Naruto: Infinity Divide
Aggressive Negotiations
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
This time we get to see some of the events on Planet Romulus. Here is Chapter 80, Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
{ } Signifies hand signs
…
Last time:
Starfleet Headquarters
Fleet Captain Naruto was meeting with Ambassador Sarek after the two reviewed the holographic recording of Admiral Cressus together. "It seems that the time has come at last Naruto." said the Ambassador. "I will present this to the Federation Council directly. You may have done more for the peace process than you imagine, son of Sovar."
I only hope the Romulans feel the same. They have been our enemies since before the United Federation of Planets was formed."
"Have faith Fleet Captain." said Sarek. "Today's enemies could be tomorrow's friends."
…
Chapter 80
Stardate 2285.311, Sol System, Planet Earth. San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters
Naruto was walking out of the Diplomatic Corps building when he was flagged down by Admiral Tholas from the War College. The Andorian man trotted up and said excitedly, "Fleet Captain Naruto, our Class of 2285 is gathering for a Graduate's Seminar headed by the Academy Commandant Harold Pye and myself. We'd be honored if you'd join us as part of the question-and-answer panel. The topic is unconventional tactics which you have proven to be masterful at."
'Masterful?' wondered the blonde hybrid. He replied, "Admiral Tholas, forgive me but the Wolverine will be returning to the combat zone in mere days. We have to make preparations to depart again."
That was when Fleet Admiral Heihachiro Nogura came walking up and said, "You may belay those orders Fleet Captain. Ambassador Sarek and the Federation Council wish for you and the Wolverine to be around pending negotiations with the Romulan Star Empire. You may as well enjoy your time and participate in the panel at the Academy. Inform your crew your shore leave is extended."
The Fleet Captain saluted. "I will inform my crew immediately sir." Then he mentally face faulted. 'I was looking for an excuse to get out of the panel.'
Tholas smiled and said, "Wonderful! I trust you'll be at the seminar then Fleet Captain?"
Naruto couldn't think of a logical reason to get out of it and said, "Of course Admiral Tholas."
"I'm sure that the cadets will be thrilled." said Tholas. "Many of them see you as a role model you know. Consider this an opportunity to shape young minds."
'As Alison would say it's more like the blind leading the blind.' thought Naruto dourly. He sighed mentally. "When is the Graduate's Seminar?"
"A week from today at 13:00 hours." said Tholas.
The blonde put the data into his tablet. "Stardate 2285.318 at 13:00 hours, I will be there. If you'll excuse me, I have a previous engagement to see my son."
…
Stardate 2285.311, Eisn System, Planet Romulus. Imperial Palace
Admiral Cressus reported to Ambassador Tantillon after beaming down from the R.I.S. Audax. He was both hopeful and nervous about the peace situation.
Tantillon said hastily, "A lot has happened in the six days you were gone Cressus Aurellia. Emperor Tarus has passed away. He died in the arms of his concubines after a night of extreme overindulgence. He was only 69 years old."
Cressus was honestly shocked. "The Emperor was still in his prime! Was he murdered?"
"The autopsy says he drank himself to death but that doesn't rule out poisoning." said Tantillon. "No one in his inner circle was sad to see him go given all he was interested in was leisure but even so, the Empire is rudderless without him."
"What about Proconsul Rolandus?" asked the Admiral.
Tantillon shook his head. "He fears for his life. Tarus left no legitimate heirs behind, but his oldest illegitimate son Tal claims he has the right to the throne."
"Tal is only fifteen. Rolandus is thirty-four." said Cressus, "The choice is obvious as to who should succeed Emperor Tarus. Besides, Rolandus is a legitimate relative of Tarus."
"The Senate is divided on the subject and a new Praetor was never named by Emperor Tarus since Maxillius retired a month ago." explained Tantillon. "We are looking at the very real possibility of a civil war here!"
"Then we must go to the Proconsul Rolandus and convince him to take the throne." stated Cressus in a determined tone.
