Naruto: Infinity Divide
The Simulator Shuttle
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This chapter covers Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
Last time:
The blonde said, "Computer, display warp field map."
Captain Suzuki looked at the calculated specifications "A 20% increase in warp efficiency?!"
The hybrid nodded. "I had to sacrifice two of the four photon torpedo mounts, but I added two additional Type 1 Phaser banks to compensate."
Vach touched the desktop and started to rotate the design to see different angles. She and Suzuki each went over the ship in detail and found no flaw in the general design. Finally, she said, "This design is magnificent Doctor M'Fau. To have created something this detailed in only four months is most impressive."
Suzuki said, "Doctor Naruto; this is hot warp cruiser is brilliant! Admiral Tolm and the Engineering Team are going to love this ship. The Admiralty won't like the two photons being dropped but my god, the war college is going to love it. This ship is quite literally built for speed!"
Captain Vach nodded and said, "You've exceeded all of our expectations Doctor M'Fau. Well done."
'It seems that Captain Suzuki is quite excitable.' thought Naruto. 'Captain Vach obviously approves as well. I wonder when she's going to tell me she is my Aunt. What an unusual woman.'
…
Chapter 17
Stardate 2272.102, Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco, Planet Earth
Captain Hiro Suzuki was very enthused as he presented the Fast Cruiser design to the Admiralty Staff. "You've already designed the basic structural elements, Captain Suzuki?" asked Admiral Morrow. "Aren't you getting ahead of yourself for a concept design?"
Suzuki said, "Our consultant Doctor Naruto designed the basic structural elements in order to prove the concept was viable due to the unusual hull shape. Naturally the actual interior layout will be dictated by the parameters set by the Admiralty and the War College."
"Well, I don't like it." said Admiral Nogura. "Building a heavy cruiser class vessel with half a cruiser's heavy weapons is a waste of resources."
Admiral Morrow said, "Captain Suzuki, would you care to explain the unusual choice of armament? This ship certainly has the power to handle four photon torpedoes instead of two."
"I conferred with Captain Vach on this feature of the design sir." said Suzuki. "The combination of four photon torpedoes and hot warp technology could result in structural shock damage. It's either engines or armament. That's why the two extra phasers were added to compensate to some degree."
"This design is promising." said Vice Admiral Fitzpatrick. "I propose we turn the design over to the Engineering Corps for a detailed design analysis and interior arrangements."
"Suppose we do that." commented Nogura. "My question is how or even if such a design could benefit the fleet."
"That's a question we should direct towards the War College." said Admiral Morrow. "You've been awfully quiet about this Admiral Tolm. It comes from your team. What is your opinion on the design itself?"
Rear Admiral Tolm sighed. He'd been expecting these very arguments. "It is a superb design and I believe construction of this vessel could lead to future advancements in warp architecture. That being said, I believe the members of War College would be the best judges as to whether or not the ship would be useful to the fleet. I say we complete the detailed design with the possibility of building at least one ship to see how it performs in reality rather than simple projections. A 20% increase in warp engine efficiency is nothing to scoff at and could lead to more powerful starship designs in the future."
Morrow nodded and said, "Have your team do a detail design with an all-purpose Fast Cruiser in mind Tolm. In the meantime, let's turn the projected design over to the War College to see what they think it can do. All in favor say aye."
A chorus of ayes and nays circled the room and Morrow said, "By a vote of seven to two the Fast Cruiser will be advanced to the next level of design. Captain Suzuki, you are dismissed."
….
Captain Suzuki soon came out into the lounge where Captain Vach was sitting and having some tea. She looked at him as he joined her and asked, "What did the Admiralty say about the Fast Cruiser?"
Suzuki grinned. "I was able to sell the design. It's going into detailed design and analysis. The big question is what the ship would actually do in the fleet so the design projections are going to the War College."
Vach said, "Its primary reason is to advance our designs for the next generation of starships; pure and simple."
"The Admiralty would never buy that Vach." said Suzuki with a chuckle. "The War College will figure out a use for an excessively fast, hot warp cruiser, trust me. Whether they can convince Admiral Nogura is another matter entirely."
"Nogura is a staunch conservative." said Vach. "I doubt he would be convinced even after the ship is built."
