Naruto: Infinity Divide

Visiting ShiKahr

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Just a note to prevent confusion: Shizuka Nadeshiko will often be referred to by her birth name of S'Loren Tolaris in this chapter. It will depend on the speaker. Enjoy!

Port = Left

Starboard = Right

[ ] Signifies a foreign language

Last time:

Alison was soon talking to Naruto as they looked over the minimal data they were able to use while the stasis field was actually functioning correctly (which was all of nine seconds). Naruto looked at the sensor data and said, "The Stasis Field Generator device itself started to fluctuate at seven seconds Alison. Had they done any testing with that device previously?"

The redhead shook her head and said, "It was scaled up from a one eighth sized prototype that was far from perfect. Instead of testing a quarter or half sized model on the ground and working all of the problems out they jumped straight to a full-sized model that was mobile in the sense it could be mounted in a starship. I told them time and again to wait and test things properly, but they all had the fever to get the program rolling. Haste makes waste. Now they are almost back at zero. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if Starfleet decides to cut their losses and drops the program."

Naruto said, "There will probably be an investigation by Starfleet into how the program was managed."

Alison nodded. "More like mismanaged. Luckily I was just a consultant so I should be scot free as far as repercussions are concerned." She pondered for a moment and asked, "So what have you been doing the last year and a half? Are you and T'Lyra still together?"

The blonde Vulcan said, "T'Lyra and I are bonded as you know. She's aboard the Darwin as well."

The green-eyed human girl looked a little down and said, "I've missed you Naruto. The Vulcan Science Academy isn't the same without you around." 'I wish I was T'Lyra.'

Naruto gave a minimal smile and said, "I miss the Academy as well. I was originally going to stay on as a Professor but ended up joining Starfleet instead. Space is…interesting so far. I think when I retire that I'll come back and teach at the Vulcan Science Academy at least as a guest speaker like my Mother."

"I never thought about joining Starfleet except as a consultant." said Alison. "I doubt I'd ever fit into the military you know. I'm too rebellious."

"What about Geoff Baker and Senva?" asked Naruto. "I know Senva wanted to practice in the medical field."

Alison chuckled and answered, "Geoff fell in love and got married to a Terran girl. They have a baby on the way. He never got his Doctorate, but he did get his Masters. Senva is working for a pharmaceutical outfit developing new medicines in Vulcana Regar.

'A pharmaceutical company…' thought the blonde. 'I wonder if they would be worth investing in…'

…

Chapter 32

...

Stardate 2273.075, 40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan orbit, U.S.S. Darwin

"Ship's Log, Stardate 2273.075: Captain Mei Terumi reporting. NCC-1802 U.S.S. Darwin is in the process of unloading the specialized equipment from the failed Stasis Field Generator Test. Starfleet has already begun an investigation which the U.S.S. Darwin is thankfully not that involved in. Doctor Allison Fairbanks and Doctor Naruto filed reports in advance of the testing saying it would not work and they are not being investigated unlike the other scientists. Nevertheless U.S.S. Darwin and U.S.S. Byrd are to remain at Vulcan pending the investigation. In the meantime, I've arranged for shore leave rather than keeping the crew bottled up for the next few days…"

…

City of ShiKahr, Vulcan Science Academy

Naruto was touring his old alma mater with Alison, T'Lyra and Shizuka. The hot wind and heavy gravity felt good to Naruto and T'Lyra having been away so long, but Shizuka was very surprised. She thought, 'It isn't that I can't handle it but now I know why they say, 'hot as Vulcan' in the fleet.'

"The scent of the desert is so soothing." said T'Lyra. "It has been too long."

The blonde nodded in agreement and said. "I see the Vulcan Science Academy is thriving with activity as always."

Naruto's former Astrophysics Professor Iria saw the shock of Naruto's spiky blonde hair and she said, "Naruto M'Fau. It has been some time. You look well."

Alison grinned and Naruto bowed. Naruto said, "Professor Iria, it is good to see you again."

Iria was obviously pleased. She looked at them and said, "Alison Fairbanks and Naruto M'Fau; two of my brightest and most talented pupils. It always evokes a sense of satisfaction seeing my former graduate students doing well."

Naruto introduced T'Lyra and Shizuka to Professor Iria and they started discussing the failed Stasis Field Generator test.