Tantillon nodded. "Many of Emperor Tarus's old inner circle would prefer to have a boy Emperor they can control than Rolandus who they could not. We must end this situation quickly before the Romulan Star Empire collapses!"
…
Stardate 2285.311, Sol System, Planet Earth. San Francisco, Siegfried and S'Harien's Apartment
The blonde hybrid arrived at his son's apartment that afternoon just before 17:00 and his eyes widened slightly when saw the sign above the door, SIEGFRIED & S'HARIEN M'FAU. 'This was unexpected.' he thought. Then he smelled his Mother's homecooked recipe of kleetanta with forati sauce and ulan soup cooking. His stomach roared and the Fleet Captain eagerly knocked on the door.
T'Lyra sensed her husband's presence before he knocked. Realizing he was thinking with his stomach she gave a tiny smile. "It seems that Naruto is here." she said a second before he knocked.
S'Harien went over to the door and opened it. "Welcome Father Naruto." she said, "Please come in."
The older hybrid said, "Thank you for inviting me into your home S'Harien. Something smells delicious."
The biker girl gave a tiny smirk. 'Ziggy really gets his expressions from Naruto even though he looks more like Samui.' "Ziggy is cooking dinner for all of us. T'Lyra is assisting him."
"Ah, Siegfried learned to cook from his Grandmother T'Ara and Aunt Talok." said the Fleet Captain. "They are all three excellent cooks. I never excelled in that area."
"That's because you are always too busy imagining new starships." said Alison from over on the couch. "You are running late."
Shizuka quipped, "I imagine they held him against his will at headquarters."
"Ambassador Sarek has taken a liking to him." added M'rella with a smile.
Naruto said in a flat tone. "Ambassador Sarek and his wife Amanda used to babysit me when I was a child. He's known me as long as I can remember."
M'rella, Samui and Shizuka's eyes bugged out. "The Ambassador babysat you?!"
Alison laughed. "You three didn't know that?! I've met Lady Amanda and she said Naruto was a prankster even when he was little. She's a sweetheart."
Samui turned to Naruto, "None of us had any idea you knew Ambassador Sarek or Lady Amanda Grayson."
Naruto raised an eyebrow and replied, "I suppose the topic never came up."
Shizuka, Samui and M'rella collectively face palmed…
That was when Siegfried came out of the kitchen and said, "Father, you are right on time. Dinner is ready."
…
After enjoying a delicious home cooked (Vulcan) meal, Siegfried eagerly showed his Father the apartment. Everything was laid out in a traditional Vulcan home's way except the study which was decorated with diagrams of starships all over it and the garage that looked like a biker's supercharger heaven…Just as M'rella and Shizuka predicted they would be.
Sigfried sat down at his desk in his study and invited Naruto to sit with him. "I have greatly missed you and Mum, Father. I've missed all my other Mums too."
"It must have been lonely for you having to move away from Vulcan all by yourself Siegfried." replied the older hybrid. "I feel I have failed you by not being there for you. I fear this war is going to drag on for years." said Naruto gravely. "Is your isolation here the reason S'Harien moved in with you?"
The platinum blonde shook his head. "Since I turned eighteen last year, I am 'legal' to use a Terran term, and several females have shown interest in me. When I informed S'Harien of this fact she started making plans to move here and did so five weeks ago. Then we moved to our new location which I am most pleased with."
"So S'Harien moved here to mark her territory?" asked Naruto.
Siegfried replied, "Mother T'Lyra agreed with her logic."
'That sounds like something Shizuka would do.' thought Naruto. "Women are complex creatures that we males aren't meant to fully understand."
Siegfried gave a tiny smile. "Grandfather Sovar told me the same thing."
"I learned it from him." admitted the older of the pair.
…
Stardate 2285.313, Eisn System, Planet Romulus. Imperial Palace
Ambassador Tantillon and Admiral Cressus were standing before the Proconsul Rolandus. "Proconsul, you must take action against young Tal. He may well have instigated Tarus's death himself. The boy has a lust for power in the extreme." said Tantillon.
