Naruto: Infinity Divide

Rzom Rising

Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

This Arc has been planned for a long, long time. Here is Chapter 83, Enjoy!

Port = Left

Starboard = Right

[ ] Signifies a foreign language

{ } Signifies hand signs

For those of you that have been keeping track, here is an updated timeline:

Stardate/Year/Star Fleet Battles Timeline

Stardate 2230. = 2230 = Y120 Spock Born to Amanda Grayson & Sarek

Stardate 2233. = 2233 = Y123 James T. Kirk Born

Stardate 2336. = 2336 = Y126 Constitution Class Launched

Stardate 2248. = 2248 = Y138 Shizuka Nadeshiko Born

Stardate 2254. = 2254 = Y144 NCC-1371 U.S.S. Republic (CA) Ensign James T. Kirk

Stardate 2254. = 2254 = Y144 Naruto Born to T'Ara and Sovar

Stardate 2263. = 2263 = Y153 Talok Born to T'Ara and Sovar

Stardate 2265.-2270 = 2265-2270 = Y155-Y160 NCC-1701 U.S.S. Enterprise (CA) 5 year Mission (TOS)

Stardate 2265. = 2265 = Y155 Naruto's kahs-wan

Stardate 2267. = 2267 = Y157 Naruto enters the Vulcan Science Academy

Stardate 2267. = 2267 = Y157 Naruto and T'Lyra's koon-ut-la

Stardate 2267. = 2267 = Y157 Siegfried M'Fau Born

Stardate 2271. = 2271 = Y161 Naruto and T'Lyra enter Starfleet

Stardate 2272. = 2272 = Y162 V'Ger Incident (Star Trek I)

Stardate 2272. = 2272 = Y162 End of Naruto's first semester/Naruto and T'Lyra return to Vulcan

Stardate 2272. = 2272 = Y162 Subcommander Kurenai promoted to her first command, the RIS Scimitar (K5R)

Stardate 2273. = 2273 = Y163 Cadet Cruise aboard NCC-1802 U.S.S. Darwin (GSC)

Stardate 2273. = 2273 = Y163 Naruto graduates Starfleet Academy

Stardate 2274. = 2274 = Y164 Cruise aboard NCC-1728 U.S.S. Gettysburg (CB)

Stardate 2274. = 2274 = Y164 Siegfried M'Fau moves to Vulcan

Stardate 2274. = 2274 = Y164 Discovery of Ozari-Thul of the Tkon Empire

Stardate 2274. = 2274 = Y164 Location of Tkon Colony planet Rzom discovered (Planet Atra)

Stardate 2274. = 2274 = Y164 Journey on NCC-602 U.S.S. Oberth (SUR)

Stardate 2274. = 2274 = Y164 Mission on NX-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine (CF) and Battle with the Cai at Arcanum System and launched through space/time

Stardate 2277. = 2277 = Y167 NCC-1500 U.S.S. Kearsarge completed (NCL)

Stardate 2278. = 2278 = Y168 Return of NX-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine (CF)

Stardate 2278. = 2278 = Y168 General War Begins with Lyran/Kzinti War

Stardate 2278. = 2278 = Y168 NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine (CF) Assigned to Starbase 15

Stardate 2278. = 2278 = Y168 Discovery of the Machu

Stardate 2279. = 2279 = Y169 Naruto's Marriage(s)

Stardate 2281. = 2281 = Y171 Klingon Invasion of the United Federation of Planets

Stardate 2281. = 2281 = Y171 NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine (CF) First War Cruise

Stardate 2282. = 2282 = Y172 Naruto's Marriage to M'rella

Stardate 2282. = 2282 = Y172 NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine (CF) Second War Cruise (Fast Squadron One)

Stardate 2282. = 2282 = Y172 Siegfried's pon farr

Stardate 2282. = 2282 = Y172 Fast Squadron One ambushes the Direslayer

Stardate 2283. = 2283 = Y173 Romulan Invasion of the United Federation of Planets

Stardate 2283. = 2283 = Y173 NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine (CF) Third War Cruise (Fast Squadron One)

