Author: G.A.M.M.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek.

Notes:

I am adding another four digits to the stardate system, to indicate military time (hours.) Thus stardate 2405.1010.0600 would be October 10th, 2405, 0600 hours (6am.) I will only be using the last four digits when it is relevant to the story. Specifically, in Captain's logs or when time is of the essence (like in this chapter.)

In the old British Maritime tradition, a Commodore (Como.) was the equivalent of an acting Rear Admiral (lower-half.) Typically, a Como. would be given the rank for the duration of a single mission and given authority over a small squadron of ships. I will be treating the rank of Como. as such in this fic.

I will be using some non-canon Trek starship classifications from the Journal of Applied Treknology (JAT) and Star Trek Online (STO.) You can go and look up the ship classes if you like. Just type in the class name and Star Trek into your search engine and go to whatever pops up. This chapter will feature two such ships classes. The Valiant class (STO) and the Cardiff class (JAT.) JAT is an amazing website, by the way. If you are into cool starship designs, go check it out. I will be pulling more classes from that site for that reason.

Here is a list of correlations between the Naruto canon clans/hidden villages and Star Trek races.

Most of the Konohagakure Federation is human. This includes all non-clan citizens, the Uzumaki, the Senju, and the Sarutobi clans. The Federation is dedicated to exploring space, bettering humanity and seeking peaceful solutions through diplomacy. They have the best computer and warp technology.

The Nara Nations' citizens are the equivalent of the Vulcans. They are part of the Konohagkure Federation. They live for sharpening their minds, expanding their knowledge and maintaining balance between the various races. One of their premier geniuses, Nara Shikamaru, designed the Permanent Medical Hologram (Mark IV) and styled its looks and personality after himself. The PMH Mk IV is used on most contemporary Federation starships. The only Trek trait the Nara have are pointed ears. Otherwise, they look like canon Nara. Their technology is the same as the Vulcans'. They have the best shield technology. They also share technology with the Federation.

The Yamanaka Protectorate's citizens are the equivalent of the Betazoids. They are part of the Konohagakure Federation. The only Trek trait the Yamanaka have are dark eyes (and telepathy.) Otherwise, they look exactly like canon Yamanaka. The Yamanaka live to experience strong emotions and maintain cordial relations with all races. They share technology with the Federation.

The Aburame Association's citizens are the equivalent of the Trill. They are part of the Konohagakure Federation. They live for the simple joys of life, advancing their culture and art, and documenting history. They are the foremost experts in nano-technology. They share their technology with the Federation.

The Sunagakure Imperium's citizens are the equivalent of Andorians (called Suna). They do not look like Andorians, but are tough and hearty like them. The only Trek trait they have is antennae. They are allies with the Konohagakure Federation. They live to protect their territory and advance their military technology. Their technology is the same as the Andorians'. They have the best fighter (F) technology. They share some technology with the Federation.

The Hyuuga Hierarchy is divided into the Main House and Branch House. The Main House's citizens are the equivalent of Romulans and rule with ruthless cunning. The Branch House's citizens are the equivalent of Remans and protect Hyuuga space with cold xenophobic zeal. The only Trek traits the two Houses have are pointed ears and increased physical strength. Otherwise, they look exactly like canon Hyuuga. They live to preserve their culture and expand their influence. Their technology is a mix of Romulan and Reman. They have the best sensor and cloak technology.

The Inuzuka Empire's citizens are the equivalent of the Klingons. They do not look like Klingons. Instead their appearance is just a more feral version of the canon. The only Trek trait they have is greatly increased physical strength. Inuzuka live for honor and the thrill of combat. Their technology is the same as the Kingons'. They have the best offensive weapon technology.

The Kiragakure Coalition's citizens are the equivalent of the Cardassians. They are the weakest and smallest power compared to the other hidden villages. They were allied with the Unified Dominion and were thus on the losing side of the Third Great Shinobi War. They live for order, enforcing their creed and strengthening the character of their people. The only Trek trait they have is an indentation on their foreheads. They have the same technology as the Cardassians. They have the best point-defense (compression-beam [Cardi version of phasers/disruptors]) technology.

The Iwagakure Alliance and the Kumogakure Confederacy make up the Gamma Quadrant's Unified Dominion. The Unified Dominions' citizens look no different than the canon. In this fanfiction there are no Founders, Vorta, or Jem'hadar. However, their technology is the same as Trek's Dominion. They live for expanding their territory and subjugating the races of known space. They were defeated in the Third Great Shinobi War, or the Dominion War, by the combined efforts of the Konohagakure Federation, the Sunagakure Imperium, the Inuzuka Empire and the Hyuuga Hierarchy. They currently reside within their borders in the Gamma Quadrant. They have the best defensive weapon technology.

