Naruto: Infinity Divide
Nightstalker
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
This installment took a while as my attention has been divided between several stories. Here is Chapter 103, Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
{ } Signifies hand signs
~ ~ Signifies singing
…
Last time:
Bridge
Early the next morning, the crew of the U.S.S. Wolverine was disappointed to hear that they were not only not going to get shore leave, but they were also ordered to return to Starbase 6 to resupply (again).
After Konohamaru made the customary morning log entry, he saw Naruto stride onto the bridge with a tiny frown on his face. The Fleet Captain said, "Konohamaru, you are with me. Samui, you have the bridge."
Naruto led his First Officer into his ready room and said, "Kono, after we resupply at Starbase 6, we are going pirate hunting."
Sarutobi asked, "Are we heading up a task force?"
The blonde Vulcan shook his head. "That's what Starfleet suggested but I rejected the idea. It was too obvious a move."
"You rejected a Starfleet order sir?" asked Konohamaru in a worried tone.
The Fleet Captain gave one of his extremely rare, fanged, bone chilling smiles. "We're going to put this cloaking device to work, Kono."
The Exec smiled. "You want to follow them back to their base and destroy them at the source."
"Precisely Commander." replied Naruto. "I knew you would catch on quickly."
…
Chapter 103
Stardate 2298.152, Starbase 6, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
The crew of the U.S.S. Wolverine once again found themselves docked at Starbase 6, Berth 7, to resupply. However, this time they were loading up with a wartime load of munitions among other things. To those that were new in the crew, it was a mystery, but to the Think Tank and others that had been on previous war cruises it was obvious: They were going hunting.
…
U.S.S. Wolverine, Staff Meeting Room
Lieutenant Thera Sorkalif found herself a bit nervous for some reason. The bridge crew were primarily members of the Think Tank and very experienced combat veterans. She wasn't. "I hope I don't screw this up.' thought the Romulan officer.
"You my proceed Lieutenant Sorkalif." stated Naruto. "We need all the information on the Pharoah Pirate Cartel that you gathered as our Intelligence Officer."
The Romulan woman nodded. "The Vren System is outside the traditional operating area of the Pharoah Pirate Cartel. The territory with Vren IV in it is probably a leased area where independent pirates operate. Bearing this in mind, we could be dealing with pirates of the Pharoah Clan, independent pirates falsely using the Pharoah Clan's name, or independent pirates under the Pharaoh Clan's aegis."
"Given the delicate nature of the situation, we should proceed with caution." Thera continued. "We could cause a huge backlash as the Pharaoh Clan possesses a great deal of resources to use against a lone ship. We may want to reconsider forming a task force."
The blonde Vulcan replied, "We will reconnoiter the situation and make an informed decision then. Do we have any idea where the closest base the Pharoah Clan has?"
Lieutenant Sorkalif bought up a holographic map. "The nearest pirate activity is often seen is in the Pleiades Star Cluster which is a long way off. By my estimations they probably have a base close by to supply the Vren IV Tyranny Government."
"So, we set up in a high orbit around Vren IV under cloak and wait." said Samui. "Once our pirate friends arrive, we can assess the situation in detail."
Konohamaru nodded. "Hopefully we won't have to wait too long."
"…And when they arrive, we may be lucky enough that they'll lead us back to their base." added Shizuka with a predatory smile.
After that, the discussion turned to the specifics of mapping Vren IV for possible landing points for pirate vessels…
…
Stardate 2298.156, Vren System, Vren IV Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
Naruto was entering his latest log entry on the bridge. "Ship's Log, Stardate 2298.156. Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. Our trip from Starbase 6 to the Vren System was uneventful and we are currently mapping Vren IV from a high orbit under cloak as planned. So far, we have not observed any sight of space mines or other orbital defenses."
"The L type vessels seem to be the only warp capable ships that the Vren IV Tyranny Government possesses. Though the design of the vessels seems to be indigenous, the engines and weapons are obviously supplied by pirates. Their engines are archaic, and the vessels maximum speeds are warp 1.4 to warp 1.5."
