Naruto: Infinity Divide
Dogs of War
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
A lot of people made requests for this particular plot twist over the years, and I was always reluctant about opening this can of worms… So here we go! Here is Chapter 88, Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
{ } Signifies hand signs
…
Last time:
Stardate 2286.129, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Starbase 3, Spacedock, Berth One
Naruto was talking to Doctor Wilson in his ready room. Shelly was looking over her datapad and said, "The old bastard is in perfect health. Given what he put me through, I'm not sure whether to be disgusted or elated."
The Vulcan gave a tiny smile. "Be elated Doctor. Think of the countless people that can be saved in the future because of your work. Isn't that the goal of every medical doctor?"
Shelly grinned. "I suppose that's a good way to look at it, Fleet Captain. You heard Misawa's going to be in on Admiral Henly's inspection tonight, didn't you?"
"I heard." he answered with a nod. "They are also staying for a formal dinner. Doctor Fairbanks suggested we serve Rear Admiral Misawa a healthy portion of crow."
Doctor Wilson exploded into laughter.
…
That evening, Admiral Henly and Rear Admiral Misawa came aboard for a formal inspection of the U.S.S. Wolverine. Naruto and his crew were in their full-dress uniforms. Adira Henly said, "It's always a pleasure to give perfect marks on an inspection Fleet Captain. You have a splendid vessel."
"Thank you, Admiral." replied the blonde Vulcan "My crew and I take great pride in the Wolverine."
"It shows." replied Henly. "The fastest ship in the fleet… Not everyone can say that."
Rear Admiral Misawa said, "You've also been blessed with a superb Medical Staff and sickbay. I don't get to say that often."
Commander Nodaway said, "You should know better than anyone Admiral Misawa."
…
The Flag Officers were soon sitting with the crew staff at dinner and Rear Admiral Misawa said, "I'd like to propose a toast to Doctor Shelly Wilson and her fabulous work that saved my life despite my reservations about her." He turned to Shelly and said, "Doctor Wilson, I'd like to offer a sincere apology for doubting your work. Please stand up."
As Shelly stood, Misawa said, "On behalf of the Starfleet Surgeons it is my honor and pleasure to present you with the Legion of Honor as well as the Starfleet Medal of Valor." He pinned the medals on her uniform. "This old man was dead wrong about you, Doctor Wilson. You are a shining example of what every Starfleet Surgeon should aspire to be."
…
Chapter 88
Stardate 2286.135, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Federation Space
It had been a few days since the Wolverine left Starbase 3 and they were cruising towards the Sol System at a more leisurely speed of warp factor four. Naruto was looking at the viewscreen from his command chair as they approached the Theta Gamma System, where the Theta VII Colony*① was.
M'rella said, "I'm picking up a lot of subspace radio traffic. We're receiving multiple distress calls from freighters nearing the opposite side of the Theta Gamma System."
Commander Nodaway asked, "Have they said what the situation is?"
The Caitian nodded. "Pirate vessels are in the area and the freighter Captains are panicking."
"Change course to intercept." said Naruto. "Doctor Fairbanks, can you pick up anything at this range?"
Alison looked up from her science station and said, "Sensors show NCC-1704 U.S.S. Yorktown*② under Captain Joel Randolph*③ is dueling two Orion Pirate Raider cruisers. It looks like six small freighters are under Yorktown's protection."
Samui and Rafi both looked back eagerly at the Fleet Captain. The blonde Vulcan said, "Red Alert. Lay in a course for the Yorktown, ahead warp factor eight." Naruto turned to M'rella. "Hail the Yorktown on a closed channel and inform them we are on our way."
Shizuka said, "Shields up, arming phasers. Permision to arm photon torpedoes in proximity mode?"
"Permission granted Shizuka." replied Naruto. "Start sniping them at maximum proximity range."
M'rella said, "I've contacted the U.S.S. Yorktown. They said our assistance is welcome."
"We're within maximum firing range." stated Shizuka. "I have a firing resolution."
"Fire at will Chief Nadeshiko." said the Fleet Captain.
Shizuka had a bloodthirsty smile. "Firing torpedoes one and two!"
