Naruto: Infinity Divide
Lola Montez
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
It's mainly character development this time so not much action. Here is Chapter 74. Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
{ } Signifies hand signs
~ ~ Signifies singing
…
Last time:
Stardate 2283.206, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters
"Throwing Lorot and Simms to the jackals is perfectly acceptable as far as I'm concerned." said Admiral Fitzpatrick. "Lorot's a thief and Aaron Simms signed his own arrest warrant for aiding and abetting an admitted criminal. I'll put out orders for their detainment immediately. We need the best Isolinear chip possible so cut whatever deal is necessary to bring that boy Siegfried on board Doctor Calico."
Sara sagged a bit. "But we agreed to give Lorot immunity from prosecution."
The Admiral glared and said, "Have you ever heard of cutting your losses Doctor Calico? I'm countermanding his immunity and having him arrested. Now where are Lorot and Simms?"
The Betazoid straightened up and got on her computer. After a minute or two she said, "It looks like they are staying there at Starfleet Headquarters. No one would suspect to look for two civilians in a military installation."
Fitzpatrick smiled as he looked up things on his end and confirmed it. 'I'll have the pair locked up immediately.' "Good work Doctor. You may have just saved the Isolinear computer program."
Sara said guiltily, "Yes sir. It is for the best."
…
Chapter 74
Stardate 2283.208, Sol System, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters, Admiral Fitzpatrick's Office
Admiral Fitzpatrick was sitting at his desk across from Captain Naruto M'Fau, Lieutenant Commander Samui Schrodinger and their son Siegfried Schrodinger M'Fau. The Admiral said, "I was unaware of the full situation regarding the Isolinear computer chip's development. Still, it happened on my watch, and I have to take responsibility for it. Both Lorot and Doctor Simms have been arrested and will be sentenced under the full extent of Federation Law."
Naruto held his hand up. "Lorot will be extradited to Vulcan for PROPER sentencing under Vulcan Law. This is not open for debate. I've read the regulations regarding civilians. The most Doctor Aaron Simms will be sentenced to is five years of rehabilitation under Federation law. That's a slap on the wrist to use a human phrase. I will not let Lorot get away with the same …It's that or our lawyers will launch an investigation into the Daystrom Institute proper."
"But that could set back the Isolinear Computer program for years!" sputtered Fitzpatrick.
"Then hand over Lorot." growled Samui. "It's not like he has any real use to you anyway. Our son is the one who has all the knowledge."
The Admiral sighed and drummed his fingers for a moment. Then he said, "Very well, Lorot is yours and will be sent to Vulcan for sentencing. We're prepared to offer that and suitable compensation to young Mister Siegfried here to secure his cooperation in developing a real, fully capable Isolinear chip.
Siegfried said, "The M'fau Legal Team will access the exact amount necessary for stealing my intellectual property by the Daystrom Institute of Technology and Starfleet. Licensing and securing my cooperation to develop the Isolinear chip to its full potential is an entirely separate issue."
Fitzpatrick asked, "How much will it cost to get your help to develop the chip Mister Siegfried?"
"One billion credits." said Siegfried.
"ONE BIILION?" shrieked Fitzpatrick. "Your family could live on that for generations!"
The young hybrid nodded. "Precisely. If the Daystrom Institute had followed their published code of ethics instead of going through Lorot the price for my cooperation and licensing wouldn't be such a high amount. I'm not going to die a destitute inventor while others get wealthy off my hard work."
Fitzpatrack was baffled "We would never-"
"I've read about your Terran scientists such as Nikola Tesla developing brilliant inventions only to have them stolen by others without ethics or morals. I will not let that happen to me."
"That's ancient history!" exclaimed the Admiral.
"It has some very interesting parallels though; don't you think?" asked Siegfried. "You asked for my price to cooperate, and I have given it to you Admiral. Your people robbed me and I'm not about to let that go."
