Naruto: Infinity Divide
Schoolyard Brawl
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
T'Lyra's appearance is based on Kasumi out of the Dead or Alive games. She's very beautiful with soft and feminine features. Here is chapter 4. Enjoy!
Last time:
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.
...
Chapter 4
...
Stardate 2265.348 Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, T'Ara and Sovar's house
T'Ara and Sovar had spent the last week avoiding the advances of Taurik and Elonat for Naruto to 'spend more time' with Zerin and things were finally settling back into a routine. It was morning and before school Naruto was doing his usual V'Shan warm up routine to loosen up his body and get his blood pumping. He was joined by his little sister Talok who loved to 'dance' with her big brother as he went through his precise and fluid motions in the back yard.
Watching her baby daughter flailing around 'dancing' with her serene son was one of T'Ara's secret pleasures. Talok was absolutely adorable and T'Ara wanted to rush outside to dance with her baby girl. Years of emotional control prevented such outrageous behavior but it didn't stop T'Ara from joining them with her own V'Shan routine when she had time. Talok was just so cute!
…
ShiKahr Primary School
After his morning V'Shan workout Naruto went to school where he was greeted by T'Lyra and his new friend Kesh. Kesh had just returned from the hospital earlier that week and genuinely wanted to get to know Naruto since they'd never interacted all that much before. Naruto was pleased to have friends but at the same time he noticed Arev's angry and jealous glares at him. The blonde figured Kesh could handle himself but Arev had been looking murderously at T'Lyra and Naruto was concerned for her safety. T'Lyra made no bones about giving Arev the cold shoulder since the kahs-wan or the fact she was associating with Naruto since then. It was actually a big subject in the classroom…
"Has T'Lyra broken her bond with Arev?" whispered one of the girls. "I wonder if she is going to be with Naruto from now on."
"I don't know." whispered another girl back. "I heard Naruto saved Arev's life during the kahs-wan. Kesh said so -and Arev was angry about it! He was also angry at T'Lyra because she passed the ritual and he failed. It's no wonder T'Lyra wants to distance herself from Arev. Such displays of emotionalism and ungratefulness are vulgar. Kesh says he is friends with Naruto now and that he owes Naruto his life. For Arev to act the way he has towards Naruto and T'Lyra is unthinkable."
"It is little wonder Arev didn't pass the test of maturity. It is clear he isn't ready for adulthood." whispered the first girl.
'I can hear everything you are saying.' thought Naruto dourly. 'Gossip is not a good thing. Oh well. I suppose these rumors put me in a positive light for a change.'
At lunch Naruto was sitting with T'Lyra who brought some extra desserts to share with Naruto after they finished their lunches. (More rumors started as a result). Naruto was learning different things about T'Lyra. She was a very neat and orderly girl that couldn't understand the logic behind Naruto being treated differently because he was born a hybrid. Naruto appreciated her views but felt that the majority of Vulcans did not follow the same ideals. T'Lyra was also an accomplished player of the ka'athyra*① and liked to sing. She'd been taking private music lessons for years actually.
…
Naruto had to wonder about why he had climbed up so fast in the social circles since he passed his kahs-wan. It was a very important ritual but all Vulcans had to do it eventually. He had asked his Mother who replied, "The reason it has had such an impact is because you are a hybrid my son. Only one other hybrid has survived to pass the kahs-wan and that is Ambassador Sarek and Lady Amanda's son Spock. Many in our extended family didn't believe you would survive."
Naruto accepted his Mother's explanation but felt it was highly illogical to assume he would die during the kahs-wan ritual just because he is different…
…
T'Ara and Sovar's house
Naruto arrived home from school that afternoon and saw a vehicle there he did not recognize. He figured it was another visitor from the Vulcan Science Academy to see his Mother. Coming into his house Naruto took his sandals off and announced, "Mother, I am home."
The blonde was surprised to see his Mother shoot out of the kitchen with Talok in tow. "Welcome home Naruto. My Mother is here and I ask that you keep an eye on Talok in the back until she departs."
Talok held up her arms and said, "Nar-nar, up!" Talok hadn't quite gotten the name Naruto down yet.
Naruto picked up Talok and said, "How are you today little one? Let's head back to our rooms and do something together." 'What is Mother's Mother doing here? They haven't been on speaking terms since before I was born. I don't even know what the woman looks like.' Naruto was very puzzled but took Talok back to his room to find something to entertain her with.
