Naruto: Infinity Divide
Crossing Borders
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
This chapter is transitional, so there is not much action. We also catch up with our favorite Klingons! Here is Chapter 92, Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
{ } Signifies hand signs
…
Last time:
Stardate 2286.187, Sol System, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Starfleet Bureau of Design & Repair
Rear Admiral Lucian Tolm was looking over Commander Jaqueline Nodaway's application to command the NCC-1606 U.S.S. Manta Ray and thought aloud, "Now I can see where Naruto is coming from. He's never asked a favor of me, ever."
That was when his subordinates Captain Hiro Suzuki and Captain Vach M'Fau came in to join him and give their reports.
Lucien asked Vach, "What is the estimated time to completion of NCC-1606, Captain?"
"The CFX U.S.S. Manta Ray is proceeding on schedule and should be completed on Stardate 2286.357 sir." answered Vach.
"So just before New Years." mused Tolm.
"Aye, sir." replied Captain Vach. "We have encountered no issues and structurally it is identical to the other pre-refit fast cruisers."
Lucian grinned and said, "Your grandnephew made a personal request of me Vach. Naruto said he had a most logical officer to command the U.S.S. Manta Ray and asked me to sponsor her."
Vach raised an eyebrow and said, "That is most unlike him."
The Rear Admiral stated, "Take a look at her dossier. I'm thoroughly impressed."
A few moments later Suzuki whistled. "I can see why Fleet Captain Naruto regards her so highly. She's basically been groomed for the position."
"Commander Jaqueline Nodaway seems like an eminently logical choice to command the newest fast cruiser." said Vach. "I agree with Captain Suzuki's assessment."
"Then you two wouldn't mind sponsoring her as well?" asked Lucian.
Hiro smirked. "Having all three of us recommend her would virtually cement her position unless a full Admiral has someone else in mind…even then it would be debatable. I take it you want to lock her in the position Sir?"
"That's correct Suzuki." said the old Admiral. "She was on the tail end of the U.S.S. Wolverine's X-refit so we should transfer her in as soon as possible."
"When do you need our sponsorship papers?" asked Captain Vach.
"Yesterday." replied Lucien.
Suzuki smiled. "We'll both get right on it, Admiral."
…
Chapter 92
Stardate 2286.188, Kangor System, Klingon Starbase K-11, Berth 6, D7W I.K.V. Dawnstalker
Two months ago, Captain Kiba Warrigul was transferred off his trusty D5 I.K.V. Rapier that had served him so well over the years. The light cruiser had been badly damaged in battle with the Kzintis and for a moment Kiba was afraid his career was over or worse. However, as it turned out, he was being rewarded!
Kiba was given the task of supervising the final construction of the brand new D7W*① battlecruiser, I.K.V. Dawnstalker which he would take command of upon completion. Even better, his Executive Officer was an incredibly sexy (as well as very smart and competent) Klingon female named Tamaki Kozak. (He was composing love poetry to woo her in his spare time).
Having secured a female of impeccable genetic qualities (even if she hated him for now), Kiba was having a bit of Klingon blood wine in his cabin to celebrate his good fortune. That was when his luck ran out. His least favorite Rear Admiral in the Imperial Klingon Deep Space Fleet was coming to do an inspection…
The brand new C7*② heavy battlecruiser I.K.V. Plague came cruising into Starbase K-11 under the command of Kiba's Mother, Rear Admiral Tsume Warrigul. Though she was strict and roaring angry as usual, Tsume was incredibly proud of her son. She'd just never let him know it…
…
Captain's Ready Room
After a particularly brutal inspection, Admiral Tsume was talking with Captain Kiba and his first Officer Tamaki in private. "In spite of things being a bit rough around the edges, you pass inspection Captain Warrigul." said Tsume. She set a holographic chip on Kiba's desk and activated a map image. She said, "Tell me what you both see."
Tamaki analyzed the image quickly and said, "It looks like two cruiser sized battles took place near Cardassia Prime a week ago on Stardate 2286.182 before someone left at…Warp twelve?! There must be a mistake on the speed…Then they shot right through the badlands between our territory and the Kzinti's. Who would have had the gall?!"