"It is fortunate the two of you insisted on conducting the testing at a distance from the planet." said Iria. "As I understand it from Director Sekla there would have been possible fallout damage here on Vulcan otherwise. I am about to lecture on the tenants of early Vulcan warp fields and how they evolved over the centuries. I would be honored if you and your guests would sit in."

Alison smiled and said, "I would be delighted."

Naruto nodded and said, "I would be pleased if it is alright with T'Lyra and the Lieutenant."

Shizuka said, "Just call me Shizuka off duty Naruto. As for the lecture; sure, why not?"

T'Lyra had an amused gleam in her eye and said, "This will be a good opportunity for us to observe. Of course, we will sit in."

…

Two hours later the class was dismissed, and Professor Iria was very pleased. Several students asked questions of both Alison and Naruto regarding lecture and were fascinated by Naruto's Curved Transitional Warp Theorem. Many saw it as opening a new phase of warp powered vessels. Professor Iria did as well.

T'Lyra half followed the lecture having been involved in actual warp core construction and knew the components involved.

…And poor Shizuka was totally lost. She had swirls in her eyes as they came out of the lecture hall.

"This has been rather enlightening." said Alison as she nudged Naruto. "It just shows how much we've grown since we graduated."

"I agree." said Naruto. "It is invigorating being able to answer the questions of others rather than having to ask them ourselves."

…

T'Ara and Sovar's house

Naruto knocked on the front door of his house. He'd called in advance and found his Mother was home. T'Ara opened the door and was very pleased to see her son in such good health. She gently placed a hand on his cheek and said, "Naruto, you have been missed. You look well." T'Ara turned to T'Lyra and said, "My daughter in law; it is so good to see you. I see you've brought Miss Fairbanks and…?"

"Ah, I'm Shizuka Nadeshiko." said the security chief. "I'm pleased to meet you. I'm T'Lyra's cousin."

"So you are S'Loran." said T'Ara knowingly. "Please come in all of you and we can have some tea."

"Thank you for inviting us into your home." chimed Allison and T'Lyra.

Shizuka said, "Yes, thank you." after she was nudged by T'Lyra. "Forgive me for not knowing your customs." added the security chief.

T'Ara said, "Think nothing of it, your circumstances are known to me. Do you prefer to be called Shizuka or S'Loran? I'm sure your Aunt Anuak will call you S'Loren exclusively."

Shizuka looked at T'Lyra who nodded supportively, and the human raised girl said, "I'm still barely able to pronounce S'Loran so I'd prefer Shizuka if you don't mind."

"Then Shizuka it is." said T'Ara.

The five sat down together and had some spiced tea. Shizuka found that T'Ara put her at ease due to her background in Starfleet. "So, you are a Security Chief on the U.S.S. Darwin." T'Ara said to Shizuka. "My last assignment was Chief Science Officer aboard the U.S.S. Republic. That was nearly twenty years ago now though I'm still a reservist."

Talok got home soon and happily exchanged greetings with Naruto and T'Lyra. She greeted Alison as well since the redhead was a close friend of the family. Talok was also introduced to Shizuka. Naruto's little sister found the concept of a Vulcan raised by humans rather fascinating. She said to Shizuka, "You have an entire new culture to learn about. I believe you will find the planet Vulcan to be enriching. I hope you enjoy your stay."

'Naruto's family is really nice.' thought Shizuka. 'I was afraid that they would immediately start me on logic lessons.'

…

Sovar soon made it home and exchanged greetings with everyone. He said to Shizuka, "It seems to me that your body type is suited to Ponn-ifla much like T'Lyra. I can instruct you a bit if you so desire. Naruto is well versed in Ponn-ifla as well even though he rarely uses it. T'Lyra is a fifth level adept so I'm sure she could teach you the basics." Naruto's Father got a gleam in his eye and said, "Perhaps tomorrow we can have a match Naruto. I believe that you look stronger than last time we saw one another. You are invited as well Shizuka."

Naruto said eagerly, "I'll look forward to it. I wonder if Samui would enjoy learning a few moves as well."

"Who might Samui be?" asked Sovar.

"Samui Schrodinger is a friend of mine that I spar with often. She is very talented in the Terran martial arts though she is best at karate."

