Naruto: Infinity Divide
Defender
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
This chapter we get to see a new XO chosen and the Cardassian situation continues to escalate. Here is Chapter 94, Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
{ } Signifies hand signs
~ ~ Signifies singing
…
Last time:
Stardate 2286.228, Bajoran System, Planet Bajor, City of Ashalla
After two weeks of solid debate, the Chamber of Ministers was deadlocked. The First Minister and half of the Chamber was in favor of a cultural exchange with the Federation and signing some sort of treaty of friendship whereas the other half feared they would incur the wrath of the Cardassian Union and be drawn into a conflict by signing such a treaty with the United Federation of Planets.
The deep-seated fear of the Pah-wraiths permeated the entire Chamber of Ministers, and the Vedek Assembly was urging them to decide in favor of gaining the Federation's support. Finally, the Kai herself took a hardline stance.
Kai Renla stated in an impassioned speech, "…I have spent the last few days consulting with the Orb of Prophesy and Change. The Pah-wraith and Cardassian threats are too great to ignore, and both the Vedek Assembly and the Chamber of Ministers should act as one body to do what was best to protect the Bajoran people."
"…It is my belief that signing a treaty of friendship with the United Federation of Planets is the best way to do this. We will remain independent, trusted friends of the Federation but will allow them safe haven in our system. The fact that they brought us this warning is proof enough to me that a threat truly exists, and they have the power to help us."
"…Let us end this debate and vote now for the future of Bajor."
The Vedek Assembly voted unanimously in favor of the Kai's views this time and the Chamber of Ministers voted three-fourths in support of the Kai as well.
…
Stardate 2286.229, Bajoran System, Planet Bajor Orbit, NCC-1802 U.S.S. Darwin
Commodore Mei Terumi was a bit baffled. Minister Toya Letan was on the main screen and said, "The Bajoran Republic would like to formally invite the United Federation of Planets to join in a Treaty of Friendship with us. In this spirit, the people of Bajor look forward to visits from Federation vessels seeking safe harbors."
Mei wondered 'Just what the hell happened in the past two weeks down there on Bajor? They go from being (rightly) suspicious about us to wanting a Treaty of Friendship? I'd better not look a gift horse in the mouth.'
The Commodore smiled and said, "You do not know how delighted I am to hear this news from you Minister Toya. I will contact the Federation's Diplomatic Corps to send a team so we can write a mutually beneficial treaty. I'm sure this will be the first of many great things for both of our peoples in the future."
…
Chapter 94
Stardate 2286.230, Sol System, Starbase 1, Spacedock, Berth 4, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Konohamaru Sarutobi arrived aboard the NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine via shuttle with high hopes. The young Lieutenant Commander would be lying if he said Naruto of Vulcan wasn't one of his heroes. Naruto's papers at the Starfleet Academy had changed Konohamaru's outlook on tactics and strategies.
The Battle of the Void Asteroid Belt, Operation Southern Cross used against the Romulan Empire and the papers on commerce raiding were all brilliant pieces of work and now the young Lieutenant Commander was going to meet Fleet Captain Naruto in person!
Flashback…
Captain Shanna Williams was talking to Konohamaru in her Ready Room aboard the U.S.S. Eagle as he prepared to leave for the Sol System. "Just remember one thing above all else Sarutobi. Fleet Captain Naruto is a Vulcan. You gushing and attempting to flatter him will get you nowhere. I realize you admire him greatly but trying to stroke his ego won't work."
"Do you have any other advice Ma'am?" asked Konohamaru.
Shanna looked thoughtful and said, "Show him you are sharp and open minded. Prove to him that you are willing to learn. He wrote the book on commerce raiding and is a damn fine teacher. …And one last thing, I know you are a smart young officer, but that ship is full of geniuses so don't get cocky…"
Flashback end…
…
Now Konohamaru was in the shuttle bay of the Wolverine looking at the 'kill board.' He was astounded. The U.S.S. Eagle had a 'kill board' as well as an outstanding service record. But the U.S.S. Wolverine's record was easily twice that that of the Eagle. Young Sarutobi was dazzled. 'Service on both the Klingon and Romulan Fronts. Five War Cruises, Eight Unit Citations including the Romulan Peace Mission and so many Battle Stars. …amazing.'
