Naruto: Infinity Divide

The Dating Game

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is based on The Original Series. It has nothing to do with the recent reboot movies.

AUTHOR'S NOTE 2: This chapter brings us up to the beginning of Star Trek (TOS). Here is a timeline:

Stardate/Year/Starfleet 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 Cruisers Launched

Stardate 2254. = 2254 = Y144 U.S.S. Republic NCC-1371 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. = 2265 = Y155 Naruto's kahs-wan

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

Aside of that we will see the first Naruto characters introduced this chapter that will eventually be regular members of the cast. Here is Chapter 3. Enjoy!

Last time:

T'Lyra said, "I also spoke to Kesh. "He is eternally grateful for your efforts. Kesh told me he had given up but you inspired him to stay strong and survive. He said from now on he wishes to be a great friend to you and how wrong he was about you in the past. That is how Arev should have acted."

"I will have to visit Kesh and see about his recovery then." said Naruto. 'I'd best not even mention Arev again…'

T'Lyra nodded in approval. "I think that is an excellent idea Naruto. I believe Kesh would truly appreciate a visit from you." She paused and looked into her teacup before she looked back up at Naruto hopefully. "If you like we could visit him together….perhaps tomorrow morning? I could come over and meet you here."

Naruto said, "I think that would be all right. Let me check with my Mother."

T'Ara had been quietly listening to her son's conversation while she rested her eyes and Talok slept. 'This girl wishes to get out of a betrothal….And she seems to have eyes for my son instead. I wonder how he saved her life…?'

Naruto came into the front room and quietly asked if he could visit another classmate at the hospital the next morning.

T'Ara gave her consent and T'Lyra seemed immensely pleased. The brown haired girl soon bid both of them farewell and left with a spring in her step.

Naruto thought to himself, 'I wonder what tomorrow will bring…'

...

Chapter 3

Stardate 2265.331 Planet Earth, City of Mojave, California, United States

In the dry heat of the Mojave Desert; a pair of high school teenagers was walking in between classes on their campus and were complaining about the excessive heat. "God damn, I'm going to die here." said a tall boy. As the two moved along they saw another of their number running around the school track grounds in the blazing heat as if it was nothing. She was wearing a tee-shirt and cut off denim shorts that showed off her curvaceous figure very nicely. The boy said "Mmmm…look at Shizuka today. She's better for me than air conditioning."

"How does she do that in this heat Mark?" asked a blonde girl.

The now named Mark said lecherously, "I don't know Leah. OH! You mean totally rock those shorts? What a body she's got under that-!"

"Shut up dumbass." growled Leah. "Hey Shizuka! Over here!" waved the blonde girl.

Shizuka waved and ran over to the others. "Hi guys, how's it going?" She shook out her pony tail a bit. Her hair was jet black that contrasted with her intense green eyes and fair skin. "I was just getting in my laps."

Leah said, "We're dying of heat stroke and you aren't even sweating. How does that work?"

Shizuka laughed and said, "You know I don't have sweat glands, I'm a Vulcan remember?" She motioned to her pointed ears and grinned. "You haven't forgotten again, have you?"

Leah sighed, "You don't act like a Vulcan. You're pretty damned illogical if you ask me."

"I was adopted virtually at birth by my human parents." said Shizuka with a shrug. "What the hell do you expect?"

Mark said with a grin, "I don't know any Vulcan chicks as sexy as you Shizuka."

Shizuka said in a flat tone, "You don't know any other Vulcans period. You really need to get a life Mark. Your pick up lines are getting even worse."

Leah laughed and Mark pouted. The three headed off to class and Leah asked, "What's with you exercising so much more recently Shizuka? You've already got a great body."

Shizuka said seriously, "We're going to be seventeen and I'll graduate high school this next spring. I need to be in top shape if I'm going into Starfleet. My old man was in for years and loved it. I want to see the stars. You should join early too Leah. You've got the brains for it but you need to work out more. They've got a great medical program and I know you want to study medicine."

"My parents would never give me permission to join the military a year early…if at all." said Leah.

"What about me Shizuka?" asked Mark. "Think I could captain a ship?"