"Then by all means invite her." said Sovar. "Perhaps I will be able to learn from your friend."

"Given you are a Sixth Level Kareel-ifla Master I don't know how much you'll learn with karate." said Naruto.

T'Lyra said, "Your Father just graduated to the Seventh Level of Mastery Naruto." Her pride in Sovar's accomplishment really showed.

Naruto got a gleam in his eye and said, "Well done Father. I'll have to put out some extra effort tomorrow since I'm only Fourth Level in Mastery."

…

Anuak and Falor Tolaris' house

Later T'Lyra and Shizuka went over to see T'Lyra's parents. Initially Naruto was going to come but T'Lyra indicated it might be better to bring Shizuka alone. Shizuka was feeling a bit nervous about meeting her in-laws and didn't want to embarrass herself (or T'Lyra).

The younger cousin said, "Shizuka, I will be addressing you as S'Loran in front of Mother. I'm sure she will insist on using your birth name."

Shizuka nodded and said, "Well, I guess it is my real name so it's appropriate."

T'Lyra replied, "No, my mother is just stubborn."

Anuak answered the door at T'Lyra's knock and eagerly welcomed her lovely daughter and niece. "So, you are Ivek and Shath's daughter. You are a beautiful girl S'Loran. You are the very image of my older sister Shath."

"Thank you." said Shizuka. 'She seems nice enough. T'Lyra said earlier Aunt Anuak was a bit eccentric and makes terrible tea.'

"But why are you wearing a Starfleet uniform?" asked Anuak. "Surely a daughter of the Honorable Blue Dynasty should be wearing traditional blue robes."

T'Lyra interjected, "S'Loran hasn't had time to get traditional robes Mother. She's never been to Vulcan before."

"This won't do. We must rectify this immediately." said Anuak. "Let us go to the clothiers in the city posthaste. Let me get my things and we'll go."

Shizuka looked around the front room after Anuak left to get her things and whispered to T'Lyra, "When you said the house was blue you weren't kidding. All of the décor is blue."

"Mother is quite fixated on the blue color of the royal house." whispered T'Lyra with a sigh. "My favorite color was always blue fortunately for all concerned."

…

City of ShiKahr, Old Quarter

Shizuka was looking around at all the many sights and sounds of the Old Quarter. Anuak was focused on clothes but T'Lyra was pleased that Shizuka was interested in Vulcan. She pointed to a large complex. "That's the T'Plana-Hath Historical Museum S'Loran." said T'Lyra. "It is something like Earth's Smithsonian Institution that I toured while in boot camp. Inside there are documents and artifacts going back thousands of years. It also houses the ship that made the first contact with humans on Earth over 200 years ago. North is the Multi-Cultural Mercantile District and to the south is the Interplanetary Wildlife Preserve."

Anuak said, "I still don't see the appeal of the Multi-Cultural Mercantile District. It caters to offworlders."

T'Lyra said, "That is precisely why it is so popular these days Mother. Logically with all the foreign Embassies and Starfleet Personnel living here in ShiKahr there should be a district that provides for non-natives. I think that S'Loren would enjoy seeing it."

"It seems far more logical to maintain our own culture than to invite others in to dilute it." countered Anuak.

Shizuka was quietly listening to T'Lyra and her Mother debate with each other using pure logic. 'I don't think I've ever heard an argument like this before. It's funny and scary at the same time.' thought the Earth raised Vulcan.

…

Soon they were browsing various clothing shops and Anuak immediately went to talk to the lady proprietor that she normally bought from. "A lost member of our clan?" asked the elderly shopkeeper (Who obviously was of the Tolaris clan as well).

"Indeed." said Anuak. "She'll need blue everyday robes and a set of formal robes for clan functions of course."

"But of course." said the shopkeeper. She turned to Shizuka and said, "I welcome you to my shop Miss; my name is Asil Tolaris; what might your name be?"

Shizuka gave her best Vulcan salute (she'd been practicing with T'Lyra) and said, "I'm S'Loran. It's nice to meet you." Then she added. "I'm afraid I was raised as a human, so I don't know Vulcan etiquette."

Asil replied, "I have no doubt that you will learn proper etiquette with patience and perseverance."

"Of course." said Shizuka unsurely.

The elderly woman said, "Now let's get some measurements of you young S'Loren."

