Naruto: Infinity Divide
Waging War, Waging Peace
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
This chapter will have a time skip and cover some of the events of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. Here is Chapter 79, Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
{ } Signifies hand signs
…
Last time:
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Transporter Room
'That old slime devil.' thought Naruto grumpily as he beamed aboard the Wolverine.
'You're thinking too loudly again my love.' spoke T'Lyra mentally. 'Who is an old slime devil, by the way?'
The blonde sighed and replied, 'Fleet Admiral Nogura is who I was referencing.'
'Why don't you come back to our quarters where I can take care of you Naruto?' she asked invitingly. 'I've missed my mate.'
Naruto was soon in the arms of his beautiful wife T'Lyra. As she took care of him, he decided to forget about everything else until tomorrow…
…
Chapter 79
Stardate 2284.093, Sol System, Planet Earth Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Captain's Quarters
Naruto woke up curled up with T'Lyra. She was holding him with her chin resting gently on top of his head as she held him close in her bosom as she slept. He inhaled her soft feminine scent and felt content. 'My Wildflower Princess…' he thought lethargically. '…I love you.'
T'Lyra woke from her slumber an hour later and found her mate sleeping peacefully in her arms. She ruffled his spiky hair and kissed his forehead to wake him up. Naruto's blue eyes fluttered open, and he saw a tiny smile on her face. "Good morning my love." she said as she ruffled his hair again. "Did you sleep well?"
He smiled back at her. "I always sleep well next to you T'Lyra." He stretched and asked, "What time is it?"
"It is time for you to share thoughts with me so I may know what is troubling you." said the beautiful brunette. "You were most distressed last night."
He gently initiated a mind meld and told her he had been ordered to propose a direction in the war by the Fleet Admiral and all the events surrounding the situation.
She mentally smiled. 'As always, your brain gets you into trouble. I've been telling you since we were children that you think too much.' She kissed his nose. 'I will help you write your presentation. I'm sure all the girls will if you just ask.'
…
Stardate 2284.099, Sol System, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters
Six days later, Fleet Captain Naruto beamed down to Starfleet Headquarters and was standing before what seemed like the entire Admiralty. He hadn't felt so awkward since he was a Cadet at the trial of Captain Anthony MacDougal*①. The blonde robotically took the podium after he was introduced by Fleet Admiral Heihachiro Nogura to present his proposed Operation Southern Cross (Shizuka thought of the name) which would cut off the Klingons and Romulans from one another to force the Romulans to come to the peace table of their own accord.
The other option presented was Operation Romulus presented by Rear Admiral Toulouse who wanted to make a massive drive to the Romulan Capital and devastate it. This would give the Romulans no choice but to drop out of the war. Toulouse also attacked Naruto's more peaceful proposal as hypocritical because the Fleet Captain himself had shown virtually no mercy to Romulans in the past.
Naruto countered that the two operations weren't mutually exclusive, and that Operation Southern Cross would weaken the Romulan position and pave the way for Operation Romulus should it become necessary. Toulouse agreed upon that point and that combining the two concepts might be better than either operation alone.
That led to nearly six hours of heated debate between the staff, Naruto, Toulouse and everyone else present. No blood had been spilled but there were a lot of raised voices. It was concluded that preparing in the long term for Operation Romulus was the best option for forcing the Romulans out of the war but would incur horrific losses on both sides.
On the other hand, Operation Southern Cross would weaken the Romulans considerably in the short term and would avoid the carnage that would ensue from Operation Romulus. After the debate was over a vote was taken and by a wide margin of 70% it was agreed that both operations should be put into effect.
…
Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau was exhausted. Rear Admiral Toulouse came over to him after the debates and said, "I hope Operation Southern Cross works, Fleet Captain. Although it's a more permanent solution, Operation Romulus will be one of the bloodiest campaigns in modern history and I'd rather avoid it."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "You seemed rather eager for bloodshed at the podium Admiral Toulouse."