"The offensive and defensive qualities of the L type are very outdated as well. They are armed with disruptors that seem to be based on very early sublight Klingon designs. Their primary defense is provided by polarized hull plating and armor that hasn't been used by the Federation in nearly a century. Our scans are not complete yet, but the range of the L type appears to be very limited…"
As the U.S.S. Wolverine silently observed Vren IV, data was flowing in and being analyzed by the ship's crew. Time moved very slowly as they mapped the surface of Vren IV. It was after a week of watching that they found the most likely spaceport for pirate activities.
Maya Ayasugi was at the sensor station and said, "The L type vessels are small enough to land in areas that were not designed specifically for starships. They seem to be based in preexisting military air bases. Currently, there are only two bases large enough for small pirate vessels or large freighters. They are both in the northern hemisphere. One is completed and one is under construction."
"Where are they in relation to the Vren Tyranny seat of government?" asked Rafi.
"The operational base is within the capitol city and the one being built is about twenty kilometers south away from the city." answered Maya. "Neither seems very well constructed and they are highly polluted. Actually, Vren IV's atmosphere seems very polluted over all of the urban areas."
"I doubt the pirates care too much about clean air." commented Alison. "All they care about is profit."
…
Stardate 2298.158, Edge of Vren System, Orion Double Raider*① O.P.C. Deuce Coupe
The O.P.C. Deuce Coupe was leading a group of five freighters along with its cohort, the Double Raider O.P.C. Murphy's Law. The Deuce Coupe's Captain was a human named Gerald "Gerry" Potemkin who had dropped out of the Federation Starfleet Academy around the same time the Think Tank was on their Cadet Cruise in 2273.
Gerry had been running contraband of all kinds for twenty-five years and had a stroke of luck when he stumbled across the Vren System some five years ago. He supplied them with positively ancient equipment he'd salvaged from freighter scrapyards and in return the Vren people gave him dilithium and other rare materials that he sold to the highest bidder.
He was originally 'renting' this particular territory from the Pharaoh Pirate Cartel but since they had very little presence in the area (and no profits to speak of) Potemkin was now operating independently of them. Eventually Gerry was joined in his little venture by his former First Mate, a Klingon Merchant Marine veteran named Barot, the Captain of the Murphy's Law. They had been raking in the credits ever since…
…
O.P.C. Deuce Coupe, Bridge
Captain Potemkin was expecting another milk run as Vren IV was basically off the map where the Federation was concerned. He was talking to Captain Barot on the main viewscreen. The Klingon was on edge as usual when they were escorting fully loaded freighters. Barot said, "Gerry, we've been taking the same course for a long time now. Don't you think we should alter it a bit for our safety?"
Potemkin replied, "You are paranoid as usual Barot. The Federation labelled this system as off limits and Starbase 6 is the closest base. It's light years away."
The Klingon frowned on the screen. "You've never had a ship shot out from under you by a marauding cruiser. During the General War-"
"I know, you lost an entire convoy to a commerce raider." replied Potemkin. "But the war is over, and we aren't in prime hunting grounds. I've been making this same run for nearly five years now, Barot. Trust me, we're perfectly safe."
…
Edge of Vren System, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
"Code decrypted." said M'rella. "I'm piping them through."
The bridge crew heard Potemkin and Barot's conversation. "…we aren't in prime hunting grounds. I've been making this same run for nearly five years now, Barot. Trust me, we're perfectly safe."
"Two Orion double raider cruisers and five small freighters." reported Alison from the sensor station. "The warp signatures match the O.P.C. Deuce Coupe and O.P.C. Murphy's Law. Both ships were sighted numerous times on the Klingon-Federation border during the General War. Unless they've been purchased by the Pharoah Pirate Cartel, both ships are known as independent operators."
The Wolverine's crew rapidly started going through Starfleet records and Ayasugi said, "We have nothing on the Klingon Captain Barot of the Murphy's Law, but the human Captain of the Deuce Coupe is a Starfleet Academy dropout named Gerald Potemkin. He grew up in the Mars Colonies and was noted in Academy records for lacking discipline and being disruptive. Potemkin had a lot of demerits and quit before he could be dismissed."