Commander Nodaway watched as the two antimatter warheads sailed off out of visual range.
"Holy Hell!" said Nadeshiko. "Torpedo one hit the closer of the two Pirate Raiders!"
Maya Ayasugi said, "That must be some kind of record!"
"Damage?" asked Naruto.
"Negligible, but they are well aware that we are here!" exclaimed Doctor Fairbanks.
The blonde Vulcan said, "Excellent shooting Chief Shizuka. Keep it up."
Two photon hits later, they were in visual range and Alison said, "The two pirate vessels are withdrawing rapidly Fleet Captain Naruto. I guess taking on us and the Yorktown is more than they bargained for today."
Naruto said to M'rella, "Hail the Yorktown, ask Captain Randolph if he wants to pursue."
"Incoming visual transmission from Captain Randolph sir." replied the Caitian with a smile.
Captain Randolph appeared on screen and said, "The Wolverine's timing couldn't have been better, Fleet Captain Naruto. Our job is to protect the freighters headed to the Theta VII Colony. We will not be pursuing."
"Then we will join you, Captain Randolph." replied Naruto. "Perhaps that will deter further pirate attacks."
Randolph smiled. "Your presence is most appreciated."
…
Federation Space, Science Ship NCC-639 U.S.S. Banting
While the Wolverine and the Yorktown were on their way to the Theta VII Colony, the U.S.S. Banting under command of Commander Jacque Gavin was in conducting experiments in the area. The Oberth Class Science vessel was fitted with new, experimental transwarp engines. These were more advanced than previous transwarp drives and if they were successful, they could lead to great advances in warp technology.
The new engines were being field tested for the first time in open space at maximum power after successfully doing low speed test trials in the Sol System. Given the experimental nature of transwarp it was decided that the program should remain secret for the time being.
Gavin was very well versed in transwarp theory and believed that these tests would prove successful.
"Ship's log, Stardate 2286.135, Commander Jacque Gavin reporting. NCC-639 U.S.S. Banting is ready for full power trials and three stationary log buoys have been put in place to monitor this momentous occasion. I have no doubt in my mind that this will open a new chapter in the field of warp mechanics for future generations. Tally ho!"
Then he said to his helmsman, "We are ready for maximum warp. On my mark, 3, 2, 1, execute!"
…The U.S.S. Banting was totally destroyed by punching a hole in space…
…
Stardate 2286.138, Terran Imperial Space, NCC-1602 I.S.S. Wolverine
"What an annoying delay!" thought Admiral Sasuke Tiberius aloud. The I.S.S. Wolverine had just finished crushing a minor revolt on the Theta VII Colony in the company of the I.S.S Yorktown and now they were on the way back to Terra again.
Sasuke Tiberius was one of those who had faithfully followed Emperor James Tiberius Kirk and was disgusted with the new Leader of the Terran Empire, Emperor Spock. 'Spock has deposed Emperor Kirk and now the damned Vulcan has been introducing reforms ever since he took over. I'll avenge you, Father!'
The half Human/half Shinobi Sasuke was originally considered a freak of nature but due to the incredible power of his sharingan eyes, Sasuke Tiberius was now considered one of the most influential Admirals in the Terran Imperial Starfleet. Emperor Kirk had seen this and had been grooming Sasuke to be his son and heir.
'I've been away too long subjugating those Bajoran barbarians. Spock took over and assassinated Emperor Kirk in my absence.' thought Sasuke. That would have been enough for Admiral Tiberius to sail to Terra and claim the throne for himself, but the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance had been fighting hard against the Terran Empire at the time.
Being the patriot that he was, Admiral Tiberius had cut a swath through the pitiful Klingon and Cardassian fleets leading in his flagship, the fast cruiser I.S.S. Wolverine. 'Now the time is the right one!' pondered Sasuke. "I am riding a wave of triumph and cannot be stopped!" he thought aloud. "We are enroute to Terra to wrest the throne away from Spock. I will lead the Terran Empire to victory!"
…
Ready Room
Admiral Sasuke's chief science officer/lover Karin came in his office, and he ordered, "Report!" to her.