"The way we feel personally and the way we must wage a war are two different things Fleet Captain Naruto." said Toulouse sagely. "You must agree we both want this two-front war to end quickly."
"Of that there is no debate, Admiral." agreed the blonde.
…
The Andorian Admiral Tholas from the War College came over to Naruto and said, "You are a much more talented debater than I gave you credit for Fleet Captain Naruto. Nogura was right about you. You have my compliments. It's a rather cunning plan to cause the Romulan Empire to implode. Their political system seems rather fragile unless all the Great Houses have a common enemy."
Several Admirals and Captains said similar things. That was when Naruto saw his friend Captain Spock come over and the two greeted one another with the Vulcan salute. Spock said, "Your arguments were both logical and sound Fleet Captain Naruto. It is a shame that others disagree."
"Thank you for your support, Captain Spock." said Naruto. "I suppose we will see if the Romulans agree with me within the year. I estimate that it will take that long to completely cut them off from the Klingon Empire."
Admiral Kirk walked over and said, "The Romulans are a very stubborn people from my experience. I doubt they'll knuckle under that easily."
Naruto replied, "That is why Operation Southern Cross must be accomplished in stages. Cutting them off in a stranglehold will not work as they will react violently. They must not realize that the Klingons are severed from them until it is too late to do anything about it."
…
Stardate 2284.101, Sol System, Planet Earth Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Naruto was soon in his Ready Room talking to the Vulcan Bureau of Displaced Citizens about baby Mirai. "She will be placed in appropriate Vulcan foster care Fleet Captain M'Fau." explained a Vulcan representative. "She is of Vulcanoid descent and therefore belongs with us until she can be returned to her people."
"I am relieved to hear that she is going to be taken care of." said Naruto. 'I wonder if we will cross paths again someday.'
…
Stardate 2284.107, Sol System, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Daystrom Institute of Technology
The very public announcement that Project Genesis was cancelled was made less than a week later. The majority of the Mutara Nebula was destroyed and Planet Genesis itself exploded. The staff at the Regula I station had been slaughtered to the last man by Khan Noonien Singh and all the memory banks at Regula I had been wiped clean. The data gathered by the U.S.S. Wolverine over Planet Genesis simply proved the planet had an unstable core that resulted in its destruction. Project Genesis was a total loss.
What wasn't mentioned to the public was Doctors Carol and David Marcus were very much alive and under the protection of Admiral James T. Kirk…They were also heading up a new project called EDEN that was backed by several terraforming corporations throughout the Federation…
…
Doctor Siegfried M'Fau was sitting with his friend Doctor David Marcus talking. David said, "I can't believe this new project got off the ground so quickly Siegfried. The first people to invest in it was some people from Vulcan called the Emfow Group."
Siegfried looked at the listing and saw the name M'Fau. He said, "Human tongues can't pronounce it. That's an old Golic Vulcan Clan name. It means, The Riders."
David grinned and said, "I wonder who they are."
That was when Lieutenant Saavik came strolling up and said, "David, it's time to go."
Doctor Marcus looked up at her and smiled. "Saavik, this is my good friend Doctor Siegfried. Siegfried, this is my girlfriend Saavik."
Saavik gave the blonde hybrid the Vulcan salute. "Peace and long life. It is a pleasure to meet you, Doctor."
He returned her salute and said, "It is a pleasure to meet you as well Lieutenant. Try to keep David out of trouble."
Saavik looked at her boyfriend and said, "It is a monumental task."
'Was that a joke she just made?' wondered Doctor Marcus with wide eyes.
Siegfried heard his name being called and said, "I must return to my work. Live long and prosper, both of you." Then the platinum blonde departed…
…
Stardate 2284.210, Southern Romulan Neutral Zone
The new X-ships were a closely guarded secret. What they were, where they were and what they could do were all big question marks to the Romulan and the Klingon Empires. The only one to witness an X-ship in combat and live to tell the tale was Klingon Commander Kruge and he had only seen the end of a battle at long range.