Rolandus looked resigned. "Don't you think I know that?! My Uncle's inner circle convinced my cousin Tal to hire an assassin. Tal even bragged to me about it! He is drunk with the promises of power."
"What does he think about the war with the Federation?" asked Cressus.
"He is convinced we will win even without the Klingons." said Rolandus shaking his head. "A third of our fleet is ancient and not able to hold the front lines, a third is Klingon manufactured and cannot be used for lack of spare parts. The last third is new, but we cannot afford to keep building them. Our economy is in shambles."
"Peace with the Federation is within our grasp Proconsul." said Tantillon. "I sent Admiral Cressus in my place on a peace mission. It was one of Emperor Tarus's last orders to me."
Rolandus gasped. "The old man wanted peace. I never knew." He turned to Cressus. "What Ambassador did you meet Admiral?"
Cressus swallowed hard. 'Here we go.' "I met with someone unexpected…It was Fleet Captain Naruto of Vulcan."
Rolandus was suddenly filled with rage. WHAT?! THAT MURDERER? HE-"
"He has your daughter Mirai in his protective custody." said Admiral Cressus calmly. "He has agreed to return her should we agree to a ceasefire."
Rolandus took a few deep breaths to calm himself. "Tal would never agree to those terms."
"But you would." said Tantillon.
Rolandus nodded.
The Ambassador nodded back. "Then we must make a move against Tal and the inner circle."
…
Stardate 2285.318, Sol System, Planet Earth. San Francisco, Starfleet Academy
Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau arrived at Starfleet Academy wearing his dress uniform with his medals prominently on display. He wasn't overly nervous about answering questions from a group of cadets but somewhere in the back of his mind he just knew there would be more to it.
His wife Shizuka was accompanying him so she could visit some old friends at the Academy, particularly Admiral Pye who she had been bodyguard for. She was also in her dress uniform with medals including her Starfleet Medal of Valor. The Earth raised Vulcan woman was exceptionally proud to be there with her husband and it showed.
Entering the auditorium, a sense of nostalgia came to Naruto as he remembered being a cadet himself. He saw Admiral Harold Pye sitting at the center of the panel. Pye smiled warmly at both Naruto and Shizuka. The elderly Admiral was as spry as ever and quickly got up to shake hands with Naruto and share an informal hug with Shizuka.
The crowd of cadets were too busy talking and being noisy to really notice the Senior Officers exchanging greetings. That was when Naruto's old teacher (Now Lieutenant Commander) Charles Cross stood up and saluted Naruto crisply. "Welcome back to the Academy Fleet Captain!" said Cross. "It's been twelve years and you've grown into a splendid officer. I am proud to have been one of your instructors."
Naruto returned his salute and said, "I thought you'd be a Captain in the fleet by now Mister Cross."
Charles smiled. "My calling is teaching others Fleet Captain. I have to leave saving the galaxy to you and your classmates in the Think Tank. I've been eagerly following your careers believe it or not."
Shizuka smiled and said, "I'm not surprised at all Cross, as I recall you said the Think Tank would probably require two years of remedial training before they would turn out."
Commander Cross blushed red as a boiled lobster and Admiral Pye laughed. "Now Shizuka, don't tease Charlie. He brags on the Think Tank more than you know. Now tell me about that wedding band on your finger. I'm eager to know what lucky man won your affections."
The beautiful raven tressed woman clasped hands with Naruto and said, "We've been married six years now."
Pye slapped his knee and said, "Naruto, you are a truly blessed man!"
The blonde squeezed Shizuka's hand in his and said, "Yes, I am."
Cross stared in disbelief. "I guess congratulations are in order to both of you."
The Academy chimes rang, and Admiral Pye said, "We'll catch up a bit more later." When he stood up at the podium and cleared his throat, the cadets quickly quieted down, and Pye said, "This seminar is for your benefit my students, let's have a warm welcome for our guests. They have taken valuable time out of their busy schedules to be with us today."
"As you all know, today we are discussing unconventional tactics." said Pye. "Starting on my right, allow me to introduce Rear Admiral Tholas from the War College. His years of theoretical study have prepared many people for situations they never dreamed they would be in."
