Naruto: Infinity Divide
Kirk's Cabal
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This chapter took a long time to write as it has several canon characters in it. Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
…
Last time:
Shar looked up from the science station and said, "Special sensor indicates a vessel approaching dead ahead sir. I estimate it to be cruiser class."
Everyone got a bit tense except M'rella whose ears perked up happily. "Captain Naruto, we are receiving an incoming hail. It's Commodore Mei Terumi of the U.S.S. Darwin!"
"Thank god." said Rafi as she relaxed. "A friendly face at last…"
Everyone had a collective sigh of relief and Naruto said, "On screen M'rella."
On screen was the lovely face of Commodore Mei Terumi. The redhead smiled in her usual way. "Oh, my Lieutenant Naruto; It's good to see your handsome face again but it seems that the little Oberth is quite a mess. Could we offer you a tow?"
The bridge crew of the Think Tank collectively thought, 'I see she hasn't changed.' as they saw their former Captain for the first time in years.
Naruto said, "Your assistance would be greatly appreciated Commodore. We are in your debt."
Mei replied, "Think nothing of it. Our ETA to you is seven minutes. U.S.S. Darwin out."
"U.S.S. Oberth out." replied Naruto. The blonde Vulcan thought to himself, '…It seems the first part of our long voyage is over…'
…
Chapter 49
Stardate 2274.325, Argelius Sector, NCC-1802 U.S.S. Darwin
Commodore Mei Terumi was quite pleased with the situation as the battered science ship NCC-602 U.S.S. Oberth came on screen. 'Looks like I made it here first Lance Cartwright. We'll just be heading to the nearest major repair facility; Starbase 7. This round is mine…' thought the beautiful redhead with a mental fist pump.
…
Flashback…
Mei was talking with her old friend Admiral Hiruzen Sarutobi from Starbase 10 on a private channel in her ready room on the Darwin. Their topic of discussion: her former charges known as the Think Tank and the fact the U.S.S. Oberth was en route to Starbase 19. Hiruzen had been contacted by his son Asuma Sarutobi regarding Rear Admiral Lance Cartwright's interest in the class of geniuses and thus the old Admiral had decided to ask Mei for help with the issue.
Hiruzen said humorously, "I realize it is unusual to order someone to head to Argelius II for shore leave; but…"
"I understand sir." answered Mei with a smile. "The U.S.S. Darwin will be conveniently on hand to escort the science vessel U.S.S. Oberth just in case Cartwright and his cronies try anything…inappropriate. This is the first thing Cartwright has done so overtly since he ordered the U.S.S Enterprise under James T. Kirk to steal that Romulan Cloaking Device a few years ago*①…You are right to watch him like a hawk sir."
The old Admiral shrugged. "This would have slipped right through my fingers if it hadn't been for my son Asuma. He indicated that the U.S.S. Oberth and her original crew were suspected of spying from within the Romulan Neutral Zone. That science ship needs to go to Starbase 7 where Starfleet Intelligence can have a look at her logs and the Think Tank can safely be sent back to the U.S.S. Gettyburg."
"What happened to the original crew of the Oberth?" asked the redheaded Commodore in puzzlement.
"Dead. As per the records of U.S.S. Ark Royal under Lance Cartwright's personal command; Captain Liu Jiang and his entire crew are listed as dying in the line of duty after boarding lifeboats to abandon the U.S.S. Oberth." replied Hiruzen. "I can't help but wonder if they would have been found alive if Asuma and his crew on the Gettysburg found the lifeboats first."
"Sounds like Cartwright has upped his game to cold blooded murder." said Terumi in a disgusted tone.
"Cartwright is just one of many Mei." said the elder Sarutobi gravely. "Keep an eye out for those kids Commodore. For now, that's the most I can ask of you."
Mei nodded. "Consider it done sir."
