Well here is the new story in the series, Just a note for those of you who may not know yet, I have started an other Naruto story called Saving old bonds, you can find it in my profile :) its gotten pretty popular in the very short time that its been out, so check it out :)

Book 5 - Star Trek: Predator - Archangel - Chapter 1, New ship and Surprise birthday

Naruto was sitting in his new office on board the USS Galaxy - A. The new state of the art Galaxy Type II class ship had become his home for the past two months, the captain had requested Naruto as his Chief of Security. Although Naruto had expressed his desire to remain on the Freedom, Starfleet had decided to transfer him anyway. Two good things had come out of the situation, he was now a Lieutenant Commander not to mention finally above Sasuke, and he has also learned that Sakura was being transferred with him as the new Chief Medical Officer of the ship.

Naruto was reviewing his daily security logs. The Galaxy was a much larger ship then the Freedom as its crew size was almost three times larger then the Freedom's, it also meant that his security team was that much larger. Suddenly a chime came from his door "Come in" He answered from behind his desk

Sakura walked in with a bright smile, unlike Naruto she had not received a promotion with her transfer, however, she did not care, being the Chief Medical Officer was more then enough for her "Hey Naruto, you're still working?" She asked as she sat down in one of the seats in front of his desk

"Yeah just reviewing some logs as well as planing some training for my teams" He answered her as he continued to read his reports

Sakura playfully took the PADD out from his hands "Come on, take a break from working all the time and come join me for some dinner" She asked him with pleading eyes

"So is that a date?" He asked with a grin

"Well that all depends, If I say yes, will it get you to agree and come eat dinner with me?" She asked him

Naruto's grin only grew "Well I don't know, I mean its a tough decision, continue working hard, or go on a data with Sakura" He said jokingly

Sakura's smile slowly turned into a frown "Don't make me slap you!" She said with a pout that Naruto found adorable

He gave her a grin "Well you see, my PADD's never threaten to hit me" Sakura instantly took a pad and playfully hit him over the head with it

"You were saying?" She said with a smile

"Alright you win, I would always chose you anyway, no contest" He told her as he got up from his desk.

They both walked out and made their way to ten Forward. They ordered their lunch and sat down

"You know, when we first started this grand adventure into space, I never would have thought that you would end up being so responsible and dependable"

"What is that suppose to mean? I was a Jonin and your team leader!" He stated slightly confused

"Well think about it, when we were young, you weren't exactly the reliable type" She said with a grin

"So you jumped from a tree and I failed to catch you by accident, we were like seven! Will you ever let me forget that?" It was his turn to be pouting

Sakura smiled, it was nice to get some revenge after what he had done to her earlier, and he made it too easy some times

"Captain Johnson to Naruto" A voice came over the Comm.

Naruto instantly tapped his comm. badge "Naruto here"

"We have a message coming in from the Freedom for you" He informed him

"I will take it down here" Naruto instructed as he got up and began to walk to a nearby wall console, Sakura followed him wondering if it was Sasuke, Suzu or perhaps even Hinata who had been transferred to the Freedom, however, it was Kira

"Hey Naruto" Kira stated with a warm smile

"Kira!" Naruto answered back happily

"It's nice to see you again; the crew misses you here on the Freedom, how are you adjusting to your new post on the Galaxy?" Kira asked

"Both Sakura and I are doing well, the Galaxy is a large ship but I am up for the challenge, how is the Freedom? Did she finally get off Konoha?" Naruto asked

Kira nodded "Yes, we took off last week. The damage was indeed extensive, but she is a tough girl" Kira said with a hint of Pride in the Freedom

"Well that is good to hear, so to what do I owe this pleasant surprise?" Naruto asked

"Well actually, I kind of have a request" Kira stated

"A request?" Naruto asked with curiosity

"Well you see I was just promoted" He explained

"To captain?!" Naruto answered back surprised

"Well generally Captain comes After Commander yes" Kira stated with a smirk. Naruto began to wonder what the request would be, maybe he was going to ask him to be his first officer? "I would like very much for you to join me and be a part of my maiden Voyage, I tried to get someone from Konoha on my crew, but I was denied" he added. Naruto's hopes for first officer had just vanished "I did however manage to get Athrun transferred with me and promoted as well to Lieutenant Commander , and my first officer"

"Well that is great, you two are a team" Naruto stated with a smile "Like, Sasuke and I" He added with a slightly sad tone

Kira knew how Naruto felt. Both friends were forced to part ways when Naruto left, he often wondered if Athrun would one day be transferred off without him "Yeah, anyway I would be honored if you could be a part of my maiden voyage, Sasuke is going to be there as well"

"Sure!" Naruto answered back "Wait, can Sakura come ? I wouldn't want to leave her behind" He asked

Kira smiled, if one thing made him happy was to know Naruto wasn't alone, at least he still had Sakura with him on the Galaxy "Of course she can come"

"So what class is she? Intrepid? Sovereign? Galaxy Type II? Maybe even Prometheus or Justice class?" Naruto asked with an excited tone

"None of those, this is going to be a completely new class, even I haven't seen it yet, however, I am told she is a prototype called USS Archangel. That is all Cagalli will tell me" Kira explained

"That is great, I can't wait to see what she looks like. I will ask my captain for permission for us to go, so long as he accepts we should be there within the next few days" Naruto stated

"Alright can't wait to see both of you in person again, Kira out"

Naruto returned to his table and finished his meal while talking with Sakura.