Kiba barked out a laugh. "I'll tell you who. Naruto of Vulcan, my old friend. He's faster and more slippery than a greased targ. This has him written all over it. He was probably pillaging Cardassian territory and escaped as always."
"The Nightstalker is your friend?" asked Tamaki astonished.
Tsume smiled viciously. "You are correct Kiba, it was the Nightstalker…and the speed is no mistake, Commander Tamaki. The cruiser U.S.S. Wolverine is the fastest ship in the entire United Federation of Planet's fleet. It's long gone…Klingon Deep Space Fleet Command wants to know what the Federation was doing there in Cardassian Territory to begin with."
Kiba wanted to faceplant in horror but matched his Mother's feral smile. "…And the honor falls upon the I.K.V. Dawnstalker to find out!" 'May the gods help us!'
The Rear Admiral nodded. "Exactly! The Cardassians may have resources worth plundering and we need to find out what they are before the Federation seizes them."
Tamaki asked, "What do we know about the Cardassians?"
Surprisingly, it was Kiba who answered. "We know very little about the Cardassian Union. They are secretive and guard their borders viciously. The Kzinti's clashed with them about fifty years ago and said what the Cardassians lack in quality they make up for in quantity."
"You seem well informed Captain Warrigul." said a frowning Tamaki.
Kiba smirked. "I wrote an academic paper in my academy days about cutting through their territory to attack the Kzintis but that was back before the Federation and the Kzinti Hegemony were allied. At the time it was plausible. I was given access to our intelligence on the Cardassians because they weren't considered a threat worth studying."
The Dawnstalker's Captain pondered for a moment and said, "That was fifteen years ago Admiral. Have we learned anything about the Cardassians since then? Surely something of interest has come to our attention or they wouldn't be sending a battlecruiser to do a scout's job."
"We know they have at least seven inhabited systems and possibly eight. Who knows how many uninhabited systems they claim." said Tsume. "We've been studying them passively for a long time now." She slid a data tablet across the desk and said, "That's a copy of everything the Klingon Empire knows. It isn't much. Come up with a plan to present to me before you leave the dock. You have four days before launch." 'Succeed my son.'
…
After Tsume left, Kiba exhaled deeply and picked up the data tablet. "It seems we have a trial ahead of us Commander Kozak. The Empire is depending on us. Let's get to work."
Tamaki was surprised by Kiba's suddenly serious demeanor. 'He usually acts like a total idiot around me.' "A question before we begin sir?" she asked.
Kiba raised his eyebrows. "Yes?"
Tamaki was puzzled. "How did you come to call the Nightstalker your friend?"
The Captain looked dumbfounded for a split second and then grinned. "I was aboard the I.K.V. Destruction when she was captured by the Federation. Did you know that, Commander?"
Tamaki rolled her eyes. "Why am I not surprised?"
Kiba's face fell. 'Charming as ever.' he thought. "I'd transferred aboard only four days before the infamous mutiny occurred. I spent more time aboard the Destruction as a prisoner than a helmsman."
She asked, "So what happened?" with genuine interest.
Captain Warrigul soon regaled her about being freed and under watch at a Federation Starbase security and how he met Naruto*③. "…After I insulted his mate, the Vulcan bastard thrashed me so badly that I was thrown from the ring and passed out from the pain. But afterwards he personally made sure I got proper medical treatment and I realized he was an honorable but very dangerous warrior."
"…Years later he rescued my ship the I.K.V. Investigator from crippling damage and probably saved my life*④. I was a watch officer then. We were in the Neutral Zone, so they had every right to destroy us. When I asked him why he didn't, he said we were friends. After that considered him my good friend as well. I even gave him a Warrigul Family D'k tahg to prove it."
"…And I know after this war is over Naruto and I will have a drink together to celebrate."
Tamaki was honestly impressed that Kiba didn't hold some sort of huge grudge. "You are a strange one Captain Kiba Warrigul."
Kiba smiled wolfishly. "I believe that's the most complimentary thing you've ever said to me Commander Kozak. Now then, we have a recon mission into Cardassian Territory to plan."
…
Stardate 2286.190, 40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan, Plains of Gol, M'Fau Family Retreat
Talok awoke feeling happy and sated. Her eyes were bright and the last three days had been amazing. However, she looked around the tent and saw it was totally demolished… as was Selik. He was lying on his back on what was left of the bed with one arm wrapped around her narrow waist. She brushed his hair away from his face and found him to be very pleasing to her eyes.
