Naruto: Infinity Divide

Special Projects

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

There is a lot of technical jargon in this chapter but it is plot related. Enjoy!

Port = Left

Starboard = Right

[ ] Signifies a foreign language

Last time:

Stardate 2272.231, Starfleet Academy, San Francisco, Planet Earth

Naruto and M'rella were soon exchanging greetings with the other members of the Think Tank that were all in the process of unpacking and preparing for classes to start. They had an impromptu get together with Rafi, Samui and Shar from the command Team to exchange greetings. Later the entire group of twenty was all together in the mess hall celebrating everyone coming back for a second semester. The big Orion Kloene from engineering said exuberantly, "This is going to be great. We'll do even better this semester!"

Naruto's Trill friend Rafi said with equal enthusiasm. "That's the spirit! Cheers!"

"CHEERS!" roared the rest of the Think Tank in approval.

Shizuka Nadeshiko looked in on her unofficial charges and smiled. 'I wonder what they'll come up with this semester…

…

Chapter 20

Stardate 2272.231, Starfleet Academy, San Francisco, Planet Earth, Dorm F room 125-F

Naruto and his Orion friend Kloene were having a discussion after the big dinner the Think Tank had. The blonde overheard that Kloene was starting an independent design study like he was and that gave Naruto an idea…

"Please come in." said Naruto. "Tea?"

Kloene said, "I've never had Vulcan Tea before. I'll try it."

The blonde quickly brewed up some tea and said, "I heard you say that you were looking for an independent design study Kloene. I know your degree is in Starship engineering; do you know impulse engines and reactors well?"

"Know them?" asked Kloene. "My Vulcan friend, I practically grew up living and breathing the things! My actual doctorate I just completed is in Starship propulsion systems. Hell, my Grandfather is on the board at YPS*①."

"Your Grandfather is on the board of directors at Yoyodyne Propulsion Systems?" asked Naruto in surprise. 'I just bought a large sum of stock of theirs.'

Kloene laughed, "Yeah, Gramps is quite the businessman. He wanted me to follow in his footsteps at YPS but I like designing stuff too much to be tied down in a business office wheeling and dealing all day so I went into Starfleet. Why do you ask?"

"I'm interested in shipboard auxiliary warp reactors*② and have been studying them intensely of late." said the blonde.

The beefy Orion raised his eyebrows in confusion. "Why would you be interested in those? I think the only prominent person interested in those things was Tirunze from Tellar. He had a corporation, and it was such a failure that he sold out." Naruto nodded and Kleone said, "Almost every spacefaring race dropped them because they had no appreciable advantages over conventional auxiliary power reactors*③. They are big, bulky and expensive."

"That is correct." said Naruto. "I want to create a shipboard auxiliary warp reactor that is kilogram for kilogram equal to a standard power reactor in power, weight and size. Cost is irrelevant at this point."

Kloene looked puzzled. "Okay…I'm not saying it's impossible, but it would still cost a fortune and without Tirunze's research it would have to be developed from the bottom up."

Naruto gave a tiny smile and said, "I bought the patent and Doctor Tirunze's research at an economical price. He was going in the wrong direction trying to modify them from big ones that power our bases and ground units. For all the reasons you mentioned the concept failed. I want small warp reactors to power starships in place of standard auxiliary power reactors."

Kloene's dark eyes got big. "You bought the patent and the research?!" Where did you get the money and just as importantly why?"

The blonde said, "The money is from my own patents. As for why, that's why I asked you to come here Kloene."

The Orion scratched his chin. "You know I'm looking for an independent design study and want me to develop an auxiliary warp reactor to replace fusion reactors on starships."

Naruto nodded and said, "That is exactly right. Are you up to the challenge?"

"I'm up to any challenge." said Kloene forcefully. "But you haven't answered the question most important question of why. Who needs a reactor to provide warp power that won't move a ship? Like I said, there are no advantages over an APR at all and they would cost more. Tirunze's work is a folly."

Naruto's blue eyes got very intense, and he said, "For every other race an AWR would be a waste of time but not the Federation." Seeing Kloene's confused look the blonde hybrid said, "Let me pose you a question. What kind of heavy weapon is unique to the Federation?"

Kloene instantly said, "The photon torpedo of course."

"And what type of energy does it take to charge the antimatter warhead on a photon torpedo?" asked Naruto.