That was when the big Orion Lieutenant Kloene came walking up. "Can I help you, Commander? No offense but you look a little lost."
Konohamaru swiveled to face the Lieutenant and said, "I was just amazed by this ship's record, I'm Lieutenant Commander Konohamaru Sarutobi and I'm here for an interview with Fleet Captain Naruto of Vulcam."
The green man grinned and shook hands with Konohamaru. "Nice to meet you. I'm Kloene from Orion. I'm the ship's Assistant Chief Engineer. Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine Commander."
"Thank you." said Konohomaru with a bright smile. "I really hope that I get stationed aboard."
"Time will tell." said Kloene. "Do you need directions to the bridge?"
The Lieutenant Commander looked a bit sheepish. "I ended up here two hours early. The shuttles were running ahead of schedule for once."
Kloene chuckled, "Well I just got off duty. I can show you to the officer's lounge if you want to take a load off and relax."
Konohamaru replied, "That would be great."
…
Officer's Lounge
Konohamaru was soon having a light meal with Kloene and their resident computer genius, Daniel Simmons. Danny and Kloene were playing three-dimensional chess while they ate.
Sarutobi was watching as the two players moved their pieces at near warp speed and finally, Kloene grinned and said, "I concede Doctor Simmons, you'll have me a checkmate in four moves."
Daniel smiled. "Good game Doctor Kloene."
The Lieutenant Commander blinked. "You're both Doctors?" asked Konohamaru.
Simmons nodded and he explained, "My Doctoral Degrees are in Computer Science and Computer Design and Kloene has Doctorates in both Warp and Impulse Engine Architecture."
Sarutobi's eyes widened. "You're both part of the famous Think Tank then?!"
Kloene and Daniel both nodded uncertainly and Konohamaru said, "Wow! They say you are the most brilliant group that ever graduated the Starfleet Academy!"
The big Orion smiled weakly and said, "We're just a bunch of eccentrics. You'll find that most of us are very informal since everyone can answer to Doctor."
Konohamaru's chronometer beeped, and he exclaimed, "I have only fifteen minutes before I meet Fleet Captain Naruto!"
Daniel yawned and stretched. "Come on Kloene, let's escort the Lieutenant Commander to the Captain's Ready Room so he won't get lost."
…
Bridge
Naruto was going through his data on the next interview of one Konohamaru Sarutobi. The last one (an Andorian female) looked very promising until she started screaming like a banshee at a subordinate officer for not using proper ranks and protocols. (Lieutenant Maya Ayasugi addressed Alison by name instead of Lieutenant Commander).
'Shame, another one on the rejected pile…' thought Naruto in disappointment. 'So far I have thirteen rejected, two maybes, and three to go.'
Yeoman Cutler said, "She seemed very talented, sir."
Naruto replied, "She also would have made the crew go deaf."
Emery wasn't sure if the Fleet Captain was serious or not… "Our next candidate is Lieutenant Commander Konohamaru Sarutobi. Ah! His Grandfather is-"
"…Admiral Hiruzen Sarutobi, Commander of the 6th Fleet and Starbase 10." said Naruto. "I'm well aware Yeoman."
"Of course, sir." groveled Cutler. 'How am I supposed to gain the Fleet Captain's confidence? He always keeps his own counsel.'
They heard a crisp knock on the door and Naruto said, "Enter."
Konohamaru stepped in, tripped over his own feet, and fell flat on his face with a SSPPLLAAAATTT! noise.
…
Sick Bay
Doctor Shelly Wilson was smiling as she straightened and healed the damage to Konohamaru's broken nose. The young man was crying anime tears and he said, "I just made a complete fool out of myself in front of my hero! I've never been so embarrassed in my life! I'm never going to get this position now."
Doctor Wilson finished fixing his nose and said, "How does that feel Lieutenant Commander?"
Sarutobi blinked and said, "There's no pain at all." She tapped his nose and moved it around at bit. "That's great Doctor! It doesn't hurt a bit."