Flashback end…
…
The bridge crew of the Darwin was all grimacing as they saw the patched up, battle scarred hull of the science ship Oberth as they flew parallel and locked on a tractor beam. "Tractor beam is locked. The U.S.S. Oberth reports all systems are green for warp speed tow." said Mei's communications officer.
The Commodore looked over at her Chief of Engineering and, "I expect you'll want to investigate that personally Lieutenant Commander Hansel?"
Chief Engineer Hannah Hansel was a tall and imposing human woman of Alpha-Centaurian descent. The olive-skinned, red-haired woman nodded gruffly. "I'm on my way over to conduct an inspection of the Oberth's hull for towing. That ship looks like it has seen some serious battle."
Lieutenant Thomas Abraham (still serving as helmsman on the Darwin) asked Mei with wide eyes, "What the hell happened to them Commodore?!"
Mei smiled in her usual way and said, "The report says they were attacked by Romulans and required assistance due to loss of warp capabilities Lieutenant. Do you want to join Hannah and ask them for details?"
Hansel growled in annoyance, but Thomas brightened up and said, "Yes ma'am!"
"Very well Lieutenant Abraham, get the combat reports from Captain Naruto…And do stay out of Hansel's way while she's working." ordered Commodore Terumi.
…
NCC-602 U.S.S. Oberth, transporter room
Naruto, Samui and Kloene were in the transporter room of the Oberth. Ensign Heidi Gaul said, "The Darwin just signaled that they have two to beam over. Shall I…?"
The blonde Vulcan nodded. "Energize Heidi."
Two figures shimmered into existence before them…the harsh and professional Commander Hannah Hansel and the would-be womanizer Lieutenant Thomas Abraham.
Naruto and the others saluted to their superiors and the blonde Vulcan said, "Welcome aboard the Oberth Commander Hansel, Lieutenant Abraham. I am acting Captain Naruto M'Fau. This is my Executive Officer Samui Schrodinger, Transporter Chief Heidi Gaul, and Chief Engineer Kloene. We realize you are here to make a physical inspection for towing so we will assist you in any way possible to expedite your task, Commander."
Hansel looked surprised for a split second but was secretly pleased. 'These kids are sharp just like the Commodore said. I didn't even give them a reason for my coming over and they figured it out.' "Then we'll waste no time in starting. Let's head to deck thirteen and begin. We'll work our way up from there. I trust you'll be joining us, Captain?"
"Of course, Commander." replied Naruto. He turned to Samui and said, "You have the bridge, Lieutenant Schrodinger."
"Aye sir." replied Samui with a secret smile at Naruto as she left for the bridge with a sway in her hips…
After Samui left, Naruto said to the others. "Follow me to engineering please." Kloene and Hansel quickly fell in step with the blonde Vulcan…Leaving Thomas Abraham with the dilemma of whether to follow the voluptuous Samui like the horn dog he was or follow Naruto to engineering to get his combat reports…
…Lieutenant Abraham quickly made up his mind to follow the busty blonde bombshell to the bridge. 'The Commodore did tell me not to get in Hannah's way after all.' he thought mischievously. 'Ah, Samui…you're even more beauteous than I remember…'
...
Engineering
Naruto and Kloene watched carefully as Commander Hansel started her thorough inspection of the ship and answered her curt questions as necessary. It wasn't until they reached the subject of the improperly sealed warp core bulkheads that things got heated. Hannah growled, "You two are saying these bulkheads came out of a Federation shipyard in this deplorable state?! Do you realize what you are hinting at gentleman?! That implies this ship's warp core construction is substandard throughout!"
Kloene frowned and Naruto didn't flinch a bit. He stated, "I have already submitted Ensign Kloene's and my reports to the attention of Rear Admiral Lucian Tolm at the Starfleet Bureau of Design and Repair regarding this matter. Even if this ship is a prototype; there is no excuse for such poor detail construction."
Hansel's eyes widened and she questioned, "…And why do you think a busy man like Rear Admiral Tolm would even listen to a Junior Grade Lieutenant like you?"