The Federation was slowly, very slowly creeping southwards towards Tholian Space Their commerce raiders NCC-1603 U.S.S. Stingray and NCC-1605 U.S.S. Gryphon had been spotted close by in Romulan and Klingon Southern Territories. It was bad enough for the Romulans and their allies that their merchant ships were being torn to shreds.
Something else was running loose as well. Every Romulan listening outpost along the southern border of the United Federation of Planets had been systematically hunted down and obliterated in the last three months. Without the listening outposts, Federation ships were striking across the Neutral Zone with complete impunity.
What the Romulans didn't know was the entire Federation Sixth Fleet was building up for Operation Romulus or that nearly a dozen Federation vessels were simply running loose in their territory. They also didn't know the X-ship NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine was on her Fourth War and Fifth War Cruises hunting down the listening outposts and any other prey she could find…
…
Romulan Intelligence broke a Federation cipher a few days after the U.S.S Wolverine escaped safely back into Federation Territory concluding her Fifth War Cruise. They realized too late that all the unconnected Federation activity had all been part of a larger strategic move to completely sever their connections with their Klingon allies. The name they discovered was:
…
OPERATION SOUTHERN CROSS
…
Time skip
…
Stardate 2285.279, Romulan Empire
It had been over a year since Operation Southern Cross had been put into effect and the Romulan Fleet was suffering from both part shortages and financial turmoil. Many of the Great Houses were too busy infighting to contribute to the war. Emperor Tarus had fallen into completely libertine habits by this time and his debauchery left the Romulan Empire without effective leadership.
Praetor Maxillius had gone into both mental and emotional decline since the horrid defeats at the beginning of the war and gradually was taking less of a role in the day-to-day affairs of government and the war effort. Maxillius finally resigned for health reasons and the political discord and financial situation became critical.
Divisions between the Great Houses were rampant and at least some of them were looking for a way to just end the war…
…
Stardate 2285.297, 40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan
Several of the Romulan Great Houses formed a secret coalition to sue for peace with the United Federation of Planets. The situation was desperate, and the Vulcan Ambassador Sarek had bravely agreed to begin a dialogue with the Romulan Ambassador Tantillon in the Oxvind System over the Gas giant planet Oxvind V in Romulan Territory.
The arrangements were originally for the starship NCC-1701-A U.S.S. Enterprise to make the voyage, but the new ship was suffering teething troubles that prevented it from taking on the task. Therefore, it was decided to take the stolen I.K.V. Dakrohn into Romulan territory. The Dakrohn was small and had a fully operational cloaking device in case the situation turned out to be a Romulan trap.
Admiral Kirk and his crew in the I.K.V. Dakrohn were on Vulcan making preparations to take Ambassador Sarek to Oxvind V…
…
Days later disaster struck. An 8-kilometer-long Probe of unknown origins came from the core-ward side of the galaxy and was headed straight for the Planet Earth in the Sol System. The Probe's powerful communications broadcast had the side-effect of disabling any vessel that came near it and seven different Federation ships were completely neutralized when they encountered the Probe.
Eventually the Probe made it to Earth where it disabled the Starbase 1 Spacedock and all the vessels within it, including the new NX-2000 U.S.S. Excelsior. Then the Probe settled into orbit and started directing its transmissions towards the oceans.
As Earth's planetary power sources began to fail, a planetary distress signal was sent out which was intercepted by Admiral Kirk and his crew aboard the I.K.V. Dakrohn…
…
Stardate 2285.301, Romulan Border, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
M'rella received an incoming transmission from the I.K.V. Dakrohn and said, "Captain Naruto, we have an incoming transmission from Ambassador Sarek aboard the I.K.V. Dakrohn. He says it is urgent."
"Put it on screen M'rella." said Naruto.
Sarek's face appeared on the main viewscreen of the Wolverine. "Fleet Captain M'Fau, this is Ambassador Sarek. I regret to inform you that Planet Earth is in terrible danger. My son Spock and Admiral Kirk have come up with a plan to save the planet but there is no time to explain it."