…
After their meeting, Admiral Cartwright saw Naruto, Samui and Siegfried come out of Fitzpatrick's office and flagged them down. He said, "So this is the young man behind the Isolinear chip program. I'm Admiral Lance Carwright. It is good to see that genius runs in the family. Know that you have my full support in setting things straight as quickly as possible."
"We are glad to hear that, Admiral." replied Samui.
Cartwright smiled warmly and said, "If you don't mind, I'd like to borrow Captain Naruto for a few minutes."
Naruto nodded to his wife and son who both looked puzzled, and he said, "I'll join you both shortly."
…
Admiral Cartwright's Office
Lance Cartwright sat down at his desk and motioned for Naruto to sit across from him. The Admiral poured them each a glass of Saurian Brandy before raising his glass in a toast. "To your son Siegfried's success." said the Admiral "With the technology he's developing we will soon be leaps and bounds ahead of the Klingon and Romulan Empires."
After they drank their brandy, Cartwright set his glass down and said, "Lorot will never make it to trial. He's too big of an information leak. He might sell information to the Romulans or Klingons if he's left alive."
Naruto slowly absorbed the information. "You intend to kill Lorot then?" asked the blonde hybrid.
"An unfortunate accident will happen to him and his core of accomplices at the Daystrom Institute. There are very few of them, but they need to be eliminated." said Cartwright. "Given Lorot is a bit touched in the head you have to agree he can't be trusted."
Naruto slowly nodded despite his misgivings. "And you are informing me why…?"
"Because Section 31 wants your son Siegfried to be safe Captain Naruto." said the Admiral. "He is a great asset to the United Federation of Planets. The remaining members of the staff at the Daystrom Institute, such as Doctor Aaron Simms will be investigated and turned over to your legal teams so the appropriate trivial punishments can be doled out. As for Lorat, he and the others are a minor loss compared to the potential of the Isolinear chip program…"
The older blonde hybrid wondered just how deeply Section 31 was entrenched in Starfleet. 'I must keep my family safe. I have a feeling that Lorot and his compatriots are already dead. Is Cartwright trying to threaten me or is this just his twisted way of showing professional courtesy?' Unfortunately, the blonde hybrid had no answers…
…
Stardate 2285.214, Starfleet Headquarters
"Personal Log of Samui Schrodinger. Stardate 2283.214. Today Professor Lorot and six others from the Daystrom institute of Technology died in a shuttle accident while on the way to a prison transport in Earth orbit. Starfleet is investigating the situation, but everything recovered so far has been attributed to an attempted escape by Lorot and the others and losing control of the shuttle in the process. Unfortunately, almost all the evidence was vaporized in the upper atmosphere."
"I don't buy it for a minute. It's too convenient. Our lawyers have said that the Daystrom Institute of Technology has reversed course and is being very cooperative about the evidence against its members that helped Lorot like Doctor Aaron Simms. They want our son Siegfried on board at the Daystrom Institute and have already signed over DOUBLE what my son demanded in reparations."
"The only caveat they have is Starfleet wants my son to transfer to Earth to complete his education and to help director the new Isolinear chip program that is being put in place. Mama and Papa are thrilled to have Siegfried here on Earth instead of just visiting from Vulcan once a year, but I wonder how my boy feels about it…"
…
Siegfried had mixed feelings. The accident with Lorot made the younger hybrid suspicious and his Father Naruto indicated in so many words that his son was correct. He also indicated that Siegfried should let it go for the sake of his safety and focus on his work. His Grandmum Maria and Grandpapa Siegfried were eager to see him and to meet his girlfriend S'Harien who was keen to meet his Grandparents as well.
The young couple had been discussing the logic behind her moving to Earth so they could be together but at the same time S'Harien had her job with the Vulcan Science Academy and the Le-Matyas on Vulcan. It wasn't a point of contention between them but they both agreed they wanted to remain close. It was a conundrum they had yet to solve.