Shelly said, "Good. Your interview is in an hour Commander. The Fleet Captain moved it back. I swear, the men in your family…"
Konohamaru asked, "You've met some of them?"
"When I was still a Cadet aboard U.S.S. Darwin, I treated Commander Asuma Sarutobi for some amateur acrobatics he did on the bridge*①" she reminisced. "It was a bad ankle sprain as I recall. Now straighten yourself up Commander. You must be ready for your interview…Better yet, Leatta, get Commander Sarutobi shipshape for his interview with Fleet Captain Naruto."
The lovely Orion nurse came over and said with a smile, "Stand at attention sir, let's get you straightened up and ready."
…
Bridge
Forty-five minutes later, Lieutenant Commander Konohamaru Sarutobi reported back for a second attempt at an interview. He knocked and heard the Fleet Captain tell him to enter. 'You can do this Sarutobi.' he thought to himself.
Naruto said, "Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine, Lieutenant Commander Sarutobi. I trust you've recovered from your earlier mishap?"
Konohamaru blushed slightly and said, "Yes sir, you have an excellent medical staff."
"Good." said the blonde Fleet Captain. "This is the ship's Yeoman, Emery Cutler. He'll be taking notes today. Let's all be seated and get started."
Naruto went through the scripted questions from personnel and Konohamaru answered them professionally but was obviously nervous. His earlier faceplant was weighing heavily on his mind. The blonde Vulcan said, "I've met your Grandfather and served under your Uncle. I was wondering why you didn't list them as references."
Konohamaru's eyes turned steely, and he said, "I can stand on my own two feet sir."
The Fleet Captain nodded in approval. "Very good Commander. Now let me ask you a few questions about tactics…"
…
Konohamaru was dismissed an hour later. The young officer was exhausted mentally. Naruto had asked him some very difficult questions about ship handling, tactics and strategies that really made the young Lieutenant Commander think hard. 'My brain is running on fumes. I need a drink.' he thought to himself as he walked off the U.S.S. Wolverine's gangplank and into Starbase One…
…
Stardate 2286.232, Sol III, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Nogura's Staff Room
Admiral Heihachiro Nogura was discussing the Bajoran situation with his staff. "Even assuming that peace goes through with the Klingon Empire, it isn't like we can just move the 4th Fleet to Bajor to guard them against a potential attack from the Cardassian Union. At most we could spare a couple of cruisers on a regular basis. According to Commodore Terumi, the Bajoran Republic is all but totally defenseless. Any suggestions?"
Admiral Fitzpatrick stated, "What we need is a base in Bajor as a deterrent. The problem is we need one there yesterday."
"The time and cost of building a Battlestation in Bajor would be enormous." stated Admiral Cartwright. "Can we rely solely on Klingon intelligence?"
Admiral Morrow asked, "Who else but the Klingons has any direct contact with the Cardassians?"
"Well, there is Fleet Captain Naruto." said Fitzpatrick. "But I'd hate to even ask for his opinion…"
…
Sol System, Starbase 1, Spacedock, Berth 4, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Captain's Ready Room
Naruto M'Fau was looking over his remaining three candidates to be his new Executive Officer when he received an encrypted message from Starfleet Command. The Fleet Captain sighed and wondered what was going on now. 'Has the Klingon ceasefire already collapsed?' he wondered. 'It's hardly had time to start.'
After submitting to a retina scan, the blonde saw Nogura's stern visage on the screen. The Fleet Admiral wasted no time and said, "Fleet Captain Naruto, I have a hypothetical question for you."
Naruto raised his eyebrow in his usual manner and asked, "What is this hypothetical question sir?"
The Fleet Admiral's eyes narrowed. "Say, hypothetically, that the Cardassian Union was gearing up to invade both the Klingon Gallip System and the nearby neutral Bajoran System. The Bajorans want to sign a friendship treaty with us but are virtually defenseless. We need a deterrent to keep the Cardassians out without starting a war. What would you do?"
Naruto pondered for a few moments and said, "I would call upon our Machu allies and ask them to move Steel City 031*② from the Cherubim System to the Bajor System in orbit of Bajor XI. They agreed in their treaty to watch out for Federation interests and asking them to act as a deterrent to the Cardassian Union would certainly qualify."