The blonde Vulcan asked; "Have you ever heard of the Curved Transitional Warp Field Theorem; Commander Hansel?"
She smiled meanly and said, "Every damn engineer in Starfleet has heard of Hot Warp Lieutenant. It's revolutionized warp architecture. Why ask such an inane question?"
"I invented it." stated Naruto in an imperious tone. "Admiral Tolm knows me quite well."
Hansel blinked and thought, 'It was invented by some Vulcan genius cadet just a few years ago and-' "…HOLY SHIT! You're THAT Naruto Emfow?"
"It's pronounced M'Fau." corrected the blonde. "Naruto M'Fau."
Kloene hid his chuckling behind a cough before saying sagely, "It is a very difficult name to pronounce for us non-Vulcans."
Naruto just glared slightly out of the corner of his eye at his annoying Orion friend…
…
Bridge
Samui Schrodinger was sitting in the Captain's Chair observing Lieutenant Abraham with icy blue eyes as he took turns flirting with her, Rafi, M'rella and Maya Ayasugi who was manning the science station. Luckily for Shar and Edgar Shores, Thomas left them alone…
Finally, Samui got annoyed with the skirt chaser and asked in a cold tone, "Lieutenant Abraham; is there a reason you are on this ship other harass the female crew members? I can have Security Lieutenant Shores escort you to the nearest airlock and show you out if not."
Rafi smiled at Samui's cool reception for Thomas Abraham and said helpfully, "The nearest airlock is on deck two Lieutenant Schrodinger."
"Oh ladies; don't be so cruel! Don't you still love me?" said Abraham dramatically. "If you must know, I'm here to collect the reports on the Romulan ship that attacked you."
The young Trill woman turned around from the helm station and faced Thomas. "Which Romulan ship are you talking about Lieutenant? We faced off with four of them."
"Four?!" asked Lieutenant Abraham in shock. "Tell me you're joking!"
"Three Snipe frigates and a War Eagle." reported Rafi. "It was a hell of a battle."
Abraham questioningly turned to Samui who nodded and said, "Rafi is not exaggerating. It was a vicious battle, but we were the victors in the end. If you need to access the logs, I can get them for you."
Thomas looked pale and nodded. "I'd best start reviewing them immediately…" 'How did they survive a run in with a War Eagle alone? Let alone three frigates…'
…
While Abraham was carefully reviewing the Oberth's combat logs, Lieutenant Schrodinger was in contact with Commodore Terumi regarding their Romulan guest. "Ante-Tribune Thera Sorkalif has been very cooperative, and we've kept her confined to quarters under guard." explained Samui. "I think it would be in everyone's best interests to transfer her over to more secure quarters aboard the U.S.S. Darwin."
"I agree." replied Mei. "I'll send over my security chief and two escorts to retrieve her. That will be one less issue on your plate."
"Thank you for your understanding, Commodore." said the blonde bombshell.
The Commodore nodded and smiled. "Always glad to help Lieutenant Schrodinger. The Oberth's limited resources are stretched far enough as it is without a high-profile guest aboard…"
…
Stardate 2274.331, Argelius Sector, U.S.S. Oberth
"Personal Log, Stardate 2274.331: Lieutenant Naruto M'Fau reporting. It has been six days since the U.S.S. Darwin took the U.S.S. Oberth under tow and we are now twelve hours away from Starbase 7. Our trip has been uneventful since the Darwin arrived and we have continued to repair the damaged systems on the Oberth in case we are separated from the Darwin for unexpected reasons. Our crew is in high spirits and several members of the Darwin's engineering compliment have beamed over to aid us in our repair efforts. The Chief Engineer Commander Hansel has been a great aid to us."