"It exclusively uses warp energy naturally, I-" The green skinned Orion gasped. "Many smaller ships in the Federation a considered underpowered in relation to their heavy armament but by replacing the APRs with AWRs that huge liability would be remedied!"

The Vulcan hybrid nodded. "…At least in part. Then you see why developing a shipboard auxiliary warp reactor would be worthwhile."

Kloene was goggle eyed. "If I could convince Gramps then he might put it before the board and YPS could gain a big chunk of a new market. Naruto, we could get rich off this!"

"More importantly the Federation would benefit in the future." said Naruto. "I have contacts in the Starship Bureau of Design and Repair that might be interested if you were to decide to go with this as your independent design study."

The big Orion smirked. "Just how many steps have you thought ahead Naruto?"

"I'm designing a ship and those AWRs could solve some of my problems." said the blonde. "It's my independent design study."

"How big is it?" asked Kloene. 'This I have to see.'

"It is a light cruiser sized vessel." replied Naruto. "It currently has four APRs but they could preferably be replaced with AWR's provided the reactors become available."

"A light cruiser huh? What does this mystery ship look like?" asked the big Orion engineer. Naruto pondered a moment and Kloene said excitedly, "Don't keep me in suspense man!"

Naruto nodded. "Consider this classified." At Kloene's nod Naruto commanded, "Computer, display Project NCC-1500 design A." A sleek cruiser with a very low profile appeared. The design had two warp nacelles slung tightly under the primary hull. The primary hull was a standard Federation saucer but the rear half was expanded to provide more room for development of other variants such as a scout or commando ship*④.

Kloene whistled looking at the new design. "That's one hell of a design Naruto. He carefully looked over the ship's power grids. Hmmm….Leeding's newest warp engines design…nice. Yoyoydyne's new compact impulse engines for sublight drive…standard batteries and four auxiliary power reactors. How much more powerful is it than the old Texas class light cruisers?"

"It has twice the photon torpedo power, twice the shuttle capacity and much heavier shielding. It also can attain warp factor nine." answered Naruto. "At this point I estimate it is 20% more powerful than the Texas class. More importantly the hull is designed to be adaptable to several roles. The ship has plenty of room for growth. The only thing I've sacrificed is a third of the ship's labs."

"So, you need an AWR that is a drop fit to replace the existing APRs." said the Orion. "Let me do some preliminary research."

The blonde hybrid nodded. "I can let you look at Tirunze's research if you want. It is extensive even if it follows the wrong path."

Kloene grinned. "This could be just what I'm looking for."

….

Stardate 2272.233, Central Auditorium, Starfleet Academy

Two days later the cadets of Starfleet were gathered for the opening speech which welcomed them back to the academy. Admiral Pye gave his dialogue and emphasized that they needed to be prepared for the future. Naruto also saw Shizuka Nadeshiko near the Admiral acting as security.

'Another Semester begins.' thought the blonde. 'Now I have assigned time to dedicate to my light cruiser design. That gives me 18 months to detail the design.' He looked over at M'rella who was standing beside him. It was obvious the young Caitian woman was excited to be there.

She smiled at him and said, "This semester we'll have to try even harder. We only have a limited time to learn before we join the fleet."

The speech soon ended, and the Think Tank went straight to requisitions to get ahead in the already forming line for supplies. Naruto was in line with M'rella, Samui Schrodinger and Rafi. Shar and their friend Shelly Wilson from the medical team were there as well.

"Well, as expected there is a huge line." said Rafi.

Samui nodded in agreement. "At least we know our way around now. The first time was daunting and confusing…not to mention we had no idea it would take so long back then."

"Hey, it's the Think Tank! How are you guys?" asked the Fourth Year Jackie Nodaway out of nowhere.

"Hello upperclassman Nodaway." said Samui formally.

Jackie waved her hand dismissively and said, "No need to be so formal. Just call me Jackie. I can't wait to team up in the simulators with you guys."

Rafi said, "As long as we aren't teamed up with Kirov and his bunch, I'll be happy."

The Fourth Year chuckled. "Yeah, Kirov's egomania gets him in all kinds of trouble. Being teamed up with his crew is virtually a guaranteed loss."