The Akimichi Commerce Authority's citizens are the equivalent of the Ferengi. They do not look like Ferengi. Instead their appearance is just a more slovenly version of the canon Akimichi. The Akimichi live for prophet and are obsessed with material wealth. Their technology is the same as the Ferengi. They have the best transporter technology.

The Yuki and Momochi clans are the equivalent of the Ocampa and Talaxians respectively. The only Trek traits they have are fluted ears and spots respectively. They are part of the Konohagakure Federation. They rarely pursue careers in Starfleet. Instead, they often serve as civilians on space stations and in the merchant marines respectively.

The Uchiha Collective is the equivalent of the Borg and does not have citizens. Instead, it has a ruling class (the Uchiha clan) and drones (everyone else.) The Collective is the greatest known power in the galaxy and is the nemesis of all free races. They live to copy every technology and genetic strength in the galaxy. Their technology is the same as the Borg. The only Trek trait they have are cybernetic enhancements (like the Sharingan.) They do not look like full-on cyborgs. Instead, they wear heavy cybernetic armor that is linked with their minds, but not their bodies. They have the overall best technology.

That is all for now.

Enjoy.

Chapter 1:

'USS Raikiri'

Stardate 2405.1010

October 10th, 2405

Location: Sol System, Earth

"Hello, and welcome to the evening edition of the Konoha Chronicle. This is Ichiraku Ayame, reporting live from Starfleet Headquarters in Konohagakure no Sato. This evening's edition will feature an interview with Fleet Admirals Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo regarding the rising tension between the Konohagakure United Federation of Shinobi and the Hyuuga Hierarchy."

Uzumaki Naruto sat in a lounge chair watching the news. Today was his twenty-fifth birthday, and he couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than to watch the Konoha Chronicle's evening edition special. The news related to him directly, for he would be part of the new task forced assigned to the border of the neutral zone between the boundaries of Konoha and Hyuuga space.

The old pervert wouldn't tell me any other details.

"Admiral Sarutobi, would you share your thoughts on what some of Konohagakure's citizens are calling a crisis?"

"This is not a crisis and will not become one. We have a long history of conflict with the Hyuuga. However, we have striven over the past one-hundred and fifty years to overcome our differences. The Treaty of 2373 is still in effect. The Third Great Shinobi War has not been forgotten. It was only thirty-two years ago that the Hyuuga came to our aid against the onslaught of the Iwagakure Alliance and the Kumogakure Confederacy, in what some refer to as the Dominion War. The Gamma Quadrant has been open to us for over three decades now. We have the Hyuuga, the Inuzuka and the Suna to thank for that. Together we can present a unified front against our greatest foe. The threat of the Uchiha Collective has only increased since the Vagabond returned."

Naruto shifted in his chair excitedly. He was an acquaintance of the Captain of the USS Vagabond and knew her story by heart.

Vice Admiral Senju Tsunade was arguably the greatest officer in the history of the Konohagakure Federation. Her Intrepid class starship, the USS Vagabond NCC-74656, had made an unprecedented twenty-four year journey of seventy-thousand light years. The Vagabond had been flung to the far regions of the Delta Quadrant. Captain Senju had been alone in uncharted space and brought her crew home through the heart of Uchiha Collective territory. Her knowledge of the Uchiha was unsurpassed. She had brought back new technologies and tactics she had developed in the Delta Quadrant to fight the Uchiha. Now every new combative starship to come off the line was equipped with auto-phase-modulating quantum metaphasic shielding. Crystal-aligned neutronium ablative armor had become standard on all Federation starships launched in the last decade. It was rumored that the ablative generators and transphasic torpedoes that the Vagabond boasted would soon become standard as well.

Upon her return, Captain Senju had been promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral and given the title of Godaime, the fifth person in the history of Starfleet to be given the honor. The Federation Admiralty had offered her a new ship that would be designed to her specifications. Senju had firmly declined. She and her crew were loyal to the ship that had carried them safely through their perilous journey.

Her officers had sided with her. Naruto knew their stories almost as well as he knew Senju's.