Later that day Naruto walked onto the bridge, the Galaxy II's bridge was similar to the original, with a more modern feel. He looked around and saw that the captain wasn't on the bridge, he walked over to his station and began a routine weapon calibration

The first officer had noticed Naruto, he got up from his seat and walked over to his station "Naruto, just the man I was looking for" he said with a smile

"You were looking for me commander?" Naruto asked him, curious as to why the first officer wished to speak with him

"Indeed, you see, I am trying to get a poker night going with the senior staff, we could even make it every other night, it would be a great way for the senior staff to get to know each other. I have already spoken to everyone else, including our pink haired chief medical officer" he said with a grin "And everyone has said yes, you are the last one I needed to speak with" he added

Naruto tried to hide his blush, most of the senior staff had figured out his feelings towards Sakura, the ship's first officer took particular pleasure in teasing him about it "Uh, yeah that sounds like fun, when would it be?" Naruto asked

"Tonight, twenty hundred hours" He answered "Oh, Sakura tells me that you make a good chip dip, do you think that you could bring some tonight?" he asked

"Sure, I have all the ingredients" Naruto answered back

"Perfect, I look forward to tasting it, in addition to winning of course" he stated with a cocky grin

"We will see about that!" Naruto answered back with a grin of his own. The first officer began walking back towards his seat "Oh commander" Naruto quickly said, causing him to turn around "Where is the captain?" He asked

"He is in his ready room, do you need to speak with him?"

"Yeah, which reminds me, Sakura and I will not be able to make the next few poker nights after tonight" Naruto explained

"Oh? You two planing on running away together?" He asked with a growing grin

A few of the bridge crew chuckled as Naruto's face quickly turned red "NO!" he instantly answered "That's not it at all! We have both been invited to see the launch of a new ship prototype, as well as to celebrate our former commanders promotion to Captain"

"So Kira got Captain eh? Good for him. I am also a bit jealous, the opportunity to see a prototype launch is not something most of us get to see"

"Yeah, we are both excited about it"

The commander grinned as he returned to his seat.

Once Naruto had finished his calibrations he made his way to the captains ready room, he pressed the door chime and after a few seconds the doors slid open. Naruto made his way inside. The captain was at his desk reading something on his computer

"Ah Naruto, please take a seat, can I get you something?" The captain asked as he got up to use the replicator

"I wouldn't mind a hot chocolate sir" Naruto answered as he sat down

"One hot chocolate coming up, computer, one hot chocolate and one coffee, black" With a shimmer two cups appeared, the captain picked them up and handed one to Naruto before sitting back down at his desk to take a sip from his own cup "There is nothing like a hot cup of coffee, now what can I do for you commander?"

"Thank you sir" Naruto said as he took a sip of his own drink "I need to ask for a leave of absence for the next few weeks, for both Sakura and myself"

The captain raised an eyebrow "Oh? You two going on vacation so soon?" He asked, but before Naruto could answer "Or would it have something to do with the newest Starfleet captain, Kira Yamato?" He added with a grin

Naruto smiled "That would be correct sir, he invited us to see the launch of his new ship, as well as take part in its maiden voyage" Naruto explained

"I see, how long do you think that you will be away fore?" The captain asked

"about two weeks sir, our trip to Orb alone will take a few days by shuttle" Naruto answered

The captain took a sip of his coffee "Very well, your leave is granted" The captain answered

"Thank you sir!" Naruto said happily as he took a sip from his own cup "And that brings me to my next request" The captain raised an eyebrow as he waited for Naruto to continue "I would like to request the use of our Alpha Flyer sir"

"You realize that we just got our Flyer? I haven't even had time to inspect it yet" He stated with a sigh "Very well commander, you can have the Flyer as well"

"Thank you sir, I will have her back without a scratch!" Naruto answered with a bright smile

"Are you going to be at the poker game tonight?" The captain suddenly asked him

"Yeah, the commander just made me aware of it shortly before I came to see you sir, will you be there?"

