Naruto: Infinity Divide

Rebirth

Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Thanks to everyone for their reviews! For the many reviewers wanting to know when children will be born, here you go. Here is Chapter 96, Enjoy!

Port = Left

Starboard = Right

[ ] Signifies a foreign language

{ } Signifies hand signs

~ ~ Signifies singing

…

Last time:

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."

…

Chapter 96

Stardate 2298.017, 40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, M'Fau Compound

Eleven years had passed since the Bajoran Agreement which ended hostilities and five years had passed since the Khitomer Conference*① which finally ended the war. By that time, Naruto and his wives had settled on the edge of the ShiKahr City limits near the desert. Their home was very large by Vulcan standards, but it had to be. There were six adults and six children living there plus rooms for additional (future) family members.

Now, Naruto, T'Lyra, M'rella and Samui were all forty-three years old, Alison was forty-four and Shizuka was forty-nine. They had been blessed with six beautiful children who all had chakra and whisker marks like their Father.

The oldest was Vyorin*② who was born to T'Lyra. He had brown hair and brown eyes and was ten years old. Vyorin was very studious and protective of his younger siblings. Like all his sisters and brothers, he was skilled in the martial arts. Vyorin loved to create things and enjoyed working with his hands. He often helped his Mother T'Lyra work on the speeder bikes and the hovercraft.

Aurora*③ was also ten. She was an 'oops' baby born to Alison. Her siblings all called Aurora 'Rory' for short. She was absolutely brilliant and planned to go into the Vulcan Science Academy once she turned thirteen. Rory had red hair and green eyes like her Mother. She had a thirst for knowledge and loved to learn about everything.

A year after Aurora was born, M'rella gave birth to fraternal twins, a boy they named R'raak*④ and a girl named Niwara*⑤ who were now nine years old. They were a unique mix of Caitian and Vulcan traits*⑥. They looked like ordinary Vulcans but had tails and slit pupils as well as their shinobi features.

They also had more purring voices and could easily vocalize the Caitian language. R'raak had blue eyes and blonde hair like Naruto, but Niwara had black hair and amber eyes like M'rella. The twins were very close and protective of each other.

Samui was next to have a child, a little boy who she named Erik*⑦ who looked much like his older brother Siegfried with ice blue eyes and platinum blonde hair. He was a shy boy that loved to read. Much like Aurora, he planned to go to the Vulcan Science Academy when he was older.

Lastly, there was Sakuya*⑧ who was the spitting image of her Mother Shizuka. Sakuya was born to fight and seemed to be able to learn any combat style instinctively. She was very much a Daddy's girl.

All the children were genius Kal-toh addicts as well…

…

It was afternoon and Naruto was at home working on yet another starship design. He'd been in a proverbial design slump for years. The Excelsior and Constellation Classes had taken over as the premier heavy ships in production and the Federation had plenty of smaller ships to go around since the war ended. They didn't need new warship designs with the surplus of ships they already had.

The only thing Naruto had designed as a reservist that drew any notice was a very small ship he originally designed for civilian use called a Runabout*⑨. It started as a private venture with Yoyodyne Propulsion where his friend Kloene worked now, and Starfleet took an interest in the little ship's modular design. It was in production on Mars. The blonde Vulcan owned the first one, S.S. Runabout and it was parked at the spaceport in ShiKahr.

That was when he heard his front door chime. 'Who could that be?' wondered Naruto.

When he answered the door, he saw the (former) Romulan spy for the Federation, Thera Sorkalif standing there smiling in a Starfleet uniform. She had a Lieutenant's bars and said warmly, "It's been a long time Naruto of Vulcan. I'm happy to see you again."

Naruto raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you here on Starfleet business or Section 31 business?"

Her grin widened. "Both actually. I didn't know you were so well informed."

"I have connections." stated the blonde.

"Obviously." she said. "May I come in?"

"Naruto, who's at the door?" came M'rella's purring voice as she padded into the entryway. Her amber eyes widened. "Oh, you're-"

"Lieutenant Thera Sorkalif at your service, Lieutenant M'rella." said the Romulan with a salute.