Senju's first officer, Katou Dan, had resigned from Starfleet to join the freedom fighters known as the Shinsengumi. The ex-Commander Katou had been flung into the Delta Quadrant by the entity known as the Rikudou Sennin. The Rikudou Sennin was one of two such entities in the galaxy and had been left behind with his mate to protect the short-lived Yuki. Katou's ship had been destroyed and he and his crew had joined Senju's. Yuki Haku and Momochi Zabuza had eventually joined Senju's crew as well. Haku was the first of her species to outlive their typical nine-year life span. This was due to the powerful telepathic abilities she had developed during the voyage. After Captain Senju was promoted to Vice Admiral and given the title of Godaime, she returned to the Delta Quadrant and brought back the Yuki and Momochi clans. Haku had taught her clan the secrets of their telepathic abilities and the average lifespan of the Yuki had increased to forty to sixty years depending on their telepathic strength. The Yuki were excellent counselors and physicians and the Momochi were nearly as good at trade as the Akimichi. They had become a great assets to the Federation.

However, the Vagabond did not return without losses.

Vice Admiral Senju had refused to rename her ship "Godaime" as was customary. The ship had special meaning to all who served aboard her. Senju kept the name of her ship "Vagabond" in honor of the fallen. Commander Katou had been killed just two years before the Vagabond crossed into the Beta Quadrant. Rin, a liberated Uchiha, had died on an away-mission in the eighth year of the voyage. Commander Kaito Shizune, Tsunade's second officer, had been stricken with a rare neural disease and now lived in an asylum. The most tragic loss was that of Nawaki, a young liberated Uchiha who had been genetically engineered with a deadly pathogen designed to destroy the Collective. Nawaki had bravely sacrificed himself by beaming himself over to an Uchiha tactical cube and infecting its crew. It had happened only days away from the Beta Quadrant and the escort the Federation had sent to honor the Vagabond on the last leg of her journey. The USS Vagabond was saved, but it was said that Captain Senju was never the same after that day. She refused her honor guard and turned down any offers of assistance. The Vagabond returned on her own strength, completing a seventy-thousand light-year odyssey completely alone.

"Do you believe that the threat of the Collective is conducive to maintaining our alliance with the Hyuuga?"

"I believe the bonds between the Konohagakure Federation and the Hyuuga Heirarchy are strong regardless. The threat of the Uchiha only adds necessity to our alliance."

"What about the rumors that there is unrest between the Main House and the Branch House?"

"Those are internal affairs. I have no comment."

"Is it true some of Hyuuga are considering defecting to the Federation because of this unrest?"

"The Federation will offer asylum to all those who seek it regardless of affiliations. It is one of the principles upon which Starfleet was formed."

"So Starfleet is prepared to offer asylum to any Hyuuga who choose to defect?"

"I said regardless of affiliations. In any case, those are only rumors. I have no further comment."

"Is there anything you would like to say to the citizens of the Konohagakure Federation or the Hyuuga Heirarchy?"

"The bonds between our two races runs deep. Let us not forget the bonds we share. That is all."

"Thank you Admiral."

Naruto was sorely tempted to turn off the screen.

He wasn't particularly fond of Fleet Admiral Shimura Danzo.

Danzo was one of the old-guard and had been in many battles with the Uchiha. He was of the opinion that Starfleet needed to become a military organization. Sarutobi had been a staunch rival of his for decades. Sarutobi believed that changing Starfleet would undermine the principles and values upon which it was formed. Danzo argued that if Starfleet wasn't militarized there wouldn't be any principles that could save the Federation from the Uchiha. The two had been battling over the issue for over twenty years. The current agreement was that more resources would be put into researching defensive systems and countermeasures against the Collective. In addition, a host of new starships were rolled off the line that were designed specifically for combating the Uchiha. They had nearly come to blows when Sarutobi had vetoed the construction of the Initimidator class battleship. He had made the argument that the Intimidator had only a single purpose: making war. The Federation did not build warships. Shimura had never forgiven Sarutobi after that incident.

"Fleet Admiral Shimura, welcome. Would you care to comment on Admiral Sarutobi's views?"

"Admiral Sartuobi is wise. We should make every effort to stay on good terms with the Hyuuga. However, due to their recent build up of military power, I have reason to believe we should be cautious. Our war with the Uchiha Collective has depleted our forces more than those of the Hyuuga. In addition, it is rumored there is conflict within the Hierarchy. This is why we have increased our patrols of the neutral zone. I will not say conflict between our two races is inevitable, but given our history and the current situation, the possibility cannot be dismissed."

"Do you believe-"

"I have no further comments."