There was a polite applause and Naruto was talking to Shizuka psychically 'Tell me again why I agreed to this Shizuka.'
She grinned mentally and replied, 'You couldn't think of a logical reason to get out of it."
'I should have come up with something.' said Naruto.
'You need to learn to lie better my love.' she quipped mentally.
He replied in a flat tone, 'I am a Vulcan. We do not lie.'
Her mental laughter filled his mind…
Pye had gone down the line while they were telepathically conversing, and Naruto was jarred out of his musings by Commandant Pye's introduction. "…And last, but certainly not least, is Fleet Captain Naruto of Vulcan who many of you have written papers on as part of your studies."
The audience seemed to pause for a moment with wide eyes before they exploded into wild applause. 'You're a star!' exclaimed Shizuka between mental guffaws.
Naruto just mentally face planted…
…
Many questions about tactics were asked particularly to Naruto but there were also general questions asked of all the panel. "What does it take to get others to follow you as a Captain?" asked one cadet.
"Your first duty as the Captain of a starship is to safeguard the lives of your crew. You cannot ask your crew to do something you are not willing to do yourself." said the blond hybrid. "Respect your staff and crewmembers and they will learn to respect you as well."
…Later, another cadet said to Naruto specifically, "I've seen pictures of the kill board of the U.S.S. Wolverine. You must be proud to have such a record."
"All life is precious, even those of your enemies." quoted Naruto. "Unfortunately, we must be merciless in wartime unlike peacetime. All we can do is respect and remember those who gave their lives, both friend and foe alike."
"You just said we can be merciful in peacetime." said yet another cadet. "I read about your battle with the Tholians. It was textbook flawless. Why did you not spare them when you had them at your mercy?"
"The situation with the Tholians was a bit different. They were far inside our territory and making claims within it." explained Naruto. "They were warned if they did not leave that they would be destroyed. The Tholians chose to ignore my ultimatum and fired the first shot. The Wolverine fired the last one as promised."
Another cadet asked, "What about the Klingons and Romulans? They were fools to attack the Federation."
"The Klingons and the Romulans alike are proud races of warriors." stated the hybrid. "Never underestimate their resolve or their intellect. To do so would not only be a fatal mistake, but a foolish one."
One cadet said suspiciously, I heard you have a Klingon you call a friend."
"Yes, I have a Klingon friend of the noble Warrigul Clan." said the Fleet Captain. "I hope that when this war ends, we will meet again and still be friends. It is my hope that he feels the same. A wise soul told me that today's enemies can be tomorrow's friends. At one time, Humans, Vulcans, Andorians and Tellarites had to put aside their differences and that was the nucleus of what became the United Federation of Planets. Perhaps someday the Romulans and Klingons may be our allies as well."
…
Stardate 2285.319, Eisn System, Planet Romulus. Imperial Palace
A civil war had broken out behind the closed doors of the Imperial palace and green blood flowed liberally across the highly polished marble floors. Tarus's old inner circle including several high-ranking Senators, Naval Officers and two Tal Shiar Generals were dead. Tal was proclaimed Emperor and Proconsul Rolandus was now Praetor in order to 'keep all the power within the family.'
It had all been arranged by Admiral Cressus Aurellia, Ambassador Tantillon and of course Proconsul Rolandus who still had access to the vast wealth of the Imperial Vaults.
…
Flashback…
Rolandus was a splendid actor when necessary. He was talking to his younger cousin Tal in private. "You do realize the old men that fooled you into killing your Father, Emperor Tarus could just as easily arrange to have you replaced when the time comes Tal." said Rolandus. "As you grow older and stronger, they'll realize that you're too powerful for them to control and replace you with one of your younger, weaker minded siblings."
Tal's eyes widened. "What should we do then cousin? The old men control the military and the Senate."
