Naruto: Infinity Divide
Wrath of a Shinobi
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This time we get to see Naruto's OTHER side. Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
Last time:
"You are a Cadet Officer in Starfleet and have hidden valuable information from us." said Captain James who had just entered Sickbay. "I don't like that at all, and it is grounds for dismissal." James then rubbed his forehead as if to ward off a migraine. "I submitted my report to the chain of Command at Starfleet, and it seems you are considered too valuable to dismiss however. I don't know who it is, but you apparently have a friend or friends in high places. I was going to have you shipped back to the Academy rather than dismissed because your record up to this point has been exemplary and you did save the lives of two of my people."
"Rather than a traditional punishment I'm going to order you to turn over the genetic information you've gathered about yourself to the medical staff to do a joint study with them." said the Captain. "You'd better be on your toes Cadet because I will be keeping an eye on you." Captain James then turned and left.
Naruto was less than thrilled to be an object of the Captain's ire but didn't know what else to do. He saw Commander Terumi walk in with a sway in her hips and she said, "He didn't even cut your pay Cadet Naruto. I think our Captain is going soft. Of course, you did save other people's lives in the line of duty so that is a major plus. Just between you and I; very nicely done."
…
Chapter 29
Stardate 2273.050, Gamma Theta System, U.S.S. Darwin
It had been a week since Naruto had been ordered to submit himself for testing and after the first day Naruto flat out refused. He cited that his rights were being violated and that Captain James was exceeding his authority. That ended up with Naruto being confined to his quarters until further notice. Many of the ship's crewmembers were rather frightened at the way this could play out. The Think Tank members were bordering on mutinous and many of the crew believed that the Captain was dead wrong. The question was what to do about it…
For her part Shizuka felt absolutely horrible about the turn of events. She reported that Naruto had saved her using 'an unknown ability' per regulations but Captain James went completely overboard with it. Shizuka expected Naruto to be questioned about being able to defy gravity but not treated like an experiment. Doctor Walker had given Naruto a once over, but Doctor Shelly Wilson and Greg Hammond refused citing his rights. Even worse for Shizuka it created a rift between her and her newly found cousin T'Lyra. The brunette Vulcan agreed that Shizuka was not responsible for Captain James' unethical behavior, but the Security Chief felt responsible and could tell T'Lyra was very angry below the surface.
That same day Commander Mei Terumi was welcoming a special guest aboard the Darwin, Doctor Shikamaru Nara of the Starfleet Medical Division. She'd read Doctor Nara's dossier and the Commander was both curious and concerned about what this geneticist planned to do to Naruto. She felt like Captain James had opened Pandora's Box and left Mei to close it. Mei saw an awfully young looking black haired human man with dark, bored looking eyes beam aboard along with several containers of medical equipment. "Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Darwin, Doctor Nara." said the Commander pleasantly. "I am Commander Mei Terumi, the ship's executive officer. I trust you had no problems getting here with all your…luggage?"
Doctor Nara wore a blue Ensign's Uniform but was considered one of the most highly respected geneticists in the United Federation of Planets. He sighed and said, "Other than having my molecules scattered all over the galaxy by these troublesome transporters everything is fine. I would rather have taken a shuttle. My 'luggage' as you call it is very, very sensitive medical equipment that only I will touch. I trust you have a space set aside for me in your labs as the Surgeon General Staff ordered Commander?"
Mei sweat dropped and thought, 'Brat. You're barely past twenty whether you are a genius or not.' "Let me take you to our labs and show you the area designated for you. I'm sure you will find it suitable for your needs."
"How troublesome." said Doctor Nara. "Lead on Commander Terumi."
…
Lab 3
"This won't do at all." said Shikamaru in a flat tone. "I thought this ship was modernized recently."
Mei was gritting her teeth and said, "The lab room is exactly as the Admiralty from Starfleet Medical ordered it to be Doctor."
"What about my personal preferences I sent ahead from Earth?" asked Shikamaru.
"Your request was denied on the authority of Captain Francis James Ensign." said Mei with a smile so pleasant that Shikamaru's hair stood on end in fear. "I suggest you make do as a superior officer to a subordinate. You don't want to lock horns with Captain James."
'What a troublesome woman.' thought the shaken Shikamaru. 'How am I supposed to work under these conditions? It would have been easier to have Naruto sent to Starfleet Headquarters than me dragging myself out here.'