"You'd never make it." said the green eyed beauty. "You have to have a brain to get into Starfleet. Stick with farming."

Mark cried, "So mean!" and the two girls laughed…

…

Stardate 2265.332 Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, T'Ara and Sovar's house

"Personal Log: It seems that my eleven year old son Naruto has ended up in a highly unlikely situation. As his Mother I am baffled. Now that he has passed his kahs-wan my unbonded son has a bonded girl in his class interested in him. There are also arrangements being made to meet four of his cousins from either side of the family. I am beginning to believe Naruto's idea of moving to Andor is a highly logical solution…"

T'Ara looked over at her son as he looked nonplussed at the pile of gifts that he received from various family members. They were all wrapped nicely but the only gift he had opened was the one he got from T'Ara, Sovar and Talok. It was an antique tome of some of the treatises of Surak who brought the philosophy of logic to Vulcan. Naruto had always wanted a copy and was very pleased with his gift. The rest Naruto set aside for later (actually the blonde was considering boxing them up to dispose of them but that would be considered rather crass so he scrapped that idea for his parent's sake).

Seeing her son was preoccupied T'Ara said, "So tell me about this young T'Lyra and how you saved her life."

"She is a longtime classmate of mine. I chased off a couple of Le-matyas that happened to be in my path and then thought a couple of things aloud." said Naruto. "These actions may have inadvertently helped T'Lyra in her kahs-wan trial."

T'Ara said, "I don't suppose those Le-matyas were endangering her person were they?"

"They were coincidentally in her proximity." admitted Naruto in a low tone of voice.

"I am very proud of you, my son." said T'Ara in a pleased tone.

Naruto raised his eyebrow in surprise. Then his Mother said, "Logically whether you intentionally saved her life or not is a matter of perspective. You did well to coincidentally help your friend without breaking the rules of the ritual. Young T'Lyra is obviously very pleased and thankful as well."

The blonde blushed ever so slightly in embarrassment and said; "I had best get prepared to go on my trip to see my classmate Kesh at the hospital."

Sovar poked his head around the corner after Naruto went to his room and said, "It seems our son can't help himself when it comes to helping others."

T'Ara looked over at her husband warmly and said, "That indeed seems to be the case."

…

Stardate 2265.332 Planet Trialis IV, Trialis System

"Ship's Log: Commodore Eric Grayson reporting. NCC-1705 U.S.S. Excalibur is entering the Trialis system following a distress call from the Planet Trialis IV. The SOS was picked up by the civilian liner SS Sunrise from outside the system and was relayed to us via Starfleet Command. Trialis IV is a Class M world with a chequered past. The Trialis system exists in the territory known as the Borderlands near the Klingon/Federation border. Though it is habitable the planet has never been formally colonized by the Federation in order to avoid conflict with our Klingon neighbors. It is mainly known as an occasional hideout for Orion Pirates and also was historically known as a home for a group of genetically augmented humans raised by Doctor Arik Soong some one hundred years ago in the mid 2100's. What this distress signal could mean is ominous at best so Starfleet Command reasoned that sending the nearest Command Cruiser Excalibur was an appropriate measure…"

Commodore Eric Grayson looked at the main view screen on the bridge showing the seemingly peaceful green planet Trialis IV. The Excalibur had carefully scanned the area and was at condition yellow with the shields up and phasers armed in case of possible hostiles such as pirates or even Klingons. Once they settled into orbit, other than a steady but low powered SOS from the surface nothing out of the ordinary was noted.

Chief Science Officer Mikhail Dreyfus looked up from his scanner. "The origin of the distress call is the base that Doctor Arik Soong was known to have used when raising up the stolen Augment Children from the Eugenics Wars on Earth centuries ago."

Grayson winced having done some papers on the war about Khan Noonien Singh during his Academy days. Genetically engineered humans or 'Augments' as they were known were incredibly bad news.

"Shall we answer the distress call sir?" asked the Communications Officer Sandra Talbut. She looked perplexed at the Commodore's hesitation.

"Make it so Lieutenant Talbut." said Grayson warily. "In the meantime, scan Soong's old facility for life forms Commander Dreyfus. I'm not opening Pandora's box if I can help it."

