Naruto: Infinity Divide

Sabotage!

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This chapter T'Lyra meets Shizuka for the first time. Enjoy!

Port = Left

Starboard = Right

[ ] Signifies a foreign language

Last time:

Stardate 2272.280, Romulan Starbase 1, Planet Romulus, Eisn System, Tarod Sector, Romulan Star Empire

The RIS Scimitar was docked at Starbase 1 once again. Kurenai and her crew were glad to have the two Tal Shiar officers off their ship. For this reason, it was a real shock when Colonel Thei nominated Subcommander Kurenai to receive Imperial Commendation Medal for 'a job well done.' Kurenai also was visited by a different Tal Shiar Colonel. Her name was Eviak. The red eyed beauty was less than thrilled to have another Tal Shiar Officer anywhere near her or aboard the Scimitar, but Kurenai remained cordial and invited Colonel Eviak into her office.

Kurenai sat down and said, "I welcome you aboard the RIS Scimitar Colonel Eviak. What brings an officer of your stature aboard a lowly frigate?"

Eviak smiled and said, "I'll get straight to the point Subcommander Kurenai. The Tal Shiar is interested in you and furthering your career."

The red eyed beauty really wanted a shot of Romulan Ale at this point. "Why would the Tal Shiar have interest in me personally?"

The Colonel smirked and said, "You've already proven to have a sharp mind and excellent instincts. Your intellect and planning abilities are far above average. You detected and deduced Major Rul's mission and aided him in executing it without any previous knowledge. Above all else you are utterly ruthless against enemies of the Empire; even if they are other Romulans." After letting that sink in a moment Colonel Eviak said, "The Tal Shiar could use an officer like you in the future Kurenai. It's just something to bear in mind."

"I'll remember that, Colonel." said Kurenai warily. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"

Eviak nodded. She said, "Once the Scimitar has completed her shakedown cruise a Tal Shiar liaison officer may be stationed aboard for covert missions. We believe you can carry them out without too much difficulty. I look forward to seeing your continued rise through the ranks Subcommander Kurenai. Good day, I'll show myself out."

Kurenai had a lot to think about…

…

Chapter 22

...

Stardate 2272.281, Starfleet Academy Simulation Hall, San Francisco, Planet Earth, United Federation of Planets

The Think Tank found themselves in an unusual situation. The Fourth Years were sprinkled about the various simulation groups to share their experience with the younger cadets. The command group was on friendly terms with the Fourth Year Jackie Nodaway but hadn't been directly introduced to her friend Ozumi Otome. Jackie seemed excited to be working with them as did Otome. Commander Triella Jackson growled, "Pipe down you two Fourth Years. Your job is to teach your underclassman how it's done in the simulator. This isn't a school dance."

Nodaway cringed slightly and saluted, "Yes Ma'am Commander!" 'No wonder they call Commander Jackson the Meat Grinder.'

Otome followed suit and mirrored Jackie's salute before the pair were seated.

Jackson looked around the room and said, "Today you'll be aboard the Imperial Klingon Vessel IKV Darkslayer." She saw Nodaway and Ozumi deflate slightly and smirked. "Your assignment will be to hunt down an enemy cruiser that has been harassing Klingon shipping. The rest you'll learn yourselves. Head for the simulation room. Since you aren't used to working together, I'll grant you twenty minutes to introduce yourselves."

….

The bridge of the IKV Darkslayer held good memories for the Think Tank. They'd never lost in their trusty Klingon D7C command cruiser. Conversely Jackie and Otome were less than thrilled considering they had bad luck with Klingon vessels in general. Jackie said "Alright everybody go to your regular posts."

Rafi said, "We haven't drawn straws yet Upperclassman Nodaway."

"Drawn…straws…?" asked Otome in disbelief. "You mean you don't have assigned stations worked out?"

"No, we always rotate so everyone has a chance at every duty station." said Samui.

'…' thought the two Fourth Years. Jackie said, "Is there one of you that is the best at Klingon Tactics?"

M'rella said in her usual friendly way, "Naruto is the best at being a Klingon Captain." she chuckled and added, "Even Commander Jackson thinks so."