Rolandus smiled. "I realize that I am not fit to be Emperor unlike you Tal. I'll make a deal with you since we are family. "I'll use my money to get rid of the old men at the celebration you are having tonight right after they proclaim you the Emperor. Just make sure they are all locked in so none of them can escape the Palace. In exchange, I want you to name me Praetor, Emperor Tal…"
They talked over the details and though Tal was nervous, he agreed to it…
…
Up and coming members of the Tal Shiar had agreed it was time for a change of the guard with the way the war was going and Rolandus had given them the opportunity to strike down the men and women responsible. Rolandus promised them that once he was Praetor, he would bring this bloody conflict to an end…
…
The Romulan ale flowed liberally at the new Emperor's coronation. After many long winded and self-gratifying speeches Tal stood up and all present said, "ALL HAIL EMPEROR TAL!"
Tal smiled and said, "Friends, new and old! Thank you. Let the REAL festivities begin!"
That was the codeword.
The slaughter began and didn't stop until every traitor to Emperor Tarus was dead…
After it was over, Emperor Tal said, "Come forth cousin Rolandus." Seeing his older cousin kneel before him, the boy Emperor said, "I, Emperor Tal name thee Praetor Rolandus!"
Flashback End…
…
Stardate 2285.335, Sol System, Planet Earth. San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters Diplomatic Corps Building
Ambassador Tantillon contacted the Federation Council through Ambassador Sarek via subspace and said, "Our new Emperor and Praetor had to put the Imperial House in order, and it took longer than expected. There were many that opposed peace between our peoples, but our new leaders are much more open minded and would like to officially declare a ceasefire."
"That's wonderful news Ambassador Tantillon." said the Chairman of the Federation Council, Baronov. "Tell us what steps your Emperor wishes to take next. Our goal is a peaceful coexistence between the Romulan Star Empire and the United Federation of Planets."
Tantillon replied, "Our Emperor wishes to extend a formal invitation to Ambassador Sarek to come to Planet Romulus to begin formal peace talks. He also asks that you send Fleet Captain Naruto of Vulcan as he promised to return the new Praetor's daughter Mirai to him."
Baronov looked over at Sarek who said, "It will be my honor to begin peace talks with the Romulan Star Empire. Let us make arrangements as soon as you are ready."
"Excellent!" exclaimed Tantillon. "I look forward to meeting face to face at last here in Ki Baratan in the Hall of State, Ambassador Sarek. It is where both the Romulan Senate meets, and the Praetor's Offices are."
…
Planet Earth Orbit, Spacedock One, Berth Four, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Captain's Ready Room
"You want us to what?!" asked Naruto with wide blue eyes as he stared at the screen.
Sarek replied, "I want you to take me to Romulus in the U.S.S. Wolverine. We will be arriving there in two weeks. I've already made arrangements so that you personally can return the child Mirai to her Father, Praetor Rolandus."
"Ambassador Sarek, surely there is a more neutral place to start the peace process." said the blonde.
"I could not decline a formal invitation to Ki Baratan to meet with the Emperor himself." said Sarek.
"Actually, you could have." replied Naruto in a flat tone.
The Ambassador asked, "Is there a problem?"
The Fleet Captain replied, "Ki Baratan, the capitol city of the Romulan Star Empire is essentially the lion's den. I do not relish in the idea of delivering us there to be eaten alive."
"Our safety as Ambassadors of the Federation have been guaranteed by the Romulan Emperor Tal himself." replied Sarek. "We will be perfectly safe."
"Your faith in others astounds me Sarek." said the hybrid.
Sarek had a determined look in his eyes. "Peace is worth the risk son of Sovar. I trust you will take me?"
Naruto gave the Vulcan salute. "I come to serve."
Sarek nodded and returned his salute. "Your service honors us."
…
Stardate 2285.342, Sol System, Planet Earth Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
"Personal Log of Captain Naruto M'Fau, Stardate 2285.342. Today we set off for Planet Romulus. My entire crew is nervous, but we will not falter. Ambassador Sarek is resolute in his determination to make peace. I find this to be very admirable, but I'll be damned before I let him, or a single member of my crew come to harm. We are going in with our eyes wide open and ready for anything."