Stardate 2283. = 2283 = Y173 yerkwak incident

Stardate 2283. = 2283 = Y173 Siegfried Creates the Isolinear Computer Chip

Stardate 2284. = 2284 = Y174 NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine (CF) converted into CFX

Stardate 2284. = 2284 = Y174 Battle of the Mutara Nebula (Star Trek II)

Stardate 2284. = 2284 = Y174 Battle Over Genesis (Star Trek III)

Stardate 2284. = 2284 = Y174 Operation Southern Cross

Stardate 2284. = 2284 = Y174 NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine (CFX) Fourth War Cruise

Stardate 2285. = 2285 = Y175 NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine (CFX) Fifth War Cruise

Stardate 2285. = 2285 = Y175 Cetacean Probe Incident (Star Trek IV)

Stardate 2285. = 2285 = Y175 Journey to Romulus

Stardate 2286. = 2286 = Y176 Romulun Peace Mission Concludes

Last time:

Daystrom Institute of Technology Campus, Siegfried and S'Harien's Apartment

Siegfried was waiting at home for his mate when she came roaring into the garage, threw off her helmet and kissed him passionately. S'Harien basically collapsed into his strong embrace before he took her inside to take care of her.

Hours later she woke up from the frantic lovemaking they shared and opened her eyes. Siegfried was awake keeping a silent vigil over her. She said tiredly, "I love you Ziggy. You are beautiful."

He kissed her and smiled in the darkness. "You are the beautiful one S'Harien. I love you too."

"Can we…share thoughts?" asked S'Harien.

Her mate replied, "Of course."

The two gently mind melded and felt the stress finally leave their minds. "So, you forgave them?" asked Siegfried. Hearing his mate hum in the affirmative he said, "I'm glad things worked out. Perhaps I can meet them after all. Now all I have to do is strangle Admiral Fitzpatrick and all will be well."

He smiled as S'Harien burst into laughter…

Chapter 83

Stardate 2286.023, Epimetheus III System, Planet Atra orbit, NCC-638 U.S.S. Grissom

"Ship's Log, Stardate 2286.023. Commander Lyakat*① reporting. After over a decade of research in the city of Rzom-thul, Doctor Devlok*② and I have made peaceful contact with the survivors of the U.S.S Bach, Commander Katrina Chase, and Lieutenant Lie Xu."

"They have informed us that they are Heralds of the Guardian of Rzom-thul and that they will only allow us to proceed further if the Heir of Rzom, Lord Otsutsuki is here to open the doors to the inner sanctum of this magnificent city. Lord Otsutsuki is their name for none other than my old colleague, Fleet Captain Naruto of Vulcan."

"I have sent a communique to Starfleet Headquarters to hopefully retrieve Doctor Naruto and Doctor Alison Fairbanks posthaste…"

Stardate 2286.026, Planet Earth Orbit, Spacedock One, Berth 4, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine

The U.S.S. Wolverine was on standby having received the command that their much-needed shore leave was cancelled, and they were to resupply pending further instructions. It wasn't long before their new orders came through.

M'rella looked up from her communications console and said, "Hnnnn. We have an incoming message from Starfleet Command. It is Admiral Morrow."

Naruto turned to his Caitian wife and said, "On screen, M'rella. Let's see what the Admiral wants."

The mustached Admiral appeared on screen and said, "New orders Fleet Captain Naruto. The U.S.S. Wolverine has temporarily detached from combat duty for a scientific mission. You are to go to Planet Atra in the Epimetheus III star system and rendezvous with the science ship U.S.S. Grissom under the command of Starfleet Commander Lyakat. You will receive further orders when you arrive there. That is all."

Naruto's eyes crackled with chakra, and he answered, "Understood Admiral Morrow. The Wolverine will comply."

"Starfleet Command out." stated Admiral Morrow.

"U.S.S Wolverine out." replied Naruto as the screen went blank.

Alison said, "So it's come to a full circle at last."

Samui turned around and said, "We were a bunch of kids stationed on the U.S.S. Gettysburg back then. Now we are full officers with our own ship. The Think Tank has come a long way." She glanced around at the others and said, "We're ready for this."

"It's about damn time." said Shizuka. "We have unfinished business there."

