Naruto: Infinity Divide

Harder…Faster

Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Here is Chapter 75. Enjoy!

Port = Left

Starboard = Right

[ ] Signifies a foreign language

{ } Signifies hand signs

…

Last time:

Stardate 2283.222, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Nogura's Office

Admiral Fitzpatrick was sitting with Admiral Cartwright and Fleet Admiral Nogura in an informal meeting. "It would seem that Captain Naruto's boy Siegfried is just as cunning and shrewd as his old man." said Nogura. "He had us by the proverbial balls and used it to his advantage,"

Fitzpatrick sighed. "It's a good thing Lorot made a break for it even though it was a tragedy in the end. That shuttle accident cost us some brilliant minds even if it did stop years of litigation."

"Every dark cloud has a silver lining to turn a phrase." said Cartwright. "What was fortunate was the Soong Foundation donated the credits to bring young Siegfried into the fold. Their chairman said letting talent like that go would be positively criminal."

"Well, Admiral Lucian Tolm was furious when he got the full story about the Isolinear computer chip program being hijacked by Professor Lorot." said Fitzpatrick with a shiver. "I thought he was going to bite my head off."

Nogura smirked. "Tolm took Captain Naruto under his wing when the boy was still a cadet. Lucien is laid back but if you mess with his people, he can be downright vicious."

"Changing subjects, what about Captain Naruto's promotion?" asked Cartwright. "Capturing that Klingon technology and the I.K.V. Dakrohn has made him one of the most decorated Captains since Christopher Pike and James T. Kirk."

Now it was the Fleet Admiral's turn to sigh. "The boy doesn't want to leave the command chair. Once the U.S.S. Wolverine is back in action I'm promoting him to Fleet Captain whether he likes it or not. He's already proven he can handle the job by his outstanding performance with Fast Squadron One. Both Admiral Phil Kosnett and Admiral Thomas Galloway want him to be a Commodore at their Starbases."

"I knew you offered a Commodore's position sir." said Fitzpatrick. "What happened?"

Nogura grumbled, "I practically offered the promotion to him on a silver platter."

"What did he say?" asked Cartwright.

The Fleet Admiral frowned. "In so many wise and logical Vulcan proverbs, he told me to stuff it."

Admiral Cartwright and Fitzpatrick exploded into laughter…

…

Chapter 75

Stardate 2283.224, Sol System, Cambridge, England, Perfection Speeders Shop

S'Harien and Siegfried were a bit dismayed. The old shopkeeper at the only speeder shop in Cambridge was explaining the way things worked in Europe. "Ion engine bikes aren't street legal in Europe. Except for the professional superbike competitions everything here is turbine drive. Why would you two kids want ion power anyway?"

Seigfried was about to make a logical thrust to weight ratio argument but S'Harien said, "It seems that speed and emissions are tightly regulated here on Earth. On Vulcan, we don't have such limitations." She turned to Siegfried and said, "Ziggy; we will just have to make do with turbine drive."

The blonde wanted to sigh. "Very well, let us start examining our options for rental."

"I'll need to see your speeder bike license first son." said the shopkeeper. Siegfried handed over his Vulcan license and the old man said, "You're not old enough to ride on Earth. You have to be sixteen to get a permit."

Siegfried stared at the man in disbelief. The shopkeeper started to sweat under the weight of the blonde's stare and said, "I'm just following the rules!"

S'Harien said, "You'll be sixteen in less than three weeks Ziggy." She handed her license to the shopkeeper and gave a tiny smirk. "I trust that I'm allowed to ride here on Earth?"

The old man's eyes nearly bulged out of his head when he saw the young Vulcan woman's license said, PROFESSIONAL RACER and UNLIMITED CLASS on it among other things. After scanning the license, he said, "You're legal for anything in this shop Miss."

The two teens started looking over a tablet with the specs of the various speeder bikes and S'Harien pointed one out. "This one has an acceptable thrust to weight ratio and top speed. It is also aesthetically pleasing to the eye. It seems that it is designed for sports racing as well."

The old man laughed and pointed to the front window where a 2240 Ducati XCC sat enshrined on display. "You have good taste sweetheart. That bike won the British cross-country championship back in 2242. It set the turbine speed record here in Britain. Only the rich and famous rent it. You can get your picture taken by it for a fee."

Siegfried asked, "How much to rent it?"

