Naruto: Infinity Divide
Future Shock
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Bonus chapter! I'm no expert on Deep Space Nine. There is a lot of conflicting information even on Memory Alpha and so on regarding Bajoran history, so I'm doing my best to muddle through it. Hopefully I won't mess up too badly. Here is Chapter 90, Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
{ } Signifies hand signs
…
Last time:
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.
…
Chapter 90
Stardate 2286.170, Sol System, Spacedock One, Berth 1, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
The crew of the Wolverine had survived three days of civilians (primarily schoolchildren) touring the ship without any serious incidents (except the business with Ensign Hermann Winsor which never happened). Shizuka hadn't decided what to call the children that had been aboard but was leaning towards The Evil Horde.
Now the families of the crew were aboard, and the fast cruiser was being thoroughly scrubbed clean by the officers and crew, so she was spotless once again.
Shizuka's parents Keiichi and Seiko Nadeshiko as well as Samui's parents Siegfried and Maria Schrodinger were able to come aboard and visit as was Naruto's son Siegfried M'Fau and his mate S'Harien. Somehow, Alison managed to conveniently forget to invite her family and M'rella, T'Lyra and Naruto's parents were too far away to make the trip. Alas, thanks to Yeoman Emery Cutler's diligence, the Fairbanks family got an invitation anyway (prompting Alison to plot to murder Yeoman Cutler).
…
Shizuka was proudly showing her parents around the sparring area and ran into Scarlett Terrill who was on the same deck. "So, your old man's a retired Marine huh?" asked Scarlett. "I thought there was a reason you could fight so well. Now I know why." she added smiling.
Keiichi saluted. "Major, I trained my little girl from birth to kick ass."
Scarlett returned his salute and said, "Once a Marine, always a Marine."
Seiko just sighed. 'My Keiichi will never grow up…' she thought smiling.
…
Meanwhile, Samui was showing her parents the ship's observatory. "Mum, Papa; this is the best place for stargazing on the Wolverine. I wish we could leave the dock so you could really see the view."
"Maybe someday when this war is over, we'll be able to see it work." said Maria enthused.
"This telescope is simply fantastic!" said Siegfried. "I wish we had one like this at Cambridge!"
Samui smiled. "I'm glad you like it."
…
Down on the shuttle deck, Siegfried M'Fau was showing his mate S'Harien around unclassified areas of the ship with M'rella. He'd been in many of the classified areas before (it was his job as an Isolinear computer technician) but this was all new to S'Harien. They were looking at the 'kill board' and S'Harien said, "What a dynamic vessel. You and Father Naruto really know how to make a ship-of-war Ziggy."
M'rella purred. "Hmmmm. It surprises me that you approve of such things S'Harien."
The young Vulcan woman got a gleam in her eye. "The Wolverine is the fastest ship in the fleet, is it not?" Seeing the Caitian nod, S'Harien asked rhetorically, "What's not to like?"
…
In the meantime, Alison was in hell. 'I'm going to kill Cutler!' thought the redhead as she guided the Fairbanks couple along. Her parents Charles and Selena looked lost as could be on the Wolverine and Alison was thanking every deity she could think of that they hadn't brought her three siblings along. "So, what exactly do you do on this massive ship Ally?" asked Selena as they went through the botanical gardens.
"I'm the Chief Sciences Officer of the Wolverine." explained Alison. "I'm the lead scientist and department head. It's a hard job but I enjoy it."
Charles looked out the massive windows and said, "Just what are those huge things?"
Alison shook her head. "Those are the warp engines Dad…"
…
Naruto was mainly on duty greeting the many families that had come aboard but finally had time to sit down and have dinner in the officer's mess with his in-laws and a nice time was had by all…
…
Stardate 2286.171, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Staff Meeting Room
Rafi Meta had a wonderful time bonding with her parents and her older twin over the past few days and Naruto had released her from duty to do so. "So, my evil twin and I had a blast because our parents are younger than us and we can tease them about it." explained Rafi to the other members of the staff.