"Yes, I remember you well." said M'rella as she wrapped her arms around Naruto's left bicep. "Won't you come in?"

Thera nodded. "Thank you."

…

"This is quite the little mansion you have here." said Thera conversationally as she sipped her spiced tea. "You've done very well for yourself Fleet Captain Naruto."

Naruto frowned slightly. "What is your reason for coming here Lieutenant Sorkalif?"

"In short, the fast cruiser fleet is being reactivated and their crews are being put back on active duty." said Thera.

M'rella's amber eyes widened. "Why?!"

The Lieutenant explained, "Because the fast cruisers can be anywhere and establish space superiority in a given area faster than any other type. The U.S.S. Wolverine and her sisterships have been brought out of preservation and are being modernized as we speak. They need experienced command crews though. That's where you come in. Fleet Admiral William Smillie*⑩ has ordered it." finished Thera.

"So, in short, we are being drafted." said Naruto.

Sorkalif chuckled. "That's a very dour way of looking at it, Fleet Captain."

"What about our families?" asked M'rella.

"You'll be stationed at a regular Starbase with a homeport of course. Families will be provided for and live on the Starbase." explained the Romulan officer. "They will have all the amenities of home."

…

"WHAT?!" screeched Shizuka when she got home that evening. "What you mean we're being drafted?! I'm a professor at the Vulcan Institute for Defensive Arts!"

"We all have teaching jobs we like, S'Loran." said T'Lyra. "Calm yourself."

"I've been getting electronic messages since this afternoon from members of the Think Tank and the rest of the crew. Everyone has been told the same thing." said Naruto.

"Well, I've been talking to Rafi and she's actually happy about it." said Samui. "Of course, she thinks her piloting job on Planet Trill is boring."

M'rella asked, "What do the rest of our friends say, Naruto?"

The blonde Vulcan replied, "Approximately 60% are against it but 40% are in favor of it."

"Everyone seems to be forgetting that Starfleet hasn't given us a choice in the matter." grouched Alison. "Unless resign our commissions, we're stuck."

Shizuka grumbled, "We could always mutiny!"

The children had been doing their homework when Sakuya came out of her room and walked in on her parents discussing what to do. "What's all this about mutiny?" asked the youngest daughter.

Samui covered her smile with her hand and Shizuka nearly face faulted in embarrassment. "Your Mothers and I were discussing whether we should go back into space Sakuya." explained Naruto. "Shizuka was considering mutiny as an option."

Sakuya turned to Shizuka and asked, "Is mutiny the logical solution Mom?"

Alison was barely holding in her laughter as Shizuka cleared her throat and said, "Mom was just looking at all the possibilities baby."

"I see." said the precocious eight-year-old girl. "What are the other options?"

Naruto scooped up his youngest daughter and said, "We are discussing that very subject Sakuya. The situation is rather difficult, so we are trying to come to a logical consensus."

…

By the next day, Naruto was talking to several of his former officers individually…

"Frankly, being a reservist sucks!" said Konohamaru over subspace. "I see this as a golden opportunity sir! I can't wait to get back out into space. Do you have any idea where we will be stationed?"

Naruto shook his head. "At this point I have no idea, Commander Sarutobi. All I know is things were set into motion by Fleet Admiral Smillie months ago. I have six young children now, so this news isn't as welcome to me as to you."

"Six?! Wow, sir. You've been busy." replied the Commander. "Are the kids excited to be moving to a Starbase? I grew up on one myself. I found it a lot more exciting than being planet side."

"Reality has yet to sink in with them, Konohamaru." stated the blonde. "They aren't looking forward to leaving family and friends behind on Vulcan though."

"Well, it's one of the realities military brats have to face, I should know." said Sarutobi. "I'll see you soon sir."

…

Naruto spoke to Captains Shanna Williams, Mabui Kumo and Jaqueline Nodaway over the next few days and all of them felt the same as Konohamaru Sarutobi. They had grown restless living on their homeworlds and were glad to be returning to space. The blonde Vulcan thought he might feel the same way if he didn't have children.