The shopkeeper pointed to the price by the green and yellow racing bike and said, "You could buy a decent speeder for the cost of renting this one."

The blonde hybrid looked at the lower price by the bike and said, "I suppose the 775,000 credits is to buy it then?"

Chuckling, the old man said, "It sure is! Hell, I'll throw in some extras and a matching racing helmet for your lady friend if you want it."

Siegfried asked his girlfriend, "Do you like it?"

S'Harien's reddish-brown eyes lit up. "It's in my colors. Are you certain?"

"It seems to be the logical choice for you S'Harien." said the blonde. He turned to the shopkeeper and said, "We'll take the Ducati."

The old man nearly fainted…

…

The Schrodinger Residence

Maria was looking at the Ducati and said, "Well, that's a sporty looking machine S'Harien. My grandson certainly spoils you, doesn't he?"

S'Harien was immensely pleased, and it showed. She patted the bike and said, "It's going to need serious supertuning before I break it in. I know turbine engines but not as well as ion engines."

Samui came down the stairs from the roof and said, "Why don't we just call T'Lyra then? She's a manic mechanic as Shizuka likes to say."

..,

Naruto was upstairs on the roof by the telescope Ingrid with his son. "Logically I should be scolding you about financial responsibility, but I have no room to talk. I've bought some outrageous gifts for those I love as well. He peered over the railing and saw Samui and S'Harien talking animatedly about the new speeder bike.

Samui looked up at Naruto and smiled. She waved and said to him mentally, 'We need to call T'Lyra from the United States and get her to tune up this bike with S'Harien.'

Naruto gave a tiny smile. 'I agree.'

…

"Personal Log of Shizuka Nadeshiko, Stardate 2283.226. T'Lyra and I arrived from the United States yesterday to help Siegfried and his girlfriend tune up her bike. I've met Samui's family before, but I've never had a chance to get to know them. I've been hanging out with Samui and her parents while Naruto and Siegfried are assisting T'Lyra and S'Harien as they work on the Ducati. I'm really enjoying watching them all work together."

"I can't wait till this damn war is over so we can start having kids and raising a family. Right now, it's just not practical…"

T'Lyra carefully adjusted the Ducati's compressor and said, "This was intentionally detuned to make it street legal. We will just have to fix that."

"Can you do it Mother T'Lyra?" asked Siegfried.

Naruto gave his son a pat on the shoulder. "Of course, she can Siegfried. While you and I understand the theoretical, T'Lyra and S'Harien both understand the practical."

T'Lyra was smiling inside at her husband's praise. "You need not be concerned Siegfried. I've rebuilt dozens of turbine engines back on Vulcan at ShiKahr Tech. Besides, S'Harien's new bike is built to racing specifications to begin with. We will have it running at performance levels in no time. This turbine's tolerances are excellent, and it is very sturdy."

The beautiful brunette said, "Climb on and start it to idle S'Harien. I still need to make adjustments with it running."

S'Harien eagerly climbed on the speeder and ignited the turbine. It fired up with a roar that sounded a hundred times better to her than it had but it still wasn't perfect. T'Lyra started frowning and carefully fine-tuned her adjustments to the micrometer and the engine changed pitch until both women said "Perfect!" in unison.

The wild biker girl sported a feral smirk and said, "Let's get the body panels back on and take it to the track. This Ducati is ready to ride at last."

…

University of Cambridge, School of Engineering Test Course

Doctor Glenn Hughes said to Doctor Schrodinger and his wife as they sat in the stands, "I never knew you two to be fans of speeder racing Siegfried."

"Oh, Maria and I aren't really but my grandson's girlfriend is. She needed me to get it cleared with the school of engineering to use their track." replied Samui's Father.

Maria added, "I can tell how excited little Siegfried is. This should be fun."

…

Down on the track…

S'Harien waited for the flag and immediately took off in a blur. She was crouched down to get her wind resistance to a minimum and blew by the small crowd of engineering students observing in a green and yellow flash. After shooting around the oval track three times S'harien opened the blowers up for maximum power and roared by at speeds the Ducati hadn't ever reached before…

"…SOME CRAZY VULCAN BIRD JUST BLEW EVERY TURBINE SPEED RECORD OUT OF THE WATER!" screeched an engineering student as the thrust from the Ducati's exhaust scorched the tarmac.

"527.45 Ks." said T'Lyra. "Excellent results for a first test run."