…

Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Orbital Shipyards, Planet Mars, FRD-15, U.S.S. Darwin

Meanwhile, T'Lyra was getting back into the routine of things. She had her space suit on and floated into the Engineering deck of the Darwin where the main warp reactor was being replaced. The whole engineering deck was virtually gutted for the new reactor and engines. The brunette wanted to groan at the gaping holes that allowed one to see space through the roof of the secondary hull. 'All of that work for nothing.' she thought in dismay. The Vulcan girl was looking at the schematics of the new warp engines that were going to be completed and brought in from Leeding Engines Limited within the month. She noted the engine's serial numbers showed they were the third and fourth production engines of that type. Engines one and two already went to the Enterprise.

'So, they are using Naruto's warp architecture on the Darwin as well.' thought T'Lyra. 'I knew the U.S.S. Enterprise was considered a huge success, but I didn't expect them to accelerate the program so rapidly. Usually, they wait a couple of years before making such big changes. I wonder about how many other ships will be converted…Even at a mere 5% Naruto and I are making 25 million credits per ship. I guess the Darwin will be on par with the Enterprise when done even if it's a galactic survey cruiser instead of a command cruiser.'

Brea Mathuin soon joined her friend and said, "There is nothing like starting over from scratch, eh?"

T'Lyra nodded at her friend. "According to the schedule it will be two months before the secondary hull is made airtight again." 'On the positive side I'll be able to see how the new engine is designed to fit Naruto's warp architecture.' "I suppose we'll know these systems inside and out before we are done."

"Given we've been assigned down here as our workspace we will learn it all whether we want to or not." said Brea with a chuckle. "Ah, there is Chief Rodney. He's waving us over."

"It's time to get to work then." said T'Lyra…

…

Simulation Hall, Starfleet Academy, Planet Earth

Commander Triella Jackson gave her usual gruff greetings to the Think Tank command team. "Welcome back, I see none of you dropped out. Good. This semester will be more difficult than the last even if you all beat the Kobayashi Maru so don't get cocky."

'She's as friendly as ever.' thought Rafi.

Shar thought, 'I wonder what nightmare scenarios she's thought up this semester. Commander Jackson is ruthless.'

"Look at your tablets and pay attention." said the Commander. "Today we're going to talk about the concepts of high energy turns and emergency deceleration…"

Classes had begun again, and the Think Tank was already back in the thick of it…

…

Stardate 2272.235, Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco, Planet Earth

Two days later a meeting was being held by the Admiralty on the fast cruiser concept. The War College was there to present their findings…

"Rather than considering the fast cruiser an alternate type to a normal heavy cruiser; the War College has come up with the concept of a 'special mission' type used for missions behind enemy lines such as interdiction, commerce raiding and scouting." said Rear Admiral Tholas, the Andorian Commandant of the War College. "There are many things this ship can do that others can't. The loss of two photon torpedoes means slugging it out in a traditional fleet battle wouldn't be wise but its flexibility in other tactical and strategic situations is undeniable. The War College recommends that the fast cruiser type be put in limited protection."

Admiral Nogura scoffed. "So, we have a heavy cruiser that needs protection from other heavy cruisers to survive. Grand."

"Quite the contrary." said Admiral Tholas. "The type operates best alone without any other ships to slow it down. Anything the fast cruiser can't fight it can leave in the proverbial dust."

Vice Admiral Fitzpatrick said, "It sounds like every pirate's dream ship. Hit and fade."

Admiral Tholas nodded. "The design was so successful in the war games that having one available was a coveted commodity for our fleet's commanders."

Admiral Morrow asked Tholas, "How many would the War College recommend we build of the fast cruiser type?"

"They probably want four or five per border." grumbled Nogura.

Admiral Tholas gave Nogura a flat look and said, "Actually we recommend a limited production of four to five total sir. That would allow us to place one on the Klingon and Romulan Borders as well as the Kzinti and Gorn borders.

Admiral Morrow asked, "What do you think Rear Admiral Tolm?"

Tolm pondered for a moment and said, "A class of four vessels wouldn't displace but one heavy cruiser on the slipways over the next few years. We are currently at capacity with heavy cruiser construction. If we were to lay a keel down in 2275 the first one would be completed in 2277 and we could complete one per year after that. That seems reasonable given the fast cruiser design is experimental. The detail design is at 38% so the full design will be done by the end of next year."

"Thirty-eight percent?! That's incredibly quick for a detail design for a cruiser Admiral Tolm." said Vice Admiral Fitzpatrick.

