Naruto: Infinity Divide
Operation Bandage
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Thanks for the many thought-filled reviews of the last chapter. They always help fuel new ideas. This chapter features some covert operations among other things. It's mainly filler and character development. Here is Chapter 86, Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
{ } Signifies hand signs
…
Last time:
Stardate 2286.114, Planet Trill Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Recreation Deck
A small celebration was held for Rafi by the Think Tank and many friends aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine. As Rafi would be assimilating eleven previous personalities into her own, (not to mention the 660-year-old Symbiont Meta), there were definitely going to be some changes.
Rafi explained, "A Trill Symbiont is joined with a new host through a surgical procedure. The Symbiont is placed within the abdomen where it develops a connection to the host's body. Once they are joined for ninety-three hours, the Symbiont and host become interdependent and inseparable and would die without each other within hours."
"I wish I could be there for the procedure." said Shelly Wilson. "Both Greg and I requested to be there for the surgery but were denied because it's a private Trill matter."
Ino propped her chin up on her hand and said, "I'm more interested in the previous host's personalities."
The Trill helmsman said, "Symbionts take all the memories of the previous hosts with them, so the new host gains those memories as well. I've been reading up on elder Meta's previous hosts and I'll be his twelfth. He's had six male hosts and I'll be his sixth female host so I should have a very balanced personality once I'm joined."
Kloene cringed. "Don't say that Rafi. If you are balanced, then the whole galaxy will change its axis!"
Naruto interjected, "Having met elder Irez Meta, I am certain that Rafi will remain unhinged as ever."
"Awww, come on guys! I'm not that bad!" whined Rafi.
…
Chapter 86
Stardate 2286.116, Planet Trill Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
The U.S.S. Wolverine was in geosynchronous orbit over Mak'ala, the Capitol City of Planet Trill, waiting for arrangements to be made for Rafi's procedure. It would be three days before the ninety-three-hour joining process would take place and Rafi was down on the surface undergoing preparations for her joining. Provided all went well, the recovery would be a short one and they would be celebrating Rafi's welcome home party.
It was all very secretive, and the crew couldn't help but worry about their favorite Trill. Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau was considering granting some shore leave when the ship's long range proximity alert went off. Shar was filling in at the helm and Samui was in her usual position at the navigation station.
Samui said, "It's one of ours, a Federation NCL."
"On screen." said Naruto. "Magnify." A new light cruiser filled up the screen.
M'Rella said, "It's the NCC-1546 U.S.S. Olympia*①. They are hailing us. It's a Commander Leland Coil."
Shizuka muttered, "How did that gorilla get to be a full Commander…?"
Naruto wondered what that was about but said, "On screen."
A huge, bear of a man appeared on the visual. He had a bushy black beard and hair. "Hail and well met U.S.S. Wolverine! I'm Commander Lee Coil of the Federation Fifth Fleet. You must be the famous Fleet Captain Naruto of Vulcan. I saw how you behead that Romulan that attacked you with a sword no less. You're my kind of guy!"
Naruto raised an eyebrow at the man's boisterousness and replied, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Commander Coil."
"The pleasure is all mine Fleet Captain!" bellowed Lee. "We're here in the Trill System on shore leave, what about you?"
"We are here on the Admiralty's orders." answered the blonde.
Coil asked, "If you are going to be here a while, how about some friendly competition?" The man gave a toothy grin and added, "If you are up to the challenge of course."
Naruto decided that changing the subject was the best option. "Perhaps we can discuss it later, face to face. I'd like a tour of the U.S.S. Olympia if you have the time, Commander."
"I'd be delighted!" crowed Lee. "I'll give you the grand tour of the finest ship in the Fifth Fleet!"
"I look forward to it Commander Coil." said Naruto. "U.S.S. Wolverine out."
"Olympia out." replied Coil.
After the screen went blank, Naruto pivoted his chair around to face Shizuka and said, "Well…?"
Shizuka said, "Commander Leland Coil was one of my classmates at Starfleet Academy. Coil barely graduated. He's big and strong as an ox but not quite as smart."
Naruto raised an eyebrow as the rest of the bridge crew exploded into raucous laughter. Once the uproar died down, the blonde asked, "Is there anything else I should know Chief Nadeshiko?"