"I... I guess that's the end of our interview. Please stay tuned for exclusive footage from inside Starfleet Medical HQ, where Doctor Orochimaru is rumored to be conducting genetic experimentation. More about this scandal..."

Naruto turned off the screen and went to get take a shower and get into uniform. He had bigger things to worry about than some stupid doctor.

Like a certain race of xenophobic warmongers.

Who cares about those pointy-eared bastards anyway? The old pervert told me a Hyuuga had been the best lay of his life. I'd sooner put one in their grave than have one put out for me.

What was the appeal of a Hyuuga woman?

Naruto couldn't think of one.

Stardate 2405.1011

October 11th, 2405

Location: Hyuuga System, Planet Hyuuga

"Is it done?"

Hyuuga Neji bowed on one knee to his father.

"Hai, Hizashi-sama. I am proud to report complete victory."

"The Senate?"

"The attack went as planned. Only those loyal to you remain."

"What of the Emperor?"

Neji smiled coldly. "He was most amenable. He is young and easily persuaded. He knows who holds power now. The arrangements have already been made. The ceremony will be held within the hour. Hiala is young and fertile. The next Emperor will be a Branch House member."

"Excellent. You have done well. What of my brother?"

"I am sorry to report he has escaped. There is a traitor in our midst."

Hizashi's face darkened.

"Execute all the officers who were assigned to that mission."

"Is has already been done, my Lord."

"My brother cannot be allowed to live. There are still those who remain loyal to his cause. I will not be cast down by him and his lackeys. Yes, I rule the Hierarchy now. Too long have we lived in the shadows, forced into exile in the desolation of planet Hyus. Now the brand we wear between our eyes shall be a symbol of pride. Let all those who don't bear the mark have their rights as citizens revoked."

"It will be as you say, Father."

Hizashi raised an eyebrow.

"You are no son of mine. Do not forget why you were made."

A glimmer of rage burned in the depths of Neji's white eyes.

"I have not forgotten."

"Good. Now, we have business to which we must attend."

"My Lord?"

"You know what Hiashi possesses. He cannot be allowed to leave Hyuuga space. I will be overseeing the pursuit personally."

Neji bowed once more and rose to his feet.

"Hai, Hizashi-sama."

Stardate 2405.1012

October 12th, 2405

Location: Sol System, Earth

Naruto had just finished pinning his two gold pips to his collar and communicator to his chest when the doors to his quarters opened.

"You ready?"

Jiraiya stood in the open doorway.

He had raised Naruto since he was a young child. The old man had done well by Naruto, and molded him into an ideal Starfleet officer. Naruto was only a Genin, a shinobi (officer) of the lower ranks. He had been promoted to Lieutenant only six months earlier. Being an Lt. at twenty-four was as much as any shinobi could hope to achieve. In a few years he would be among the ranks of the Chuunin shinobi, the Lt. Commanders and Commanders of Starfleet. One day he would be a proud Jounin of the Federation, the Captain of his own ship. His secret ambition was to gain the honor and title of Hokage.

Naruto trusted Jiraiya implicitly. If not for him, he would have grown up an orphan.

"Yeah. Let's go."

Together they left the shinobi quarters near Starfleet HQ. Today he was to be reassigned under a new command.

"Happy birthday, by the way. Here, I got you something. Sorry it's two days late." Jiraiya said as they entered HQ.

The retired Vice Admiral handed Naruto a framed picture.

"USS Yondaime NCC-73919." The Uzumaki said.

The old man grunted. "Your mother and father served aboard that ship. I can't give you the details, but your new commanding officer can."

Naruto did not know who his parents were. There were many Uzumaki in the Federation and all documentation of his lineage had been lost during a terrorist attack on Konohagakure's central archives. All Jiraiya had told him was that they had been shinobi in Starfleet. The old man claimed he was waiting for the right time to tell him of his parents.

"My new CO. knew my parents?"

"He did." Jiraiya confirmed. "As do I. It's classified information. However, I expect your first mission will necessitate you knowing your parentage."

"Do you-"

"Don't ask me, Naruto. You'll find out soon enough."

The two strolled into the office of none other than Vice Admiral (Vadm.) Senju.

"Please sit." The weathered woman said softly.

It was not her features that were weathered, but her spirit. There was a sadness that lurked in her eyes. Senju had had surgery to restore her youthful appearance. When she had arrived in the Delta Quadrant she had been a spunky thirty-three. Now she was she was in her late sixties, yet she didn't look a day over thirty-five.