As it was, Siegfried was looking forward to going to England with S'Harien and his parents to introduce his gorgeous girlfriend to his Mother's side of the family.
…
Elsewhere, another member of the M'Fau family was having a different set of problems…
…
Stardate 2283.215, Epimetheus III System, Planet Atra Orbit, Starliner U.S.S. Lola Montez
The Cultural Exchange Program*① under Ambassador Farrah Heming had been a roaring success over the past five years, and they had their own starliner now, the United Federation Starship U.S.S. Lola Montez …And as far as the Ambassador was concerned, the crown jewel of her troupe was Talok M'Fau, the 19-year-old Vulcan dance prodigy also known as the V'Shan Dancer.
Heming was very excited to come to Atra 'The Planet of Music' where everyone sang their language and they had recently joined the Federation as a full member. There was some sort of huge Starfleet/Atraen joint archeological dig at the south pole (a lost city no less) but Farrah Heming couldn't have cared less about that. She hoped that the Atraens would be willing to send one of their wonderful performing choirs to join the Cultural Exchange Program.
They were greeted by Atra's Ambassador Shanis who had made first contact with the Federation years before*②. The ethereal Ambassador greeted the Federation Starship over subspace radio. "~Welcome to the Epimetheus System Ambassador Heming and crew of the Lola Montez. We have been eagerly awaiting your visit and hope you will enjoy your stay on Planet Atra.~" she sang.
Farrah Hemming said, "What a wonderful voice you have! You have no idea how much we have been looking forward to visiting 'The Planet of Music' Ambassador Shanis. I anticipate great things. Thank you for your warm welcome."
…
"Personal Log of Talok M'Fau, Stardate 2283.217. We will be disembarking soon and performing for the Atraen Empress Rosoni and the Royal Family of Atra in the Garden Square where it will be broadcast worldwide. Afterwards we are to perform at various venues all over the planet. My brother Naruto told me of this world and how fascinating it was to visit."
"I have been studying this world in detail as a result and have learned that dancing is considered a venerated artform here as (in the natives' opinion) anyone can sing. I look forward to the Atraen reactions to the different styles of songs and dances of our troupe although as I understand it the Caitian people fascinate the people of Atra because they resemble the Atraen pantheon of gods."
"In my studies I've also discovered that dancing with fans is something the Atraen priestess class does although Ambassador Heming has already explained to Ambassador Shanis that I am not any sort of religious dancer. It still concerns me though. I do not want to elicit a negative reaction…"
…
Planet Atra, Imperial Capital, Garden Square, three days later…
As Ambassador Heming expected, the Caitian acapella singers and dancers were a huge hit with the Atraen people. Farrah's team of cultural analysts predicted this, so she went out of her way to promote them. As they came off the stage of their THIRD encore, the Ambassador said, "That's it my darlings, you were fabulous this evening!" The tongue clicking applause was nearly deafening for the exhausted Caitian troupe.
Many of the other troupes congratulated their Caitian comrades for doing so good including Talok who had become friends with a Caitian female named Niam. Talok said as she handed Niam a water bottle, "You and your troupe did incredibly well. You were in rare form tonight."
The tired Niam smiled at her Vulcan friend. The Caitian dancer said, "With the gravity here being only .75 G I felt light as a feather. You'd best take that into account when you perform your acrobatics."
Talok raised an eyebrow the way her Mother and brother were known to. "Thank you for the warning my friend. I will have to keep my momentum a little lower than usual during my routine."
Since the show lasted nearly four hours due to all the various performers; the Vulcans quietly analyzed the other troupes as they performed. Despite their initial differences, the four Vulcan dancers had become a very cohesive group, Talok, T'Alaro, Elieth and L'Vor all agreed to dance at a slower pace than usual and Talok would take center stage with her metal fans after the main performance. After conferring with their musician Grake; it was agreed they would perform the classical Dance of the Firebird first and see where things went from there.