…
Naruto M'Fau's Quarters
Naruto was working quietly in his quarters on triple encrypting his genetic studies. He'd called upon his fellow Think Tank Cadet Daniel Simmons to help. The backup copy was back on Vulcan with his Mother T'Ara so Naruto could destroy his copy if necessary. The blonde wasn't about to hand his precious research over without a fight. His mate T'Lyra had been absolutely furious (by Vulcan standards) at Captain Francis James. Naruto managed to calm her down and said he'd find a logical solution to the situation. He'd also made a few discreet (coded) calls via his fellow Think Tank Cadets in the last few days and was waiting for an answer…then he heard a knock on his door and quickly put his research away before answering it.
It was Shizuka Nadeshiko. Naruto saw she was there on business so he saluted and said, "How may I be of service Lieutenant Nadeshiko?"
Shizuka looked a bit saddened and said, "I'm here to escort you to Lab 3. A geneticist named Shikamaru Nara is here to see you. He asked that I retrieve you for some testing…and I don't think it's right…" she muttered under her breath.
"Does this person want me to bring anything?" asked Naruto.
The Security Chief shook her head. "He just said to bring you and that it would take some time."
The blonde nodded. "I understand. Let me straighten my things up and we'll go."
The Security Chief was very puzzled about Naruto complying so easily. She almost wanted Naruto to fight back so she could claim to the mad scientist that Naruto couldn't see him. Soon the odd pair of Vulcans were at the door to Lab 3 and Shizuka rapped on the door.
"Doctor Nara, I've brought Cadet Naruto as you requested." she said.
The door opened and the geneticist said, "Welcome Cadet Naruto." and motioned the blonde Vulcan in. When Shizuka went to follow Shikamaru said, "I will be talking with Mister Naruto alone Security Chief. I hope you don't mind but post a security guard at the door."
Lieutenant Nadeshiko looked a bit torn but said, "You'll get your guards Doctor." 'You'd better not hurt him.'
As soon as she left Shikamaru said, "Lock." and the door beeped in affirmation.
Shikamaru turned to face Naruto and said, "You always were a troublesome one Doctor Naruto M'Fau; even back at the Vulcan Science Academy."
Naruto had a gleam of pure mischief in his eyes and said, "It's good to see you again Doctor Shikamaru Nara. It's pleasant to see that you can still pronounce my Clan name."
Shikamaru smiled. "You called; I came. You said you needed a lawyer so here I am."
"I still fail to see why a respected geneticist as yourself decided to study law." said the blonde hybrid.
"Touché." said Shikamaru. "This coming from a genetics and xenobiology major that dawdles away his time designing starships."
The two shook hands and Naruto's eyes crackled with chakra. "I want to nail Captain James to the wall Shikamaru. My background is classified by the Admiralty."
Shikamaru raised his eyebrows and said, "I don't think I've ever seen you this seriously pissed Naruto. It's not like you to go straight for the jugular like this."
"I am doing this as a Shinobi as much as a Vulcan. I want to make an example of Captain Francis James, so others won't cross the same line." said Naruto with an edge in his voice.
"Come into my parlor." said Doctor Nara grandly as he motioned to the lab. He pulled out a tablet and asked. "Do you want Captain James formally censured for his actions…or more?"
"I want him sacked from his Command and his rank lost." said Naruto. "Can you make it happen Shikamaru?"
Shikamaru said, "Consider it done. I'll need formal statements from you of course. He may not realize it, but Captain James is already in the middle of a minefield with several branches of the Admiralty. He should have read your dossier that clearly says 'CLASSIFIED' before he made such over-the-top orders. Trust me my friend. Captain Francis James is going down."
…
The two friends discussed their plan of action for about three hours as Shikamaru started drafting formal charges against Captain James. Shikamaru said, "Remember Naruto, if he orders the research information you've been working on for years then you stonewall him. You already have an offsite backup, but I don't want you to destroy your work just yet. Just encode it to some ridiculous level of security that only you can crack. Outside of that I'll be transmitting my findings to my liaison at Starfleet Medical which will then go to the Admiralty."
"Thank you for coming Shikamaru." said Naruto. "I am in your debt."
Shikamaru shrugged. "The way I see it I'll be in debt to you for a long time from back at the Vulcan Science Academy. This is the least I can do to return the favor."
