Naruto: Infinity Divide
Making the Grade
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
There seems to be a glitch on Fanfiction. Many people can't read past chapter 102 for some reason. Hopefully this will be worked out. That being said, this chapter revolves around events on Planet Earth. Here is Chapter 105, Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
{ } Signifies hand signs
~ ~ Signifies singing
…
Last time:
Preparatory School Campus, Classroom Two
Vyorin was finishing his assignments for the day and was wondering about receiving his grades. The class of (primarily) humans was strangely competitive and some of the students indicated they were terrified about their reviews. 'It must be a human thing…' he thought absentmindedly. 'All you have to do is add up your cumulative scores and your quarterly assessments can be predicted.'
As for Aurora, she was looking forward to the day ending so she could escape the company of her new friends in her class. The little redhead needed to meditate. Where grades were concerned, her thoughts mirrored her brother's. She didn't quite understand the fear of scores when you already knew them. I just wasn't logical to her.
Doctor Beeson cleared her throat and said to her students, "Monday is the first quarter's grades and therefore the first parent-teacher conferences. You will be required to bring one or both of your parents or guardians with you that day for a discussion of your accomplishments thus far. I have sent out notification to them, but you have a copy as well." The final bell rang. "I will see you all next week students. Have a good weekend."
…
All six M'Fau children bid farewell to their classmates and headed out into the lobby where they were pleasantly surprised to see T'Lyra waiting for them. The beautiful brunette said, "I have received news that the Wolverine has returned. Alison contacted me and Naruto and the girls are home."
The children all brightened up. "This is excellent news." stated R'raak. "With our grades coming out Monday, all of our parents can be present."
T'Lyra agreed. "It is excellent timing. Are you all ready to go?"
"Yes, Mother." chorused the children.
"Let's head to the transporter room then." said T'Lyra.
…
Planet Earth Orbit, Starbase One, M'Fau family quarters
Naruto and his wives welcomed T'Lyra and their children home with hugs, kisses and Vulcan salutes. The little ones were very excited (by Vulcan standards) and everyone was pleased to have a large dinner together…
…
Chapter 105
Stardate 2298.178, Planet Earth Orbit, Starbase One, M'Fau family quarters
The next morning, Naruto woke up in the warm embrace of his mate T'Lyra. They'd missed each other terribly and the previous night had been very passionate. The blonde smiled softly as he saw his beautiful brunette wife sleeping peacefully in his arms. Part of him wished they were back on Vulcan still leading civilian lives, but that chapter in their lives had come to a close for now…
She awoke a few minutes later with her bedhead hair tousled all over the place. The two lovers greeted each other with a long, warm kiss and she smiled when they separated. "Mmmm…I have missed you Naruto." she said happily. "How long do you think you'll be home?"
"I do not know at this point." replied her husband. "Between pirates, crooked politicians and space demons the whole crew needs a rest."
"Space demons?" she asked. "That is new. Tell me about it."
They whiled away the early morning talking about anything and everything…
…
When Naruto and T'Lyra got up in the mid-morning, they were greeted by the children and Naruto's wives. Sakuya was soon sitting beside her Father in a chair snuggled up into his side. "The other children in my class are very concerned about their grades and the parent-teacher conferences, but it does not seem logical to me. Why would these things evoke fear in an individual Daddy?"
"Terran societal norms are different from Vulcan ones, Sakuya." explained Naruto. "You will have to learn and adapt to the culture here."
"I still say it's illogical." said his youngest daughter.
Naruto gave her a tiny smile. "It is baby."
Saturday passed uneventfully and the M'Fau family enjoyed some quality bonding time together…
…
Stardate 2298.180, M'Fau family quarters
Naruto was awakened in the early morning by a message from Starfleet Headquarters on Sunday. The blonde Vulcan was irritated about it given he was on leave but couldn't exactly ignore a call from the office of Fleet Admiral Smillie. He threw on his uniform and answered the call. It was Smillie's secretary.
She said "This is Lieutenant Yvonne from Starfleet Headquarters. I'm Fleet Admiral William Smillie's Secretary. I have orders I'm forwarding to you and your intelligence officer, Lieutenant Thera Sorkalif. The Admirals are having a meeting regarding Starfleet Policy and the Fleet Admiral wants to hear your opinion on the matter."