The Dance of the Firebird was a very technical piece that was slow and took great precision. It was here that L'Vor's classical training really shined so she took center stage. As Grake played the Ka'athyra beautifully in perfect time, the people of Atra liked what they saw and joined in the music with their melodic voices which was a totally new experience for the Vulcans.
After the Dance of the Firebird, Talok took center stage and pirouetted in a blur before stopping with her back to the audience and her arms extended. Her fans were out but closed. Then she opened them slowly and in silence. The audience was completely silent and Grake was so shocked that he stopped playing.
Talok would have been sweating a river if she had sweat glands. She was terrified that her metal fans had offended the Atraens. Then the audience started singing a native song that was slow, quiet and hypnotic. It reminded Talok of the Arabic music she'd heard on Earth.
Deciding to simply let the music take her, Talok danced interpretively while twirling her fans slowly at first. She then began to pick up speed and the audience did as well. Talok couldn't tell if she was leading the music, or the music was leading her. The young Vulcan woman swept her fan to the left and the voices of the audience on that side rose and fell. Then Talok swept to the right and the right side of the audience did the same.
Remembering her Sister T'Lyra's song Sandfire Storm, the Vulcan V'Shan Dancer began to artfully direct her audience with her fans. It was like riding a tidal wave of raw power as the crowd went from the deepest baritone to the highest soprano. Talok didn't really know how long or short of time she danced but finally things came to a crescendo and she held her fans low and gradually raised them above her head at an agonizingly slow pace. By that time the power had grown to such levels that it was deafening. Talok held out her fans in a cutting motion and all went silent…
Talok could only hear her heart hammering in her chest before she bowed to her audience. The next thing the young dancer knew there was a thunderous tongue clicking applause that seemed to encompass the entire world of Atra.
Ambassador Shanis literally had tears in her eyes and sang, "~By the Gods…She is surely from Rzom itself.~"
After the Vulcan troupe left the stage Talok wanted to lie down. She was completely, utterly spent. The V'Shan dancer felt like she'd channeled the energy of the entire planet through her…
…
"~It was as if she set the stage aflame wherever she danced!~" sang a reviewer. "~For nearly thirty minutes all of Atra was captivated be the priestess-like dancer Talok of Vulcan. Truly she was blessed by the Gods!~"
…
Royal Palace
Empress Rosoni herself was thoroughly impressed by the Cultural Exchange Program and her heir Princess Amionn was utterly fascinated. Amionn's twin sister Princess Ameann was as well. But it was their younger brother Prince Amiott that was captivated the most. He sang to his sisters, "~The beauteous Lady Talok has captured my heart, I must have her as my own!~"
Amionn and Ameann burst into melodious laughter at their 20-year-old brother. Princess Amionn sang, "~Little brother, you fall in love with every girl you meet. This priestess-dancer is probably too much woman for you to handle. She clearly isn't a passive type like you prefer.~"
Princess Ameann agreed with her twin. "~The way Lady Talok commanded the audience was nothing less than tremendous. The whole world is fascinated with her. She must be of royal blood. Such power is beyond your grasp Amiott. Let this one go.~"
"~If she is of royal blood then so much the better!~" sang the Prince. "~Wouldn't she be an ideal match for me my Empress?~"
Empress Rosoni found Talok's dance to be incredibly inspiring but had to agree with her granddaughters. "~Pursue her if you wish Amiott but don't expect her to return your affections. I sense she is very independent just by the way she carries herself.~"
Amiott sang, "~Her regal countenance would make her an ideal member of the Royal Family. Don't you all agree?~"
"~Just make sure not to cause trouble.~" sang the Empress in a resigned tone.
"~Soon a new Princess will join the Royal Household!~" he announced much to the amusement of his sisters.