Karin saluted and stated, "Something resembling a rip in the fabric of space has appeared."
The Admiral said, "Is a new weapon was being tested?"
She replied, "We have nothing on record. It could be another faction."
"We must act quickly then." stated Sasuke Tiberius. "Change course and begin an investigation." he ordered.
…
Stardate 2286.138, Federation Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau was in his quarters pondering the possibilities of a ceasefire with the Klingons now that the Romulans and the Federation were realistically bordering on a Treaty of Friendship. The last three months of being away from the front reminded him of the real reason he'd joined Starfleet to begin with: to sail the stars and explore.
It was with these thoughts in mind that Naruto heard himself being paged. Commander Jackie Nodaway's voice came through on the overhead, "Captain to the Bridge."
Naruto clicked on his desk communicator and said, "M'Fau here, I'm on my way."
…
Bridge
When Naruto emerged from the turbolift, he saw the bridge was a flurry of activity. "Report." ordered the blonde.
Commander Nodaway said, "We've detected something on the sensors at maximum range. Doctor Fairbanks and Lieutenant Ayasugi are trying to identify it."
Naruto nodded and went over to the sciences stations where Alison and Maya were obviously hard at work. Naruto asked, "What have we detected, Doctors?"
Alison looked up from her sensor station and said, "We've spotted something similar to an interphasic rift, but it's not."
"What is it then?" asked Naruto curiously. "Can you identify it?"
"Not at this range Fleet Captain." replied Ayasugi. "We'll have to get a lot closer to examine this anomaly properly."
"Get the coordinates to navigation." said Naruto. "If it is some type of rift, we need to make sure other ships aren't endangered by it." He turned to Jackie and asked, "Are any other vessels that are supposed to be in the vicinity? We may need to ward them off."
Commander Nodaway looked over the lists and said, "The only other Federation vessel in the area is NCC-639 U.S.S. Banting. She's a science ship of the Oberth Class. The Banting is conducting experiments in the area."
"Where is the Banting supposed to be?" asked the Fleet Captain.
It was Samui that answered. "Her last known location is logged as of three days ago right where that anomaly is."
Turning to the communications station, the blonde Vulcan said, "M'rella, contact Starfleet Command. Inform them that we are searching for the U.S.S. Banting which may have gone missing."
"Aye sir." replied the beautiful Caitian.
…
Captain's Ready Room
Admiral Morrow was in touch with the U.S.S. Wolverine on an encrypted channel mere minutes later. "The U.S.S. Banting was conducting propulsion tests with brand new, experimental transwarp engines. If she's been captured by pirates, it could be a disaster. Find that ship Fleet Captain."
"Understood Admiral." answered Naruto. "We'll need the Banting's logs to try to locate her."
Morrow nodded. "You'll have them shortly. Starfleet Command out."
"U.S.S. Wolverine out." replied the blonde.
…
Terran Imperial Space, NCC-1602 I.S.S. Wolverine
Admiral Sasuke Tiberius was furious with his science staff. "What do you mean, you don't know what it is?!"
Karin shivered. "The rip in space appears to lead to another place like a wormhole but it was apparently stable, and we can't make heads or tails of it. The fact it exists in a two-dimensional plane made it even more mysterious."
Sasuke growled and said, "Communications! Call for the science ship, I.S.S. Banting to come here to investigate. I know they are in the area…"
It took the I.S.S. Banting several hours to arrive and all Sasuke could do was tear his black hair out and wait…
…
Federation Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Fleet Captain Naruto and Commander Nodaway were reviewing the last log entries of Commander Gavin from the U.S.S. Banting. The last one read:
"Ship's log, Stardate 2286.135, Commander Jacque Gavin reporting. NCC-639 U.S.S. Banting is ready for full power trials and three stationary log buoys have been put in place to monitor this momentous occasion. I have no doubt in my mind that this will open a new chapter in the field of warp mechanics for future generations. Tally ho!"
"…Tally ho…" said Jackie dubiously. "Sounds like something Rafi would come up with."
Naruto nodded and said, "We need to retrieve those log buoys. Perhaps we can discern what happened from them. My instincts tell me this was a catastrophe rather than pirate activity."
