild breezes and light rains. The planet has two very small polar ice caps which gave it a hint of natural coldness. That's what the planetary guide says anyway."
"I'm more interested in the Temtibi Lagoon Resort we're going to be staying at." said Shizuka excitedly.
Samui looked over redhead's shoulder and asked, "What does it say about the Temtibi Lagoon, Alison?"
Alison scanned over her data and said, "According to this, the planet's weather control is configured so it never rains in the lagoon. The water is always warm, and the wind smells sweet. The hills that surround the lagoon contain many hot springs as well."
Naruto was interested in the weather control grid and said, "Risa has one of the most sophisticated weather control systems known. It suppresses the natural rain-soaked climate in favor of a sunny and tropical one."
Shizuka shook her head, "We are here to enjoy the weather my love, not dissect it."
T'Lyra said, "I too am curious about the weather control system. It is a marvel of engineering."
The group of five soon boarded a luxurious transport to the Temtibi Lagoon Resort and a little relaxation…
…
POSTSCRIPT:
I haven't decided on next chapter yet. It will probably contain a time skip. That or we will have a (very) small adventure on Risa. See you next time. Blue out. 11/20/22