Admiral Tolm said, "Most of the ship's interior structural elements were already designed by Doctor Naruto when he presented his design. The detail design has been moving at a rapid pace as a result."

"Doctor Naruto?" asked Tholas. "I've never heard of him before."

"He's new. Captain Suzuki mentioned him in our last meeting Tholas." said Rear Admiral Tolm. "Of the many competing designs, his was a head and shoulders above the rest. I believe he has a bright future with us."

"Is this Naruto in Starfleet or just a consultant? I don't trust outsiders." asked Nogura.

Tolm sighed and said, "Doctor Naruto is in Starfleet but is an acting consultant since he is technically in the command branch. His warp field design is why the refitted Enterprise is breaking every speed record we have currently."

Admiral Morrow whistled. "I thought that was Commander Montgomery Scott's design."

"Commander Scott adopted the warp architecture from Doctor Naruto." said Tolm with a smile. "If it wasn't for the Commander we never would have discovered Doctor Naruto. We currently have him designing a new light cruiser to replace the old Texas class. As you all know the Texas class has long needed a replacement."

"That I can agree on." said Admiral Nogura. "So, you are hedging your bets that this Doctor Naruto has the answer to our light cruiser problem?"

Admiral Tolm shook his head. "We have dozens of people working on various designs. Doctor Naruto is working on one of many."

"We're getting off track here." said Admiral Morrow. "All in favor of putting the fast cruiser in limited production say Aye."

A chorus of ayes and nays circled the room and Morrow said, "By a vote of six to three the fast cruiser design will be placed in limited production. This meeting is adjourned."

…

Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Orbital Shipyards, Planet Mars, FRD-15, U.S.S. Darwin

T'Lyra was working on the redesigned shaft for the brand-new warp core reactor on the Darwin. Ordinarily they had those of higher rank and experience working on such delicate areas, but the young Vulcan woman had proved that she was more than capable of handling the job. T'Lyra stopped and put down her plasma torch to take a small break. Her Commander was an elderly Chief Petty Officer named Miles Rodney. He'd kept an eye on T'Lyra because her skill was far in excess of her years. "How is it going Engineer's Mate T'Lyra?" asked the old Chief.

"It is going well sir, but modifications will be necessary the fit the bottom three rows of plating for the shaft." said T'Lyra. "They won't fit properly otherwise."

Chief Rodney said, "You are the first to pick up on that. This new engine refit we are putting on the Darwin was originally slated for a heavy cruiser of the Constitution Class. It has to be custom modified and altered to fit a galactic survey cruiser like the Darwin here."

T'Lyra nodded, "Then these parts were originally slated for the U.S.S. Kongo that just entered dock in FRD-12."

Rodney said, "Spot on T'Lyra; as usual. NCC-1710 Kongo will be the second Constitution Class to receive the Constitution II refit."

"Is that what they are calling the Enterprise refit now Chief?" asked the young Vulcan woman.

He nodded. "Yes, only the Kongo is already a command cruiser so it will be easier in theory. The Enterprise was converted in the process from a heavy cruiser to a command cruiser, so it took longer."

"It sounds like the whole heavy cruiser fleet is slated for refit." said T'Lyra. "Shouldn't they do more tests on the Enterprise before proceeding? It's still on an extended shakedown cruise as I understand it."

Rodney smiled and said, "Ours is not to reason why, ours is but to do and die."

T'Lyra said, "Some old Earth proverbs have wisdom in them."

"Indeed, they do." said the Chief. "Well, back to work! We have a cruiser to rebuild."

…

Stardate 2272.236, Starfleet Bureau of Design and Repair

The next day Rear Admiral Tolm called in Captain Hiro Suzuki and Captain Vach M'Fau in for a staff meeting. The old Admiral said, "Vach, Suzuki, the War College was at the Admiralty Staff meeting yesterday and the fast cruiser design has been approved for limited production. A class of four vessels will be laid down starting in 2275. The Naval Construction Contracts for the first two will be NCC-1602 and NCC-1603. I would call this a big success for our team."

Suzuki said, "Excellent! This is great news sir. What did the vote turn out to be?"

"I would be interested in knowing that myself." said Vach. 'T'Ara, your son is an amazing young man. He has made me proud.'

Admiral Tolm grinned. "It passed six to three in favor. You should have heard Admiral Tholas from the War College talk about the design. I chatted with him after the meeting adjourned and the War College simulations practically sold them all on the fast cruiser. They want to use it for scouting, commerce raiding and operating behind enemy lines. Tholas thinks it's a brilliant concept."

