Naruto: Infinity Divide
Kiba & Naruto
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This chapter took time to smooth out as it ties up several loose ends and they all needed to flow together nicely. The Klingons will make an appearance and we will also see the return of the dreaded footnotes. Here is chapter 50. Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
….
Last time:
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."
…
Chapter 50
Stardate 2274.332, Imperial Klingon Territory, Klingon D7N Diplomatic Cruiser IKV Dictator
Klingon Chief Ambassador Thad Vak Kaleen stood on the bridge of his personal flagship, the diplomatic cruiser IKV Dictator as she cruised through space en route to Federation Territory…Starbase 7 to be specific. His duty was to negotiate the return of the captured Klingon D6B heavy cruiser IKV Destruction*①. The Destruction's Captain Ardak Kumerian had apparently been a little too lax with his security measures because the non-Klingon subject races aboard the Destruction had mutinied and promptly fled into Federation space for internment. It was a diplomatic disaster and Ambassador Kaleen had the thankless job of getting the ship back along with her (presumably) loyal crew members that weren't involved in the mutiny.
Worse still, the Destruction had recently been refitted with the latest in Klingon weapons technology and systems which the bloody United Federation of Planets had weeks to study under a proverbial magnifying glass. Ambassador Kaleen knew the Klingon Deep Space Fleet was going to have Captain Kumerian's head on a platter for this but there was nothing he could do about that.
The Ambassador drummed his fingers. He had already gone to great lengths to ensure that the thirty-six Klingon Officers which survived the mutiny were being treated fairly as diplomatic 'guests' rather than prisoners of war. Kaleen was assured by his Federation counterpart that no harm had befallen them and that they were being treated with all the social niceties that visiting foreign officers normally received.
Truthfully the Klingon Empire was more concerned about getting the IKV Destruction back than anything else, but the loyal members of her crew deserved to come home rather than rot away in a Federation Starbase prison. Thad Vak Kaleen was going to get them back alive and unharmed, he swore it!
…
Federation Starbase 7, Officer's Lounge
Lieutenant Kiba Warrigul was with two fellow Klingon officers enjoying some quality Romulan ale in the Starbase 7 Officer's Lounge and were discussing their current situation in life. Kiba had just transferred from his Mother Tsume's ship the IKV Dawnslayer to be the helmsman of the IKV Destruction when the mutiny happened. The same could be said of the two with him. Watch Officer Lieutenant Commander Kasimona and Weapons Officer Ensign Agrok had also just transferred in from elsewhere and were caught totally unawares when the crew revolted and locked the three of them in the same cell in the brig. They were beaten and starved by the mutineers but not tortured because it was obvious they didn't know anything secret about the ship. Having survived that ordeal together the three Klingon Officers had become fast friends. They were limited to non-secured areas in the Federation Starbase 7 but were allowed to carouse a bit as civilians would (under security watch of course).
The youngest of the three was Ensign Agrok who had just earned his officer's commission at the Deep Space Fleet Academy. He was an inexperienced but very book smart young officer. He also looked very boyish for his age and hated being referred to as a 'child.' He grunted, "I wonder how this mutiny is going to look on our records. Do you think we'll end up serving on a penal ship as punishment Kasimona?"
Commander Kasimona was a stoutly built, long serving Klingon Officer in his forties that Kiba and Agrok had learned to respect for his knowledge in the short time they'd known him. The slightly graying officer said, "This disaster will probably all come squarely down on the heads of Captain Kumerian and the security staff. The executive officer and head of security were both killed in the mutiny and there is really no one else left to blame. No doubt the Empire Security Service*② officers will have a lot of questions for us when we get back but let's face it; we were aboard the Destruction for only four days when everything went to hell." He took another drink of his ale and savored the burning sensation as it went down. "We'll just have to wait and see. We live to serve the Empire regardless of what ship we're on."