The Vadm. sipped at the small mug on her desk. Senju had a notorious drinking problem. She drank at least a dozen cups of coffee a day.

Standing in the corner of her office was a man in his late thirties. His long spiked silver hair defied gravity and was by no means within regulations. A black mask covered most of his face and a metal patch covered his left eye. In his hand was a small orange book. Four gold pips adorned his collar.

Not within regulations at all. Naruto thought. The hell is his problem?

"Oh, don't mind him." Senju said offhandedly. "I'll be briefing both of you. Jiraiya?"

The old man nodded.

"I understand- classified information. I'll let myself out. Good luck, kid."

Unbeknownst to the Uzumaki, Jiraiya was secretly the head of the Starfleet Intelligence Division. The only people privy to the secret were Admirals Sarutobi and Senju. So Jiraiya wouldn't be attending the briefing. Maintaining his cover was essential to Federation security. Kami help them all if Fleet Admiral Shimura Danzo ever found out.

The aging pervert patted Naruto on the back and walked out of the bisected sliding doors.

"Well you turned out to be quite a looker if I do say so myself." Senju mused. "I digress, let us get down to brass tax, shall we?"

The Vadm. slid a pair of PADDs across her desk. "Look at these, if you will."

The man in the corner reluctantly pocketed his book and picked up the PADD. His one visible eye scanned through it more quickly than Naruto's two.

"On whose authority was this mission authorized?" The man asked.

"Fleet Admiral Sarutobi's." Senju replied evenly.

"Forgive me Admiral," Naruto began politely, "but authorization to cross into the neutral zone?"

"If your mission necessitates it." Senju replied.

"Our only orders are to patrol the border of the neutral zone." The man said flatly. "Why would we enter it?"

Senju slid another PADD across her desk.

"Additional orders," she explained, "to be opened once you reach the border."

The one-eyed man accepted the PADD suspiciously.

"This wouldn't have anything to do with "Yellow", would it?" He asked.

"All the details are contained within that PADD. You are to depart for the spacedock within the hour."

The man nodded.

"Captain Hatake, report to the USS Raikiri at Hashirama Station. Lieutenant Uzumaki will be your tactical officer for the duration of the mission."

Capt. Hatake Kakashi and Lt. Uzumaki Naruto saluted VA. Senju Tsunade will all due respect.

"Dismissed."

Stardate 2405.1012

October 12th, 2045

Location: Sol System, Hashirama Station Dry-dock , USS Raikiri Sickbay

"Well, everything checks out."

Uzumaki Naruto slid off the examination table and got to his feet.

"Thank you Doctor."

"I hope I will not be seeing you again soon." The dark-haired man said in a morose monotone.

"Eh?" The blonde asked. "Why?"

"This job is troublesome." The man remarked seriously.

"But you're just a hologram."

The PMH Mk IV, Nara Shikamaru, shook his head.

"That's exactly why it is troublesome. I am at the crew's beck and call twenty-four hours a day."

Naruto chuckled. "You have only yourself to blame."

The Nara put his palm to his forehead. "I know. Mendokusai."

"You know, you have a lousy bedside manner. Why didn't you program a better personality?"

"Starfleet Medical thought using my own physical appearance and personality was an honor I could not refuse. Their argument was... logical."

Naruto finished straightening out his uniform and flashed the PMH a toothy grin.

"So are you going to give me the tour?"

"That's her job." The Doctor nodded his head towards the woman who had just entered the small sickbay. "A word of advice: do not make her upset. She likes to... smash things."

"Why would I-"

"So you're the new Tac. shinobi? You look a little young for an Lt."

A pink-haired woman a few years older than Naruto gave him a once over.

"Still, not bad." She extended her hand. "Lieutenant Commander Haruno Saruka, chief engineer, at your service."

"Lieutenant Uzumaki Naruto, glad to be aboard. You here to give me the tour?"

Sakura smiled. "You bet I am. We finished the final system checks half an hour ago. Raikiri will depart within the hour."

She handed him a PADD with the ship's LCAR on it. "Take a look at that on our way down to engineering."

Naruto followed her down the cramped spartan passageways as he reviewed the ship's specifications.

"Vigilant class. Four decks, crew compliment of fifty. Cruising speed warp 7, maximum attainable velocity of warp 9.5. Defensive systems include type II auto phase-modulating quantum metaphasic shields and type III crystal-aligned neutronuim ablative armor with hull polarizing system. Armament includes two fore and one aft Mk IV dual quantum torpedo launchers, eight type X phaser arrays and four heavy pulse phasers in the bow. Looks pretty standard."