…
T'Ara went back into the kitchen to talk to her Mother Sarissa. Sarissa was a very young looking woman that easily could have passed off as her daughter's sister or twin. She had the same onyx eyes and jet black hair as well as T'Ara's delicate facial features. Like her child, Sarissa was quite stunning. Sarissa said, "You could have at least introduced me to my own grandchild."
Naruto's Mother simply said; "I see no logical reason to do so. You've never been in his life before so why start now?"
Sarissa sighed. "I told you I've come to make amends T'Ara. When I heard Naruto passed his kahs-wan I was very pleased and thought it was time to bridge this gap between us. I have missed you my child. I want to be a part of your life again. Is that too much for a Mother to ask?"
T'Ara's onyx eyes were set in stone. "You ended our relationship years ago."
The elder of the two frowned. "Must you be so stubborn like your Father was? I will admit it; I was wrong. I was completely wrong. Your Father died in the military and I am a pacifist. You know I was shattered inside when you told me you wanted to go into Starfleet like he did….Don't you understand?"
"You've moved on." said T'Ara. "You have remarried successfully and have had three children since then. I've never met any of them. There is no reason you need me in your life now. You told me to stay away from your new family and I have obeyed your wishes."
"Do you resent the fact I've remarried?" asked Sarissa. "You have siblings that would be honored to meet you. They hold you in the greatest esteem for your achievements in science. I-"
T'Ara cut her Mother off. "I have no resentments about you remarrying. Father would have said the same…Frankly I'm surprised your three children have even heard of me. Go back to Naweeth City and forget about me."
"Must you be so cold?" asked Sarissa. "Do you take pleasure in seeing your Mother suffer?"
T'Ara's face was marred by an angry scowl. "You are the one that put yourself in this situation. Don't accuse me of making you suffer. I doubted myself for years after what you said and did to me!"
"And I'm trying to make up for it!" said Sarissa in a raised voice. "All I'm asking for is for you to let me make it all up to you T'Ara! You are my daughter and there is an empty space where you should be…Please let me back into your life T'Ara…I want to know my grandchildren and to see what a fine woman my daughter has become."
T'Ara had tears in her eyes. She said in a low tone. "I will discuss this matter with Sovar tonight. You are an illogical and selfish woman. Come back tomorrow at noon and not a second before and I will give you my decision. Now leave."
Sarissa looked crestfallen but said, "I will come back tomorrow then." She pulled out a small package. "This was your Father's. I want Naruto to have it for his kahs-wan. Please accept it."
T'Ara wanted to scream but angrily snatched up the package anyway. She then silently showed her Mother to the door. Sarissa was about to say goodbye but found her daughter had already slammed the door behind her…
…
Naruto was sitting in the floor with Talok as she played with his Kal-toh set. The little girl was 'helping' her big brother as she stuck rods together at various angles much to her delight. Naruto raised an eyebrow when he heard the door slam and Talok jumped at the noise. "Nar-nar?" asked Talok.
The blonde said. "I think Mother just closed the door Talok. It's none of our concern."
"Mama pay Kal-toh?" asked the little girl in her baby talk.
Naruto sensed a feeling of heaviness in the air from the front room and said, "Perhaps Mother will play later on. I think she's busy right now…"
…
The next morning Naruto woke up for school as usual and saw that Talok was up bright and early but his parents weren't. 'Father and Mother must be sleeping in. I hope Mother is all right. She seemed very bothered last night.' Talok started making noise to get Naruto's attention and soon he had changed her and gotten her dressed to help out his parents. "Let's go have some breakfast Talok. I think Mother and Father are sleeping in."
…
T'Ara awoke lying in her husband's arms. Sovar had taken care of her all last night both physically and mentally. They talked a lot and made love until they were exhausted. T'Ara saw Sovar's hair was all disheveled in the morning light. She had a tiny smile on her face as she played with his bangs. Sovar's eyes opened and he said, "Good morning T'Ara."
The onyx eyed beauty brushed her long black hair back and said, "I didn't mean to wake you."
Sovar touched his fingers to hers affectionately and he said, "You didn't wake me. Naruto and Talok have been up a while and they woke me up."
Her eyes widened and she said, "I need to get up and take care of Talok."
Sovar gently planted a kiss on her lips and said. "I took today off from work today. Let's lie here a while and talk together. If Naruto needs help he will knock on the door."