"The U.S.S. Wolverine will be travelling at warp factor 10 until we reach the edge of the former Romulan Neutral Zone where we will rendezvous with Ambassador Tantillon aboard the R.I.S. Stellar Flare, a Superhawk*① class command cruiser. Afterwards, it has been agreed to travel at cruising speeds until we reach Planet Romulus with our escort…"
The blonde Fleet Captain was having Vulcan spiced tea with Ambassador Sarek in his quarters. Naruto had brewed the tea himself rather than using the replicators.
Sarek said, "You needn't have gone to such trouble Fleet Captain, replicator tea would suffice."
Naruto shook his head, "Home brewed tea is superior in every way Ambassador. Think nothing of it. You wished to talk…?"
The older Vulcan nodded. "I wished to discuss the predatory air you project Naruto."
"Predatory?" asked Naruto. "I wasn't aware I projected such an image."
Sarek replied, "You project a sea of calm but underneath it all there is a primal aura that you may not be conscious of. I want you to meditate a bit upon this before we land on Romulus. We don't want to give the wrong impression."
"This is about me scaring off your pet sehlat*② isn't it?" asked Naruto.
The Ambassador said, "He was a fully grown sehlat and you were six. Small children should not be able to frighten large predators -even domesticated ones- into running for the hills."
"He turned up later." defended Naruto.
"Yes, after a week of hiding." responded Sarek.
The blonde sighed, "You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"
"Let's just say it left quite an impression upon Amanda and I.," said the older Vulcan. "Try not to do the same thing to the Romulan Emperor".
"I will do my best of course." replied the hybrid.
"That is all I can ask of you." said Sarek in a long suffering tone…
…
That evening Naruto was enjoying dinner with his wives and T'Lyra said dryly, "So why were you and Ambassador Sarek discussing sehlats?"
Naruto's blue eyes locked with her brown ones, and he saw mirth dancing in her eyes. The blonde wanted to run for the hills himself.
"What's a sehlat?" asked Samui between bites.
Alison quickly explained, "Sehlats are large, aggressive mammalian creatures native to Vulcan. Imagine a Terran bear only with large fangs. They are very patient predators that can track their prey for days on end. Domesticated ones are sometimes kept as pets."
"Sounds frightening." said M'rella.
T'Lyra said, "They can be." as she set her glass down.
"So, what does that have to Ambassador Sarek?" asked Shizuka curiously.
The blonde hybrid explained, "Ambassador Sarek and Lady Amanda had a pet sehlat. They were watching over me one day and I scared it off."
The girls exploded into laughter. Samui asked, "How big was it?"
"It was fully grown." said Naruto. "The beast stuck its nose in my food, and it made me cross. I was only six."
T'Lyra had a tiny smile and said, "You probably gave it one of your death glares and frightened the poor animal."
The Fleet Captain knew the battle was lost. "He came back a week later, no harm was done."
That elicited another round of laughter…
…
Stardate 2285.345, Edge of Romulan Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
The crew of the U.S.S. Wolverine was on high alert when the R.I.S. Stellar Flare approach with her cloak off. "We're being hailed be the Stellar Flare." reported M'rella. Her tail was kinked with anxiety.
"On screen." said Naruto.
A Romulan female in a Commander's uniform appeared on screen and said, "I am Commander Dessica of the Romulan Star Empire aboard the Stellar Flare. Hail and well met Federation starship Wolverine. Fleet Captain Naruto of Vulcan, your exploits are known to me. It is our honor to be your escort to Romulus."
Naruto cleared his thoughts and said, "Hail and well met Stellar Flare. Thank you for your warm welcome to Romulan Space, Commander Dessica. It is our honor to join you."
As the two ships formed up and set course for Planet Romulus at warp factor 3, both ships crews were eyeing each other warily. Ambassador Sarek and Ambassador Tantillon were in constant touch over subspace having a dialogue about the peace process and what was to be expected of both parties.