"I'm not a Flag Officer Lieutenant." replied the blonde. "This seems unusual."
Yvonne smiled. "Many Admirals value your opinion Fleet Captain. It is important that you and Lieutenant Sorkalif attend."
"When is this meeting?" asked Naruto tiredly.
"It is at 12:00 hours today at the Fleet Admiral's Staff Room here at Starfleet Headquarters. I've already confirmed things with your intelligence officer to meet you here." she answered.
Naruto was less than thrilled. "Please inform the Fleet Admiral I will attend."
She smiled again. "I'll pass that along sir."
…
Planet Earth, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters, Fleet Admiral's Staff Room
At 11:45 hours, Naruto was standing outside the Staff Room with Lieutenant Thera Sorkalif. She seemed excited to be present. "What do you think this meeting is about, Fleet Captain?" Thera asked. She was admiring the blonde in his dress uniform adorned with medals. 'He looks so handsome.'
"It isn't logical to speculate." replied the blonde. "I'm surprised you aren't already aware given your connections."
She sagged a bit. 'He still doesn't trust me.' "All I know is it's about a new Starfleet policy. I'm in the dark aside of that."
Naruto looked at his chronometer. "We will find out soon enough."
…
The door opened and Yvonne was standing there. "Welcome Fleet Captain, Lieutenant. You are the first ones here. Please come in and be seated."
Naruto was surprised that he was seated directly to the right of the Fleet Admiral. Thera was seated beside him. Opposite Naruto was Admiral Dennis Sloan from the Starfleet Office of Personnel with his secretary Sherrie beside him. They both remembered Naruto*① and were a bit gun shy where the blonde Vulcan was concerned.
The rest of the Admirals and their various assistants filed in shortly thereafter. Many were new and Naruto didn't know most of them. He saw the Andorian Admiral Tholas from the War College and his friend Admiral Lucien Tolm representing the engineering branch. The older man gave him an informal wave in greeting.
The last to enter was Fleet Admiral William Smillie whom they all stood and saluted. Smillie smiled congenially and said, "As you were. Everyone please be seated. You were all informed that Starfleet is considering a new policy but nothing more so you could remain objective."
After letting that soak in for a moment, the Fleet Admiral continued. "A new design has been projected which for now is simply called an 'Explorer.' The purpose of this ship is to expand the range of our research and extend missions to fifteen or even twenty years."
"As you probably surmised, it is larger than the existing Excelsior class and would act primarily in the role of the old Galactic Survey Cruisers." continued Smillie. "While the Constellation class is adequate for now. We must think of the future generation of vessels."
Several questions were raised about the practicality of such a vessel among the staff and the Engineering Division explained that such a large design would be possible but would probably take five to ten years to develop. Admiral Tolm concluded with, "This would be a next generation vessel technologically speaking. It would be new top to bottom."
"Admiral Tolm, is there a design on the drawing boards?" asked another Admiral.
Lucien shook his head. "It's just a concept at this point. We have yet to even frame a general design other than it would be very large. We feel that it would need to be approximately 50% larger than the existing Excelsior class."
Another Admiral said, "With all due respect to the Fleet Admiral, theorizing about future designs is all good and well, it hardly qualifies as a change in Starfleet policy. A larger ship seems like a natural progression of things."
Smillie looked at Admiral Sloan and explained, "The policy change in question originated with the Office of Personnel. Admiral Dennis Sloan will have the floor now. We will ask questions after he presents the concept."
The head of Starfleet Personnel stood up and said, "Thank you all for coming. I want you to know that I value each and every one of your opinions but ask that you wait until I'm finished before stating them. This is considered somewhat radical by some and a natural evolution of things by others."
After everyone had his undivided attention, Denny Sloan stated, "With missions extending more than ever before, our crews are losing the opportunity to be with their partners and raise their children. I know that many in this room were in the General War and an entire generation grew up while they were away at the front."
Several nodded and Admiral Sloan continued. "But the General War is over now, and we are in an era of peace. For this reason, there have been ideas circulating around for the families of crewmembers to join them aboard the vessels they are serving aboard."
