Naruto: Infinity Divide

Present and Past

Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Well, I had the holiday weekend off, and a chapter appeared! Here is Chapter 81, Enjoy!

Port = Left

Starboard = Right

[ ] Signifies a foreign language

{ } Signifies hand signs

…

Last time:

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."

…

Chapter 81

Stardate 2285.349, Eisn System, Planet Romulus, Hall of State, Senate Chamber

Ambassador Sarek was speaking with Ambassador Tantillon in quiet tones as the mess was cleaned up from the swordsman Fortis's violent death. Tantillon said, "I assure you Ambassador, the Romulan Star Empire truly wants peace between our peoples. I hope you can forgive our young Emperor's…exuberance. It should not have happened."

Sarek looked at the terrified Emperor Tal and said, "Somehow, I doubt your young Emperor will make another error in judgement during our talks. Let us proceed."

Tantillon let out a low breath he didn't realize he'd been holding and said, "Yes, let the actual peace talks begin now."

The two ambassadors sat down opposite each other with Emperor Tal at the head of the table. Rolandus sat at Tantillon's side and Naruto sat at Sarek's.

The discussion was long and very carefully articulated by the two seasoned Ambassadors so neither side would lose face or commit another faux pas like Emperor Tal had done. Rolandus was pondering what Naruto had said earlier…

'I am a child of the Endless Flame.' thought Rolandus 'Our ancient texts say the War God that crowned our first Emperor thousands of years ago used that very phrase. The War God was supposed to have eyes like suns as well. His symbol was the bird of prey that adorns our warships to this day. What are you Naruto of Vulcan?'

Tal hadn't ever heard the legends but was fearful for his life. He was looking at Naruto who was focused on the two Ambassadors talking. 'I'd rather be anywhere but here. The Fleet Captain formed a sword from nothing!' he thought in terror.

Naruto was concerned that killing Fortis in self-defense would ruin everything, but the talks were proceeding smoothly as far as he could tell. He glanced at the back of his hand where the Otsutsuki emblem was. 'It's a good thing my family crest doubles as a fuinjutsu storage seal. If I hadn't brought my sword to protect Sarek I could have been badly injured or worse.' His eyes trailed down to his cut up uniform covered in bloodstains. 'At least I've healed already.' thought the blonde.

Sarek was concerned for Naruto's injuries, but the Fleet Captain had assured him that it was minor and that he would stay by Sarek's side until the initial talks adjourned.

After both sides outlined some basic tenets of what they hoped to get out of the peace process, Naruto and Sarek were escorted to some luxurious guest quarters where they could talk in private and relax. A Romulan Doctor was sent to clean and dress Naruto's wounds only to find out they had already healed. The blonde's only comment on the matter was a noncommittal, "Shame about the uniform."

Sarek looked wearily at Naruto and said, "It has been a taxing day for both of us. I never thought you would be attacked."

"I didn't either." replied Naruto. "I am thankful that you were not attacked as well. Though his excuse was not a good one, at least Emperor Tal relented."

"The boy was terrified of you, son of Sovar." said Sarek. "On the positive side, I doubt he will act so brazenly again…"

…

I the meantime, Tantillon was talking to Tal. "My Emperor, I beg of you, do not interfere with the peace process again. It is delicate. What you did could have resulted in the ceasefire collapsing and the war being prolonged. It also cost Master Swordsman Fortis his life. Was he not your loyal retainer?"

Tal looked crestfallen at the Ambassador and said, "It will not happen again. I regret my actions…I must ask though, what is Naruto of Vulcan?"

"I wish I knew my Emperor." replied Tantillon. "Praetor Rolandus is consulting the scholars about the matter."

"Why the scholars?" asked Tal.

"The Fleet Captain stated he was a child of the Endless Flame." stated the Ambassador. "Our War God was said to have uttered those very words in ancient times."

Young Emperor Tal looked very pale…

…

Praetor Rolandus was sitting as he held his little daughter Mirai and spoke to the emperor's elderly head scholar Vetel about the old texts. The scholar said, "The scriptures state that the War God said, I am a child of the Endless Flame and that he could do things much like Naruto of Vulcan. I can only surmise that they have a common origin. There is no possible way that a Vulcan from the United Federation of Planets could have known of our ancient writings. I believe that we should consult the priesthood personally."

"Then you believe that we may have affronted a being of divinity?!" asked Rolandus fearfully.