Talbut focused in on the SOS and made several attempts at replying before she got a response. Her eyes suddenly widened and Grayson said, "What is it Sandy?"

"It's a young girl." said Talbut. "I don't think she's even a teenager yet."

Grayson looked puzzled and Deyfus said, "I've confirmed a single humanoid life form in the facility. That's all."

"Put her on screen." said Grayson.

A beautiful child with long blond hair and ice blue eyes appeared on the screen. She said very seriously, "Have you come to rescue me from this place? I am the only one left."

"I'm Commodore Eric Grayson of the U.S.S. Excalibur." said the Commodore. "How did you end up there child? That was a place that the Augments lived in a century ago."

The girl raised an eyebrow and said, "Is that what you call us? It has been a year since the Elders died out. They forbade me to leave this place but I am tired of living alone."

"Are you saying you are a genetically engineered human?" asked Grayson. "How old are you?"

"Yes, I am a product of superior genetic engineering." said the girl. "I am eleven years old. My name is Samui."

Grayson looked into the beautiful little girl's icy blue eyes and wondered if he should rescue her or fire phasers and destroy her from orbit. He saw images of ancient wars flash through his mind before he quashed the thought. "You are all alone then."

"I am the last of my kind." said Samui emotionlessly. "I want to go to Earth and see where my ancestors were born."

"I will send some people down to pick you up Samui." said Grayson to the relief of his crew.

"Cool." said Samui.

"Cool?" asked the Commodore.

"Yes, cool." affirmed Samui. "I'll pack my stuff. Later." The screen went blank.

"What does the temperature have to do with anything?" asked Mikhail to no one in particular.

"She was giving her approval at the Commodore's decision Commander Dreyfus." said Lieutenant Talbut. "Cool is a 20th century Earth phrase for something attractive or impressive. Strangely hot means the same thing." Seeing the confusion on her fellow crewmember's faces, Sandra added, "I'm not making this up. I learned that while watching old films from that era."

…

Stardate 2265.332 Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, T'Ara and Sovar's house

Naruto answered the door and saw T'Lyra standing there basically beaming. "Good morning, Naruto." said the blue-wearing girl. "Are you ready to go?"

"I was just getting my sandals. Please come in for a moment and I'll get them."

T'Ara and Sovar exchanged proper greetings with T'Lyra and Sovar gave Naruto some money. "Why don't you and young T'Lyra have a meal together while you are out? Surely you will get hungry."

Naruto bowed slightly. "Thank you, Father. We will do that."

T'Lyra led Naruto along as he rarely went out into the city by himself. He'd never actually been to the hospital except for regular checkups. "I hope this place doesn't hold bad memories for you." said T'Lyra in a concerned tone. "I remember how Arev and the others hurt you badly when we were little."

Naruto said, "It is of no concern, I've never been to the hospital for anything that wasn't routine. Mother makes sure I get a physical checkup twice a year. Thank you for your concern though."

T'Lyra's eyes widened. "But I was told you were beaten bloody. Didn't you go to the hospital?"

The blonde replied, "I heal very fast because of my hybrid nature. I was completely well by the next morning."

T'Lyra looked at him in disbelief though she said nothing. Naruto said, "Let me demonstrate. It will be far easier to understand then."

"What do you mean?" asked T'Lyra as Naruto pulled out a small utility tool with a knife folded up in it.

Naruto said. "It is very simple. I will nick my finger with a blade and it will heal quickly. Just watch carefully."

She said, "Wait, you don't have to-" Naruto nicked his thumb before she could say any more and she panicked as his green lifeblood dripped to the ground. "Naruto you shouldn't-"

"Just watch my thumb T'Lyra." said Naruto.

T'Lyra was baffled as the small wound healed before her eyes. Naruto wiped the blood off of his thumb and showed her the unblemished skin much to her astonishment. "So, as you can see; I heal VERY quickly." said Naruto.

The brown-haired girl simply stared for a moment before she felt his thumb and saw it was indeed completely healed. "That is amazing Naruto. I-I had no idea."