"Physical competition is everything to that lummox." She frowned. "He probably wants to get his crew in the fighting ring with ours to prove their hand-to-hand prowess is better. I'd wager that's what he meant by friendly competition."
Alison interjected, "So he's dumb as a box of rocks and overcompensates by beating up people weaker than him."
"That's him in a nutshell." agreed Shizuka.
"Greeaatt." said Shar sarcastically. "Include me out."
Commander Nodaway stated, "Inter-ship competitions are an old naval tradition going back to the age of blue water navies. Maybe you should turn the tables on Commander Coil and challenge his crew to a three-dimension chess tournament."
There was a glint of mirth in Naruto's blue eyes, and he said, "We shall see."
"It would help to pass the time instead of worrying so much about Rafi." said Ino. "I think the crew could use a distraction."
"I'll look into it when I go over to the Olympia for a tour." replied Naruto.
…
NCC-1546 U.S.S. Olympia, Bridge
"So that's the famous Naruto of Vulcan." said Leland's First Officer, Lieutenant Commander Arnold O'Toole. "They say he's a genius and has the Think Tank on that ship."
"Bah!" said Commander Coil. "In hand-to-hand combat, being a genius won't help you much. We'll test their mettle."
O'Toole asked, "Shouldn't we get ready for an inspection sir? Naruto is a Fleet Captain."
"We probably should Arnie." answered Coil. "Our last one wasn't so great."
The XO sweat dropped as the Olympia fell into orbit of Planet Trill in formation with the Wolverine…
…
U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
"I really shouldn't say anything because I'm not the helmsman that Rafi is…" said Shar. "…But the U.S.S. Olympia is positively all over the sky."
"I noticed that too." said Jackie Nodaway. "I wonder if they have a bad thruster or it's just poor ship handling."
"Either way it needs to be fixed." replied Samui. "I'm glad we aren't in a tight formation."
…
Transporter Room One
Naruto was getting ready to beam over to the Olympia and Shizuka, Heidi and Kloene were there to see him off. Shizuka asked, "Are you sure you don't want a phaser rifle, just in case?"
Heidi snorted. "It sounds like you're beaming into a real zoo. Perhaps you should take a bodyguard like Chief Nadeshiko here."
"Marine Major Terrill is also available." added Kloene helpfully.
"We're getting a transmission from the U.S.S. Olympia." said Hiedi. "They are ready to receive you Fleet Captain."
Naruto stepped onto the transporter platform and said, "Energize."
…
U.S.S. Olympia, Transporter Room
Naruto materialized aboard the Olympia and saw Commander Coil and his Executive Officer waiting along with their transporter chief. Naruto gave the Vulcan salute in greetings and said, "Peace and long life, Commander Coil."
"Welcome aboard the U.S.S Olympia, Fleet Captain Naruto!" boomed Leland. "This is my XO, Arnold O'Toole. The two of us will be showing you around the ship today." Both officers shook hands with Naruto and Commander Coil commented, "Somehow I expected you to be taller Fleet Captain."
Naruto raised an eyebrow at Coil who was well over two meters tall and thought, 'Was that meant as a slight?' Deciding it wasn't worth concerning himself with, the blonde said, "Shall we proceed with the tour, gentlemen?"
…
'The Olympia is in sorry shape for a relatively new vessel.' thought the blonde as the inspected the ship. Naruto was used to everything being clean, neat, and shipshape. The U.S.S. Darwin had been spotless, as had the U.S.S. Gettysburg. The U.S.S. Wolverine had always followed that tradition as well.
The U.S.S. Olympia…smelled. It was disorganized and dirty. Naruto's sensitive nose was nearly overwhelmed. That was when they went onto the recreation deck. "May I present… THE RING!" thundered Commander Coil. "This is where we test our physical prowess here on the Olympia. It's the pride and joy of our ship!"
The ring was enormous, and Naruto wouldn't have expected such a large sparring ring on anything short of a Starbase. 'It's completely overkill as Alison would say.' thought the blonde Vulcan. 'What an inefficient waste of space.'
Leland took Naruto's silence as awe. "I'll bet you've never seen anything like this on a cruiser before!"
"You are correct Commander; I have not." replied the Fleet Captain in a tone as flat as plane geometry.
