Naruto: Infinity Divide
End of an Era
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
We broke 3000 reviews in the last chapter! This installment brings the General War Arc to a conclusion. Here is Chapter 95, Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
{ } Signifies hand signs
~ ~ Signifies singing
…
Last time:
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…"
…
Chapter 95
Stardate 2286.253, Klingon Imperial Space, Gallip System, Gallip V Orbit, I.K.V. Terror, Bridge
It had been a week since Krell's detachment of the Northeast Fleet had arrived in the Gallip System and the Klingons were getting restless. He'd already sent one frigate squadron home leaving him with eight ships:
C8K dreadnought I.K.V. Terror
D7W heavy command cruiser I.K.V. Dawnstalker
D7K heavy cruiser I.K.V. Ruthless
D6S heavy scout I.K.V. Vigilant
D6D drone bombardment cruiser I.K.V. Cloudburst
F5L frigate leader I.K.V. Beast
F5K frigate I.K.V. Storm Wind
F5K frigate I.K.V. War Angel
…
The Admiral was considering sending the Cloudburst home (drone bombardment cruisers don't grow on trees) to Starbase K-11 when they received a tight beam transmission from the heavy scout Vigilant. "Vigilant to Terror, twelve incoming vessels. Six light cruiser sized hulls and six frigate sized hulls. All match existing Cardassian Union hull types."
Krell smiled eagerly and said to his sensor technician, "Give me a tactical view." The viewscreen changed to a visual of the twelve Cardassian ships travelling in four tight v formations with the first group of cruisers leading the second and the frigate squadrons to either side.
The Cardassians were moving quickly towards the orbital mining facility over Gallip IV. The Admiral said, "Krell to fleet, Dawnstalker, Ruthless, follow me! Beast, Storm Wind, War Angel, flank us! Cloudburst, fire on the lead group of cruisers at will. Vigilant, support the frigate squadron through defensive jamming. All vessels ahead warp factor two. Execute!"
To the Cardassians, a swarm of drones came from beyond the gas giant Gallip V quickly followed by the dreadnought I.K.V. Terror and her consorts…
…
I.K.V. Dawnstalker, Bridge
Captain Kiba Warrigul grinned in the low light of the red lit bridge of the Dawnstalker. Then he heard Admiral Krell's order, "Fire at will!" that he'd been waiting for.
"Our target is the port cruiser in the lead squadron." said Kiba. "Drones away! Open fire with disruptors and phasers on my command. Gunnery, what is our range?"
"40,000 kilometers sir!" answered his gunnery technician.
Tamaki asked, "Your orders sir?"
"Overload the disruptors." commanded Captain Warrigul. "Fire at 30,000 kilometers." The Dawnstalker shook as her number one shield was hit with two phase disruptors.
"Forward shield down 36%." said Tamaki.
The gunnery tech announced, "30,000 kilometers!"
"FIRE!" roared Kiba. Four overloaded green disruptors and five blue phasers lanced out at the Cardassian cruiser and completely obliterated it. The Dawnstalker rumbled slightly from the shockwave and the crew cheered as they drew first blood from the Cardassian invaders.
"First kill goes to the Dawnstalker!" shouted Tamaki.
"The first of many!" exclaimed Kiba.
The crew saw a second Cardassian cruiser go up in a fireball as the I.K.V. Terror brought her massive firepower to bare. The battle raged for mere minutes, but it seemed like hours to the combatants. When the battle of the Gallip System was over, the I.K.V. Dawnstalker had destroyed two frigates and a cruiser and helped destroy an additional cruiser. Her shields were battered but the D7W suffered no internal damage.
The Klingon Deep Space Fleet had an outstanding victory with only two frigates damaged. The Cardassian forces had been totally destroyed.
"Glory to the Empire!" bellowed Admiral Krell to the fleet. He quickly organized the ships into formation so the wounded on the Beast and War Angel could be treated. It would be some time before the Cardassian Central Command would piece together what happened…
…
Bajoran System, Planet Bajor Orbit, NCC-1802 U.S.S. Darwin
While the Klingons were battling the Cardassians in the nearby Gallip System, Commodore Mei Terumi had a wonderful time touring the NCC-2001 U.S.S. Proxima with her old subordinate, Captain Asuma Sarutobi. Now she was back home on the bridge of the U.S.S. Darwin.