Kiba took a sip of his own Romulan ale and decided he liked it better than traditional Klingon blood wine (not that he would ever admit it to fellow Klingons). "Well, none of us have any disciplinary black marks on our records up to this point so that should work in our favor. The mutiny must have been planned for weeks or months before we arrived on the scene. The three of us spent more time in the brig of the Destruction than anything else. That was two and a half weeks of hell…At least the mutineers took good care of my pet targ Akamaru." Then he added with a chuckle, "I think Akamaru ate a lot better than we did on that trip…" That's when Kiba noticed his friend Agrok was gawking over in the direction of the bar. Following his younger friend's stare, Kiba saw something heavenly sitting at the bar. His throat went a bit dry. "I normally don't care for human women but damn…" said Kiba under his breath.
Grinning, Kasimona glanced over his shoulder and saw an absolutely stunning human woman. She was a voluptuous blonde with her hair cut in an uneven bob. "I was going to poke some fun at you boys about foreign females but she's breathtaking…" said the older officer. He noted the human female wore a gold shirt over her incredible bust denoting she was in the command branch and that she held the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. Wiping the sweat from his brow, the older officer shook his head. "What a woman…"
…
Lieutenant Samui Schrodinger was sitting at the bar with her Trill friend Rafi as they waited for Naruto to return from the U.S.S. Enterprise. The blonde bombshell thought to herself, 'Naruto said he was meeting Captain Vach here at 16:00 and invited me to meet her. I wonder who exactly Captain Vach is exactly. I looked her up and she is assigned to the Starfleet Bureau of Design and Repair. Is she some sort of friend of his?'
Rafi smiled at Samui's look of deep concentration and asked, "What's on your mind Doctor Schrodinger? It wouldn't happen to be Naruto, would it?" The Trill woman chuckled as Samui blushed slightly. "It seems I hit the target."
The blonde augment frowned a tiny bit. "I was wondering who Captain Vach is to him. Are they old friends or something? Maybe I'm being paranoid…"
The Trill was about to say something humorous at her blonde friend's expense when she noticed two Klingons coming directly towards them. Rafi coughed and whispered in a worried tone, "Heads-up Samui. We have potential hostiles approaching your port side."
Samui raised an eyebrow at Rafi's way of putting things and pivoted her barstool around to face the oncoming threat. 'Klingons…? Here of all places?' thought the blonde bombshell.
Kiba raised a gauntleted hand in a friendly way and said, "I'm Lieutenant Kiba, Klingon Deep Space Fleet. My friend Ensign Agrok and I couldn't help but notice you two looked lonely up here at the bar. How would you like to join us for a drink?" He motioned over to where Kasimona was sitting and said, "There is room at our table."
Rafi's eyes got huge, and she thought in terror, 'Klingons are trying to pick us up?!'
…The blonde augment woman looked at Kiba and said, "We're waiting for my mate and his friend. Thank you anyway."
Kiba smirked. "I doubt your mate would be a match for me. No mere human is a match for a Klingon warrior."
Samui's ice blue eyes narrowed, and she replied. "My mate is no mere human. Walk away while you still can Klingon."
The tension in the air was electric and Agrok was starting to feel a bit nervous. "Come on Kiba; let's go back to our table."
The Warrigul scion growled and said to Samui, "I'll wait for your mate to show up and judge for myself woman." Then Kiba turned and slowly followed Agrok back to their table.
"This can't end well…" said Rafi nervously.
The blonde augment woman's icy gaze was still locked on Kiba and she said, "Part of me hopes that Kiba character is stupid enough to fight my man. Naruto will grind him into paste."
Rafi face palmed. 'She's got her blood up. I hope a fight doesn't break out.'
…
Kasimona saw a disgruntled Kiba and nervous Agrok return with their tails between their legs and said, "I take it she wasn't interested Kiba?"
Kiba grunted and Agrok explained, "She already has a mate."
"Taken, eh?" asked Kasimona rhetorically. "I can't say I'm surprised given her beauty. What about the other one?"
"She holds no interest for me." grumbled Kiba. "I'm going to wait till her mate shows up and then challenge him."