"You sound like you believe the Fast Cruiser will be built regardless." said Captain Suzuki.
"Far be it from me to speculate but I believe that the War College will support the idea." said Vach. "They will probably discover an unknown use for the design none of us have considered. It is their job to do so you know."
"Good point." said Suzuki.
…
Stardate 2272.133 Starfleet Academy, Self Defense Hall
Naruto was in self-defense class practicing with a hand phaser. It was simple enough to aim given how good he was with a bow but somehow hitting all the targets was unsatisfying to the blonde hybrid. 'A bow or sword gives you a feeling of being one with it. A hand phaser lacks elegance and finesse. Then again it is logical to have a very simple weapon for Starfleet so skilled and unskilled alike can defend themselves…' Naruto suddenly cringed and dropped his weapon.
His friend Shar came over and said, "Naruto, are you alright?!"
Naruto was kneeling but steadied himself. "I sensed something…something beyond comprehension."
…
Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Orbital Shipyards, Planet Mars
On board the U.S.S Darwin T'lyra and other Vulcans were also struck by a presence they could not define. Within the next hour, Starfleet put out an alert that 'a psychic presence' was causing disturbances and that telepaths and all races with psionic abilities were considered at risk. T'Lyra soon found herself in sick bay on Mars proper at the Utopia Planitia surface base. She was lying in an examination bed when she came around. In the next bed was a blue-eyed blonde that was sitting up in a meditative position.
A doctor came over and said, "Cadet Yamanaka; are you sure you don't want to be sedated?"
Cadet Ino Yamanaka*① pointed at T'Lyra and said in a pained voice, "Engineer's Mate T'Lyra is awake. Please check on her sir."
The doctor sighed and then quickly to T'Lyra. He said, "I'm Doctor Phenil. There was a psychic wave that knocked almost everyone with psionic abilities senseless. We've determined you have no physical injuries to your brain. Can you tell me how you feel? Cadet Yamanaka was watching over you, but her mental defenses failed as well. She is a Betazoid."
T'Lyra thought about Naruto and then focused her mind. "I believe that I am uninjured, Doctor. Was the origin of this psychic wave hostile?"
"That has yet to be determined." said Ino. "I think it's just overwhelmingly powerful instead of hostile."
Doctor Phenil said, "Let Starfleet worry about that. You ladies just relax and focus on keeping your psyches intact. Engineer T'Lyra, do you recall any thoughts invading your mind?"
T'Lyra weakly shook her head and said, "I thought of my mate Naruto M'Fau and our families back on Vulcan before I was overwhelmed. I must have blacked out then."
"Alright." said the Doctor. "All the others had similar experiences so I would say you are alright. If you need anything call a nurse." He turned to Ino and said, "Yamanaka, you are in no shape to be helping others so stay put. If you need something call a nurse."
"Yes sir." said Ino sullenly. The blonde Betazoid turned to T'Lyra and said, "Pardon me for asking but did you say your mate's name is Naruto Emfow?"
T'Lyra said, "Yes, but it is pronounced M'Fau. Why do you ask?"
Ino chuckled weakly, "Sorry but Vulcan names are hard to pronounce. I met a Naruto back on Vulcan several years ago at Vulcana Regar by that name. He was unusual with blonde hair and cute whisker marks…"
…
Planet Vulcan
Far away on the Planet Vulcan, many Vulcan citizens felt the presence of the entity as well. Spock was undergoing the kolinahr ritual, which teaches one to purge all of their remaining emotions and was nearly finished with his training.
He was standing before the lead elder at the temple. She told Spock he had labored long and she prepared to give him a symbol of total logic. The lead elder was about to give him a necklace symbolizing kolinahr when Spock reached out and stopped her…He was clearly disturbed by something…
Puzzled, the lead elder asked for a mind meld to read his thoughts, and Spock complied. She soon said, "This consciousness calling you from space…It touches your human blood Spock." She stated, "You have not achieved kolinahr." and she dropped the symbolic necklace to the ground. The lead elder then said to the other elders, "His answer lies elsewhere. He will not achieve his goal with us." Then she bid Spock farewell by saying, "Live long and prosper, Spock." Spock picked up the necklace from the ground and held it in his hand. It didn't take long before he decided; he would return to Starfleet…
…
Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Orbital Shipyards, Planet Mars, FRD-15, U.S.S. Darwin
Brea Mathuin was worried about her friend T'Lyra but then again everyone was worried in general given the current situation…
"The U.S.S Enterprise has left to intercept the incoming Cloud." said the overhead*②. "The Cloud is on a direct course for planet Earth. No other capital ships are currently available aside of the U.S.S. Darwin in system."