T'Ara laid her head down on Sovar's shoulder and said, "I don't know what to do about Mother."
"Tell your husband about it; he can be a good listener from what I've heard." said Sovar as he wrapped his arms around his wife.
T'Ara said sadly, "My Mother Sarissa wishes to enter my life again. She came all the way from Naweeth City because she somehow heard about Naruto's passing the kahs-wan ritual. My Mother asked me to stay out of her life when I decided to join Starfleet. She did not even attend our wedding…I cannot fathom why she wants to open such a door after she so thoroughly ended our relationship."
Sovar rubbed his wife's back gently. "Perhaps Sarissa has been keeping tabs on us all this time. I don't know who would be in a position to inform her though. To know of Naruto's kahs-wan it would have to be someone in close contact with us…"
T'Ara and Sovar looked into each other's eyes for a few minutes before they came to the exact same conclusion. "Mother Varek…she would know all these things." said T'Ara with disbelief in her voice.
"It is a logical conclusion." groaned Sovar. "She and Mother Sarissa always were good friends and did arrange our marriage." He sighed. "Once again it seems my Mother defies rationality. She is well aware that we have had no contact with Mother Sarissa for well over a decade."
The onyx eyed beauty hugged her husband. "You are the only one in your family that is fully sane Sovar. I still cannot fathom how you are related to your Mother."
He gave her a minimal smile and said. "I'll take that as a compliment my wife. Perhaps the rumors I was adopted are true."
…
Naruto would have sworn he heard his Mother laughing as he and Talok ate breakfast but dismissed it as too unlikely to be possible…
…
Sovar soon got up while T'Ara took a morning shower. He was glad to see his wife in better spirits again. Sovar saw Naruto was in the back yard watching over Talok as she danced around him doing her own interpretation of the V'Shan exercises her big brother did. Seeing her Father was there, Talok trotted over and greeted him "Fa-da! Nar-nar dance!" she said exuberantly.
Picking up his little daughter, Sovar watched as his son completed his morning routine to perfection. "Yes, Naruto is good at dancing isn't he Talok?"
She eagerly agreed and Naruto came over to Sovar. "Good morning Father." said the blonde. "Is Mother doing better?"
"Your Mother is going to be fine." said Sovar. "She is going through a stressful time due to her Mother Sarissa. Things will work themselves out Naruto."
Naruto asked, "Then you are staying home with her today?" Seeing his Father nod, the blonde visibly relaxed. "I am glad. I can go to school without worry then."
Sovar looked at Naruto proudly. "I'm glad you are responsible like your Mother. I think I can keep things under control while you are at school."
Naruto grinned shyly and got his things together for school. He soon bid his Father and sister and good day and headed out.
T'Ara soon came out after her shower and asked, "Did Naruto already leave?"
Her husband nodded. "He asked me to tell you he would be thinking about you today." Sovar pondered for a moment and said, "We have been blessed with a fine boy."
T'Ara leaned into Sovar and said, "I couldn't ask for a better son."
…
ShiKahr Primary School
Naruto was on his way to class when he was stopped by Arev in the courtyard of the school. The larger boy growled, "Stay away from T'Lyra. She belongs to me."
The blonde wanted to smack Arev but resisted the urge. He said calmly, "T'Lyra is her own person. You do not own her. She should be free to associate with whoever she wishes." Naruto noticed a crowd was quietly forming.
"If you don't stay away from T'Lyra I'll make you stay away you half-breed." said Arev threateningly. "I beat you bloody years ago and I'm not afraid to do it again!"
Naruto frowned and said, "You'll regret it if you cross me again…" The crowd was whispering amongst themselves and the blonde motioned to the group around them. "You are making a spectacle of yourself Arev."
Arev saw T'Lyra enter the courtyard and narrowed his eyes at her. "Then I'll just use this opportunity to prove I'm better." The large boy lashed out at Naruto twice but the blonde dodged. "Stand still!" yelled Arev. The blonde caught Arev's wrist and flipped the larger boy over his shoulder causing Arev to hit the ground hard on his back. But the bully wouldn't quit and slowly rose back up.
Naruto said to his classmates, "Don't just stand there; call an instructor!" Two of them headed inside the school.
Arev tried to gracelessly tackle Naruto to use his larger size to an advantage. T'Lyra called out in warning to Naruto as the blonde easily evaded the clumsy attack. "She's mine!" roared Arev.