"Really?" asked Agrok. "I figured you'd let it go."
Growling, Kiba replied, "She basically challenged me on his behalf. I'll beat him senseless even if I can't kill him since we are technically guests here. I just have to goad him into throwing the first punch."
Kasimona said, "I would be best to let cooler heads prevail Kiba. The Federation would make it look like you tried to murder him and lock you up for good. Trust me my friend, this isn't worth it."
Kiba sighed. "I guess you are right Kasimona. A wise warrior should know when to pick his battles and when not to."
…
At precisely 15:55 hours, Lieutenant Naruto M'Fau entered the Officer's Lounge and immediately felt his lovely mate Samui's presence. He also sensed she was very aggravated through their mental link. The Vulcan hybrid walked straight over to see her to find out what was wrong. Samui saw Naruto and smiled at him weakly. They touched fingers and he asked her mentally, 'What is wrong Samui? I sense you are agitated.' The blonde bombshell felt Naruto's mental caress put her thoughts at ease. She mentally relayed the situation to her mate and Naruto glanced over at the three Klingons. They were sitting and drinking as they quietly discussed things in their native tongue. Figuring it would be better to leave well enough alone Naruto said, "They seem to be keeping to themselves." Then he motioned behind him and added, "Let us go sit with Captain Vach."
The young augment woman was a bit surprised that Vach was sitting at a nearby table sipping her spiced tea. Both Rafi and Samui looked over at the Vulcan female who motioned for them to come over and join her. Samui gently squeezed Naruto's hand and asked quietly, "Who exactly is Captain Vach to you?"
The hybrid Vulcan's eyes had a telltale gleam of mischief in them that Samui recognized. He was obviously amused. "Captain Vach M'Fau is my Great Aunt. She's also one of my superiors at the Starfleet Bureau of Design and Repair."
The blonde bombshell wanted to groan. 'Here I was all worked up for nothing…' she thought dryly. 'I'm being paranoid I guess…'
Naruto greeted his Aunt with a traditional Vulcan salute and said, "Peace and long life to you Captain Vach. It is good to see you. Allow me to introduce my mate Lieutenant Samui Schrodinger and my friend Lieutenant Rafi."
Vach returned his salute and said, "It is good to see you as well Naruto." She looked at Samui and Rafi for a moment before saying, "I am Captain Vach M'Fau. It is a pleasure to meet you both."
After the group was all seated, Vach regarded Samui for a moment and said, "Naruto said you were beautiful but his words don't do you justice."
Samui was a bit surprised and blushed slightly. "Thank you, Captain Vach,…I wasn't aware he spoke of me that way."
Now it was Vach's turn to be amused. "Naruto speaks very highly of all his mates; he just doesn't relay that information back to them…He is much like his Grandfather was."
…
"Why are there Klingons here?" asked Rafi under her breath. "Do you know Captain Vach?"
Vach glanced over at the three Klingon Officers and said, "I presume they are waiting for a ride home. The Klingon D6B heavy cruiser IKV Destruction is docked here you know."
The blonde Vulcan's eyes widened eagerly. "A D6 with a B refit*③ you say?" asked Naruto curiously. Seeing Vach nod he said, "If that's the case then it probably has DERFACS*④ and Ubitron Interface Modules*⑤. Fascinating. It would be most interesting to take a tour."
"I'm afraid the Destruction is off limits for political reasons." said Vach. "That part is classified Naruto. Don't ask." she added pointedly.
…It was then that the three Klingon Officers came over to the group. "Are you four talking about us?" asked Agrok in a hostile tone.
Vach turned to him and said bluntly in Klingon ["What do you want? We were discussing the IKV Destruction which is docked here. Is it your ship?"]
Kasimona hid it well enough, but he was impressed. Vach spoke his native tongue flawlessly. He said menacingly, ["My comrades thought you were insulting our vessel. Perhaps we could educate you."]