Vetel replied, "I never said that. That is a matter for the priests and priestesses to decide. Naruto of Vulcan doesn't carry himself as a divine being. Why would he claim to be a Vulcan and serve in their Starfleet if he was?" Then he added, "On the other hand, he would have seemed like a divine being to our ancestors when they wrote the texts in ancient times. It is difficult to say without further study. Either way, we should tread carefully where he is concerned."

The Praetor nodded. "Consult with the priesthood then, Vetel. I know more than a few Senators are seriously concerned about this matter…"

…

Planet Romulus Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge

Shizuka grouched, "It is just like him to act like nothing happened and order a fresh uniform to be beamed down to him. He's got to know we were watching."

"The main thing is Naruto is safe." replied Alison. "I was terrified for him."

As the banter went back and forth across the bridge, M'rella's eyes widened at the communications console. "I'm picking up transmissions regarding Naruto being some sort of divine being…"

Commander Nodaway pivoted in the command chair to face their resident Caitian beauty. "Could you repeat that Lieutenant M'rella?" Jackie asked in total confusion.

M'rella's tail kinked, and she said, "I'm piping the broadcast through to the main screen."

A Romulan newscaster was talking onscreen. "The one known as Naruto of Vulcan accompanying Ambassador Sarek was revealed to be a child of the Endless Flame just as our War God was as written in the ancient texts. He also has shown similar abilities to our most sacred of deities."

A scene from Naruto and Fortis's duel was shown as Naruto's sword appeared from nowhere and his eyes lit up like stars. "The War God was said to have eyes like twin suns and that he could create weapons from thin air. Is this a test for our new Emperor Tal as the War God tested our first Emperor? The public is reeling at the possibilities and the Priesthood is consulting the old texts for answers…"

Alison face faulted. "The Romulans had a run in with the Tkon in ancient times and considered them gods. This could be bad…really bad."

Samui asked, "How do we run damage control on this? The Romulans are just as advanced as we are. We can't just force them to change their religious views. Hell, we don't know what their religious views even are. They could have hundreds or even thousands of sects just like the Federation."

Jackie stated, "We don't run damage control other than to inform Fleet Captain Naruto of the situation. The last thing we need to do is get in a religious war with the Romulans. We're already in a political one."

…

Planet Romulus, Ki Baratan, Hall of State, Guest Quarters

Naruto and Sarek were listening carefully as Commander Nodaway relayed the information they'd intercepted on the Wolverine from the Romulan broadcasts.

"…And that's what we know so far Captain Naruto." reported Jackie over the communicator. "This could potentially blow up in our faces if we aren't careful."

The Fleet Captain replied, "Keep monitoring the situation, Commander. Ambassador Sarek and I will confer about the matter and keep you informed as things unfold on our end."

"Understood sir." replied Nodaway. "Wolverine out."

"M'Fau out." said Naruto. He turned to Sarek and asked, "Your thoughts on the matter Ambassador?"

"We will simply have to see what the Romulans do and act accordingly." stated Sarek. "Clearly this is a matter that must be handled behind closed doors. We can't have the Romulan public being misled into thinking you are some kind of god."

The blonde nodded. "I believe that stating the simple truth to Ambassador Tantillon and Praetor Rolandus would be the most logical thing to do."

"I agree." said Sarek.

…

Tantillon's Offices

Ambassador Tantillon was soon talking to Naruto and Sarek about the situation. "…So you believe that a descendant of this Tkon Empire came into contact with our people in ancient times?" he asked. "That would explain the situation clearly."

"It is only a theory, but it is very plausible." said Naruto. "The space that the Romulan Star Empire occupies was never part of Tkon Imperial Space but that does not mean that some of them could not have travelled to planet Romulus long ago. I do not wish to mislead the Romulan people."

"And for that I thank you." replied Tantillon. "I believe it is in our best interest to discuss this with Praetor Rolandus as quickly as possible."

…

Rolandus's Personal Quarters

The Praetor and head scholar Vetel were listening to Naruto's explanation of the Tkon Empire and their fantastic technology. "As you can see, their technology was far beyond ours." said Naruto. "It would have been easy for one of them to pass off as a divine being to your people early in their development."

Vetel looked fascinated and said, "You mentioned these information crystals. Could you describe them?"

The blonde nodded and described the chevron shaped Tkon information crystals and gave their dimensions. "I have seen them in ruby, emerald and dark blue most commonly. They come in a variety of colors though. You seem to have more than a passing interest in them scholar."

