Naruto: Infinity Divide

Lost and Found

Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

This chapter will clear up some questions about the Mirror Universe and we'll see the return of Captain Rafi Avana. Here is Chapter 89, Enjoy!

Port = Left

Starboard = Right

[ ] Signifies a foreign language

{ } Signifies hand signs

…

For those of you keeping track, here is an updated crew list:

Crew of the U.S.S. Wolverine (2286)

Fleet Captain Naruto M'fau: Male Vulcan/Shinobi /Age: 32

First Officer Commander Jaqueline Nodaway: Female Human /Age: 35

Chief Engineering Officer Lieutenant Commander Freyja Christianson: Female Human /Age: 46

Assistant Chief Engineering Officer Lieutenant Kloene: Male Orion /Age: 32

Chief Medical Officer Doctor Shelly Wilson: Female Human /Age: 32

Assistant Chief Medical Officer Doctor Gregory Hammond: Male Human /Age: 32

Ship's Counselor Lieutenant Ino Yamanaka: Female Betazoid /Age: 33

Chief Sciences Officer Lieutenant Commander Alison Fairbanks: Female Shinobi /Age: 33

Assistant Chief Sciences Officer Lieutenant Maya Ayasugi: Female Human /Age: 32

Chief of Security Lieutenant Commander Shizuka Nadeshiko: Female Vulcan /Age: 38/ Birth name: S'Loren Tolaris

Assistant Chief of Security Lieutenant Edgar Shores: Male Human /Age: 40

Chief of Marines Major Scarlet Terrill: Female Human /Age: 33

Chief Communications Officer Lieutenant M'rella: Female Caitian /Age: 32

Ship's Navigator/Watch Officer Lieutenant Commander Samui Schrodinger: Female Augment Human /Age: 32

Ship's Helmsman Lieutenant Rafi Meta: Female Joined Trill /Age: 32

…

Last time:

Stardate 2286.147, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Sol System, Utopia Planitia Shipyards

A day after arriving in the Sol System, Rear Admiral Lucian Tolm and Captain Vach M'Fau were aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine which was undergoing repairs in Fleet Repair Dock 8. The I.S.S. Wolverine was in FRD-9 undergoing a thorough assessment.

Lucian said, "By our estimates, the former Terran Empire ship can be rebuilt to the same standards as the other Fast X-Cruisers. She's going to be rechristened the NCC-1606 U.S.S. Manta Ray since that name and designation were never actually used." The old Admiral had a twinkle in his eye. "I have to say you had the most unique way of adding to our fleet."

Vach stated, "The repairs to the Wolverine should take about four weeks, including resupply. The Manta Ray's total reconstruction is estimated at seven months."

That's when the Rear Admiral asked gravely, "Just how big of a threat is this Terran Empire?"

Naruto replied, "I wish I had an answer, Admiral Tolm. Fleet Admiral Nogura has summoned me to a Flag Staff meeting tomorrow to discuss the matter. It is very concerning."

"The Terran Empire's records are being uploaded to Starfleet Command as we speak." said Vach M'Fau.

"The Admiralty was already aware of the Terran Empire." said Naruto. "The question is just how much they already know…"

…

Chapter 89

Stardate 2286.148, Sol III, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters

Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau reported into Fleet Admiral Heihachiro Nogura's Office at Nogura's request before the meeting with the Admiralty.

The Fleet Admiral said, "Have a seat Fleet Captain Naruto. I know you and your Think Tank are already working around the clock to puzzle out the Mirror Universe so I'm going to inform you of some of the things we do know. It is top secret even among the Admiralty but I'm telling you this to keep your little group out of my hair. The Mirror Universe coexists with ours in the same space but on another dimensional plane. I'm ordering you here and now to not attempt to contact them."

"Why do you call it the Mirror Universe, sir?" asked the blonde.

Nogura sighed. He had been expecting this. "It was named the Mirror Universe because most people, places and ships that exist in our universe also exist there. However, beings there are usually the antithesis of the ones here. We've found they often swap moral characteristics with ours. Just as an example, an altruistic, kind person's counterpart might be selfish and cruel and vice versa, thus the Mirror moniker."

Naruto frowned. "And how long have we known about it? You seem quite knowledgeable about the subject."