"Does it say anything about his tactics and strategy scores?" asked Rafi.
Maya searched a bit further and replied, "Potemkin was considered deficient in those areas. His scores were mediocre all around."
Samui frowned. "Well, he must have learned something in the past twenty years as a pirate. He wouldn't be alive otherwise. We can't afford to underestimate him or the Klingon Captain."
…Lieutenant Portia Falkland was silently scribbling down notes as she watched the Wolverine's bridge crew operate like a well-oiled machine. 'This is the Think Tank in their element. I have to capture this feeling for posterity!'
Naruto said, "Doctor Fairbanks, trace their course directly back to its point of origin."
"On it." affirmed Alison.
"You think they took a straight course?" asked Konohamaru incredulously. 'Are they that stupid?'
"We're going to explore that possibility." replied the Fleet Captain.
"Their reverse course leads directly back to the Cirrus B System." said the lithe redhead. "The system is warp capable and trades with us though they are not members of the United Federation of Planets. Pirate activity was noted in the area in the past, but nothing was ever done about it." She looked back at Naruto. "It seems like an excellent candidate for a pirate base."
Shar commented, "It might be in our best interest to investigate the Cirrus B System before we take action against the pirate convoy."
Naruto nodded. "Look into our dealings with the Cirrus B System Shar. I want to know when the last time a Federation warship made a port of call there."
The Andorian philosopher nodded. "I'll get right on it, Fleet Captain."
…
O.P.C. Deuce Coupe, Bridge
Captain Gerry Potemkin was completely relaxed. He'd assured Barot that they were safe, and the always skittish Klingon was finally pacified. All the pirates had to do now was sit back and let the grunts on the freighters offload the junk they'd salvaged from the breaker yards at Cirrus B III and load them with dilithium, fissionable materials and other valuable goods.
'Easy credits…just the way I like it.' thought the pirate.
…
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
The bridge lights were dimmed for combat and Shar said, "The last Federation warship to visit the Cirrus B system was NCC-1710 U.S.S. Kongo under the command of (at the time) Commodore Phillip Kosnett in 2279."
"That was nineteen years ago." commented M'rella. "That's a long time for pirates to set up a base."
"The third planet in the Cirrus B System is a salvage yard for old freighters." explained Shar. "They break down the ships into components and sell the scrap to Federation shipyards for remanufacturing."
"So, Cirrus B III is the source for all the outdated systems that the Vren are using on their L class ships." said Konohamaru.
Shizuka stated, "All the puzzle pieces fit. Do we want to capture or destroy this convoy?"
"We will attempt to capture the Deuce Coupe." said the Fleet Captain. "The Murphy's Law and the freighters are expendable."
"Red alert!" said Konohamaru. "Prepare for combat!"
…
O.P.C. Deuce Coupe, Bridge
It all happened in a blur.
From the bridge of his ship, Gerry Potemkin watched in shocked silence. Everything was moving in slow motion. A Federation fast cruiser appeared right in the middle of their formation and the last words he heard from Barot was the Klingon screaming, "NIGHTSTALKER!" over the comm before the Murphy's Law was vaporized in a full salvo of photon torpedoes and phasers.
The Deuce Coupe was slammed with the Federation ship's aft phasers at point blank range and knocked the aft shields down just as Gerry ordered them raised. Then he saw Federation Marines materialize on the bridge and felt himself go down as a phaser rifle on maximum stun hit him square in the chest.
All he knew was blackness then…
…
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
Portia Falkland watched in awe as the Wolverine systematically annihilated the small pirate convoy. The Fleet Captain quickly and precisely gave his orders, and the crew carried them out with lethal efficiency. It was both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time for the young Lieutenant.
She watched as the last of the five freighters exploded and the Wolverine pivoted around to face the Deuce Coupe. About that time the voice of Marine Major Scarlett Terrill came over the comm and said, "Target captured. The Deuce Coupe is ours."
Naruto responded, "Very good, Major Terrill. I trust we have prisoners?"
"We captured twenty-eight, sir." answered Scarlett. "Captain Gerald Potemkin is among them."