Mei's Chief Science Officer, Jamie Beam looked alarmed and said, "I'm picking up six vessels at maximum range headed directly for us. They appear to be Cardassian hull types and are still in Cardassian Union Space."
"How big are they?" asked Mei.
"Three cruisers and three frigates, Commodore." answered Jamie.
Mei thought for a moment and said, "What is their estimated time of arrival?"
Beam replied, "We've got 3 hours till they arrive."
"Communications, inform the U.S.S. Proxima of the situation." ordered Terumi. "Shore leave is cancelled. We need to contact Starfleet Command as well."
…
Federation Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
M'rella was monitoring the subspace frequencies when she picked up traffic from Starfleet Command. "All combat capable Federation Starships in range of the Bajoran System are to head for Bajor XI to aid in defending against a Cardassian Union attack. Contact the U.S.S. Darwin and Commodore Mei Terumi immediately."
The beautiful Caitian turned to Naruto and said, "There is a Cardassian attack in the Bajoran System. We are to report to Commodore Terumi immediately."
The Fleet Captain said, "Patch us through to the Commodore."
"Aye, sir!" said M'rella.
"What is our current ETA to Bajor, Samui?" asked Naruto.
The blonde Augment said, "It will take 24 hours at warp factor four sir…At warp factor twelve we could make it in 2.67 hours."
Konohamaru said worriedly, "Is that safe?"
"It is." said Naruto with a nod. "Warp twelve, Rafi. Engage."
Rafi had stars in her eyes. "Awww yeah! Ahead warp factor twelve. Let's light it up!"
"~Is she safe?~" sang Lieutenant Elia as she pointed at Rafi.
Naruto had a glint of humor in his eyes. "Rafi is the finest helmsman in Starfleet. She's quite safe."
"We've reached warp factor twelve sir." said Samui. "ETA is 2.67 hours."
"I've contacted Commodore Terumi, Fleet Captain." said M'rella as she adjusted the frequency slightly.
The blonde Vulcan said, "Excellent. On screen M'rella."
Mei appeared on screen looking relaxed as ever but judging by the activity around her, things were anything but calm. "Well, Fleet Captain Naruto. I'm pleased to see you but unless you can get here in less than three hours, you'll miss all the fun."
"Our current ETA is 2.67 hours travelling at warp twelve to you Commodore." answered Naruto. "What is your situation?"
Mei looked startled for a split second but then smiled in her usual way, "The fastest ship in the fleet…Hah! I guess you can help after all. Let me explain what's going on…"
…
"So, you want to draw them into the Bajoran System and engage them at the uninhabited planet Bajor XIV." said Naruto. "While the U.S.S. Darwin and the U.S.S. Proxima battle the six of them head on, you want the U.S.S. Wolverine to hit them from behind, correct?"
"That's it exactly Fleet Captain." replied Mei. "We have to keep the Bajoran Republic safe from the Cardassian Union at all costs."
"I understand Commodore." replied the Vulcan. "We will arrive soon."
…
Badlands Territory, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
"…It's been exactly two hours." said Rafi. "We have forty minutes to go before we reach Bajor."
"Our long-range sensors are picking up the Cardassian squadron of ships headed towards Bajoran space. They are travelling at warp factor two." said Alison. "Unless their sensors are short range only, they can't possibly miss us screaming towards them at this speed."
"That may not be all bad." stated Samui. "Some of them may break away to face off with us. That would lighten the load for the Darwin and the Proxima.
Elia sang, "~What do we do if they all come after us?~"
"We hit and fade." answered Konohamaru. "We'll take a chunk out of them and keep right on going."
Naruto thought, 'Commander Sarutobi is correct. I believe I've made the proper choice for an Executive Officer.'
…
Twenty minutes later the Cardassian formation split in half. "The three frigates have doubled back to face us." said Alison from the sensor station. "The three cruisers are accelerating towards Bajor."