…
Planet Atra Orbit, Starliner U.S.S. Lola Montez
After their initial performance there was a clamoring of venues that previously weren't interested in the Cultural Exchange Program. Farrah Heming was thrilled. She said to her troupe, "This is wonderful darlings! We're going to be busy as bees for the next few weeks."
The troupe was thrilled that they were well accepted but weren't looking forward to working themselves to the bone (again). That was when the Royal Yacht of Prince Amiott approached and hailed them asking permission to dock.
"Of course, the Prince is welcome aboard!" said Ambassador Heming. "You must understand that we really are unprepared for a Royal visit though. If you give us time, then we could prepare a proper welcome …No, no! If it pleases the Prince then you may dock immediately."
…
The Royal Yacht Glorious
"~We will be docking in mere minutes my Prince.~" sang the ship's helmsman.
Prince Amiott sang in reply, "~Marvelous! I cannot wait to meet my future wife!~"
'~Oh no, the Prince is in love …again.~' thought the crew collectively.
…
U.S.S. Lola Montez
Farrah Heming welcomed Prince Amiott aboard and wasn't sure what to expect. He had two honor guards with him and he was looking around with wide, pupilless blue eyes. The Ambassador said, "Welcome aboard the Lola Montez, your highness. We are so honored to have you aboard. Would you like a tour of the ship?"
"~Where is the radiant Lady Talok?~" asked the Prince as he looked around Farrah. Then he sang, "~I assumed she would be in the welcoming party.~"
Farrah's eyebrows raised. "I would imagine that Talok is practicing in the ship's studio or is in her quarters. Did you wish to meet her?"
Amiott's smile lit up the whole room, "~YES!~" he sang eagerly.
…
Talok's Quarters
The daughter of the M'Fau family was sitting back and relaxing after practice while gently bobbing her head to old Terran rock songs that her sister-in-law T'Lyra had sent to her to listen to. That's when Talok heard a knock on her door. The V'Shan dancer asked, "Who is it?"
"It's T'Alaro." answered her best Vulcan friend. "Are you dressed?"
Talok replied, "Yes, I am dressed." Turning off her music, she said, "Please enter."
T'Alaro came in and said without preamble, "Ambassador Heming asked me to fetch you. A member of the Atraen Royal Family is here to see you in the guest dining hall."
"Why?' asked Talok in puzzlement.
"Apparently he came aboard with the intention of specifically meeting you." replied T'Alaro. "He's a Prince."
Talok stood up and straightened her crimson M'Fau robes. Then she pulled her long black hair back into a conservative ponytail. Finally, she picked up her metal fans and concealed them in her sleeves. Nodding to herself, Talok said, "I suppose I should show proper courtesy and greet this Prince then."
…
The V'Shan dancer entered the guest dining hall and saw Ambassador Heming speaking in her usual animated manner about herself. The Prince was seated opposite of Farrah. He looked thin and willowy to Talok and he had long blonde hair. His two honor guards were standing behind him to either side. The young Vulcan woman said, "I have arrived as you requested Ambassador Heming."
Farrah turned to the V'Shan dancer and said, "Talok, darling! Please join us. His Royal Highness, Prince Amiott has come to meet you."
Talok bowed before giving the Vulcan salute and said, "Peace and long life to you Prince Amiott, your presence honors us."
The Prince noted that Talok's crimson robes hid her fabulous body that her traditional dancing clothes showed off. He also saw her hair was tied back. His pupilless blue eyes widened at the Vulcan woman's beauty, nevertheless. He sang to her, "~I am Prince Amiott of Atra. I've come to meet you, Lady Talok. Why aren't you wearing those glossy raven locks down? …And why are you wearing those robes instead of a leotard?~"
Talok raised an eyebrow and answered curtly, "I am Talok M'Fau of Vulcan. Both my hair and clothing are more ergonomic and practical than what you have described." Her onyx eyes narrowed slightly. 'What an odd set of questions.' thought the young Vulcan woman.