…
Two hours later the U.S.S Wolverine was near the anomaly retrieving the first of the three log buoys. They were at yellow alert and the anomaly appeared to be a stable, two-dimensional hole in space.
"It's like we're looking through a lens into another universe!" exclaimed Alison.
As they looked through the 'lens,' they saw the I.S.S. Banting come into view with its solitary special sensor scanning the anomaly from the other side. "It's the Banting!" said Maya excitedly. "She's intact."
That's when they received an incoming audio only hail that M'rella put on the overhead. "This is the Terran Imperial Starship NCC-639 I.S.S. Banting. Foreign vessel, identify yourself."
M'rella's amber eyes widened, and Naruto said, "Respond audio only M'rella." He motioned to Alison. "Check the electronic signature of that Banting and see if it matches ours. Something is terribly amiss."
…
Terran Imperial Space, NCC-1602 I.S.S. Wolverine
Admiral Sasuke had the I.S.S. Wolverine out of the line of sight of the two-dimensional rip but could see Naruto's ship via transmissions from the I.S.S. Banting. He heard a purring female voice say, "This is the United Federation Starship NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine. Our intentions are peaceful. We are examining the space/time distortion that lies between our vessels."
His science officer Karin said, "That Wolverine looks like a distorted version of our own ship!"
Sasuke grinned wickedly, "So this is the Mirror Universe that Emperor Kirk told me about. He encountered it during his own journeys…" The Admiral ordered, "Communications, order the Banting to stall them on an encrypted channel. Go to red alert! We are going to capture that vessel. The United Federation of Planets is a bunch of spineless pacifists. They'll never know what hit them!"
…
Federation Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Commander Nodaway said, "I've never even heard of a Terran Empire. Are we looking at some twisted, alternate reality?"
Doctor Fairbanks said, "We've confirmed the I.S.S. Banting has a different electronic signature from the U.S.S. Banting. They also have standard engines rather than transwarp ones."
Naruto was listening to the conversation between M'rella and the I.S.S. Banting. "It's obvious that they are stalling us for some reason. Go to red alert. I sense something is off."
"RED ALERT!" commanded Shizuka as the Federation ship lit up and the crew rushed to their battle stations.
It wasn't a second too soon as the Imperial Starship Wolverine roared through the anomaly and attacked with a full salvo of phasers and photon torpedoes at point blank range…
…
I.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
Sasuke Tiberius roared with laughter. "Bwahahaa! That blew their facing shield down! Drop our own facing shield! Boarders away! Let loose the dogs of war!"
"Our boarders are away!" exclaimed Karin from the science station.
"They are turning a strong shield towards us Admiral!" said his gunnery officer.
"It doesn't matter." said Sasuke with his sharingan eyes spinning in mad glee. "Soon the Federation ship will be ours."
…
U.S.S. Wolverine
"We have boarders!" yelled Shizuka. "Security teams move to defend command systems and engineering. Marines move to counterassault!" The boarding party combat aboard Naruto's ship was savage and the Terran Imperial boarders soon found themselves at a huge disadvantage.
The U.S.S. Wolverine's Marines and crew were among the most experienced and battle hardened in the United Federation of Planets due to years of boarding party combat while commerce raiding deep behind enemy lines…
…
"Let 'em have it!" commanded Scarlett Terrill. The Marine Major's Commandoes weren't giving a centimeter to the Terran Imperial invaders. "These bastards don't stand a chance in hades against us!" she roared.
In the meantime, Lieutenant Edgar Shores was coordinating from engineering. To Admiral Sasuke's boarding parties, it was as if they'd beamed into the mouth of hell itself…
…
Bridge
While a violent battle was being fought inside his ship, Naruto had been trading blows and maneuvers with Sasuke on the outside. It had been about ten minutes now that the two fast cruisers had been twisting and turning around one another trying to gain a decisive advantage.
The I.S.S. Wolverine was ravaged by an unexpected counterattack from the Federation ship's gatling phasers at range zero. The Terran Imperial ship's shields were shredded. On the other hand, the Imperial ship couldn't penetrate the shields of Naruto's ship again because Rafi kept turning a strong shield towards Sasuke's fast cruiser.