S'Harien coasted to a halt in front of the crowd gathered there and the roaring green and yellow Le-Matya on the back of her jacket seemed to flash in the sunlight. She was smiling manically under her helmet but quickly hid her expression when she took the helmet off and shook out her long dark brown hair in the wind.

Siegfried walked out and asked. "Do you like it?"

She nodded with joy in her eyes and said, "It is the best gift I've ever received."

Soon half of the University's School of Engineering was down on the track asking questions and admiring S'Harien and her bike…

…

Stardate 2283.234, Planet Mars Orbit, Utopia Planitia Shipyards, FRD-2

Captain Vach M'Fau was in a small shuttlecraft inspecting the exterior of NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine as all the damaged components were stripped away from the crippled ship. Workbees, dockyard workers and shuttlecraft of all types were working in harmony as she envisioned her grandnephew's new design he'd projected months ago should a second generation fast cruiser ever be built.

The ships primary, arrowhead shaped hull sat slightly lower and the longer, more powerful engines were being developed already using the breakthrough technology that was used in the creation of the NX-2000 U.S.S. Excelsior that was under construction over in FRD-1. The new, projected Isolinear computer systems were going to be installed on both ships. If the predictions turned out half as good as the Starfleet Bureau of Design & Repair; both vessels would be nothing short of magnificent.

…And speaking of the Isolinear computer, Vach was nearly bursting with pride that it was the brainchild of her great grandnephew Siegfried M'Fau. When Admiral Tolm revealed what he'd found out about the project being hijacked, she and Captain Suzuki had been furious as Lucien had been. As things stood though, the Daystrom Institute of Technology had a clean slate as all those involved were exposed and either under arrest or in a few unfortunate cases, deceased.

As it turned out, young Siegfried was going to complete his Computer Sciences Degree at the Daystrom Institute but complete his Quantum Physics and Astrophysics Degrees at the Vulcan Science Academy remotely from Earth. Vach decided to visit him at Daystrom as she'd only met him a few times due to the constraints of her job at Starfleet. Overall, Vach M'Fau was very pleased.

…

Stardate 2283.240, San Francisco, Daystrom Advanced Supercomputing Annex

"Personal Log of Siegfried M'Fau, Stardate 2283.240, Today is many things for me. It is my sixteenth birthday. It is my first day that I attend classes at the Daystrom Institute of Technology, and it is my first day as Associate Director of the Isolinear Computer Chip Program along with Doctor Sara Calico."

"I am living and working in the Advanced Supercomputing Annex in Starfleet Academy in San Francisco. Across the hall from me is a human male named David Marcus*① who also is studying to be an Astrophysicist as I am. He is twenty-two years old and is friendly but seems impatient to get his degree. He is the son of Doctor Carol Marcus*② who is a famous Molecular Biologist and Geneticist. David takes great pride in the fact she is his Mother. He is competitive and refers to me as 'kid' due to my younger age."

The younger blonde hybrid was saddened by the fact that S'Harien had to return to Vulcan but kept her Ducati in San Francisco as his personal transportation. He was in close contact with his girlfriend over subspace as well as his Grandparents on both sides. He also was in close contact with his parents but knew it was only a matter of time before they were once again going to be on duty. However, by agreeing to develop the Isolinear chip, he had duties too…

…

In the meantime, Naruto and his wives spent a few more days on Earth before travelling to Cait and Vulcan to visit their families for two weeks each. Then Naruto was ordered back to Earth…

…

Stardate 2283.285, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters

Captain Naruto M'Fau was standing before Fleet Admiral Heihachiro Nogura and his staff. "…And if you want to retain command of the U.S.S. Wolverine then you'll accept the promotion to Fleet Captain Naruto."

"You want me to accept the promotion to Fleet Captain under duress?" hissed the blonde while letting off a fearsome amount of killing intent.

"I knew you'd catch on quickly." said Nogura. "Trust me, you are ready for this. Starfleet needs more officers like you in higher positions. The way you led Fast Squadron One is solid proof to me."

Naruto glared at the Admiral and his staff for a long time and the pressure was nearly unbearable before the blonde hybrid growled, "Very well, I accept."

…

After Naruto had his new rank bars pinned on him by a thoroughly pleased Fleet Admiral, the blonde stalked out like an angry war god without uttering another word. Fitzpatrick wiped the sweat off his brow. "I thought he was going to attack us."