Brea let out a sigh. "The Enterprise wasn't scheduled for launch yet…But then again she can move under her own power unlike the Darwin. I hope they pull this miracle off…" The dark-haired Irish girl thought of her family on Earth.
…
The next forty-eight hours were hellish for the people of Earth's Solar System. The cloud slowly shrank and settled into Earth Orbit intent on destroying the carbon-based life form infestation to find its 'Creator.' At what was the 11th hour the Cloud completely dissipated leaving the Enterprise floating safely above Earth in orbit. What later become known as the V'Ger Incident had come to a close… *③
…
Stardate 2272.135, Utopia Planitia Surface Base, Planet Mars
Once the threat of V'Ger had passed everyone with psionic abilities were slowly being cleared to return to active duty. However, in the interim, Ino Yamanaka and T'Lyra Tolaris had become fast friends. "So, Naruto is a fast track student at the Academy." said Ino. "Somehow I am not surprised. When I finish my internship here on Mars, I'll look him up on Earth. What are the odds of us crossing paths T'Lyra? It must have been a twist of fate."
"The odds of us meeting and both knowing Naruto are impossible to calculate." said T'Lyra. "We should exchange contact information and stay in touch."
Ino's blue eyes twinkled. "That's an excellent idea my new friend. Let me get my tablet and I'll get your contact information put in. Then I'll transmit you mine." Ino was soon entering the data into her tablet and said, "So you live in the heavens above working on the ships in orbit. Zero-G as a constant must get taxing."
T'Lyra said, "Zero-G is something one has to get used to in my line of work. For now, I am assigned exclusively to the work on U.S.S. Darwin. I spend a great deal of time aboard her in artificial gravity though."
"The Death Ship Darwin?" asked Ino. "I heard most of her crew died of some contamination or infestation."
"I assure you that U.S.S. Darwin is completely safe now Ino." said T'Lyra. "We are completely refitting her to resume fleet duties. It should be another four months assuming no problems occur."
Ino asked curiously, "Will you be staying aboard the Darwin when it's done?"
"At this point anything is possible." answered T'Lyra. "A lot depends on Naruto and where he is stationed. We are mates after all."
"I heard about the regulations for Vulcans and Deltans." said Ino. "I think many races could benefit from such regulations, but fraternization can lead to problems as well. It's a psychological gamble I'm afraid."
…
Stardate 2272.136 Starfleet Academy, Sick Bay, Planet Earth
"You have a clean bill of health Cadet Naruto." said his classmate Doctor Shelly Wilson. "Purely from a medical point of view, your hybrid mind is absolutely fascinating. I believe I can safely say that by Vulcan standards you define madness to the method." She chuckled. "On a personal level I'm glad you are okay."
Naruto raised an eyebrow and said, "While I appreciate your sentiments, I believe the human idiom is method to the madness from what I was taught."
Shelly laughed and said, "Believe me when I tell you; in your specific case it is madness to the method. The biochemical energy in your system is beyond comprehension for a standard humanoid life form. Next time you get a full physical again I want to get a copy of the results."
…
Stardate 2272.138 Starfleet Academy, Simulation Hall, Planet Earth
Commander Triella Jackson was drilling her students in the classroom rather than the simulation hall for a change. "Today we are going to talk about combat use of standard shuttlecraft by our forces, suicide shuttles and Wild Weasel shuttles. Shar; explain to me what a suicide shuttle is. "
Shar answered. "A suicide shuttle is an unmanned shuttle loaded with an antimatter warhead. It is a seeking weapon that acts like a drone. They have a high enough yield to take down a shield but aren't particularly fast. Often they are used against slow moving or stationary targets such as a base."