Commander Nodaway chuckled. "It seems that you are cut from the same cloth as your parents Rafi. They seemed very lively."
"They were always outgoing." said Rafi. "It's just really shocking to meet them after all these years when all you remember is your point of view as an eight-year-old child."
Naruto walked in and everyone stood before he said, "As you were. We have new orders from Starfleet, an exploration mission."
Alison clapped once. "We won't be headed back to the war, then? That's wonderful news!"
The blonde Vulcan nodded and brought up a holographic map showing the area of the Federation and Klingon Empire. Towards the north of their combined border closer to Kzinti Space were two systems. One was labeled Bajor and the other Cardassia Prime*① that were only five light years apart from one another.
"The I.S.S. Wolverine's records show these two systems as being enemies of the Terran Empire. We do not know their true dispositions in our universe, so we have been chosen to peacefully contact the people of Bajor." explained Naruto. "The Galactic Survey Cruiser NCC-1810 Columbia under Captain Jaunita Cochrane has been chosen to contact the people of Cardassia."
"What do we know about the people of Bajor?" asked Samui curiously.
"Other than the fact they are warp capable humanoids that have been accomplished in interstellar flight since the 1500's we have little data upon them." said the Fleet Captain. "We know the Bajor System has fourteen planets and Bajor XI is their homeworld."
"Do the Terran Empire records show anything about their culture?" questioned Ayasugi.
By this point everyone was reading their data screens. "Backwards, quasi-religious barbarians that were easily subjugated by the Terran Empire." commented Shar. "Considering the source, they could be anything."
"Well, they strongly resemble a basic Terran Human physically." said Doctor Wilson. "They seem to have four to seven creases across their noses as far as a noticeable external difference is concerned. Internally, there are many differences but that's to be expected."
"Unfortunately, the views of the Terran empire are very slanted to say the least." stated Commander Nodaway. "All they are concerned about is conquest and I think the term barbarian is anyone that is not part of the Empire."
M'rella nodded. "Let's hope the people of Bajor are peaceful."
"Amen to that." replied Shizuka.
…
"Ship's log, Stardate 2286.175. Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. The NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine will be entering the Bajor System in five days. We are running loosely parallel to the Galactic Survey Cruiser NCC-1810 Columbia which is headed to the Cardassian System. Captain Cochrane's ship is moving faster than ours so we will each reach our destinations at the same time."
"I fail to see the logic in making a race of this as my crew is enjoying sailing the stars at warp factor four but from what little I know of Captain Cochrane; she is very competitive. In the words of my first officer, we may as well sit back and enjoy the ride."
…
Stardate 2286.180, Bajoran System Outer Rim, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
M'rella was monitoring subspace radio traffic coming from Bajor. "We are being hailed by a Bajoran Vessel named the Homecoming. They say they represent the Bajoran Republic*② and that friendly vessels are welcome in the Bajor System." said the Caitian.
"If they put it that way, it would indicate they have some unfriendly neighbors in the area." said Commander Nodaway.
"I agree." replied Naruto. "M'rella, send out the universal peace message and inform them that the United Federation of Planets seeks a friendly coexistence with the Bajoran System."
Soon, they were contacted by a rather attractive brunette female appeared on the viewscreen. She was in her forties and had the traditional ridges on her upper nose that all Bajorans had. "I am Toya Letan, one of the Chamber of Ministers of the Bajoran Republic. Your peace message pleases us, and you are welcome in our system. To whom am I speaking?"
"I am Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau, Commanding Officer of the United Federation Starship, U.S.S. Wolverine." said the blonde. "Thank you for welcoming us."
Letan nodded. "Please follow the lightship*③ Homecoming to Bajor. They will act as your guide until you reach orbit."
"We will comply." replied Naruto as they signed off.
…
As the Wolverine followed the Homecoming, Alison said, "Amazing! Their so-called lightships ride tachyon eddies rather than photons! They are warp capable and tiny. The ship we are following has only a two-man crew."