Vach had amusement in her eyes, "A commerce raider? I never would have thought of such an idea."

The Rear Admiral nodded and said, "I wouldn't have either. Apparently having just one of these ships raising hell behind enemy lines slowed the logistics of the opposing fleet so badly that they thought several raiding ships were in the area. To top that off they had to pull a huge number of resources from the front to try to hunt the fast cruiser down. In the end the fast cruiser escaped back into friendly space unscathed."

Suzuki laughed, "Hah! I can only imagine what the real thing will do with the detail design going so well."

Captain Vach asked, "Has Doctor Naruto been informed of this success? If not, I will be pleased to inform him."

"Actually, I've been wondering if he's made any headway on the new light cruiser design." said Suzuki.

"At any rate we should invite Doctor Naruto out here to share the good news." said Rear Admiral Tolm. "We'll ask him to bring his preliminary work on the new light cruiser as well."

…

Starfleet Academy, Dorm F room 125-F

Naruto was working on an essay on interstellar politics along with M'rella when the viewscreen on the table activated. He saw the Starfleet Command logo and the blonde answered crisply, "Cadet Naruto M'Fau here."

"Cadet Naruto M'Fau; please submit for retina scan to receive the message." said the computer in an emotionless voice.

The blonde wanted to growl. "I have work to do. I don't need people calling me." he said under his breath.

M'rella said smiling, "I'll step out of the room so you can take your important call that you don't want." She was obviously amused.

Naruto sighed and lined his eye up with the scanner in the corner of the computer. "Proceed with the retina scan computer." said Naruto in a tired tone.

"Working." said the computer as low intensity lasers scanned his eye. "Identity confirmed. Would you like to receive the message now?"

Naruto thought, 'No, not really.' "Display the message computer." The blonde then saw Captain Vach on the screen on gave her the Vulcan salute. "I bid you greeting Captain Vach. Your call is unexpected. Is there something I can assist you with?"

Vach returned his salute and said, "Admiral Tolm has requested that you report to his office at the Starfleet Bureau of Design and Repair at 18:00." Seeing Naruto's dumbfounded look she said, "This is very good news Doctor M'Fau. Please bring your preliminary design work on the NCC-1500 project as well."

"I will be there, Captain Vach." said Naruto. 'Although I could have used more notice.'

"Good." said the Vulcan woman. "I look forward to seeing you again. Vach out."

"M'Fau out." said Naruto as the screen went blank.

M'rella came back in seeing Naruto was done. "That was quick." said the Caitian girl. "Is there some sort of emergency?"

"No, Admiral Tolm wishes to see me at 18:00 hours for some reason. I was told it was good news."

"That's when they serve dinner in the mess hall." said M'rella.

"Yes, it is most inconvenient." said Naruto. "I should put on my dress uniform." he added absentmindedly.

…

After a quick shower and dressing appropriately, Naruto went down to the Academy transporter room and informed the chief there. "I need to beam over to the platform at the Starfleet Bureau of Design and Repair." 'I hate to spend my transporter credits, but I am running late*⑤.'

A moment later Naruto stepped onto the transporter platform and shimmered out of existence…

…Only to arrive at the at the transporter room in the Bureau of Design and Repair building where he showed his identification. The transporter chief there said, "I need to verify with Admiral Tolm that you are expected after hours."

Naruto nodded and waited for his clearance to come through. Within five minutes he was in the turbo lift with a security escort still wondering why he'd been called. The guard checked the extended memory module as well because he thought it could be something suspicious (like a bomb). After clearing all the security checks Naruto finally made it to Admiral Tolm's Office exactly on time.

The secretary was happy to greet the blonde and said, "Welcome back Doctor Naruto; you are right on time!" She pressed a button on her desk to buzz the Admiral and said, "Please head in and congratulations on your success!"

Naruto had no idea what the secretary was talking about but decided to just go along with it. He simply said, "Thank you."

…

Naruto walked into the office where Rear Admiral Tolm was sitting with Captain Hiro Suzuki and Captain Vach. Tolm motioned Naruto in and said, "Welcome back Doctor Naruto; please come in and join us."

The blonde bowed and gave the traditional Vulcan salute. He said, "I come to serve."

Captain Vach nodded and returned his salute. "Your service honors us."