"My journey to Oxvind V to meet with Romulan Ambassador Tantillon is not possible at this point." explained Sarek. "As you are one of the very few aware of this meeting, I am appointing you to go in my place Naruto. You must make peace with the Romulans and end this conflict."
Naruto's blue eyes were big as saucers when Sarek said, "Peace is the way to the future Fleet Captain M'Fau. You can do this. This is Ambassador Sarek signing off."
The screen went blank…
…
'…No pressure M'Fau. No pressure at all.' thought Naruto to himself.
Commander Nodaway turned to Naruto and asked, "What kind of fire have we been thrown into now Captain? I've never even heard of an Oxvind V."
Naruto deflated a bit and said, "That's because the Oxvind System is an uninhabited area in northern Romulan Territory."
"I'm sorry I asked." said Jackie.
…
"Personal log, Stardate 2285.302, Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. We have just crossed the border into Romulan territory on a peace mission to meet Romulan Ambassador Tantillon in the King Eagle*② R.I.S. Audax. I have studied what little we know about Ambassador Tantillon. He is considered well-meaning and has met with the Klingon Ambassador Thad Vak Kaleen who is a masterful diplomat to say the least."
"Bearing in mind that I am not of Kaleen's caliber, I have concluded that simple, logical fact is the best way to handle this:
1. The Romulans need allies to help stabilize their government before it completely collapses.
2. The Klingons cannot help the Romulans and are unwilling to expend the resources to do so.
3. The Federation can help the Romulans and wants this pointless war to end.
4. The Romulans were drawn into a war against their best interests by the Klingon Empire.
5. The Klingons promises of a quick and easy victory over the Federation were false.
6. The Federation is willing to negotiate a peace and does not wish to subjugate the Romulans.
7. An armistice would be the first step towards a lasting peace.
These seven points are what my argument hinges upon. I have no references to Ambassador Sarek's notes or arguments so I will have to settle for my own efforts."
…
Stardate 2285.305, Romulan Territory, Oxvind System, Oxvind V Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
The U.S.S. Wolverine was in a low orbit around Oxvind V, a large orange and red gas giant with a small ring system surrounding it. They were on high alert with all weapons loaded and ready, but their fire control was inactive as a show of good faith. It could be switched on in an instant should some sort of ambush appear.
Maya Ayasugi was the first to spot a cloaked ship approaching. She said, "I've spotted a spatial distortion. They are settling into orbit directly in front of us."
M'rella stated, "We're receiving a tight beam transmission, it's the R.I.S. Audax."
"Inform them we are here to open negotiations." said Naruto.
The Caitian beauty relayed the message and Shizuka said grimly, "The Audax is uncloaking dead ahead."
The crew of the Wolverine watched with keen eyes as the King Eagle faded into view. "Their fire control is inactive." reported Alison.
Naruto nodded and said, "Open hailing frequencies, short range only."
"I'm getting a visual transmission Captain." said M'rella.
The blonde hybrid said, "Put them on screen."
A Romulan male appeared on screen, it was not Ambassador Tantillon. He said, "I am Admiral Crellus of the Romulan Star Empire, I have been appointed in Ambassador Tantillon's place. I represent twenty-three of the fifty-one Great Houses of Romulus. I fly my flag in the honorable R.I.S. Audax."
Naruto's eyes crackled with chakra. "I am Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau of the United Federation of Planets of the starship U.S.S. Wolverine. I was appointed in place of Ambassador Sarek."
There was a gasp offscreen on the Romulan side and Crellus said, "Your reputation precedes you Fleet Captain, are you not the one that the Klingons call Nightstalker?"
Naruto hadn't ever heard this before and said, "Whatever the Klingons call me is irrelevant. We've both come to wage peace here, not war."
Admiral Crellus smiled. "You are direct Fleet Captain. I like that. I think we will get along…nicely. I have a meal prepared aboard the Audax for you. I'd prefer to discuss things face to face."
The blonde nodded. "As would I. I will beam over shortly."