That was when Naruto finally came up with a solution to their problem. The blonde Vulcan looked over the sensor readings and ordered calmly, "Shizuka, prepare to fire phasers at the enemy fast cruiser's warp intercooler fins. That ship is in the original configuration with triple fins we had as a prototype. If their fins are damaged, then they will have to shut their warp engines down or risk overload and detonation."
"In other words, we are in a CFX fighting a CF prototype?" asked Samui.
"Precisely." stated Naruto.
"Phasers are rearmed." reported Shizuka grimly.
"Rafi, drop us out of warp in five seconds." ordered Naruto. "Shizuka, once we are dead astern of them, fire at will."
…
I.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
Sasuke was wondering what kind of a demon he was fighting. "Who the hell is he…?" thought the Admiral aloud. The two fast cruisers had been scissoring around one another in a short-ranged knife fight and the Federation ship was still intact! He pondered, 'What are my boarding parties doing? They should have been long since captured that ship by now...'
That's when Naruto's Wolverine suddenly dropped out of warp placing them directly behind Sasuke's fast cruiser. The Terran Empire Admiral saw a short phaser burst hit the rear of both his warp nacelles and the I.S.S. Wolverine suddenly shuddered and fell out of warp as well.
Sasuke screamed, "Engineering! What the hell is going on?!"
His Chief Engineer replied, "Our warp engines are rapidly overheating! I had to shut them down or we would have gone up like the sun! We only have impulse power left online."
"…How?" asked Admiral Tiberius. "How could they have known of such a weakness? We didn't even know!"
"Only someone who could have designed such a ship could have figured out such a weakness Admiral…"
"Our number four shield is down! WE HAVE BOARDERS!" yelled his chief of security.
"This is a nightmare…" whispered Sasuke.
…
U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
"Payback time." growled Shizuka as they started beaming Marines over to the helpless Terran Empire fast cruiser. The last of the invaders aboard the Federation ship had been captured or eliminated and Security Chief Nadeshiko wanted blood.
Major Terrill and her Commandos boarded the I.S.S. Wolverine in survival suits. Scarlett contacted the Federation ship moments later. "This ship's life support has been cut off! These people are dropping like flies! We're headed to the bridge."
…
I.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
Admiral Sasuke Tiberius had been fighting for his life. When his bridge crew realized they were defeated, they turned on Sasuke and a bloodbath ensued. Sasuke had his katana and between his skill with the sword and his sharingan, he and his phaser armed lover Karin managed to survive the onslaught.
"Lock down the bridge and put on a survival suit Karin!" ordered the Admiral. We're headed to the shuttle bay to my personal fighter."
"What about the crew?" asked Karin. "They may revolt as well!"
Sasuke's sharingan eyes spun with insanity. "The crew won't be a problem, trust me. I'm activating the self-destruct and mutiny protocols I had put in place once our survival suits are sealed…"
…
When the Federation Commandos made it to the bridge, they found Admiral Sasuke Tiberius had abandoned his ship having activated 'mutiny protocols' as well as the self-destruct. "What the hell?!" thought Scarlett aloud.
Sergeant Chelsea Pict and her unit cracked the codes that deactivated both the self-destruct and the countdown stopped with 89 seconds to spare. "The 'mutiny protocols' released nerve gas and cut the life support." reported Pict. "I think we are the only ones left alive on this ship, Ma'am."
Scarlett looked at the Imperial ship's logs. "Admiral Sasuke Tiberius abandoned ship with his science officer Karin after activating the self-destruct is all it says."
…
Shuttle Bay
Admiral Sasuke was in a two-seat fighter with his redheaded lover/science officer. "Punch it, Karin!" he commanded. They blew the shuttle bay doors open and jumped to warp speed leaving their stricken Imperial fast cruiser behind.
As they flew by the U.S.S. Wolverine, Sasuke yelled a string of curses before promising, "Somehow, someway I'll be back for you…" The Federation ship didn't have time to activate her tractor beams before the fighter was out of range.