"Both the United Federation of Planets and the Terran Empire have been aware of each other since 2257 so it's been nearly thirty years." explained the Fleet Admiral. "Both sides chose to classify that information to prevent deliberate attempts at crossing over."

Heihachiro continued before Naruto could ask more questions. "The Federation was fighting in the Federation-Klingon War of 2256-2257 at the time and was afraid of a possible invasion from the Terrans. At the same time, the fascist Terran Empire feared Federation ideals would inspire a rebellion in their universe. We've learned this through various incidents over the years."

Then the Fleet Admiral smiled predatorially and said, "Now I want to know what you have discovered about the Terran Empire. I refuse to believe you and the rest of the Think Tank haven't been researching this furiously. It's just not in the blood of your little group to leave well enough alone."

Now it was Naruto's turn to sigh. "There is no logical reason to hide our discoveries from you Fleet Admiral."

"I'm very glad to hear that." replied Nogura. 'I was afraid it would be like pulling teeth.'

"We investigated the history of the I.S.S. Wolverine as a starting point and determined she was completed as of 2284 with the discovery of hot warp technology." explained the Fleet Captain. "This puts them approximately ten years behind us technologically speaking. There is no record of anything resembling transwarp, Isolinear computer chips or X-technology either."

The Fleet Admiral nodded. "So, you've been examining their shipbuilding program?"

Naruto nodded. "We had to as there was a possible invasion from the Terran Empire at the time. Tactical and strategic information was necessary. They have a larger fleet of dreadnoughts than we do but they have nothing comparable to the X-battleship U.S.S. Excelsior or her sisterships under construction. That is not to say they aren't a threat."

"And what about their Think Tank?" asked Nogura. "Didn't they make an impact? Weren't they aboard the I.S.S. Wolverine?"

"None of the personnel on the Imperial Wolverine had a Mirror counterpart on our Wolverine." said the blonde. "The crew rosters are entirely different. Also, the crew's composition was quite different."

The Admiral cocked his head. "In what way was it different?"

Naruto replied, "The sciences division was much smaller but given the Terran Empire's mission profile of conquest rather than exploration that seems logical. The illogical thing was the lack of Marines and Commandoes. Given Sasuke Tiberius is an Admiral he certainly would have the pull to get them."

"You have an excessive number of Commandoes on your ship Fleet Captain." said Nogura.

"They have proven time and again to be extremely effective during commerce raiding cruises." countered the Vulcan. "Given Admiral Tiberius was using boarding party tactics so liberally one would expect him to at least have a larger contingent of Marines."

The Fleet Admiral frowned. "I can see your point but having four squads of Commandoes -especially top caliber ones like you have- has led all the fast cruiser Captains to follow suit."

Now Naruto frowned. "If it works-"

Nogura held up a hand to forestall any arguments. "The point I'm getting at is even an Admiral flying his flag in a cruiser probably would have had half your Marine complement at most. He probably boarded your ship expecting a cakewalk and ended up in a charnel house instead."

The blonde raised an eyebrow, "I'll pass that along to Major Terrill. I believe she will consider that a compliment."

The Fleet Admiral sweat dropped…

…

Having had a semi-civil conversation with Fleet Admiral Nogura (for once), Naruto was a bit more relaxed about the many questions the Admiralty had for him about his encounter with the Mirror Universe. He was also ordered to swear his crew to absolute secrecy. The I.S.S. Wolverine didn't exist. All the public knew was the newly constructed NCC-1606 U.S.S. Manta Ray was going to enter service in a few months…

…

Stardate 2286.150, Trill System, NCC-1727 U.S.S. Essex, Planet Kyoko*① Orbit

While the Think Tank was unravelling a mystery, another was going on…

Captain Rafi Avana was in her command chair talking to her helmsman Lieutenant Vincent aboard the U.S.S. Essex. "We're now entering orbit of Planet Trill I Captain Avana."

Rafi replied, "Natives of the Planet Trill call Trill I Kyoko, so use that name to differentiate it."

"Yes, Captain." answered the helmsman.

"Sciences; are we picking up anything on the S.S. Chiyai*② yet?" asked Rafi. "We had an ion trail to follow."

"Negative Captain. We've lost the trail." said science officer Carter.

"Let's backtrack to where we last found it." ordered the Trill Captain.