Commander Jackson nodded. "Very good; explain to me a dummy suicide shuttle Naruto."
"A dummy suicide shuttle can be launched to act as a suicide shuttle but has no warhead." answered Naruto. "Its major use is to draw enemy fire because they suspect it is a suicide shuttle."
"Excellent, these are offensive uses of administrative shuttles." said Triela. "Other offensive uses of shuttles include fighters and scatter-pack shuttles but we currently have few ships capable of using these*④." The Kzintis and Hydrans are known to use these, however. We will cover those subjects in the future. Let's talk about defensive uses of a shuttle such as the Wild Weasel. M'rella, explain to me what a Wild Weasel is."
M'rella jerked to attention and said, "Yes Ma'am. A Wild Weasel is a shuttle equipped with electronics to appear as the launching ship. Its function is to draw away enemy seeking weapons such as drones or plasma torpedoes so the launching ship can be saved from probable destruction."
Triella went on to drill them in the various techniques on using shuttles in combat and saw the gears turning in the heads of the entire Think Tank. It was particularly obvious in the case of Samui and Naruto. 'Hmmm…what are these kids up to now? They've been asking some very specific, very unusual questions about shuttles. I guess I'll let them surprise me…' thought the veteran Commander.
…
Starfleet Academy, Dorm-F, Room 125-F
After lunch in the mess hall everyone gathered in M'rella and Naruto's quarters. Rafi looked at her fellow Cadets and said, "Let the Think Tank jam session begin. We're all thinking along the same lines. How do we use Wild Weasels offensively?"
Samui said, "If they can project the image of a ship to fool electronic sensors then there is no reason why we couldn't rig one to go a step further and project an image to fool their optical sensors as well. The distraction of another ship could change the whole dynamic of a battle*⑤."
Naruto was furiously working on his tablet and M'rella said, "Even if the enemy could be fooled for a minute it could save the original vessel from life or death."
Shar grinned, "How do we make this happen?"
"We put it to the test in a simulator down in the Engineering Hall." said Naruto. "Once we have a working model, we put it to a real test against live opponents in the simulator."
"Count on Naruto to come up with a scientific solution." chuckled Rafi. "This could be a real game changer if we ever find ourselves outnumbered."
"Let's get to work." said Samui eagerly…
…
Stardate 2272.141
Naruto was in his quarters and was doing something different from his normal routine. He had contacted Vulcan; specifically, the M'Fau Banking and Investment Firm at Vulcana Regar in order to put his money to work for him. Alas, his banking advisor was one of his least favorite cousins, Metana M'Fau*⑥. He still remembered how brutally the young woman had rejected a possible betrothal and made a huge spectacle of herself. Her last words to him were, "I want nothing to do with you…ever!" Hence Naruto was a bit surprised that she was now his potential advisor of all things.
Her plain but attractive face was on the screen, and she gave Naruto the traditional Vulcan salute. "Peace and long life cousin Naruto." she said rather nervously.
Naruto returned the salute and said without preamble, "Are you sure you wish to handle this account? You expressed your desire to avoid me when we spoke last."
Metana winced slightly and said, "The foolish ramblings of a child should be ignored. We are both adults now…I extend my deepest apologies for my previous behavior. You have become someone very exceptional Naruto M'Fau. I was badly mistaken about you. I would be honored to serve as your advisor."
The blonde decided rolling his eyes at Metana's attempts to play nice wouldn't help and asked, "What can the M'Fau Banking and Investment Firm do for me?"
Metana replied, "The Firm offers extensive financial and investing services, including trading, managed investment and retirement accounts, banking and credit accounts. We offer financial and investment products for both self-directed investors and those who want investment advice. As you are a member of the M'Fau Clan you get a fifty percent deduction in service fees, so it is a huge benefit to clan members…"
As Naruto listened to Metana's sales pitch he silently wished T'Lyra was there. She didn't know any more about investing than he did but it was their money combined and Naruto felt she should have a say in it. T'Lyra said she trusted Naruto's judgment on the matter though. The blonde hybrid said to Metana; "I wish to know about two warp engine manufactures and whether or not they are considered good from an investment point of view."