"Excellent." said the Fleet Captain. "We've served our purpose and broken up their formation. Commodore Terumi should have no problems dealing with just three cruisers. What is our ETA to the three frigates closing on us?"
Samui grinned. "Seven minutes sir."
"Drop us to warp factor four Rafi." said Naruto. "Go to red alert and raise the shields. Charge phasers to overload and load two standard drones. Chief Nadeshiko, our primary target is the lead frigate. Target her with six phasers. Save the other four to finish her off if needed."
Shizuka asked, "And our secondary target sir?"
The Fleet Captain's eyes sparked with chakra. "Whichever frigate is closest after target one is destroyed."
"…Phasers and drones ready sir." reported Lieutenant Commander Nadeshiko.
"Launch both drones at the lead frigate." said the blonde Vulcan. "That should be a suitable distraction."
Samui said. "Drones are away!"
"They are firing at us!" warned Alison as all three frigates fired their twin phase disruptors at long range. The Wolverine shook slightly. "Only two of the six connected. The number one shield is down 12%"
"Why haven't they fired at our drones?" asked Konohamaru.
"Perhaps they don't view our drones as a threat." observed Rafi.
The crew watched as both drones impacted on the lead frigate's number one shield and caused it to spin out of formation.
Naruto said, "Shizuka, switch to number two target. Eight phasers, fire!"
The second frigate blew up like a miniature sun as the Wolverine roared by leaving a trail of destruction behind her.
The third frigate fired on the port side of the fast cruiser with her phasers. The damage was spread out between the number five and six shields. The Wolverine shook from the impacts. "Shield six is at 74%, shield five is at 66%." reported Alison.
"180 degrees to starboard Rafi." said Naruto. He glanced at Shizuka, "Weapon's status?"
"The phasers are cycled; shall I overload them?" asked the Security Chief.
The blonde Vulcan nodded. "Affirmative, Chief Nadeshiko."
On the U.S.S. Wolverine's second pass, the third frigate was destroyed in a ball of fire and the shockwave from the explosion further punished the still tumbling lead frigate.
Finally, the lead frigate came to a halt, dead in space. "She's a gutted wreck…" said Rafi.
Naruto nodded. "All stop Rafi. Open hailing frequencies M'rella."
"Hailing frequencies are open sir." the Caitian replied.
"This is Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau of the United Federation Starship Wolverine." said the blonde Vulcan. "Cardassian vessel, we demand your immediate surrender."
"I'm receiving an audio only signal, Fleet Captain." said M'rella,
"Pipe it through." said Naruto.
"##rdassians will never surrend## to you or anyone! We are #### superiors in ev### way. Long live ### Cardas### Union!"
"Their warp core just went critical." said Doctor Fairbanks.
Commander Sarutobi whispered, "Self-destruct…" as the lead frigate exploded.
"Let's get those shields repaired and get under way." ordered Naruto. "There are still three Cardassian cruisers to hunt down."
"Incoming hail from U.S.S. Darwin, Fleet Captain." said M'rella.
"On screen." replied Naruto.
Commodore Terumi appeared on the viewscreen and said, "What happened out there and what is your status Wolverine?"
Naruto quickly answered, "Three enemy frigates have been destroyed. The Wolverine has moderate shield damage. We are preparing to pursue the three Cardassian cruisers that are headed towards you."
Mei raised her eyebrows. "I'm impressed Fleet Captain. You made short work of that frigate squadron. We should be able to handle the three cruisers without too much trouble. Lay in a course for Bajor XI at best speed. We will meet you there."
…
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
The Wolverine was just getting underway again when M'rella's eyes widened. "I'm intercepting a transmission from the Cardassian flagship. It's an open frequency broadcast."
"Let's see it." replied the Fleet Captain.
On the screen, they saw an older, heavier set Cardassian in a much more ornate uniform than the previous Gul they'd seen.
"This is Legate*① Carm of Cardassian Central Command*② aboard the CDS Mourryn. Citizens of the Bajor Republic, you are formally annexed by the Cardassian Union. We have observed Bajor for some time, and we are clearly the superior race. Militarily, technologically, and culturally -we are a century ahead of you in every way! Fate has handed us this role and we demand you surrender to us as you are our inferiors."