The Vulcan Captain said, ["Please join us warriors. There is no need for hostility. I understand Federation and Klingon vessels have different requirements. The D6 is an admirable and successful design well suited to the needs of the Klingon Empire."]
Both Kiba and Agrok looked a little dumbfounded, but Kasimona said, "Let us get our drinks and we will join you then Captain."
…
"Klingon warships are fast, maneuverable and heavily armed. Their primary purpose is to defeat the enemy and protect the Klingon Empire; scientific exploration is not needed as with the Federation." explained Vach to her small audience. "In this respect designs such as the Federation Galactic Survey Cruiser would be considered a gross waste of resources to the Klingon Empire."
"You seem to know our ship designs quite well Captain Vach." said Kasimona appreciatively. "I am surprised."
'As am I.' thought Kiba suspiciously. 'Is she a spy of some sort?'
"It is my business to know foreign starship designs Commander Kasimona." replied Vach. "I design starships, so I study ships from all around the known galaxy."
Kiba turned to Naruto and asked; "What about you? You mentioned designing ships as well."
'He's been trying to goad me all evening.' thought Naruto. "I'm partial to the D7C Command Cruiser. Its maneuverability is superb, and it is a well-balanced and powerful design."
The hotheaded Kiba snorted and said, "You wouldn't stand a chance at commanding a Klingon vessel. Hell, even in hand-to-hand combat you would lose."
The blonde Vulcan's blue eyes flashed with chakra for a split second, and he said darkly, "Would you care to put a wager on that Lieutenant Kiba? There are many gymnasiums on this Starbase with rings for friendly sparring."
Kiba's brown eyes lit up and he grinned wickedly. "What's the wager?"
Naruto said in a flat tone, "I'll pay for the drinks you three have consumed this evening if I lose."
"And if you win?" asked Kiba eagerly.
"Then you treat Samui and I with proper respect." replied the blonde Vulcan.
The Klingon Lieutenant said haughtily, "Then I hope you like losing friendly spars. What do you want? First blood?"
"Knockout." replied Naruto in a voice as cold as a grave.
"You're on." agreed Kiba.
…
Gymnasium, Deck 9
…An hour later, Kiba Warrigul and Naruto M'Fau were in a sparring ring complete with mats. Aside from their companions, a rather large crowd of curious onlookers was there to watch and see how a Klingon warrior fights. Naruto was quietly standing there as their referee laid out the rules. "This is not a death match." said the referee. "If I deem that either of you are too seriously injured to continue then I will order you to stop. Understood?" Seeing both fighters agree the referee said, "I want a nice clean fight. Are you both ready?"
Kiba declared; "A Klingon warrior is always ready." He bared his teeth and said to the blonde, "What about you?"
Naruto's eyes lit up like stars of pure chakra. Kiba's brown eyes widened as he stared into the twin maelstroms. The crackling blue eyes and killing intent coming off Naruto were overwhelming to the Warrigul scion. "Let us commence…" said the blonde Shinobi.
The referee was a bit dazzled himself and said, "Right, um…begin!"
Kiba was no slouch. He threw himself at Naruto with the intention of grappling with the blonde Vulcan. Naruto countered his charge by hitting Kiba with a chakra enhanced open palm to the chest. The Klingon warrior felt like he'd been hit by the impact of a speeding freighter as the shockwave spread throughout his body and completely disoriented him. As Kiba fought to regain both his footing and his breath; Naruto said, "Allow me to demonstrate the basic tenets of the Vulcan martial art of Kareel-ifla…"
…As Kiba started to realize this might have been a bad idea; Lieutenant Commander Kasimona glanced over at Samui who had a smile of pure malice etched on her beautiful face. Then he saw Rafi looked quite transfixed on the fight and Vach who was observing her nephew stoically as he used the most brutal of the Vulcan martial arts. There was a particularly loud crunching noise and Agrok recoiled with wide eyes. "That had to hurt…" muttered the Ensign. The two Klingons watched as their hot-headed friend got dismantled before their very eyes and groaned or cringed sympathetically whenever Kiba was being thrashed particularly badly.