…
Captain's Ready Room
"You strike me as a betting man, Fleet Captain." said Commander Coil as he poured them some Saurian Brandy and chugged his in one go. "What would you say to a little wager?" he asked as he refilled his glass.
Naruto thought, 'Here we go.' "What is it you wish to wager on?" asked the blonde.
"I thought we might have a sparring competition in the ring." said the big man with a smile. "I'm willing to lay down 20,000 credits that my crew will win."
Naruto said, "We are having a three-dimensional chess tournament aboard the Wolverine. Perhaps you'd consider participating in both, winner take all?"
Leland let out a thunderous laugh and clinked glasses with Naruto. "Done! You're on, Fleet Captain!"
…After Naruto beamed back over to the Wolverine, Arnold O'Toole asked his Commander, "With all due respect, are you out of your mind sir?! That's a ship full of geniuses! They're going to slaughter us at chess!"
"I figure we'll kill them in the sparring ring." said Leland. "The worst thing that could happen is we break even…right?"
Arnold face palmed…
…
U.S.S. Wolverine, Transporter Room
Commander Nodaway was waiting for Naruto when he returned. She said, "How did it go sir?"
The Fleet Captain said, "We'll discuss the matter in a staff meeting at 18:00. Right now, I need a shower to wash the smell off."
"That bad sir?" asked Heidi.
"Actually, it was worse." replied Naruto. "The U.S.S. Olympia needs to be fumigated."
"Ouch." said Jackie. "I take it they would have failed a formal inspection?"
Naruto nodded. "Any Admiral's inspection would have torn them apart. I saw no logical reason to do so."
…
Staff Ready Room
"…And my Marine Commandoes should be a good match for them in this giant sparring ring they have aboard the U.S.S. Olympia." said Major Scarlett Terrill confidently. "It won't hurt that Chief Shizuka and Lieutenant Commander Schrodinger are wrecking machines as well. You're no slouch yourself Fleet Captain. Are you going to participate?"
"I'm not above putting Commander Coil in his proper place." said Naruto. "But we Captains agreed to stay out of it and supervise the spars."
Shizuka smiled widely. "I still wish I could see that oaf go down. We'll give them an extra hit for Rafi since she can't be here to cheer us on."
"That's the spirit!" said Samui. "We'll kick their collective arses!"
Ino shook her head. "While I'm generally a pacifist, this sounds like it will lift our crew's spirits."
"Perhaps we should start examining the crew roster of the U.S.S. Olympia to size up the competition." said Shar. "It wouldn't do to go in blind."
Freyja Christianson said, "Engineering will be polishing up our chess skills."
"As will sciences." added Alison. "The Wolverine will blow them away!"
Doctor Wilson said dourly, "…And Medical Division will be patching up the injured…as usual."
…
Planet Trill, Capitol City of Mak'ala
Rafi was talking to Samui on her communicator. "It sounds like I'm missing out on all the fun. Make sure you record the Olympia's crew crying after they lose. I want to see it."
"I will." replied Samui. "We'd all rather be down there with you Rafi."
The Trill smiled. "I know. Naruto probably agreed to this to keep everyone distracted so they wouldn't worry so much."
"How are you and Meta doing?" asked the blonde bombshell.
"I think Meta is even more excited than I am!" exclaimed Rafi. "The mental exercises we are undergoing are very intense for both of us."
Samui questioned, "Are you afraid of the surgery?"
"Well, it isn't like I'm looking forward to being cut open, but the ninety-three-hour bonding process is the delicate part." explained Rafi. "Once we are through that it will be smooth sailing. I'm more worried I'll lose my edge at the helm."
"I'm not." stated the Augment. "You are the best helmsman in the fleet. If anything, you'll just get better."
"Thanks, Samui." said the Trill.
The blonde smiled warmly. "You're my best friend, Rafi. I have total faith in you."
…
Stardate 2286.119, Planet Trill Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Rafi was sending out her final message before the surgery began. "I want to hear about the Wolverine's victory after I wake up."
"You will Rafi." assured M'rella. "We're going to lay them to waste."
"You just focus on you Rafi." said Ino. "We are all thinking of you and Meta."
"Alright, I'll see you all in a few days when I wake up." said the Trill woman. "Go, Wolverine!"