Naruto raised an eyebrow and most of the staff gasped in shock.
"I realize this idea of having civilians aboard is unusual, but the mission of the Explorer type almost requires it." said Dennis. "I feel it would be a very progressive move on Starfleet's part and would improve crew morale on long term missions. It seems like a natural step forward on our deep space missions if you think about it."
"We already have Deltans and Vulcans stationed aboard for their biological needs. Why not extend that to all races?" asked Sloan.
"This idea is preposterous!" growled Admiral Tholas. The Andorian was obviously angry. "It would be ludicrous to have children on a ship of war!"
Sloan replied, "The mission of the Explorer type is not limited to combat. We are on peaceful missions now."
The Admiral's Staff argued back and forth heatedly as Naruto silently watched the debate. Sloan finally turned to the blonde Vulcan and said, "It's a well-known fact that you have family aboard your ship, Naruto of Vulcan. Surely you would support this idea."
Naruto frowned slightly at being put on the spot. His blue eyes crackled with chakra, and he stated, "A Captain's first duty is to safeguard his ship and crew. It is a sworn duty that everyone on board a vessel from Flag Officers to enlisted personnel has the understanding that they face dangers in space, combat or otherwise. That decision could not and should not be made for minors whether they have parents in Starfleet or not. The idea you present is not only illogical, but also unethical Admiral Sloan."
Dennis Sloan was taken aback. He expected support from the Vulcan. "But surely-"
"I am totally against it." said the Fleet Captain, cutting Sloan off. "Fraternization is one thing, putting children's lives in danger is quite another."
Thera Sorkalif saw the wind sucked out of Sloan's sails. He was dead in the water and Naruto's arguments stunned the rest of the room as well.
Finally, Admiral Tholas broke the silence and said, "I am in complete agreement with Fleet Captain Naruto of Vulcan. Even if we go forth with the Explorer concept, it should not include children in its crew."
"Perhaps the idea of including civilian families is going too far too fast." concluded Fleet Admiral Smillie. "I believe it has merits but not at this time. Let's move on to the Explorer concept. All in favor of proceeding with design studies say aye."
The Explorer design study passed nine to six in favor…
…
Stardate 2298.181, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Daystrom Institute Preparatory School Campus, Playground
The next morning was hot by Earth standards, and the children were in their teal and white colored tracksuits outside. Aurora M'Fau was talking with her brother Vyorin. "It seems that our classes are being preempted by the parent-teacher conferences that will start this afternoon. What does one do on a 'playday?' I would rather be studying."
Her brother rubbed his chin. "The older students are playing baseball and students of our age group are being coached in track and field events. I wish we could engage in a Kal-toh or three-dimensional chess match instead."
The little redhead looked bored. "Our younger brothers and sisters are having their parent-teacher conferences in progress now. I suppose they will be doing athletics after lunch."
"Probably." agreed Vyorin. "I've never studied Terran athletics that much -aside of martial arts of course."
"Yes, Mom has taught us a great deal about them." said Aurora. "Grandfather Sovar taught us about the Vulcan martial arts as well. I miss him."
Vyorin nodded. "I miss Vulcan…"
The siblings were interrupted from their musing by Sadie Dubois and her circle of friends. She smiled brilliantly and said, "Bonjour, Vyorin! I am surprised you are not playing with the other boys. I know you aren't as tall as some of them, but I bet you'd excel at basketball. You seem to be very athletic."
The M'Fau boy raised an eyebrow and said, "I will study it." to which the girls all giggled.
"Rory let's watch the boys play." said Monica Kindler. She added conspiratorially, "It's fun to watch them sweat and take off their track jackets."
Now Aurora raised an eyebrow. "Why would such a thing be enjoyable?"
The others all laughed, and Mercedes took Aurora's hand. "Come on Rory! Live a little!"
Leading the little Vulcan girl over to the side, Tran Linh noticed that both Vyorin and Aurora had their track suits zipped all the way up. "Aren't you hot Rory? I'm surprised you aren't sweating up a storm!"
The redhead replied. "This weather is cool compared to Vulcan where I grew up. I'm not sweating because Vulcans don't have sweat glands."
"They don't?!" asked all the girls at once.