The Vulcan banker raised her eyebrows and said, "That's an unusual investment request. What firms are we talking about?"
Naruto replied, "Shuvinaaljis Warp Technologies*⑦ and Leedings Engines Limited*⑧ are my primary interests. They both make military warp engines as well as civilian ones."
Bringing the data up on the screen Metana said, "Shuvinaaljis Warp Technologies is a long-established company and has grown steadily over the last fifty years. They would be a good, conservative investment. I will send you the data." She quickly brought up a new screen and said, "Leedings Engines Limited is only fifteen years old but is going through a period of rapid growth. In the last five years they have quadrupled in size. It would be a higher risk but potentially much higher return than Shuvinaaljis Warp Technologies…"
The blonde nodded. "Then let's invest a bit of money in each…"
…
Stardate 2272.159 Starfleet Academy, Simulation Hall, Planet Earth
*** KOBAYASHI MARU ***
"Ship's Log: Stardate 2272.159. Captain Naruto M'Fau commanding the Heavy Cruiser NCC-1704 U.S.S. Yorktown. We are on the edge of the Klingon Neutral Zone and have received a distress call from the small freighter S.S. Kobayashi Maru. In spite of the political ramifications, it is our duty to render aid to a ship in need so we have violated the Neutral Zone treaty to rescue the freighter. We are not going in blind though. The Yorktown is under red alert and all of our weapons are on standby. We hope no conflict will occur but are ready if it does…"
Naruto said, "Weapons status navigation."
"All phasers armed; all four photon torpedoes are being held at maximum overload." said Samui.
"Shar, what is the status of our shuttles?" asked the blonde.
Shar turned from the sciences station and said, "One suicide shuttle at ready, one Wild Weasel and two simulator shuttles at ready."
Naruto looked at his readouts and said, "Tactical." The image of the damaged Kobayashi Maru orbiting a gas giant vanished and was replaced by a computer readout showing diagrams of the two ships and the planet in relation to each other. Naruto said. "Hug the planet and launch the two simulator shuttles. If they turn out unnecessary then we will recover them after we rescue the crew of the freighter." He turned to M'rella at communications and said, "Signal the Kobayashi Maru that we are here to render assistance."
"Aye sir." said M'rella.
"Helm, as soon as the Kobayshi Maru comes in our line of sight bring us alongside her to beam off the crew." said Naruto to Rafi.
Shar exclaimed, "Three Klingon D Hulls approaching! The first one is a D-6. The others are too far away to identify."
"Get the labs on identifying those ships Shar, knowledge is power." said Naruto. "Helm, put us on an intercept course towards that D-6. We have to protect the freighter."
The blonde hybrid said to M'rella, "Communications signal the Klingon ships that our intentions are to only rescue the freighter."
"We are receiving nothing but static sir." said M'rella. "They are jamming long distance communications."
"Klingon vessels are firing at maximum range Captain." said Samui. The Yorktown shook. Number two shield down twelve percent."
"D-6 Conquest identified." said Shar. "The others are the D-6 Gnasher and the D-7 Thunderer."
"Bring a strong shield towards the Conquest helm." said Naruto. "Sciences send the signal to activate the two simulator shuttles."
"D-6 Conquest is firing." said Rafi. The Conquest opened fire with her three bow phasers which slammed into the Yorktown's starboard flank shield. "Number three shield down forty percent."
"Bring us around 90 degrees to starboard helm." commanded Naruto. "Fire all weapons narrow salvo at 5,000 kilometers."
Six phasers and four fully overloaded photons streaked into the starboard forward shield of the Conquest with devastating results. The Conquest was a gutted wreck.
As the Yorktown rode out the feedback damage from firing overloaded photons at point blank range; Naruto said, "Excellent shooting Samui. The Conquest is no longer a threat."
Two more Federation "heavy cruisers" cleared the planet. Shar reported, "The Gnasher and the Thunderer are decelerating rapidly. It looks like our simulator shuttles have them fooled for now."
Naruto rapidly fired out the orders. "Helm; bring us alongside the Kobayashi Maru. Drop a facing shield and beam off the survivors as quickly as possible."
"Phasers are cycled sir." reported Samui. "Request permission to finish off the Conquest."