Finally, Kiba flew out of the ring and landed face first on the floor at the feet of his two friends. The Klingon Lieutenant rolled over on his back and moaned, "…I think I need a little nap…" before he passed out completely.
…
Stardate 2274.333, Starbase 7, Sickbay
…The badly bruised Kiba woke up in the Starbase 7 Sickbay the next morning and saw his two friends sitting there with tired eyes. Agrok asked in a concerned tone, "How are you feeling Kiba? You took one hell of a beating yesterday."
Kiba groaned, "I lost badly, didn't I?" Both Kasimona and Agrok nodded. "The last thing I remember were those glowing blue eyes…Just what the hell is he?"
Commander Kasimona said in a haunted voice, "It seems that Lieutenant Naruto is a very powerful warrior. It would be best to show him and his mate Lieutenant Samui the greatest of respect. You are no weakling Kiba. He is simply that strong. On the positive side he did make sure you were taken care of in sickbay."
Agrok added, "I thought I was looking at the old pagan thunder god when I saw him coming after you. There is no shame in losing to such an opponent."
The Warrigul scion nodded slightly. "Well, I feel a little better about losing then. He seems honorable despite me attempting to rile him all yesterday. Perhaps we can become friends. He has certainly earned my respect."
"Perhaps so." agreed Lieutenant Commander Kasimona. "I'll get one of the medical staff over here. They will need to check you over before releasing you."
…
As Kiba hobbled down the hall towards his guest quarters with the help of his friends, Kasimona asked, "What did the Doctor say Kiba?"
Kiba smiled through a busted lip and replied, "The Doctor says I'm going to be a walking bruise for a few days but there were no serious internal injuries. He also said to take it easy and let my body heal. I was intending on doing that anyway. I'm sore as can be."
Agrok said, "At least nothing was broken…And there is no brain damage we know of."
"At least we think there is no brain damage anyway." agreed Kasimona humorously.
Kiba let out a hoarse chuckle. "After being raised by my Mother? It would be a minor miracle if I didn't have brain damage."
The three Klingon warriors laughed…The other two had heard of Commodore Tsume Warrigul by reputation alone and were terrified…
…
NCC-602 U.S.S. Oberth, Bridge
It was afternoon and the bridge staff of the Oberth was working on the last of their duty reports for the day when an old friend arrived on board….
"Lieutenant Junior Grade Ino Yamanaka reporting for duty as the ship's Counselor Captain Naruto!" said Ino with a jaunty salute. She smiled widely as she was welcomed aboard by all her friends in the Think Tank.
Naruto looked up from his paperwork and said, "Welcome aboard Lieutenant Yamanaka; your presence has been missed. I understand you'll be returning to the Gettysburg with us; correct?"
The blonde Betazoid nodded eagerly and said, "I've finally completed my Doctoral Degree in Psychology, so I'll be taking care of the crew of the U.S.S. Gettysburg full time when we head out to her."
Rafi piped up and asked; "This is great Ino! Congratulations. So, you're aboard the Oberth just so you can be transferred off it…?"
"Yeah, it didn't make much sense to me either Rafi." replied the sassy blonde. "I actually received my orders to transfer off the U.S.S. Oberth on Stardate 2274.338 before I received orders to transfer aboard yesterday. So, I'm stationed aboard this ship for all of five days."
Shar asked, "Where are you ordered to transfer when we leave the Oberth?"
Ino cocked her head and shrugged. "It doesn't say anything other than I'm leaving with the rest of the crew. Where are we going?"
Samui gave one of her minimal smiles and said, "We don't know yet. We were hoping that you might know. Throwing us in limbo until we return to the U.S.S. Gettysburg is not cool."
"Hmmmm. I guess we'll find out when Starfleet finally remembers us." said M'rella with a giggle. "I personally can't wait to get back to Planet Atra and all of the wonderful music there."
"Music?" asked the Betazoid.