"That is because we have one of the crystals." said Vetel. "It has long been considered a holy artifact, but theories have flown far and wide as to what its purpose was. I never dreamed it was an information crystal. Is there any way you could access this crystal's data? It could be of great value to the Romulan people."

"Provided the crystal is intact and I could physically touch it I don't see why it could not be accessed." Stated the blonde. "I would need a tricorder to translate it and my chief science officer Doctor Alison Fairbanks' assistance in the matter as she has studied the Tkon extensively."

Vetel's eyes brightened with a thirst for knowledge. "I will talk to the High Priest Vrex about this matter immediately. By your leave."

Rolandus dismissed the head scholar and said, "This would be a great gift to the people if you could translate the crystal for us. I believe it might help in the peace process as it could put this matter of your divinity to rest."

…

Planet Romulus Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge

Alison was talking to Naruto on the main screen via subspace and she said, "Of course I'd be delighted to examine Tkon artifacts Captain Naruto, need you ask?"

Naruto's blue eyes sparked slightly with humor at her enthusiasm. "I knew you would." He motioned to his left and said, "This is head scholar Vetel of Romulus. He will be our guide to the artifacts while the Ambassadors discuss the matters of state and proceed with the peace talks."

Vetel nodded to Alison and said, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Doctor Fairbanks. I for one cannot wait to see if you can help us shed light on some of our most holy of artifacts."

…

Planet Romulus, Ki Baratan, Imperial Palace, Temple Annex

The Temple Annex was among the oldest constructs on all of Romulus and was considered one of the holiest places in all the Romulan Star Empire. The High Priest Vrex was disgruntled at the idea of having a foreigner touch any holy artifacts but Emperor Tal himself had commanded it. Praetor Rolandus was present with the High Priest to witness something he hoped would be momentous.

Vrex said, "If this really is an information crystal as you say then it may contain texts holy to the Romulan people."

Alison smiled. "The Tkon were very analytical race. It is difficult to say what information is contained within."

The Otsutuski emblem shined briefly on the back of Naruto's hand as he touched the crimson Tkon crystal. Vrex looked awed and said, "That Emblem on your hand, what is its significance?"

The blonde answered, "It is my Tkon family crest that represents the Otsutuski Clan. I suspect it is glowing because one of my clansmen wrote the text to begin with."

"Otsutsuki…so that is the ancient name." said Vrex reverently.

"You know the name?" asked Alison. "It was the dynastic name of the Tkon Empress that Fleet Captain Naruto is descended of."

"It was said that the true name of our War God was Okusuki which I have no doubt is a corruption of the name Otsutsuki that you have uttered." said Vrex in awe. "My reservations were misplaced. Please proceed Fleet Captain Naruto."

Naruto gently charged the crystal and a massive projection of the Otsutsuki crest appeared above writings in the Tkon language. Vrex, Vetal and all others in the room gasped in awe as they saw the writings of their War God for the first time.

Alison looked on her tricorder and said excitedly, "The History of the Romulan Peoples as recorded by Otsutsuki the Younger, starting with the Great Civil War and the overthrow of Queen Rehu."

Vetel was awed. "Quuen Rehu was said to be a terrible despot that our First Emperor overthrew in order to start the first Imperial Dynasty in ancient times. She has long been considered a legendary figure, but it appears that she was a real, actual person. Praetor Rolandus, this is priceless information we are looking at!"

Alison ran the data through her tricorder and transferred it to Vetel's counterpart device so he could read the texts in Romulan and share it with the Priests and Rolandus. The elderly scholar was thrilled to say the least as it shed a huge amount of light on the earliest recorded Romulan history.

…

Planet Romulus Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Science Labs

Maya Ayasugi was scanning the data from Alison's tricorder as the data poured in. "It seems that Otsutsuki the Younger was a scholar studying the Romulan's early cultural development when he was accidentally discovered by the forces of this Queen Rehu and was forced to defend himself…This is going to be fascinating reading!"

…

Planet Romulus, Hall of State, Senate Chamber

While Ambassadors Sarek and Tantillon were writing an initial draft of a treaty of peace and (hopefully) an alliance, Praetor Rolandus came in with the thrilling news that the crystal had been activated by Naruto and that it was being recorded and translated as they spoke.