"Nicely done." responded the Fleet Captain. "Let's beam the injured back aboard the Wolverine and get to work on cracking the Deuce Coupe's computer."
…
Sickbay
Hours afterwards, Captain Gerald Potemkin awoke in an unfamiliar room feeling the tingling aftereffects of being shot with a phaser. Then he realized he was stripped to his underwear and strapped down to a bed. He rasped out, "…W-what? Where the devil am I…?"
That was when he saw the lovely Leatta looking down at him as she ran a medical scanner over his body. She smiled. "I see you are awake. You're going to be disoriented for a while so sit tight." Then the green skinned woman added brightly. "Oh, and welcome aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine."
"Oh my god…" whimpered the pirate. "The Nightstalker…"
She grinned again. "Ah yes. It sounds like the Klingons told you about our Fleet Captain Naruto. He'll be down to deal with you soon enough."
Then she walked out with a sway in her hips and activated the security shield behind her.
"Heaven help me…" croaked out Potemkin.
…
Bridge
Naruto was talking to Kloene and Daniel Simmons who were currently on the bridge of the Deuce Coupe along with the rest of the techs and prize crew. The big Orion had a sour look on his face. "Be glad you're not over here Fleet Captain. This ship stinks."
Naruto replied, "I'll take your word for it Kloene. Have you gained access the ship's computers?"
Danny nodded. "That part was child's play. It was in an old Klingon cipher that we cracked back in the General War when we were playing behind Klingon lines."
"Then it's ready for upload?" asked the blonde Vulcan.
Simmons grinned. "Aye sir. We are ready to transmit."
Naruto looked over at M'rella who smiled and said, "Ready to receive."
"Begin upload." ordered Naruto.
…
Sickbay
About an hour later, Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau entered sickbay and Leatta welcomed him. "Greetings Fleet Captain, our special guest is dying to meet you." she said. Leading the blonde Vulcan over to the secured sickbay cell, she said, "May I present the former Captain of the Deuce Coupe, Gerald Potemkin."
Gerry was terrified as the Fleet Captain loomed over his prone form with his killing intent smothering the pirate. "I am Naruto of Vulcan, Potemkin." growled the blonde. "It seems you got a little too lax in your operation between Vren IV and Cirrus B III. I'm sure you have much to tell me about your connections in the Cirrus B System. It's that or you might end up outside an airlock floating in cold, dead space with your Klingon friend Barot."
The pirate was perspiring heavily and squeaked out, "What would you like to know?"
"Let's start with your backers in the Cirrus System…" replied the Fleet Captain.
…
As it turned out, Gerald had a very loose tongue while under pressure. He volunteered all kinds of information with a little prodding from Naruto. It was all recorded to be analyzed later.
A prison freighter and a tug rendezvoused with the Wolverine and took the twenty-eight pirates and the Deuce Coupe off their hands and headed to Starbase 6. Afterwards, the Federation fast cruiser headed towards the Cirrus B System…
…
Stardate 2298.161, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Staff Room
"We'll be arriving at the Cirrus B System in twenty-three hours." said Rafi. "Since the pirate activity reaches up to the regional governor, what are we going to do?"
"You pose an excellent question Rafi." said Naruto. "I am open to suggestions."
It was Ino who spoke up first. "We could threaten to impose a trade embargo on the Cirrus B System even if it is an empty threat."
Alison commented, "Our records show the President of the Cirrus B Union is named Wuloc and on paper, he holds power over Cirrus II, III, and IV who each have regional governors. Dalgra is the governor of Cirrus B III and has dealings with Potemkin going back several years. We should cut through the red tape and go directly to Wuloc."
As the ideas bounced about among the staff, Lieutenant Falkland began to understand that the Think Tank operated very differently from other crews. Everyone's ideas were put on the table until a consensus was reached. Fleet Captain Naruto ultimately made the decision but only after hearing everyone's opinions.