"Huh, seems to me that such a ship would be virtually defenseless." commented Rafi.
"Not everyone who sails the stars is out for conquest." said Jackie. "Still, you'd think they would want basic protection."
"Perhaps we're dealing with a civilian craft, and they have military ones as well." Samui suggested.
"Let's hope they have some form of shielding. I don't see anything." said Maya. "People who could create tachyon sail ships shouldn't be that vulnerable."
…
Within the hour, the Wolverine was in geosynchronous orbit over the capital city of Bajor, Ashalla. Dozens of lightships seemed to always dance in and out of the capital. "What a beautiful world." said Commander Nodaway.
The crew was listening to a broadcast obviously aimed at visiting offworlders. "…Ours is a planet of learning and culture that has attracted non-Bajorans to our world for centuries."
"…The Bajor System contains fourteen planets with our homeworld Bajor XI being the largest. A plasma field called the Denorios Belt is located between the orbits of Bajor IX and Bajor X, forming a natural border between the inner and outer system."
"An in-system plasma belt would certainly be worth studying, especially if it is stable." commented Doctor Fairbanks. "I wonder how many thousands of years of records they have available on it."
Rafi said, "It would be difficult to navigate and should best be avoided by ships."
"On the other hand, who knows what is hiding or even living in there." replied Samui. "It could be cool to observe."
"…The Shikina Monastery in Ashalla is a key site of historic significance in Bajoran culture and serves as the residence of the Kai who is the religious leader of Bajor."
"Now there is a place I would love to visit." said Shar. "To understand the heart of a people, one must often study their religious views."
Naruto nodded. "It appears that the Federation could learn a great deal from the Bajoran people. I hope the U.S.S. Columbia is finding the people of Cardassia equally fascinating."
…
Alas, the U.S.S. Columbia wasn't faring nearly as well as they hoped…
…
Cardassian System, NCC-1810 U.S.S. Columbia
The Federation galactic survey cruiser was in shambles and crippled beyond repair. They were slowly limping away from the Cardassian System but feared they would never make it. Truthfully, the U.S.S. Columbia was doomed, and Captain Cochrane knew it. Arming the ship's self-destruct and ordering her crew to abandon ship, she made her last log entry…
"Ship's Log, Stardate 2286.180. Captain Jaunita Cochrane reporting. The NCC-1810 U.S.S. Columbia is under attack by the forces of the Cardassian Union and will soon be destroyed. While their ships are decades behind ours technologically, they attack in large groups and the Columbia was overwhelmed and crippled before we could escape."
"What little we have learned about the Cardassians is they are hierarchical in society and xenophobic in nature. They immediately reacted to our universal peace message as a precursor to an invasion. Our good intentions ultimately led to our destruction. This is Captain Jaunita Cochrane signing off…"
…
Bajoran System, Planet Bajor Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
An hour later, Chief Communications Officer M'rella intercepted the weak, garbled transmission of the last log entry from the U.S.S. Columbia:
"…### little we have ### the Cardassians ### ### ### hierarchical in society and xenophobic ### reacted to our universal peace message ### precursor to an invasion. ### ### ultimately led ### our destruction. ### ### Captain Jaunita Cochrane ###…"
…
Planet Bajor, City of Ashalla, Minister Toya Letan's Offices
Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau and Counselor Ino Yamanaka were discussing the possibility of arranging some tours for the crew of the Wolverine with Minister Toya when the blonde Vulcan's communicator beeped.
"Please forgive the interruption Minister, there seems to be an urgent call from my ship." said Naruto.
Toya Letan smiled. She found Naruto's logical way of expressing himself amusing and charming at the same time. "Please take your call. Hopefully it is not an emergency."
Naruto nodded and opened his communicator. "M'Fau here." he answered.
"Nodaway here." said Jackie. "We intercepted transmissions from the U.S.S. Columbia in the Cardassian System. She's been attacked and may have been destroyed."