"It has to be experienced to understand it." said Shar in a harried voice.
Ino raised an eyebrow at Shar's tone and M'rella decided to enlighten the young Betazoid woman. "The Atraen people actually sing their language Ino. It is simply marvelous!"
The blonde Betazoid sensed the reactions of the crew around her and realized that opinions on the musical Atraen language were highly divided between M'rella's overt enthusiasm and Shar's utter contempt. 'This should be interesting.' thought Ino with a mental giggle…
…
Captain's Quarters
That evening Naruto was sitting at his small work desk looking over a projection of a very specific star chart…that of the Tori Prime Star System. Naruto had tracked it through the Tkon Empire Star Charts and with his dear friend Alison's help had confirmed it was a Tkon outpost world before he left the U.S.S. Gettysburg weeks ago. He zoomed in on the planet Tori Prime IV and thought to himself, 'Someday I will come to see you Grandmother Kaguya…'
Samui came out of the shower wearing a short white kimono with floral patterns that she'd found Naruto was very fond of taking off her. She looked at the star chart and as a Cosmologist immediately recognized the system from a few nights ago. 'He's looking at the fourth planet in the same system as the other night…What is so important about it?' Samui padded barefoot across the floor and draped her arms over Naruto's shoulders and nuzzled his neck from behind. "Tell me my love; what system is that? This isn't the first time I've seen you looking at it. There must be some significance to you." She pointed at the fourth planet out on the map. "That world…It's a Tkon one, isn't it?"
Naruto gently clasped Samui's hand that was pointing at Tori Prime IV in his larger one and gently brought her hand to his mouth before he kissed it. He said, "The Federation knows that world as Tori Prime IV. I have yet to discover the Tkon name for it, but it was an outpost of their empire eons ago. Doctor Fairbanks has confirmed it for me. That is the world the race known as Shinobi lived on approximately 2,000 years ago before they went extinct in a war of their own making. That is what my non-Vulcan half is, Shinobi. My Mother was on an exploration mission on that planet and was artificially impregnated with the last of the Shinobi race…Me. I'm a Vulcan/Shinobi hybrid but I seem to have inherited all the powers of chakra wielded by them. I need to go back there someday and learn of my people."
Samui felt a bit shocked at this and asked, "Then why haven't you journeyed there already?"
The whisker faced blonde nuzzled her and said, "Everything about the Tori Prime System is secret. The system is off limits by a special order from Starfleet. If you look on a Federation star map it is labeled as classified and forbidden."
The blonde bombshell looked at her mate and asked; "How many people know of this?"
"Outside of those involved in Starfleet on that mission; my parents know of course." replied Naruto. "Aside of you, T'lyra, Shizuka, and Alison there is no one else I have ever told."
Samui asked, "How attached are you and Doctor Fairbanks? I know you are close friends…Sometimes I think you love her. I'm positive she loves you from the way she looks at you."
Naruto turned to face Samui and said, "If I had not been betrothed to T'lyra I probably would have asked Alison to be my mate when I graduated the Vulcan Science Academy. She has the most brilliant mind of any person I've ever met; bar none. She is very eccentric though."
The young augment woman sat in her mate's lap and started playing with his spiky hair. "You have a harem now. You didn't then. If you love her that much, then I'm surprised you haven't asked her to join." Samui pondered what she knew about Alison. "I know Doctor Fairbanks is a genius and is a spitfire from what I've seen of her. Physically, Alison is a tiny little thing. She has a nice body though. She's also a very lovely girl with her red hair. You two get along well and have known each other for years. I think she'd be happy to be with you. I know I am."
The Vulcan hybrid looked at his blonde mate and raised an eyebrow. "You seem to be very open minded about this."
The blonde bombshell smiled. "I'm an augment. I was basically raised on eugenics you know. I don't have the Fourth Reich dementia my people had but survival isn't just about being the strongest; it's about being the smartest too. Our children aren't going to try to conquer the galaxy or anything but if you want the Shinobi to repopulate and survive you need to be very selective to make sure your children are strong and bright as their Mothers are. Alison is a good choice…Besides; I think you and her would have really cute kids. Our son Siegfried would love to have lots of little brothers and sisters to play with I'll bet."