"What a charmer." said Shizuka in an acid tone.
Samui frowned, "That arrogant arse needs to be cut down a few pegs."
"I think he got a failing grade in diplomacy." added Shar.
Naruto's eyes sparked with chakra. "It's Commodore Terumi's call as to how this is handled."
Legate Carm continued his dialogue, "As for you of the United Federation of Planets, we have you outnumbered and outgunned. This is Cardassian Union space now and if you don't leave immediately, you will be destroyed just like your ship Columbia was."
…
Bajoran System, NCC-1802 U.S.S. Darwin, Bridge
Mei narrowed her eyes at the three Cardasian cruisers in front of the Darwin and the Proxima and said, "Leave the Legate's ship unscathed for now. Destroy the other two as planned on my signal."
"Understood Commodore." said Asuma on a coded channel.
Commodore Terumi said, "Fire."
The U.S.S. Proxima unleashed a massive alpha strike of eight overloaded photon torpedoes and sixteen overloaded phasers that only a battleship could possess. The two cruisers on either side of Carm's Flagship ceased to exist under the barrage.
Mei smiled and said, "Open hailing frequencies."
…
CDS Mourryn, Bridge
Legate Carm was slack jawed seeing his other ships vaporized in an instant. Then Mei's menacing visage appeared on screen. "This is Commodore Mei Terumi aboard the U.S.S. Darwin. The United Federation of Planets does not recognize your claims over the Bajoran Republic, Legate Carm. As for your numbers and firepower, you are delusional. You've lost your frigate squadron and two cruisers today. Do you want to make it a complete set? It can easily be arranged."
The dumbfounded Carm said, "Y-you'll regret this! The Cardassian Union is an empire to be feared."
The Commodore replied, "Run away while you still can Legate. We will be watching you."
The CDS Mourryn left at flank speed back to Cardassia Prime to report their total failure to Central Command…
…
Bajoran Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
"It seems that Commodore Terumi hasn't lost her touch." said Rafi with a grin.
Naruto nodded. "Diplomacy is a delicate thing… I believe the Cardassian attempt at annexation will speed the Treaty of Friendship with Bajor along."
"It ought to." agreed Konohamaru. "The Cardassian Union basically just declared war on us and the Bajorans."
…
"Ship's Log, Stardate 2286.254. Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. The U.S.S. Wolverine has joined the U.S.S. Darwin and U.S.S. Proxima in orbit over Planet Bajor. We have delivered the two Machu caretaker Negotiators ahead of schedule to arrange for Steel City 031 to move to the Bajoran System."
"After the attempted annexation of Bajor by Legate Carm of the Cardassian Union, the two Machu Negotiators were welcomed by both the Federation and Bajoran ambassadors. Things are being handed by the diplomats for the time being, but the Wolverine has been ordered to stay on station in Bajor per Starfleet Command."
…
Stardate 2286.268, Cardasian System, Cardassia Prime Orbit, CDS Mourryn
It had been two weeks since Legate Carm's disastrous attempt at annexing the Bajoran system. He was talking to Central Command only to find out his fellow Legate Sijl's battlefleet in the neighboring Gallip system had been obliterated to the last man in a Klingon trap.
"The United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire were at each other's throats mere weeks ago!" raged Carm. "Part of our grand strategy was to take their territories because there was no way they could spare the ships to stop us! I had a formidable force, but Sijl had a fleet. There must be a traitor in our midst that leaked information to our enemies!"
"The Obsidian Order*③ is already looking into this matter Legate Carm. Their investigation will find our traitors…" said another Legate from Central Command. "The question is what we should do next."
Carm was furious. Years of planning had ground to a halt because of the Federation spy ship, U.S.S. Columbia, and traitors within. 'There will be hell to pay when they are brought to justice!' he thought.
…
Stardate 2286.274, Bajoran System, Planet Bajor Orbit, NCC-1802 U.S.S. Darwin
Commodore Mei Terumi watched as Steel City 031 settled into orbit around Bajor. She honestly was a bit overwhelmed at the immense, mobile construct. Agreements had been made that the Machu would watch over the people of Bajor as part of the Treaty of Friendship between the Bajoran Republic and the United Federation of Planets.