Naruto had a bit of amusement in his blue eyes. "Let's just keep it our little secret; otherwise, everyone would want a demonstration."

Her dark brown eyes widened and then she said. "That is a most logical conclusion Naruto; your secret is safe with me."

Naruto nodded and the pair proceeded to the hospital…

…

City of ShiKahr, Old Quarter

Naruto and T'Lyra went through the Old Quarter and saw many tourists admiring the ancient architecture there. A human woman cooed, "What an adorable little couple in native robes! Can I take your picture?"

The blonde looked at the woman flatly as if to say "Really?" and T'Lyra kind of hid behind him. Naruto said, "Forgive us Ma'am but we are rather busy. Perhaps another time."

As they left the disappointed human woman behind T'Lyra whispered, "How rude. Don't tourists have other things to take pictures of?"

"I was told it was the nature of offworld tourists to impose upon others." said Naruto. "They give one a bad impression. That's the first time I've met a human that wasn't a scientist."

T'Lyra perked up and asked, "Why would you have met human scientists Naruto?"

The blonde hummed, "Mmmm. Well; my Mother is a graduate of the Vulcan Science Academy and holds three doctorates so scientists of various races often seek out her opinions. She still actively writes manuscripts for the Academy and other publications such as the Federation Starfleet Scientific Journal"

"She has three doctorates?" asked T'Lyra in amazement. "No wonder you are so smart Naruto." Then the girl asked, "Why would your Mother write for a military journal?"

"Mother is a Starfleet Naval Reservist that holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander." said Naruto proudly. "She was the Chief Science Officer on three different vessels in Starfleet. They often contact her to further their scientific knowledge."

"Is your Father in Starfleet as well?" asked the pretty brown haired girl.

Naruto shook his head. "Father prefers to keep his feet firmly planted on Vulcan. He is a teacher at the Vulcan Institute for Defensive Arts."

"Then that is why you were able to defeat those Le-matyas." said T'Lyra in realization. "You are amazing Naruto."

Naruto blushed slightly. "My parents are amazing, I'm not. What do your parents do T'Lyra?"

"My Mother and Father both hold public offices…" said T'Lyra nonplussed.

"Well, I'm sure they help shape our society in a productive way." said Naruto.

"I'm sure they do…" said the blue wearing girl. 'How embarrassing…Father is in charge of sidewalk repair in the Artisan Quarter and Mother is in the committee for museum fundraising…'

Fortunately, T'Lyra hid her distress fairly well and she changed subjects to Kesh's recovery…

…

ShiKahr Hospital

Naruto and T'Lyra signed in at the front desk at the hospital and quietly went up to the room on the second floor that Kesh was staying in. The hospital staff noted the rather incongruous pair of the traditionally beautiful young T'Lyra and the blond, spiky haired Naruto with his whisker marks. No one said anything but several people obviously wondered. T'Lyra said quietly, "Why are people staring?"

Naruto said easily, "They are puzzled by my hybrid appearance. It is normal so do not trouble yourself."

The blue wearing girl looked uneasy at Naruto's open acceptance of such treatment but finally nodded and led him along to the room Kesh was staying in. She ran her fingers over the door chime and they heard Kesh ask, "Who is it?" in a tired tone.

T'Lyra poked her head in the room and said, "It's T'Lyra and Naruto, Kesh. Are you up to having visitors?"

Kesh perked up and said, "Oh! Yes, please enter T'Lyra." They came in and Kesh looked worn out and sunburned but was obviously pleased to see them. "I bid you both welcome. Thank you for coming. Naruto, it is good to see you again."

Naruto nodded and said, "It is good to see you alive and well. I feared we would not meet again."

Kesh said, "The only reason I am here is because of your words Naruto. Please feel free to sit."

Naruto and T'Lyra both sat and got themselves and Kesh some tea out of the food replicator in the room. T'Lyra said, "This is surprisingly good for tea out of a replicator."

"I always prefer mine home brewed." said Naruto. "Tell me Kesh; how goes your recovery? I wasn't able to help you like I wanted, and I didn't see the full extent of your injuries."