"Commodore Terumi informed me that Admiral Cartwright ordered her to proceed to Starbase 19 but she cited Federation regulations for damaged vessels and we are reporting to the nearest major docking and repair facility which is Starbase 7. The situation with Rear Admiral Cartwright is puzzling to me personally but Commodore Terumi instructed me to leave the issue alone for the time being. It is difficult to contain my curiosity about the subject though…"
Naruto clicked off the log recorder and looked over at his new mate Samui who was sleeping deeply on his bed. She looked serene to him as she slept peacefully. The previous night Naruto had performed a mind meld with her to complete their mating and she had been a bit apprehensive of the level of intimacy involved. However, once the Vulcan mating ritual was complete, she was elated knowing that their thoughts would always be just a touch away. Naruto was likewise very pleased at her happiness.
'It has been an eventful voyage…' thought the blonde Vulcan seriously. 'Why is it I feel this trip is far from over…?'
…
Starbase 7
The U.S.S. Darwin dropped her tow from the small science vessel and the Oberth was allowed to enter the massive spacedock under her own power rather than by tractor beam. Not being towed was a matter of pride really. Rafi guided the science ship into Starbase 7 flawlessly as the base communications officer instructed them where to dock. Numerous tiny workbees and shuttles buzzed about the Oberth curiously and the Starbase repair crews were already looking at the science vessel's battle damage as the U.S.S. Oberth glided towards her assigned berth.
As they turned towards their assigned docking station the viewscreen was filled with a Federation heavy cruiser that Naruto knew rather well …NCC-1701 U.S.S. Enterprise. "It seems that Rear Admiral Kirk is here if his flagship is anything to go by." said Naruto.
Shar turned and asked, "You've met Admiral Kirk, Captain Naruto? He's quite famous you know."
Lieutenant Shores added, "The Enterprise is famous as well."
Naruto nodded and said, "I was aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise and met Admiral Kirk when I was a boy. He was a Captain then. My Mother was temporarily aboard on assignment, and I was given a tour of the ship. It left quite an impression upon me."
"I can only imagine." said Rafi as she guided them to station keeping.
The base communications officer spoke to them over the overhead. "Docking control to NCC-602 U.S.S. Oberth. Tractor links engaged. Gravity pylons engaged. Docking ports extended. Welcome to Starbase 7."
"This is NCC-602 U.S.S. Oberth Starbase 7." replied M'rella. "Acknowledged."
The crew let out a collective sigh of relief. 'Safety at last.' thought everyone.
M'rella perked up and said, "New message coming in Captain Naruto." Her amber eyes widened. "It's Rear Admiral James T. Kirk."
'…And so, it begins.' thought Naruto uneasily. "On screen Ensign M'rella."
Admiral Kirk's face appeared on the main viewscreen and everyone on the bridge straightened up to full attention. The Admiral grinned slightly. "Acting Captain Naruto; I have been reviewing the battle with the Romulan squadron that you led your ship in as well as the extensive logs and damage reports that you have submitted…All I can say is Bravo Zulu to you and your crew. Very nicely done."
Everyone relaxed a tiny bit in relief and Naruto replied, "Thank you Admiral; I will pass that along to my crew."
"On that note I'd like to invite you and your staff officers to a small dinner aboard the Enterprise at 18:00." added Kirk. "You and your crew will be transferring off the Oberth fairly soon so repairs and inspections can be made. There is much to be discussed."
The blonde Vulcan nodded. "My staff and I would be honored sir."
The Rear Admiral smiled. "Very good, Captain Naruto. I'll see you all at 18:00. Kirk out."
"Oberth out." replied Naruto as the screen faded out. He sat down in the Captain's chair and said, "It seems we have a formal dinner to attend in four hours."
Rafi asked, "Am I the only one who didn't bring a formal dress uniform for this trip…?"
"Well, shit!" bellowed Lieutenant Shores.
"I believe we all share your sentiments, Lieutenant." said Naruto to everyone's shock. "I suggest we all go on base and obtain new dress uniforms posthaste."