"No, I like to relax while reading a good book before going to bed, however our first officer has this smug look of confidence in his poker skills, I wouldn't mind if someone brought him down a peg or two"

"I will see what I can do sir" Naruto answered with a grin as he got up from his chair and set his empty cup on the captains desk "I need to make some preparations before we leave"

"Of course commander, have a good trip. Oh and make sure you say hi to Tucker for me"

"Aye sir, I will" Naruto stated as he left the captains ready room

The next morning Naruto and Sakura were boarding the Alpha Flyer

"So are you ready to go?" Naruto asked as he set his things in the back

"Yeah, I packed everything I need" She stated as she set her stuff next to Naruto's

Naruto sat down at the pilots seat and began his preflight checks, Sakura sat in the seat next to his

"Are you still upset about last night?" She asked him, Naruto frowned as he was reminded of how close he was to defeating their first officer, he had a full house, while somehow the first officer pulled out a royal flush to win the game, he remained silent as he continued the preflight checks "Aww come on, your not going to be grumpy for the entire flight now are you?" She asked him

He let out a sigh "No of course not, I just don't know how he pulled off that hand, I had him" He said as he tapped a few more buttons on his panel, causing the Flyer to come to life, he opened a comm to the bridge "Alpha Flyer to Galaxy, requesting permission to launch"

"Understood Alpha Flyer, you have permission to launch, have a good trip commander, I look forward to our next poker night, your dip was delicious" The first officers voice answered over the comm

Naruto was trying to stop himself from grinding his teeth "Thank you sir" Naruto simply responded

"See you all in about two weeks" Sakura added

A force field appeared only inches from the massive doors, seconds later the doors themselves began to open up "Alpha Flyer launching"

The flyer passed through the force field and exited the shuttle bay, Naruto activated the warp engines and laid a course for Orb, where the Freedom was waiting for them

"So how long until we reach Orb?" Sakura asked

"At our current speed, just under four days" Naruto answered

"Can we go any faster?" She asked

"Well we could, but it will strain the engines, something I would rather not do unless it was an emergency" Naruto explained

Sakura put her feet on the console in front of her and laid back in her seat "This is going to be a long trip then" She said as she made herself comfortable

"So what are we going to do for four days, all alone, in this shuttle?" He asked with a grin

"Well first of all, wipe that grin off your face" She instantly answered back "If you think anything like that is going to be happening, you can dream on" she added

Naruto let out a deep sigh "Come on Sakura, you know me better then that, I was just kidding" He answered back in defense "This is going to be a long four days" he thought to himself

Sakura was doing something in the back of the Flyer while Naruto was keeping himself occupied by reading some books off his PADD. The Flyer suddenly dropped out of warp, Sakura quickly entered the cockpit

"What happened?" She asked as she sat down at her post

Naruto set down his PADD as he started to analyze their situation "Something is disrupting our warp field, I think its due to an anomaly off of our port" Naruto informed her

Sakura took a look out the port window "Oh Naruto look! Isn't it beautiful?" She told him as she stared at the phenomenon

Naruto got up to look for himself, what he saw looked very much like northern lights from earth, Sakura hugged Naruto from behind looking at it over his shoulder, this caused him to grin "You know, sometimes I wonder if you like or hate me"

"Are you still upset about what I said? Come on, you were being a jerk!" She told him as she laid her head on his shoulder and continued to look outside

Naruto notice something in the distance; it looked like something was moving near the anomaly then it disappeared "Did you see that?" He asked her

"Yeah its pretty, its changing colors" She answered back, obviously not talking about the same thing he was

"No I mean did you see something move and then disappear in the distance?" He specified

"Oh, no...Why? Did you?" She asked back

"Maybe we should investigate" Naruto stated as he sat back down at his station

"How long would it take us to reach the anomaly at impulse?" Sakura asked

"About six days" he answered her

"We don't have time for that, they are waiting for us, we don't have time for a twelve day detour to investigate something you saw in an anomaly for a brief second" She advised

"But..." Naruto wanted to protest, but knew she was absolutely right, it would take them almost their entire leave time just to investigate, and they would still be days away from Orb

"It was probably just your imagination anyway" She added

Naruto sighed as he set a course away from the anomaly "Luckily we are on the edge of the anomaly, it will only take us about five minutes to clear it at full impulse" He stated as the Flyer began moving again

As soon as they were clear, Naruto engaged the warp engines once more, resuming their original course

Sakura grabbed his hand gently "Now come with me, I have a surprise for you" She said with a grin

Naruto was intrigued as he allowed her to lead him towards the back of the Flyer, as they entered the back room Naruto was surprised, the table had ramen and a cake with candles, the room was full of balloons and Naruto was not sure what all this was about "Happy Birthday Naruto!" She said as she hugged and kissed him on the cheek

"My birthday? Wait, is it already my birthday?" Naruto stated, obviously surprised

"Of course it is, you have been working so hard as of late, you forgot your own birthday, but I did not forget, happy twenty third birthday

She kissed him on the cheek and pulled him towards the table, Naruto couldn't believe all the trouble she had gone through just for him

"And none of this is replicated I baked and cooked everything myself" Sakura stated proudly

Naruto and Sakura sat down and began to eat, everything was so good Naruto though to himself and they spent the rest of the night talking

End Chapter 1

Well that ends the first chapter, the next chapter will be the final chapter that was previously posted on Fanfiction before the rewrite :) I will try to post it soon to make up for how long it took to get this new book/chapter out