…

"Ship's Log, Stardate 2286.150, Captain Rafi Avana reporting. NCC-1727 U.S.S. Essex is currently on a search and rescue mission for the experimental science vessel S.S. Chiyai. This mission is significant to me personally because the Chiyai was built to the exact specifications of the S.S. Hunmi*③ -The ship my parents disappeared in 2262."

"The goal of the Chiyai was to recreate the voyage of the doomed Hunmi mission so they could discover why my parent's ship vanished. Unfortunately, the Chiyai has gone missing as well. That was sixteen hours ago, and we have been searching since we arrived in the Trill System three hours ago. It is difficult to believe two ships have disappeared the exact same way…"

…

Turning her log recorder off, Rafi got a gleam in her eye and bought up the flight data on the last known course and speed of the S.S. Chiyai. Making the calculations in her head, she said. "Helm, when we get to the last known coordinates of the Chiyai, set thrusters at station keeping."

Minutes later, Lieutenant Vincent said, "Thrusters are at station keeping Ma'am."

Captain Avana said, "Vinnie, turn us thirty-one degrees to starboard and engage warp engines at warp factor six-point-two on my mark."

"Six-point-two Ma'am?" asked the helmsman in confusion.

Rafi grinned. "That's correct Mister Vincent. Execute!"

The U.S.S. Essex jumped to warp speed and suddenly the viewscreen went black. "W-what the hell?!" screeched Lieutenant Vincent.

"All stop." ordered Rafi. "Start scanning for other ships and objects Commander Carter."

Lieutenant Commander Carter quickly started looking through his sensor viewer. "The gravimetric readings show we're still in orbit of planet Kyoko…Other than a total lack of visible light everything is reading normal…"

"But that's not normal…" whined Vincent.

"We're receiving multiple distress beacons." said communications officer Xavier. "One is from the S.S. Chiyai!"

"Switching viewscreen to x-ray frequency." said Carter. Suddenly the screen lit up showing multiple vessels of different types as well as Kyoko and the stars. "We seem to be in a pocket dimension of some sort where certain frequencies are disrupted. X-rays have enough energy to penetrate it."

Vincent asked, "How did you know Captain?"

Rafi explained, "I calculated our mass in relation to the gravity of Kyoko and figured out the warp speed and angle we needed to match the Chiyai's acceleration when she vanished into this pocket dimension." Seeing the dumbfounded looks on her crew's faces she said frostily, "I hold two doctorates and you all know I can do it in my head…Let's start contacting these other vessels."

…

The two-man crew of the Chiyai were both soon beamed aboard the Essex and thrilled to be alive. The crew of the Federation Cruiser was communicating with eighteen of the nineteen vessels (some of which were over a hundred years old) that all claimed they had just arrived there…One of the ships was the S.S. Hunmi.

"We're receiving a transmission from the S. S. Hunmi Captain." said Lieutenant Xavier. "Shall I put them on screen?"

Rafi shed a single tear and steeled her will. "On screen Xavier."

A young Trill couple appeared on the viewscreen wearing Trill Science Ministry Flight Uniforms. The young man said, "This is the S.S. Hunmi. I'm Riz Avana and this is my wife, Ilia Syv. We've been in contact with the other ships and have concluded that we're in some sort of temporal pocket."

Rafi started shedding tears and whispered, "Dad…"

"Excuse me?" asked Riz in confusion.

The Federation Captain wiped her eyes and said, "I'm Captain Rafi Avana of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Essex. You and Mom disappeared twenty-four years ago Dad."

Ilia's eyes widened as a look of recognition came over her face. "Rafi…? Somehow, it's you!"

"You don't know how happy I am to see you two." stated Rafi through watery eyes.

…

"Ship's Log, supplemental. Captain Rafi Avana reporting. NCC-1727 U.S.S. Essex has picked up one-hundred-forty-seven survivors from eighteen Trill ships, some of which vanished long enough ago that they are legendary. Reuniting with my parents has been very emotional and the nineteenth ship we've sighted remains a mystery. We cannot identify it and can't contact it either. There are no lifeform readings, and it seems completely dead in the water."

"We are currently researching our situation to return to our proper spacetime…"

…

The crew of the U.S.S. Essex was very busy trying to identify the alien ship that occupied the center of the pocket they were in. "Judging by the degradation I'd say that ship is well over 5,000 years old." said Carter from his science station. "The temporal fluctuations we're detecting seem to come from that ship as well."