"Do you think the Machu would actually agree to this?" asked Nogura.
The Fleet Captain nodded. "The Machu caretakers are beings of logic. Realistically, they have little to lose by moving to Bajor as their defenses could easily overwhelm a large fleet of Cardassian vessels."
Heihachiro smirked. "Do you have an XO yet?"
"I have it narrowed down to three applicants, sir." said the blonde.
"Choose with your gut then Naruto." said Nogura. "The U.S.S. Wolverine sets sail for the Cherubim System at 06:00 tomorrow with her new Executive Officer and the encrypted orders you will have by this evening. That is all. Starfleet Command out."
Naruto replied, "U.S.S. Wolverine out." Seeing the screen go blank, Naruto thought dourly, 'Choose with my gut he says. My gut says Sarutobi lacks experience but has the most potential of the three candidates left. I'd better find out where he is. I need him aboard as soon as possible.'
…
Starbase 1
Lieutenant Commander Konohamaru Sarutobi was packing his things in preparation to return to the U.S.S. Eagle. "What am I going to tell them?" he thought aloud. "I blew it because I literally fell on my face during the interview! It's times like these that I'm sure god hates me." That's when his communicator beeped. "(sigh) Sarutobi here."
He heard a purring female voice he didn't recognize say, "This is Lieutenant M'rella of the U.S.S. Wolverine. Per orders of Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau, you are to report for duty on board as quickly as possible. Bring your belongings. Your transfer orders will be forwarded to you once you are aboard."
"W-wait!" said Konohamaru. "What about my belongings on the U.S.S. Eagle?"
"We will get your stuff later Commander." said M'rella urgently. "The Wolverine leaves dock at 06:00 tomorrow."
"What's the fastest way there?" asked Sarutobi. "Starbase 1 Spacedock is huge and I'm not that familiar with it."
"Hmmm. Stand by Commander Sarutobi." said the Caitian. After a couple of minutes, Konohamaru was beginning to wonder if this wasn't some sort of elaborate practical joke when he heard M'rella's voice say, "I'm transferring you over to Transporter Chief Gaul. We're going to beam you directly aboard."
"Okay…" said the confused Lieutenant Commander.
"This is Lieutenant Heidi Gaul on the Wolverine, Commander Sarutobi." said a woman's voice. "I'm beaming you directly to transporter room one. Do you have your luggage?"
"Yes!" replied Konohamaru.
"Energizing." said Heidi as the young Commander felt the sensation of the transporter beam around him…
…
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Transporter Room
…Konohamaru appeared aboard the Wolverine seconds later only to see the strawberry blonde Heidi Gaul at the transporter console along with Kloene. The big Orion said, "Thanks Heidi."
She replied, "No problem Kloene." Heidi turned to Konohamaru and said, "Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine Commander. Kloene will take you to see the Fleet Captain since you already know him."
Kloene grinned and said, "Follow me Commander, Fleet Captain Naruto is waiting for us."
As they walked down the hall towards the turbolift, Konohamaru couldn't help himself and asked Kloene in a whisper, "Are all the women on this ship beautiful?"
The pair stepped on the turbolift, and the green skinned Orion said with a happy sigh, "We males are truly blessed on this fine vessel. Every day is a feast for the eyes."
…
Kloene and Konohamaru came onto the bridge and saw it was a flurry of activity. They were greeted by Ino who was carefully avoiding being trampled in all the commotion. She smiled and said to Sarutobi, "Welcome aboard Commander. I'm the ship's Counselor Ino Yamanaka. The Fleet Captain is in his Ready Room."
Ino knocked and Naruto said, "You may enter Counselor."
"Commander Sarutobi is here sir." said Ino.
Naruto looked up from his reports and said, "Excellent timing Commander. Welcome aboard. Yor transfer orders and promotion to full Commander are pending but I've already sent them out to the Starfleet Office of Personnel. Congratulations on becoming the Executive Officer of the NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine."
Konohamaru wanted to jump for joy and saluted. "Thank you, sir!"