Tantillon said, "The last few weeks have been tumultuous for the Empire, the death of Emperor Tarus hit the citizens hard. Our new Emperor Tal is only fifteen so most of the talking will be handled by our Praetor Rolandus. Please try to address them both Ambassador Sarek."
Sarek nodded. "I understand your Praetor holds a grudge against Fleet Captain Naruto. I hope this does not interfere with the peace process. I could return young Lady Mirai myself if it would make things easier."
"No, having Naruto of Vulcan return Lady Mirai is seen as a symbolic gesture by the people. They see it as a emblem of the transition from war to peace." answered Tantillon.
The two seasoned diplomats spoke for hours about how they wanted to hammer out the peace process…
…
Stardate 2285.349, Eisn System, Planet Romulus Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
"We've entered geosynchronous over the capital city of Ki Baratan, Captain." reported Rafi.
Naruto looked at the viewscreen and saw the visuals of the city magnified. He looked at the round layout of Ki Baratan with the Hall of State located in the center and how the metropolis bordered on the Apnex Sea. "It seems that Romulus is a beautiful world." said the hybrid. "Perhaps we will actually make peace on this mission."
"Ki Baraton Control is contacting us." interjected M'rella. "They say they are ready to receive you and the Ambassador in the Hall of State's Senate Chamber."
Commander Nodaway said, "Good luck Captain, we'll be on standby. Should the worst happen-"
"Should the worst happen, you know what to do Jackie." said Naruto in an iron tone.
"Aye sir." replied the Commander.
…
Naruto, Sarek and Mirai were in the transporter room. The blonde asked, "Are you ready Ambassador?"
Sarek nodded. "There is no time like the present Fleet Captain."
The blonde held little Mirai's hand and said to transporter Chief Heidi Gaul, "Energize."
…
Hall of State, Senate Chamber
The three travelers appeared in the center of the Senate Chamber and immediately noticed the chamber was round and filled with Senators from all the Great Houses dressed in their finery. Above and behind the Senators were galleries where the citizens who could afford it were there to watch.
It reminded Naruto much of the Roman Colosseum he'd seen on Earth. Everyone was staring down at them and little Mirai was frightened. She gripped Naruto's hand tightly while he did his best to calm the child. That was when the Emperor Tal made his appearance and said, "Members of the Senate, my loyal citizens, I bid you welcome!"
Praetor Rolandus came out on the floor with Ambassador Tantillon and said, "I am the Praetor Rolandus of the Romulan Star Empire. Fleet Captain Naruto of Vulcan, as per our agreement, I ask that you return my daughter to me."
Naruto stepped forward with Mirai and said, "May I present your daughter Lady Mirai to you Praetor."
Little Mirai stepped forward and was embraced by a kneeling Rolandus who shed tears as he held his child. "My daughter! You are the very image of your departed Mother! We can be together at last." He looked up at Naruto and said, "I thank you for sparing my daughter's life."
Naruto nodded and said, "Let your daughter's return be the first step towards lasting peace."
Then they heard Emperor Tal's voice say, "I am so touched by this display. Praetor, bring your daughter before me so I may gaze upon her." Rolandus looked confused but did so. "Such a beautiful child." said Tal.
The young Emperor smiled and said to Naruto, "You have returned my cousin's daughter to me and for that I thank you." He motioned towards a tall but very slim swordsman to walk forward. "Fortis, finest swordsman of the Romulan Star Empire, kill him."
Tantillon yelled, "WHAT?! My Emperor, you guaranteed the Ambassador's safety!"
Tal replied, "I guaranteed the Ambassador's safety, not the one who killed Lady Mirai's Mother. I have declared a vendetta against this man. Naruto of Vulcan, you have lived by the sword and now you shall die by it."
Sarek went to protest but Fortis was already a blur in motion. The yelling of the crowd was deafening as Naruto dodged the saber by a hairsbreadth.
…
Planet Romulus Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
"WHAT?!" screamed the bridge crew as they watched the unarmed Naruto dodging for his life on the viewscreen.