…
Captain's Ready Room
Francis James was pale and sweaty. He decided to go back over Naruto's file to see what made the blonde Vulcan hybrid tick. Vulcans as a rule weren't arrogant but they could be very stubborn and set in their ways. While the Captain had read Naruto's service record, he hadn't delved into Naruto's personal file which had his racial makeup as VULCAN/CLASSIFIED by orders of Starfleet Command as of Stardate 2254.010 which was before Naruto was even born. Worse still, the classification was at a Rear Admiral's level!
"What have I done…?" whispered Captain James to himself. "That boy…he could have me hung for this…"
…
Naruto M'Fau's Quarters
Captain James knocked on Naruto's door hoping to diffuse the situation before all hell broke loose. Naruto opened his door and saw the Captain standing there. The blonde stood at attention and said, "May I help you sir?"
"I'd like a word with you Cadet, in private." said James. Naruto stepped aside and let the Captain into his quarters. Captain James said, "Please be at ease Cadet. Have a seat." Naruto sat down but was obviously not at ease. The Captain stroked his chin and said, "It seems that I've made a terrible mistake with you Cadet. I wish to offer a sincere apology. Your record is clean as of a week ago and you are no longer confined to quarters."
The blonde Shinobi/Vulcan hybrid stood up and locked eyes with the Captain. Chakra was blazing in them and Naruto was throwing off enough killing intent to make a le-matya curl up in a ball in fear. Captain James was shaking in terror. "Trying to save your career sir?" asked the blonde. "Did you just realize my background is classified beyond your clearance level? It's too late Captain, the charges have already been filed. The one who is in trouble is you; not me. Do not think for a millisecond that I am not going to see you ruined for your violations against my person Captain James."
The Captain stepped back in fear and bumped into the wall of Naruto's quarters. His face was etched in horror. He had no place to run from this predator. Naruto started listing off things that he was charging James with. "Abuse of Power, Exceeding Authority, Violating Civil Rights of a Federation and Vulcan Citizen, Violation of Classified Material of the Starfleet Admiralty, Attempted Seizure of Classified Materials…That's only the beginning Captain." growled Naruto. "Your career is over. It's only a matter of time. Perhaps you should go to your quarters and consider your own options."
Naruto ceased his killing intent and the terrified Captain James left on shaky legs. His heart was hammering in his chest, and he knew he'd unleashed a monster. James went to his quarters and tried to think of a way to free himself from the hell of his own making…
T'Lyra sensed her mate's killing intent easily from across the ship and reached out to him mentally. Naruto's thoughts turned rather serene at her mental caress. 'Everything is fine now T'Lyra; I am no longer confined to quarters.'
'What about Captain James' orders?' asked the brunette.
Naruto simply answered, 'He revoked his own orders.'
'How did you convince him?' T'Lyra thought back.
'I didn't.' thought the blonde. 'He just realized what a mistake he's made.'
The brunette asked, 'What about all the killing intent?'
'I simply showed him what an apex predator is.' stated the blonde.
He felt her smile mentally…
…
Shizuka Nadeshiko's Quarters 03:12
The ship's live fire weapon's alarm went off and Shizuka Nadeshiko was asleep in her quarters. The Security Chief immediately leapt out of bed and threw on her uniform. Pulling her long black hair back in a band to hold it in her traditional ponytail she grabbed her phaser II pistol and called the bridge, "This is Chief Nadeshiko! Where did the live firing take place?"
"Deck 5…Captain's Quarters." said the Security Guard on watch duty.
"On my way." said Shizuka.
…
Captain's Quarters 03:23
Shizuka led her people in and found Captain James on the floor beside his work desk. His library terminal was still on. Shizuka saw the phaser still in the Captain's grip as she checked him for a pulse. She shook her head and said, "Call Doctor Walker and Commander Terumi. Cancel the live fire alert as of 03:27."
Both Commander Terumi and Doctor Walker arrived 15 minutes later and saw the Captain's body. The only thing that had been touched was the phaser had been pried from the Captain's death grip. Doctor Jonathan Walker conducted a medical exam and said into his tricorder,
"Ship's Medical Log, Stardate 2273.051: Doctor Jonathan Walker reporting. As of 03:51 I pronounce Captain Francis James dead by phaser fire to the head. Pending further investigation by security it appears to be a suicide."