Cartwright nodded. "I was more concerned he would resign."

Heihachiro said, "It went better than I expected."

Everyone else face faulted.

…

Stardate 2283.290, Planet Mars Orbit, Utopia Planitia Shipyards Headquarters

Fleet Captain Naruto and his wives reported in for duty as the Think Tank, officers and crew of the Wolverine returned from their extended leave. After the group mingled informally for a few minutes, they fell in by rank and division for roll call and instructions by Rear Admiral Lucien Tolm.

Admiral Tolm stated, "You are all going to be living and working between FRD-2 and the NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine that is within. Many of you have already been contacted about the new design features of X-Technology that will be involved in the ship's total reconstruction. Know that the ship you are completing is as cutting edge as the Federation gets. The changes are so profound that she is no longer considered a Fast Cruiser but rather an X-Technology Fast Cruiser -a CFX."

"We are depending on you to do your best because an entire new generation of starships will be based on the success of this design." added Tolm. "You have nearly a quarter of your crew that are new. Know that they were selected very carefully from among the best and brightest by Starfleet Command and we expect them to be treated as equals by veteran members of the crew."

After a few words of encouragement, everyone was dismissed to report to FRD-2 by the Rear Admiral and Lucian said, "A word Fleet Captain Naruto? Congratulations on your promotion by the way."

Naruto growled, "I was coerced, Admiral Tolm."

"So I heard." said the older man with a sardonic smile. "I told them that you'd sooner resign as leave the command chair."

The blonde hybrid nodded, "You are correct sir."

Tolm chuckled and patted Naruto on the shoulder. "That's my boy. The reason I called you aside is about your First Officer, Commander Kurotsuchi Kamizuru."

"We all noted she wasn't present." said Naruto. "Was she unable to attend or did something happen to her?"

"She voluntarily transferred back to staff duty." explained Tolm. "Kamizuru explained that commerce raiding was too erratic for her to handle. That and she froze up and Commander Nodaway had to take command when that space creature appeared. That was a real black mark on her record. The bottom line is you are without an XO once again."

Naruto nearly face planted. "I suppose that one of the Admiralty has already chosen a new First Officer for me then?"

Tolm shook his head. "You have over two dozen officers that have requested the position. You'll have to interview them all of course but I'm sure you'll make a logical choice. "

"Did you have any advice sir?" asked the blonde.

Tolm shook his head and said, "Hell no! I hate the interview process."

…

Utopia Planitia Shipyards, FRD-2

Naruto soon informed his crew that they would be getting a new XO in the near future. His wives were soon discussing it…

Shizuka frowned. "So, we lost our First Officer but kept her Yeoman Cutler?"

"I guess so." said Alison. "At least Emery Cutler isn't so overbearing."

Samui interjected, "Kamizuru wasn't that overbearing, she was just too damned inflexible."

"Hmmmm." purred M'rella. "Well, we don't have to worry about Commander Kurotsuchi anymore so there is no use in complaining."

T'Lyra strummed her Ka'athyra. "The logical thing to do would be to focus on our husband's choice of a new XO. I can tell he is distressed with the idea."

"I think it's cute when he tries to hide his emotional side." giggled M'rella.

Alison grinned. "I agree."

…

Stardate 2283.292, San Francisco, Daystrom Advanced Supercomputing Annex

Siegfried M'Fau was looking at a production Isolinear chip and the projected Isolinear computer core. He said, "This core will not work as is. It lacks flexibility and more importantly, it lacks redundancy. Shock damage could take it completely offline if it was exposed to too much energy. It needs to be arranged in two banks of five chips each opposite of one another. That way if one bank fails, the other will continue to function."

Doctor Sara Calico sighed. "From a battle damage view on a ship in combat it makes perfect sense."

"It will also quintuple the core's production cost!" choked out an assistant.

Siegfried said in a flat tone, "It's cheaper than losing a ship."

"But sir-" said the man.

"Just get the core redesign started quickly." said Sara. "Starfleet needs these cores as soon as possible."

'With individual cores acting for each system…' thought Siegfried.

Calico read his thoughts being a Betazoid. "Sir, that many cores on each ship would be cost prohibitive."

'Stay out of my head Doctor Calico.' mentally growled the hybrid. 'I am theorizing.'