"Have you tried to hail her Commander?" asked Naruto.
"We've been trying to for the last twenty minutes." Nodaway replied. "There is no response."
The blonde Vulcan said, "Prepare for a search and rescue mission in the Cardassian System. There may be survivors."
"Understood sir, standing by to beam you up." said Jackie.
"I am sorry Minister Toya but it seems we actually do have an emergency." stated Naruto.
Toya had heard the conversation and said, "I understand but I can tell you that there will be no survivors. The Cardassian people are aggressive as they are thorough. I'm sorry for your loss."
The blonde nodded. "Thank you but we must investigate."
"Good luck." said the Minister as Ino and Naruto beamed out. After the pair shimmered out of existence she said, "…I wonder if they will come back alive…"
…
Stardate 2286.181, Cardassian System, Outer Rim, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
The U.S.S. Wolverine was at red alert when they entered the Cardassian System hours later to search for the lost U.S.S. Columbia. The crew was following ion trails that seemed to be a match of the galactic survey cruiser's planned flightpath.
It was then they saw true horror: The few signals from the Columbia's lifeboats were quickly blinking out. Two Cardassian vessels in the area were using phasers to destroy the survivors and the U.S.S. Wolverine was too far away for them to intervene.
As the last lifeboat was destroyed before their eyes and Counselor Yamanaka said, "They're murderers!"
The crew of the fast cruiser was aching to avenge their comrades, but Naruto said, "We're in their territory. It may be the only way they know. Rafi, 180 degrees to starboard. Get us out of here."
That's when the Cardassian vessels spotted the Federation ship and opened fire at maximum range with their heavy phase-disruptors*④ as well as phasers. The shots went wide but one hit doing minimal shield damage.
Shizuka said, "Sir! We have been fired upon by hostiles. We have the right to defend ourselves under General Order-"
"I'm well aware of the General Orders Chief Nadeshiko." said Naruto. "Rafi, 55 degrees back to port. Shizuka, overload the phasers. Target the ship closer to us. We're going to give them a taste of the death that they seem to covet so much."
Ten overloaded X-phasers hit the first Cardassian vessel*⑤ dead center and the light cruiser sized ship went up like a miniature sun. The second light cruiser was hit head on by two photon torpedoes seconds later as it tried to turn away.
"They're trying to run sir!" said Samui angrily.
"Match speeds and pursue." ordered the Fleet Captain.
Moments later, Shizuka said in a steely voice. "Phasers are cycled."
Naruto saw the aft of the second Cardassian cruiser as they desperately tried to flee. "Finish them." he said with chakra cackling in his eyes.
The second cruiser went up an instant later…
"Are we showing any other hostiles in the area?" asked Commander Nodaway.
Doctor Fairbanks looked up from her sensor station and said, "Negative. We'd have to go halfway across the system to locate other targets."
"We're done here today." said Naruto. "Rafi, reverse course and get us out of the Cardassian System, warp factor eight. We don't want to lead them back to the Bajorans."
"Aye sir, reversing course. Ahead warp factor eight." said the joined Trill grimly.
The fast cruiser was long gone by the time the Cardassians regrouped to investigate what had happened…
…
Captain's Ready Room
As the fast cruiser sat alone in the darkness of space, Naruto was making a log entry in his ready room.
"Ship's log, Stardate 2286.182. Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. The NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine is currently well outside of Cardassian sensor range, and we are observing the system from a distance. The loss of the U.S.S. Columbia and her crew weighs heavily in our minds. We are awaiting orders from Starfleet Command as to whether we should return to Bajor or turn back to Federation Space…"
…
That was when the red alert klaxons went off and Commander Nodaway's voice said on the overhead, "Battle stations! Captain to the bridge!"
Naruto dashed onto the bridge in time to see three much larger and more powerful Cardassian Vessels appear at moving towards them at speeds in excess of warp factor eight*⑥. They were firing their heavy phase-disruptors with much more accuracy than the previous Cardassian ships the Wolverine had encountered.