"No, it would be inefficient in the heat of Planet Vulcan's climate." explained Aurora. "We have an internal cooling system composed of a lower body temperature and increased blood flow through larger blood vessels and a fast heart rate…and of course our blood is copper based rather than iron based*②."
"Whoa." said Monica. "I had no idea."
"It isn't something we discuss very much as it is normal on Vulcan." said Rory.
There was a huge cheer over at the baseball field and Linh said, "It sounds like a home run."
The redhead's sharp eyes saw the baseball soaring right towards them at high speed. Realizing her new friends were in danger, she exclaimed, "Stand clear!" and pushed them out of the way.
"Eeeek!" squealed all the girls as they went down in a dogpile.
Mercedes and the others heard a terrible smacking like a thunderclap. Aurora had snatched the ball out of the air barehanded. From their point of view behind the petite girl, there was a massive red aura of fire chakra and a searing blast of heat.
Aurora's hair tie came out of her hair from the scorching chakra and the baseball was in her outstretched hand. "Rory…?" asked Monica in concern. "Oh my god, that ball is smoking!"
"It is not a matter of concern." said the Vulcan girl. The red miasma faded, and she asked, "Are all of you uninjured?"
…Coach Terri Clausewitz came running from the baseball field in a panic and she said, "Are you girls alright?!"
The little redhead replied, "I am uninjured, but you should check on the others."
The coach saw the smoking baseball in Rory's hand and nearly panicked. "Let me see your hand child!"
Aurora handed the baseball to Clausewitz and said, "Your ball."
Terri gasped when she saw Rory's small handprint scorched into the surface of the baseball and immediately examined the eldest M'Fau daughter's hand for injuries. Finding none, the coach stated, "We are going to the nurse to get you checked over young lady."
"I assure you I am unhurt." replied Aurora.
"We're getting it check anyway." ordered Clausewitz. "Let's go."
…
Nurse Practitioner's Office
Nurse Cathrine Day examined Aurora with a medical scanner and found nothing was wrong with the redhead other than fatigue.
"I am a bit tired." admitted Rory.
"You just lie down and rest Aurora." said Day. "I will message your parents."
Daystrom Institute Preparatory School Campus, Classroom One
While Aurora was in the Nurse's office, Naruto and Samui were sitting with their youngest son Erik and his instructor, Instructor Joel Hosman. The young teacher was totally distracted by the blonde bombshell and was having a hard time focusing on Erik's grades.
"So…uh, anyway…" Joel said robotically as he tried not to stare, "Erik has the highest grades in his class and is very diligent with his schoolwork. Actually, your son gets straight A grades across the board. Socially speaking, your son is very cooperative with his classmates but is a bit shy. I would like to see him branch out a bit and socialize more. I hope that you will encourage him to do so… Do you have any questions for me, uh…Mrs. Samui?"
'Must he be so blatant with his ogling?' thought Naruto to his wife. 'He hasn't addressed me once.'
Samui gave a mental smile. 'He can't seem to help himself.' "So, Mister Hosman, is-"
Naruto's personal communicator beeped, and he frowned slightly as he read the text. "It seems that Aurora is in the Nurse's Office. Alison is already there, and they request my presence."
"Is Rory okay?" asked Erik in concern.
"I'm sure she'll be fine." answered Samui as she ran her fingers through her son's downy soft hair. "I'll finish up here Naruto. You go check on Rory."
Naruto said, "Very well." 'I'm sure that chakra flare earlier was Aurora. She must have worn herself out.'
…
Nurse Practitioner's Office
The Fleet Captain entered the Nurse's Office a few minutes later and saw his redheaded wife was there watching over their sleeping daughter. Alison looked up at him and smiled. "She's sleeping like a baby." said the older redhead. "The nurse said she's just fatigued."
Aurora's eyes blinked open tiredly and she saw her parents there. "…Mama? Daddy…?"
"We're here little one." said Alison warmly. "How's my girl?"
"I'm sleepy." said Rory with a yawn. "I believe I overdid it with my chakra."
Naruto sat down and placed his hand on Aurora's shoulder to refill her chakra reserves. Seeing his daughter's green eyes brighten up he asked, "Is that better Rory?"