'Selik is handsome.' she thought as she looked over his face and body. 'He has a good, strong build too. I hope he has a kind personality. I don't remember talking to him very much. I was lost in a haze. I wonder if he knows self-defense. If not, Father and I can teach him out in the Forge.'
That was when she realized they were both totally naked in the low light. She blushed green but then thought about it and decided that it would be logical to learn to be comfortable this way.
'I wonder if Selik will be as pleased as I am. I feel wonderful. I will wait till until he wakes up.' Then she yawned. 'Perhaps I will sleep a bit longer myself.' She laid her head upon his chest and wrapped her arms around him before dozing off…
…
Selik's hazel eyes fluttered open about two hours later and he noticed two things: his beautiful new mate's incredible body was curled up with his and she had him in an iron grip. He saw her sleeping face and thought, 'By the gods she's beautiful…But she's like a wild animal! I thought I was going to die! My entire body is exhausted to the core. I have never experienced anything like this before.'
'…For the first time in years I feel happiness again…' he thought before drifting back to sleep.
…
Planet Vulcan Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Jackie Nodaway woke up bleary eyed at the infernal beeping of an incoming message. It was noted as prerecorded but to be read as soon as possible. "It's probably my fitness review or something." Muttered the XO. She tiredly submitted to a retina scan and read the following:
Notification of Transfer:
Name: Jaqueline Nodaway
Rank: Commander
Serial Number: xxxx-xxxx-xxxx
Orders: Commander Jaqueline Nodaway is hereby transferred from Fast Cruiser NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine to the Fast Cruiser NCC-1606 U.S.S. Manta Ray effective immediately. Report to Utopia Planitia Shipyards Floating Repair Dock 9 at 05:00 as of Stardate 2286.200 to assume command of U.S.S. Manta Ray.
Starfleet Command
"…OH MY GOD!" cheered Jackie, "In ten days I assume command of the U.S.S. Manta Ray!"
…
Captain's Ready Room
Naruto and T'Lyra had returned to the ship leaving Talok and Selik with the simple message to call when they were done. It had been days now and Naruto was catching up on his paperwork. He had received orders to promote Heidi Gaul to Lieutenant and Jackie Nodaway to full Captain. He was immensely pleased to promote his friends and also knew that the U.S.S. Manta Ray would be in good hands.
…Which unfortunately left him without and Executive Officer…AGAIN. That was when Commander Nodaway raced in without knocking and excited beyond words. "…The fast cruiser Manta Ray! She's mine Fleet Captain!"
Naruto gave her a tiny smile and said, "You've earned it, Jackie. Now stop jumping around like a Cadet and stand at attention so I can pin your Captain's Bars on you." She stood at attention and Naruto said, "It is my honor to promote you to full Captain, Jaqueline. May the wind always be at your back. Congratulations Captain Nodaway."
When Jackie stepped out onto the bridge, she saw the entire senior staff was there applauding her. Jaqueline got a tear in her eye and said, "Awww guys…"
…
Planet Vulcan, ShiKahr City, T'Ara and Sovar's House
Naruto and Talok's parents awoke feeling totally rejuvenated. They had a wonderful little vacation together and were eager to start a new day. That was when they found a slew of messages had been left by Sovar's Mother Varek. They also saw three messages from Talok and three from Naruto.
"We should watch them in chronological order." said T'Ara. "That seems to be the most logical way to review these communications to us. Other than Mother Varek, none of them were informed that we were in Pon Farr."
After two hours of watching frantic messages (primarily from Varek) they watched Naruto's final message. "The situation has been resolved." reported Naruto. "Talok is at the M'Fau Family Retreat with her new mate Selik M'Fau. It is my hope that they are a good match for one another."
The blonde continued. "We are currently in orbit aboard the Wolverine above ShiKahr City, and you may contact us at your leisure. Due to circumstance, we have until Stardate 2286.196 before we must leave again, and my mates and I hope to hear from you."
He finished by saying, "I informed Lady Varek as well so hopefully you will not be bombarded with messages from her."