Nodaway motioned to Naruto and said, "You are the Captain Naruto; I'll be your first officer." Naruto nodded and took the Command chair/throne. Eventually they ended up with Rafi at the helm, Samui at navigation, Shar at the sciences station and M'rella took over communications. Otome took the auxiliary gunner's station that was rarely used so she could take part of the load off Samui at navigation.

The members of the Think Tank were less than thrilled that their usual system was shoved aside but obeyed their upperclassman. The simulation soon began…

…

"Ship's Log; Stardate 2722.281. Captain Naruto of the Imperial Klingon Vessel IKV Darkslayer reporting. We have received intelligence reports that an enemy cruiser has been attacking our shipping lanes on the Federation border. Our objective is to destroy or capture the enemy vessel causing these problems in our territory."

Naruto quickly pivoted his command throne to Shar and said, "Sciences; get me some long-range scans of this territory. I want to know what is around us as quickly as possible."

Shar nodded at the sciences station and said, "We are skirting the edge of the Klingon/Federation Neutral Zone in the Morska System. There is one planet also named Morska which is a mining colony/prison world."

"Any other vessels in the area?" asked Naruto.

"Only two large freighters in orbit of Planet Morska." replied Shar. "They seem to be unloading supplies via transporters and shuttlecraft."

Naruto's eyes crackled with chakra in the low light of the command cruiser's bridge. He said, "On screen Shar. Give me a tactical view."

The viewscreen lit up showing the two large freighters sitting sedately in orbit. Naruto frowned and said, "Drop us to sublight helm. We are switching to silent running. Sciences keep monitoring our passive sensors."

As the lights dimmed Jackie Nodaway said, "Shouldn't we hail those freighters to inform them we are here Captain?"

Naruto replied, "Not at this point First Officer. What they don't know won't hurt them. If that cruiser is in the system they'll be listening for communications and locate us."

Otome asked, "Captain, why weren't we informed of where we are and why by Commander Jackson?"

"Commander Jackson handicaps us by not telling us where we will be." said Rafi. "She says not knowing the terrain will help us adapt quickly or be destroyed."

Otome cringed at the answer…

"Two ships just entered the system." said Shar. "They appear to be a federation Texas class light cruiser and a Saladin class destroyer."

The viewscreen zoomed in on the two ships and Naruto said, "Navigation; plot a course to intercept. The destroyer goes first."

"We are outnumbered and outgunned." said Jackie. "We must be cautious."

Naruto said, "We have the advantage in both maneuverability and electronic warfare. We will put it to use."

Shar interjected, "They are raising shields and heading straight for Planet Morska. It is safe to assume they are arming weapons as well."

"Those freighters are sitting ducks!" said Jackie.

Samui said calmly, "The two Federation ships haven't noticed us or are intentionally ignoring us."

"Load a scatterpack shuttle*① with six type one drones and load the drone racks. Red alert." said Naruto. "Power us up. ECM to level six to throw off their aim."

The blonde continued. "Gunnery officer; overload the disruptors and stand by. When I order you to fire concentrate on the destroyer's weapons and hull. Forget about the warp engine for now. Fire off the drones and scatterpack shuttle as soon as possible." Naruto pivoted in his throne to Rafi. "Helm ahead warp factor 2." Like a crouching tiger, the IKV Darkslayer leapt forward to pounce…

"Scatterpack is away sir." said Shar. "The two type one drones are away."

"We are at 80,000 kilometers and closing Captian." said Rafi.

"The destroyer is turning to face us Captain." said Jackie. "I advise firing our disruptors now before the destroyer can fire her photons."

"Negative First Officer Nodaway." said the blonde. "Let the drones soften them up first. Sciences, as soon as our two drone have attained lock on have the scatterpack shuttle launch its drones."

"The destroyer is firing photons at 70,000 kilometers." said Samui. "With our ECM active there is a 25% chance they will hit." The Darkslayer shook from the impact of two photon torpedoes.

"Our forward shield is down 57% Captain." said Nodaway looking at her readings, "If they fire phasers then-"

"They won't if they want to survive." said Naruto. "They have to use their phasers to destroy the drones."

"The destroyer has fired all six of her phasers at the drones." said Shar. "They took out three. Five drones have impacted on their number one and two shields. Both shields are down, and the destroyer has taken moderate internal damage. I've identified the destroyer as NCC-511 U.S.S. Alexander."