Rafi asked, "Can we board it with the fluctuations going on?"

Carter shook his head. "It would probably kill anything living. We could send a probe closer to it without risking ourselves but as close as we are I don't see how it would improve on our scans from the ship."

Rafi said, "I have this nagging feeling that our mystery ship is the cause of this entire temporal pocket."

"What kind of a hull could survive 5,000 years anyway?" asked Vincent. "What is it made of?"

Lieutenant Commander Carter looked closer and adjusted his scanner. "It's diburnium-osmium alloy, the same stuff our shields are based upon."

Rafi pondered a moment and said, "Could that be a Kalandan*④ vessel? We discovered diburnium-osmium alloy from their civilization's remains."

"Let me look up Kalandan ships, Captain." said Lieutenant Vincent. "Maybe there is an archaeological reference."

"Already on it." said Captain Rafi as she looked at her datapad. As the Trill scrolled through various ship configurations she said, "The records indicate a Kalandan battlecruiser from 5,000 years ago was very similar in design to the vessel we are looking at. It's a shame there is no way to salvage it."

"What makes you say that, Captain?" asked Xavier.

Rafi said with determination, "Because whatever is causing this temporal pocket is aboard that ship. We're going to destroy it before someone has to come and rescue us." Then she turned back to the viewscreen where the Kalandan cruiser was in an x-ray image. "Arm photon torpedoes, standard loads and raise the shields. It's time to blow this temporal pocket away."

…

Stardate 2286.152, Trill System, NCC-556 U.S.S. Tecumseh, Planet Kyoko Orbit

The Federation destroyer Tecumseh under Lieutenant Commander Lanka Stratton was carefully probing around Planet Kyoko looking for any signs of the missing NCC-1727 U.S.S. Essex. Commander Stratton and her crew were very alarmed that the Federation heavy cruiser was missing in action and there were no signs of the bigger ship anywhere.

That's when the U.S.S. Tecumseh shook slightly and several ships (nineteen to be exact) appeared from nowhere in a lower orbit to Kyoko. The largest of the ships by far was a Federation heavy cruiser. "Hail that cruiser!" ordered Stratton.

"Incoming hail from NCC-1727 U.S.S. Essex, Commander!" said her communications officer.

"Thank god." said Lanka relieved. "On screen."

"This is Captain Rafi Avana of the NCC-1727 U.S.S. Essex. Lieutenant Commander. What is the current Stardate?" asked Rafi.

"I'm Lieutenant Commander Lanka Stratton of the NCC-556 U.S.S. Tecumseh, Captain Avana. The Stardate is 2286.152. You've been missing for two days Ma'am. Is there any damage to the Essex? Do you require any assistance?"

Rafi grinned. "Only two days? Not bad for being stuck in a temporal pocket. In answer to your questions Stratton, U.S.S. Essex is fine, and we do not require any assistance. We have several civilian vessels that will require towing, but their passengers and crews are safely aboard the Essex. I think we can leave most of the towing in civilian hands."

"I'll inform Starfleet Command." said a pleased Stratton.

…

"Ship's Log, Stardate 2286.152, Captain Rafi Avana reporting. NCC-1727 U.S.S. Essex is heading to Planet Trill orbit with our passengers and the Hunmi and Chiyai in tow. The Trillian Government has declared a Planetary Holiday to welcome back those that were lost over the last century."

"With the destruction of the Kalandan vessel, the temporal pocket and whatever was causing it has ceased to exist meaning navigation around Planet Kyoko is as safe as anywhere else in the system and many superstitions can be laid to rest."

After signing off, Rafi Avana thought aloud, "I'm just glad to have Mom and Dad back…Which reminds me, I have to call my evil twin and tell her the good news!"

…

Stardate 2286.152, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Sol System, Utopia Planitia Shipyards

Rafi Meta was sifting through data on the Mirror Universe along with her friends in the Think Tank. They'd been burning the midnight oil researching while the U.S.S. Wolverine was under repair. That's when she received a transmission from her evil twin, Captain Rafi Avana.

When the older Rafi came on screen she said happily, "Hellloo evil twin! I have great news!"

The joined Trill laughed. "What is this great news? Did you get a boyfriend?"

Avana waved her hand dismissively, "You know I have the U.S.S. Essex to run. I don't have time for a man."

"Well, that's the reason I've stayed a Junior Officer." replied Meta.