…
The medics took the body to the ship's morgue pending an autopsy once security had secured the Captain's Quarters and positions of the body. The library computer contained a final entry in it from Captain James. "Play last entry." said Commander Terumi. The screen came up and Captain James sat there staring at the screen for several seconds before he spoke. The man looked pale, haunted and ten years older than normal. He said,
"Personal Log of Captain Francis James: Stardate 2273.051. I have come to the realization that my actions against Cadet Officer Naruto have broken many of the Federation's laws both literally and in spirit. I've discovered too late that my career is over, and the charges being pressed against me are insurmountable. Some may consider ending my life by suicide the coward's way out, but I prefer to die by my own terms. My final orders are to Commander Mei Terumi; for now, you are acting Captain of the U.S.S. Darwin. I trust and pray your judgment proves better than mine. For what it's worth, please inform Cadet Officer Naruto that I am sorry. This is Captain Francis James signing off."
Mei watched as the Captain ended his life with a phaser and winced as he fell over dead. After several seconds the screen went into standby mode. Mei sighed and said, "Screen off."
Shizuka saluted and said, "Your Orders Captain Terumi?"
Mei looked over her shoulder and said, "Confirm the actual suicide per regulations and secure this room Chief Nadeshiko. I have a report to submit to Starfleet Command."
…
Captain's Ready Room
Mei was talking to Admiral Hiruzen Sarutobi of the Sixth Fleet Headquarters at Starbase 10 having submitted her report. She'd served on his staff in the past and though young, had always proven to be an exemplary officer. Admiral Sarutobi said, "Ordinarily I'd assign a new Captain, but you've proven time and again to be able to handle anything I've thrown at you. I wish it was under better circumstances but congratulations on your promotion."
Mei said solemnly, "Thank you sir; I will do my best."
"I know you will Captain Terumi." said Admiral Sarutobi in a grave tone. "Finish your mission at Theta VII and return to Starbase 10. I will try to find an appropriate Executive Officer to assist you in the meantime." He saluted and said, "Starbase 10 out."
"U.S.S. Darwin out." said Mei with a salute.
…
The next morning ship's crew was shocked by the sudden death of Captain James but was ordered to continue the survey of Theta VII by Captain Terumi. No mention was made of the suicide but many in the security branch and medical branches already knew. The reason behind the suicide was limited to Commander Terumi and the staff officers, however.
Naruto was ordered to report to Captain Terumi as he started his shift. "Cadet Naruto M'Fau reporting for duty Captain Terumi." said Naruto as he saluted her.
"At ease Cadet." said Mei. Naruto raised an eyebrow and she said, "Captain James asked me to pass along the message that he was sorry for what happened. I know your record was cleared by him before he passed so I want you to know that as far as I'm concerned your actions saving Cadet Rafi and Lieutenant Shizuka Nadeshiko are to be commended." She smiled in her usual way. "On that note can you actually defy gravity? I'm just curious really."
"I can walk up vertical surfaces with ease Captain." said Naruto.
"Interesting." said the beautiful redhead. "Next time I decide to go rock climbing I'll have you come along as a safety net. You are dismissed Cadet."
The blonde Vulcan left the Captain's Ready Room and stepped onto the bridge to assume his station at Special Sensor number three. He saw Rafi was at the helm and fully healed. He was glad to see she was fully recovered. The Trill girl gave him a little wave and mouthed 'Welcome back.' Naruto just nodded.
…
Stardate 2273.057, Gamma Theta System, U.S.S. Darwin
"Ship's Log, Stardate 2273.057: Acting Captain Mei Terumi reporting. We have finished surveying the Theta VII Colony and found traces of Pergium in the Northern Hemisphere but not in the quantities that the Colonists were hoping for. We are on our way to Starbase 10 to deliver Captain James' body for transport back to Earth. I have been informed that an appropriate First Officer should be selected when we arrive in three days. In the meantime, we are continuing to drill the cadets as well as work out the few bugs left in the Darwin…"
…
T'Lyra's Quarters
Shizuka was on F Deck, Outside Room 135-B hoping to make amends but she couldn't bring herself to knock on the door. The feelings of indecisiveness were about to drive her insane. 'I'm the Chief of Security damn it! But T'Lyra's my only link to my relatives and I hurt her and her husband…How do I apologize? What do I say? …Gee, I'm really sorry but I had to file that report honestly. Damn that Captain James; he took the coward's way out…I've received four different sets of orders to arrest him from different branches of the Admiralty only to have to report he's dead…'
T'Lyra opened her door suddenly and said, "Your thoughts are very loud Lieutenant."