"Gunnery officer; fire the disruptors!" commanded Naruto. Four green beams of destruction launched from the IKV Darkslayer and pounded the already damaged U.S.S. Alexander.

"The Alexander is crippled. She's suffered 73% damage." said Shar. "The enemy light cruiser is coming around to face us. Their range is 100,000 kilometers."

Naruto nodded. "Rafi, pass the Alexander on her starboard side. Gunnery fire the two starboard waist phasers at the destroyer when we go by."

Two blue phaser beams lashed out and further crippled the Alexander as they passed.

"The light cruiser is firing photons at long range sir." said Jackie. She looked tense and added, "Both photons missed."

Naruto nodded and said, "Rafi turn us 60 degrees to starboard. I don't want that light cruiser hitting our weakened front shield." the blonde pondered for a split second and said, "Sciences, get me the name of that light cruiser."

"It's NCC-903 U.S.S. Wales Captain Naruto." said Shar.

"The U.S.S. Alexander is trying to escape sir." said Otome. "Should we try to finish it off?"

"Negative gunnery." replied Naruto. "The light cruiser takes precedence."

"The Wales is at 60,000 kilometers sir." said Samui.

"Good." said Naruto. "Launch two more drones and a shuttle at them."

Jackie's eyes widened. "Why are we launching an empty shuttle sir?"

"They'll think it's another scatterpack shuttle and try to burn it." said Naruto. "It's a gamble on their part if they don't."

"Range is 30,000 kilometers sir." said Samui. "They fired four of their phasers at the shuttle; the shuttle is destroyed."

"They have locked a tractor beam one drone." said Otome. "The other is still on course."

The Darkslayer shook again. We have two phaser hits in our forward port shield." said Shar. "The shield is down 27%. Range is 20,000."

Naruto said, "Gunnery fire all phasers that can be brought to bear on the Wales."

Five phasers fired from the port side of the Darkslayer as the two ships passed each other. The second drone hit as well.

"Damage to the Wales sciences?" asked Naruto.

"Between the five phasers and the drone hit we took out both of the Wales' port shields and did minor internal damage." said Shar. "The light cruiser can still fight."

Naruto considered things for a moment and said, "They have three options; run, fight our try to rescue the crew of the Alexander. Unless they turn to fight us, they'll remain on course. Rafi, turn us 120 degrees to starboard so the enemy is facing a strong starboard shield. Gunnery, cycle the disruptors to overload and cycle the phasers. The rear shield on the light cruiser can't take too much damage."

"The Wales is on a direct course for the Alexander." said Shar. "I'm detecting transporter activity."

"Communications shows they are rescuing the crew of the Alexander." said Mrella. "It looks like the Alexander is dropping her starboard shields to speed the process up."

Otome reported, "Weapons are cycled Captain Naruto."

Naruto nodded and said, "Gunnery, fire the disruptors at the Alexander and finish her off." Otome was going to question her orders, but Naruto glared and said, "Proceed gunnery."

Seconds later the Alexander went up in a huge fireball that further damaged the Wales which was at point blank range.

Naruto ordered, "Ready boarding parties. Energize the transporters. We are taking the U.S.S. Wales."

Jackie nodded and said, "Shall we soften up the Wales with phaser fire sir?"

The blonde nodded. "Take out the rear shield with our three bow phasers Gunnery."

"Firing sir." said Otome.

The three phasers lashed out and took down the rear shield of the Wales causing more damage to the light cruiser. "Drop foward shield!" commanded Jackie. "Boarders away! Raise forward shield." The Darkslayer's shield was quickly raised after that.

M'rella said, "The Marines are aboard the Wales. I'm monitoring communications activity. There is fierce fighting in the engineering section. They are requesting reinforcements."

Naruto ordered, "Once the transporters cycle send over six more boarding parties." The Wales fired her two starboard phasers into the Darkslayer but the Klingon ship's shields held. "Drop facing shield again! Boarders away!"

Twenty minutes later the Wales was captured, and the screen went blank with the words, SIMULATION ENDED appearing on the screen seconds later.

Rafi exhaled. "That was a long simulation."