Naruto listed off the basic specifications of the Vigilant class destroyer escort with practiced ease. He was familiar with most of the starship classifications in the Konohagakure Federation. The Vigilant class had been launched in 2394 and was designed for fleet escort duty. They were tough little ships, with a lot of firepower for their small size. The whole ship was only 180m (meters) long, 136m wide and 32m tall, with a mass of 115,600 metric tons.

"Raikiri has some modifications." LtCmdr. Haruno said brightly. "She's been refitted with the Mk IX sensor cloak. Not as useful as an actual cloaking device, but you know the regulations. This way we're not breaking the Treaty of 2373 and can remain nearly undetectable except within visual range. Raikiri also has a tertiary set of shield buffers that can augment her shields to cut through hull plating. Hence her name."

Naruto grinned. "I heard Captain Hatake has a habit of ramming other ships."

"If it gets the job done." Haruno said noncommittally.

Together they walked from engineering to the shuttle bay, from the shinobi quarters to the mess hall, and from the deflector array to the bridge.

"Well, that's just about everything." The pink-haired woman stated satisfactorily.

"Thanks for the tour."

"Anytime." She leaned in close and whispered in his ear. "Don't ask him about the eye."

Naruto nodded discreetly. He had figured as much.

"Lieutenant Uzumaki, take your station." The Captain took his seat. "Mr. Tandokuno, take us out. One quarter aft thrusters."

"Aye, one quarter aft thrusters. Taking us out."

The dark-haired helmsman deftly handled the controls and the Raikiri crept slowly out of spacedock.

"We have cleared spacedock."

"Acknowledged. Ahead one quarter impulse."

"One quarter impulse, aye."

The sleek little ship made her way out of orbit until she cruised 300,000 kilometers distant from the station.

"Set a course for the Federation-Hyuuga border; warp 7."

"Aye, course set. Engaging at warp 7."

"Very good Mr. Tandokuno. Have Ensign Omada relieve you. Senior staff report to my ready room."

Within five minutes the senior staff were standing around the round little table in the Captain's ready room.

"At ease, please take your seats."

LtCmdr. Haruno, LtJr. Tandokuno, the PMH Mk IV, and Lt. Uzumaki sat down in the little chairs.

"This briefing will be short. Our mission is simple. We are assigned to part of the task force that patrols the Federation-Hyuuga neutral zone border. We have been authorized to cross into the neutral zone should the need arise. Lt. Uzumaki will be our Tac. shinobi for the duration of this mission. That is all. Lt. Uzumaki, a word."

The rest of the senior staff filed out in an orderly fashion, leaving Capt. Hatake and Naruto alone.

"No doubt Jiraiya told you what it is I know."

Naruto fidgeted restlessly. "My parents, Sir?"

"That I do. I suspect this mission has something to do with "Yellow," which I will not discuss at this time. Given I am correct, then it will be necessary to reveal that information to you. Vadm. Senju authorized me to share that classified information with you, but only should the need arise. Is that understood?"

Naruto saluted smartly, suppressing his desire to bang the answers out of Hatake's head.

"Aye, Sir."

Stardate 2405.1014

October 14th, 2405

Location: On the Hyuuga border of the Hyuuga-Federation neutral zone

"Long range sensors confirm."

Hanabi sat at the helm of the small Hyuuga Sparrow class heavy shuttle.

"I knew he wouldn't let us go so easily, but this..."

Hyuuga Hiashi trailed off into silence. They had had a good lead on Hizashi's pursuit force, but it was not enough.

"Estimated time to intercept?" He asked quietly.

"Approximately thirty-four hours, twenty seven minutes."

No, it was not enough. They would barely cross half the neutral zone in that time.

"Can you boost our warp output?"

Hanabi spun about in her chair, regarding her father sadly.

"I already have. I have decloaked the ship and diverted power to the warp drive. Hizashi's ships sensors will be able to detect us even if we are cloaked."

"Very well. It is up to fate now."

His gaze turned to the large cryo-case in the back of the shuttle.

"If it comes down to it, you know what we must do."

"Hai, Father."

Stardate 2405.1015

October 15th, 2405

Location: The Federation border of the Federation-Hyuuga neutral zone

Captain's Log: Stardate 2405.1015.0900

The Raikiri has arrived at the border of the neutral zone. I am about to open the sealed orders given to me by Vadm. Senju. I will add a supplemental once I have briefed my crew.