Commander Nodaway had already ordered the U.S.S. Wolverine to flee their pursuers when Naruto took his command chair and said, "Viewscreen aft."
The three Cardassian ships were in a tight v-formation and firing everything they had at maximum range. The damage was minimal, but the fast cruiser was shaking from the impacts. The Fleet Captain said, "Increase speed to warp eight point five and roll three nuclear space mines out of the shuttle bay."
"We're receiving a transmission from the lead vessel." said M'rella.
"On screen." replied Naruto.
The crew of the Wolverine saw a ferociously angry, gray skinned Cardassian glaring at them hatefully. "This is Gul*⑦ Turol of the Cardassian Flagship, CDS Henuse! You Prophet*⑧ worshipping worms of the Federation are going to die for what you've done!" He was obviously angry enough to spit fire.
The blonde Vulcan said, "This is Feet Captain Naruto M'Fau of the Federation starship, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine. Hold that thought."
"Whhhaaaattt?" screeched Turol. "What do you mean, hold that th-"
Then the CDS Henuse hit the three mines in rapid succession leaving her a battered wreck. The trio of Cardassian ships came screeching to a halt at that point and the fleeing Wolverine left them in the dust…
…
CDS Henuse, Bridge
Gul Turol's bridge was in shambles, and he was quickly accessing the situation. Half his staff was dead. The CDS Henuse, CDS Erbalis and CDS Pesin were all top of the line, Keldon-Class cruisers that should have been more than a match for an ancient Federation Starfleet cruiser.
The three Cardassian vessels had travelled backwards in time from 2377 with the help of the Pah-wraiths*⑨ and had the 'simple task' of destroying the Federation fast cruiser Wolverine and her crew in 2286 including Naruto of Vulcan. This would set things back in the favor of the Cardassians in the future.
Now the CDS Henuse wasn't capable of further pursuit and the damned U.S.S. Wolverine was escaping!
…
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
"I guess they don't want to play anymore." commented Samui mirthfully as they looked back at the three Keldon-Class cruisers sitting at station keeping. "It looks like they are more concerned with repairs."
"The Cardassian vessels have ceased firing at us." reported Rafi. "Of course, we are outside their effective firing range…"
"I'm more concerned about how they got the jump on us to begin with." said Commander Nodaway perplexed. "They don't appear to have the speed to overrun us so how did they appear out of nowhere without being spotted? They don't seem to have cloaking devices either."
Alison Fairbanks was looking over the readings of when the Cardassian vessels first appeared and interjected, "They seem to have appeared out of a wormhole."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "You're saying they can harness wormholes for travel? That could make the Cardassians a huge threat."
Alison frowned and crossed referenced more data. "If that was the case then they should be able to appear ahead of us or pincer us instead of pursuing us conventionally. Call it a hunch, but something doesn't add up here…"
Her emerald eyes lit up in shock. "Another wormhole appeared in the exact same place as the first! There is a time factor involved! Damn, the wormhole closed as quickly as it opened. Another ship has appeared…It's massive!"
"How massive?" asked Rafi.
"It's 685 meters long… even the Excelsior is only 511 meters…" said Alison gaping in awe.
"On screen." said Naruto grimly. 'We may have to run away flat out.' "Magnify."
That's when they saw the behemoth of a ship for the first time. It was clearly Federation in layout and arrangement. It was also headed directly towards the three Cardassian ships which were transmitting rapidly back and forth to each other on an encrypted channel that M'rella could not decipher.
That was when the crew of the U.S.S. Wolverine heard an emotionless female voice say, "This is Captain Aurora M'fau of the United Federation Starship NCC-1602-D U.S.S. Wolverine*⑩. Gul Turol, you are hereby ordered to unconditionally surrender or face immediate destruction. You have 30 seconds to decide."
…
CDS Henuse, Bridge
Gul Turol's head was spinning. He transmitted on an open channel, "It can't be…! You followed us through time Aurora of Vulcan?!"