"If they'd stayed together they might have been able to defeat us." said Samui. "The light cruiser Captain was good."

"I agree." said Naruto. "If they hadn't sacrificed the destroyer Alexander, we would have had a serious problem."

The door on the bridge opened and Commander Jackson said, "It was a calculated risk they took. They lost. Everybody back to the classroom for debriefing."

….

Jackie Nodaway and Ozumi Otome filed out of the classroom feeling rather exhausted. Commander Jackson ordered them to write detailed critiques on the performance of the IKV Darkslayer and her crew. 'Geez, Commander Jackson is hardcore. The other instructors seem like a bunch of creampuffs compared to her.' thought Jackie.

After they were dismissed Otome asked Samui, "Is Commander Jackson always so harsh?"

Samui looked at Otome and said, "The Commander seemed to be in a good mood today. She is harsh but always fair to us."

Otome cringed and thought, 'I'd hate to see the Meat Grinder in a bad mood.'

…

Starfleet Education Hall, Class: Survival I & II

Commander Carmichael stalked into the lecture hall as usual and said, "This weekend we are going to a little place called Death Valley, California for our Desert Survival trip. I realize you already took a trip out to the Dasht-e Lut Desert in Iran but with all the equipment available there it's little wonder that you all basically made a vacation of it." The big man turned to Naruto and said, "Cadet Naruto; as I understand it you grew up camping in the Forge on Vulcan on a regular basis. Is this correct?"

"That is correct sir." answered the blonde. "It is a wondrous place."

Carmichael said jovially, "Excellent, now there is a desert! I went there on a camping trip and barely escaped with my life because of the local predators. (The entire class sweat dropped). Class, if you have questions direct them towards Cadet Naruto. I may interject from time to time, but it will give him some valuable lecture time. Start reading both the basic and advanced chapters on desert survival."

Then the grizzled instructor added with a gleam in his eye, "I hope to learn something myself."

…

Mess Hall

The Think Tank Command Team was at their usual spot in the mess hall between the Third and Fourth Years. Their upperclassmen Jackie Nodaway was talking to them. She said, "Otome and I were really shocked at Commander Triella Jackson, she is one cold hard bitch. I can't believe she's been your only simulation instructor. We've always rotated around with different instructors."

Rafi laughed, "She's a bit rough around the edges but the Commander said we have to set an example or the whole fast track program would look like a joke."

Shar added, "She does come across rather gruff but her philosophy of teaching does get results. You learn very quickly from her or get thrown out an airlock."

The rather shy Otome said, "She jumped all over me for hesitating to obey orders. It was only a second."

"And a second is long enough to turn the tide of a battle." said Samui. "If life and death hang in the balance then reaction time is everything."

Otome smiled and said, "You guys are pretty hardcore yourselves. Have you ever lost as Klingons?"

M'rella giggled and said, "We've been in some pretty scary situations as Klingons but we haven't lost yet."

"You guys should come drinking with us this weekend." said Jackie.

"We'd like that." said Rafi. "But we're going to Death Valley over the weekend."

Otome's eyes got big, and she asked, "Why…?"

"Advanced Desert Survival Class I'm afraid." said Shar. "We rarely have time off because we have to fit four years of education into two years."

"Ouch. You have my condolences." said Jackie in a somber tone.

…

Stardate 2272.286, Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Orbital Shipyards, Planet Mars, FRD-15, U.S.S. Darwin

Lieutenant Shizuka Nadshiko reported for duty aboard a ship she'd hoped to never lay eyes on again –the Galactic Survey Cruiser NCC-1802 U.S.S. Darwin. As a she was the only survivor of the previous bridge crew someone in High Command had the 'brilliant' idea that her returning to serve aboard would be good propaganda to lose the image of the 'Death Ship Darwin.'

Shizuka beamed aboard from Mars proper with her belongings where she was greeted by a rather imposing officer of Vulcan descent. She had Captain's bars and immediately gave the Vulcan salute to Shizuka who did her best to emulate it with a slight smile. The women raised an eyebrow in a familiar way and said to Shizuka, "Welcome aboard, I am Captain Vach M'Fau of the Starfleet Bureau of Design and Repair."

"I am Lieutenant Shizuka Nadeshiko reporting for duty as Security Chief of the U.S.S. Darwin."