Seeing there were six more messages from Varek, Sovar and T'Ara thought as one, 'Too late.'
…
Kangor System, Klingon Starbase K-11, Berth 6, D7W I.K.V. Dawnstalker
"Personal Log of Commander Tamaki Kozak, Stardate 2286.190. I honestly am shocked. Captain Kiba Warrigul has come up with an extremely cunning plan to slip into the Monac Star System on the far side of Cardassian Territory. The Dawnstalker is a powerful vessel, but our maiden voyage is a scout mission. The Monac System is right on the Klingon-Kzinti devastated zone so ships from all sides tend to avoid it."
"Though I have been involved in the plan's logistics, this bold idea is all Captain Kiba's. If we are successful, then we should be able to gain masses of data by using this back corridor into Cardassian Space. If this plan succeeds, we will receive great honors."
…
Klingon Starbase K-11, Berth 2, C7 I.K.V. Plague
Rear Admiral Tsume Warrigul was sitting in the flag quarters of the I.K.V. Plague when her son Kiba arrived. 'What has Kiba come up with? An ordinary (and acceptable) plan would be to skirt the Klingon-Cardassian Border and look for bases but to uphold the House of Warrigul's reputation we need to do more. Show me what you've got my son. Make your Mother proud.'
Her yeoman rapped on the door and said, "Captain Kiba Warrigul has arrived Admiral."
"Let him in." growled Tsume. Seeing her son enter she said, "What do you want? I gave you four days Kiba. It has only been two."
Kiba grinned showing his sharp canines and said, "I did not need four days to plan this operation. You said you wanted it presented to you for approval." He slid a holographic chip across the table and stated, "Here it is."
He activated the chip and Tsume scrutinized every detail asking questions when appropriate. Finally, she said, "It is a daring plan worthy of our House, Kiba. Your orders are to succeed and report back to me safely my son."
Kiba saluted and was dismissed. Then he realized Tsume had acknowledged him as her son. 'I don't know whether I should be honored or afraid. Maybe she was drinking too much…that must be it.'
…
Stardate 2286.191, 40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Naruto's wives were in his quarters wondering how Talok and her new mate Selik were doing. They were all concerned and discussing the situation. "What happens if mates don't get along T'Lyra?" asked Shizuka.
T'Lyra replied, "Typically they fulfill their biological needs and move on. I hope Talok and Selik will have a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship though. Naruto said that Selik M'Fau seemed very purehearted. I believe that the two need to get to know each other before they can make a proper decision about getting married though."
"I still don't fully understand Vulcan marriage rituals and I'm married to one." said M'rella. "Of course, I was married to Naruto in a traditional Caitian wedding."
"You haven't experienced Naruto in Pon Farr yet M'rella." said Shizuka dreamily. "It's wonderful when you both completely give yourself to one another."
"Shizuka is right." agreed Samui. "I want that for Talok. She deserves someone special who truly loves her, and she loves back."
Alison said, "If Hanesh and Evoras favor him then I believe Selik must be a very special person. I hope it works out for them or at least they become good friends."
"Talok was out of control." said T'Lyra. "If nothing else we owe our thanks to Selik for taking care of her in her time of need."
"Considering they both come from musical backgrounds they could flourish like Great Grandmother Evoras and Great Grandfather Hanesh have." said Naruto as he entered the room.
"You seem very positive about things working out, Naruto." said Alison.
The whiskered blonde nodded. "If Selik can handle Talok's wild ways then I believe they will find happiness together."
"Talok's wild ways?" asked Shizuka. "The sister-in-law I know is as level-headed and logical as T'Lyra here."
The beautiful brunette gave a tiny smile. "Talok is monstrously strong at V-Shan and her dancing is a virtual explosion of passion. Between the two Selik has a very wild mate…much like her brother is to us."
Naruto just blushed…
…
Kangor System, Klingon Starbase K-11, Berth 6, D7W I.K.V. Dawnstalker, Staff Room
Kiba was standing before his senior staff and explained, "We are entering the Monac System on the far side of the Cardassian Union upon a reconnaissance mission at the orders of Deep Space Fleet Command. We're going to get a description of the system from Executive Officer Kozak and then we will field some questions." He turned to Tamaki and said, "If you would Commander?"