Karin piloted the fighter through the portal to the Terran Empire's space and landed aboard the I.S.S. Banting which quickly fled at maximum speed to get away from the Federation fast cruiser's possible pursuit…
…
U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
After watching Sasuke's fighter escape, Alison was reading the reports, "What a horrible waste of life." she said. "Their commander murdered his own crew!"
"Batlle damage reports are coming in sir." said Shar. "We got off fairly lightly considering the massive number two shield damage from the initial strike."
"Casualties so far are 17 dead and 74 wounded in boarding party combat." reported M'rella. "We captured 37 prisoners including two Marine officers."
Naruto was silent for a moment and said, "We must close that portal that leads to the Terran Empire. In the meantime, I want sciences to start copying the data from the Imperial ship to ours."
…
Captain's Ready Room
Naruto was soon on an encrypted frequency with Starfleet Command, specifically with Fleet Admiral Heihachiro Nogura. The Fleet Admiral was actually pleased to hear from the young Fleet Captain. 'Maybe the boy is starting to trust me a bit.' thought Nogura. He put on his usual game face and said, "It's unusual for you to call upon me Fleet Captain. What's the occasion?"
The Vulcan said without preamble, "We've discovered the fate of the NCC-639 U.S.S. Banting. She was destroyed by punching a dimensional rift into a hostile, parallel universe. The United Federation of Planets' counterpart there is the Terran Empire."
Nogura asked, "Are you saying there in an actual portal to the Mirror Universe in our territory?"
"So, this Terran Empire was previously known?" asked Naruto.
The Fleet Admiral nodded. "Interactions have occurred before but there has never been a stable connection between our universe and the Mirror Universe before, but there have been brief overlaps of individuals*④."
The blonde's blue eyes sparked with chakra. "Well, their ships can enter our universe at will now."
Nogura's expression was grave. "Tell me what exactly happened Fleet Captain."
"The I.S.S. Wolverine came through the passage and attacked us without provocation." said Naruto. "We were able to defeat them and capture the enemy fast cruiser though."
"You captured it?" asked Nogura in disbelief. "…Then there are two Wolverines in our universe?"
"That is correct Fleet Admiral." replied the blonde. "However, their Commander fled back into the Mirror Universe to the I.S.S. Banting and escaped us. I suspect they could be gathering a fleet as we speak to invade given their hostile disposition."
The Fleet Admiral said, "Try to destroy that portal. I will mobilize the Home Fleet."
…
Stardate 2286.139, Federation Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
The crew of the Federation fast cruiser was working furiously over the next several hours. By the next morning, the I.S.S Wolverine was secured for towing and the remaining two log buoys from the U.S.S. Banting had been recovered. They had also uploaded all the data from the Terran Imperial ship in case it was lost or destroyed somehow.
Doctor Fairbanks and the science staff had continued to study the rift between the two universes. "It's a transwarp field 'bubble' that is keeping the distortion to the Mirror Universe open." explained Alison. "It is slowly dissipating as the U.S.S. Banting no longer exists to support it but there is still a danger of Terran Imperial ships coming through in the meantime."
"How long until it dissipates on its own?" asked Jackie Nodaway.
"Ninety-six hours." replied Lieutenant Ayasugi.
"That's far too long." said Shizuka. "The Terran Empire could amass a fleet and attack the Federation."
Naruto questioned, "Do you have a theory on how to collapse the transwarp bubble Alison?"
The Chief Science Officer looked troubled. "We've theorized that a massive matter/antimatter explosion at the center of the bubble could destabilize it and collapse the field instantly."
"Like a warp core explosion?" asked Freyja Christianson.
"That would do it." said Ayasugi. "The other Wolverine could be used to self-destruct."
Kloene interjected, "We could eject the warp core of the I.S.S. Wolverine into the bubble and then tow her out of there before detonation. There's no reason to waste a perfectly repairable fast cruiser is there?"
"Excellent suggestions everybody." stated Naruto. "Let's get to work the I.S.S. Wolverine's warp core."