…
Recreation Deck
…The Three-Dimensional Chess Tournament started three hours ago, and Kloene was on a roll. The crew of the U.S.S. Wolverine was going full steam. Chief Engineer Patterson of the U.S.S. Olympia was Kloene's opponent, and the green skinned Orion swore that smoke was coming out of Chief Patterson's ears.
Across the room, Doctor Alison Fairbanks delicately moved her queen into position and said, "Checkmate."
Her opponent stared in shock and asked, "What just happened?!"
The lithe redhead's green eyes glittered, and she said, "You just lost."
…The humiliating slaughter was so bad that Patterson said to Kloene, "I fold!"
"That's cards." replied Kloene.
"Alright, I concede then!" screeched Patterson.
'…Like lambs to the slaughter…' thought Jackie Nodaway as she supervised the dismemberment of the chess team from the U.S.S. Olympia. She was good at chess herself but not on the level of Engineering or Sciences.
Patterson was soon on his communicator with Commander Coil. "It was a clean sweep in their favor sir. All twenty-four of us lost in the first round."
"WHAAAATT?!" screamed Coil in disbelief.
…
U.S.S. Olympia, Recreation Deck
Naruto was on his own communicator with Commander Nodaway. She said, "We won twenty-four to zero in the Wolverine's favor Fleet Captain Naruto. It was a flawless victory."
Naruto heard Leland Coil's minor coronary in the background. 'It sounds like Commander Coil just got the good news.' "That's excellent to hear Commander Nodaway. Tell everyone, very nicely done."
"How are things going on the Olympia sir?" asked Jackie.
Naruto was watching as Scarlett Terrell finished off her opponent with a vicious shoulder charge that knocked the man out. He nearly winced at the crunching noise. "So far, the competition has been very fierce. It's fourteen to ten in our favor and we're starting the second round."
…
Coil's Security Chief was looking mutinous at his Commander. He whispered, "You didn't tell us we'd be fighting Marine Commandoes! Even if they lose it's like fighting junkyard dogs. My men are getting savaged even if they win!"
"Stop your whining, Lieutenant! We WILL succeed. Tell them all to buck up for the second round." ordered Leland. 'I have a small fortune riding on this!'
…
Scarlett was Team Captain for the Wolverine. "Alright. fourteen of us made it to the second round. I want you all to knuckle down and crush the ten that are left. You all know we are the best. Let's win this!"
Naruto watched analytically as Scarlett led the troops and he stayed out of it per his agreement that Leland Coil stayed out of it as well. The second round was as brutal as the first and soon it was eight to four in the Wolverine's favor. Major Terrill was doing a superb job leading her Marines and Samui and Shizuka were the only non-Commandoes left.
Both sides were taking a break to get some electrolytes in their systems and the Wolverine's and Olympia's medics were patching up those still fighting. Shizuka had already traded some vicious verbal barbs with Leland about the so-called friendly competition and the bear of a man was furious.
Finally, Coil lost his temper and stormed over in front of Naruto red in the face. He pointed over at Shizuka and roared, "I want that bitch thrown out for speaking disrespectfully to a superior officer!"
Naruto's eyes sparked with chakra, and he said evenly, "You yourself said there are no ranks in the ring."
Leland bared his teeth. "I did say that didn't I?" Then he took a two-handed swing at Naruto with everything he had. Naruto dodged the hammer punch and countered with a Kareel-ifla strike of his own. The blonde struck Coil in the gut hard enough to make the big man curl up in the fetal position on the ground, gasping for air. Naruto kneeled over the stricken Commander and whispered, "If you ever call my wife a bitch again, I will dismember you, no questions asked. Am I understood Commander?"
"Y-yes sir!" rasped Coil. "M-my apologies sir!" Then he passed out…
Naruto stood up and called for the Olympia's medics to take care of their fallen leader before he motioned for Lieutenant Commander O'Toole to step forward. O'Toole was perspiring heavily in fear at the killing intent coming off the Fleet Captain. "Do you wish to continue this contest, or do you concede O'Toole?" asked the blonde.
Looking over at his four wrecked, remaining men and completely demolished Commander, Lieutenant Commander O'Toole said, "On behalf of the U.S.S. Olympia, I'd like to concede sir. Victory is yours."