"Standby Samui. I don't want the detonation of the D-6 to damage the freighter even if it is slight." said Naruto. "Is the crew of the freighter clear?"
M'rella said, "Twenty seconds…All survivors have been rescued Captain."
"Raise shields." Naruto ordered. He turned to Samui and said, "Finish off the Conquest."
Four phasers lashed out and the demolished Conquest ceased to exist. "The Gnasher and Thunderer are withdrawing." reported Shar.
Naruto nodded. "Let's pick up our shuttles and withdraw back into Federation territory."
…
Observation Room
Triella Jackson saw everyone in the observation room go slack jawed as the Artificial Intelligence controlled Klingon vessels withdrew hastily and the Yorktown picked up her two simulator shuttles and retreated in the opposite direction. The always gruff Commander snorted and then started laughing, much to everyone's shock. "They beat the Kobayashi Maru! The scenario programmers are going to have a day of mourning over this! Bwahahaha!"
…
U.S.S. Yorktown Bridge
The Think Tank saw the view screen change from Federation space to "SIMULATION ENDED." and everyone relaxed.
Samui asked humorously, "So Captain Naruto; do you think we just started a war with the Klingon Empire?"
Naruto said, "Logically I'd say yes. We violated the treaty of the Neutral Zone and destroyed a Klingon heavy cruiser in the process."
"The Klingons fired first, and we destroyed the Conquest in self-defense." said Rafi. "Our actions were totally justified."
Shar commented, "It would be up to the diplomats to decide who was right or wrong."
M'rella nodded. "The main thing is we saved the lives of those on the freighter." She smiled. "I think we did the right thing regardless."
The U.S.S. Yorktown's 'airlock' opened and Commander Jackson entered. "Enough chatter. Let's head to the classroom people."
…
Jackson was pacing back and forth across the classroom with her hands clasped behind her back. "Hmmm…So the five of you put your heads together and came up with an electronic simulation shuttle in the last three weeks…You all decided that using Wild Weasel technology for offensive purposes was a good idea and subsequently took it upon yourselves to develop it in secret…Hmmm…"
Jackson glared at The Think Tank and said through narrowed eyes, "Well; all I have to say on the matter is…EXCELLENT! To have beaten the Kobayashi Maru legally is OUTSTANDING!"
Everyone's eyes were wide in shock. To have their Commander lavish such praise on them was unheard of! (Even Naruto was bug eyed at how illogical the situation seemed).
Samui raised her hand and asked, "What do you mean by legally Ma'am? It was beaten before."
Triella chuckled and said, "It was beaten by my old friend Rear Admiral James T. Kirk because he hacked the program so he could win. He got a commendation for it. No one else has ever beaten it. You five did by using innovation. You outthought and outfought the AI and won in a completely unorthodox but plausible way. There is no reason that simulation couldn't have worked in a real-life situation. You all did very well, and I commend you for it. I have a feeling some of the top brass is going to get involved in this so make sure you keep your behavior exemplary for a while."
…
Mess Hall
The whole Mess Hall was buzzing with the news that somebody beat the Kobayashi Maru. The Think Tank wondered how the news got out since they just got out of class and had agreed not to tell a soul until further notice. As usual they were between the Third Years of Joseph Kirov's group and the Fourth Years whose leader was Jackie Nodaway. The Fourth Years were whispering loudly among themselves, "Who do you think pulled it off?"
"I have no idea but I think it's great." said a male.
Jackie said, "There are about twenty groups in simulator rotation so we could use the process of elimination."
Otome said, "Well, we weren't in the simulator today and Kirov's group would fail regardless…."
"…Not to mention Kirov would be referring to himself as Admiral by now." said another young woman.
The Think Tank was quietly eating as the Fourth Year's conversation drifted over them.
'We'd best not draw attention to ourselves.' thought Shar.
Rafi thought, 'Here we are with bragging rights, but Samui is right. It's best to keep this under wraps.'
M'rella felt happiness in the air coming from the Fourth Years but the Third Years didn't seem happy at all and seemed to be glaring at everybody. 'Do they know it was us?'
Kirov said, "That test is impossible! There's no way it could be beaten. Whoever did it must have cheated somehow."