The little redhead hugged him and said, "Thank you Daddy."
"What exactly happened?" asked Alison.
Aurora quickly related the entire baseball incident and about her throwing a chakra shield up to protect her friends.
"You did well little one." said Naruto.
Alison added, "We are very proud of you baby."
Rory blushed slightly at the praise and hugged each of her parents…
…
Playground
In the meantime, Vyorin was being bombarded with questions by Mercedes and her friends. He explained patiently, "Aurora used her chakra to shield you and herself. Chakra is a form of bioelectric energy unique to my family. My Father has it and all my siblings and I have it."
Mercedes asked, "So you can basically throw out a wall of fire?!"
"No, my element is electricity." answered the brunette boy. "Rory's element is fire."
"Will she be okay?" questioned Linh in concern.
He nodded. "She will be fine with a bit of sleep. She simply exhausted herself."
"That's amazing!" exclaimed Monica. "We have to thank Rory for protecting us."
The whistle blew and the older children filed in from the playgrounds to their classrooms…
…
Classroom Two
Mercedes Dubois was sitting with her parents, Francis and Lanna Dubois. Lanna said to her husband, "I never expected Naruto of Vulcan's children to be in the same class as our Sadie!" She looked over at Vyorin who was having a quiet conversation with T'lyra. "Mercedes, what is his son like?"
Sadie answered, "Vyorin and Aurora are both very smart and very quiet. He always seems to take charge whenever he gets paired with someone. Now that I think about it, so does Rory."
"I just hope we get to meet Fleet Captain Naruto." said Francis. "He is a great hero, Sadie. Without him, we probably would still be fighting the Romulan Empire."
That was when Aurora led Naruto and Alison into the classroom. They were wearing their crimson M'Fau clan robes. They quietly joined T'Lyra and Vyorin and seated themselves.
"It's really him!" whispered Lanna. "We should introduce ourselves."
As another child and his parents were called in to see Doctor Beeson, the Dubois family went over to introduce themselves to the M'Faus. Mercedes asked, "Rory, are you alright now? Vyorin explained about chakra and how you protected us. I am ever so grateful."
Aurora gave the Vulcan salute in greeting. "I am fine now. It was logical to shield you all from that baseball. Someone could have been seriously injured otherwise."
Sadie's parents were bouncing off the walls waiting to be introduced. Francis spoke up and said to Aurora, "We are Mercedes' parents. I am Francis Dubois, and this is my wife Lanna. Thank you so much for helping our little girl."
Aurora replied, "You are welcome."
"Won't you introduce us to your family?" asked Lanna hopefully. 'Vulcans are always so regimented and formal. I never realized their children are as well.'
Rory raised an eyebrow like her Father and said, "This is my Mama Alison Fairbanks M'Fau, my Mother T'Lyra, my Daddy Naruto and my brother Vyorin."
Francis said, "It's a pleasure to meet you all."
Mercedes eyes bugged out and she blurted out, "Rory, you have more than one Mother?!"
The redheaded girl nodded. "I have five." She looked over at Naruto and said, "Daddy has a harem of five wives."
Alison gave the Vulcan salute and smiled. "Peace and long life. I'm Rory's birth Mother, Doctor Alison Fairbanks M'Fau."
Francis paused for a moment and said, "You're the Doctor Alison Fairbanks who wrote the Vulcan Science Academy textbook, On Interphasic Rifts?!" he asked excitedly.
The redhead nodded and said, "That was many years ago, but yes. There is still a lot to learn on that particular subject."
"I have a copy of it at home!" said Francis excitedly. "I consult it regularly!"
Lanna saw her husband falling into fanboy mode and cringed. "Ahaha, yes. My husband is a science officer on the U.S.S. Enterprise. I guess he knows your work, Doctor Fairbanks."
Alison's emerald green eyes were filled with mirth. "So, what do you do for a living Mrs. Dubois?"
"I'm in the Federation Diplomatic Corps here on Earth." said Lanna. She turned to the blonde Fleet Captain. "I'm honored to meet you, Naruto of Vulcan. You've done so much for the peace process with the Romulans among others."
Naruto replied, "Ambassador Sarek did far more than I. I contributed what I could."