Naruto nodded. "A wise decision Lieutenant Commander. Tell Leland Coil that he lost his bet of 20,000 credits when he wakes up. I'll expect it to be deposited in the U.S.S. Wolverine's ship's funds by tomorrow if not sooner."
Commander O'Toole winced. "Yes sir, I'll inform him as soon as he wakes up."
…
Stardate 2286.120, Planet Trill Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
The next day, Naruto was sitting in his Ready Room talking with a much more subdued Commander Leland Coil on a private channel. Coil looked bad and was still in the U.S.S. Olympia's sickbay. The Commander said weakly, "I must apologize for my behavior Fleet Captain, I was totally out of line. I owe an apology to your wife also."
The blonde nodded and said, "Shizuka Nadeshiko is a highly decorated Starfleet Officer of the highest caliber. She holds the Starfleet Medal of Valor and many others for her actions above and beyond the call of duty."
"I had no idea." admitted Leland. "She graduated at the top of our class and was always the best. Even at hand to hand combat I couldn't beat her… I guess I owe you some credits per our bet. O'Toole said you wanted it in your ship's funds instead of your private funds, is that correct?"
"The crew won the bet, I didn't." said Naruto. "They deserve it."
"I understand sir." answered Coil. "Please pass my apologies along to Lieutenant Commander Nadeshiko."
"I will. A word of advice Commander." said the Fleet Captain.
"Yes sir?" asked Leland.
Naruto drummed his fingers. "Get your ship and your act together and clean them up. When I took your tour of the Olympia it was filthy and had an unprofessional appearance. You are in command of a starship, not an entertainment arena. If an Admiral were to show up and do a surprise inspection, then you would lose your command if not your head."
"I…thank you sir." said Coil. "We'll redouble our efforts."
"I hope so Commander, for your sake. U.S.S. Wolverine out." said the blonde Vulcan.
"Olympia out." replied Leland Coil.
Naruto thought aloud, "I'm starting to sound like an old man…"
…
"Ship's Log, Stardate 2286.123. Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. We have received the most welcome news the Rafi and Meta's joining was a complete success, and that Rafi Meta is eager to rejoin the crew of the Wolverine. She is currently undergoing counseling from the Symbiosis Commission regarding her new status and abilities."
"Once we have tested her new skillset she will resume her duties as the Wolverine's primary helmsman. She has been missed in the short time she was gone."
"Doctor Wilson and the Medical Staff are to be commended for their outstanding service as always. The contestants from the sparring contest are back in fighting trim thanks to our medic's efforts."
…
Stardate 2286.123, Planet Trill, Capitol City of Mak'ala
Starfleet Lieutenant Daniel Simmons was with his loyal Orion friend, Lieutenant Kloene. They were in plainclothes and were in the darkest, most corrupt parts of the City of Mak'ala, directly below the Trill Senate Tower which was the main seat of government on the planet.
Their job was to hack into the Trill Central Database because they were on a shopping trip for their Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Shelly Wilson. Their mission: Get Trill Medical equipment for Shelly or die trying.
…
Flashback…
The two Engineers had been summoned to Doctor Wilson's Office where Shelly was waiting for them along with their friend, Doctor Gregory Hammond. Shelly said, "Alright boys, you know as well as I do this Symbiosis Commission controls everything revolving around Symbionts and hosts, and as a result, Greg and I can't treat our friend Lieutenant Rafi."
"I've tried every legal channel there is to get Trill diagnostic equipment and information so Greg and I can help Rafi if she or Meta get hurt somehow." said the good Doctor. She held up a credit stick and said, "Naruto provided an obscene amount of credits on this so you two can go down to Mak'ala and obtain two full sets of the needed medical equipment and the data to use them."
Greg said, "In short guys, we need you to hack into the Trill Central Database and get the equipment illegally. Good luck, and good hunting."
Daniel and Kloene asked as one, "Don't we have any say in this?"
Shelly replied, "NO. Naruto provided the money, I provided the mission and you two have the skills. Now go!"
Flashback end…
…
City of Mak'ala
Simmons looked up from his tricorder screen at Kloene and said, "I'm in! I found the data we need. The medical equipment we need is manufactured by the Trill Science Ministry*② which is where Rafi got her degrees… It looks like there is a purchasing commission that sells the equipment to hospitals."