Pandemonium quickly ensued…
…
3 hours later…
Naruto and his staff were marching down the gangplank of the Oberth in their brand new, spotless dress uniforms they bought on base. As they exited the science vessel the group stopped and saluted a full Captain that the blonde Vulcan knew well…
The whiskered blonde stopped his group and gave the Vulcan woman salute. "Peace and long life Captain Vach. Your presence is unexpected but not unwelcome."
Vach M'Fau almost smiled at her great nephew. She returned his salute. "Welcome to Starbase 7 Lieutenant Naruto. I've come to inspect the U.S.S. Oberth for construction defects. You and Ensign Kloene's reports to Admiral Tolm were most disturbing, so I was dispatched immediately. Perhaps tomorrow evening we will be able to share notes. I understand you are attending dinner aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise tonight."
"Of course, Captain Vach; I will make myself available tomorrow." replied Naruto. "It seems that everyone here is aware of our dinner engagement."
Vach nodded knowingly. "Your battle with the Romulans has been the talk of the entire Starbase since you arrived…Consider yourselves celebrities for the time being. I arrived only yesterday and the whole story was out by the time the Oberth sailed into port with all that battle damage. At least in Starfleet circles it's too big to be classified at this point."
Naruto wanted to groan. 'Humans and their gossiping….' "Thank you for informing us Captain Vach. We were not aware of the situation given our busy schedules. If you will excuse us, we are due aboard the Enterprise shortly."
The Vulcan woman nodded. "I will see you later then Lieutenant. Live long and prosper."
….
NCC-1701 U.S.S. Enterprise, docking port
The small group of staff officers from the U.S.S. Oberth trotted over to the gangplank of the U.S.S. Enterprise where they were welcomed aboard by Captain Spock who led them to the dining hall for VIP's. Naruto was warmly greeted by many whom he'd met before on his first visit to the heavy cruiser several years prior…Especially Commander Scott.
Scotty shook hands with Naruto and said heartily, "Welcome aboard the Enterprise Doctor Naruto. It seems like only yesterday we were discussing things when you were still a cadet and here you are a lieutenant! I think you and your staff members are going to find this evening to be very surprising. …And you're due for a tour in the next few days. You helped design the Enterprise's refit and you've never had a chance to see the grand lass up close!"
Samui hid her smile at Commander Scott's enthusiasm and wondered what the back story was. M'rella had a pretty good idea though and smiled happily for Naruto. Scotty put her at ease as they discussed things with the officers of the Enterprise before dinner.
When Admiral Kirk arrived, he welcomed everyone aboard and they were all seated. "I have to say that the boy I met years ago has grown into quite an officer." said Kirk with a smile. "Lieutenant Commander T'Ara's son has grown up a lot since you sat in the Captain's chair of the Enterprise all those years ago. How did it feel to have your first command Captain Naruto?"
"It was a challenge sir; but not an unwelcome one." replied the blonde Vulcan.
The Admiral nodded. "…And I have a feeling it certainly won't be your last. I have to tell you all; I've been observing the Think Tank for quite some time. I was with Commander Triella Jackson when I saw some outstanding cadets in the simulation room pull off some unorthodox tactics to gain a victory…And the next thing I knew they turned around and beat the Kobayashi Maru! Your little group made a big impression on me, so I decided to keep an eye on such a promising group of young officers…"
Rafi's eyes got wide as Kirk praised their little group. She'd really been nervous about this dinner because many of the officers present were legends. Some of the papers Admiral Kirk wrote were required to be read at Starfleet Academy. Captain Spock was known both as a scientist and an outstanding officer. It made the young Trill woman's head spin…
Naruto and the rest of the staff from the U.S.S. Oberth was a bit overwhelmed as well. Even Edgar Shores was awed with the situation, and he was used to being around superior officers all the time.
"…And that's why it is both an honor and a privilege to reward your performance." continued Kirk. "Lieutenant Naruto; for your exceptional performance in ship-to-ship combat against four vessels of the Romulan Star Empire I award you with Grankite Order of Tactics*①. I also promote you to the rank of full Lieutenant. Well done."