"You are far too modest Fleet Captain." said Lanna. "I've read all about the Romulan Peace Mission."
T'Lyra was sitting back observing things quietly with Vyorin. They were discussing things telepathically. 'I guess she didn't read about your Daddy beheading that swordsman. He doesn't like to discuss the subject.' she said.
'Technically it was self-defense.' replied her son. 'Ah, it seems they have noticed us.'
Francis asked, "So what is your occupation Mrs. T'Lyra?"
"I am an engineer." answered the beautiful brunette. "I retired from Starfleet at the end of the war and taught on Vulcan for several years. Now I live in Starbase One with my children."
"…Mercedes Dubois, you are next." called Doctor Beeson.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to converse more later." said Lanna with a small bow. "Let's go Sadie."
…
Planet Earth Orbit, Starbase One, M'Fau family quarters
Hours later, the M'Fau family was relieved that the day was over. After sitting through all six children's interviews, Naruto in particular was sick to death of teachers telling him his children weren't social butterflies. "You are all doing well." said the blonde Fleet Captain towards his children. "These parent-teacher conferences are inefficient."
"They are an important facet of Terran schooling." said Samui. "I always was criticized for having a bad attitude towards others."
"Well, I was always in trouble for terrorizing classmates." interjected Alison.
Shizuka shrugged. "My grades were always okay, but I got in trouble for fighting a lot."
"Hmmm…" purred M'rella with a flat look. "Somehow I'm not surprised."
"About who?" asked Shizuka.
"All three of you." replied the beautiful Caitian.
Niwara's amber eyes narrowed. "I still found that artist wanting to take my picture unsettling."
…
Flashback…
Naruto and M'rella were sitting in the classroom with Niwara and R'raak. The twins were used to getting odd looks because of their mixed features but the man sitting across the room with their classmate Constance Laurel was openly gawking at them, particularly Niwara.
Finally, the odd man came over and said, "Hello! I'm Drew Laurel, Constance's Father. My daughter said your name is Niwara, young lady?"
Niwara glanced over at Constance, who looked embarrassed about the situation. Then she turned to face Drew and said, "It is."
"Wonderful!" he said with stars in his eyes. "I'm a professional artist and my studio would be excited to have such an exotic, beautiful girl as yourself model for us. Your unique features are just glorious! Would you be interested?
The Vulcan/Caitian hybrid felt her Father's hand rest protectively on her shoulder and his overwhelming presence pinned Drew Laurel in place. "What is it you want with my daughter?" asked Naruto with chakra flashing in his eyes.
Mister Laurel's teeth were chattering, and he squeaked out, "I b-believe your daughter would have great success as a m-model…" He shakily handed Naruto a holographic business card. "P-please contact me if you are interested!"
Then Drew retreated back across the room and practically hid behind his daughter Constance who rolled her eyes at her Father's antics…
Flashback end…
…
"Well, you are a lovely child, Niwara." said T'Lyra. She looked at the Laurel Studio card and said, "We will investigate this studio and see if it is real or even legal. We may have to press charges."
Shizuka put her hand on her forehead and said, "The guy is probably just an eccentric talent scout…I mean his daughter's at Daystrom…"
T'Lyra replied with conviction, "We can never be too vigilant with the safety of our little ones S'Loren. You of all people know this."
The Security Chief sighed in defeat. "Of course, T'Lyra…"
…
Stardate 2298.182, Planet Earth Orbit, Starbase One, M'Fau family quarters
The next day, the six children were off to school and Naruto received a communiqué from the Starfleet Bureau of Design & Repair. It was his Great Aunt Vach. She said, "Good morning to you Naruto, I heard about your views on the Explorer concept and its crew composition." There was humor in her eyes. "You were quite outspoken according to Admiral Tolm."
"Do you disagree Aunt Vach?" asked Naruto.
"No, your arguments are both logical and sound." she replied. "Colony ships and civilian vessels are one thing but naval vessels that may be called into battle are another matter. I'm calling you with the general parameters for the Explorer type. Many of your previous design concepts didn't suit Starfleet's policy makers when you presented them, and the Explorer will be something different for you to work on. Admiral Tolm specifically requested a design study from you."