…
Terran Imperial Space, NCC-2116 I.S.S. Star Empire
Admiral Sasuke Tiberius contacted Captain Hikaru Sulu in Emperor Kirk's former flagship, the dreadnought I.S.S. Star Empire of the home fleet. Sulu has pledged his loyalty to Emperor Spock but had been in secret negotiations with Sasuke to overthrow the Vulcan leader.
Captain Sulu was in his ready room talking to Sasuke abord the I.S.S. Banting. Sulu said, "You are saying you lost the Wolverine and want me the risk the Star Empire Admiral Sasuke?"
"My crew mutinied. That is the only reason I wasn't victorious." lied Sasuke. "You know the Klingon and Cardassian barbarians fell before me, and the Federation will as well. The I.S.S. Star Empire will be there as a deterrent until we can amass an invasion fleet. The Federation won't be prepared for a full-on assault. This will be your chance to get a piece of the glory once I become Emperor and avenge Father."
Hikaru Sulu grinned at the idea of removing Emperor Spock from power. "Consider the Star Empire at your service Admiral Tiberius."
"Excellent!" said Sasuke. "I'm contacting Emperor Spock to inform him of the pending invasion I've discovered from the United Federation of Planets. Once he sends the Imperial Home Fleet we will seize control."
…
Federation Space, NCC-2000 U.S.S. Excelsior
The battleship U.S.S. Excelsior under Captain Hikaru Sulu was one of many Federation ships enroute to the rift between the Terran Empire and the Federation. Sulu remembered the Mirror James T. Kirk from many years prior and an invasion from the Terran Empire could be a massive disaster. He was speaking to Fleet Captain Naruto from his ready room on an encrypted frequency.
Captain Sulu said, "The Terran Empire are savages Fleet Captain Naruto. I can't stress enough that they must be stopped at all costs. If you can, at least delay them. The Excelsior will be there in one hour."
"I couldn't agree more Captain Sulu. The Terran Empire's Admiral executed his own crew citing a mutiny." replied the blonde Vulcan. "We estimate our preparations to close the rift will be completed in fifty-three minutes. Hopefully the Excelsior's presence will be unnecessary."
…
I.S.S. Wolverine, Auxiliary Control Room
The engineering skeleton crew under Kloene's command aboard the Terran Imperial Starship were in survival suits for the simple reason that the I.S.S. Wolverine was full of dead bodies that had been nerve gassed and the sights and smells were nauseating.
'Boy, I will be glad to get off this ship.' thought the green skinned Orion. 'This is awful.' He looked at the viewscreen ahead and saw the U.S.S. Wolverine dead ahead of them with her tractor beam locked on the Imperial fast cruiser. He signaled over his communicator, "Kloene here, warp core ejection in ten seconds…Ten, nine, eight…"
…
U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
The viewscreen was looking aft at the Imperial fast cruiser as Kloene completed the countdown, "…Three, two, one, mark!" They all watched as the warp core shot out of the I.S.S. Wolverine and Kloene said, "Get us out of here!"
"Ahead warp factor two Rafi." ordered Naruto.
That was when the ship shook, and a proximity photon torpedo narrowly missed the from behind. "Viewscreen aft." said Naruto. "Magnify."
They saw the nose of the I.S.S. Star Empire closing rapidly upon them from the other side of the rift. The blonde Fleet Captain commanded, "Rafi, accelerate to warp factor five. Shizuka, target the ejected warp core with our aft phasers. Fire upon it as soon as we are out of detonation range."
That's when they received an audio transmission from the dreadnought. "This is Admiral Sasuke Tiberius in the I.S.S. Star Empire! You can't escape Federation scum! Prepare to be vaporized. I'm taking my ship back!"
Another proximity photon sailed by barely missing the Federation fast cruiser as she tractor beamed her twin forward, "We're out of detonation range!" exclaimed Alison.
Jackie Nodaway ordered, "Fire phasers Shizuka!"
Chief Nadeshiko said, "Firing aft phasers."