The Captain said, "Hardly! You are the helmsman on one of the premier vessels of Starfleet. You are practically a legend and have a reputation to uphold."

Lieutenant Rafi laughed again. "So, what's the good news?"

Rafi Avana said joyously, "I found Mom and Dad! They are alive and well."

"What…?" asked the younger Rafi in shock and disbelief.

"You know I'd never joke about this." said the elder.

Rafi Meta was flabbergasted. "But how? I mean-"

"Mom and Dad were caught in a temporal pocket in orbit of Kyoko for the past twenty-four years and to them it's been just days." explained the Captain. "They are still twenty-six and want to see you."

Rafi started to tear up. "I…I don't know what to say."

"They are here with me right now Rafi." said Avana. "They are dying to meet you."

Rafi hadn't been this happy in years. She talked to her parents and her twin for hours…

…

Stardate 2286.153, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Science Labs

Lieutenant Meta was very tired from being up all night talking to her parents and told her best friend Samui all about it in the morning hours. Still, a question was nagging at her, so she went to speak to Doctor Alison Fairbanks around noon.

"The Kalandans? I studied them a bit. There's a marvelous amount of archeological data upon them. What do you want to know?" asked Alison.

Rafi asked, "I want to know if they had anything that could cause a temporal pocket."

Doctor Fairbanks reached over to her datapad and said, "I'm aware they encountered multiple places that were displaced in time. Some were stasis bubbles, but others were caused by chronal displacement crystals which are also known as time crystals or poH qut in Klingon*⑤. I learned all about them at the Vulcan Science Academy. That's a rather unique question though. Why do you ask?"

Rafi explained the extenuating circumstances regarding her parents' return and the fact they were only twenty-six still. Alison hugged the Trill and said, "Congratulations Rafi! I'm so happy for you! Getting your parents back after all this time…Are they on their way here?"

"Yes, they are coming on the U.S.S. Essex, and will arrive week after next. I wanted a working theory on why they vanished all those years." said Rafi.

"Oh, that's simple." replied the redhead as she set her datapad back down. "A damaged chronal displacement crystal would easily affect a slice of space around it…Say our Kalandan vessel was orbiting planet Kyoko thousands of years ago in what's now known as the Trill System and the time crystal they were hauling cracked for some reason. It would have disrupted everything around it until it stabilized into a temporal pocket or broke down completely."

"…And the temporal pocket could only have been entered at a certain speed and angle due to its close proximity to Kyoko's gravity." finished Rafi.

"Precisely!" said Alison brightly. "I knew you'd get it once you had the basic parameters, Doctor Meta. Seriously though, I'm sure your parents will receive a warm welcome on board. You should tell Naruto and Jackie."

…

Bridge

Commander Jaqueline Nodaway was going through engineering reports about the repairs currently underway when Lieutenant Meta came onto the bridge looking tired. The First Officer said, "You look exhausted Rafi, are you alright?"

"I have news to share with you and the Fleet Captain, Commander Nodaway." stated the joined Trill. "I've already told Samui and Alison Fairbanks. Do you know where Naruto is?"

"He should still be in his Ready Room." said Jackie.

…

Captain's Ready Room

Naruto was having lunch with his wife M'rella when he heard a knock on the door. "Enter." said the blonde. That's when he saw Jackie Nodaway with a tired Rafi Meta in tow.

M'rella's amber eyes widened at their helmsman's appearance and asked in a concerned tone, "Rafi…? Are you alright?"

Rafi smiled tiredly and said, "I'm okay M'rella. I was just up all night long. I have some wonderful news!"

Naruto set his salad aside and asked, "What news is it Rafi? If it kept you up all night…"

"My parents…they are alive and have been found!" exclaimed Rafi. "My evil twin Captain Rafi Avana found them!"

M'rella hugged her friend and said, "That's stupendous news! What exactly happened?"

"It's a long story…" stated Rafi.

Naruto leaned back in his chair and said, "Sit down and tell us about it. We have the time."

The joined Trill plopped down in the offered chair and smiled. "I told you all about my parents vanishing and the S.S. Hunmi…"

…

"…Fascinating." said Naruto. "Stuck in a temporal pocket for a quarter of a century. I'm sure they must have been stunned at having two daughters instead of one now."