…An hour later Shizuka was wearing the traditional blue robes of the Tolaris clan and matched T'Lyra. "What a beautiful pair you make." said Anuak. "It takes me back to when Shath and I used to walk around the city together." she added fondly.

…

When they returned to the Tolaris household T'Lyra's Father Falor was coming in from the Artisan Quarter where he worked. He heard his wife talking to T'Lyra and Shizuka. "S'Loran, fighting is very unfeminine and savage. You should reconsider your chosen career path. Ah, Falor; welcome home. Please explain to S'Loran that hand to hand combat is uncouth."

Falor was a bit dumbfounded because he had yet to even be introduced to S'Loran. She was obviously the raven-haired beauty that looked just like his late sister in law Shath sitting there. Falor said, "T'Lyra, welcome home. Won't you introduce me to your friend?"

T'Lyra said, "Welcome home Father, I have missed you. Let me introduce S'Loran to you properly. S'Loran, this is my Father Falor. Father, this is my cousin S'Loran. I hope you get along well."

Falor immediately welcomed Shizuka to the family and said to his wife, "I sensed that there was some sort of conflict when I came in Anuak. Is all well?"

"It seems that young S'Loran is a Security Officer in Starfleet." said Anuak. "I abhor violence and her job puts her in the midst of it."

Falor looked tired, "Perhaps we could discuss this later. I'm more interested in getting to know our niece than advising her. S'Loran is grown you know."

The verbal battle raged for hours…

Needless to say, Anuak was less than thrilled that the girls were going to a match tomorrow…

…

U.S.S. Darwin, Samui Schodinger's Quarters

Samui was talking to Naruto via subspace on her viewscreen from orbit. "You want me to come down and participate in a match with you?" asked the beautiful blonde augment girl.

"My Father is a martial arts instructor and is testing me tomorrow at 09:00." explained Naruto. "I invited Lieutenant Nadeshiko and I thought you might enjoy it as well. Father said that karate is outside of his knowledge, and he hopes to learn some of the basic tenets from you."

The augment girl gave a minimal smile and said, "Is your Papa as strong as you?"

Naruto tilted his head in thought and said, "Father is far stronger than I am in Karreel-ifla. He is a most worthy opponent."

"Cool. Send me your coordinates tomorrow and I'll beam down in the morning." said Samui. "I'll drag Rafi along since she loves watching that sort of thing."

"Excellent." replied Naruto. "I will see you then."

After they signed off Samui smiled and said to herself, "This is going to be so cool!"

…

The next morning Lieutenant Thomas Abraham saw Samui in her snug fighting gi walking along with Rafi in her civilian gear. He said, "Hello ladies; is there a match going on that I don't know about? I always enjoy watching them."

Samui managed to resist the urge to roll her eyes. "I was invited to a match down on the surface Lieutenant. I'm going to be sparring with Naruto and others."

"Sounds like fun!" said Abraham exuberantly. "When is it?"

Rafi said, "We're going to beam down in a few minutes. It starts at 09:00."

"Well, I was getting ready to beam down myself so why don't I just join you two ladies?" said the Lieutenant eagerly. "What transporter pad are you going to be at?"

Samui said glumly, "We'll be at transporter pad three."

"Great! I'll meet you there." said Abraham.

The two Cadets meandered down to the transporter room being used for shore leave. "You know we could always beam down without him." said Rafi helpfully.

"I'd like to, but Shelly is coming too." said Samui. "We need to wait for her."

Rafi chuckled. "I doubt we'll need the good Doctor Shelly Wilson to patch you up too much…maybe your opponents though."

"I don't know." said Samui as they walked into the transporter room. "Naruto said his Papa is even stronger than him."

"Damn." said Rafi with a wince.

"Damn is right." said Shelly, who was waiting for them. "I packed my medical kit but maybe I should be prepared to do surgery."

"I'm here ladies; sorry for the wait." said Thomas Abraham as he came into the room a few minutes later.

Shelly turned to him and said, "You are participating Lieutenant Abraham? I may have to do an autopsy on you if you end up facing Naruto or Samui."

Lieutenant Abraham cringed and said, "I'm only watching Doctor; I'm not fighting."

"Too bad…" said Shelly with a smirk. 'What an annoying guy.'