The Third Years had a dark, angry cloud above their table…
Samui thought, 'We beat it fair and square. Who are they to judge us?'
Naruto was thinking of ways to silence the loudmouthed Kirov forever when someone marched up to the table. She said in a commanding voice, "You five; I'm Lieutenant Shizuka Nadeshiko. Come with me."
…
The Think Tank Command Team was trotting at a quick pace through the Starfleet Academy Campus to the Headquarters Building as they followed the red uniform wearing Lieutenant Nadeshiko. They soon came to the realization that they were headed to meet Admiral Harold Pye, the Academy Commandant. They lined up at attention at Shizuka's order and waited to be summoned.
…
Admiral Harold Pye's Office
"The five Cadets are here per your orders sir." said Shizuka crisply.
Pye smiled and said, "You could have let them finish their lunch before you kidnapped them, Lieutenant. This isn't an emergency situation you know."
Shizuka said, "Your time is much more valuable than that of five Cadets."
The elderly Admiral propped his chin in his hand and said, "As I recall it wasn't so long ago that you graduated as the top Cadet in your Class Shizuka Nadeshiko." (She blushed slightly). "Show the five of them in. It was a group effort and I want to address them as a group."
Shizuka paused and Admiral Pye asked, "Yes Lieutenant?"
"Did they really beat the Kobayashi Maru scenario?" she asked. "My crew and I were crushed so badly that we were mortified and embarrassed for weeks."
He chuckled and said, "When you bring them in, I'll let you stay and watch as I evaluate their performance for myself. I think you'll find it as enlightening as I did when I watched it the first time. Let's just say they live up to the name The Think Tank."
…
Shizuka came out and said, "Admiral Pye is ready to see the five of you so be on your best behavior. Let's go."
Naruto couldn't help but notice the rather beautiful Vulcan Security Officer openly displayed emotions. 'Is she an emotionalist? She acts very regimented if that is the case. How puzzling.'
Lieutenant Nadeshiko marched the five in and said "Atten-shun!" as the door slid shut behind them.
Admiral Pye smiled warmly and said, "At ease Cadets. Please be seated. I want to review your performance on the Kobayashi Maru from earlier today. You'll be seeing things from the point of view of your instructors."
The lights dimmed and a large screen lit up on the side of the room and all turned to face it from their chairs.
…
Naruto noted he looked very clinical in the images as they shot by. Seeing himself and the others on screen was rather unnerving. "Ship's Log: Stardate 2272.159. Captain Naruto M'Fau commanding the Heavy Cruiser NCC-1704 U.S.S. Yorktown…"
As they watched each of the Cadets noticed weaknesses in their performance…at least until the battle started. When the Yorktown engaged the Conquest, the crew looked confident, commanding and even a little intimidating.
Samui watched herself on screen as she wrecked the Conquest at point blank range. She noticed her own ice blue eyes were completely focused as she fired. "Excellent shooting Samui. The Conquest is no longer a threat." echoed Naruto's voice in her head.
'I look good on screen.' thought Rafi. The Trill watched as the Yorktown responded smoothly to her commands and the grim smile on her face as they closed for action.
Much to his relief Shar saw he performed well. He remembered being glad he didn't have to rapidly fire out commands like Samui and Naruto could under pressure. 'I don't even look nervous once we're in action.' he thought, feeling a bit of confidence in himself.
M'rella watched herself as she coordinated with the Kobayashi Maru and evacuated the freighter's crew like clockwork. "Twenty seconds…All survivors have been rescued Captain." The beautiful Caitian girl resisted the urge to cheer at the image on screen as the Klingon Cruisers withdrew rapidly.
…
Admiral Pye said, "Lights on." and everyone blinked as the room's lights changed back to normal. The Admiral smiled and said, "So which one of you Cadets came up with the idea for simulator shuttles first?
Samui raised her hand and the Admiral nodded, "Yes Cadet Schrodinger?"
"We always meet up after classes to swap ideas." said Samui. "All of us wanted to figure out how to configure a Wild Weasel shuttle for offensive purposes and after discussing things we came up with the simulator shuttle idea."
"So, your group always has these meetings outside of class hours?" asked the elderly Admiral. "Speak freely."