Tamaki brought up a holographic map and said, "The Monac Star System is made up of a common yellow dwarf star and four planets. We believe Monac I, II and III are uninhabited as they are close to the star, but Monac IV is far enough away from it that the planet may be able to support life. Our long-distance scans in the past before the General War broke out indicated a lot of subspace activity there, possibly due to mining."
"How recent are the deep scans that we have?" asked the helmsman.
"Our most recent deep scans of the system were eight years ago, before our Lyran Allies attacked the Kzintis (again) and started the General War." replied Commander Kozak. "For obvious reasons we have not had the resources to keep watch on the Cardassian Union."
"The sciences tech asked, "Why the sudden interest in the Cardassians to begin with?"
"Because the United Federation of Planets has entered their territory." said Kiba. "Most notably, Naruto of Vulcan himself was there."
The gunnery tech gasped. "Then they have something the Federation wants!"
Kiba grinned. "Our job is to find out what the Federation is after. There may be resources there to plunder for the war effort and the Empire will need to seize them first."
"Where was the Nightstalker?" asked the senior watch officer.
"Naruto of Vulcan was in the Cardassian Home System." replied Tamaki as she pointed at the holographic map. "There were at least two cruiser battles from what we can tell before he left Cardassian Union Territory. As the Cardassians are most likely increasing their security around Cardassia Prime, we should be able to slip into the less defended Monac System easier than we would otherwise."
After discussing several topics with the staff, Kiba closed the meeting by saying, "The Empire is depending on us. We will not fail. The Dawnstalker sets sail at 06:00 hours on Stardate 2286.192."
…
Planet Vulcan, ShiKahr City, T'Ara and Sovar's House
T'Ara and Sovar were talking to Naruto and his wives from their home on the viewscreen. "It is good to see you all looking so well." said Sovar. "We have spoken to Mother Varek as well as Grandfather Hanesh and Grandmother Evoras. They say things have quieted down in Selik's tent. T'Ara and I plan to go out to the M'Fau Family retreat once things are settled. We would like you to join us."
T'Ara added, "You and T'Lyra did well Naruto, though it was on such short notice. Mother Varek praised your actions highly. I know you do not like her, but she did come to Talok's aid in her time of need. It seems logical that you should forgive Mother Varek for the way she treated you as a child. She always was there for Siegfried while you were away."
Naruto sagged a bit. "If Talok finds happiness with Selik M'Fau then I will forgive Lady Varek."
Sovar had a twinkle in his eye. "Did you actually say you had a grudge against her as wide as the Plains of Gol?"
The blonde Vulcan blushed and said, "I was not aware that it would be repeated."
"Your Great Grandparents found it to be quite a profound statement." replied Sovar.
Shizuka stifled a snort and Samui covered her smile with her hand.
Alison was amused at her husband's obvious discomfort and said, "I'm sure things will work themselves out."
"Which reminds me; why do Hanesh and Evoras refer to Varek as little Varek?" asked T'Lyra. "I have always been curious about that."
"That is simple. She is the youngest of their nine children." explained T'Ara.
"NINE?!" exclaimed all of Naruto's wives (except T'Lyra).
"We Vulcans are very long lived." said Sovar.
Shizuka's light green eyes widened. "If we had nine children each there would be forty-five kids!"
"We'd probably lose track of their names." said M'rella in distress.
T'Ara raised an eyebrow and said, "We do expect grandchildren Naruto."
Naruto raised his eyebrow identically and replied, "Quality before quantity Mother."
Sovar nodded. "I am sure Siegfried will be a good elder brother to all forty-five of your little ones."
…
Stardate 2286.192, Kangor System, Klingon Starbase K-11, D7W I.K.V. Dawnstalker
The Dawnstalker was ready for her maiden voyage and had just cleared the docking bay at one-quarter thruster power. They made the jump to full impulse power once all systems showed green.
Kiba remembered being helmsman on his Mother's command cruiser, the I.K.V. Dawnslayer. He shuddered involuntarily at the memories of Tsume bouncing his head off the helm station. The Captain said, "Engineering, is warp showing online?"
"We show all green sir!" replied his Engineering tech eagerly.
Kiba grinned, "Let's break her in gently. Ahead warp factor one. Execute!"