Naruto gave her a tiny smile and said, "You are a fascinating woman Samui. I am so pleased that you are my mate. I love you."
She kissed him and said, "I love you too Naruto." Then Samui thought, 'I need to talk to him about M'rella too…'
If Naruto picked up on his beautiful blonde mate's last thought; he paid it no mind…
…
Stardate 2274.334, U.S.S. Oberth, Captain's Quarters
Naruto awoke spooning his platinum blonde mate and was feeling rather aroused when they were both blasted into full consciousness by the ships red alert klaxon. Samui sprang awake so suddenly that she knocked the Vulcan hybrid out of bed. She looked sheepish and asked, "Are you okay Naruto?"
Nodding soundlessly; the whisker faced blonde sat up from the cold floor naked and switched his com to audio only. "Naruto to bridge; why are we under red alert?"
M'rella's voice quickly replied; "The entire Starbase is under condition red. Ours came on automatically. We have no explanation currently. There is too much air traffic to sort it out. You're required to be on the bridge Captain."
"Understood." replied Naruto. "I will be there momentarily." He looked at Samui who was already throwing on her uniform. He quickly joined her and the two went to the Oberth's bridge as swiftly as they could…
…
Bridge
Minutes later; Naruto and the rest of the bridge crew got into their combat positions to await orders from above. "The general regulations state that all combat ready vessels are to make ready for departure." stated Rafi. "But we are not combat ready. We don't even have warp power."
"Bring everything up online regardless Lieutenant Rafi." said Naruto. "They may need us outside the spacedock in a support position."
"Aye Captain Naruto." replied the Trill.
As the various engineers and security specialists aboard cleared the decks for a combat situation M'rella said, "Priority message from Rear Admiral Kirk, Captain Naruto."
Naruto raised a questioning eyebrow and asked, "Are they General Fleet orders M'rella?"
The Caitian beauty shook her head. "Negative. It's specifically for the Oberth sir."
The Vulcan hybrid replied, "On screen."
Kirk's face appeared on the main viewscreen, and everyone stood at attention. Admiral Kirk said without preamble, "Captain Naruto, you and your skeleton crew from the U.S.S. Oberth are officially transferring right now. You will be taking command of the ship docked in Berth 1 behind the security partition with the dreadnought U.S.S. Dominion*⑥ which is powering up. Command of the vessel you are taking over will be transferred from Lieutenant Commander Freyja Christianson. She will stay on as your first officer. To make the transfer quicker you will be taking the Oberth over Berth 2 between the Dominion and your new command. There you will be docking to make a direct transfer. Commander Christianson will meet you there to give you your orders. You will be turning command of the U.S.S. Oberth over to the ranking Starfleet Intelligence officer already aboard. You have forty minutes to leave dock. Good Luck. Kirk out."
The screen went blank and the dumbfounded crew of the U.S.S. Oberth thought collectively 'We don't even know the new ship's name!'
Naruto wondered exactly what was going on but said crisply, "Helm, take us over to Berth 2 at three quarters thruster power. As soon as we've cleared the security partition; start plotting the fastest way to dock on the other ship." After making an overhead announcement to the crew the whisker faced blonde ordered everyone to make ready to transfer.
Shar said, "The only reason ships are kept behind a security partition is if the ship is too secret or too valuable to have at an open berth."
"It could be a prototype of some sort." mused Samui.
"Whatever it is; we'll be seeing it momentarily." said Naruto.
Rafi announced, "Now clearing the security partition."
As the Oberth cleared the partition they saw the massive form of the dreadnought NCC-2115 U.S.S Dominion that took up the entire viewscreen. After cutting across the stationary dreadnought's bow, they saw something completely different on the screen…
"What kind of a ship is that?" asked Lieutenant Shores. Its sleek arrowhead shaped saucer was like nothing they'd seen. Neither were the extra-long warp nacelles of the heavy cruiser sized vessel.