Rafi eagerly answered, "Yes sir. Our jam sessions are where our best ideas come from."
"Jam sessions?" asked Shizuka. "You mean like a band?"
Shar nodded. "That is exactly the philosophy we use. It is a completely open forum that we invite other classmates into from time to time."
M'rella said in a purring tone, "Cooperation and creativity are very much our goals."
Admiral Pye asked, "So when you invite others, are they from your fast track group?"
"Yes sir." answered Naruto. "There are four groups within our fast track class; Engineering, Sciences, Medical and our group; Command. We sometimes sit in on their meetings as well. It helps our group to stay cohesive."
"And by simply throwing ideas around in an open forum you've come up with the simulator shuttle idea?" asked Shizuka.
Samui replied, "Yes; since it is successful in the simulator our sciences and engineering teams are also working on the idea to make it better. The design as it is…we only had three weeks, so it is rather primitive."
The Admiral chuckled and said, "It allowed you to defeat some of the best artificial intelligence in Starfleet."
"We will make it even better." said Rafi in a confident tone.
Admiral Pye slapped his hand on his desk and said, "This is what I want to see in my Cadets; confidence and the desire to succeed." He turned to his Security Officer. "Shizuka, I want you to supervise The Think Tank and get them what they need to make a working demonstrator of a simulator shuttle." He turned back to the Cadets and said, "You have six weeks including parts procurement. Make it happen."
"Yes, SIR!" answered the Cadets.
…
After the Cadets were escorted out by a Junior Officer, Shizuka said, "Sir; I respect your judgment of course b-"
"Why did I pick you Lieutenant Nadeshiko?" asked the Admiral with a twinkle in his eye. "You're in a rut Shizuka. You do a superlative job as my bodyguard, but you are capable of so much more. The Darwin incident was a tragedy but you're too young to stay in the past. It's time to move on. I think you might enjoy this assignment. It's obvious that they are young, but you saw what they were like in the Kobayashi Maru. Hell, Cadet Samui Schrodinger and Cadet Naruto both exhibit the qualities of outstanding command material. Cadet Rafi handled that cruiser like a veteran and the other two aren't that far behind."
The Admiral slapped his desk again to get across his point. "Train and shape those kids Shizuka. Show them how it's done. But learn from them too. You're young as well. See what these 'jam sessions' are like. You're way too young to be here at headquarters counting down to retirement. I see it in your eyes. You want to sail the stars again. It's time to go out there and live a little. Consider this assignment your first step towards recovery Lieutenant."
Shizuka sniffled a bit and said, "Thank you sir."
Admiral Pye gave a warm smile and said, "Anytime Shizuka."
After Shizuka left Admiral Pye face palmed. "Damn, I was going to give those Cadets a formal Commendation. I got so excited about simulator shuttles and everything else that I forgot all about it…It sucks getting old…"
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Remember Ino Yamanaka? See chapter 4 for our favorite Betazoid's introduction.
*②: This is the V'Ger Incident as seen in Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
*③: I could have gone into a great deal more detail here but it's much better to watch the movie.
*④: This takes place about five years before carriers and drone rack refits became widespread through the Federation fleet.
*⑤: They did something like this in Star Trek: TNG without a shuttlecraft. It was in the episode "Peak Performance" with NCC-2593 U.S.S Hathaway and NCC-1701-D Enterprise playing a war game.
*⑥: Metana was one of Naruto's attempted betrothals that kind of blew up in his face. See chapter 4.
*⑦: Shuvinaaljis Warp Technologies: Manufacturer of the Enterprise's original engines from the show.
*⑧: Leedings Engines Limited: Manufacturer of the Enterprise's refit engines from the movies.
Egad! The footnotes are back with a vengeance I'm afraid. I hope everyone enjoyed the Kobayashi Maru Scenario; there will be more repercussions about it down the line. Ino finally reappeared this chapter and Shizuka has finally met The Think Tank with a new project to do. And Naruto is investing in something he sees a lot of future in: Warp Engine Technology. What will come of that? Lastly, the Fast Cruiser design is going to the next level. What will the War College come up with? See you next time. Blue out. 9/21/23