Rear Admiral Tolm and Captain Suzuki both greeted Naruto more informally and Tolm said, "Please sit with us Doctor, you are among friends."

Naruto sat down opposite Rear Admiral Tolm and said, "Cadet Naruto M'Fau reporting as ordered Admiral."

Tolm looked over at Vach and asked, "Did you order him to come here Captain Vach?"

Vach raised an eyebrow and said. "I simply stated that you requested his presence sir."

Admiral Tolm and Captain Suzuki sweat dropped at Vach's typical Vulcan way of handling things. The Rear Admiral recovered first and said, "The fast cruiser that you designed has been approved for limited production. The first two have already been assigned hull numbers Doctor Naruto; NCC-1602 and NCC-1603. We felt it was well worth rejoicing. Would you like to dine with us this evening to celebrate?"

"This is most unexpected." said Naruto. "I thought you wished to see the new light cruiser design I was working on."

…

Starfleet Academy, Dorm F Mess Hall

"What kind of trouble do you suppose Naruto has gotten himself into now?" asked Rafi.

M'rella shrugged. "He's designing a ship for Starfleet his independent study. It's probably something to do with that. Why else would he be called to the Starfleet Bureau of Design and Repair?"

"What kind of a ship is it?" asked Samui.

"It's a classified project so I don't know." said M'rella.

Shar chuckled. "He probably designed something that shocked them into disbelief."

M'rella nodded in agreement. "You're probably right. Naruto tends to do that sort of thing…"

…

Starfleet Bureau of Design and Repair, Lounge

"…And the War College is absolutely thrilled with the fast cruiser concept." said Admiral Tolm. "You've made a big splash in naval design circles already Doctor. We are all looking forward to your future design studies."

"So, they decided that commerce raiding is an ideal use for the fast cruiser." pondered Naruto aloud. "That is a fascinating concept. It would be interesting to try it out in a simulation."

Vach saw the wheels spinning in Naruto's head. 'He looks just like my brother and T'Ara when he's thinking. It takes me back…'

After an extravagant meal (at least in Naruto's opinion); Admiral Tolm led them back to his office and said, "Let's have a look at the new light cruiser design Doctor. I'm sure Captain Suzuki and Captain Vach are as interested as I am."

Naruto nodded and said, "The preliminary design is only 32% along, so it may not meet your expectations. Currently the only things mapped out to my satisfaction are the power systems and weaponry."

"I'm sure it will be sufficient to give us an idea." assured Suzuki. "There are currently fifteen different designs in various stages of completion, so we often take the best designs and compromise."

"There are fifteen?" asked Naruto. "That is quite a lot."

Captain Vach said, "There were eleven other fast cruisers so do not feel surprised. It is common for us to get dozens of designs over a period of years without any meeting the requirements we have in mind."

"I was told the design parameters were limited only to my imagination, so I have no idea what requirements the Bureau has in mind." said Naruto.

"That's because it allows you design freedoms that some others don't have." said Captain Suzuki. "There may be a feature or features in your design that no one else has thought of that we could adapt into another design. It's a melting pot process."

Rear Admiral Tolm elaborated and said, "Often we ask for designs that would be prohibitively expensive just to see what limits we can push and beyond. It's a slow learning process for all of us. If your design isn't chosen but the staff feels it's worth developing, we might ask for a total redesign based upon earlier designs with stricter requirements you see."

Naruto was about to say something, but Vach said, "It may seem illogical on the surface, but the system works. It took me ten years to study the nuances of the design process before I understood the logic behind it." Naruto quickly closed his mouth and nodded.

Captain Suzuki said, "Regardless I'm very interested in your design Doctor."

Naruto pulled out and extended memory module and the three officers had to wonder how detailed the design was. As before it took nearly ten minutes to load.

'It's probably something monstrous.' thought Suzuki.

'What have you designed nephew?' wondered Vach. 'The logic behind your previous design was impeccable.'

Admiral Tolm quietly waited for the design to load and thought, 'Show me what you've got lad.'

The computer said, "Loading complete. Shall I display NCC-1500 design A?"

Naruto said, "Yes computer; proceed."

The new light cruiser design appeared, and the group of staff officers was shocked. They were expecting a battleship. Suzuki said, "It's very compact. It has only 13 decks, weighs 655,000 metric tons and has a crew of 360 officers and crew."