Like a great predator, the brand new Dawnslayer roared ahead leaving Starbase K-11 behind her. Destination: The Monac System of the Cardassian Union.
…
40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan, Plains of Gol, M'Fau Family Retreat
Talok and Selik M'Fau emerged from their tent and promised one another that they would get to know each other better before marriage but for now they were both very pleased. They'd cleaned up and dressed before going to see Hanesh and Evoras to declare their intentions to live together. Hanesh was tuning his ka'athyra when he saw the young couple coming towards him hand in hand.
The Elder saw the happiness in their eyes and called to his wife, "It seems that Selik and Talok have emerged at last."
Evoras poked her head out of the tent and said, "Bring them inside Hanesh, they can have breakfast with us."
Hanesh waved at the pair and said, "Join us in the green tent for some breakfast."
Talok led Selik in by the hand and said, "Please accept my deepest apologies for causing so much trouble."
Evoras got a tiny smile and said, "These things happen Talok. Judging by the lightness in your steps, you both seem satisfied with your arrangement."
Selik blushed as he looked at his mate and Talok said, "We are most pleased. Is big brother Naruto and sister T'Lyra around? I want to thank them for coming to my aid."
Hanesh watched as Selik wolfed down his own weight in food. "Slow down boy, there is plenty to eat." He turned to Talok and said, "Your parents and your brother and his wives are awaiting news from you. After you both have a good breakfast, you can call everybody and inform them of the good news."
"Wives?" asked Selik with a tiny bit of shock in his voice.
Talok had mirth in her onyx eyes and said, "My brother has five wives. They are all satisfied with their arrangement."
…
Planet Vulcan Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
T'Lyra was very pleased to hear from Talok and Selik. "Naruto and the girls will be off duty soon and we can come down to congratulate you in person. It evokes great satisfaction in me knowing things worked out well."
Selik said, "I hope to make a good impression upon your family."
The beautiful brunette nodded. "If you make Talok happy then we will get along fine."
Talok was excited (by Vulcan standards). "Mother, Father, and all of you will be here. Perhaps Selik can play his ka'athyra for us and I can dance for everyone. I wish Siegfried and his mate could be here as well, but they are on Earth."
"I look forward to it." said T'Lyra. "I eagerly await hearing your playing of the ka'athyra Selik."
…
Planet Vulcan, Plains of Gol, M'Fau Family Retreat
That evening there was a large celebration for Selik and Talok. Naruto and his wives had a wonderful time and Talok's dancing was electric and lit up the entire Retreat. Naruto formally forgave his Grandmother Varek and even agreed to address her as Grandmother which pleased her immensely.
Selik found his new in-laws were very welcoming and kind, much to his relief. Talok eagerly introduced her new mate to each of Naruto's wives who all were genuinely happy to meet him. He found the exotic alien women in their crimson M'Fau robes to be very beautiful, but his eyes were all for Talok. The young Vulcan seemed to be in utter bliss watching his beautiful mate dance…
Naruto was sitting with his Father Sovar and Great Grandfather Hanesh enjoying some Vulcan Port. Hanesh said, "You made little Varek very happy this evening, Naruto. On her behalf I thank you."
"Yes, it was logical to forgive Mother my son." said Sovar.
Naruto just shrugged. "I did it for helping Talok."
Sovar patted his son on the shoulder. "One day at a time Naruto."
…
T'Lyra asked, "You are pregnant Mother T'Ara? This is wonderful news."
"It is Talok and Selik's night." said T'Ara serenely. "My news can wait until tomorrow…How could you tell?"
The brunette tapped her temple. "I can sense the baby's psychic presence. You know my psionic abilities are above average."
Varek sat down with the two and said, "What are you two whispering about?"
Both T'Ara and T'Lyra's eyes grew large as they thought, "Oh no!"
Soon the entire M'Fau Retreat was talking about T'Ara and Sovar having a third child…
…
"I believe congratulations are in order Sovar." said Hanesh. "Let us hope the baby is every bit the genius his or her big brother and sister are."
Sovar took a swig of port. "We were going to wait until tomorrow to share the news." 'Damn it, Mother…' He looked over and saw Talok and Naruto's wives sitting around T'Ara talking about children.
Selik came over and said, "Congratulations on the new addition to your family."