Kesh sighed. "The leg bone is fully repaired but it will be another week before all the muscles are healed. I also am being treated for bad sunburn."

"It is to be expected." said Naruto. "At midday the sun in The Forge is fearsome. That is why one should wear loose robes that can easily be put on or removed."

"Is that why you had those old traveler's clothes Naruto?" asked Kesh. "Arev said you were wearing rags and I wondered why."

Naruto had amusement in his blue eyes. "The traditional traveling robes are far superior to modern clothing in the desert. They are eminently practical and have served our people well for millennia. Our ancestors designed them for the most inhospitable of conditions. They were wise so it is logical that we follow their example."

"You seem to know a lot about the desert Naruto." said T'Lyra. "You were able to help both Kesh and I to survive with your knowledge of the area."

"More importantly you gave me the will to endure for my family's sake." said Kesh. "Naruto, you lent me your strength when I was weakest. You will always be a great friend to me."

Naruto shook his head. "I thank you, but I only did what was right. I wanted to do more but the rules of the kahs-wan stayed my hand. I'm sure others would have done the same."

"But they didn't…" said Kesh in a hurt tone.

T'Lyra cocked her head to the side and said, "What do you mean Kesh?"

"Arev and a girl I did not know both saw me injured and said nothing." said Kesh. "Arev just shook his head and left me for dead. I thought he was my friend." He looked at Naruto. "When you came along you spoke words of encouragement and advised me to conserve my water. You saved my life even though I treated you so poorly over the years."

"I wasn't aware that Arev did this to you Kesh." said T'Lyra with an angry frown. Both Kesh and Naruto were surprised to see such rage roiling off of the gentle and quiet girl.

"I am sorry to hear this as well." said Naruto to Kesh as he nervously glanced over at T'Lyra. 'I'm at ground zero here.' thought the blonde concerned…

…

Once T'Lyra calmed herself she and Naruto bid their well wishes to Kesh and went to have a meal in the Old Quarter. T'Lyra returned to her pleasant demeanor, and they enjoyed some kleetanta with forati sauce with a side of ulan soup. All in all, they had a nice time and it seemed that Naruto had new friends in T'Lyra and in Kesh…

…

Stardate 2265.336 Planet Earth, City of Mojave, California, United States

Shizuka Nadeshiko was at home with her 43-year-old Father Keiichi Nadeshiko. He was a big and burly retired Starfleet Marine and had taught his daughter martial arts since she was old enough to walk. "That's my girl!" he said enthusiastically as Shizuka nimbly avoided a grappling move. Shizuka started out with karate and judo when she was little but as the years went by she found that learning virtually any fighting style came naturally to her. Shizuka's Mother Seiko was a 37-year-old interior decorator and very feminine. She walked into the family gym and saw her daughter none to gently flip her Father onto the sparring mat as he laughed.

Keiichi and Seiko were still newlyweds when two dear Vulcan friends of Keiichi from Starfleet died in an accident leaving their baby daughter all alone. Keiichi couldn't even pronounce the baby's Golic Vulcan name and since the newborn child had no family to take her in the young Nadeshiko couple adopted the baby girl as their own and named her Shizuka. They were immensely proud of their child but there were times that Seiko wished her tomboy of a daughter would be a little more feminine. 'I feel like we've raised a fine son…' thought Seiko dourly. "If you two are done beating each other up; dinner will be ready in 45 minutes so clean up." said the petite woman.

"Okay Mom!/Yes dear." The two fighters answered…

The family was soon enjoying some barbeque ribs with all the extras. "Man, I wish I could cook like you Mom!" said Shizuka as she refilled her plate.

Seiko smiled. "You might be able to if you applied yourself. You've accomplished everything else you've ever put your mind to. Then again, your Dad couldn't cook if his life depended on it. I think you inherited that trait." Seiko looked at the food rapidly disappearing. "I think you've inherited your Dad's appetite too."

Shizuka blushed slightly. "Sorry Mom, I've just been burning so many calories exercising lately that I'm always hungry."

Keiichi said, "You're still young. You can burn it off Shizuka. How did your Starfleet Academy pretests go?"