The warp core went up like a miniature sun and the transwarp field destabilized and collapsed leaving a cursing Sasuke and the I.S.S. Star Empire behind…
…
NCC-2000 U.S.S. Excelsior, Bridge
From the bridge of the Excelsior, Captain Hikaru Sulu and his crew saw the two fast cruisers sailing safely towards them and away from the matter/antimatter holocaust behind them. They also caught a glimpse of the I.S.S. Star Empire before the rift to the Mirror universe closed permanently. Captain Sulu smiled and said, "Open hailing frequencies."
…
U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
"We have a transmission coming in from the U.S.S. Excelsior sir." said an obviously relieved M'rella.
"On screen." replied Naruto.
They saw a smiling Sulu who said, "You cut it awfully close Fleet Captain. We were preparing for a battle."
"Fortunately, a battle did not take place. We were able to avoid an unnecessary loss of life." said the blonde Vulcan. "Nevertheless, your arrival is a welcome one."
"Is there any way we can assist you, Fleet Captain?" asked Captain Sulu.
Naruto nodded. "You can take the 37 Terran Imperial prisoners from our brig cells. The Excelsior has far greater brig capacity than the Wolverine."
Hikaru stated, "This is going to make quite a report for the Admiralty. Do you need us to take over the towing of the Imperial Wolverine?"
The blonde Vulcan wanted to groan at the mention of the Admiralty. He said, "In spite of our battle damage, the U.S.S. Wolverine's power systems are at one hundred percent. Towing another fast cruiser is not an issue. I would request the U.S.S. Excelsior fly us escort to the Sol System though."
"It will be our pleasure Fleet Captain." said Sulu. "We'll start making arrangements to transfer those prisoners…"
…
Stardate 2286.147, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Sol System, Utopia Planitia Shipyards
A day after arriving in the Sol System, Rear Admiral Lucian Tolm and Captain Vach M'Fau were aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine which was undergoing repairs in Fleet Repair Dock 8. The I.S.S. Wolverine was in FRD-9 undergoing a thorough assessment.
Lucian said, "By our estimates, the former Terran Empire ship can be rebuilt to the same standards as the other Fast X-Cruisers. She's going to be rechristened the NCC-1606 U.S.S. Manta Ray since that name and designation were never actually used*⑤." The old Admiral had a twinkle in his eye. "I have to say you had the most unique way of adding to our fleet."
Vach stated, "The repairs to the Wolverine should take about four weeks, including resupply. The Manta Ray's total reconstruction is estimated at seven months."
That's when the Rear Admiral asked gravely, "Just how big of a threat is this Terran Empire?"
Naruto replied, "I wish I had an answer, Admiral Tolm. Fleet Admiral Nogura has summoned me to a Flag Staff meeting tomorrow to discuss the matter. It is very concerning."
"The Terran Empire's records are being uploaded to Starfleet Command as we speak." said Vach M'Fau.
"The Admiralty was already aware of the Terran Empire." said Naruto. "The question is just how much they already know…"
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Theta Gamma System -It really isn't stated where this system is in the show so I'm placing it near Starbase 3 which is closer to the Federation's core.
*②: NCC-1704 U.S.S. Yorktown -This is a Constitution Class heavy cruiser. It would look identical to the NCC-1701 U.S.S. Enterprise after her refit.
*③: Captain Joel Randolph -He is a canon character seen briefly in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. See Memory Alpha.
*④: Nogura is intentionally being vague here as only top Flag Officers are even aware the Mirror Universe exists.
*⑤: The Fast Cruisers have all been converted into X-ships by this point in the story and are as follows:
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine (CFX) -6th Fleet, Romulan Border
NCC-1603 U.S.S. Stingray (CFX) -5th Fleet, Gorn Border
NCC-1604 U.S.S. Eagle (CFX) -4th Fleet, Kzinti Border
NCC-1605 U.S.S. Gryphon (CFX) -3rd Fleet, Klingon Border
NCC-1606 U.S.S. Manta Ray (formerly I.S.S. Wolverine) (CF under conversion to CFX)
And done! I've never really watched Star Trek: Discovery so there is a lot of data on the Mirror Universe that I'm unaware of. Suffice it to say Sasuke IS the Mirror Universe counterpart of Naruto though. Whether or not he returns is debatable at this point, but he'll probably pop up again eventually. See you next time. Blue out. 4/20/24