Starfleet had essentially put the entire fast squadron program on a shelf after the war ended as unnecessary but now, they were needed again. The reasoning behind it didn't quite add up to Naruto M'Fau though. He had to wonder what Fleet Admiral Smillie's actual agenda was…Even more so with Thera Sorkalif involved…Deciding to take the situation head on, Naruto made an appointment to meet the Fleet Admiral.

…

Stardate 2298.031, Sol System, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Smillie's Office

Fleet Admiral William 'Bill' Smillie had presided over the arrest and imprisonment of his immediate predecessor, Fleet Admiral Lance Cartwright five years ago at Khitomer. He knew about Section 31 but was a pragmatic man. He saw them as a necessary evil but sabotaging the peace process with the Klingon Empire was going too far. The line had to be drawn somewhere.

Now he was looking forward to a meeting with Fleet Captain Naruto of Vulcan. The two men had never crossed paths before. Smillie had been in command of the Fifth Fleet at Starbase 13 on the Gorn Border throughout the war and the famous U.S.S. Wolverine hadn't ever been stationed there.

Naruto was welcomed by Smillie's secretary and shown in promptly. The blonde gave the traditional Vucan salute and said, "Peace and long life to you Fleet Admiral, thank you for taking the time to see me."

Smillie grinned and said, "I'd certainly be remiss to not see one of the most highly decorated Captains in Starfleet history. Please have a seat and make yourself comfortable. I'm sure you have questions for me, and I'll do my best to answer them."

After the two men were seated, Smillie stated, "Most of the old guard of Admirals are gone. You'll find that peace and space exploration are the orders of the day now. The Excelsior and Constellation Classes are starting to go on five and even ten-year exploration missions. Hell, the U.S.S. Enterprise-A is a museum ship now. I'm sure you're wondering why the fast cruisers are being refurbished in this new era. Am I right?"

"You are correct Fleet Admiral. That is my primary question." replied Naruto.

"It's simple, we need ships that can go behind the lines of foreign nations and monitor their activities." explained the Fleet Admiral. "The fast cruisers have been refitted with cloaking devices for just that purpose. I don't have to tell you this was a thinly disguised mission on behalf of Section 31 as you and I have both dealt with them before."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Why isn't Section 31 providing new crews then?"

William grinned. "Because the commerce raider crews have years of experience sneaking around behind foreign borders already. You couldn't ask for better people than what we already have. When you are not in foreign space, the fast cruisers will be highly visible at their homeports as quick responders and Ambassadorial transports."

"What about the Cardassian Union situation?" asked the Fleet Captain.

"Currently, the Cardassians are considered a particularly vicious nuisance." answered Smillie with a frown. "After the General War, the public wanted peace. The ongoing Border Conflict with the Cardassian Union hasn't gained either side any advantage or territory. It's just endless off and on fighting. The public knows about it, but no one wants to escalate things to do something decisive about the situation. It is just a bloody stalemate."

…

Daystrom Institute of Technology Campus, Siegfried and S'Harien's Apartment

It was afternoon by the time the blonde Fleet Captain was done with his meeting with Fleet Admiral Smillie. He decided to visit his eldest son and daughter-in-law while he was on Earth. After calling ahead to make sure someone was home, Naruto arrived at their apartment.

S'Harien greeted him at the door and said, "Welcome Father Naruto, please come in."

Naruto replied, "Thank you for inviting me into your home."

Siegfried came out and greeted his Father before asking, "They are pulling all of you out of the reserves?"

"Yes, the fast cruisers are being put back in service with the original command crews." said the older blonde.

The younger hybrid said, "I knew the ships were undergoing a Block 2 refit, but I had no idea about the crews. How are Mum and the others reacting?"

Naruto answered, "Considering we are all civilian teachers and have six children, their reaction has been largely negative."

"It is not surprising." commented S'Harien. "After eleven years of peace you are being torn away from everything you have built. What about the little ones?"

"They will be joining us and living on the Starbase we are stationed at." explained the Fleet Captain. "It is not what I wanted for them, but Siegfried was forced into a less than ideal childhood as well without Samui and I."

S'Harien ran her hand through her husband's long hair affectionately. "I think Ziggy turned out okay."