Vach nodded and said, "Leave your luggage here and follow me, Lieutenant. This is not the same ship you were stationed on ten months ago."

Shizuka nodded and fell in step with Captain Vach. Vach quickly motioned a couple of enlisted men to take Shizuka's luggage to her new quarters. As they travelled through the saucer section of the ship Shizuka found that nothing was even remotely familiar despite the fact she'd been stationed on the Darwin for years. The pair stepped onto the turbolift and Vach said "Bridge." to which the computer simply said, "Bridge, understood." in a pleasant voice. The turbolift hummed as they moved but there was no sense of motion like Shizuka remembered.

When the turbolift opened Shizuka was awed at how massive the new bridge was. There were four special sensor stations instead of one and there was an extra bridge station specifically for security above and behind the Captain's chair. Vach saw the shocked look on Shizuka's face and asked, "Are you an emotionalist Lieutenant?"

The Security Officer felt awkward despite the fact other Vulcans had asked her before. Shizuka replied, "I was adopted at birth by human parents and was raised on Earth. I've never been to Vulcan…"

"I see." said Vach. "That explains quite a lot. This ship has 80 days before it will sail for the first time since its' rebuild. The primary hull is 94% complete but the engineering hull is only 63% complete and the new engines have just been put into place. It is your duty to familiarize yourself with this vessel inside and out so you may acclimatize the new officers and crew as they come aboard. I have read your dossier and I believe this is well within your capabilities Lieutenant Nadeshiko. Do you have any questions? Speak freely."

'Good Lord!' thought Shizuka. 'Starfleet isn't asking for much.' "Is there a liaison officer aboard to show me around Captain Vach?"

"No, almost everyone on this ship is engaged in the construction process." said Vach. "You will have to familiarize yourself. The ship's computer is fully operational so you may ask it. I will be on board the next six days running inspections, so I am available as well. Do you have any other questions?"

"Just one Captain; if I may?" asked Shizuka.

Vach tilted her head. "Yes?"

"I was just wondering if you are related to a blonde Vulcan named Naruto." said Shizuka. "You seem to have similar mannerisms and the same clan name."

The Captain eyed Shizuka for a moment and the Earth raised Vulcan wondered if she said something offensive. The Vach said, "You are very astute Lieutenant. He is my great nephew. I think you will do well…If there is nothing else, I believe we both have work to do."

…

Stardate 2272.288, Starfleet Academy, Dorm F, Room 125-F, Planet Earth

After Commander Jonathan Carmichael had the Think Tank out camping in Death Valley they were more than happy to return to their comfortable, air conditioned quarters. M'rella said from the shower, "Moisture, glorious moisture!" Being from a tropical rainforest planet the poor Caitian girl wasn't very fond of the desert. On the other hand, she was hoping they would get to do Jungle Survival because it was an area she excelled at. She was soon singing in her soft Caitian purrs and was quite content to take a nice long, cool shower.

Naruto for his part was entering data into his personal log…

"Personal Log of Naruto M'fau: Stardate 2272.288. The desert training in Death Valley with Commander Carmichael was…interesting. He seemed eager to learn from me about survival in The Forge and we spent a great deal of time talking as well as teaching my comrades. It seems the Commander is very open minded and enjoys all kinds of climates. He seems to have been all around the galaxy due to his own inquisitive nature. I believe Father would very much enjoy talking with the Commander."

"On a more serious note, everyone worked very hard and acclimated very quickly once we set up camp. Setting up moisture traps and using the native flora and fauna to our advantage was very educational for me personally. There are many other desert ecologies I wish to study now but botany is not my specialty. Nevertheless, parallel evolutionary paths on different worlds are fascinating…"

…

Stardate 2272.290, Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards, Orbital Shipyards, Planet Mars, FRD-15, U.S.S. Darwin

Engineer's Mate T'Lyra Tolaris was going up to the saucer section of the Darwin to check for some faulty connections in the computer core when a woman called, "Hold the turbolift please!"

T'Lyra told the computer. "Computer, hold position of turbolift."

"Acknowledged." replied the computer.

T'Lyra waited and saw a beautiful Vulcan woman in a security officer's uniform. Realizing this was a full Lieutenant T'Lyra automatically gave the Vulcan salute and said, "What Deck Lieutenant?"