The Fleet Captain nodded. "At ease. There will be a mission assigned which we will outline at a staff meeting at 18:00 hours. We set sail at 06:00 tomorrow. Until 17:00, Counselor Yamanaka has kindly agreed to show you around. I realize this is short notice, but I need you to familiarize yourself with this vessel. Since you are transferring from another fast cruiser the learning curve shouldn't be too difficult. Any questions Commander Sarutobi?"
"None at this moment sir." replied the new XO.
"Good, report back to me in my Ready Room at 17:00 and I will brief you on the staff meeting. You are dismissed for now Commander." said Naruto.
…
Konohamaru was being shown around by the beautiful Ino. Unfortunately, he was driven to distraction by the many females on board the Wolverine…including the Counselor. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman smiled and said, "Commander, I'm a Betazoid and you have very loud thoughts about the female crewmembers. Try to rein in those hormones, would you?"
He blushed red as a boiled lobster and asked, "You can read my mind?"
Ino nodded, "I'm fully telepathic and empathic, Commander Sarutobi. I realize it's natural but if you don't have a partner, you should consider getting one."
"I'm so, so sorry if I thought anything improper, Counselor." said Konohamaru as he bowed in apology.
She laughed. "Too late. Let's head on down to Engineering…"
…
While Konohamaru was trying to get his foot out of his mouth, Naruto was in his Ready Room reading the orders from Starfleet Command. The short version was: Negotiate with the Machu and convince them to move Steel City 031 to the Bajoran System to act as a deterrent to the Cardassian Union. The Fleet Captain was honestly expecting as much but had hoped that they would leave the matter to the diplomats…
…
At 17:00 hours, Commander Sarutobi knocked on Naruto's Ready Room door and the blonde told him to enter. Konohamaru said excitedly, "Permission to speak freely sir?"
The Fleet Captain nodded and replied, "Granted. Is there something on your mind Commander?"
Konohamaru said, "I just wanted to tell you that you have a harem of five absolutely gorgeous wives. You are my hero sir."
Naruto mentally face faulted on his desk. He asked, "Is there anything else?"
"No, sir!" answered Commander Sarutobi.
"Let's go over our mission parameters for the Staff Meeting Commander." said the harried Fleet Captain.
…
Staff Meeting Room, 18:00 Hours
"…In short we are on a diplomatic mission to Steel City 031 in the Cherubim System." explained Naruto. "Our duty is to negotiate with the Machu caretakers and convince them to relocate to the Bajoran System to protect Federation interests there. They would act as a deterrent to the Cardassian Union which is threatening to seize the Bajoran System by force. It is the hope of the Admiralty that the presence of the Machu will prevent hostilities from occurring."
Alison clapped her hands together and said, "It will be wonderful to see Steel City 031 again! There is so much more we can learn from them there."
Shizuka grinned wickedly. "Considering the firepower the Machu have, the Cardassians would flee in terror if the Steel City is in Bajor."
"That sounds like the general idea." agreed Samui. "We can avoid conflict and send the Cardassian Union running."
Rafi commented, "I'm surprised the Admiralty didn't want to send in the 4th Fleet given the ceasefire with the Klingons and all."
M'rella's eyes narrowed. "Hmmmm. You are right Rafi. It seems too logical for the Admiralty to call upon our Machu allies…doesn't it Naruto…?"
The blonde Vulcan said, "I was given a hypothetical question by Fleet Admiral Nogura and suggested that the Machu would be the most logical solution."
Doctor Wilson grinned. "Well, preventing further conflict between us and the Cardassian Union is an admirable goal. Anyway, it's an excuse to visit Steel City 031 again."
Konohamaru was quietly observing the staff as they discussed things on a first name basis and as equals. He was both puzzled and intrigued that they were all friends as well as comrades. 'So, this is the Think Tank. I've never seen anything like this before. I hope I can become friends with all of them too.' he thought.
…
Sol System, Starbase 1, Spacedock, Berth 4, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
It was 06:00 and the U.S.S. Wolverine glided out of dock effortlessly at one-quarter thruster power. Konohamaru watched as Lieutenant Rafi Meta guided them out as smooth as glass after Naruto simply said, "Rafi, take us out."
The new Executive Officer was used to the Captain giving orders every step of the way when leaving dock but once all decks checked in and they were free floating, the blonde Vulcan simply turned control over to their Trill helmsman.