The screen went blank. Naruto looked over at Ino Yamanaka who was on the bridge for the occasion. "They fear you by reputation Naruto. It's a two-edged sword. Be careful."
…
Transporter Room One
Naruto was talking to their Transporter Chief Heidi Gaul. He said, "You know the drill, Heidi. If I signal with my hidden communicator, beam me out of there."
She replied, "You always did have more guts than brains Naruto." she motioned towards his Starfleet insignia, and he signaled with it. Heidi nodded, "All green. Good luck and be careful Captain."
The blonde stood up on the transporter pad and said, "Energize."
…
R.I.S Audax, Transporter Room
The blonde materialized aboard the Audax and was quickly searched for weapons by their Chief of Security. Finding he only item Naruto was carrying was his communicator, the Chief said, "He is clean Admiral."
Admiral Crellus nodded and said, "I expected no less. Return his communicator to him. Welcome aboard the Audax Fleet Captain Naruto. Forgive the rough handling, but one can never be too careful. Please follow me to my private dining room."
…
Admiral Crellus's Dining Room
The first thing Naruto noticed was how ornate the dining area was. It even had a chandelier. "I prefer the finer things in life Fleet Captain." said Crellus. "I come from the noble line of Aurellia and wish for you to feel at ease. Vulcans are vegetarians are they not?"
"That is correct Admiral Cressus." replied Naruto.
"Then a vegetarian meal we shall have." replied the Admiral.
After a sumptuous meal, Cressus dismissed his guards and servants before he said, "Now let us get down to business, shall we? I think there is much for us to discuss."
…
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
The entire bridge crew was on needles and pins. T'Lyra was up on the bridge as well as Ino Yamanaka. Ino was doing her best to keep an eye on the mood of the Romulans as opposed to T'Lyra who was specifically monitoring Naruto.
Ino said, "The Romulans are afraid and as nervous about the situation as we are. They feel that the weight of saving the entire Romulan Empire is resting squarely upon their shoulders." She turned to T'Lyra and asked, "How is our Captain holding up?"
"He is…frustrated." said T'Lyra, "Admiral Cressus is apparently some sort of Senator and is wanting unusual concessions in exchange for an armistice."
…
R.I.S Audax, Dining Room
"…And therefore, the Emperor Tarus is in a precarious position." said Admiral Cresses. "We believe his nephew, the Proconsul Rolandus is virtually guaranteed to become the next Emperor and he HATES the Federation with a passion and more specifically, YOU."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, "Why would he hate me in particular?"
The Admiral explained, "You slew the woman he loved, Commander Kurenai. She was the Commander of the R.I.S. Allegiance which you destroyed in combat over Planet Genesis."
"He had a daughter then?" asked Naruto.
Cressus's eyes widened. "How did you know?!"
Naruto gave a bone chilling smile that showed his elongated canines. "She was rescued. Tell your would-be Emperor that his daughter Mirai will be returned to him if he will put his support behind a ceasefire arrangement."
The Admiral laughed. "You'd use a mere babe to gain the support of our Proconsul?"
Naruto stated, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one. Besides, she belongs with her family."
"Then it seems we have an accord the Fleet Captain Naruto." said Cressus. "I will talk to Ambassador Tantillon and Proconsul Rolandus while you talk to Ambassador Sarek." He raised his glass of Romulan ale and said, "To a beginning."
Naruto raised his glass and nodded. "To a beginning."
…Soon, the blonde Fleet Captain bid his host farewell and was beamed back over to the Wolverine.
…
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Transporter Room
Naruto felt the extreme tension leave his body as he materialized aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine. He thought to himself, 'I don't think I could do that again.'
Heidi Gaul was smiling and asked, "How did it go sir?
The blonde exhaled, "Better than I expected." He came over to the comm panel and said "M'Fau to bridge. Where is the Audax?"
"Nodaway here." replied Jackie. "They signaled us farewell and cloaked out."
Naruto said, "Get us out of the Oxvind System before we are spotted. I'm on my way to the bridge."