…
Stardate 2298.162, Edge of Cirrus B System, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine
"Ship's Log, Stardate 2298.162. Commander Konohamuru Sarutobi reporting. Our surprise visit to the Cirrus B System caught President Wuloc and his cabinet off guard and it shows. We intend to capitalize on this as our real mission is to end the pirate connections here. It is a delicate situation so we will have to be on our toes…"
President Wuloc was on the main viewscreen welcoming the U.S.S. Wolverine and her crew to the Cirrus B System. Wuloc said, "I can't tell you how thrilled we are to have you and your illustrious crew here, Naruto of Vulcan. Consider yourselves our honored guests."
"Thank you for your warm welcome." replied the Fleet Captain. "The Federation hasn't officially visited your system in nearly two decades so we felt it would be a good opportunity to reconnect with the people of Cirrus B."
"Of course, of course!" said the nervous Wuloc. "Please feel free to enter orbit over our Capitol city Primera on Cirrus B II. I look forward to meeting you face-to-face."
"I look forward to it as well, President Wuloc. I'm sure we will have much to talk about." stated the blonde Vulcan. "I'll see you shortly. U.S.S. Wolverine out."
…
Cirrus B System, Cirrus B II, Capitol City of Primera
President Wuloc was in a panic. Not welcoming a Federation vessel on a routine port of call would be a huge faux pas but at the same time, it could expose illegal activities across the system and that could be an even bigger diplomatic disaster!
He was stuck between a rock and a hard place…
…
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine. Bridge
Counselor Yamanaka said, "The President is terrified. I believe it would be best to press our advantage quickly, Fleet Captain."
Naruto nodded. "I agree Ino, it would be best to strike before he can mount a defense."
…
Cirrus B II, Capitol City of Primera, Presidential Residence
Naruto, Ino and Shizuka beamed down and were welcomed by President Wuloc and his aides. "I can't tell you what and honor it is to meet you, Naruto of Vulcan. Your accomplishments have even reached us in our little system."
"Thank you for taking the time to greet us in person." said the blonde Vulcan. "I'm sure you have a busy schedule. Allow me to introduce Counselor Ino Yamanaka and Security Chief Shizuka Nadeshiko of the U.S.S. Wolverine. They are accompanying me today."
The President took the three Federation officers in for a sumptuous meal before they adjourned to Wuloc's office.
Naruto stated, "We recently captured some Orion Pirates near the Cirrus B System." Wuloc turned pale. "After questioning them, he admitted to having connections with your Regional Governor Dalgra of Cirrus B III. We are hoping to secure your help in this situation as pirates are not only a danger to Cirrus B, but the surrounding systems in the United Federation of Planets as well. Surely you agree."
"Dalgra?! Dealing with pirates? This is a complete shock to me!" lied Wuloc.
Ino didn't need to be telepathic to tell the President was lying through his teeth. She said, "Perhaps the Office of the President could help us investigate this situation. By securing your cooperation, we could avoid things like trade embargos and other measures by the Federation. Pirates are always a sticky situation you know."
The Politician was sweating heavily and asked, "Is there any proof?"
Shizuka said imperiously, "The pirate Captain Gerald Potemkin is in Federation custody and admitted to his connections on Cirrus B III and Governor Dalgra in particular. We have a long list of names Mister President."
Wuloc pondered for several minutes before he decided to cut his losses. "…Let me see the list and I'll have the authorities round them up…" he said in defeat.
…
The next few days were political chaos in the Cirrus B System. Governor Dalgra and his most trusted advisors made a run for it only to be caught by the U.S.S. Wolverine and taken into custody. An unsuccessful attempt on President Wuloc's life was made but somehow, he managed to retain control of the System.
Eventually, Wuloc declared martial law over Cirrus B III until things could be sorted out.
…
Stardate 2298.169, Cirrus B System, Cirrus B II Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Captain's Ready Room
"Ship's Log, Stardate 2298.169. Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. Our presence in the Cirrus B System has resulted in masses of raw materials and eight additional freighters full of contraband being seized. At President Wuloc's request, several Federation Police ships have been invited into the system to root out further pirate activities and restore order."
"Our own investigations point to President Wuloc receiving funds from pirate operations in exchange for turning a blind eye on Cirrus B III's illegal activities. The President is taking the path of least resistance to resolve the 'pirate crises' by cooperating with the Federation Diplomatic Corps to maintain his political power as a result…"
…
Bridge
While Naruto was making his log entry, Alison Fairbanks was frowning. "Well, this has been a huge circus. Now we're being shooed out of the system so the Diplomatic Corps can keep a crook in power."