"...Ensign Rafi; for your outstanding performance at the helm in the heat of combat I present you with a formal commendation and a promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade. Congratulations."
"…Ensign Kloene; you went above and beyond in your role as acting Chief Engineer on the U.S.S. Oberth in dire circumstances and for that I award you with the Starfleet Declaration for Gallantry*② and I promote you to Lieutenant Junior Grade. Very nicely done."
In the end, each member of the temporary crew of the U.S.S. Oberth was awarded with an Exceptional Performance of Duty Citation*③ and many received the Ribbon for Meritorious Service *④ which included the entire bridge staff for their outstanding performance. All in all, it was an exhilarating evening for the members of the Think Tank.
After many congratulations and well wishes the crew of the Oberth returned to their ship in high spirits.
…
U.S.S. Oberth, Captain's quarters
Naruto returned to his quarters feeling both excited and exhausted at the same time. He checked to see if any orders had come in and saw that the temporary crew of the Oberth was ordered off of the science vessel by Stardate 2274.338. In the meantime, they would be helping the repair and investigation teams coming aboard in any way they could. Their transfer back to the U.S.S. Gettysburg was still pending. 'It seems we have a week before we transfer off of the Oberth so I'll make announcements in the morning. Hopefully I'll see Aunt Vach tomorrow evening as well.'
The blonde Vulcan sat in thought for a few moments and pondered, 'I'm a full Lieutenant now. That means more privileges as an officer as well as more responsibilities. I wonder what the future holds…'
…
U.S.S. Enterprise, Admiral's staff room
Unlike Naruto who was relaxing; Rear Admiral James T. Kirk was still going full steam discussing things with Commodore Mei Terumi as they were both members of the Kirk Cabal*⑤
Mei said, "We have all the evidence we need that the Think Tank is in the sights of Section 31 by Cartwright's actions alone. We also know the U.S.S. Oberth was on a black ops mission in the Romulan Neutral Zone and more than likely were operating under Section 31's orders. I don't like keeping those kids in the dark. They can be trusted. We need to find at least one of them that we can entrust with this information so the group can be kept safe. I recommend Lieutenants Naruto, Samui Schrodinger or Doctor Shelly Wilson. You met all three of them tonight."
"They are all still so young though." replied Kirk. "I don't want them getting disillusioned with the Federation or involved in these shadow games until they have to. They are far too valuable as future Starfleet officers to lose. What about Hiruzen's son Captain Asuma Sarutobi? He already is suspicious that something is going on and we both know and trust him."
Commodore Terumi's eyes narrowed for a moment in thought before she nodded in agreement. "Asuma is an outstanding officer; I think he can watch out for them for the time being. Mark my words though; the Think Tank is being observed closely by both us and Section 31. It's only a matter of time before they are asked to join one side or the other."
The Rear Admiral nodded and said gravely, "I know Mei; believe me I know…I'll be inviting Captain Asuma Sarutobi to join us personally."
….
Stardate 2274.332, Starbase 7, U.S.S. Oberth
The next morning the entire Think Tank was gathered for the ship's announcements and afterwards had an impromptu jam session. Ensign Daniel Simmons held up an extended memory module and said, "As we all suspected, the U.S.S. Oberth's mission logs and ships records were entirely falsified. It took me this whole trip to crack the codes to the REAL records and logs. The question is, who do we give this information to?"
The obvious choice was Starfleet Intelligence, but several members of the Think Tank felt that Commodore Terumi or Captain Sarutobi were better choices. In the end they selected someone unplanned, Captain Spock of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
"Captain Spock and I have an understanding." said Naruto. "I believe he would be able to make the most educated and logical choice of who to present this information to. He has been in the service many years and knows what officers can and cannot be trusted."
Samui raised an eyebrow and asked, "…And what makes you so sure Captain Spock can be trusted Naruto?"
Naruto got a gleam of pure mischief in his eye and said, "I know his Mother Lady Amanda Grayson of course. She sometimes watched me as a child."