This was huge news to the members of the Romulan Senate and even bigger news to the priesthood, religious scholars, and historians. It was considered a momentous occasion for the Romulan people. It was also a huge feather in the Federation's cap for a treaty of friendship instead of just a ceasefire.

…

It was with this encouraging news that Sarek reported days later to the Federation Council via subspace. Though it wouldn't be easy, it seemed that the United Federation of Planets and the Romulan Star Empire finally had a chance at a lasting peace in their grasp after over a century of being enemies.

…

Stardate 2285.355, Sol System, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters Diplomatic Corps Building

Chairman Baranov and the Federation Council was thrilled with the news that real progress was being made with the Romulan Star Empire. On the military side of things, Starfleet had high hopes that the two front war would soon be over and that they could focus on the Klingon Front and hopefully and that conflict as well.

…

Fleet Admiral Nogura's Office

The Fleet Admiral was addressing his staff. "Our Diplomatic Corps is working around the clock on the Romulan Peace Initiative. If this goes through, then Operation Romulus will be officially cancelled. In the meantime, we will remain vigilant."

"This does not mean that we will cease to develop our own cloaking device technology given the threat of the Klingon Empire." continued the Fleet Admiral. "We must be ready for anything, be it peace or war. It is already being discussed that a new medal is to be created should peace be achieved with the Romulan Star Empire. In the tradition of previous medals, it has been decided that this will be the Palm Leaf of Romulan Peace Mission*①, to be awarded to Fleet Captain Naruto and Lieutenant Commander Alison Fairbanks for their efforts as recommended by Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan."

A polite applause broke out among the staff in hopes that the mission would succeed.

…

Planet Romulus, Hall of State, Rolandus's Personal Quarters

The Praetor was reflecting on matters as he held his precious daughter Mirai. Emperor Tal was already being hailed as the 'Emperor of Peace' though he had little to do with it in reality. Tal had gone so far as to name Fleet Captain Naruto a 'Friend of the Empire' for unlocking the ancient texts of their War God. From what Otsutsuki had written, it seemed that he was more of a scholar than a warrior. Either way, the War God had changed things in the past and it seemed that he was continuing to do so in the present through his clansman Naruto.

Rolandus ran his fingers through his little daughter's soft hair and said, "Perhaps you'll grow up in a time of peace little one. I truly hope so."

…

Planet Romulus Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine

"Personal Log of Commander Jaqualine Nodaway, Stardate 2286.004. It has been a wild three weeks but it seems that the initial peace talks have been a great success. The Romulan Emperor Tal declared a new era of peace for the Romulans and the Federation and the beginnings of a formal treaty of friendship are in the works. The diplomats on both sides are doing their best to make this happen."

"Ambassador Sarek is joining us for our journey back to Sol III where a hero's welcome is waiting for him. He deserves it for his hard work, but I personally feel that unlocking the ancient Romulan texts paved the way. He said as much to me when I congratulated him. Our science staff is eagerly going through the old texts and transmitting them to Planet Vulcan for study as the Romulans are descended of the Vulcan people."

"This mission has been extremely taxing for the ship and crew to be so deep in potentially hostile territory and just sit and wait while in orbit. Even while under a diplomatic flag we were in constant danger. I'm just glad to finally be going home..."

…

Federation Space, Stardate 2286.008, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge

"…And we just crossed the Federation border from the Romulan Neutral Zone." said Samui on the overhead. "We are once again in safe waters."

Rafi and the crew cheered. "It's been one hell of a month." Said the Trill woman. "Mission accomplished. It's a lot harder to get a peace treaty than a commerce raiding cruise."

"That's the truth." said Shizuka wearily. "At least you can have your weapons ready on a war cruise."

Ino Yamanaka came onto the bridge and said, "What a relief! The tension on the ship was so thick that you could cut it with a knife. I can literally feel the stress leaving the crew as we speak."

Naruto came out of his ready room with Commander Nodaway in tow. "Well done everyone." said the blonde Fleet Captain. "This has been a trial for all of us. Samui, plot a course for Planet Earth. Rafi, take us to warp factor eight. The Wolverine has been idle far too long."

"Course and speed laid in sir." replied Samui.

"Execute." commanded Naruto. Taking his command chair, Naruto pivoted to face his lovely Caitian wife. "M'rella, inform Starfleet High Command that we have returned safely to Federation Space, priority one."

M'rella smiled warmly and said, "Aye, priority one sir."