Farrah said "Please have a seat Talok. His Highness has been eagerly awaiting your company."
The V'Shan dancer sat down beside Farrah Heming and was presented with a Terran salad. 'At least the Ambassador remembers we Vulcans are vegetarians.' thought Talok.
As they ate Prince Amiott spoke grandly of Atra and of his royal lineage for nearly an hour. He also hinted around at the wealth and influence he had. "…~And after seeing the sheer power you have over the masses, I chose to court you so that you will be become my wife.~"
For once in her life, Ambassador Heming was silent as her jaw dropped in shock…
Talok quietly finished chewing her food and said, "I have no interest in being courted by you or becoming your wife your Highness."
The Prince's pupilless blue eyes widened. "~You…you're turning down the opportunity to become a Princess of Atra?~"
"That is correct Prince Amiott." replied the onyx eyed beauty.
Amiott was too dumbfounded to speak. No woman had EVER rejected him in his entire life! "~Come with me Lady Talok.~" He commanded. "~I can show you wonders like you've never seen on Atra. I will NOT accept no for an answer.~"
"Your reaction is illogical." replied Talok. "You should carefully reconsider your demands to abduct a citizen of the United Federation of Planets as well as Planet Vulcan against their will. I believe your Empress Rosoni would agree with me."
…
Planet Atra, Royal Palace, hours later…
"~My heart is shattered!~" wailed Prince Amiott. "~I shall never love again!~"
Rosoni shook her head, "~It seems that my Grandson's womanizing ways have caught up with him.~"
Princess Amionn sang, "~It is unheard of for his 'flavor of the week' to reject him.`"
The Empress sang to her grandson. "~That is enough of this carrying on Amiott. There are other women waiting in the wings.~"
The Princess Ameann sang kindly, "~Lady Talok is cut from different cloth than us. From my travels I have learned that Vulcans are quiet and keep to themselves. They don't show emotions either. She would have been a bad match for you little brother.~"
…
Stardate 2285.219, Sol System, Planet Earth, Cambridge, England
While Talok was dealing with her issues, S'Harien had a fascinating time exploring Earth with Siegfried, Naruto and Samui. Now it was time to meet her boyfriend's Grandparents. Samui was obviously very happy to be back in England. The blonde bombshell looked at S'Harien in her Terran denims, British Union Jack t-shirt and black leather vest looking much like a biker from Earth. She had retained her black Vulcan biker boots though.
The Augment woman couldn't help but smile. 'I guess S'Harien will be a wild girl no matter what planet she's on.' thought Samui.
"Perhaps we should rent some speeders and tour England." suggested Siegfried.
S'Harien's eyes lit up at the concept. "That sounds like an excellent idea."
The younger blonde hybrid looked at his Mother. "Can we Mum?"
Samui said, "Let's go see your Grandparents first. I know they are looking forward to seeing us."
Siegfried gave a tiny smile. "I can't wait to see them either." Turning to his girlfriend, he said, "I hope that you get along well with them S'Harien."
The tall Vulcan girl replied, "I believe we will. Your family is fascinating to me."
…
They soon arrived at the Schrodinger family home with its turret and brass telescope and Samui said, "There's old Ingrid. I've been away far too long." She quickly came up the walk and knocked on the front door.
Her Father Siegfried opened the front door and said, "Samui, my little girl!" Then the two embraced in a warm hug before he called over his shoulder, "Maria, Samui is here!"
Samui's Mother Maria soon came trotting out to see her daughter as well. After exchanging hugs and kisses with Samui, she said "Samui, let me look at you! We've missed you so much!"
The Schrodinger's greeted Samui and Naruto, then the older couple turned to young Siegfried and S'Harien.
The younger hybrid turned to his girlfriend and said, "S'Harien, these are my Grandparents Siegfried and Maria that I told you about. Grandpapa, Grandmum, this is S'Harien Sofek, my girlfriend."