Sovar replied, "I thank you Selik. We were intending to wait until tomorrow truthfully. We wanted tonight to belong to you and Talok."
The younger man stated, "I can tell Talok is very pleased. I only see this as a good thing."
Naruto nodded. "You seem very dedicated to Talok. I hope you live long and have many children together."
"Like forty-five?" asked Sovar with a smirk.
"You aren't helping Father." retorted the blonde.
…
Rafi Meta was very excited. She'd been invited down to the M'Fau Family Retreat to show them Helios Meta's artwork, the holographic painting, 'The Fan Dancer.' The sun had just set and Rafi backlit the orb projecting the image of Evoras M'Fau when she was in her teens. Everyone was dazzled by the realism and Hanesh smirked. "We were betrothed then and already had a deep bond."
Evoras crossed fingers with her husband affectionately. "Imagine how Hanesh and I reacted to the Trill artist when he came up to me, told me he loved me and wanted me to be his muse forever. I found it highly illogical, but Hanesh was incensed. It was one of those rare times I had to calm Hanesh down instead of the other way around."
She turned to Rafi, "It seems that Helios Meta was an amazing artist. Thank you for sharing this marvelous piece of art with me. It brings back memories of long ago."
"So, what was your impression of Helios Mata?" asked Samui curiously.
Evoras thought for a moment and said, "To use human terms he was a creepy stalker."
Rafi nearly fainted in shock, and it took all Samui's willpower to not explode into laughter at her best friend's expense…
...
Stardate 2286.195, 40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Three days later, a huge feast was held aboard the Wolverine to celebrate recent promotions and to congratulate Captain Jaqueline Nodaway's new command, the NCC-1606 U.S.S. Manta Ray. Jackie's best friend Captain Ozumi Otome greeted them from the NCC-1511 Prinz Eugene via subspace and shared some of the anecdotes of their early careers together.
"…And then there was a wild-eyed bunch of kids that we met called the Think Tank*⑤." laughed Otome. "Jackie and I were thrown in a ship-to-ship combat simulation with them and found out they chose who was Captain by drawing straws! We were supposed to show them how it was done but they showed us instead!"
Speeches were given by many, and Jackie had a great time surrounded by friends both old and new before promising to make the U.S.S. Manta Ray a premier vessel in the fleet like her fast cruiser sisterships.
…
Stardate 2286.200, Sol System, Utopia Planitia Shipyards, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Lieutenant Heidi Gaul made sure all was set to beam Captain Jaqueline Nodaway over to her new home, the NCC-1606 U.S.S. Manta Ray. Jackie came into the transporter room in her dress uniform and looked around fondly before she said, "I'm going to miss this ship and everyone on it. It's been a pleasure serving with you Chief Gaul. You and the rest of the Think Tank stay crazy for me, okay?"
Heidi saluted. "No worries there, Captain Nodaway. Good luck. You will be missed."
Jackie returned her salute. "Until we meet again Heidi. Energize."
…Seconds later, the Transporter Chief received confirmation from the U.S.S. Manta Ray that their new Captain was safely aboard. "Lieutenant Gaul to bridge, Captain Nodaway is safely away."
"Understood Heidi." came Samui's voice from the bridge. "I wonder who we'll get to replace her. She was a damn good Executive Officer."
"I don't know Commander Schrodinger." replied the Transporter Chief. "They'll have some mighty big shoes to fill."
"That's the truth." said the blonde bombshell. "I'm sure our Fleet Captain is going through dossiers as we speak."
"Poor bastard…" thought Heidi aloud. "Oops! Strike that from the record!"
Samui laughed. "I'm sure he feels the same way. Record deleted…"
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: D7W -This is a heavy command cruiser and is analogous to the Federation's heavy command cruiser like the U.S.S. Gettysburg.
*②: C7 -This heavy battlecruiser is a larger and more powerful ship than the D7 series. It is a flagship somewhere between a battlecruiser and a dreadnought. Google: Klingon C7 Heavy Battlecruiser.
*③: See Chapter 50.
*④: See Chapter 57
*⑤: See Chapter 22
Next chapter will most likely focus on Kiba and his crew and Naruto looking for a suitable Executive Officer. See you next time. Blue out. 5/11/24