Shizuka gave a mangled Vulcan salute and said, "I need to go to the Auxiliary Control Room, but I don't know what deck it is on."

"It is Deck 6 Lieutenant." said T'Lyra. She said to the computer "Auxiliary Control Room computer."

The computer said, "Auxiliary Control, understood." The turbolift started to hum in its usual fashion and then it suddenly stopped which jarred both women.

T'Lyra expected the officer to take command but Shizuka looked more confused than in charge. 'Perhaps she's lost.' thought the brunette Vulcan beauty. "Computer; why did the turbolift stop?"

"Working." said the computer in a pleasant voice. "There seems to be a turbolift system malfunction. All turbolifts are shut down until the malfunction is repaired."

T'Lyra sighed internally and said, "Computer, can the course be reversed to where we boarded?"

"Negative, all turbolifts are shut down until the malfunction is repaired." replied the computer pleasantly.

'You just said that computer…' thought both women.

Shizuka grumbled, "Great; four days on this deathtrap and I already need to be rescued like a damsel in distress." She looked at T'Lyra and said, "What are our options Engineer's Mate? You obviously know this ship better than I do."

"I am Engineer's Mate T'Lyra Tolaris." said T'Lyra curtly.

Shizuka said, "T'Lyra Toul-r- Oh, damn it! My name is Shizuka Nadeshiko, I'm the new Security Chief of the Darwin. I was raised on Earth by human parents so I can't speak Vulcan names right."

'No wonder she seems so illogical.' thought T'Lyra. "Our options are as follows Lieutenant Nadeshiko. One; we could wait to be rescued, two; we could leave the turbolift via the escape hatch and enter a deck instead of waiting here or three; we could go to the ship's central computer and attempt to do repairs as I was going there anyway and have my tools."

"Can you fix the problem T'Lyra?" asked Shizuka.

"That depends on what the problem is Lieutenant." answered the brunette.

Shizuka said, "Computer, between what Decks is this turbolift stuck?"

The computer replied, "This turbolift is stopped between Decks 7 and 8."

Turning to T'Lyra, Shizuka asked, "What deck is best to get to the computer core?"

"Optimally we need to go up to Deck 6 to access the computer, Lieutenant." answered T'Lyra. "It should be a simple enough task."

"Let's go then." said Shizuka with a smile.

T'Lyra said, "Let's open the upper emergency hatch." It took all of five minutes to pop the hatch and climb out of the turbolift shaft itself. Once the two Vulcan women exited the lift, they climbed the ladder up the side of the shaft to the entry hatch to deck 6. T'Lyra popped the emergency entrance panel open and found it wouldn't activate so she looked across to Shizuka and said, "We will have to open the doors manually Lieutenant."

Shizuka nodded and said, "You pull on the right door and I'll pull on the left." They both got a good grip and Shizuka said, "On three; ready? One, two, three!"

After a couple of seconds of resistance, the doors slid open allowing the two women inside the hatch to Deck 6. Shizuka entered first and looked about. "I don't see anyone around." said the raven-haired Security Chief.

"The saucer section is nearly complete." said T'Lyra. "There shouldn't be many people doing construction up here. This hall leads to the computer core." They soon came to a sealed bulkhead that was clearly blast proof doors covering the computer core. "These blast doors shouldn't be sealed." said T'Lyra. "These barriers are active only when the ship is under yellow or red alert."

Shizuka whispered, "Sabotage." Then she said, "Computer, this is Security Chief Lieutenant Shizuka Nadeshiko of U.S.S. Darwin. Open the computer core's protective barriers. The Darwin is in dock and is at weapons status zero."

"Security Chief Nadeshiko recognized." said the computer. "Please verbally enter override code."

Shizuka said, "Code 3, 15, 13, 16, 21, 20, 5, 18. Acknowledge computer."

"Override code acknowledged Security Chief Nadeshiko, opening blast doors." replied the computer.