…

Later, Doctor Calico overheard several conversations and thoughts in the staff cafeteria.

"…That boy is costing us a fortune." 'We are going to go bankrupt!'

"…He has also increased our production ability by 1200%." 'He's in classes with my daughter. I wonder if…?'

"…You must agree the new core design is light years better than the original." 'He's absolutely brilliant! Mister Siegfried could change the face of the Federation!'

"…Have you seen when he enters hyperthought? It's absolutely amazing!" 'I wonder what it is that makes his eyes light up like that.'

'Mister Siegfried is slowly but surely winning over the staff.' she thought. 'I wonder what he'll create next.'

…

Stardate 2283.290, Planet Mars Orbit, Utopia Planitia Shipyards, FRD-2, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine

While his son was working himself to the bone, Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau was working hard as well. He was getting a headache from all the ideas his fellow Think Tank members and staff kept throwing at him to incorporate into the U.S.S. Wolverine Naruto was looking over his notes:

-Daniel Simmons has figured out thirty-three ways to incorporate the Isolinear chip that we hadn't thought of previously.

-Emma Forester has improved our shielding by fifty percent as well as improving the shield regeneration time 200%.

-Kloene has gone a step beyond his AWRs and created microwarp engines that we can incorporate into the primary hull.

-Michael Franz has figured out how to overload phasers as well as made them capable of a short-range defense 'gatling' mode.

-Shar has improved our standard scanners to the equivalent of special sensors like a Galactic survey Cruiser has.

-Chief Engineer Freyja Christenson's has created the brilliant idea of making the ship's batteries 400% more efficient than they were.

-Rafi and Samui thought up the ingenious concept of making all bridge control panels redundant meaning the helm, navigation, sensor and other systems could be accessed from any position in an emergency.

-Starfleet Command has improved the Photon Torpedoes so they could load at twice the speed they could previously using the captured technology from the I.K.V. Dakrohn, thus doubling the heavy weapons firepower.

-And lastly, Naruto himself had refined the warp power an additional 25%.

That was to say nothing about all the subsystems that had been improved…and all of this would be incorporated into 'the great experiment,' U.S.S. Excelsior and her future sisterships.

…

That was the easy part. Now Naruto had to pick an Executive Officer!

Going through various dossiers, he found Lieutenant Commander Nicholas Troya who lusted after his wife Shizuka. He put Troya on the 'rejected' pile even though he would have to interview the man.

He found a Commander that looked promising on paper until he read the man's last fitness report: 'Strict, hard and by the book.' That would never do…

Naruto was starting to get desperate by the time he reached number twenty-two. So far, the Fleet Captain had sixteen on the 'rejected' pile and five on the 'maybe' pile. Number twenty-two was someone he already knew and trusted, Commander Jackie Nodaway. 'Why would she want to be my XO? She should be commanding a cruiser herself.'

Deciding to call his friend over subspace, Naruto was surprised to find her on reserve at Starbase 17. She greeted him enthusiastically with a "Hey Naruto, I heard you made Fleet Captain. Way to go!"

The blonde wanted to say he was forced but decided to not bring it up. "Thank you, Jackie, I received your transfer application and wondered why. You should be commanding a cruiser of your own by now."

Nodaway growled, "I wanted the Fast Cruiser NCC-1603 U.S.S. Stingray but they gave it to Shanna Williams' XO. They cited that you needed to be an Exec on a Fast Cruiser for at least a year before you were fit to command one. I called bullshit and they slammed me into reserve here at Starbase 17 on Staff Duty. I'm ready to tear my hair out!"

"What about the Brunhild?" asked Naruto.

"They gave Brunhild to my Exec Richard Donaldson. He's ready but even he agreed I got the shaft." said Jackie. "I'm assuming since you are calling me personally that someone else got the job."

The blonde hybrid said, "Actually, you are my first choice Jackie. I have to interview twenty-six others as a matter of professional courtesy, but I believe you are the most logical choice."

"REALLY?! That's great news!" said Nodaway.

Naruto nodded. "I'll put in the orders for you to come to Mars for an interview Commander. I will see you soon. U.S.S. Wolverine out."

"Starbase 17 out." replied Jackie.