Both Federation and Bajoran Embassies were being designed to be built in Steel City 031 so that the Machu caretakers, the Federation, and the people of Bajor could talk face to face with each other without difficulty.
…
It was this very unusual situation that led Emperor Khavek IV to send his Chief Diplomat, the Ambassador Thad Vak Kaleen to the neutral Bajoran system to open talks about ending hostilities between the Klingon Empire and the United Federation of Planets.
The terms were simple. Both sides would reinstate their borders as they had been before the war by the Organian Treaty and the Neutral Zone would come back into effect. They would also discuss the mutual problem of the Cardassian Union. While the Klingons and the Federation wouldn't exactly be friends, at least some form of peace would be restored.
…
Stardate 2286.280, Bajoran Space, I.K.V. Dawnstalker
The Dawnstalker entered Bajoran space under a diplomatic flag of truce to begin the peace process. Ambassador Kaleen chose Captain Warrigul's ship for one main reason. Kiba had negotiated with the Federation before. It also didn't hurt that Kiba could be trusted to not open fire the second a Federation vessel appeared either (there were a lot of Captains that would).
"It's been two months since we and the Federation declared a ceasefire." said Kaleen. "The time is right to establish order after five years of endless chaos."
Though Captain Warrigul thought it was a bit hypocritical, (The Klingons started the war), he agreed it was time to end the hostilities. There had been enough blood spilled on the Federation front and nothing had been accomplished.
…
With Ambassador Kaleen down on the surface of Bajor negotiating with the Federation in Ashalla, Kiba hailed the U.S.S. Wolverine on a private channel. "This is Captain Kiba Warrigul of the I.K.V. Dawnstalker. I will talk to Captain Naruto." he said.
M'rella's purring voice replied, "Understood Captain Warrigul. Please stand by and I will transfer you to Fleet Captain Naruto."
Seconds later, Naruto appeared on screen. "Kiba Warrigul, it has been a long time my friend. You have a fine new ship as well. Congratulations."
Kiba laughed. "It is good to see you again Naruto. I understand you were promoted to Fleet Captain. Well done! Is there a bar down there on Bajor where the pair of us can have a drink together?"
"There is one that caters to offworlders called The Wayfarers Bar and Grill on the Grand Avenue of Lights in Ashalla." replied the blonde. "I believe we could have a drink and dinner there. I'll send you the coordinates."
"Excellent!" exclaimed the Klingon. "Bring that mate of yours, Samui wasn't it?"
"Aye, Samui is my mate." said Naruto.
Kiba smiled, "I'll bring my First Officer, her name is Tamaki."
The Vulcan raised an eyebrow. "She is your mate?"
"I intend for her to be someday; she just doesn't know it yet." answered Captain Warrigul. "What time shall we meet?"
Naruto checked his schedule, "My schedule is clear as of 18:00. Will that work for you?"
"That will be fine. I look forward to it." replied Kiba.
…
Planet Bajor Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Soon, Naruto was talking to Samui in her quarters. "…So, I hope you will join me on this dinner date with Captain Warrigul and his First Officer."
Samui chuckled. "Only you would invite me to dine with Klingons."
"It was an unexpected opportunity, but not unwelcome one." said the Fleet Captain.
…
I.K.V. Dawnstalker
"And that is why I am inviting you to join me, Commander Kozak." said Kiba. "This will be an informal meal between old friends so bring your weapons."
Tamaki's eyes narrowed. "The Nightstalker killed one of my cousins in battle."
The Captain had a sinking feeling and said, "Really…?"
She nodded. "I will have to thank Naruto of Vulcan for ridding my family of that piece of targ manure. I owe him a drink at least."
"Ah. Of course." said Kiba as he cringed. 'Dodged a phaser beam there.'
…
Planet Bajor, City of Ashalla, Grand Avenue of Lights
Kiba and Tamaki beamed down on the Grand Avenue of Lights in Ashalla where many festivals were held. They soon found The Wayfarers Bar and Grill and saw Naruto and Samui waiting outside of it in their standard uniforms with sidearms.