"I've wanted to know that too Shizuka." said Seiko. "You know I'm not too fond of you joining the military but at least you have the ambition to be an officer unlike your Dad." Keiichi playfully stuck out his tongue at his wife who promptly returned the gesture.

"I'm supposed to get my test results by tonight." said Shizuka. "I haven't checked my messages on my tablet since I got home. Let me go get it." The Vulcan girl darted back to her room.

"Shizuka not checking her messages? That's a shocker." quipped Keiichi.

"I believe she was locked in mortal combat with you dear." commented Seiko.

"Mmmm; good point." answered Keiichi.

"I got it!" called Shizuka enthusiastically as she came back from her room.

"Well, what does it say daughter of mine?" asked Keiichi.

"Let me open it." said Shizuka as she sat down at the table with her tablet. After a confirmation scan of her retina Shizuka was given access to her test results. She frowned and said, "Damn it…"

"What's your score?!" asked her Father excitedly.

"I was seventh." said Shizuka. "I wanted to be first."

Seiko sweat dropped. "You were seventh out of how many Shizuka?"

"I was seventh out of one thousand." said Shizuka in a disappointed tone.

Keichi looked a bit baffled. "Baby girl, you're in the top one percent of one thousand applicants and you're disappointed?!"

Shizuka frowned and her eyes narrowed. "They'll cut the number in half on the next test. I'll do better next time."

Her Mother smiled gently. "You always have been a perfectionist child of mine…"

…

Stardate 2265.338 Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, T'Ara and Sovar's house

It was a peaceful morning and Naruto was enjoying his weekend. The blonde was reading to his baby sister Talok as she sat in his lap. That was when he heard the rather loud voice of his Father's Mother Varek and thought, 'Gods what is she doing here?' He decided to ignore the noise and go back to reading to his little sister…

…

Front room

"So where is my favorite Grandson hiding Sovar?" asked Varek in her usual chatty tone. "We've made all the arrangements to go over to the Artisan Quarter so young Naruto can be introduced to his lovely cousin Zerin today. She's very eager to meet him."

"Who is 'we' Mother Varek?" asked T'Ara curtly. "I don't recall Sovar or myself being involved in these 'arrangements' you've described."

"Why, myself and Sovar's dear cousin Taurik and his lovely wife Elonat did." said Varek emphatically. "Little Zerin is very optimistic about this meeting. Surely you wouldn't want to disappoint her."

T'Ara said flatly, "Disappointment is a part of life." 'I don't want my son near that lot of eccentrics.' she thought protectively.

"Now don't be that way T'Ara." said Varek. "It's been years since we all got together hasn't it Sovar?"

"Taurik has never been the most logical of my cousins." said Sovar. "Last I heard from him he was far more interested in his…pastimes than anything else."

Varek scoffed. "You know Taurik and Elonat are so artistic that they cannot help themselves when the creative spirit touches them. Zerin is looking for her own muse. -That could be our young Naruto." added Varek enthused.

"They are an illogical match." said T'Ara.

Sovar nodded. "I must agree with T'Ara Mother."

"Are you trying to cause a rift in the family Sovar?" asked Varek. "You know how hard it is to work into Taurik's schedule it is and I've done so much work to arrange this. It's clearly logical to follow through for Naruto's sake. Zerin could be just what he needs in his life. Besides, the poor boy has never been bonded and you told me how disappointed he was all those years ago."

T'Ara sighed. She knew that Sovar was going to cave in because he always tried to avoid making waves with his family…Worse yet, Varek was trying to play on his guilt over the failed bonding arrangements for Naruto all those years ago….\ 'Poor Sovar. My husband is too kindhearted for his own good…It's truly a shame I don't have a phaser on hand to express my true views to Mother Varek about this stunt she's pulled.' "I will get Naruto and let him decide."

"A most logical decision T'Ara." said Varek. "It is for his benefit after all."

'I swear, Mother Varek is one of the most illogical Vulcans I have ever met.' grumbled T'Ara to herself mentally as she went to find Naruto. T'Ara soon found Naruto reading to the obviously captivated Talok. 'I hate to interrupt this. Naruto and Talok both look so pleased together.' "Naruto, Mother Varek wishes for your opinion on meeting your cousin Zerin…She's Taurik's daughter."