Capt. Hatake Kakashi sat in his study, reading the latest volume of Icha Icha Paradise.

The books were renowned far and wide in the Federation. Most people who read them only did so for the racy romances they contained. However, many Starfleet shinobi read the books for another reason. The man who wrote them used a pen name, but some few knew his true identity. Jiraiya was a brilliant strategist, if not the brightest tactician. His books contained many metaphors about the art of diplomacy. Kakashi was seldom seen without one of the little orange books in hand.

"Blossom felt conflicted about Blade. He was a childhood friend. How could she tell him that she loved Afro? She would have to be firm, but gentle."

In other words, if your enemy is your ally, be decisive and cunning.

Hatake thought on the value of the lesson.

He opened the sealed orders without hesitation.

"Captain Hatake. Our agents have reported a successful coup d'etat on planet Hyuuga. The Senate and the Emperor are now under the direct control of the Branch House. Hyuuga Hiashi has fled Hyuuga space and is headed for the neutral zone. He carries with him something vital to "Yellow." You are to enter the neutral zone and retrieve this item. Rescue Hiashi and his crew if possible, but recover the item at all costs. Within this PADD are command codes. You are promoted to Commodore for the duration of this mission. Captains Maito, Yuhi and Sarutobi are in the area and will be at your disposal. Rendezvous with Captain Yuhi. She has been monitoring the situation. Once the item is retrieved, set a course to the Nadir Nebula. At that time, you are to inform Lt. Uzumaki of his heritage and "Yellow." This is an Omega priority mission."

-Vadm. Senju

Kakashi stood up in front of his desk and restrained himself from running to the bridge. Instead, he tapped on his communicator and calmly dictated his orders.

"Mr. Tandokuno adjust course to 94 mark 8 carom 39 and engage at warp 9."

"Aye, Sir. 94 mark 8 carom 39, engaging at warp 9."

Stardate 2405.1015.2100

October 15th, 2405, 11pm

Location: Federation-Hyuuga neutral zone border

The Cardiff class starship Observant sat at the edge of the neutral zone.

First launched in 2359, the Cardiff class was equipped with two massive sensor pods in place of where the standard Starfleet warp nacelles rested. It boasted a Nara style annular (ring-shaped) warp drive and the most advanced long-range sensors in the Federation. With forty-two officers and two-hundred and thirty enlisted crew, the fifteen deck 938m long, 704m wide, 237m tall leviathan was perfectly equipped for reconnaissance. The ship was lightly armed with four type X phasers and a single fore and aft Mk VI photon torpedo launcher, and featured a triangle-shaped deflector on top of its superstructure. With a cruising speed of only warp 6, and an emergency speed of warp 8.5, the Observant was a non-combatant ship, whose sole purpose was to monitor Federation borders.

Captain Yuhi Kurenai sat in her chair on the large bridge of the Observant, listening as her long-range sensory shinobi rattled off his report.

He cut off his recital abruptly. A new piece of data had appeared on his screen.

"The Raikiri is approaching at warp 9. She will be within communications range in six seconds."

"Open a channel."

"Aye, opening channel."

"Captain Yuhi."

"Captain Hatake, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Ma'am, the Raikiri is transmitting command codes to our central computer."

Yuhi studied the codes on her arm rest's command screen.

"Codes confirmed. What do you need, Commodore?"

"Have you detected any activity in the neutral zone?"

"Sensory?"

Lt. Aburame Shino poured through the data.

"There is a small unknown vessel roughly halfway through the neutral zone, headed for the Federation border at warp six."

"I need its current position and course heading."

Yuhi nodded. "Transmit the data, Mr. Aburame."

"Aye, Captain. Transmitting data now."

"Captain Yuhi, contact the Kukri and the Triumphant. They are to stand by at the coordinates on the border of the neutral zone closest to the unknown vessel."

"Aye, Sir."

"Mr. Tandokuno, set an intercept course. Maximum warp."

The former Uchiha, Sasuke, deftly handled the controls. He had changed his last name to "Tandokuno" which meant "alone" or "sole remnant." He was the only liberated Uchiha in the Federation.

Except for a certain traitor. Sasuke thought darkly.

"Aye sir, course set. Engaging at warp 9.5. Approximate time to intercept: thirteen hours and six minutes."

Stardate 2405.1016.1000

October 16th, 2405, 10am

Location: Federation-Hyuuga neutral zone

"Sparrow class heavy shuttle approaching, Sir."

"Hail them."