"Oh, how you wound me Doctor Wilson!" said Abraham. "It makes my heart hurt!" he added melodramatically.

Samui rolled her eyes and said, "Let's go." as she stepped on the transporter pad. Getting out her communicator she said, "Schrodinger to Naruto; come in."

"This is Naruto M'Fau." answered Naruto a second later. "We're at the Vulcan Science Academy in the main sparring room. I managed to make arrangements for a ring with my old Master Aloran. He is eager to watch as well. Just beam down to my current coordinates."

The transporter chief nodded and Samui said, "Energize."

Seconds later Samui and her party arrived in the shimmer of a transporter beam…

Naruto greeted his friends and introduced them to his family. He also wondered why Lieutenant Abraham was there…

Allison was sitting with T'Lyra, Talok and T'Ara in the small observation area normally reserved for judges and lots of VSA Students were there to observe. Lieutenant Abraham was attempting to make small talk with T'Ara until she told him that she was Naruto's Mother and that she was a Lieutenant Commander. That shut down any lecherous thoughts he had…

Master Aloran generously agreed to Proctor the matches and said, "Today we will be seeing several different styles of martial arts from various places in the Federation so observe and learn."

Allison leaned over to T'Lyra and said, "Why aren't your parents here T'Lyra? I mean, Naruto is their future son in law and Shizuka is their niece."

T'Lyra wanted to groan. "My parents avoid watching any forms of violence. Mother was quite upset when they found out I was learning Ponn-ifla and hearing Shizuka was entering a match was even worse."

The redhead said, "That's too bad. I even learned some basic Aikido and I'm a total wimp."

Raising an eyebrow, T'Lyra kept a straight face at Allison's self-depreciating joke though she was laughing inside…

"I hate to say it but Shizuka is going to clean house." said Abraham. 'I'll be rooting for Samui of course…Maybe I can console her when she loses…'

"What leads you to believe this Mister Abraham?" asked Talok with an eyebrow raised in an identical way as her Mother T'Ara and her brother Naruto.

"Well, Lieutenant Shizuka is our Security Chief and knows several combat styles." said Abraham matter of factly. "She's just that good young lady."

"You have much to learn about combat." said T'Ara.

…

There were several lesser ranked matches before the more serious contenders began having their matches. Both Master Aloran and Naruto's Father Sovar were helping to demonstrate and correct the forms of the less skilled. The first serious bout was between Samui and Shizuka who both planned to fight Naruto and his Father in later rounds. As it turned out their bout was anything but easy for either beauty…

Master Aloran said, Samui Schrodinger and Shizuka Nadeshiko, begin!"

Samui opened up on Shizuka with a three-punch combo and followed up with a foot sweep that tripped up the Security Chief. Shizuka's green eyes were wide with shock at just how strong Samui was. The blonde attempted to finish it with a heel drop but Shizuka rolled out of the way and back to her feet. Samui leapt back to avoid a spin kick that the raven-haired beauty countered with. Then the Security Chief charged in with a rising kick that hit Samui in the jaw going up followed by an axe kick going down. Samui's blue eyes burned with determination, and she landed a straight punch in Shizuka's jaw that dazed the green eyed beauty.

'Just what the hell is Samui made of?' wondered Shizuka. 'Most people go down when I hit them with my double kick. Better switch to jeet kune do.' The Security Chief switched her stance and saw Samui likewise had reassessed the situation. Though the blonde augment girl was still in a karate stance it was now the Okinawan style.

Naruto and his Father watched as the two young women pummeled each other in the heat of combat. Naruto thought to himself, 'Samui is better bare handed, but Lieutenant Nadeshiko would win if armed. It's close but Samui's endurance will win the fight.'

…Shizuka went for a scissor kick that didn't connect and saw Samui's blue eyes flash as the beautiful blonde hit her with a roundhouse kick that knocked Shizuka out of the ring…

Naruto's Father Sovar nodded sagely as he'd come to the same conclusions as Naruto independently.

Master Aloran said, "Victor by ring out, Miss Samui Schrodinger. A superb showing; both of you."

A Vulcan Doctor was soon assessing Shizuka's injuries while Doctor Wilson was checking over Samui. "That's all for you today Samui. Doctor's orders."