Shizuka blanched white and then blushed green in embarrassment at the same time (which was quite a feat within itself) that everything she thought was heard by her cousin. She looked down in shame and said, "I'm sorry I hurt you and Naruto, T'Lyra. I want to make it up to you, but I don't know how…"
The brunette Vulcan sighed softly and said, "I'm going to the gymnasium to see the weekly spars, do you want to join me?"
"You like the fights?" asked Shizuka in surprise.
T'Lyra said, "My mate is participating. He's been locked up in his quarters for a week and wants to loosen up his body."
The Security Chief said weakly, "Well, he has every right to blow off some steam…Is Naruto any good? I've never seen him fight honestly. It could be fun to watch him."
"I'll let you make your own judgment." said T'Lyra. "Your expertise lies in the area of hand-to-hand combat after all."
The two cousins quietly headed to the ship's gymnasium…
…
Gymnasium
The spars had been extremely wild, and the crowd of crewmembers was cheering excitedly. Samui had just demolished her opponent and the number of contestants left was dwindling. Shizuka and T'Lyra entered the gym just in time to see the blonde augment girl leave the ring while Doctor Hammond checked over the loser of the fight.
The two cousins sat together, and they saw a tall and lanky security officer in the ring. He had long dark hair and seemed to have a permanent smirk plastered on his face. The man was receiving both boos and cheers and seemed to be enjoying all the attention he was getting. Shizuka said, "It looks like Ensign Lance Tucker is showing off again."
"Is he any good?" asked T'Lyra.
"He can give me a run for my money." said the Security Chief. "He's a kick boxer and very strong. Too bad he lets it go to his head."
T'Lyra saw her mate on the opposite side of the ring with Samui and the other Think Tank Cadets. She said telepathically, 'Crush that one Naruto. He is arrogant.'
Naruto raised an eyebrow at T'Lyra's choice of words and stood up to challenge Lance. Naruto was in his crimson M'Fau fighting gi that T'Lyra hadn't seen in a long time. Her brown eyes widened, and she thought to herself. 'Naruto is actually serious if he's wearing that.'
Greg Hammond announced, "In the winner's corner we have Lance Tucker from Security. In the challenger's corner we have Naruto from Command. Come forward and shake hands." Greg looked at Lance and said, "I want a nice clean spar."
Lance smirked and said to Naruto, "You're that one that they were gonna dissect right? How do you say your name again? I like to know who I'm going to beat down."
Shizuka growled in the audience. "Looks like Lance is trash talking again. He gets people angry, and they make mistakes."
"An interesting strategy." said T'Lyra.
Naruto took his Kareel-ifla opening stance and simply said, "I am ready Doctor Hammond."
"Begin!" yelled Greg.
"Don't you even have a last name?" asked Lance flippantly.
Naruto took a page from his Father Sovar's book and smacked the kick boxer hard enough to make the audience wince at the cracking sound. The strike sent the human man flying. Naruto said, "If you don't fight seriously then I will."
Tucker got up with a red handprint across his face and said, "You'll pay for that Cadet."
Naruto motioned Lance forward and said, "There are no ranks in the ring Tucker."
The kick boxer charged and tried to knee Naruto as hard as he could. He then tried a three-punch combo and found Naruto's defense was unbreakable to his strikes. Naruto countered with a spin kick to Tucker's stomach that sent Tucker skidding back. The Security Officer tried several different angles of attack but found Naruto wouldn't budge an inch no matter how hard he hit the Vulcan hybrid.
After six minutes Naruto said, "You are going down." The blonde lashed out with a six hit V'shan combo that caused Tucker's joints to freeze up. The kick boxer stared dumbfounded as Naruto's fist hit his face like a runaway shuttlecraft. Lance Tucker was unconscious before he hit the mat...
"Winner by knockout; Naruto!" said Greg Hammond. The Think Tank Cadets cheered wildly, and many others joined in because frankly, Lance Tucker needed to be put in his place…
Shizuka was dumbfounded as her cousin T'Lyra clapped loudly for her lover. It was painfully obvious that the beautiful brunette was excited in her own Vulcan way. Chief Engineer Sassaav said from behind them, "You never told me your husband could fight like that T'Lyra."
T'Lyra turned to her superior and said, "You never asked Chief Sassaav."
Sassaav just laughed. "It's good to see Tucker knocked down a peg or two."
Naruto left the ring and sat with his fellow fast track Cadets. Kloene slapped the blonde's back and said, "That's the way Naruto; it's good to have you back."