Shar nodded. "I agree. Let's set sail."

The whole Think Tank and their many friends and colleagues aboard the Wolverine all felt the same way…

Stardate 2286.032, Epimetheus III System, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine

Six days later, the Wolverine sailed smoothly into the Epimetheus III System en route to Planet Atra or rather, Planet Rzom.

"We have an incoming transmission from the U.S.S. Grissom Fleet Captain." said M'rella. Then she smiled. "It's Commander Lyakat."

Naruto gave her a tiny smile in return and said, "Put Doctor Lyakat on screen, M'rella."

"Aye, sir." replied the beautiful Caitian.

Commander Lyakat appeared on screen with a big grin on his face. The ruddy skinned Saurian scientist hadn't changed a bit since the crew had seen him last. "Hail and well met, U.S.S. Wolverine! You don't know how pleased I am to see the Think Tank and many friends once again. There is so much to discuss. I'll beam over from the Grissom to brief you as soon as you slip into orbit with us."

"We look forward to working with you once again Doctor Lyakat." said Naruto. "Our current ETA is 30 minutes."

U.S.S. Grissom

Doctor Lyakat heard his bridge crew talking among themselves about the famous Think Tank. His Executive Officer Ashley Rider said, "I wasn't sure what to expect sir, are they really that good?"

Lyakat smiled and said, "They are better than 'that good' Lieutenant Commander Rider. The group known as the Think Tank are among the best and brightest people to have ever come out of Starfleet Academy. I've never seen anything like them. You'll see."

His science Officer Lieutenant Wanda Hardy*③ said, "They are amazing people Commander Rider, I am looking forward to seeing them again."

NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine

Doctor Alison Fairbanks said, "It seems Doctor Lyakat is in high spirits. It will be wonderful to work with him and Doctor Devlok again after all these years."

Naruto nodded. "I wonder what they've discovered. It must be fascinating."

"What is Doctor Devlok like?" asked Rafi. "I know he's considered the expert on the Tkon from what you've said…"

Chortling, Alison answered, "Doctor Devlok is eccentricity personified Rafi. He is the head of Archaeology at the Vulcan Science Academy. Devlok considered Naruto and I his proteges though we always had other interests as well."

"Doctor Devlok isn't a typical Vulcan." explained Naruto. "He is a very complex individual. Devlok will always address you as 'Doctor' regardless of your military rank. He believes education is everything so consider yourselves warned."

"He sounds like an interesting character." stated Samui. "What do you suppose they've discovered?"

"They've probably discovered a door that can only be unlocked with chakra." replied Maya Ayasugi." "That would explain why they need Naruto."

"That makes sense." agreed Shizuka. "Everything in Ozari-thul was powered by chakra. It would make sense if Rzom-thul is the same."

"Hnnnn." purred M'rella. "In the last twelve years I'm sure they discovered a massive number of things. I can't wait to see this lost city."

"None of us can." said Alison. "What's out ETA Rafi?"

"It's 15 minutes till we reach geosynchronous orbit with the U.S.S. Grissom." stated the Trill woman. "I can't wait either."

U.S.S. Grissom

The crew of the U.S.S. Grissom watched as the U.S.S. Wolverine flawlessly slid into orbit aft of them. As they admired the fast X-ship's sleek lines, their helmsman said, "So that's an X-ship. What an incredible vessel. I'd love to see what it can do. Most of the data is blacked out on her performance specifications. I wonder how many X-ships there are."

Lieutenant Commander Rider replied, "Only the top brass knows the answer to that question. I'd love to get a tour of the Wolverine though. They say her combat record is second to none."

"She's also supposed to be the fastest ship in the fleet, even among the X-ships." said the navigator. "I'd love to get a tour as well."

Rider grinned. "Commander Lyakat says he is old friends with Fleet Captain Naruto. Maybe he can pull some strings."

Their helmsman replied, "Let's all hope so."

NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, transporter room

Naruto was waiting in the transporter room along with his wife Alison for Commander Lyakat's arrival. Ensign Heidi Gaul looked over at Naruto and said, "U.S.S. Grissom reports one to beam over. Shall I…?"