They saw the blonde's uniform get sliced across his chest and shallow cuts and bleeding shortly after. Samui thought, 'If that Romulan fought Naruto bare handed, he wouldn't stand a chance!'
M'rella was terrified for her husband and Alison wasn't doing much better. Shizuka said, "Come on Naruto, you can disarm him!"
...
Hall of State, Senate Chamber
Emperor Tal was laughing madly as Fortis and Naruto danced to his tune. Naruto was gauging his opponent's incredible speed with the saber and couldn't help but be impressed despite the fact he was being sliced up a bit. 'This Fortis is truly skilled.' thought the hybrid as he finally managed to match the slim man's speed using a bit of chakra.
Fortis couldn't believe that his opponent was still alive, let alone standing. 'I'm getting tired, I have to finish him!' thought the Romulan swordsman. Fortis paused a split second to renew his assault. That's when the Fleet Captain shattered his nose with a straight punch to the face and sent the Romulan flying.
Naruto saw his opponent skid across the floor and charged chakra into his body at a tremendous level. The Otsutsuki emblem on the back of his right hand began to glow and the Sword of Otsutsuki materialized in his hand. "I am a child of the Endless Flame." roared Naruto. "You had your change against me unarmed, let me see you stand against my blade!"
…
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
Shizuka wanted to cheer. She said confidently, "No one can stand against that blade." as she remembered the two stone guardians that Naruto fought on Ozari-Thul*③ so many years ago.
Naruto's other wives had seen the sword but none of them had seen him use it.
…
Hall of State, Senate Chamber
Fortis got up into a standing position with his sword ready but was nearly paralyzed with fear as he looked into Naruto's eyes glowing like twin maelstroms. The next thing he knew, the blonde hybrid was upon him.
Naruto felt the surge of power rush through his body as sparks flew between the two clashing blades. Fortis was desperately trying to keep up, but the blonde kept striking his blade like a thunderbolt from hell at impossible speeds.
The Romulan sword fighter was entirely on the defensive by now as his defenses were being battered beyond all recognition. Naruto charged wind through the glowing blade and shattered Fortis's sword and beheaded the man in one incredibly brutal stroke.
Tal was no longer laughing. Actually, he was terrified as Naruto pointed hid blade at the boy Emperor and said, "Drop your vendetta against me and my family or come down and face me yourself, Emperor."
Rolandus was awestruck and physically shook Tal before whispering, "Drop the vendetta NOW, your highness!"
The young Emperor said in a shaky voice, "Y-you have passed my test Naruto of Vulcan. I formally drop my vendetta against you and yours. I welcome you to Romulus in the spirit of friendship."
Naruto willed his sword away and exhaled. "Shall we proceed with the peace talks?"
"Of course! Let us begin." said Rolandus. 'A child of the Endless Flame? It can't be…'
Sarek nearly face faulted. 'So much for not projecting a predatory air…'
…
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
"I think I just aged a decade." said M'rella.
Jackie Nodaway sat down in the command chair. She'd been on her feet the whole time. "What did the Captain mean by a child of the Endless Flame?"
Alison was wiping her eyes and said, "The Endless Flame was the symbol of the Tkon Empire. In essence, Naruto was claiming that he is descended of the Tkon."
"Hell yeah!" roared Shizuka. "That's my man!"
Samui smiled. "That will teach that little boy of an Emperor to mess with us."
Rafi exhaled. "I thought I was going to have a heart attack."
"Maybe these peace talks will go a little smoother now." said Shar.
Maya Ayasugi responded, "That's our Captain. Somehow, I tried to forget the Arena on Ozari-Thul."
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Superhawk: This is a Command Cruiser variant of the Firehawk Heavy Cruiser.
*②: Sehlat: They are large "teddy-bear" like beasts that Vulcans sometimes keep as pets. They have 15-centimeter fangs and even domesticated ones can be very aggressive.
*③: Ozari-Thul: See chapter 39.
Pook Sarek. He saw it all coming. This chapter took a lot of fine tuning before it turned out to my liking. See you next time, Blue out. 8/28/23.