M'rella smiled at her husband's antics and said, "This must have been an emotional roller coaster for you Rafi. You need to take the day off and sleep."

"I agree." interjected Naruto. "Catch up on your sleep Rafi. You need it. We'll give your parents a tour of the Wolverine when they arrive."

…

Stardate 2286.163, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Staff Room

Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau was talking to his staff. Chief Engineer Freyja Christianson was very pleased, and it showed. "All repairs are complete sir. All the old thermocoat was stripped off the hull and a new coat has been applied. The Wolverine is as good as new inside and out."

The blonde nodded. "Excellent work as always Chief Christianson. We are far ahead of schedule on our resupply as well. Unfortunately…"

"Unfortunately, sir?" asked Freyja.

"Yes Chief. Unfortunately, we have been asked to participate in Starfleet's annual Open House." said Naruto.

The Chief Engineer almost fell over. "Then we're going to have a bunch of civilians getting footprints all over our spotless ship?!" she nearly shrieked.

"Exactly." replied Naruto.

"Oh. My. Gawd." said Kloene. "Say it's not so Fleet Captain. The last thing we all want is families and schoolchildren aboard…not to mention our own relatives."

"I think it will be nice having children aboard." said Counselor Yamanaka. "At least it won't be a bunch of pampered dignitaries."

Shizuka growled, "It will be like herding a bunch of little animals!"

Rafi gave a wan smile. "I was looking forward to showing my parents around but an open house?"

Alison nearly faceplanted. "If my parents show up it will be awful!"

Doctor Wilson asked, "What's so bad about your family Doctor Fairbanks? Do they not agree with you being in the military?"

"No, the Fairbanks family members don't comprehend the most basic of physics!" lamented the redhead.

Shar asked, "You don't come from a family of Doctors?"

"No, I was surrounded by idiocy growing up." replied Alison.

Naruto raised an eyebrow and said, "We're getting off track here. We don't have any say in the matter. Why the Admiralty chose us is illogical. This is an X-ship."

Major Terrill asked, "Does the Think Tank hate kids or something?"

M'rella replied, "No Scarlett, we just like peace, and quiet, and math."

"Oh, geez…" said Commander Nodaway.

…

Stardate 2286.166, Sol System, Spacedock One, Berth 1, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine

Naruto looked out through the transparent aluminum windows at the hundreds of civilians waiting to come across the gangplank and tour the U.S.S. Wolverine.

'Can I scream, condition red, we have boarders now?' asked Shizuka mentally from his side.

Samui whispered from his other side, "We're in shark filled waters."

Scarlett Terrill said, "I think I'm beginning to understand the Think Tank's point of view." 'We can't shoot back at this enemy.'

The Fleet Captain turned to Jackie Nodaway and said, "We have visitors to welcome aboard today, Commander. Let's not keep them waiting."

Nodaway ordered, "Everyone to your assigned posts! Prepare for…guests!"

As Naruto and Jackie walked down the gangplank to their doom he asked, "You were going to say combat, weren't you?"

She blushed slightly. "You and the rest of the Think Tank are rubbing off on me."

…

Ship's Lounge

"My first eight-hour shift was a mess, but the second eight hours was utter chaos!" said Shizuka to Lieutenant Edgar Shores. "Keeping all these children in line has been a nightmare. All Security and Marine personnel are on double shifts till this is over. Thank God it's only four days."

Edgar had just finished his own first eight hours and wanted a drink. "With all due respect Chief Nadeshiko, this is why I never wanted children. I can't believe you do."

Shizuka shook her head, "Bah! It's the stupid genetic drive to propagate the species. I can't believe I want kids either."

"Security to P Deck, Engineering Office room." came T'Lyra's emotionless voice over the public announcement, "Repeat, Security to P Deck, Engineering Office room."

Shizuka leapt out of her chair and hit the intercom. "This is Chief Nadeshiko. Engineer's Mate T'Lyra, what is your status and situation?"

"I am uninjured, Chief Nadeshiko." said T'Lyra calmly as ever. "I have apprehended an interloper and believe he may be a spy."

"I'm on my way." said Shizuka. She turned to Edgar and said, "Be on standby to coordinate Mister Shores."

"Understood Chief." said the Lieutenant.

…

Engineering Office

Shizuka arrived a minute after Major Scarlett Terrill arrived at the Engineering Office. The door was forced in. On the floor lay a full Lieutenant from the command branch that no one recognized. He was unconscious and injured judging by his labored breathing.