Siegfried kissed her hand and said, "Father, you did your best. There was a war on after all. What Starbase will you be at?"

Naruto frowned a tiny bit and said, "That matter has not been decided yet. I'm supposed to join your Great Aunt Vach for an inspection of the Wolverine tomorrow."

The platinum blonde said, "Internally, there are major changes, particularly in the computer core."

"You've been aboard the Wolverine then?"

"I've overseen the installation of the new Mark IV Isolinear computers on all five fast cruisers. It will be up to you to make them faster again." said Siegfried.

Naruto smirked. "Sounds like a challenge."

…

40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, M'Fau Compound

T'Lyra was addressing her fellow wives of Naruto. "The most logical solution is for me to stay at the Starbase to watch over the children while the rest of you are away from dock in the Wolverine. As the rest of you are officers you don't have that option."

"It may be the most logical, but it isn't fair to you T'Lyra." replied M'rella. "There will be six kids and only one of you."

"It will be better than them being alone in the hands of caretakers." said T'Lyra reasonably. "We can't just push them off on Father Sovar and Mother T'Ara. Besides, our children are very well behaved and logical."

"I still think there must be other options." commented Alison.

Shizuka frowned. "You're really getting the shaft T'Lyra."

Samui agreed. "We'll have to talk to Starfleet and see what their policies are. There may be a way to get additional help."

…

Stardate 2298.032, Sol System, Planet Mars Orbit, Utopia Planitia Shipyards, Floating Repair Dock 12

The next day, Naruto was in a warp shuttle with his Great Aunt Vach M'Fau as they came up on FRD-12 where he saw the modernized U.S.S. Wolverine for the first time. It didn't look all that different externally but there were small contour changes here and there.

Vach looked at her nephew. "You'll see that most of the improvements you recommended at the end of the war were incorporated into the Block 2 refit, Naruto. The addition of a cloaking device required a lot internally but our advances in computer and cloaking technology over the last decade made it possible."

"The cloaking devices…how effective are they?" asked the blonde.

"They are on par with wartime Klingon ones." answered Vach. "The fact we had a very advanced one to study helped."

Naruto questioned, "I take it we can't fire under cloak?"

"Not with our current designs." replied his Great Aunt. "Nevertheless, using Isolinear computer technology to enhance the cloaking device's effect put us years ahead of where we would be otherwise."

The Fleet Captain saw numerous workbees thermocoating sections of the ship's hull while others were checking for corrosion and replacing surface areas where needed. "How far along is the Wolverine and the others?"

Vach answered, "The entire fast cruiser fleet is above the 90th percentile except for the Stingray which is at 88%. She wasn't as well preserved as the others. Her Captain, Aaron Steiner, left the service for good after the war for medical reasons. He's being replaced by Captain Amelia Whitaker, who I believe you are acquainted with."

"Amelia was my watch officer before the war started." stated Naruto. "She was still in fast destroyers when the war ended."

"Well, Whitaker was decided to be the best choice by Starfleet Command." she replied.

The blonde saw the registration NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine being applied over the fresh thermocoat and felt a sense of accomplishment well up within him. "I thought she'd never sail again after being inactivated at the end of the war."

Vach got a glint in her eye. "It's a testament to your design skills that the fast cruisers could be adapted to cloaking technology."

…

After landing aboard in the shuttle bay, Naruto saw just how big of a reconstruction it was. Everything inside was new except for the ship's structural components. He turned to his Aunt and said, "How much of the ship is original?"

"The refit of the entire class varied a bit but averaged around 65%. They are essentially new ships." Now she really had a gleam in her eye. "I did say that most of the improvements you recommended were incorporated into the Block 2 refit, did I not?"

"This isn't a refit; it is a total reconstruction if you include the cloak." he said.

"It's still your design Naruto." said Vach.

That's when they came upon the 'kill board' that was covered with transparent aluminum to protect it. Naruto looked at it for a long while in silence as he reminisced. "Naruto…?" asked his Aunt.

"My apologies, I was just lost in thought." replied the blonde. "Let's tour the ship."

Naruto and Vach toured the reconstructed U.S.S. Wolverine over the next few hours.