Once they cleared the Spacedock doors, Naruto said, "Samui, plot a course for the Cherubim System. Rafi, ahead warp factor eight. Engage."
Seconds later, the Wolverine vanished in a rainbow flash of light…
…
Stardate 2286.236, Cherubim System, Cherubim IV Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
After an uneventful voyage, the Wolverine cleared the north pole of the icy Class M world of Cherubim IV where botanical research was being done. Below them was the massive Steel City 031 that they had contacted seven years prior. It was much more brightly lit now and Konohamaru was awed at the sheer size of the nearly twenty kilometer in diameter construct.
M'rella was contacting the Machu. She said, "Steel City Control, this is the United Federation Starship NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine. Please respond."
The visual changed to one of the cloaked, mirror faced caretakers of the home of the Machu. It said in a mechanical voice, "This is Steel City Control to U.S.S. Wolverine, we welcome you back to Steel City 031. We were contacted by your Starfleet Command, and you are expected."
"This is Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau, we have come with work for the Machu." said the blonde Vulcan.
The caretaker replied, "This is excellent news. The Machu have been inactive for too long. Please dock at Bay 41 and a Negotiator will come out to meet you. Stand by while we pressurize Docking Bay 41… Gravity pylons are activated. Tractor guidance beams are activated. Atmospheric pressurization is completed. Do you require tractor guidance U.S.S. Wolverine?"
"We would prefer to dock manually, Steel City Control." answered Naruto.
"Manual docking acknowledged U.S.S. Wolverine. A Negotiator will be waiting for you once you are safely docked." replied the caretaker.
"Understood, Steel City Control." said the Fleet Captain. The screen changed back to the panoramic view of the Steel City and Naruto said, "Rafi, one quarter thruster power, Let's enjoy the scenery."
Commander Sarutobi was amazed that the massive docking bays could be pressurized and said, "They must be incredibly advanced to be able to have an atmosphere in such a huge area."
Doctor Fairbanks replied, "It's not actually beyond our own technology Commander, it's just cost prohibitive. Of course, we have learned a great deal from them and vice-versa."
About fifteen minutes later the U.S.S. Wolverine was within Docking Bay 41, "Gravity pylons are active." reported Samui with a smile. "We are safely docked."
"Excellent. We are in a safe harbor." stated the blonde Vulcan. They watched as the gangplank extended to the nose of the ship and the three-meter-tall Negotiator walked out to greet them.
Naruto said, "It seems that we have business to conduct Commander Sarutobi. Samui, you have the bridge. I believe we can arrange shore leave later. Konohamaru, you will be joining me on this excursion. The Machu caretakers are mechanical beings of logic. I believe you'll find them interesting…"
…
The new Executive Officer found the massive form of the caretakers a bit intimidating at first but soon realized they were friendly and very intelligent. He and Naruto were in deep negotiations with the Machu caretakers over the next few days and Konohamaru marveled at how well the Fleet Captain communicated with them.
In the meantime, the crew of the Wolverine was granted a short shore leave where the Docent model caretakers guided them around the Steel City and showed the new tower that was a botanical research section that duplicated many of the studies on Cherubim IV.
…
"Ship's Log, Stardate 2286.244. Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. The crew of the U.S.S. Wolverine has been given access to much of Steel City 031 that previously was closed off for security purposes. As both the Federation and the Machu have had a very beneficial information exchange during the last seven years, the caretakers are much more inclined to share their knowledge with us."
"After eight days of negotiation regarding the situation in Bajor, Commander Sarutobi and I have met with success. The Machu agree that moving Steel City 031 to the Bajoran System would be logical for all concerned in the face of Cardassian aggression. However, the people of Bajor need to be involved in the negotiation process."
"At this point the Treaty of Friendship between the United Federation of Planets and the Bajoran Republic has not even been drafted yet. The Machu caretakers have therefore written a contract to speak with the people of Bajor so arrangements can be made. The Machu have specific codes of ethics which prevents them from entering friendly or neutral systems that are inhabited without permission."