The blonde hybrid had enough. Using a brutal Kareel-ifla spinning mid kick Naruto sent Arev flying and followed up with a V'Shan neck strike that knocked the lummox unconscious. 'What a lousy way to start the day…' thought Naruto.
T'Lyra came over and asked, "Are you alright Naruto? Were you hurt in any way?"
"I'm fine T'Lyra." said Naruto. "I just wish this situation could have been avoided. I wonder if he is disturbed."
Several instructors arrived shortly afterwards and Instructor T'Partha asked for an explanation from Naruto first. "So in short, you rendered him unconscious after he repeatedly tried to do harm to you." said Instructor T'Partha. Seeing Naruto nod she said, "I will question the others who witnessed this event Naruto. Since you are unharmed there is no reason you can't go on into the classroom to your learning station."
…
T'Ara and Sovar's house
At precisely noon Sarissa arrived at her daughter's house feeling very tense and worried. She knocked on the door and to her surprise it was Sovar who answered the door. He looked at her for a moment and said, "Hello Mother Sarissa. It has been a long time. It surprised me to hear of your visit yesterday."
"It is good to see you well Sovar." said Sarissa as calmly as she could. "Is T'Ara willing to see me?" She was wringing her hands nervously.
Sovar nodded and said, "T'Ara is in the kitchen. Please come in but know I'll be here for T'Ara's sake."
Sarissa bowed slightly and said, "Of course; thank you for inviting me into your home."
Talok came trotting in and held her arms up to Sovar. "Up!" she said. Sovar scooped up his little girl who squealed happily.
Looking at her grandchild, Sarissa said, "She looks just like T'Ara at that age…."
"You've missed a lot." said Sovar. "I trust you know about things from my Mother Varek?"
Sarissa looked surprised and said, "She told you?"
Sovar shook his head. "No, she simply was the most logical choice. My Mother is quite talkative after all."
'As always T'Ara is three steps ahead of me.' thought Sarissa. "I hope you and T'Ara aren't offended by my prying."
"I was simply surprised." admitted Sovar. "I believe T'Ara will have to answer for herself though." Sovar adjusted little Talok in his arms. "I'll be out here. T'Ara is waiting for you at the kitchen table."
Feeling like she was headed towards the proverbial gallows; Sarissa went in to see her daughter.
T'Ara looked dispassionately at her Mother. "You came back. I am surprised." It was a statement that took Sarissa of guard.
"You are my daughter." said Sarissa. "I want to rebuild what we lost."
T'Ara said. "Please be seated and we will talk about it…"
…
ShiKahr Primary School
Naruto was working on some quantum physics questions as his classmates filtered in having answered the questions of the instructors about the fight between Naruto and Arev. Instructor T'Partha said to him, "Naruto, you have been summoned to Headmaster Sarda's office. I trust you to be on your best behavior."
The blonde hybrid had a sinking feeling in his stomach and nodded. "I shall go there straightaway Instructor. Thank you." Naruto quickly made his way to the third floor where the Headmaster's Office was. 'Of all the days for this to happen it had to be when Mother and Father are busy with Mother's estranged Mother Sarissa.' the blonde thought glumly.
Naruto knocked on the Headmaster's office door and was bid to enter. He gave the Vulcan salute and said, "I come to serve."
"Your service honors us." replied Headmaster Sarda. Sarda was a graying but very distinguished looking Vulcan. He had his secretary in the room beside his desk. She was also gray haired and looked very strict. "Come in and sit young Naruto. I am Sarda and this is my senior secretary Kov."
The woman nodded and Naruto bowed. "It is an honor to meet you both." Naruto quickly sat in front of the Headmaster's desk feeling distinctly uncomfortable.
Sarda steepled his fingers in front of him. "I understand there was an altercation between you and young Arev who is a classmate of yours. I saw the end of it when you rendered him unconscious. I have read the reports from Instructor T'Partha as well as your classmates who witnessed the event. Still, it seems prudent for me to listen to your side of the situation directly from you."
Naruto spent the next forty five minutes explaining the situation to the Headmaster and his secretary. They asked questions when appropriate and seemed to be very reasonable people to Naruto (even though he was nervous as could be). Finally Headmaster Sarda said, "This concludes our interview young Naruto. I do have a personal question purely out of curiosity however." Sarda's secretary Kov raised an eyebrow.