Naruto glanced over at Heidi and nodded. "Energize."

Commander Lyakat shimmered into physical existence seconds later. Naruto gave the Vulcan salute and said, "Peace and long life. Welcome aboard The U.S.S. Wolverine, Commander Lyakat. It is good to see you again."

Alison also gave the Vulcan salute and said, "Doctor Lyakat, it is a pleasure to have you aboard. The staff is eager to hear about your findings."

The Saurian smiled and replied, "Thank you for your warm welcome. It is so good to see you both in good health. I can't wait to show you around the city of Rzom-thul."

"We have waited too long to return here." said Alison. "I trust Doctor Devlok is on the surface?"

Lyakat laughed. "Doctor Devlok is totally immersed in his work as you no doubt guessed. He is looking forward to seeing you both and sends his greetings."

As the three conversed, the Saurian scientist marveled at seeing the children of the Think Tank all grown into fine Starfleet officers. Alison smiled and asked, "Is something on your mind Doctor Lyakat? You seem preoccupied about things other than the Tkon Empire."

'She always was incredibly perceptive.' thought Lyakat with a smile. "Guilty as charged. It just amazes me that you've all matured so much. When I last saw you, you were a civilian Doctor Fairbanks. Now here you are a full Lieutenant Commander."

The redhead replied, "Things changed a lot over time. After getting blown through time and space and back, I was offered a commission. It was that or else. I simply knew too much. In short, I was drafted."

The Saurian barked out a laugh. "Well, I for one am glad you are here."

Staff Room

The Saurian was given a warm greeting by the staff U.S.S. Wolverine and he remembered most of them by name. Naruto soon gave Lyakat the floor so he could inform them about the mission at hand. "I have so much to impart to you about the Tkon Empire that we have learned in the past twelve years at Rzom-thul."

"The city itself is oval and has three layers." Lyakat said as he brought up a holographic display image. "There is the outer keep which is where the vast majority of the Tkon people worked and played, the middle quarters which was where the people lived and the inner sanctum which we presume was for governance."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "You presume?" he asked.

The Saurian looked a bit embarrassed. "The inner sanctum is sealed off. Our scanners cannot penetrate it and the Heralds informed us we could not enter without Lord Otsutsuki being present…And by Lord Otsutsuki, they mean you, Fleet Captain Naruto. They consider you to be the Heir of Rzom because of your heritage."

Shizuka said sardonically, "It seems that the Otsutsuki were rather influential."

Doctor Lyakat was enthused. "The Otsutsuki Dynasty was among the most influential in Tkon history. They advocated expansion and exploration as well as Tkon culture and the arts. The Otsutsuki were the ones that changed Rzom from a simple outpost to a thriving city. The subsequent Dynasties viewed them very favorably."

"So, tell us about the survivors of the U.S.S. Bach." said Samui. "Our encounters with them in the past were hostile to say the least."

"That is quite a tale." replied the Saurian scientist. "Rzom-thul is protected by a synthetic life form that is simply called a 'Guardian' that has a female personality. The Guardian was charged with the task of watching over Rzom-thul and the Atraen people's evolution as a society from what we've been told. We've never met this Guardian but the two survivors of the U.S.S. Bach, Commander Chase and Lieutenant Xu, consider the Guardian to be benevolent in nature. They have been the go between us and the Guardian herself."

"I get the feeling that the crew of the Bach messed up royally." said Shizuka

Then Lyakat frowned slightly. "Apparently, when the Federation ship U.S.S. Bach arrived just over one hundred years ago in 2164, the Guardian viewed the Federation's appearance as an attack and intervened on the Atraen's behalf. It was a short but violent clash and having heard the story through Commander Katrina Chase I can see that the Guardian's actions were justified."

Rafi asked, "So what exactly happened?"

Doctor Lyakat explained, "The U.S.S. Bach detected the shield over Rzom-thul just as we did in the U.S.S. Gettysburg years ago. Federation Captain Andrea Alexis sent down a shuttle under the Command of Katrina Chase to reconnoiter Rzom-thul and when she found that the shield was impenetrable, the Bach fired upon the shield from orbit."

Jackie Nodaway gasped. "What the hell was Alexis thinking?"