"So, Starfleet want a bigger, better, more science-oriented vessel than the Excelsior class with much greater range?" the blonde questioned.
Vach explained, "This is supposed to be a quantum leap over previous vessels much like the X-ships were to their predecessors. It goes without saying this design will have a long gestation period. Are you interested?"
Naruto nodded. "Send me the parameters and I'll start to work."
She replied, "Remember, there is no hurry. We aren't at war, so contracts and approvals are much slower these days. There are many design studies that are already underway, and we've been reviewing the characteristics of some of your earlier work as well." She gave the Vulcan salute. "Peace and long life my nephew."
"Live long and prosper Aunt Vach." replied the blonde.
…
Naruto was soon looking over the design parameters and frowned ever so slightly. He ran rough calculations and thought, 'This Explorer idea would result in something big, bloated and ponderous. I don't like it at all. Starfleet needs a different approach entirely.' He recalculated the design features by cutting them all in half. 'Much better…' thought the blonde. Entering hyperthought, he started laying a design out on the datapad.
After twelve days' worth of calculations, the blonde Vulcan had framed his newest creation:
Mercury Light Cruiser Concept*③
Variable geometry warp nacelles
Capable of routine planetfall
400 crew
400 meters long/135 meters wide/65 meters height
15 decks
700,000 metric tons
14 phasers
4 photon torpedo launchers
2 Special Sensors
Cloaking Device
Four Shuttlecraft + Two Workbees
Maximum Warp Speed 16
Stardate 2298.194, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters, Bureau of Design & Repair
Naruto beamed down from Starbase One in orbit to the Bureau of Design & Repair on the surface to see Admiral Lucian Tolm, Captain Hiro Suzuki, and his Great Aunt, Captain Vach M'Fau. He was eager for their input as he believed Mercury could perform exploration, survey and courier missions at a fraction of the projected cost of the massive Explorer. Aside of being more flexible, Mercury would also be the fastest and most maneuverable cruiser in the fleet with its variable geometry warp nacelles…
…
Admiral Tolm was a bit surprised to see Naruto but welcomed him, nonetheless. The blonde Vulcan had a gleam in his eye much like Vach did when she was up to something. The older man looked curious and said, "Fleet Captain Naruto, what can I do for you today?"
Naruto gave the traditional Vulcan salute in greeting and replied, "Admiral, I have an idea I would like you to look at. It is framed mathematically but has not progressed any further. I do not know if Starfleet will want it as it does not fit the profile of the Explorer concept.
Lucian smiled and said, "Well, don't keep me in suspense Naruto. What's it called?"
"I call it Mercury after the Terran god of speed." answered the blonde.
Tolm held up a hand. "Let me call in Vach and Suzuki. I have a feeling they're going to want to see this..."
…
"Fascinating…" said Vach. "Having variable geometry warp nacelles is a stroke of genius. It will solve many of the problems associated with high-speed maneuvering without sacrificing performance at all."
"What inspired this Mercury concept Fleet Captain?" asked Suzuki.
"I don't like the Explorer concept at all." replied Naruto in a flat tone.
Hiro and Lucien sweat dropped and Vach nodded in acceptance.
Looking at the performance specs, Admiral Tolm said, "You realize this ship would make every small cruiser in Starflet obsolete."
"That is the idea." said the blonde.
Captain Suzuki rubbed his chin. "Perhaps it would be best to present the Mercury as a smaller stablemate to the Explorer rather than a competitor. Technologically speaking, they would be of the same generation and use many of the same components."
"I think that's an excellent idea!" exclaimed Lucien. "Since Naruto has already framed the design, I can present it at the next staff meeting."
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Admiral Sloan was seen in chapter 93.
*②: See Memory Alpha for discussions about Vulcan physiology.
*③: Mercury Concept -This is an earlier version of the Intrepid Class from Star Trek Voyager. See Memory Alpha and Beta. It has longer engines and a larger crew due to the limitations of technology in the TOS era. Basically, it looks like the U.S.S. Voyager with stretched warp engines.
This chapter wraps up most of what I wanted to accomplish with this arc. Next chapter will probably have a five- or six-year time skip that will put the children in their teens. See you next time. Blue out. 2/10/25