….
Shizuka came over with T'Lyra to congratulate Naruto on his victory. T'Lyra crossed fingers with her mate and she said, "You are in top form today. That was a flawless victory."
The Security Chief said to Naruto, "I had no idea you could fight like that Naruto. You're really amazing."
Naruto nodded and said, "Thank you for your praise, Lieutenant."
Shizuka said, "Maybe we can practice together. It's a great way to work out."
The blonde said, "We'll see if we have time." He turned to T'Lyra and said, "I believe I could use a drink."
…
Sickbay
Ensign Lance Tucker woke up hours later with a severe case of face ache as Doctor Walker patched him up. Jonathan Walker smiled and said, "I see you're awake Ensign. Greg told me you got demolished. I guess you made Cadet Naruto mad or something."
Tucker said, "I feel like I've been beaten with a torque wrench. I'd better befriend that Cadet Naruto. I don't want him as an enemy."
"At least Naruto unlocked your joints. You would have been laid up for a week otherwise." said Doctor Walker.
"Damn…" said Lance. "I hope there are no hard feelings on his part. I doubt even Chief Nadeshiko would be able to take him."
…
Stardate 2273.060, Starbase 10
"Personal Log of Acting Captain Mei Terumi: Stardate 2273.060. Captain James' body was removed from the U.S.S. Darwin today and we have no idea whether he will be buried on Earth or somewhere else. He certainly won't get a military funeral. The staff paid their final respects to him although with his suicide and disgrace Shizuka Nadeshiko refused to see him and referred to him as a coward. Personally, I find it hard not to have mixed feelings. I was not in service with him that long so perhaps I am in no position to judge. He seemed like a very competent leader until he decided that Cadet Naruto somehow had become a threat to the ship and crew. I do not know what caused his lapse in judgment and due to his suicide, I never will."
"We also have found out that Ensign Shikamaru Nara is an old friend of Naruto's from the Vulcan Science Academy and never laid a hand on the Cadet. This was an immense relief to me although I have to wonder exactly how it all came about. It was certainly no coincidence that the two already knew each other. I've decided not to investigate it as I'm sure the Admiralty had a direct hand in this. The Ensign is remaining aboard as a member of the ship's science staff. As it turns out his previous attitude towards me was all an act. I've decided to welcome him as part of the crew rather than my original thought to chuck him out of the nearest airlock…"
…
Mei Terumi reported in to see Admiral Hiruzen Sarutobi. She entered the Sixth Fleet Headquarters and felt a wave of nostalgia as she used to be stationed there. There were lots of new faces, but she greeted some old friends on her way to see Admiral Sarutobi. She was soon buzzed in by the old Admiral's secretary. "Enter." said Sarutobi. Seeing Mei come in and salute Hiruzen smiled and said, "Welcome back Mei. It's good to see you looking so well." 'Oh how I miss the old uniforms that showed all that leg.' he thought with a slight nosebleed. "At ease Commander." said the aged Admiral.
Mei smiled in her usual way and said, "It's good to see you again sir. You look fit as ever. How are you and Biwako doing?"
The Admiral grinned and said, "As always my lovely wife is the real Commander of the Sixth Fleet. I just serve as her proxy."
The red-haired woman laughed and said, "You never change sir."
Sarutobi said, "While it's not the formal ceremony I'd like to have for you I have your official promotion paperwork and your Captain's bars." He pinned the bars on her and said, "May the wind always be at your back. Congratulations Captain Mei Terumi."
Mei felt her eyes mist up a bit and said, "Thank you sir. I'm honored that you are the one to promote me."
Hiruzen just looked at her proudly and said, "I'll be expecting a tour of your ship Captain. As I understand it from Ensign Shikamaru Nara she's the most modern vessel he's ever been on."
'Why that little brat…' she thought to herself. "I have some questions about that particular Ensign actually."
Hiruzen said, "Don't ask. I don't know either. Consider him an ordinary Ensign on your Medical staff as that is exactly what he is."
Captain Terumi expected that answer but couldn't help but feel disappointed. "I understand completely sir."
Changing subjects Admiral Sarutobi sat down at his desk and said, "Have a seat, Captain." After Mei seated herself Hiruzen said, "Your new First Officer is not who I had originally planned for personal reasons. He is an outstanding officer and was just promoted to full Commander. I don't feel he belongs in the Sixth Fleet but when Starfleet Command orders someone in then you obey."