"I will answer as best I can of course." said Naruto.
Sarda had a slight twinkle in his eye that took Naruto off guard. "I am most curious about the martial arts you employed during your fight." Kov's face fell. The Headmaster said, "Unless I'm mistaken that was a Kareel-ifla spin kick followed fluidly by a V'Shan neck strike. The moves are both potentially deadly yet you used them in a flawless and non-lethal way."
"I am a fifth level adept*② in both V'Shan and Kareel-ifla sir." explained Naruto. "Using those moves in a non-lethal way is a simple task."
Sarda's eyes widened. "A fifth level adept, not learner?" asked the Headmaster. Seeing Naruto nod Sarda asked, "Where did you learn to have such skill so early in life?"
Naruto answered, "My Father is a teacher at the Vulcan Institute for the Defensive Arts. He is a sixth level Master at Kareel-ifla and a first level Master of V'Shan. Likewise my Mother is a second level Master at V'Shan. They have been training me since I was five years old."
Sarda said, "Even with that you must be a prodigy at the martial arts. You switched between two styles effortlessly."
Secretary Kov wanted to face palm… Apparently Headmaster Sarda was a martial arts nut…
…
T'Ara and Sovar's house
For all the drama going on with Naruto at school, Sovar listening to the highly emotional (by Vulcan standards) conversation between his wife and Mother in law had been taxing on the man. Sovar was well aware that Sarissa had deeply hurt T'Ara but was genuinely trying to make amends. On the other hand; hearing the pain in his wife's voice made him want to throw Sarissa out of the house and tell her to never come back.
Eventually T'Ara agreed that the path of reconciliation was the most logical solution. Sarissa hugged her daughter and said, "You will not regret this my daughter. I am so proud of you. We can overcome this together." T'Ara just nodded. Sarissa asked, "May I stay and meet my grandson Naruto? Varek said he is a very special and handsome boy."
T'Ara raised an eyebrow analytically. "Mother Varek said that?" 'Perhaps she had too much Vulcan port.' "I am surprised given her general attitude towards my son."
"Really?" asked Sarissa. "Since he passed his kahs-wan Varek has only spoken of him in glowing terms. I was under the impression she is extremely proud of him."
"I can't fathom Mother Varek's logic." said T'Ara as she led her Mother out into the front room where Talok was sleeping peacefully in Sovar's arms.
Sarissa said, "Talok is such a beautiful child T'Ara. I feel like I'm looking at you when you were that age. You were always so busy and filled with curiosity. I wonder if she is the same."
"I believe it is safe to say she is." said Sovar quietly. "She is definitely her Mother's daughter."
…
Naruto soon made it home looking a bit taxed. Headmaster Sarda had talked his ear off about the martial arts and very much wanted to meet Sovar. The blonde came inside and was greeted by his Father to whom he silently handed his data pad. Sovar read the message from the Headmaster with raised eyebrows. 'Naruto finally put that boy Arev in his place and the Headmaster is very enthused and wants to meet me having witnessed Naruto's exceptional skill in the martial arts.' "Naruto, do you know what this document says?"
"I could speculate but I haven't read it." said Naruto in a tired tone. "The Headmaster said it was to be read by you first Father."
Sovar ruffled his son's spiky hair. "Let's wait until later to tell your Mother. She's had quite an eventful day as it is."
"How did things go…?" asked Naruto.
"Your Mother has chosen to reconcile with her Mother Sarissa." said Sovar. "Sarissa is very eager to meet you. She apparently heard many good things about you from my Mother."
Naruto raised his eyebrow in the exact same fashion T'Ara always did. "Lady Varek said something positive about me? I can't fathom her logic."
Sovar gave a tiny smile much to Naruto's surprise. He said, "You are truly your Mother's son Naruto."
The blonde boy soon met his Grandmother Sarissa who seemed to be beaming at him. She presented him with a gift for his kahs-wan. Naruto opened it and saw it was a holographic picture of T'Ara as a child standing and holding hands with Sarissa and her Father. "T'Ara was only five at the time." said Sarissa fondly. "Your Mother was brilliant even then. I understand you are as well my Grandson."
Naruto looked fascinated at the picture of his Mother as a little girl. "Thank you, Grandmother Sarissa. Talok looks just like Mother did."
"Indeed she does." agreed Sarissa with approval in her voice. "You are quite a handsome young man yourself."