Maria stepped forward and said, "Aren't you a lovely one! Little Siegfried has his Father's tastes I see." Samui face palmed at her Mother's reference to S'Harien's large bosom but luckily S'Harien didn't catch the reference or simply shrugged it off. Maria laughed merrily at Samui's expression and said, "Come in, come in! You all must be tired from your trip."
"Terran culture is fascinating Ziggy." said S'Harien as she watched The Scrodinger's interact with the M'Fau's. "They are very open about their affections towards one another."
Siegfried nodded. "My Grandmum in particular is very exuberant. She always has been according to Mum."
…
The group was soon having dinner and Maria was talking with S'Harien about the latter's occupation. "So you race speeder bikes for living? It sounds like a dangerous job."
S'Harien gave a tiny smirk. "Some aren't meant for it, but I find the adrenaline rush to be most satisfying. Ziggy is a talented and dynamic racer himself, but his Doctorates take precedence. Between Astrophysics, Quantum Physics and Computer Science he is too busy to become a professional racer like I am."
'So she's a speed addict…' thought the Grandparents.
"So how did you two meet?" asked the older Siegfried curiously.
S'Harien glanced over at her boyfriend and said, "Ziggy saved my cousin Radak's life. We met right after that at the hospital in Shikahr."
Maria smiled widely. "You never told us about this Siegfried."
The younger hybrid blushed slightly and explained, "Radak and I went to the same primary school in Shikahr. We are friends from childhood. He crashed his bike, and I took him to the hospital."
"Radak is irresponsible." said the dark-haired Vulcan beauty. "He was out there in the desert racing beyond his skill level and crashed. He was very fortunate that Ziggy arrived when he did."
…
That evening, Naruto and Samui were lying under the stars on the roof by the old telescope Ingrid. They were holding hands and she said, "I can't wait until this war is over and we can explore the stars again."
Naruto leaned over Samui and kissed her passionately. "I can't wait either my love."
Lightning split the sky in the distance, and she whispered, "It's going to rain soon."
His eyes were burning with desire. "I don't care…" he said as the warm rain began to gently fall on them.
Her ice blue eyes widened as he began to unbutton her blouse started suckling on her breasts. She gasped and said, "Make love to me Naruto…"
Lightning flashed once again as the two drenched lovers became one again and again. Their panting and moans were carried away by the sounds of the summer rain…
…
The next morning, the pair of blondes woke up bright eyed and content. They'd sneaked back into the house in the middle of the night and continued their lovemaking until dawn came and sleep overcame them. They awoke to the smell of Maria's cooking a late breakfast.
Samui's Mother smiled as the blonde bombshell and her husband came downstairs from her old bedroom and said to Naruto and Samui, "There you two are. I was afraid the thunder kept you awake last night."
"It didn't." replied Samui. "We just slept in late." Naruto raised an eyebrow and Samui smiled at him impishly. 'My Mum doesn't need to know we were rutting like animals all last night.' she said to him mentally.
Naruto figured Maria would have a field day if she knew the truth of it all and telepathically replied, 'You are correct of course.'
Then Samui asked Maria, "Mum, where are Papa and the kids?"
"Siegfried took the children into town to do a little sightseeing at the University." replied Maria. "S'Harien seemed particularly interested. You know your Papa loves to show off his office and the great architecture there is at Cambridge."
…
University of Cambridge
Doctor Schrodinger was proudly showing S'Harien and Siegfried the University of Cambridge that he, his wife and daughter Samui all graduated from. It was Sunday and the tour was informal but nonetheless the two kids stuck out because of their non-human heritage as well as their non-academic dress.
S'Harien was approached by another member of the faculty at Cambridge University, Doctor Glenn Hughes, who noted her rather rough looking style of clothing. "Excuse me Miss but what exactly are you doing dressed like that on campus grounds? Are you a student here?"