The redhead said, "I'm afraid I don't understand sir. You say he's an outstanding officer, but you don't want him for personal reasons?"
Hiruzen sighed. "Your First Officer is my youngest son, Commander Asuma Sarutobi." Her eyebrows raised. "He shouldn't be in the same direct chain of command as his old man. It's not proper."
"I…see sir." replied Captain Terumi. "This is most unexpected."
"It was a surprise to me as well." said Hiruzen in a dry tone. "Make sure you train him well Mei. He's a bit full of himself right now."
…
Starbase 10 Spacedock
Commander Asuma Sarutobi was looking out through the transparent aluminum windows of the spacedock. He was admiring the U.S.S. Darwin's starboard side from a distance, and he thought, 'She's a beauty. She has much finer lines than her sisterships since that refit. They did one hell of a job with her on Mars.' Asuma soon took a tram around to the docking port that the Darwin was attached to. He saw numerous shuttles, workbees and crewman all over the ship checking it over. As the Commander walked across the gangplank to the port saucer section, he couldn't help but be impressed. The Darwin was spotless.
The Security Guards at the entrance to the ship saluted and Asuma said, "Commander Asuma Sarutobi reporting for duty as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. Darwin."
Asuma handed over his identification and the guards ran verification checks before they saluted and said, "Welcome aboard sir."
"Thank you, Ensign." said Asuma. "Where might I find the Captain?"
The guard said, "She left orders for you here to report to the Bridge sir."
"Understood." said Asuma as he marched aboard. Within ten minutes he found that the Darwin was laid out quite differently from other cruisers he'd been on and was hopelessly lost. 'Well, I know I'm on Deck 7, how do I get to the bridge?' He saw a door logo for the medical division and wondered if it wasn't sickbay. Entering he saw a swarm of activity as equipment was being checked over and tested by the Medical Staff. He saw an attractive Cadet in a medical smock apparently taking inventory and said, "Excuse me."
She looked up from her tablet and saluted crisply. "Hello sir, are you in need of medical assistance?"
Asuma chuckled and said, "No Cadet, I'm new on this ship and I'm looking for the Bridge. I'm Commander Asuma Sarutobi."
She replied, "Cadet Shelly Wilson at your service sir."
An Ensign walked up to the Cadet and saluted both her and the Commander. "Doctor Wilson, Starbase 10 says they can't fill all of the supplies that we ordered."
Commander Sarutobi's eyebrows raised a bit at the 'Doctor' part of the conversation. Shelly said, "Let me see the list Ensign Young." She sighed and said, "I'll get this rectified. Please escort Commander Sarutobi to the Bridge."
"Understood Ma'am." said Ensign Young. He turned to Asuma and said, "Please follow me sir."
Asuma was following Ensign Young along and asked, "Ensign; why are you taking orders from a Cadet?"
"Doctor Wilson has a brevet*① rank of full Lieutenant in sickbay." explained Ensign Young. "She's got a full Doctoral degree and specializes in neurosurgery. I'm just a nurse practitioner so I'm lower on the totem pole than she is. Besides, she's an amazing Doctor."
"That's a bit irregular." commented the Commander.
"Aye sir." said Ensign Young as he led Asuma into the turbolift. Once the door shut Young said. "Bridge."
The turbolift hummed as it took them to the Bridge and Asuma could hardly tell that it was moving. When the doors opened, he saw the very large and well-equipped Bridge. Like everywhere else people were carefully checking equipment while they were in dock. Ensign Young said, "Will there be anything else sir?"
Asuma turned back and said, "No, that is all Ensign. Thank you for your time."
"Anytime sir." said Ensign Young with a salute. He then got back on the turbolift and departed.
Commander Sarutobi saw the swarm of activity as well as all the Cadets present on the bridge and thought aloud, "Is this a shakedown cruise or a Cadet Cruise?
A beautiful redhead with Captains bars looked up at him from her tablet and said, "It's both Commander Asuma Sarutobi. I'm Captain Mei Terumi. Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Darwin…
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*① Brevet Rank: a temporary authorization for a person to hold a higher rank. Essentially Doctor Wilson is an Acting Lieutenant.
This chapter flowed fairly well, I think. The first (very eventful) part of the Cadet Cruise has passed, and Naruto is free and clear. Next chapter we will be back in space again for another adventure. See you next time. Blue Out. 9/24/23