Naruto was pleasantly surprised to meet his Grandmother Sarissa…Compared to Varek she was a very logical woman…
…
Stardate 2265.354 T'Ara and Sovar's house
It was morning and Naruto was relaxing at home since it was the weekend. He normally was very industrious but given how crazed the week had been the blonde hybrid was just enjoying the peace and quiet. Arev had been suspended from classes for the time being so he could work out his anger issues. Therapy was in order and it was quite embarrassing for Arev's family. Perhaps the most embarrassing was the entire student body of the primary school knew about it. As it turned out; Naruto actually was held in a very positive light for his actions. Given how out of control and aggressive Arev was; Naruto had to render him unconscious before he could do harm to others. In spite of the fact Vulcans abhorred violence by nature; it was felt that Naruto did what had to be done.
The blonde was interrupted from his musings by his Mother tapping on the doorway into his room. "Lost in thought my son?" asked T'Ara. She actually was rather pleased with how things had been with her Mother and all.
Naruto shook his head and said, "I'm sorry Mother, I was just reflecting on this past week."
T'Ara gave a minimal smile. "You have a guest. Your friend T'Lyra is here. She seems quite eager to see you."
'If I didn't know better I'd say my Mother is teasing me…' thought Naruto dubiously. "I'll be right there." said the blonde.
T'Lyra was practically glowing with happiness when Naruto came out to the front room. "Naruto, I got two tickets to the theatre this afternoon. Would you like to go with me?" said the blue wearing girl.
Seeing his parents nod, Naruto said, "I will accompany you, what is playing…?"
…It was the first of many outings that T'Lyra and Naruto would go on…
…
Stardate 2266.014 Vulcana Regar
A few weeks later during the vacation month between school trimesters, Naruto and his family went with Sovar's Mother Varek up to the grand Vulcan merchant city of Vulcana Regar to meet Naruto's twelve year old cousin Metana for the purposes of a possible bonding. Naruto had avoided Zerin like the plague and wanted to camp with his Father in The Forge instead of making this trip but Varek wouldn't let it drop so off they went. The meeting with Metana (a plain but attractive girl from an affluent background) had been….less than successful. She basically threw a fit at the idea of being bonded to any sort of hybrid and informed Naruto she wanted nothing to do with him…ever.
Varek was terribly embarrassed as were Metana's parents. Naruto simply said that he and Metana obviously weren't a suitable match and it would be logical to leave it at that. Varek stayed behind to smooth things over and T'Ara concluded that the family should take a quick tour of Vulcana Regar since they were already there. The honest truth was Naruto's little family was immensely relieved that Varek's quest to find Naruto a mate was theoretically over. There was no way she could recover after losing that much face in front of her son and his family…or so they hoped…
…
As they looked in various shops Naruto found all of the foreign goods in the merchant city to be quite fascinating. Like most Vulcans; Naruto felt no need to amass a lot of goods but all the different items were very interesting to look at. It was then that T'Ara saw an old friend from Starfleet and called out to him. "Inoichi; Inoichi Yamanaka!" called T'Ara over the noise of the crowds.
At rather tall man with longish, wavy blonde hair and intense blue eyes immediately sprang to attention. "Commander T'Ara?!" he asked in surprise.
T'Ara motioned her family to follow her and she said to Inoichi, "It is good to see you Inoichi. You needn't address me as Commander now that we are leading civilian lives. It has been a long time."
Inoichi relaxed and said, "Old habits die hard. It is good to see you too Com-, T'Ara. My family and I are here on a business vacation. My wife is in the trade business for Betazoid goods. What are you doing now?"
"I'm raising my children with my husband and working for the Vulcan Science Academy to further my research." said T'Ara, "Allow me to introduce my family; this is my husband Sovar and these are my children Naruto and Talok. Naruto is eleven and Talok will be three in the next few weeks."
Inoichi smiled in a friendly way and said, "I'm Inoichi Yamanaka from the Planet Betazed. We are looking into joining the Federation soon*③ and I was and exchange officer on the U.S.S. Republic with T'Ara."
"Betazoids are powerful telepaths and Inoichi specializes in psychology." explained T'Ara. "Inoichi was a great help to our crew."
Inoichi quietly observed T'Ara and Sovar and found their thoughts to be serene and very orderly as with most Vulcans. Little Talok was very curious and showed the same thought patterns that her parents had honed over the years. Then there was Naruto…Inoichi asked, "Young Naruto here must be the result of the situation on Tori Prime IV, correct?"