"Taurik the artist?" asked Naruto with uncertainty in his voice. Seeing his Mother nod, the blonde boy asked, "Why would I want to meet her?"

T'Ara said tiredly, "Mother Varek thinks that you might make a good bonded pair." She saw the questions racing through her son's big blue eyes and said. "I wouldn't even consider it but Mother Varek is guilting your Father again."

Naruto got a resigned look on his face. "I suppose it would be logical to meet these people for Father's sake then."

…

The blonde came out in the front room and said, "I understand you have arranged a meeting for me Lady Varek?"

"You know you should call me Grandmother now Naruto." said Varek in a reassuring tone.

"I'm far more comfortable addressing you as you always wanted me to in the past Lady Varek." Naruto's blue eyes were set in cold stone.

Varek said pleasantly, "Now don't be that way young Nar-"

"I believe you wanted to explain this meeting Mother Varek?" said T'Ara.

Varek tried to lock eyes with T'Ara but found her daughter in law's onyx eyed stare was far too much to challenge. She turned to Naruto and said "Your Father's cousin Taurik and I were discussing his lovely daughter Zerin and how she is the same age as you. She is also unbonded due to unfortunate circumstances like yourself. It seems very logical that you two should meet and see if you aren't as compatible as we believe you are."

Naruto's eyes crackled with chakra energy. He was not pleased. "Since the arrangements have already been made it seems logical that I should meet this person to avoid unnecessary conflict." His voice was flat as plane geometry.

Varek said, "That is a most logical and mature answer my grandson. I'm quite sure you will find Zerin to be a very interesting young lady."

…

Naruto was soon in the family hovercraft traveling separately from Varek who planned to take them all in her own vehicle. Sovar was driving and said, "I don't expect this to go well at all Naruto. I realize you are making a sacrifice for the sake of family unity. You are a good son."

Naruto felt bad for his Father. "Do not trouble yourself over this Father. I will meet this person and simply act indifferent. From what you've said in the past; these particular cousins are best avoided."

"Indeed they are." said Sovar and T'Ara as one.

…

City of ShiKahr, Artisan Quarter, Taurik and Elonat's home/art studio

Naruto was led to a very large home/art studio surrounded by abstract and bizarre art the likes of which he'd never seen in the yard. Varek was eagerly explaining that Taurik and Elonat were both artists and served as each other's muses. Naruto thought the place was peculiar and creepy. 'The Forge is symmetry.' thought the blonde. 'This place is the definition of asymmetry. How disturbing and illogical.'

Varek interrupted Naruto's train of thought by saying, "It would be so fortuitous if you and Zerin likewise inspired each other." Naruto absentmindedly nodded as he continued to look at the strangeness around him.

The door of the house opened to Varek's gentle knock and a large Vulcan man with multicolored hair and a strange asymmetrical haircut opened the door. In polite Vulcan Society it was unheard of to color your hair for any reason. The green and red highlights in the man's brown hair made Sovar and his family nearly drop their jaws in shock. "Welcome!" boomed the man. This was Taurik…

Sovar thought to himself, 'He looks even worse than I remember!'

T'Ara covered her baby daughter's eyes and stared. 'I'd forgotten about this horror show.'

Naruto stared in disbelief. "Hello young one, you must be Naruto. I'm your cousin Taurik." said the big man.

Taurik invited them all in and they found the inside of the house was even wilder than the outside. "Elonat is doing Zerin's hair so they'll be a few minutes. Please come in and sit down." said Taurik congenially.

Young Naruto soon realized that this man liked talking as much as his Father's Mother Varek did. 'The chattering noise these two make is unbelievable.' he thought in horror. He also realized that Varek and Taurik were doing all of the talking while Naruto's parents sat in silence and nodded occasionally.