Surprisingly it was Doctor Shelly Wilson who burst into laughter. "You'd blackmail Captain Spock with his very own Mom? That's terrible Naruto! Bwhahaha!"
Shar nodded sagely and said, "My doubts are dispelled. You cannot underestimate the power of an angry Mother's wrath."
"No doubts there." agreed Maya Ayasugi.
Rafi laughed and said, "It looks like we have an agreement then. All in favor say aye!"
A collective "AYE!" rang through the halls of the U.S.S. Oberth…
…
U.S.S. Enterprise, Captain Spock's quarters
Two hours later, Lieutenant Naruto was sitting with Captain Spock enjoying some Vulcan spiced tea. "I thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for me Captain Spock. This was a matter of unexpected urgency." explained the blonde.
Spock nodded. "There is no need to thank me Naruto. I know that you would not have made such a request if it was not urgent. What is the subject at hand? You brought a sealed case with you, so I expect a great deal of secrecy is involved."
Naruto had a telltale gleam in his azure eyes and opened the case showing two extended memory modules. "These are the official logs of the U.S.S. Oberth over her past cruise." he said as he motioned to the left memory module.
The elder Vulcan hybrid nodded and raised an eyebrow. "Continue." he said.
The blonde motioned to the right memory module and explained. "These are the unofficial, hidden logs of the U.S.S. Oberth showing her true whereabouts during the past several months. We discovered an unsanctioned black ops mission into the Romulan Neutral Zone as well as several other missions that were never reported to Starfleet."
Captain Spock's eyes widened slightly, and he asked, "Why did you not give these to Starfleet intelligence then? That would be the logical thing to do."
Naruto nodded and stated, "A copy has been handed over to Starfleet Intelligence of course. However, we of the Think Tank felt it would be prudent to hand a copy over to a trusted superior just in case. I believe you would be the most informed to make a logical decision on what to do with this information. Cover ups aren't unknown to the Think Tank you know."
Spock nodded and he said with the tiniest grin, "I believe that Rear Admiral James T. Kirk is the person most suited to handle this delicate situation. I would hand it over to him immediately. I trust you will accompany me to present this information to the Admiral yourself Lieutenant Naruto?"
The blonde hid a grimace and said, "Of course Captain Spock." 'You are enjoying seeing me squirm Spock!'
"You need to get used to speaking with Flag Officers you are not used to Lieutenant." said Spock knowingly. "It makes you uncomfortable does it not?"
Naruto nodded and replied, "You are correct of course Captain Spock. It is a skill I need to learn."
"Let us go then." said Spock in approval of his subordinate…
…
Admiral's staff room
…Rear Admiral James T. Kirk looked at the data in front of him that had had Section 31 written all over it. 'If this young man hadn't brought me this data it would have taken months to pry it out of the Starfleet Intelligence Division…It even has some of the listings of Section 31's ships…This is a gold mine!' Kirk looked up at Naruto who was obviously concerned. "This is a great help, Lieutenant Naruto. I cannot thank you and your comrades enough for getting this information to me directly. The evidence here proves irrefutably that illegal activities were undertaken by Starfleet personnel."
"Then Captain Liu Jaing is to be apprehended sir?" asked Naruto.
Kirk shook his head. "As reported by the U.S.S. Ark Royal, Captain Liu Jaing is dead Lieutenant Naruto."
The blonde hybrid let out a tiny sigh. "Then Admiral Cartwright likely eliminated him as a possible loose end."
Spock raised an eyebrow and Kirk asked, "And what brings you to that conclusion Lieutenant?"