"That is correct." answered Aurora M'Fau on audio. "It seems the Henuse is already crippled. I wonder if we should have bothered. You are more pathetic than I thought Gul."
The CDS Erbalis and CDS Pesin opened fire on the Wolverine-D of their own accord much to Turol's horror and were vaporized by a barrage of quantum and photon torpedoes that reduced both ships to flaming cinders in an instant.
The Federation Captain said, "Our sensors show the Federation fast cruiser Wolverine only has minor shield damage. It seems you and the Pah-wraiths gambit failed."
The Cardassian lowered his head, "I couldn't defeat you or your Father in combat Captain Aurora. Please destroy us quickly."
A pair of massive phaser beams hit the CDS Henuse dead center and turned it to ash…
…
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
"…Good God." whispered Jackie in awe. "What firepower."
Rafi said eagerly, "I want one!"
"So do I!" echoed Samui.
"What a magnificent vessel." said Naruto.
"We're being hailed by Wolverine-D!" said M'rella.
The Fleet Captain took a deep breath and said, "On screen."
On the viewscreen they saw a gorgeous red haired Vulcan woman with emerald green eyes. She looked like a cross between Naruto's Mother T'Ara M'Fau and Alison Fairbanks. The woman also had Naruto's whisker marks on her cheeks and was wearing a gray and black Starfleet uniform.
"Alison…" whispered Rafi.
The redhead gave one of Naruto's minimal smiles and said, "Doctor Alison Fairbanks is my Mama, Rafi Meta. I'm sure you can figure out who my Daddy is. I am Captain Aurora M'Fau of the NCC-1602-D U.S.S. Wolverine. It is my pleasure to see you all in good health and looking so young." Her eyes cracked with chakra. "By the current Stardate you would all be in your thirties now."
"You are from the future?" asked Naruto.
"We came back in time from Stardate 2377 to prevent your destruction at the hands of Gul Turol of the Cardassian Union." said Aurora. "It seems you were too much for him and his ships to handle. I am glad to see you in top form. I would expect no less of the Think Tank early in their prime."
"Can we see your ship?" asked Samui excitedly.
"Not without violating the Prime Directive." said Aurora with a smirk. Samui deflated.
"Rory…?" asked a deeper female voice.
Aurora looked back over her shoulder and said, "Allow me to introduce my Chief Tactical Officer, Lieutenant Commander Sakuya M'Fau. She is my younger sister."
The crew of the Wolverine saw a radiant young woman who was the spitting image of Shizuka with whisker marks and chakra crackling in her eyes. She wore her long black hair down instead of in a ponytail and waved softly at Shizuka. Sakuya said, "Hi Mom."
Shizuka was shocked at the younger woman. "Y-you're my baby?!" asked the Security Chief. "You are beautiful!"
Sakuya narrowed her eyes. "I kick ass." she said in a flat tone. "I even defeated Daddy in kareel-ifla."
"Damn…" whispered Shizuka.
Naruto gave a tiny smile. "I trust you are well versed in other martial arts as well Sakuya?" She nodded. "The future me must be immensely proud. I am as well."
Sakuya blushed slightly and said, "Thank you Daddy."
M'rella asked, "You have other brothers and sisters, don't you?"
Sakuya blurted out, "There are a slew of us Ma. Why there are-"
Aurora cut her sister off and said, "We can't give away too much information without changing the future."
"Awwww…" said Sakuya.
A wormhole opened back where the U.S.S. Wolverine-D had originally appeared. Captain Aurora 'Rory' M'Fau said, "It seems that we are being summoned back to our proper time." She gave the Vulcan salute. "Live long and prosper, crew of the Wolverine. We will meet again someday." Then she got a sudden gleam in her eye and said, "Helm, lay in a course for the wormhole. Show them what the fastest ship in the fleet can do."
The astonished crew of the NCC-1602 Wolverine watched as the Wolverine-D left them in the proverbial dust and vanished back through the wormhole. "W-warp 17*⑪?" said a gaping Rafi.