"The Wolverine is 96% completed." explained Vach. "I personally would have called you in sooner, but everything was classified due to the cloaking technology. We weren't informed that the original crews were being pulled out of reserves until last week. I've been expecting you since then."

"I didn't know until two weeks ago." replied Naruto. "I was waiting for the children to get home from school when a Starfleet Lieutenant came to my house and informed me that I was no longer in reserve status."

…

Naruto was soon examining the warp field projections on the Block 2 Wolverine. He frowned slightly and said, "This will never do. I'll need to fine tune this manually."

Vach nodded and replied, "I expected as much. All five fast cruisers have the same warp field pattern you are looking at. Starfleet wants you to fine tune all five ships."

The blonde sagged slightly. "I was under that impression."

…

40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, M'Fau Compound

"Mama how long will Daddy be working on the ships?" asked Aurora. "He's already been gone six whole days."

Alison smiled at her daughter. "You must learn patience Rory. These things take time. He just started working and estimates it will take three to five days per ship. Warp field configurations are very complex mathematically. Fortunately, your Daddy is very talented in that area."

"I wish he was here." said the younger redhead.

"So do I little one." replied her Mother.

…

City of ShiKahr, Starfleet Recruiting Office

Shizuka was down at the recruiting office to requisition new standard duty and dress uniforms for the family. She had her little daughter Sakuya with her. Sakuya was looking around with big, curious light green eyes when she heard a man say to her Mom. "Shizuka Nadeshiko, is that you?! Damn, you are still one sexy woman."

Shizuka sighed and said, "Hello McGee."

"Aww, aren't you happy to see me?" asked McGee. "We were such good friends when we were cadets."

"We went on one date." replied the Earth-raised Vulcan in a flat tone.

McGee was going to say something smooth when Sakuya peered around Shizuka and asked "Mom, who is this dorky person?"

Shizuka practically had to shove her fist in her mouth to keep from exploding into laughter at the look of horror on McGee's face. She cleared her throat and said, "He's just someone Mom used to know a long time ago." She turned back to McGee and handed him a datapad, "Lieutenant, I'm here to requisition new uniforms for five officers. Make it happen."

McGee saw her rank on the datapad and said in a defeated tone, "Yes Lieutenant Commander."

…

Stardate 2298.037, Sol System, Planet Mars Orbit, Utopia Planitia Shipyards, Floating Repair Dock 12, U.S.S. Wolverine

Naruto spent five days mapping the new warp field configuration of the Wolverine. It had been a long and tedious task, but the blonde was finally satisfied with his work. "Done." he said. "Computer, run simulation of the updated warp field now." Seeing everything was in order, the Fleet Captain completed his tasks and logged off the computer.

'I'd best call home.' he thought to himself. After checking the local time on Vulcan, he sent out a transmission.

…

40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, M'Fau Compound

Samui was checking things over for the move back into space when she saw an incoming transmission. "I'll get it Mum." said Vyorin. The brunette boy turned to his younger brother Erik and said, "Let's check the viewscreen."

Erik hopped up to the viewscreen and said, "Viewscreen on." Then he saw Naruto and exclaimed, "Daddy!" Vyorin was excited as well but hid it better.

Naruto gave his sons a tiny smile. "Vyorin, Erik; how are my boys?"

"When are you coming home Daddy?" asked Vyorin. "We all miss you."

"It will be a few days." replied the older hybrid. "I just finished work on the Wolverine. Are any of your Mothers around?"

"I'll get Mum." said Erik as he scampered off to find Samui.

The blonde bombshell soon came in with Erik and asked, "Naruto, how are things going?"

"It took five days to get the Wolverine's warp configuration right." answered Naruto. "I suspect the others will go quicker now that I am familiar with the new parameters."

"Do you have any idea where we are going to be stationed?" questioned Samui.

The Fleet Captain sighed. "I have yet to hear anything regarding that matter. It is most vexing."

"Well, keep us informed." she said. "We all are in suspense here."

"Has anything of note occurred in my absence?" asked Naruto.

Samui grinned. "Shizuka got our new uniforms. That's a story for her to tell."