"I wish I knew." replied the Saurian. "At any rate, the Guardian appeared aboard the bridge of the U.S.S. Bach and disintegrated all those responsible for the attack. Then the Guardian left Captain Alexis with a warning never to return. At that point the Captain left without retrieving the shuttle down on the surface. As shuttles of the day weren't warp capable, they were marooned."

Shar shook his head. "Captain Andrea Alexis left behind five people in the shuttlcraft and abandoned them to die."

Lyakat nodded in agreement. "Chase and her group got lucky. The Guardian realized they were not responsible for their Captain's actions and granted them the ability to survive in their new environment in exchange for serving it as 'Heralds.' I don't know what all this entails but they have served the Guardian faithfully over the past century and sadly, three of them died during that time."

"Then we arrived twelve years ago in the U.S.S. Gettysburg." explained the Saurian. "As we arrived peacefully under Captain Asuma Sarutobi, the Guardian realized the United Federation of Planets and the Atraens had both matured enough as races to coexist peacefully. When Naruto, the Heir of Rzom appeared, the Guardian was expecting to make contact with him, but events unfolded otherwise."

"At that point the Guardian decided that the Federation and the Atraens could jointly explore Rzom-thul except for the inner sanctum according to Commander Chase." finished Lyakat.

M'rella asked, "Where do Chase and Xu stand on the matter?"

The Saurian brightened up a bit at that question. "Commander Katrina Chase and Lieutenant Lei Xu have requested to return to Planet Earth if the Federation will allow it. They will have their Herald powers removed and they will be mortal again so they can live out their lives as normal human beings with the Guardian's blessings."

"But we still have no idea what lies in the inner sanctum." stated Alison. "There is much to learn."

"Which is exactly why we are here." stated Naruto.

"Looks like it's time to get cracking." said Lieutenant Ayasugi. "There are reports to be read and information we need to know before we head down to the surface."

Commander Lyakat smiled and nodded. "We will begin transferring data over from the U.S.S. Grissom for you to study. I'm sure you will find it enlightening."

Maya Ayasugi was looking over the very condensed reports on Rzom-thul and entering pertinent data into her datapad:

"Personal Log of Maya Ayasugi, Stardate 2286.032. We have a fairly complete map of Rzom-thul, minus the inner sanctum which is apparently a mystery to the Heralds as well as the Federation and Atraen scientists who are living and working in Rzom-thul."

"The city once housed approximately 500,000 people and covers 800,000 square kilometers. It is protected by a massive shield and cannot be entered by transporter from orbit. The only ways in and out are though the many city gates around the city and traveling by speeder from there."

"Everything there is powered by bioelectric energy we know as chakra but our scientists have managed to create generators with non-sentient sea creatures that live in the oceans surrounding the South Pole of Atra. These generators are huge and incredibly inefficient but serve the purpose of unlocking doors and activating Tkon information crystals."

Information crystals are everywhere and contain vast amounts of information of every type imaginable. The basics of chakra technology have been discovered as well. Apparently, the massive shield protecting the city is powered by batteries of chakra energy many millennia after the city was abandoned."

"Remains of an unknown redhaired people are scattered about the outskirts of Rzom-thul. They seemed to be an iron age people that were not genetically related to the Atraens and appear to be unrelated to the Tkon as well. As the redhaired people are only in the fossil records for approximately 1500 years having died out for unknown reasons 500 years ago."

"Atraen scientists believe that their legends of people with red hair may have originated from this race when Atraen explorers reported a redhaired people living here. This begs the question, where did they come from?"

Stardate 2286.033, Planet Atra's surface, the City of Rzom-thul

Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau and his wife Doctor Alison Fairbanks beamed down to the outskirts of Rzom-thul where the main entrance to the city was. There was a massive civilian base where many scientists and archaeologists from across the United Federation of Planets and Atra lived and worked.

At the hub of all this activity was their old Professor and mentor, Doctor Devlok of the Vulcan Science Academy. The gray-haired Vulcan looked at his two former students and said, "Doctor M'Fau, Doctor Fairbanks. Marvelous, simply marvelous." He gave the Vulcan salute and said, "Peace and long life. It is good to see two of my finest students once again."