…

Within the hour, Ambassador Sarek was on the bridge conversing with the crew. "You and your crew performed above and beyond Fleet Captain," said Sarek. "The peace mission would not have been such a resounding success without your exemplary performance. I have submitted my initial reports to the Federation Council and their response has been very positive."

They were soon contacted by Starfleet Command and congratulated by many ships in the fleet. Naruto was back in his ready room speaking with a very pleased Fleet Admiral Nogura. "The U.S.S. Wolverine did well Fleet Captain -if a bit unorthodox. I've never heard of a beheading at the opening of peace talks before." said Nogura with a smirk. "Regardless, you and your ship's sterling reputation in the fleet is high as can be right now. Enjoy the accolades Fleet Captain. Bravo Zulu. They are well deserved."

Naruto did his best not to cringe at the jab about decapitating Fortis even if it was in self-defense and said, "Thank you for your praise, Fleet Admiral, I'll pass it along to my crew."

…

Stardate 2286.015, Sol System, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters Diplomatic Corps Building

The Federation Council was celebrating the Romulan Peace Mission's success and estimated that it would take about six months before an actual Treaty of Friendship would be signed. Suffice it to say they were as elated as they had been when the Cetacean Probe incident was concluded months ago. Ending the many Romulan Conflicts (both hot and cold) was something that many of them considered a pipe dream mere weeks ago.

Ambassador Sarek was welcomed as a returning hero for his efforts with the Romulans and the U.S.S. Wolverine and her crew were safely at berth 4 in Spacedock orbiting Earth…

…

Stardate 2286.021, Spacedock One, Berth 4, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Recreation Deck

…Fleet Captain Naruto was exhausted. The crew of the Wolverine was exhausted. The endless line of dignitaries (both civilian and military) that had come aboard the fast cruiser to welcome them home was endless. Everyone was practically working in their dress uniforms. It was tumultuous but somehow security had been maintained and no unauthorized personnel wandered into off limit areas.

Now the ship's staff was having a banquet to welcome Chairman Baranov and many members of the Federation Council as well as Fleet Admiral Nogura and his staff aboard after they inspected the ship. Ambassador Sarek was aboard as well to attend the festivities (and help run damage control).

Naruto M'Fau knew his crew well. If they didn't get some downtime soon and get away from this media circus they were going to mutiny, and Naruto would be leading the rebellion himself. A lot of staffs and crews would be preening under all the attention they were receiving but the lot on the Wolverine wanted peace and above all else, quiet.

Many medals, awards and citations were given to the crew of the fast cruiser but when the last dignitary left the ship hours later, Commander Nodaway said, "Thank GOD that's over! I need a nap."

"I couldn't agree more Commander." said Naruto. "All personnel are to stand down and relax. It has been an exhausting few weeks."

…

Fleet Captain Naruto's Quarters

The blonde was relaxing with his wives and they were all lounged about in their standard duty uniforms. T'Lyra was gently strumming her ka'athyra and said, "You all have no idea how thankful I am to be enlisted and do not have to attend banquets for dignitaries. The amount of attention lavished upon them is highly illogical."

Samui smiled. "It is patently ridiculous how much kowtowing we have to do just to earn their approval. I thought Rafi was going to tear her hair out."

"It is what it is." stated Shizuka. "We are in the military and are expected to put up with such inconveniences on occasion. Besides, the entire staff and crew were given medals."

M'rella said, "The new Palm Leaf medal was certainly unexpected."

"You've been awfully quiet this evening Naruto." said Alison. "What are you thinking about?"

"I was thinking about how close I was to rebelling and throwing all those dignitaries off our ship so we could have some peace." he replied.

Samui raised her eyebrows. "It isn't everyday you hear the Fleet Captain advocating mutiny." said the blonde bombshell with a grin.

"I think it's an elegant solution to an irritating problem." exclaimed Alison with a laugh.

"It seemed like the most logical course of action at the time." explained Naruto.

"I like your logic." giggled M'rella.

Shizuka just shook her head at her husband's antics…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: Palm Leaf of Romulan Peace Mission -though the name is original, it is based on the Palm Leaf of Axanar Peace Mission. See Memory Alpha.

This was a short chapter, but I think it wraps up the Romulan Peace Treaty fairly well. The technical matters of the treaty will be dealt with offscreen as it would be pretty boring to read, let alone write. See you next time. Blue out. 12/26/23