"They're on emergency power only. Life support systems are failing."

Kakashi sat on the edge of his seat. "Cause?"

"The energy residue and scorch marks indicate damage from particle beam weapons, specifically, Hyuuga disruptors."

Why didn't the Branch House destroy them? There is something wrong here. Hatake thought critically.

"Life signs?"

"Three. One is very faint."

"Beam them directly to sickbay."

"Aye, sir."

"Lt. Uzumaki, accompany me."

"Aye, sir."

They walked briskly into the turbolift and took it down to deck two. A minute later they entered the doors to sickbay.

Naruto felt an instant nosebleed coming on.

Two Hyuuga were laying unconscious on examination tables. A third lay on another table. She was completely naked.

"Doctor, please provide that woman with a gown or... something." Capt. Hatake said uncomfortably.

In short order the woman was clothed and Naruto had regained his composure. Barely.

"Your report, Doctor?"

"They are suffering from exhaustion, Captain. Otherwise they are all in perfect health. The two females seem particularly resilient."

"Please notify me when the other two awake." The Captain said.

"Yes, Sir."

"Hello," Kakashi moved towards the conscious Hyuuga woman, "I am Captain Hatake of the Konohagakure Federation United Shinobi Starship Raikiri."

His eyes shifted to the large cryo-case standing in the corner of sickbay.

Whatever it is, the item must be in there.

"I take it you are seeking asylum. I am prepared to provide it. Tell me, do you have the item?"

The woman nodded.

"A-ano... I am Hinata."

"Er, yes, but do you have the item?"

Hinata stared past Capt. Hatake, gazing into Naruto's eyes.

She smiled shyly.

"Ano... Y-yes, I am Hinata."

"Tandokuno to the Captain." The LtJr. shinobi's voice came in over Hatake's communicator.

"Go ahead."

"Two Falchion class Hyuuga Warships are decloaking fore and aft of us."

"On my way."

The Captain's fingers wandered into his pocket. He wondered if there was an Icha Icha volume for a situation like this one. Even if there was one...

"Lt. Uzumaki, remain with the Hyuuga."

With that, Hatake exited sickbay.

Naruto froze.

The Falchion class ultra-heavy-battleship was the successor of the dreaded Scimitar.

In short, the Raikiri was screwed.

Hinata stood up from her bed and walked over to Naruto.

She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Naruto had been from Earth to the Gamma Quadrant and everywhere between, but of all the gorgeous and exotic women he had seen or been with in his life, Hinata was the fairest. Her long calf-length dark blue hair cascaded down her back in a glossy wave. Her eyes were cold and calculating, yet there was a hidden warmth in their depths. A fire burned within them, a blaze that Naruto somehow knew was for him and him alone. Her small pointed ears seemed wildly erotic, even though they were commonplace among her people. Her confident and graceful stride was enchanting. She made him burn with a passion he had never felt before.

This is insane. All I know is her name.

Yet, it felt like he had known her forever.

She leaned towards him and whispered into his ear.

"Are you ready?" She asked in a low breathy voice.

"F-for what?"

She fell into his arms, her face lingering a mere inch from his.

"Our destiny."

A/N: Okay second chapter complete.

Sorry this is late. My computer finally died. I'd been using the backup Linux OS (quick web) and the memory finally ran out. I killed the hard disk so... yeah.

I'm using a friend's computer. My time is limited and I ship out in a week.

As such, I plan to publish the next chapter of G:R! and one more of The Vagabonds. I'm not sure if I'll have time for more.

I might have time to publish the next chapter of this fic, which is a decent stopping point, but I doubt it.

For that reason I am putting this fic on provisional hiatus. I may or may not update it before I leave. In that case the hiatus will continue until I return from boot camp.

Okay, a few things about this chapter. My goal is to make the chapters somewhat episodic and read like a Trek show. In other words, there will likely be numerous scenes and povs in every chapter. There will be inner monologues, but they will happen mostly during the characters' down time (which there won't be a lot of in this fic) and logs.

As for Hinata and Naruto, yes there will be a romance. No, it will not happen immediately. Hinata is referring to something else entirely when she speaks of destiny.

I don't have a name for the next chapter yet. However, here is a little tidbit of what's coming next.

B.Y.A.K.U.G.A.N: Bioelectric Yield Aperture - Kinetic Unimatrix - Guided Astrometrics Neurorelay

What does this mean exactly? Tune in next time to find out.

Now on 9-10 week hiatus (boot camp).

-G.A.M.M.