T'Ara nodded and said, "He is my fine son."
Inoichi could sense Naruto's thought patterns were very 'Vulcan' but he also felt a massive, underlying power that could only be described as something very primal…
…
Inoichi soon introduced his wife Ayano and their twelve year old daughter Ino to T'Ara and her family. As the Betazoids had a matriarchy Ayano seemed to hold the power in the family. They agreed to have a meal together to catch up on things. As their parents talked Ino said, "So you've got blonde hair and blue eyes. That's pretty unusual here on Vulcan." She twirled her blonde ponytail and said, Of course, I've got blue eyes too so I'm an oddball myself."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Why would blue eyes be considered odd?"
Ino smiled. "You don't get out much do you? All pure Betazoids are born with black irises like my Mom. Dad's Grandfather was a standard human and somehow those recessive blue eyes got passed down. Genetics are odd huh?"
"Genetics can be predicted easily enough but hybrid specimens sometimes exhibit unusual qualities." said Naruto sagely.
"Ha-ha, you talk like an old science professor Naruto!" said the sassy blonde girl.
T'Ara raised an eyebrow as the two preteens interacted. It was pretty obvious that Naruto was a bit baffled by Ino's exuberant personality. It was also obvious that Ino was having a great time…
…
Ino said, "I'm planning to go into Starfleet like Daddy did. Of course, that is assuming Betazed is admitted into the Federation."
Naruto asked curiously, "What sort of capacity would you be serving in?"
"I'd want to go into the medical field. Xenobiology and psychology are my best subjects in school." replied the feisty blonde. "Hey, that wasn't a nice thought!" Naruto raised his eyebrows and Ino said "You just thought that I didn't seem smart enough to be a doctor!"
"You just read my mind?" asked Naruto.
Ino spouted, "Obviously!"
Naruto's eyes crackled with blue chakra and he thought, 'Stay out of my head Ino.'
Ino was nearly bowled over by the power and her parents both turned to Naruto whose eyes had faded back to normal. "Is everything alright children?" asked Ayano worriedly.
Naruto said peacefully, "Everything is fine. We were just discussing…boundaries." Ino and her parents all sweat dropped though Ino was amazed at the sheer energy involved.
"So what are you planning?" asked Ino who recovered miraculously fast. "Are you going into Starfleet like your Mama?"
"Starfleet is an option to consider." said Naruto. "I'm going to the Vulcan Science Academy first to see if it is a suitable path for me."
The kids talked about space travel for some time before Ayano called for Ino. "It is time to go Ino. Say farewell to your new friend."
Ino nodded and stood up. "Until we meet again." she said with a wave.
Naruto gave the traditional Vulcan salute and said, "Live long and prosper."
…
"Well, that boy certainly was an interesting one." said Ayano. "He seems calm on the surface but it seems the spirit of a powerful predator lurks within him."
"I think he's kinda neat." replied Ino with a giggle.
Inoichi just shook his head at his daughter's antics…
…
"So what did you think of your first interactions with a non-Vulcan child your age Naruto?" asked T'Ara. "She seems fairly typical for a baseline human despite the fact she's a Betazoid."
"Her tendency to change moods and subjects rapidly was most baffling and didn't follow any sort of logic that I could ascertain." said Naruto. "She did not seem to possess any ill will but it was all very confusing."
T'Ara said, "Imagine being on a ship full of people like that. Starfleet is an experience."
"How did you keep your sanity?" asked the blonde boy.
His Mother answered sagely, "It took lots and lots of meditation at times."
….
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: A Vulcan harp, lyre or lute. It is a twelve stringed instrument which originated on Planet Vulcan.
*②: I don't know how rankings work in Vulcan Martial arts so I arbitrarily assigned ranks one through ten (one being the lowest) to the ranks of learner, adept, and master.
*③: The Planet Betazed was admitted into the United Federation of Planets in 2273; in story time it is still 2266 so most of the political groundwork is (presumably) already in place.
Well, this chapter ended up being mainly Naruto family-centric. We also introduced Ino who will be running into Naruto again in the future. It seems for the moment Arev is out of the picture and T'Lyra seems to be taking advantage of that. Also, we've learned about T'Ara's side of the family. They seem to be more sane than Sovar's family but that isn't saying much is it? See you next time. Blue out. 8/5/23