"Look at the power though." said Vach. "Doctor M'Fau, how much more powerful is your design compared to the Texas class light cruisers?"

"Currently it stands at 20% more powerful Captain Vach." said Naruto.

"…And yet it weighs 75,000 less and can travel at top speeds comparable to the refitted Enterprise." said Rear Admiral Tolm. The Admiral turned to Naruto and asked, "How did you frame this design concept Doctor?"

The blonde explained, "I looked at our current shipbuilding program and created a ship halfway between the excellent command cruiser and the underpowered destroyer. I only looked at the old Texas Class light cruiser as a point of reference." Naruto said to the computer, "Computer, display designs B, C, D and E."

The computer displayed images of slightly different designs all based on the original one. Beside the design images were the names: New Scout Cruiser, New Minesweeper, New Commando Cruiser and New Drone Cruiser.

Naruto turned to the Admiral. "The hull is designed to accept extensive modifications into different variants as you specified sir."

"I see that." said Tolm in a tone of disbelief.

Suzuki asked, "What is this AWR option you have listed on the design?"

The blond answered, "Shipboard auxiliary warp reactors to power up the photon torpedoes sir. Provided my classmate decides to develop them I believe all of our photon armed ships could benefit from such an improvement."

Captain Suzuki's jaw dropped, and he said after a long pause, "T-that's brilliant! But Tirunze of Tellar went under so we would have to start from the bottom up." 'Why didn't I think of this? It's so obvious!'

"We would have to see if someone bought the patents then." said Vach in a matter of fact tone.

Suzuki said, "We just can't jump into someone else's free enterprises Vach. That's not the way Starfleet works."

Vach countered, "All we have to do is find the person or persons who bought Tirunze out and buy them out. It is the quickest and most logical-"

Naruto said, "Forgive me for interrupting but I already bought the patents and research materials. If my classmate decides not to develop the idea, then I believe I know of a company who will."

"Oh." said Suzuki dumbfounded. "Well, that helps matters…" 'Just how far ahead have you planned Doctor Naruto?'

'It seems that my nephew has a business savvy as well.' thought Vach to herself. 'Well done Naruto…'

….

Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Orbital Shipyards, Planet Mars, FRD-15, U.S.S. Darwin

T'Lyra was laying in her bunk thinking as her friend Brea slept in her own bunk in their shared quarters. "I can practically feel my mate's brain working at warp speed. What is he up to?" she whispered aloud. 'Ever since my telepathy has been expanded, I can feel him all the way out here on Mars. This is quite intriguing.'

Late that night she called Naruto on her tablet to see what her blonde mate was up to. Naruto picked up and said in a pleased tone, "T'Lyra, how are you?"

"I am well." said T'Lyra with happiness in her eyes. "Do you have time to talk?"

Naruto gave a tiny smile and said, "For you, always. How are things on the U.S.S. Darwin?"

"Things are well here." said T'Lyra. "I was more curious as to how things are with you. Since my telepathy has grown, I can sense intense moods from you all the way out here in orbit of Mars."

Naruto raised his eyebrow in shock. "How fascinating." he said. "I was having a meeting with Admiral Tolm of the Starfleet Bureau of Design and Repair earlier. You probably sensed my heightened stress levels."

"Is it anything you can discuss?" asked T'Lyra.

The blonde shook his head. "Not on an open frequency. Perhaps we should see if we can transmit our thoughts to each other instead."

The young couple enjoyed each other's company for the next hour or so before they both decided to turn in for the night.

Naruto went to sleep once again dreaming of his Vulcan Wildflower Princess…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*① Yoyodyne Propulsion Systems (also as YPS and Yoyodyne Division) is a ship and engine building corporation in the Federation that existed from at least the 22nd century to the 24th century. (It's also a reference to Buckaroo Banzai and other works by the Star Trek writers).

*② Auxiliary warp reactor and AWR will be used interchangeably. These reactors create warp energy but cannot be used for movement like warp engines.

*③ Auxiliary power reactor and APR will be used interchangeably. These are conventional fusion reactors.

*④ Google: Miranda Class Starship

*⑤ Transporter credits: Cadets earn transporter credits to go to places as time passes (traditionally for recreation). They also can lose them for demerits. In this case, Naruto hates to spend credits to go to a place he could walk or ride a transport to if he had the time.

Next chapter will be a big change of pace. See you next time. Blue out. 9/21/23