Kiba came up and clasped hands with the blonde Vulcan. He said, "It has been too long, my friend."
Naruto nodded and replied, "Indeed it has Kiba." After proper introductions were made, the Fleet Captain said, "I have a table reserved for the four of us. Dinner is on me."
…
"…And I don't think a responsible junior officer can allow their Captain to do something that blatantly stupid!" said Samui.
"I agree!" laughed Tamaki. "And here I didn't think humans had a sense of humor!"
…
Kiba grinned. "I saw the video of you beheading that Romulan swordsman. There are a lot of diplomats that I'd like to do that with."
"I was in disbelief about the whole situation." explained Naruto. "Their young Emperor Tal could have destroyed the entire peace process right then and there…"
…
As it turned out, the four had a great time and Samui and Tamaki really hit it off…
…
Planet Bajor Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Konohamaru was in disbelief. "Our Fleet Captain went down to the surface for drinks with the Klingon Captain?!"
Rafi replied, "Fleet Captain Naruto has known Captain Kiba for years Commander. They are old friends. We were all junior officers when we first met."
"~So, what exactly happened?~" asked Lieutenant Elia in confusion.
"Kiba got mouthy, so Naruto kicked his ass." explained the Trill. "After that they became friends."
"The universe is a very strange place…" said Sarutobi shakily.
…
Stardate 2286.286, Planet Bajor, City of Ashalla
The U.S.S. Wolverine was kept on hand throughout the negotiations between Klingon Chief Diplomat Thad Vak Kaleen and the Federation Ambassador Sarek who had arrived aboard U.S.S. Proxima nearly a month before.
The talks had been lengthy but after nearly three weeks, both parties were satisfied with the arrangements that had been made. It was also agreed that the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire were in a co-belligerent state against the Cardassian Union. It was anything but a formal alliance, but the two nations were allowed to help one another if the Cardassians were involved…
…
STARDATE 2286.301
FEDERATION-KLINGON ARMISTICE IS PUT INTO EFFECT
…
Both the Klingon Empire and the United Federation of Planets were relieved that hostilities were ended. The Bajoran Agreement was signed formally on Stardate 2286.300. By that point the Cardassians were actively skirmishing with both the Klingons and the Federation in what was becoming called the Cardassian Border Conflict.
…
Stardate 2286.302, Bajoran Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Ambassador Sarek specifically requested that the U.S.S. Wolverine would be the ship to take him back to Earth. He felt it was symbolic to travel on the same vessel that the Romulan peace had started on. The Ambassador said, "Naruto, son of Sovar, your own contributions have helped end this conflict. Ambassador Kaleen said it himself. It evokes great satisfaction in me as a Vulcan to see you succeed. I'm sure your parents will have the same reaction."
"You give me too much credit." replied Naruto. "I'm not a diplomat. That arena is reserved for statesmen such as yourself."
"Perhaps you should consider public office yourself after this war is behind us." stated the older Vulcan. "I believe you would do well."
The blonde looked thoughtful and said, "After the war I intend to go back to the Vulcan Science Academy and lecture like my Mother does. I also want to start a family."
"Admirable goals, Fleet Captain." said the Ambassador. "I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors."
…
Stardate 2286.320, Federation Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
The Think Tank was having a banquet to celebrate the end of hostilities. Naruto said, "It's been fifteen years since we started Starfleet Academy and five of those years have been at war in one place or another. Somehow all twenty members of the Think Tank have survived. We've lost many friends and comrades over the years but have gained even more."
He continued, "I've been informed that the U.S.S. Wolverine and the other commerce raiders are among the first ships to be decommissioned and will be put into reserves at the end of the year. Likewise, our crew will be in the first group to become reservists. It's been a long war. Let us hope we never have to fight in another."
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Legate -This is a Flag Officer's rank.
*②: Cardassian Central Command -This is the military branch of the Cardassian Union.
*③: Obsidian Order -This is the intelligence agency of the Cardassian government. See Memory Alpha.
And done! Next chapter will have a time skip of 10+/- years. See you next time, Blue out. 6/1/24