…
Stardate 2286.246, Sol III, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Nogura's Office
Fleet Admiral Nogura was inordinately pleased with the situation regarding Steel City 031 and the Machu. He'd been eagerly reading Naruto's reports as well as those from the Federation Diplomatic Corps in Bajor. Fleet Captain Naruto arranged things quicker than Heihachiro expected but the Diplomats were moving at a comparative snail's pace.
It had been just over two weeks since the Bajoran Republic put forth the idea of a Treaty of Friendship and the Federation Diplomatic Corps sent a team out to negotiate an accord. Admiral Nogura knew that Commodore Terumi and her crew on the NCC-1802 U.S.S. Darwin were watching over Bajor. Despite the fact the situation was peaceful, something told the Fleet Admiral to be on high alert. The situation was delicate and the last thing the Federation needed was the Cardassian Union to crash the party.
It was with that thought in mind that the Fleet Admiral sent the brand-new Excelsior class battleship NCC-2001 U.S.S. Proxima out to Bajor to add support to Commodore Terumi in the Darwin. As one of the most advanced and powerful Federation vessels the Proxima's presence would certainly make a statement to any would be attackers from Cardassia.
…
Klingon Imperial Space, Gallip System, Gallip V Orbit, C8 Dreadnought I.K.V. Terror
Admiral Krell was waiting in the shadow of the gas giant planet, Gallip V with about half of the Klingon Northeast Fleet. He was in his flagship, the I.K.V. Terror. Krell reasoned that the Cardassian Union would strike soon and would probably hit Gallip first given they feared the Federation had already discovered they were on the warpath. What the Cardassians didn't know was the Klingons were also well informed.
The Gallip System was made up of five worlds including the gas giant they were using as cover. Gallip I through IV were all terrestrial worlds that were rich in rare metals often used in ship construction. It was an ideal system to capture for that reason alone.
Admiral Krell not only had his fleet on standby, but they also had enough extra fuel and provisions to be on station for weeks if need be. If the Cardassians had the actual gall to show up, the Klingon Empire would have an appropriate welcome waiting for them…
…
Stardate 2286.248, Sol III, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters, Starfleet Bureau of Design & Repair
With the Klingon ceasefire going on, the Federation was at peace with its neighbors for the first time in five years (or at least in a cold war instead of a hot one). Rear Admiral Lucien Tolm was looking over the X-ship construction program which was slowly but surely gaining momentum. The battleships were first:
NCC-2000 U.S.S. Excelsior -100% Completed, 1st Fleet
NCC-2001 U.S.S. Proxima -100% Completed, 4th Fleet
NCC-2002 U.S.S. Columbia (Originally Galacta, renamed) -97% Completed, Dock 2, Mars
NCC-2003 U.S.S. Galacta -88% Completed, Dock 3. Mars
NCC-2004 U.S.S. Excalibur -81% Completed, Dock 4, Mars
NCC-2005 U.S.S. Potemkin -79% Completed, Dock 5, Mars
NCC-2006 U.S.S. Hancock -7% Completed, Dock 1, Mars
'There are only five docks large enough to construct the Excelsior class.' he thought. 'If the Admiralty wants more at this rate, then we are going to need more docks constructed.'
There were other X-ships under construction such as the Constellation Class Star Cruisers*③ that (theoretically) would replace the Galactic Survey Cruisers provided they could work out all the bugs in the prototype. That left the numerous CX Constitution II Class heavy cruisers and the lone CFX fast cruiser U.S.S. Manta Ray under construction.
The Admiral knew that X-Technology would eventually trickle down into lighter ships such as destroyers and frigates but for the time being, the United Federation of Planets wasn't going to invest such powerful and expensive technology in smaller hulls.
Taking a sip of his morning coffee, Lucien thought back to 2271 when he first met Naruto M'Fau as a nervous 17-year-old Cadet Officer with the Curved Transitional Warp Theory and then just three years ago in 2283 how he met an even younger Siegfried M'Fau who created the Isolinear Computer Chip and that led to X-technology.
"What a family." the Rear Admiral mused. 'I have to wonder what the next generation will bring.'