…
Bridge
Naruto came onto the bridge and sat down in his Command chair. He immediately checked their course and saw they were taking a runabout way back towards Federation territory running silent to avoid contact with Romulan vessels. It had been an extremely taxing day…the blonde quickly turned on the ship's recorder and added a log entry.
…
"Ship's Log, Stardate 2285.305. Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine is heading back to Federation Territory to report at least partial success of our mission. The Romulan Admiral Cressus Aurellia is also a Senator and therefore has experience in negotiations that I do not. However, things turned out favorable for both the Admiral and I as we both want peace between our peoples above all else."
"We agreed that an armistice is the first step, and he intends to speak to their chief Ambassador Tantillon and Proconsul Rolandus about the possibilities. In the meantime, I will speak with Ambassador Sarek about the same subject. Presumably Sarek will take up the subject with the Federation Council."
…
Stardate 2285.307, Romulan Border, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Two days later, the Wolverine came sneaking back into Federation territory at warp factor 4 having accomplished their mission. They immediately came out of silent running and contacted Starfleet Command. It was then they were put in contact with Ambassador Sarek.
Spock's Father appeared on the screen and greeted them with the Vulcan salute. Sarek said wearily, "I do not know how humanity survived their Twentieth Century." He then went on to describe the Cetacean Probe incident and how Admiral Kirk and his crew probably saved the United Federation of Planets from extinction. It was a long and complex discussion that left the bridge crew of the Wolverine a bit dumbfounded.
When he finished, Ambassador Sarek asked, "While I was travelling through time and back to find whales, I trust you made contact with my Romulan counterpart?"
Naruto scratched his neck nervously and said, "Ambassador Tantillon also sent a proxy in his place. It was Admiral Cressus Aurellia who is a Senator of the Romulan Empire." Naruto went on to explain his discussion with Cressus and the situation with Rolandus and little Mirai.
Sarek said, "You and your crew have done extraordinarily well Fleet Captain M'Fau. I trust you are returning to Earth to make your report?"
"The U.S.S. Wolverine is supposed to return to Romulan Border Patrol Ambassador." replied the blonde.
Sarek nodded and gave the Vulcan salute. "I will speak to the appropriate people to get the Wolverine detached then. Peace and long life Fleet Captain M'Fau."
Naruto returned the salute and replied, "Live long and prosper Ambassador Sarek."
The screen went blank, and Commander Nodaway asked, "Getting us detached…Does he have the power to do that?"
Naruto shrugged. "I have no idea. Ambassador Sarek is very influential though."
Jackie face palmed and Alison laughed.
Five minutes later, M'rella said, "We have an incoming message from Starfleet Command. It's Admiral Morrow."
The blonde Fleet Captain looked over at his Executive Officer. "It seems that Ambassador Sarek does have that kind of power."
Jackie shook her head. "Aye sir."
Naruto said, "Put Admiral Morrow on screen M'rella."
Morrow's frowning face appeared on the screen, and he said, "I understand from the Vulcan Ambassador that you filled in for him on the Romulan Peace Mission. Why wasn't I informed?!"
Naruto growled, "Starfleet Command was sent every related log entry Priority One from the Wolverine from Stardate 2285.301 forward. Didn't you read them?"
The Admiral looked a bit shocked and then looked at his computer. He saw over a dozen Priority One logs from the Wolverine and chuckled weakly in embarrassment. "I guess I missed that with all the excitement about the Cetacean Probe." Seeing Naruto's eyes were blazing with chakra, Admiral Morrow quickly said, "The U.S.S. Wolverine is officially detached from patrol duties on the Romulan border and is to return to Earth for a direct report. That is all."
Then the screen went blank…
Commander Nodaway chuckled. "I think Admiral Morrow got a bit flustered there."
Naruto calmed himself. "Samui, lay in a course for Earth."
Samui sensed the expletives flying through her husband's head about Morrow and stifled a laugh. "Course laid in sir."