…

Stardate 2283.292, Starbase 17

Two days later, Commodore Angela Leason at Starbase 17's Personnel Resources Division received the orders for Commander Jaqueline Nodaway to report to Mars for an interview to serve aboard the famous U.S.S. Wolverine and decided to give Fleet Captain Naruto a warning about the Commander. Leason didn't like Jackie or her flippant attitude and wanted the highly decorated Fleet Captain to know it.

She saw the whisker faced blonde Vulcan on the screen and said, "Fleet Captain Naruto, it's a pleasure to meet you. Your reputation with Admiral Kosnett precedes you here. I'm Commodore Angela Leason of Personnel Resources and I wanted to give you a courtesy call regarding Commander Jaqueline Nodaway."

Naruto raised his eyebrow in his usual way and asked, "What is it about the Commander that you wish to discuss Commodore?"

"I believe that Commander Nodaway would tarnish the sterling reputation of the U.S.S. Wolverine that you have done so much to achieve over the years. She has a rebellious streak that simply would not fit in with your style of command. I've read your superb papers on tactics and judging by them I can tell that you expect only the best from your crew. I'm not trying to tell you what to do Fleet Captain Naruto; I simply wanted you to be forewarned about this one."

"I will take your information into account when I interview Commander Nodaway, Commodore Leason." replied Naruto. "I thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to give me your educated opinion."

"I'm glad to have helped Fleet Captain." said Leason. "I wish you the best of luck in finding an Executive Officer worthy of your command."

…

Stardate 2283.299, Planet Mars Orbit, Utopia Planitia Shipyards, FRD-2, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine

Commander Jaqueline Nodaway arrived aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine and saw the ship was being totally transformed from top to bottom. The ship had always looked fast but now it looked like it would hit harder and go faster.

When she landed aboard Jackie was greeted by the ship's senior watch officer, Her friend Samui Schrodinger. Samui smiled and saluted, "Welcome aboard Commander Nodaway. It is good to see you again."

Jackie shook hands with Samui and said, "It's good to see you again too Samui. Is the Think Tank still as crazy as ever?"

The blonde bombshell laughed. "I believe it's safe to say that we are. After your interview I hope you can squeeze in the time for a tour of the ship. The Wolverine is going to be better than ever when she's completed."

…

Captain's Ready Room

Naruto was exhausted. He'd done nothing but ridiculous interviews for the last week and had to check references on ALL of them. For once the blonde hybrid was putting the ship's yeoman, Emery Cutler to work. Cutler seemed thrilled but Naruto wasn't. There was so much valuable time being wasted with this interview process that could be dedicated to other important things. The Fleet Captain needed a First Officer who could think on the fly and devise tactics under pressure. He hadn't found that quality in any of the officers he'd interviewed. They were all 'by the book.' It was frustrating.

Jackie came in and gave her formal references (Such as Captain Mabui Kumo and Admiral Thomas Galloway among others) and answered all of Naruto's questions with the aplomb he expected. Then Naruto turned to Yeoman Cutler who had been taking notes the entire time and said, "This interview is concluded Cutler, I wish to discuss a few things with Commander Nodaway one on one."

Emery seemed surprised but said dutifully, "Yes sir." before departing.

The blonde sat back in his chair and said, "The interview process and the script I must read on behalf of Personnel Resources is inefficient and a waste of time. Can I offer you a drink Commander Nodaway?"

"I'd be honored Fleet Captain Naruto." she said. Then Jackie smirked, "I thought you'd never accept a promotion."

"I was forced." replied the blonde. "Fleet Admiral Nogura told me if I wanted to retain the command of the Wolverine that I'd have to accept a promotion. I was disturbed by his deliberate coercion."

The brunette woman smiled, "More likely you were furious. I've seen you when you're angry. Your eyes light up and the whole room gets heavy."

Naruto sipped his brandy and said, "You know me well Jackie. I got a call from Commodore Angela Leason. Did you aggravate her?"

Jackie snarled, "I locked horns with her over transferring to the Stingray. I was less than thrilled they gave it to someone else but then she fabricated a load of malarkey about having to serve as an XO on a Fast Cruiser before you could Captain one. I called her bluff and said to show me the regulations that specified that. She got pissed and had me dismissed. I was angry enough to spit fire."

The blonde nodded. "She contacted me about you and stated you weren't a good fit."

"…That backbiting bitch…" muttered the Commander.

"I have found that to be a typical attitude among Personnel Resource Officers." stated Naruto. "Her outlook meant nothing to me despite her rank."