"What are we going to do then?" asked Kloene. "Should we steal them or buy them illegally?"
"Isn't that just semantics?" asked Daniel. "I mean, buying illegally is essentially stealing with a middleman."
Kloene facepalmed at his friend's antics. "Don't be pedantic, jackass! Start digging deeper for an illegal source of the stuff we need."
Simmons nodded and said, "Trill Diagnostic Tool and medical kit…blah, blah, blah…for emergency treatment of Symbionts and hosts! This looks like what we need assuming it comes with a manual. Oops, someone's trying to trace us, time to change locations and hack another terminal."
…
Six hours and five terminal locations later, Kloene and Simmons found data on a Guardian*③ named Shula that could get them what they needed, deep in the Caves of Mak'ala*④.
Daniel snorted, "So we have a corrupt Trill spiritual leader selling illegal goods right in the fabled holy land."
"There's one in every crowd." replied Kloene with a smile. "It sounds like we've found our man. Let's change locations and contact this guy."
…
Caves of Mak'ala
Shula was a highly respected, older Trill Guardian who often bestowed blessings upon the people of Trill for an appropriate donation of credits (on the side of course). He was very secretive and kept his little enterprise well hidden from the Symbiosis Commission that he worked so diligently for.
Guardian Shula was going about his rounds, checking on the pools in the Caves of Mak'ala to make sure the temperature and protein levels were perfect for the Symbionts within.
That's when he received an incoming message on his unregistered (and highly illegal) communicator. Sequestering himself away from prying eyes and ears, Shula said, "Seekers of knowledge, how may I enlighten you this beautiful day?"
He heard Kloene give the appropriate password, "We are but humble pilgrims seeking your guidance, Guardian Shula."
It took all of ten minutes to arrange a meeting on the surface that evening…
…
City of Mak'ala, Surface
The big Orion was all smiles and opened his communicator on an encrypted frequency. "Kloene to Wolverine, come in Wolverine."
M'rella's purring voice responded, "Wolverine here, I read you loud and clear Kloene, patching you direct to Doctor Wilson."
Simmons said in shock, "Our favorite, sweet natured Caitian is in on this piracy?"
"Quiet down Danny." whispered Kloene. "Never underestimate the power of the great Doctor Shelly."
The communicator crackled, "Wilson here. Did you find the items in question?"
Kloene said, "Yes. We've arranged to procure them from a dealer. Do you want the specs?'
"Affirmative." answered Shelly. "Upload them to me."
"Wilco." replied Kloene as he nodded at Simmons who hit the transmit button on his tricorder.
"I've got it." said Doctor Wilson. "…Good…very good… You boys have done well. How long till it's all aboard?"
"We have to buy them first!" whispered Daniel.
"Alright. Contact me after you've procured the items in question." said Shelly as she signed off.
"Such a cruel mistress we have..." said Simmons.
Kloene was still staring at the communicator in disbelief. "No kidding."
…
Planet Trill Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Sickbay
How goes it, Shelly?" asked Doctor Gregory Hammond as he came into Doctor Wilson's Office.
Shelly smiled and said, "Those two have done even better than I'd hoped. Look at what they found."
Greg looked at the monitor and whistled. "This is some really high-end equipment. Where did they find it?"
"I don't know and don't want to know as long as it's safely aboard the Wolverine so we can treat Rafi if needed." said Doctor Wilson with a grin.
"You are an evil woman, Doctor." stated Greg.
"Flattery will get you nowhere with me Doctor Hammond." laughed Shelly.
…
Planet Trill, Capitol City of Mak'ala
Daniel Simmons and Kloene were waiting in a side alley when Shula arrived with a big, burly bodyguard in a security uniform of some sort. Shula came up and said, "You aren't Trills!"
Daniel was about to reply when Kloene motioned him to remain silent. The big, green skinned Orion held up a credit stick and said with a smile, "We speak the holy word, Trill or not."
Shula looked hungrily at the credit stick and said, "I see we understand each other well. Come my friends, I will help you towards enlightenment."
The Guardian led them into a hidden passage that led to a small warehouse stacked up to the ceiling with boxes of who knows what. Shula said to his guard, "Keep them company while I get the two packages."