"I will design a ship like that someday." declared Naruto with determination in his voice.
Alison smiled in amusement. "You just might."
"We received a burst transmission encoded to you just before they left through the wormhole Naruto. said M'rella. "It's from Captain Aurora M'Fau. It is labelled priority one."
"I'll view it in my ready room." replied the blonde Vulcan.
…
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Captain's Ready Room
Naruto had a sense of foreboding as he opened the transmission with a retina scan. He saw his daughter Aurora's beautiful face on the screen, and she said without preamble, "The U.S.S. Columbia was lost with all hands in 2286 on an exploration mission into what later was found to be Cardassian Space and the U.S.S. Wolverine was not involved in our future. The Bajorans were occupied by the Cardassians in 2319 and their population was decimated. Proper Federation contact wasn't made with either race until decades later."
The redhead continued. "Something happened in the past that caused this to change, and the U.S.S. Wolverine-D was sent to assure things proceeded according to this new timeline. We do not know if this was for better or worse, but we will see you in the future when we are born. This is Captain Aurora M'Fau signing off."
Naruto sighed. "I'd best report this to Starfleet."
…
"Ship's log, Stardate 2286.183. Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. The NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine will be returning to Federation Space per orders of Starfleet Command. We all feel that a wonderful opportunity to learn from the rich Bajoran culture has been lost to us, but several Federation vessels are going in our place to make peaceful overtures with the people of Bajor."
"Our brief but violent clashes with the Cardassians and the presence of the future NCC-1602-D Wolverine indicate to me that bloodshed between the Cardassian Union and the United Federation of Planets may be on the horizon. Klingon culture we have some understanding of, but the Cardassians we do not. The situation is worrisome to say the least…'
…
The Wolverine was soon on course for Federation Territory…
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Locations are vague in canon Star Trek and as they invent new races, they just say things like "The Alpha Quadrant." I put the Cardassians northeast of the Federation near Kzinti territory because they had wars with both the Federation and the Klingons in the (canon) future. It was the only place I could see them fitting.
*②: Bajoran Republic -This was a hard call to make as not much is written about the time between the Ancient Bajoran First Republic and the Cardassian Occupation in 2319. Suffice it to say I'm basing this Republic on the post occupation Bajoran Provisional Government from the Deep Space Nine Era (2369). See Memory Alpha for background information.
*③: Lightship -These are warp capable solar sail ships.
*④: Phase-disruptors – (or Spiral Wave disruptors) Cardassian Disruptors incorporate some facets of phaser technology into them. What this implies isn't clear. See Memory Beta.
*⑤: Cardassian vessel -These are precursors to the Galor-Class cruisers that come 80 years later. See Memory Alpha for their general appearance. They are about 100 years behind the X-ships in design and about 200 meters in length.
*⑥: These are Keldon-Class Vessels which are 372 Meters in length. See Memory Alpha and Beta for pictures and design features of these ships.
*⑦: Gul -is a Cardassian military rank, often a ship's commander.
*⑧: Prophets -are non-corporeal lifeforms that exist in the Bajoran wormhole and are worshipped by the Bajorans as gods. They exist outside of linear time and are simultaneously aware of the past, present and future. They are referred to as 'wormhole aliens' by non-Bajorans.
*⑨: Pah-wraiths -these are former Prophets exiled from the wormhole for acts of evil.
*⑩: The Wolverine-D is a refitted Sovereign-Class Vessel and a sistership to the Enterprise-E.
*⑪: Warp 17 TOS roughly equals Warp 9.97 in TNG Terms.
And done. There were way too many footnotes for my liking. I really didn't want to delve too much into Bajoran religion for the simple reason that the Bajoran wormhole isn't going to be discovered for another eighty years (at least in canon). I did have to touch on it in order to bring the Cardassian (future) threat into the picture though. The 'wormhole through time' is my own invention, nothing from the shows. See you next time. Blue out. 4/30/24