Soon a rather beautiful Vulcan woman came out dressed in absolutely blinding yellow and red robes. Her hair was cut normally but had white vertical stripes throughout it. She was completely silent, and her makeup made her look like her eyes were slanted and catlike. Taurik said, "Naruto, this is my most beauteous wife Elonat. Elonat; this is cousin Sovar's son Naruto." Elonat bowed silently and motioned grandly back towards the doorway she'd just entered through. There stood a beautiful girl that seemed to be a miniature Elonat. She was dressed entirely in black robes and her long jet-black hair and onyx eyes contrasted with her porcelain skin.

"Allow me to introduce our glorious treasure, Zerin." said Taurik proudly.

Zerin bowed dramatically and then glided across the floor to where Naruto was sitting. She bowed again to Naruto and said in a silky voice, "I am Zerin. It is an honor to meet you cousin Naruto." She stared at Naruto very intensely.

Naruto stood up awkwardly and bowed before he said uneasily, "Hello cousin. I am Naruto. It is an honor to meet you as well." 'What a strange girl.'

Zerin reached out and gripped Naruto's face as if she was going to attempt a mind meld. Naruto's eyes widened and she ran her thumbs over his whisker marks on his cheeks and her fingers through his spiky blonde locks. "So feral; so untamed." said the girl silkily. "Surely like a thunderbolt in the desert. Tell me Naruto; you have a foreign name. What does it mean?" She was staring deeply into his eyes in an unnerving way.

Naruto said very uncomfortably, "My name means maelstrom."

The strange girl's jaw dropped as her hands fell to her sides. "I-I am so inspired! I must paint!" She dashed back to her room in a flash….

Varek and Taurik seemed thrilled and Elonat nodded in silent approval.

Naruto robotically turned to his parents and said in an emotionless tone, "It is time to leave." The look of shock in his eyes was more than enough to convince T'Ara and Sovar to hit the road.

T'Ara nodded at her son and said to Taurik and Elonat, "Thank you for welcoming us into your home. It seems Naruto is inspired as well." 'Inspired to leave anyway. I know I am.'

Feeling that was as good an excuse as any, Sovar bowed and said, "Live long and prosper my cousins."

With that Naruto and his family speedily went back to the hovercraft and went home as fast as was legally possible…

…

Stardate 2265.348 Starbase 17

"Personal Log of Commodore Eric Grayson: Much to the shock of the crew of the Excalibur, the eleven year old Samui has easily adapted to our technology and is absolutely brilliant. You would think she was raised with our technological level. Our Chief Medical Officer Doctor Cass has confirmed she is superior to normal humans in every way just like the history books tell us. She is smarter, stronger, faster and more resistant to disease. When Doctor Cass inoculated her against modern diseases her body had completely acclimated within mere hours."

"She hasn't shown any particular inclinations towards conquest or flaunting her superiority though she does use the phrase superior normally in reference to her genetics. She is fascinated by Earth's history including the Eugenics Wars. Her phrase was she 'Wanted to see things from the perspective of the winning side.' All in all Samui is a fascinating child. To my own disbelief I am kind of sorry to see her go. Starfleet Command is taking her to Earth where she can grow up and integrate into modern society with some appropriate foster parents…"

Samui had her things together and bid the Commodore and crew of the U.S.S. Excalibur farewell before she went to her new caretakers that were taking her to Earth. She said "Thank you all for rescuing me and bringing me here. I believe humanity is meant to sail the stars. Perhaps I'll join Starfleet in a few years as it seems to be a superior path. It would be cool if I could see you all again. Later." With that she marched off with purpose in her step.

Lieutenant Sandy Talbut chuckled. "I guess everything is cool with little Samui. I hope she turns out all right. She seems like a good, smart kid after all."

Dreyfus nodded. "If she joins Starfleet Academy in a few years she'll graduate at the top of her class."

"Of that I have no doubt." agreed the Commodore.

….

POSTSCRIPT:

Well, it seems Naruto's artist cousins are the Vulcan equivalent of The Addams Family. Having attended art school I figure there are probably some Vulcans out there that are somewhat off kilter as well. (I know these things; I'm an artist too). When I read about the Artisan Quarter of ShiKahr the die was pretty much cast. I hope everyone likes the inclusion of Shizuka and Samui. Next chapter we will follow Naruto as he chooses his next path into his higher education. See you next time. Blue out. 7/31/23