Jackie chuckled, "So you played nice and then threw her opinion out the airlock."

"Precisely." replied the Fleet Captain.

…

Yeoman Emery Cutler was drafting a communiqué to all the officers who hadn't received the position of First Officer on the U.S.S. Wolverine when he received a coded transmission from his superior in Section 31, Commander Tower. After entering all the encryption protocols, Tower said to him, "How are the interviews going, Emery? Did any of our hopefuls do well?"

Cutler cringed. "Fleet Captain Naruto is unreadable and keeps his own counsel. He doesn't ask for my opinion and does not seem to trust me."

"Have you volunteered any opinions to him?" asked Tower.

"I've offered my insights on the interview process and how it was turning out." answered Emery. "He said the entire process was an illogical waste of time."

Tower shook his head. "Damn. Do you have any idea who he'll choose?"

"The only one he didn't reject outright was Commander Jaqueline Nodaway who served under his command previously in Fast Squadron One." replied Cutler. "All other things being equal she struck me as the best choice to be the Executive Officer on the Wolverine because she knows Fleet Captain Naruto's style of leadership."

Commander Tower nodded. "Keep me informed Cutler."

"Aye sir." answered the Yeoman.

…

Stardate 2283.305, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine

It was formally announced that the new First Officer of the Wolverine was Commander Jaqueline Nodaway, and the veteran crewmembers were thrilled. Jackie immediately set about getting to know the ship and crew better. The brunette was very pleased to be aboard and received a warm welcome. She soon met Yeoman Emery Cutler and the two were introduced.

"I remember you." said Jackie. "You were always glued to Commander Kurotsuchi Kamizuru. It's kind of a shock you didn't transfer out with her. Are you serving Captain Naruto in the same capacity?"

Emery shook his head, "I'm the ship's Yeoman now. The Fleet Captain doesn't have much use for me I'm afraid. I have plenty to keep up with for the crew but most of the Staff keep their own notes. The use words so long that I'd need a universal translator to understand them."

Commander Nodaway laughed. "They've been like that since they were cadets. They can't help themselves. I'll get you some work down in supplies. With the ship being reconstructed; they need all the help they can get."

…

Stardate 2283.306, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Starfleet Bureau of Design & Repair

Captain Vach M'Fau reported into her superior Rear Admiral Lucien Tolm and said, "Work on the NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine is moving forward more quickly than we anticipated, Admiral. The new expected completion date is Stardate 2284.060."

Captain Suzuki smiled, "So in 4 months the new CFX will be breaking all her old records and within a year the BBX NX-2000 U.S.S. Excelsior will follow*③."

"The sooner we get the X-Ships in production, the sooner this war can be brought to an end." said the Rear Admiral. "I for one can't wait for it to be over."

…

Stardate 2283.310, San Francisco, Daystrom Advanced Supercomputing Annex

David Marcus was talking to his younger friend Siegfried M'Fau. "I don't get it Siegfried. I mean, you're a kid but you've already invented the Isolinear Chip." David waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "-Not to mention you are working with the very hot Doctor Calico."

"I have a girlfriend." stated the blonde hybrid. "Doctor Sara Calico is as much my handler as my coworker. The staff in the Isolinear Computer Program don't like taking orders from someone younger than them."

"What I was getting at is you are already up for the Zee-Magnees Prize." said Marcus. "You are pretty much set for life. Why are you studying Astrophysics and Quantum Physics as well?"

Ziggy looked at his slightly older friend and said, "I want to learn, surely you understand that."

"I'm going to achieve something great too someday." said David with conviction.

"Just make sure your desire doesn't cloud your judgement." said the hybrid.

Marcus smiled. "Sometimes you sound more like an old man than a kid."

'I just miss S'Harien.' thought Siegfried sadly.

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: David Marcus: He was introduced in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. He is the son of Doctor Carol Marcus and Admiral James T. Kirk though he is unaware of his Father's identity. See Memory Alpha and Beta.

*②: Doctor Carol Marcus: She was introduced in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan as the head of Project Genesis.

*③: This is about a year earlier than in the movies. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan & Star Trek III: The Search for Spock happen in 2285.

So, a question for my readers, should Naruto and Company become involved in the goings on in the movies Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan & Star Trek III: The Search for Spock or should the movies just be referenced like the V'Ger incident was? There are pros and cons either way. See you next time, Blue out. 10/8/23