The black-haired woman drew her sidearm, a type II Phaser pistol. "Stay back until I check for hostiles T'Lyra." said Shizuka as she slipped into the computer room. The computer was a Daystrom Data Concepts M-7 Logic System. It was 3 meters in diameter and ran in a shaft 11 decks tall from the top to the bottom of the primary hull. At the base of it was someone who fired a phaser up at Shizuka as she entered the shaft. The entire core area and the computer itself were covered with light magnetic shielding to prevent phaser damage so the shot at Shizuka ricocheted around the shaft before it expended its energy. She was nearly hit three times by the bouncing phaser beam.

The Security Chief aimed her phaser down and intentionally shot the wall causing the beam to ricochet once towards the person. "SHIT!" screeched a male voice that Shizuka recognized but couldn't place. Whoever it was started shooting wildly and soon phaser beams were bouncing all over the place. The man at the base of the shaft cried out because one of the random shots bounced back and hit him.

Shizuka was pinned against the wall waiting for the phaser beams to dissipate when a shot came down from above. Shizuka's reflexes were too fast for the shooter when she sprang out of the way and fired upwards. The shooter was a man as well and he was hit dead center in the chest. He fell over the railing and landed on the screened floor directly above Shizuka. She recognized his face despite the damage and the blood. "Second Lieutenant Wilcox?"*② yelled Shizuka in horror at her former comrade's dead body lying above her with a death stare.

A weak voice from below said, "N-Nadeshiko? Is that you? It's me, Sergeant Pizer*③."

Shizuka called down and said, "What are you two doing here? How badly are you injured?" She stared down at Pizer who was lying there like a broken rag doll. "Wait right there Pizer; I'm coming!" Shizuka clambered down the steps and saw Pizer was in bad shape. "Damn it man, what are you doing?"

Pizer smiled weakly and said, "Me and Wilcox are avenging our comrades." He motioned with his eyes and Shizuka looked over and to her horror saw what was a bomb of some sort.

"You were in demolitions…." she said. "But why?"

"The Darwin should have died with her crew." said Pizer. "You, Me and Wilcox…we're all just ghosts. We should be dead with everyone else."

Shizuka turned angry and said, "Tell me how to disarm the bomb. There are innocent-"

"There is no such thing as an innocent person!" spat Pizer hatefully. "Just accept the fact that we're already dead!"

The Security Chief growled, "I'm not ready to die yet. I'm not a ghost."

"You soon will be." said Pizer before he closed his eyes.

"Might I be of assistance?" said T'Lyra from above.

Shizuka said, "There is a bomb down here and Pizer is the only one who can disarm it. He's almost dead."

T'Lyra came down rapidly and basically ran over Shizuka to get to Pizer. She placed her hands on Pizer's temples and whispered, "My mind to your mind…." Pizer started to scream as his paltry mental defenses were ripped away. T'Lyra said, "I am sorry but the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one." After a minute or two T'Lyra grabbed Pizer's tool belt and said, "I will disarm the bomb now."

"How?" asked Shizuka. "He was a class one demolitions specialist."

T'Lyra opened the case to the bomb and said, "I took the information directly from his mind. We must disarm this device immediately. It will take both of us."

Shizuka looked sadly at Pizer and then turned to T'Lyra. "Tell me how to help."

T'Lyra said, "Your thoughts. Give them to me and I will show you how."

Shizuka nodded and said, "I can take the pain."

"Pain isn't necessary to show you what is needed." said T'Lyra. 'My mind to your mind…My thoughts to your thoughts…' Within minutes Shizuka knew exactly what she had to do with complete clarity.

T'Lyra released the mind meld and said, "We may not have enough time. The timer shows thirty-five minutes until it builds up enough power to reach critical mass and detonates."

Shizuka pulled her communicator and said, "This is Lieutenant Shizuka Nadeshiko calling Captain Vach."

"Captain Vach here." crackled the communicator.

"A bomb has been discovered aboard the Darwin that will kill all aboard the ship and FRD-15 in less than thirty-five minutes." said Shizuka clearly. "It is a gravity singularity type. Engineer's Mate T'Lyra and I have a chance to disarm it but we may not make it in time! ALL HANDS ABANDON SHIP! I repeat; ALL HANDS ABANDON SHIP!"

…

The U.S.S. Darwin and Floating Repair Dock 15 were abandoned by transporter within the next twenty minutes and FRD-15 was set in motion by her own tiny sublight impulse engines locked on a course away from Mars and the shipyards. The entire Utopia Planitia Fleet Orbital Shipyards above Planet Mars were mobilizing and shields everywhere were being activated to provide what protection they could against a singularity blast of unknown yield.