Both of his students returned his salute and Naruto replied, "We come to serve."

"Your service honors us." stated Doctor Devlok. They were both wearing their VSA medallions over their uniforms. The eccentric Professor said, "I see you have each achieved three doctorates. Marvelous, it evokes great satisfaction in me seeing my former students continuing to learn and grow."

Alison smiled at the old Professor and said, "It is wonderful to see you again Doctor, I understand your health has been fully restored."

Devlok replied, "Yes, I have fully recovered from the unfortunate business with Sipor*④. Doctor M'Fau stopped that creature and for that I am eternally grateful. You saved my life Naruto."

"You would have done the same for me Doctor." said the Fleet Captain. "It is good to see you well again."

Doctor Devlok took on his 'lecturing voice' and said with authority, "Everyone gather around. I want you all to meet two of the finest scholars I have ever had the honor of teaching."

Naruto and Alison soon found themselves the center of attention and were introduced to many people who had heard of them both because they were among those who helped discover Rzom-thul and because of the Romulan Peace Mission.

An hour later the crowd of eager scientists dispersed, and Commander Lyakat strolled up. He grinned. "It seems that you are quite popular with the locals."

Naruto looked nonplussed but Alison was pleased. "Yes, Doctor Devlok was very enthusiastic for us to meet everybody." she replied.

Devlok requested a speeder for himself, Lyakat, Naruto and Alison to take them to the main gates to the inner sanctum. He said, "Commander Chase and Lieutenant Xu should be there to meet us at the gates. They have been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

The quartet of Doctors soon arrived at the gates where the two Heralds were waiting for them in their blue, old style Starfleet uniforms. Commander Chase said, "Welcome Lord Otsutsuki, Lieutenant Xu and I are honored to meet you once again. Please forgive our hostile actions the last time we met."

Naruto nodded. "We hope that things will remain peaceful this time. I have come to meet the Guardian of Rzom-thul. He looked at a wall where nothing was and said, "I see that she is already here."

"So, you saw through my genjutsu." said the Guardian in a pleased tone. "Excellent! You are skilled Lord Otsutsuki." She appeared before everyone and spoke. "I welcome you to Rzom-thul. I am the Guardian of this City. I have much to tell you." said the blue cloaked woman. She turned to her two Heralds and said, "Stay and listen to my story. I know you are both curious about the inner sanctum as well."

"Let us all be seated." she said, motioning towards a set of chairs and a table. After they were all settled, the Guardian said, "Let me explain the history the Shinobi of Planet Storzn and the Atraen people of Planet Rzom."

"Two thousand years ago, the inhabitants of Outpost Planet Storzn tried to annihilate themselves in a war which destroyed their moon and led to the planet becoming uninhabitable." explained the synthetic being. "The Federation knows this world as Tori Prime IV and the inhabitants as the Shinobi."

"So, the world your people came from was called Storzn." said Alison to Naruto. He looked a bit sad.

The Guardian nodded and continued. "By eighteen hundred years ago the Shinobi there were nearly extinct and as the Guardian of Storzn I knew they were failing. I contacted Rzom in an effort to save the survivors by transporting them to Rzom-thul where they could repopulate. I found that Rzom-thul no longer had a Guardian of its own and the city was abandoned so I proceeded here under my own authority."

"So, some of the other Shinobi survived?" asked a stunned Lyakat.

They must be the red-haired people we found remains of." said Devlok.

"Correct!" stated the cloaked being. "After I arrived in Rzom-thul I found the problem that the Atraens were already evolving here and could well be destroyed by the Shinobi. Therefore, when I brought the Shinobi to Rzom-thul, they were placed in stasis until an Heir to Rzom appeared to wake them up."

Naruto frowned. "But not all of them were placed in stasis."

"No, I allowed a small group of the Shinobi people to not be placed in stasis and roam Rzom as they wished." confirmed the Guardian. "As the Atraen tribes never reached the southern continent I felt it was safe to let a small tribe of Shinobi do as they pleased."