Samui looked down and said, "So uncool. I wanted to take on Naruto and his Papa."

…Shizuka was in disbelief that Samui Schrodinger was so tough. 'I felt like I was kicking granite. Samui is my friend, but I had no idea she had that kind of power. Here I wanted to show off for Naruto too…' Shizuka blushed slightly realizing what she just thought.

The Vulcan Doctor said, "You've exerted your body enough for one day Miss Nadeshiko. You should sit the rest of the matches out."

The Security Chief nodded and said, "I understand Doctor, I'll rest as you've recommended." 'I'm exhausted anyway.'

…

Several matches took place between students who were invited to participate. In spite of the skill shown the raw power and tension of the earlier bout between Samui and Shizuka overshadowed them though.

"Whoa this is intense!" said Thomas Abraham. "I expected it to be boring but Vulcan Martial Arts are really something."

"If you thought it was going to be boring then why did you come?" asked Rafi in disbelief.

Thomas said, "…Ummm, the girl fights?"

Rafi sweat dropped at the sexist comment.

"Perhaps you should consider entering if you want to see how female Vulcans fight." said T'Ara. "It might be enlightening for one such as yourself."

Seeing a competitor get knocked out of the ring by a particularly effective V'Shan strike, Abraham said, "I'd best stay out of the fights. I'm not that good."

Alison hummed and said, "I dare say you're afraid Mister Abraham. I guess I can't blame you because Naruto's little sister Talok here could mow you down given her talent with V'Shan."

Talok was ready to go for it but her Mother said, "You are an Adept Talok, not a Master yet."

Naruto's little sister deflated a bit and thought, 'I would like to show my skills too.'

…

Sovar and his son Naruto were finally ready. The power in the air was just right and they both felt it. Sovar had spent most of the morning instructing the many student participants to help improve their skills along with Master Aloran. Naruto had been observing the fights with great scrutiny and generally was impressed by what he'd seen for what was an impromptu competition.

Naruto stepped into the ring amidst the loudest silence he'd heard in a long time. Chakra crackled in his eyes. "I am ready." he said in a steely tone. The truth was he was incredibly excited to see what his Father could do now.

Likewise, Sovar entered the ring and said, "Use any style you want. I will be using strictly Kareel-ifla."

Master Aloran felt the massive killing intent coming off the Father-son pair and thought, 'This match will be titanic.' Then he called out, "Begin!"

Naruto stood stock still in his opening stance before he exploded into action in a blur using his own Kareel-Ifla. He hit Sovar twice which knocked Sovar back. On the third strike Sovar grabbed his son's arm in a blur and flipped the blonde effortlessly into the mat. Unfazed, Naruto rolled his body upright to trip up his Father with a brutal foot sweep that caused Sovar to spin but the elder flipped backwards to avoid Naruto's follow up.

Sovar took the offense and tried to ram Naruto out of the ring. The blonde caught his Father in a grappling move and picked up Sovar before throwing him into the ground that made Sovar bounce on impact. Somehow the elder used the bounce to jump back to his feet. Naruto was dumbfounded and fell into an iron defense…And not a second too soon. Sovar was raining down destruction on Naruto but somehow Naruto weathered it all and backhanded Sovar across the ring. Both fighters stared at each other for a second before they both charged.

Naruto thought, 'Father is incredible. He isn't slowing down at all.' The blonde briefly considered changing styles but decided to stick with Kareel-ifla to test both himself and his Father.

As they rapidly traded blows Sovar felt his son's power growing as they fought. 'That's it Naruto. You've grown to the Fifth level. You are finally showing the patience necessary for it.' Seeing an opening; Sovar snap kicked his son back at the same Naruto landed a colossal open palm that sent his Father flying. Sovar landed on his back just inside the ring but Naruto was knocked out of the opposite side of the ring…

"Winner by ring out, Sovar M'Fau." said Master Aloran. "A masterful display of Kareel-ifla by both fighters."

The crowd clapped politely as both fighters rose from their prone positions and bowed to one another. "Father, I am amazed at how much stronger you've become." said Naruto in quiet awe.

"You've achieved the Fifth Level of Mastery Naruto." said Sovar proudly. "We should go to the Vulcan Institute for the Martial Arts and get you certified."