They talked some time before Naruto signed off to get back to work…

…

Stardate 2298.046, Sol System, Planet Mars Orbit, Utopia Planitia Shipyards

Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau was looking over his datapad on the fast cruisers:

NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine -Block 2 refit 97% completed -Warp field configured.

NCC-1603 U.S.S. Stingray -Block 2 refit 89% completed -Warp field pending.

NCC-1604 U.S.S. Eagle -Block 2 refit 94% completed -Warp field configured.

NCC-1605 U.S.S. Gryphon -Block 2 refit 94% completed -Warp field configured.

NCC-1606 U.S.S. Manta Ray -Block 2 refit 96% completed -Warp field configured.

'All that is left is the Stingray.' thought Naruto. 'Since the Block 2 refit, all the fast cruisers are more uniform than they have ever been. It will be interesting seeing the speed trials. I suppose I should report into the Starfleet Bureau of Design & Repair.'

…

Rear Admiral Lucian Tolm answered the subspace transmission from Naruto moments later. He said, "Good morning, Naruto, I just received your report. Now that the U.S.S. Gryphon's warp field is up to par, all that's left is the Stingray. Do you anticipate any problems?"

"No, the Stingray is complete enough that it should present no issues in its warp configuration. It is the only ship in the fast cruiser fleet I've never been aboard." reported Naruto.

"She tended to wallow at warp 10.3 but it was never fixed like on her sisterships." said Lucian. "You'll probably want to look into that."

"I will sir." replied the blonde.

"How are you adjusting to being back in the fleet?" asked the old Admiral. "You've been missed."

"It has certainly been a change." answered the blonde. "I've been teaching part time at the Vulcan Science Academy. Aside of that, I've been taking care of my children."

"Vach said you have six of them. You must have had your hands full." said Lucian humorously.

Naruto gave a tiny smile. "They are a task but certainly are worth it."

…

40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, M'Fau Compound

M'rella was sitting with her son R'raak and daughter Niwara who were playing Kal-toh against one another. "Ma, what is deep space like?" asked R'raak.

"I always found the stars to be romantic." answered M'rella.

"When will we be leaving Ma?" asked Niwara. "I'm not looking forward to moving."

Their Mother smiled. "It will be a change but both of you will adjust. As for when we are leaving, that hasn't been decided. That's why we are preparing in advance."

R'raak said, "It would be more logical to bring the ship here than us having to move there."

M'rella looked at her son and replied, "There will be other families with children too. They also will have to leave their homes to live on base."

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one." quoted Niwara.

"Exactly." said M'rella.

…

Stardate 2298.051, Sol System, Planet Mars Orbit, Utopia Planitia Shipyards, Floating Repair Dock 12, U.S.S. Wolverine

"Personal log of Naruto M'Fau, Stardate 2298.051. I have configured the entire fast cruiser fleet's warp fields. I look forward to the actual speed trials of the ships. The command crews of all five ships are due to report in by Stardate 2298.065. That leaves two weeks for the dockyard hands to complete their appointed tasks."

"I've been contacted personally by every member of the Think Tank as well as the command staff. Though everyone has mixed feelings about being put back into Starfleet service, everyone is looking forward to working together with old friends and comrades. With few exceptions, we will have a new enlisted crew so it will take time to make them as outstanding as before."

"We also have a new position in the command staff: An Intelligence Officer. Every fast cruiser will have one but, in our case, it will be Lieutenant Thera Sorkalif. I have been told that her past is not to be mentioned but the entire Think Tank already knows she was a spy. I believe that integrating her into the staff may prove difficult as a result."

…

By the end of the next week, the entire Think Tank was aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine and many hugs and handshakes had been exchanged between them. A week later the ship's officers were all on board. There were a few new faces, but the vast majority were old friends.

Naruto watched as the many enlisted piled in. According to the Starfleet Personnel Division they were the best in the fleet and the crew of the Wolverine was mainly made up of volunteers that wanted to be aboard the famous ship. 'I wonder how this new crew will mesh…' wondered the Fleet Captain.