"…Unfortunately, about eight hundred years ago an ice age struck and wiped out the small Shinobi civilization here in the south. A few stragglers remained around the borders of Rzom-thul with no real memory of their race's past. They lived as barbarians essentially and forgot about the ability to use chakra."

Doctor Devlok was in deep thought. "And those barbarians were all that were left when the Atraens arrived and found them."

The Guardian explained, "An Atraen Prince named Armras led an expedition to the South Pole five hundred years ago which at long last brought the Atraens and the Shinobi into contact with one another and the result was the destruction of the Shinobi. The Shinobi fought savagely and drove the Atraen expedition out of Rzom-thul but they succumbed to the diseases the Atraens brought with them within the few years. It was a tragedy."

"As a result of the short but very violent Atraen incursion I erected a shield over the city of Rzom-thul to protect all the Shinobi in stasis until the time came that they could be awakened from stasis safely." the synthetic being explained. "The path that the Atraens used to enter Rzom-thul was sealed off by the shield and they came to consider Rzom-thul unreachable on the few expeditions that followed."

"…The status quo was once again restored, and I hoped that one day the Shinobi would be awakened in Rzom-thul and that they and the Atraens would be able to coexist peacefully. After peaceful contact was made by the ship U.S.S. Gettysburg, I decided that the Federation and the Atraens could jointly explore Rzom-thul except for the inner sanctum where the Shinobi are in stasis, waiting to be awakened."

"So exactly how many of the Shinobi people remain in stasis? asked Naruto.

"Four thousand, six hundred and eighty-two are sleeping in the inner sanctum." replied the Guardian. "With your power as a Sage, you can awaken them."

Alison gasped. "That could be problematical."

"What do you mean?" queried the Guardian.

"I have yet to learn Sage Mode." explained Naruto.

The synthetic being seemed puzzled. "You bear the Otsutsuki Crest which proves you can become a Sage. Why have you not learned? Were you not given the opportunity?"

Fleet Captain M'Fau said, "I was given the opportunity at the grave of Empress Otsutsuki at Ozari-thul but I was very badly injured and felt it might be a trap after facing the tomb's guardian."

"You faced a tomb guardian of an Empress without Sage Mode and lived to tell the tale*⑤?" asked the Guardian. "You must have incredible power to have survived such a trial."

"I was unaware of the trial until I was attacked." replied the blonde. "When the real Empress appeared, I was so damaged that I left to be healed. She offered to teach me, but I no longer wanted to learn."

"This is most unfortunate." said the blue cloaked being. "I weep for those who sleep here. Can you not return to Ozari-thul?"

"With the war going on with the Klingons it is not possible." said Lyakat in a crestfallen tone.

Naruto closed his eyes. "There is another option."

"What is it?" asked Devlok.

"My ancestress Kaguya Otsutsuki still exists on Tori Prime IV. She can teach me." replied the Fleet Captain.

"The Rabbit Goddess Kaguya is insane." stated the Guardian. "She has a Messiah complex. That is why I left her behind when I came to Rzom."

Naruto shook his head. "She's had two thousand years to reflect in isolation and has regained her sanity. She told me long ago that she would teach me Sage Mode but Tori Prime IV is forbidden as too dangerous by Starfleet Command."

"What happened at Tori Prime IV that was so bad?" asked Lyakat.

"I was created." answered the last Shinobi…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: Commander Lyakat-The Saurian Chief Science Officer from the U.S.S. Gettysburg. A Tkon Archaeologist. See Chapter 38.

*②: Doctor Devlok- The head of the Archaeology Department at the Vulcan Science Academy. He taught both Alison and Naruto. An expert on the Tkon Empire. See Chapter 19.

*③: Wandy Hardy- A Human Science Officer from the U.S.S. Gettysburg. Also serves in Section 31. See Chapter 35.

*④: Sipor- The malicious katra entity that was in the Celjok Shrine on Planet Vulcan. See Chapter 19.

*⑤: Naruto battled Empress Otsutsuki's tomb guardian (the centipede woman) in Chapter 40.

Okay! I've been waiting for the right time to return to Rzom and it's finally here. I originally thought it was going to be after the war ended. Now the question is how Naruto should go about learning Sage Mode. See you next time. Blue out 1/6/24