On board the U.S.S. Darwin T'Lyra and Shizuka were in a race against time to disarm a bomb set by a man who believed he was already dead. As it was wired to the ship's computer core it couldn't be removed without disarming it first. T'Lyra gave up on watching the timer because logically she would either disarm it in time or would not. Shizuka was more concerned about the timer but was assisting T'Lyra at a pace Shizuka never dreamed she was capable of…

Shizuka watched as T'Lyra moved about to different parts of the singularity bomb with an easy familiarity. 'It's as if she made it herself.' thought the Security Chief. T'Lyra motioned towards a connection and Shizuka knew to cut it as soon as T'Lyra pointed. 'I can't believe I'm doing this without messing up. It's like my hands know what to do by themselves.'

T'Lyra would have been sweating if she had the sweat glands to do so. She slipped on her magnification goggles and rerouted the power from the bomb's core to a safety switch to deactivate the bomb. "Pull the second arming chip out Lieutenant. We are almost done." said the Engineer's Mate. Shizuka did so with micro tweezers and T'Lyra moved on to the next chip's connections…

…Twenty-seven tense minutes after they started the singularity bomb was disarmed. Both T'Lyra and Shizuka looked and saw that they had three minutes and twenty-four seconds left when the timer stopped running. The two young Vulcan women nearly collapsed from the stress. "It's over and we are still alive." said Shizuka. "I hope High Command doesn't murder me for ordering everyone to abandon ship."

"It was the logical thing to do in this situation." said T'Lyra.

Shizuka laughed and said, "You are all right in my book T'Lyra!" as she slapped the younger woman on the back. She got out her communicator and said, "This is Lieutenant Shizuka Nadeshiko aboard U.S.S. Darwin to Starfleet Command. This bomb has been disarmed. I repeat; the bomb has been disarmed. Please send a bomb disposal unit and some medics aboard U.S.S. Darwin at Deck 11 of the Computer Core. I have one saboteur in my custody. "

….

Hours later FRD-15 was back in its assigned berth and the crew had boarded the U.S.S. Darwin once again. The bomb disposal unit had come and gone, and Marine Sergeant Pizer was in secured sick bay on Mars proper.

Captain Vach was sitting in the Darwin's ready room speaking with Shizuka and T'Lyra. "According to our reports so far both Wilcox and Pizer had become addicted to narcotics in the past few months, more than likely due to mental trauma from the incident on the Darwin last year. You both went above and beyond the call of duty to save the crew of the U.S.S. Darwin and I commend your actions. It seems the bomb connection is what caused the turbolifts to malfunction. Had you not been so proactive over a thousand Starfleet personnel would be dead. Well done."

She turned to T'Lyra and said, "Though it was quite brutal the forced mind meld on Sergeant Pizer was the logical solution Engineer's Mate T'Lyra. I realize that it has caused you both extreme stress and discomfort. You will be seeing a psychiatrist for the next six months as a result."

T'Lyra nodded and said tiredly, "That is a logical decision."

"I'm recommending you both for The Starfleet Medal of Valor*④." said Vach. "You have both proven to be exemplary examples of what Starfleet personnel should be. It is up to the Admiralty to approve this, but I personally believe you should be rewarded for your actions."

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*① A scatterpack shuttle is a standard shuttlecraft modified to carry drones and is used as a multiple warhead seeking weapon. The tactic is of Klingon or Kzinti origin.

*② Second Lieutenant Wilcox was one of the Marines aboard the Darwin that was a drinking buddy of Shizuka's. See chapter 15.

*③ Sergeant Pizer was another Marine friend of Shizuka's from Chapter 15.

*④ The Starfleet Medal of Valor was created in 2254 by Starfleet Command and was awarded in peace or war time for actions beyond the call of duty. It is a stylized set of stars with each representing one of the founding members of the United Federation of Planets and was attached to a ribbon of diagonal blue and silver stripes.

It seems the U.S.S. Darwin can even go on adventures when it's in dock. Did this episode break the ship's curse? See you next time. Blue out. 9/22/23