…

Stardate 2298.065, Sol System, Planet Mars Orbit, Utopia Planitia Shipyards, Floating Repair Dock 12, U.S.S. Wolverine, Captain's Ready Room

Naruto was on a private channel with Fleet Admiral Smillie. The Fleet Admiral said, "I have news for you Fleet Captain. The U.S.S. Wolverine is to be based at Starbase 1 with the homeport of Earth. As one of our most famous vessels you will be doing more diplomatic duties than some others but at least your crew will be close to home."

The Fleet Captain replied, "That is good news. My children will be closer to their older brother and Terran grandparents. I will inform the crew this afternoon in the announcements."

The blonde was soon talking to Konohamaru. "I'm happy to hear that Fleet Captain." said the Commander. "My family lives on Earth so I'll be able to visit them from time to time. Grandpa Hiruzen is retired and lives in Japan now."

"I have in-laws and my son Siegfried lives on Earth." said Naruto. "That should put us in closer contact. Unfortunately, my wife T'Lyra and my six children will be living on base instead of with me. It makes matters difficult."

"I can't imagine sir. I'm not even married." said Sarutobi.

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't worry about it, Commander. There are lots of fish in the sea to use a Terran phrase."

Konohamaru grinned. "You're right sir. I'll find the right one yet."

…

Staff Meeting Room

"…And as I announced on the overhead earlier this afternoon, our homeport is Starbase 1 Spacedock so we should have no supply shortages. Starfleet is also arranging things to move our families to the Starbase if that is their desire." explained Naruto.

Shelly Wilson smiled. "Luckily my family is already on Earth so there won't be any need to move them."

"Well, I was married and divorced twice as a reservist so I'm good either way." said Freyja Christianson. "Actually, being out here in space is probably better."

Ino winced. "I'm sorry to hear that Freyja. My parents live on Haven, so I'll have to go visit them when we have leave."

Shar said, "I hate to say it, but I've come to realize that the Think Tank is more family to me than my actual relatives. I'm glad to be back on the Wolverine."

"I'm just glad everyone is back." stated Rafi. "My job piloting a civilian ship was incredibly boring. I stayed in touch with Samui and Maya to keep my sanity."

Maya laughed. "I guess most of us should have stayed active instead of in the reserves. We need to be in space on the edge."

…

40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, M'Fau Compound

"We're moving to Earth?" asked Vyorin.

"To be precise, we are moving to Starbase 1 which orbits Earth." corrected T'Lyra.

Aurora said, "That's where the human side of the family lives."

"Big brother Siegfried and big sister S'Harien live there too." said Erik.

"When are we leaving?" asked the twins at the same time.

T'Lyra replied, "We ship out in two weeks so everything will need to be packed and ready."

…

Stardate 2298.066, Sol System, Planet Mars Orbit, Utopia Planitia Shipyards, Floating Repair Dock 12, U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge

Fleet Captain Naruto was in his new command chair and turned to his helmsman. "Thrusters at station keeping Rafi."

"All decks report in green." said Alison Fairbanks.

M'rella reported, "FRD-12 reports all tractor links and gravity pylons are cleared. We are free floating."

Shizuka Nadeshiko said, "All decks are fully secured."

"Thrusters ahead one quarter Rafi." said Naruto. "Take us out."

For the first time in over a decade, the U.S.S. Wolverine was moving under her own power…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: Khitomer Conference: Seen in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. See Memory Alpha.

*②: Vyorin -means 'one who studies' in Golic Vulcan

*③: Aurora -means 'dawn' in Latin.

*④: R'raak -is a traditional Caitian name. See Memory Beta.

*⑤: Niwara -is a traditional Caitian name. See Memory Beta.

*⑥: I based their appearance on the Caitian twins in Star Trek: Into Darkness. See Memory Alpha.

*⑦: Erik -means 'eternal ruler' in Old Norse

*⑧: Sakuya -means 'flowering night' in Japanese.

*⑨: Runabout -This is an earlier design that is a precursor to the Danube Class. See Memory Alpha.

*⑩: William Smillie was seen in Star Trek VI as a 'Grand Admiral.' See Memory Beta.

And done! Next chapter will be an updated timeline and character extract. After that we will resume the story. See you next time. Blue out. 6/8/24