Scarlett was grinning and said, "I thought you were the gentler cousin Engineer's Mate T'Lyra."

Shizuka asked, "What happened to that man?"

…

Flashback…

T'Lyra had just finished her shift and was headed back to her quarters she shared with Naruto.

A full Lieutenant walked up and said with a smile, "Excuse me Engineer's Mate, I'm newly transferred aboard the Wolverine and needed to find the Chief Engineer's Office." 'Perfect, an Enlisted Crewmember to show me the way.'

"Follow me sir." replied T'Lyra. "It's down two decks."

He laughed. "That would explain why I couldn't find it. I'm Lieutenant Zimmerman by the way." 'Best to stick with my cover name. Vulcans are touch telepaths, so I'd best not make contact.'

"I'm T'Lyra." 'What is this man up to?' wondered the brunette Vulcan as she read his thoughts. 'Something is off.'

As they rode the turbolift down his thoughts were of going through Chief Christianson's Office for information.

T'Lyra led him to Freyja's Office, and she pressed the chime. "It seems the Chief is not in, sir."

'Perfect!' he thought. 'I'll override the door and get what I came for.' "Well, I guess I'll have to wait for the Chief to return. Thank you for your assistance T'Lyra. You are dismissed."

"I also need to wait for the Chief." replied the Engineer's Mate. 'To help her if needed.'

'What am I going to do?!' the Lieutenant thought panicking. 'I'd better stun her so I can break in.' His fingers gently brushed his phaser.

"Why are you reaching for your sidearm sir?" asked the brunette.

His light blue eyes met her brown ones, and he knew he'd been caught. "Damn you…!" he whispered as he drew his phaser.

T'Lyra reacted like lightning and backhanded his phaser away and down the hall. He fell into a boxing stance, and she slid into her Ponn-ifla stance. She dodged his initial punch towards her face as well as his follow up strike towards her abdomen.

Then the beautiful brunette struck his ribs twice before breaking his sternum and sending him crashing through Chief Christianson's Office door and stunning him on impact. The man croaked out, "Oh. (gasp) Damn. (gasp) I-"

That's when T'Lyra rendered him unconscious with a Vulcan neck pinch…

Flashback end…

…

Scarlett smirked and Shizuka asked, "So you disarmed him, beat the crap out of him and then used the Vulcan neck pinch to make sure he stayed down?"

"That is correct Chief." answered T'Lyra.

…

Sickbay

They soon had the man in the secured part of sickbay under guard of two Marines. He'd been stripped to his underwear and searched for devices. All they'd found was a concealed communicator for beaming out.

Doctor Greg Hammond finished with his medical tricorder sensor and said, "Five cracked ribs, a shattered sternum, and a concussion from the door impact. Ouch."

Leatta smiled and said, "Don't forget the back of T'Lyra's left hand was lightly bruised from smacking that phaser away and the door to Chief Christianson's Office was fatally injured."

"Oh yes!" said Greg sarcastically. "We can't forget the brave door that gave it's life in the line of duty."

Leatta laughed and said, "There we go T'Lyra. The bruising has been repaired. How does your hand feel?"

T'Lyra flexed her wrist and hand before nodding. "All is well now, thank you Nurse Leatta."

The Orion woman replied, "My pleasure. Here I thought Chief Shizuka was the aggressive one."

"She is." stated the beautiful brunette. "I was acting in self-defense."

Greg snorted and Leatta cringed. 'Note to self: don't make T'Lyra angry.' thought the Orion nurse.

Naruto came in looking stern, but his fearsome expression softened when he crossed fingers with T'Lyra affectionately. After the pair of Vulcans shared a few moments together, the blonde asked, "Have we identified the prisoner yet?"

"His DNA and retina scans identify his as Ensign Hermann Winsor who is stationed at Spacedock One." said Greg. "What he was doing here on the Wolverine using the name Zimmerman is a mystery."

Naruto's eyes crackled with chakra. "We will know soon enough. Wake him up so he can answer my questions."

T'Lyra said softly, "I can do it easier Naruto. We won't even have to wake him up. It is the logical thing to do."