"Rafi, ahead warp factor 10." said Naruto. "We're going to make this a fast trip."
The Trill woman grinned. "Aye, ahead warp factor 10 sir!"
…
Stardate 2285.310, Sol System, Planet Earth Orbit, Spacedock One
The NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine docked smoothly at berth four which gave them an outstanding view of the brand new NCC-1701-A U.S.S. Enterprise at berth two and the equally new NX-2000 U.S.S. Excelsior at berth one.
Commander Jackie Nodaway smiled and said, "The finest ships in the fleet all in one place. This is an occasion."
Rafi nodded reverently and then smiled. "…At least until Naruto and Ziggy top themselves."
M'rella said, "Sorry to break up the moment but Starfleet Headquarters is signaling us. It's Fleet Admiral Nogura."
Naruto wanted to groan and M'rella giggled at her husband's mental reaction. Finally, the blonde said, "Put the Fleet Admiral on screen M'rella."
Heihachiro Nogura appeared on screen looking pleased. He said, "It seems that Operation Southern Cross bore fruit after all. Nicely done Fleet Captain Naruto. I've read your Log Entries and I'm looking forward to your report to the Admiralty tomorrow at 10:00 hours. That is all. Starfleet Headquarters out."
The screen went blank, and Naruto nearly face faulted. "It's not that bad Naruto." said Shizuka reassuringly. "The Fleet Admiral seemed genuinely pleased."
"That isn't always a good thing." replied Naruto. "As long as we are here, I'll try to get some shore leave for all of us. It has been a long voyage."
The staff cheered and Samui said "I hope we have time to see Siegfried. He turned eighteen and got both his quantum physics and astrophysics doctorates from the VSA while we were away on the Romulan Front*③. I've missed our boy."
…
Stardate 2285.311, Sol System, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Daystrom Institute of Technology
After getting clearance for shore leave at 06:00, Naruto's wives decided to give Siegfried a surprise visit. They knew where his new apartment was on campus and knew he had weekends to himself. It was 09:00 Saturday morning when Samui knocked on Siegfried's door and smiled. She and the girls were planning to yell 'surprise' when S'Harien Sofek opened the door wearing a black Terran style robe with a Le-Matya motif wrapped around it.
S'Harien's reddish-brown eyes widened as she tried to straighten her bedhead hair. The biker girl said formally, "Welcome to our home, please come in."
Samui was gaping like a fish. "You live here S'Harien?"
The tall Vulcan beauty pointed up to a brass nameplate above the door. It said in Standard and in Golic Vulcan, SIEGFRIED & S'HARIEN M'FAU.
"You got married?!" asked Alison in shock.
"No, but we are going to." stated S'Harien. "It is the logical thing to do. I moved in five weeks ago. Several females here have been showing interest in my mate, so I chased them off."
"That seems logical." stated T'Lyra supportively. The other girls face faulted.
Samui wiped the sweat off her brow from the shock and asked, "Is Siegfried around?"
"Ziggy's in bed." said S'Harien. "Please enter and sit in the front room while I get him up and we get dressed."
…
Starfleet Headquarters
While his wives were in various states of shock (except T'Lyra) Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau duly reported into the Admiralty at 10:00 hours to describe the Romulan situation. The blonde was invited to sit with Nogura's Staff and Naruto took out his spare Starfleet insignia pin. Admiral Cartwright tilted his head and asked, "Why do you have a spare insignia, Naruto?"
The blonde said, "Because this one has a holographic recorder in it." He placed it in the center of the table and said, "Begin playback."
The staff saw a hologram of Admiral Cressus appear as the Romulan Admiral said, "Now let us get down to business, shall we? I think there is much for us to discuss..."
The Admirals watched the playback as Naruto outlined his seven points and the discussion finally came around to the point of Proconsul Rolandus and returning his daughter Mirai to him.
"…Then it seems we have an accord the Fleet Captain Naruto." said Cressus. "I will talk to Ambassador Tantillon and Proconsul Rolandus while you talk to Ambassador Sarek." He raised his glass of Romulan ale and said, "To a beginning."