"It's all about politics Doctor Fairbanks." said Shar. "We all had to take a course at Starfleet Academy on political science. Wuloc was the lesser of two evils. It's no wonder that no one in the Think Tank ever ran for any sort of office."
Maya Ayasugi sighed. "It's still a disgusting situation."
"On the positive side, at least the pirate situation has been resolved." said Konohamaru.
Naruto came out on the bridge and ordered, "Samui, lay in a course for Starbase 1. Rafi, ahead warp factor four. Execute."
After hearing a round of 'ayes,' Naruto sat down in his command chair and thought, 'It will be good to see T'Lyra and the children again. I have missed them.'
…
Stardate 2298.174, Federation Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge
M'rella was listening to routine subspace channels when she picked up a distress call. Her tail kinked with worry, and she turned to face Samui who was currently in the command chair. "Commander Schrodinger, I'm picking up two distress signals from the NFT-1327 S.S. Robert Fox and the NFT-7793 S.S. Lakui…"
Samui was curious and asked, "How far out are they?"
"About three light years from my readings." replied the Caitian. "There is a problem though."
"What kind of problem?" questioned Rafi.
"The Whorfin class ships S.S. Lakui and S.S. Robert Fox were both recorded as destroyed five years ago in a severe gravimetric distortion near the Sol System by U.S.S. Enterprise-B under Captain John Harriman*②."
Samui's eyes widened. She said, "Get me some coordinates."
Alison looked up from her sensor station and said, "I'm cross referencing from M'rella's data. It looks like they are just outside the Barnard's System."
"Lay in a course for the distress calls and go to condition yellow." said the blonde bombshell. "Captain to the bridge!"
…
Captain's Quarters
Naruto was having nice dinner with his raven-tressed wife Shizuka, when the lights suddenly went to condition yellow, and he heard the page to report to the bridge.
Shizuka was on her feet in an instant and sighed. "So much for a romantic dinner."
The blonde gave Shizuka a tiny smile at her sarcasm. "Let's get to the bridge and see what's happening."
…
Bridge
The Fleet Captain strode onto the bridge and took his command chair. "Report!" he ordered.
Commander Sarutobi had arrived on the bridge only moments before and motioned to Samui who reported, "We are on course to a pair of distress signals from two El-Aurian*③ refugee ships that were destroyed in 2293 according to Starfleet records."
Naruto raised an eyebrow and Doctor Fairbanks added, "The S.S. Robert Fox was destroyed with all 265 people aboard and the S.S. Lukai was destroyed with 103 of the 150 passengers aboard. 47 were rescued by the NCC-1701-B Enterprise. Both vessels exploded due to hull failures according to Enterprise B's log entries."
"How long before we reach the source of the distress signals?" asked the blonde Vulcan.
"We're forty-two minutes out sir." answered Rafi.
Thera Sorkalif looked alarmed and said, "With all due respect sir, this is obviously a trap!"
Naruto replied, "That is why we are treading carefully instead of racing in Lieutenant." He turned to Rafi. "Maintain course and speed Lieutenant Meta. Doctor Fairbanks, sensors at maximum. I want to know what we are dealing with. M'rella, try to contact the two unknown vessels. I want to get as much data as possible."
Alison asked, "What if they are the genuine article?"
"It wouldn't be the first time we've dealt with time travel." answered Naruto gravely…
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Orion Double Raider -The Double Raider is a combination of two Light Raider hulls welded together, side by side. They usually were used by Cartels that don't have the resources to build larger ships like Battle Raiders. Google: Orion Double Raider.
*②: These events took place in the beginning of the movie Star Trek: Generations. See Memory Alpha.
*③: El-Aurian -This is Guinan's race from Star Trek: The Next Generation. They are extremely long lived. See Memory Alpha for information on them.
So, we've started a new arc. Hopefully the next chapter will come out a bit more quickly. See you next time. Blue out. 1/26/25