The blonde sighed softy but relented. "Very well T'Lyra…"

The brunette Vulcan soon placed her thumb and forefinger on Winsor's head and was going through his recent memories. She said, "He's a computer and infiltration specialist. Section 31 sent him to try to crack our computer defenses to make sure they are solid and can't be breached. He has a set of orders to give to you that will secure his release if he accidentally is caught."

Naruto was furious but hid it well enough. "Wake him up."

Winsor came around in great pain and saw Naruto's eyes glowing fiercely at him. He was going to spit out his orders, but the angry blonde gripped his throat. The Fleet Captain said, "I know who you are Ensign Hermann Winsor, I know you're just a dog for Section 31. I also know that you were sent to test us and that I'm supposed to let you go scot-free."

Hermann shivered as Naruto's killing intent smothered him. The blonde said, "Here's what we're going to do Ensign. You are going to be marched off this ship with a broken sternum and cracked ribs, concussed and in your underwear at phaser point in front of a ship full of schoolchildren."

The ensign's eyes widened in horror as the blonde continued. "You are going to be shamed and humiliated for attempting to harm one of MY precious people, impersonating a superior officer and attempting to break in and hack MY ship's systems. Do you understand Ensign? Next time you get ordered to come to the U.S.S. Wolverine perhaps you'll be intelligent enough to think twice."

All Ensign Winsor could do was make a noise between a gurgle and a squeak before Naruto released him and ordered, "Get him off my ship." in a tone cold as death.

…

The children thought Hermann was just a practical joke by the crew of the U.S.S Wolverine and nearly laughed themselves sick at Winsor's expense…

…

Sol III, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters, Admiral Cartwright's Office

Admiral Lance Cartwright winced as he saw his Section 31 infiltrator was marched off the Wolverine and into Spacedock One where he was even further embarrassed by the crowds before someone had the decency to help cover the man up.

"The least they could have done was put a bag over his head or something…" thought Cartwright aloud.

That's when his viewscreen went blank and the text 'DON'T DO THAT AGAIN!' appeared on his screen just long enough to make a point. It was too short a time to trace it anywhere.

"They hacked my personal terminal here at Starfleet Headquarters?!" Cartwright was beside himself for a moment before he too started to laugh…

…

Fleet Admiral Nogura's Office

Nogura and Naruto were having a stare down over the viewscreen and neither was giving a millimeter. Finally, The Fleet Admiral roared, "What is the meaning of this Fleet Captain?!"

The blonde replied, "The meaning of what Fleet Admiral?"

"You know damn well what I mean!" said Nogura. "You had a Junior Officer marched off your ship at phaser point in his skivvies for god's sake!"

"There are no log entries of such an incident Fleet Admiral." replied Naruto as cool as a cucumber. "Perhaps you should discuss the matter with Admiral Cartwright. I think you might find the discussion enlightening."

Nogura sweat dropped. "Cartwright…I should have known."

…

An hour later, Admiral Cartwright was sitting in the Fleet Admiral's Office. Nogura sighed and asked, "What happened Lance?"

Cartwright had an embarrassed smile on his face and said, "I sent an infiltration specialist aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine to test their defenses, and he got caught after bungling the job. It was entirely off the record, so the Fleet Captain punished him entirely off the record as well."

"Still…" said Heihachiro.

Lance shrugged. "I know when I'm outfoxed Fleet Admiral. Naruto of Vulcan beat me at my own game. I'm not too proud a man to admit it. He caught me red-handed and made a public display of it. I'm having my man transferred to another station so he can recover his dignity."

'It's been a long day…' thought Nogura.

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: Kyoko -This is Planet Trill I in the Trill System. The name is from a non-canon source. Planet Trill/the Trill homeworld is Trill VI.

*②: S.S. Chiyai -named after one of planet Trill's two moons. Again, non-canon.

*③: S.S. Hunmi -named after one of planet Trill's two moons. Again, non-canon.

*④: Kalandans -This humanoid race flourished around 8,000 B.C.E. and was wiped out by a plague around 1,000 B.C.E. See Memory Alpha.

*⑤: Time Crystal: Time crystals are a rare mineral native to the Planet Boreth in the Klingon Empire. See Memory Alpha for that headache.

And done! The infiltrator story was inspired by true events aboard U.S.S. Kittyhawk (CV-63) in the 1990's. The fighting and underwear business weren't involved but the ship's Captain was pissed. See you next time, Blue out. 4/27/24