The big guard nodded and remained silent. Shula came back about ten minutes later with two silver suitcase sized packages with handles on them.
Kloene said, "Open them. My associate and I want to see the goods."
Shula smiled and opened the two cases showing the medical equipment was new in the containers. Simmons quickly ran his tricorder sensor over the medical equipment and said, "It's the genuine article and complete except for the proprietary activation keys."
Shula chuckled. "Those will be extra my young friends."
Daniel Frowned but Kloene took it in stride. The Orion said, "How much for the complete package of two with activation keys?"
"1,000,000 untraced credits." said Shula.
Daniel gasped and Kloene smiled. "Let's negotiate." said the Orion.
Two hours later, Shula was perspiring heavily at the fiercest haggling he'd ever been involved in his entire life. The Guardian was mentally running on fumes. He said "735,000 untraced credits. That's my final offer."
Kloene whistled. "The road to enlightenment ain't cheap… Done! He dialed up 735,000 on the untraced credit stick from Naruto and said, "I trust you have a safe transfer box?"
Shula pulled out an unregistered transfer box and both Shula and Kloene inserted their credit sticks. Seeing 735,000 credits were transferred correctly, Shula handed over the cases and activation keys and showed them out of a hidden exit.
…
Outside
Daniel and Kloene each had a suitcase and an activation key to match. Simmons got his communicator out and said tiredly, "Mission successful. I have two to beam up with cargo directly to sickbay." They vanished seconds later in the shimmering of a transporter beam.
…
Planet Trill Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Sickbay
Kloene and Simmons appeared on board the Wolverine in sickbay. They saw Leatta smiling at them and Shelly and Greg waiting with eager eyes. Doctor Hammond grinned and said, "Let's see the goods."
Kloene set the cases up on the table and said, "Straight from the Trill Science Ministry to you Doctors. Here's the credit stick."
Doctor Wilson took the stick and said, "I'll get this back to Naruto." Then she opened the first case and started examining the equipment. "Excellent!" she gushed. "Greg, we are in business. We'll need to study and learn to use the instruments properly of course but the main thing is we now have the means to take care of Rafi."
"Operation Bandage is a total success!" crowed Doctor Hammond. "You guys did great!"
…
Captain's Ready Room
Daniel Simmons and Kloene were cleaned up and back in uniform. They were chatting with Naruto informally about the whole sordid affair called Operation Bandage. The blonde Vulcan said, "Though it's off the record, Bravo Zulu gentleman. You've done the Wolverine a great service and Rafi will appreciate it greatly."
"Speaking of Rafi; how is she?" asked Daniel in a concerned tone.
"She is well." reported the Fleet Captain. "Rafi will be returning from her procedure tomorrow with a clean bill of health. The Guardians are giving her last-minute training as we speak. Our helmsman will have a coming home party tomorrow night. She apparently has a few items to beam up from Trill for her quarters in the morning."
"How much do you think she'll be changed?" asked Kloene.
Naruto replied, "I do not know but I look forward to meeting Lieutenant Rafi Meta."
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: NCC-1546 U.S.S. Olympia -This is another Kearsarge Class vessel which are very common in the Federation Starfleet by this point.
*②: Trill Science Ministry -Is an educational institute and one of the premier learning facilities of science in the United Federation of Planets, on par with the Vulcan Science Academy.
*③: Guardian -Trill Guardians are a group of (usually) unjoined Trills that are dedicated to the care of unjoined Trill Symbionts. They also serve the wellbeing of the Symbionts after they are joined, and help new hosts adjust to preserve that wellbeing. They are considered leaders in Trill spirituality.
*④: Caves of Mak'ala -These are a series of interconnecting underground caves below the City of Mak'ala on Planet trill. Deep within these caves are kilometers of connected pools of a milky substance which is the natural environment of the Symbionts.
And done! Inter-ship rivalries could be rough. I read a book on the Battleship U.S.S. Arizona (BB-39) in the 1930's and some of the boxing and wrestling matches they had were downright brutal.
I enjoyed writing Operation Bandage. Originally it was going to include a chase/getaway scene, but I ended up dropping that as too over the top. Next chapter we'll meet Rafi Meta and finish up her arc. See you next time. Blue out. 4/6/24