The playback ended after that. Fleet Admiral Nogura said, "It seems that you did quite well for someone who claims he is not a good negotiator Fleet Captain." The staff chuckled.
Naruto didn't bat an eyelash and replied, "That is assuming something actually comes of this."
"It's a step in the right direction." said Admiral Morrow. "Given what little time you had to work with I'd say you did outstanding."
…
Siegfried and S'Harien's Apartment
Alison was looking around the front room and noted it was very traditionally Vulcan. She turned to T'Lyra, "This front room reminds me of your parent's house, minus the blue of course."
T'Lyra nodded and replied, "Yes, it is very traditional. It retains the warmth of an old Vulcan home but is still very ergonomic. It is obvious that S'Harien arranged it. Her sense of logic is very different from Siegfried's, but I approve of it."
"Huh. I was expecting there to be tons of racing stuff all over the place." said Shizuka.
M'rella giggled. "I was expecting starships and computer diagrams personally."
Samui was wondering what was taking Siegfried and S'Harien so long…
…
Siegfried soon emerged from his bedroom with S'Harien on his arm. He'd grown taller since Samui and the others had seen him. His long platinum hair was down, and he was unshaven which his Mother had never seen.
Samui smiled. "There is my handsome son. Are you growing a beard? It reminds me of Papa and Father Sovar."
"It's just been this week." answered S'Harien. "He has been working an illogical amount of overtime hours."
Siegfried said, "Mum, I am very happy to see you."
Samui embraced her son and asked, "How have you been? You look very well. Have you been eating right? I worry about you, you know."
"S'Harien has been taking care of me since she moved in." said the platinum blonde hybrid.
The biker girl said, "I've made sure he is eating right."
M'rella beamed and said, "I wasn't aware you could cook S'Harien."
"I can't." said the tall girl. "But he can cook very well. I just make sure he does it and broke him of his habit of skipping meals as he is so prone to doing."
Shizuka laughed. "It seems we have more in common than I thought S'Harien, I can't cook either!"
T'Lyra said, "It isn't something to take pride in S'Loran."
Shizuka replied, "Aunt Anuak can't cook either though she claims she can." The Earth raised Vulcan cringed. "Her tea is…ick!"
Alison's eyebrows raised. "Is it really that bad T'Lyra?"
"Mother's tea is quite unpalatable." replied the brunette.
Samui sweat dropped, "Tea aside, I want you both to be eating right and taking care of yourselves."
"We are." replied Siegfried with a tiny smile. "Where is Father? I am surprised he is not with you."
"He's stuck in a meeting with a bunch of pompous windbags." answered Alison.
"Ah, the Admiralty." replied Siegfried.
S'Harien smirked and asked, "You've met them?"
The blonde hybrid nodded and said, "Unfortunately, yes. They have not left a favorable impression upon me."
Samui sighed. "They have yet to leave a favorable impression on your Papa either."
…
Starfleet Headquarters
Fleet Captain Naruto was meeting with Ambassador Sarek after the two reviewed the holographic recording of Admiral Cressus together. "It seems that the time has come at last Naruto." said the Ambassador. "I will present this to the Federation Council directly. You may have done more for the peace process than you imagine, son of Sovar."
"I only hope the Romulans feel the same." replied Naruto. "They have been our enemies since before the United Federation of Planets was formed."
"Have faith Fleet Captain." said Sarek. "Today's enemies could be tomorrow's friends."
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: See Chapter 24.
*②: King Eagle: This is an upgrade of the ancient War Eagle hull to command cruiser status.
*③: It's been 17 months since Ziggy's graduation last chapter including the time skip.
This chapter was mainly written while I was trying to post the last chapter and was messed up, so it came out quicker than normal and I was able to tie up a few loose ends. Anyway, things have gone badly for the Romulans and at least some of them want to come to the peace table. What will that lead to? See you next time, Blue out. 10/8/23.