The statuesque Vulcan girl turned to face Doctor Hughes showing her exotic reddish-brown eyes and Vulcanoid features. She gave the Vulcan salute and said in a stoic tone, "I am S'Harien of Vulcan. I'm not a student here, I am taking a tour with Doctor Siegfried Schrodinger."
Hughes was wondering why she was dressed like a gang member when Doctor Schrodinger came down the hall with his grandson in tow and said, "Ah, hello Glenn. This is my Grandson Siegfried and his lady friend S'Harien." He motioned to the two kids and said to them, "This is Doctor Glenn Hughes. He is a Doctor in Mathematics."
The blonde hybrid also gave the Vulcan salute and said, "Peace and long life Doctor Hughes. I am Siegfried of Vulcan."
"Your Grandson is Vulcan?" asked Hughes with raised eyebrows.
"He's half human." replied Schrodinger.
Glenn looked confused for a moment and then said, "Are you two considering becoming students here?"
S'Harien shook her head. "I'm Staff at the Vulcan Science Academy's School of Engineering."
Siegfried stated. "I am a Student at the Vulcan Science Academy but I'm considering a transfer to the Daystrom Institute of Technology. I am working towards my Doctorates in Astrophysics, Quantum Physics and Computer Science."
Hughes' eyes bulged as he glanced over at Doctor Schrodinger who smiled with pride. Then Glenn said, "Um, welcome to Cambridge then! I hope you enjoy your visit. Both Vulcans bowed and thanked him in return.
…
Stardate 2283.222, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Nogura's Office
Admiral Fitzpatrick was sitting with Admiral Cartwright and Fleet Admiral Nogura in an informal meeting. "It would seem that Captain Naruto's boy Siegfried is just as cunning and shrewd as his old man." said Nogura. "He had us by the proverbial balls and used it to his advantage,"
Fitzpatrick sighed. "It's a good thing Lorot made a break for it even though it was a tragedy in the end. That shuttle accident cost us some brilliant minds even if it did stop years of litigation."
"Every dark cloud has a silver lining to turn a phrase." said Cartwright. "What was fortunate was the Soong Foundation*③ donated the credits to bring young Siegfried into the fold. Their chairman said letting talent like that go would be positively criminal."
"Well, Admiral Lucian Tolm was furious when he got the full story about the Isolinear computer chip program being hijacked by Professor Lorot." said Fitzpatrick with a shiver. "I thought he was going to bite my head off."
Nogura smirked. "Tolm took Captain Naruto under his wing when the boy was still a cadet. Lucien is laid back but if you mess with his people, he can be downright vicious."
"Changing subjects, what about Captain Naruto's promotion?" asked Cartwright. "Capturing that Klingon technology and the I.K.V. Dakrohn has made him one of the most decorated Captains since Christopher Pike and James T. Kirk."
Now it was the Fleet Admiral's turn to sigh. "The boy doesn't want to leave the command chair. Once the U.S.S. Wolverine is back in action I'm promoting him to Fleet Captain whether he likes it or not. He's already proven he can handle the job by his outstanding performance with Fast Squadron One. Both Admiral Phil Kosnett and Admiral Thomas Galloway want him to be a Commodore at their Starbases."
"I knew you offered a Commodore's position sir." said Fitzpatrick. "What happened?"
Nogura grumbled, "I practically offered the promotion to him on a silver platter."
"What did he say?" asked Cartwright.
The Fleet Admiral frowned. "In so many wise and logical Vulcan proverbs, he told me to stuff it."
Admiral Cartwright and Fitzpatrick exploded into laughter…
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: See Chapter 50
*②: See Chapter 43
*③: Soong Foundation was founded by the same family that included several geneticists and cyberneticists through the centuries and had members at the Daystrom Institute on Galor IV.
I hope everyone liked the little side story with Talok M'Fau and Planet Atra. I intend to revisit that world to unravel the mysteries of Rzom eventually. See you next time. Blue out. 7/31/23