Once both Father and son were checked over by the medics, there were several other matches, but Sovar and Naruto were too tired to continue and just watched the rest of the matches in quiet contemplation…

…

Master Aloran closed the matches with a small closing speech before he came over to Naruto and Sovar. "You both are truly exceptional. Naruto, it is amazing to see how you have grown since I taught you."

"Thank you Master Aloran." replied Naruto. "Father pushed me to new limits today."

Sovar beamed at his son. "As a matter of course you'll be judged by a panel, but I have no doubt you'll achieve the Fifth Rank of Mastery. If you still are on leave, we can do that this week."

The blonde nodded. "I would be honored." He took a sip of water. "It is exhilarating to cut loose once in a while."

Samui came up and said, "That was really something Naruto. I was hoping to fight you and your Papa today but wore myself out fighting Shizuka."

T'Lyra sat down beside her betrothed and crossed fingers with him. She gave him a tiny smile, feeling his elation at pushing himself that hard. "Are you both alright Naruto? You and Father Sovar were really going at it."

"I can't speak for Father but I am exhausted." said Naruto. "Aside of that I'll be fine in a few hours." He saw Lieutenant Abraham standing there staring and asked, "May I help you, Lieutenant?"

Thomas Abraham was totally floored. "I've never seen anyone fight like that before Naruto. You and your Dad just blew me away. I just assumed Chief Shizuka would waste everybody. I guess I was mistaken."

Shizuka came over and saw the others gathered around Naruto and Sovar. Naruto's Father was talking with his wife and daughter, but Naruto was busily talking to T'Lyra and his friends. Shizuka said to Naruto, "You are really amazing Naruto. I had no idea you could fight like that."

Alison laughed and said, "You should have seen Naruto fight in the freestyle championships a few years ago. That was a fight. This was exciting but not on that level."

"There were also thousands of spectators." said T'Lyra. "The pressure was very intense."

…

Naruto and the others were in a celebratory mood and went to the Old Quarter to eat at T'Lyra's favorite restaurant. Shizuka, Samui and Rafi hadn't ever had genuine Vulcan cuisine before and had a difficult time deciding what to eat. Alison was helpful at recommending things on the menu since she'd become acclimated to Vulcan foods. Samui and Shizuka had a particularly hard time since they were anything but vegetarians. They also learned quickly that you don't touch your food with your hands on Vulcan.

'Gee, I'm used to eating barbeque ribs with my bare hands. I must seem like a barbarian to other Vulcans.' thought Shizuka. 'This is a bigger culture shock than the blue robes and Aunt Anuak.'

….

T'Ara and Sovar's house

T'Lyra and Naruto were fast asleep in each other's arms when the blonde started stirring in his sleep. T'Lyra woke up and sensed a foreign telepathic presence in her mate. Fearing the worst, she gently placed her fingers on Naruto's face and established a mind meld with him…

…

Naruto's Mindscape…

T'Lyra saw a woman dressed in white with horns and knew who it was from Naruto's descriptions of her. The brunette beauty said, "You are…Kaguya?"

Kaguya turned to T'Lyra and said, "Well, well. At last, we meet young T'Lyra. Yes, I am Kaguya, and I am Naruto's sole remaining non Vulcan ancestress. He has told me much about you."

Naruto's mate asked, "What are you doing here?"

The Rabbit Goddess said, "I check on my grandson's welfare from time to time. It seems he's exhausted himself again."

Nodding, T'Lyra said, "He drives himself too hard too often. I fear he will burn himself out."

"Perhaps he needs to take a genuine vacation as opposed to fighting all of the time." said Kaguya. "He has a race to repopulate you know."

"He indicated that you suggested him having a harem." said T'Lyra.

Kaguya nodded and said, "You seem to agree given you are willing to share him with your cousin."

"S'Loren…She is strong and delicate at the same time." The brunette added, "I do not know why but I believe she and Naruto could be good for each other."

"Are their others you believe would make suitable mates for Naruto?" asked Kaguya. "You seem awfully open minded about this."

"The Blue Dynasty practiced polygamy often." said T'Lyra. "Perhaps it's just in my family's traditions."

…

POSTSCRIPT:

So Kaguya and T'Lyra have finally met and we've seen a touch of T'Lyra's mindset. Where will that lead? See you next time. Blue out. 9/25/23