…
Stardate 2286.250, Bajoran System, Planet Bajor Orbit, NCC-1802 U.S.S. Darwin, Bridge
The NCC-2001 U.S.S. Proxima arrived in the Bajoran System carrying diplomats and more importantly, greater firepower. In command of this battleship was an old friend of Commodore Mei Terumi's, Captain Asuma Sarutobi who had served under her years ago as first officer. They were talking to each other via subspace.
The Commodore smiled in her usual way and said to Asuma, "Welcome to the party, Captain Sarutobi. I see you've moved up in the world. I'll be expecting a tour of the U.S.S. Proxima. She looks mighty impressive."
Asuma grinned on screen. "I'll be honored to show you around Commodore. We just finished our three-month shakedown cruise and the Proxima's performance has been just fabulous. How are negotiations going with the Bajoran Republic?"
Mei replied, "I honestly don't know. The Federation Diplomatic Corps and the Bajoran Chamber of Ministers have been behind closed doors for nearly three weeks now. You know as well as I do that these things take time. On the positive side, Bajor is breathtakingly beautiful. My crew has been rotating on shore leave and the Bajorans are very friendly people."
"Ah, that is good news." said Asuma. "My crew could do with a little shore leave ourselves."
…
Stardate 2286.251, Cherubim System, Steel City 031, Docking Bay 41, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
"Ship's Log, Stardate 2286.251. Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. Our two-week stay in Steel City 031 was very fruitful for all concerned. The crew of the Wolverine has found shore leave here very enriching and we are being joined by two Negotiator caretakers to take to the Bajoran System for diplomatic purposes. Hopefully the Bajorans and the Federation will have an arrangement by the time we get there…
Naruto finished his log entry only to receive further orders from Starfleet Command. The U.S.S. Wolverine was to take on an additional watch officer from Planet Atra who was a Lieutenant. Her name was Elia, and she was the first Atraen to join Starfleet as an exchange officer. The Wolverine would pick her up from the destroyer NCC-542 Jean Bart which would be arriving in the Cherubim System in a few hours.
…
Bridge
"…And we will be receiving Lieutenant Elia aboard as a watch officer when we rendezvous with the Jean Bart." explained Naruto. "She is an exchange officer from Atra so she will be singing her orders. We will all have to adjust to this and make her feel welcome."
"Oh, marvelous!" said M'rella happily. "Atrean voices are lovely."
Shar cringed, "Oh god help me…" he grumbled.
Konohamaru asked, "Singing?"
Rafi grinned and said, "The Atrean language is sung, Commander Sarutobi. They feel sorry for others who can't sing and refer to us as the tuneless ones. M'rella has studied them extensively."
Naruto nodded, "Samui, plot an intercept course for the destroyer U.S.S. Jean Bart at warp factor four."
"Course laid in sir." Responded the blonde bombshell.
"Rafi, ahead warp factor four. Engage." said Naruto.
…
Federation Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Transporter Room
Hours later, the U.S.S. Jean Bart was flying in tight formation with the U.S.S. Wolverine to transfer Lieutenant Elia over to the fast cruiser. Elia beamed aboard the Wolverine only to be greeted by Commander Sarutobi. She was tall and slender with white hair and pupilless blue eyes her people were known for.
The two officers saluted each other and Konohamaru said, "Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine, Lieutenant Elia. I'm Commander Konohamaru Sarutobi, Executive Officer."
She smiled happily. "~Thank you for your warm welcome Commander Sarutobi. I'm honored to be aboard.~" sang Elia.
He returned her smile and said, "I'm new here myself so we'll both be learning the ropes together. Let's do our best."
…
Bridge
Elia was given a warm welcome by the crew and Naruto said, "Welcome aboard Lieutenant Elia. We are currently heading to the Bajoran System and are delivering two Machu caretakers there for negotiations. I hope your tour of duty here is a productive one…"
…
POSTCRIPT:
*①: See Chapter 35 for a reference to this.
*②: The Machu and Steel City 031 -See Chapter 58.
*③: Constellation Class Star Cruisers -Picard's U.S.S. Stargazer is a ship of this type. See Memory Alpha for images of this class.
So, the U.S.S. Wolverine has two new officers and is headed towards Bajor. What could possibly go wrong? See you next time. Blue out. 5/25/24