Shar's eyes widened, and he said, "Just look at the engines on that thing!"
Rafi smiled and said, "Whatever it is; it looks fast. I like it."
"As do I." said Samui approvingly. "NX-1602? I don't recognize that hull number."
Naruto recognized the ship immediately. "NX-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine*⑦. It's the first of the Wolverine fast cruiser class. I had no idea her construction was so far along." '…What is it doing here of all places?' he wondered.
"You know that ship?" asked Edgar Shores.
The Vulcan hybrid nodded and said, "I designed that ship Mister Shores."
Shores looked a little goggle eyed. He was about to reply when Ensign M'rella cut him off.
"We're being hailed on audio only." said the black furred Caitian beauty. "It's the Wolverine."
"On speakers." said Naruto.
The overhead crackled, "This is Lieutenant Commander Freyja Christenson of NX-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine to the NCC-602 U.S.S. Oberth. The docking port on the starboard side of the primary hull is prepared to receive you."
Naruto nodded at Rafi and said, "This is Captain Naruto M'fau of U.S.S. Oberth to U.S.S. Wolverine, we are beginning docking procedures."
….
Minutes later the Oberth docked with a dull 'clunk' to the Wolverine. Naruto and the Think Tank skeleton crew boarded the fast cruiser Wolverine in rapid succession, and they met the tall, wispy, sandy blonde-haired Commander Christianson who wore the red shirt of an engineer. She brushed her long hair back, saluted and said, "Welcome aboard Captain Naruto. I am honored to meet you. I am Lieutenant Commander Freyja Christianson, and I will be your executive officer. We have a full crew aboard, but they are construction specialists, science specialists and contractors. We also have a double contingent of Marines for Security purposes. There is no standard command crew to speak of which is where you come in."
Naruto motioned his people to head to their battle stations and he said to Christianson, "Take us to the bridge Commander. We have only seventeen minutes to clear the dock. You can tell me about our orders on the way."
Christianson smiled and said, "Follow me. I am very glad that YOU are taking command of the U.S.S. Wolverine in this situation sir." she said.
The Vulcan hybrid raised an eyebrow at the sandy blonde and asked, "Why is that, Commander?"
…As the bridge crew entered the turbolift to the bridge Christenson blushed prettily and said, "You are the only Command Officer in the entire fleet that truly knows what this amazing ship can do…"
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: The IKV Destruction under Captain Ardak Kumerian was historically interned in 2280 but your author moved the date back to 2274 to involve the Klingons in the plot earlier. Not a huge change in the grand scheme of things but Star Fleet Battles players will probably notice.
*②: Empire Security Service (ESS): The Empire Security Service includes internal security and counterespionage branches, but is best known for the security forces which are on all ships to make certain that the subject races do not take control (and to make certain that the officers do their duties to the Empire).
*③: B-Refit: B refits were a general all-around improvement upgrade of Klingon ships. Increased shielding, better fire control, improved drone racks, etc. This is simplified as exact improvements varied a bit between ship classes.
*④: DERFACS: Disruptor Extended Range Fire Attenuation Control System: This fire control system improves the long-range firepower of Klingon ships. It is new in 2274 but virtually standard by 2275.
*⑤: Ubitron Interface Modules (UIMs): Another advanced fire control system developed by the Klingon Empire. It increases the effectiveness of overloaded disruptor fire at medium ranges. It tends to break down due to the fragility of the liquid crystals in it though.
*⑥: Google: Federation Class Dreadnought to see this vessel.
*⑦: Google: Wolverine Fast Cruiser to see this vessel.
The original idea for chapter 50 was a big battle in space but that ended up evolving into chapter 48. So, this chapter ended up becoming a way to tie up some loose plot ends that have been nagging at me for some time. See you next time, Blue out 10/3/23