Naruto explained, "There are a number of factors involved which led me to hypothesize an unsanctioned operation is in process sir. I will explain…"
"…Rear Admiral Lance Cartwright picked the Think Tank for a transfer mission almost exclusively. This is highly irregular. There were many personnel aboard the U.S.S Gettysburg and U.S.S. Ark Royal that were far more qualified for the mission than us. He obviously has more than a passing interest in our group for reasons unknown…"
"…Sending the U.S.S. Oberth to Starbase 19 rather than Starbase 7 was highly illogical considering Starbase 7 is the largest repair depot for Starfleet's shipping outside of the major shipyards…Also, Admiral Cartwright was coincidentally stationed at Starbase 19 in an administrative position for some time…"
"…Removing the U.S.S. Gettysburg from the rescue mission for the Oberth's crew kept any information from ever leaving Cartwright's control…"
"…The U.S.S. Oberth had no records of the Romulan spy Thera Sorkalif working for the Federation, but Admiral Cartwright exposed her immediately… Logically this should have remained quiet…"
"These are the main factors which lead me to postulate that Rear Admiral Lance Cartwright is likely playing a part in an effort to obscure the truth of the U.S.S. Oberth's mission from Starfleet Command. Unfortunately, the evidence is largely circumstantial and cannot be used in a court of law." said the blonde in conclusion.
Captain Spock asked, "How long have you and the Think Tank been investigating this situation, Lieutenant?"
Naruto's eyes crackled with chakra, and he said, "We have been investigating since the moment I received my orders to take command of the U.S.S. Oberth came in sir. It was suspicious to all involved."
Jim Kirk thought of Commodore Terumi's words. '…I don't like keeping those kids in the dark. They can be trusted. We need to find at least one of them that we can entrust with this information so the group can be kept safe. I recommend Lieutenants Naruto, Samui Schrodinger or Doctor Shelly Wilson…' Then Kirk thought aloud, "I'll be damned if Mei wasn't right."
"Sir?" questioned Naruto with a raised eyebrow.
The Admiral glanced up and locked eyes with the blonde for a second before he spoke. "Lieutenant Naruto; there is a shadow organization within Starfleet known only as Section 31. They undertake black ops missions which they believe are in the best interests of the United Federation of Planets. We disagree. We believe that Lance Cartwright may be a member of that organization. Our group is trying to stop them. Would you be interested in joining us…?"
Naruto asked, "Is it Section 31 that is after the Think Tank sir?"
"That is what we believe Lieutenant." answered Spock gravely. "That is part of the reason we've kept tabs on your group. We have no solid proof though."
The blonde said, "Then I will join your group to protect my comrades in the Think Tank and the United Federation of Planets."
Admiral Kirk nodded and extended his hand to shake. "Welcome to the Kirk Cabal Lieutenant Naruto."
Naruto clasped Kirk's hand in a firm shake and his eyes blazed with chakra. "I won't let you down Admiral Kirk."
The Admiral smiled at the blonde and replied, "Well said Naruto….and call me Jim."
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Grankite Order of Tactics: An award granted by the Grankite Totality for high ratings in battle tactics. It generally was a combat award given to members of Starfleet which commended an individual's role in battle.
*②: Starfleet Declaration for Gallantry: A medal given to Starfleet officers who show extreme bravery in the line of duty.
*③: Exceptional Performance of Duty Citation: An award presented to Starfleet personnel for exceptional performance; usually in battle.
*④: Ribbon for Meritorious Service: A Starfleet Command for acts of outstanding merit in the line of duty.
*⑤: Kirk Cabal: The Kirk Cabal is a loosely organized group of Federation Starfleet officers dedicated to tracking and opposing the activities of the black ops organization within Starfleet known as Section 31. It was founded in 2269 after Captain James T. Kirk and others discovered the existence of Section 31. Among its members in this story are Captain Spock, Commodore Mei Terumi, and Admiral Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Well, if it wasn't clear before, one of the primary antagonists in this story is Section 31. They've been skulking around in the background but now they've been (to some degree) exposed. What does this mean for the Think Tank…? Only time will tell. We saw a lot of Kirk and Spock in this chapter but they aren't taking over the story. They are "Friends in high places" for the Think Tank now more than anything else. See you next time. Blue out. 10/3/23