Naruto: Infinity Divide

Study Buddies

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This chapter we see the beginnings of Naruto's hectic school life. Enjoy!

Last time:

Kesh was obviously excited. "Well get to it man! I want to ride it."

"Considering the way you ride dzharels that might be a disaster Kesh." said T'Lyra. "Let's get it into shape so Naruto can test it out…with a proper license of course."

Naruto nodded. "That seems to be the most logical course of action. Are you both sure you want to help? I'm certain this will be a filthy job with lots of hard physical labor."

"Of course!" said T'Lyra. "It will be enjoyable working together."

"Count me in." said Kesh.

"Then this will be my weekend project while I go to the Academy during the week." said Naruto.

Naruto's parents came out and saw the three kids examining the bike. Catching the tail end of the children's conversation T'Ara said, "Just remember your schoolwork always takes precedence over that old bike Naruto."

Sovar asked, "So have you started it up yet?"

"We've determined that it might burst into flames rather than start." said Naruto. "It would be logical to err on the side of caution."

Sovar deflated and said, "You are truly your Mother's son."

T'Ara simply gave one of her tiny smiles…

...

Chapter 6

…

Stardate 2267.304, Planet Vulcan, ShiKhar District, Vulcan Science Academy

It was Sunday Naruto put the last of his belongings into their proper places and sat down on his bed to relax. It had been a rather tumultuous two days of moving his belongings from home to his new suite which was a very tranquil pale blue color. The dormitories themselves were single story and each dormitory was arranged in the most logical way possible. Every room was unnamed, unmarked and identical in shape and size. Students were expected to notice the subtle differences in orientation, color and position to determine which room was theirs. Each dormitory had a single main hall that led to the other buildings and of course was designed with impeccable logic in mind.

The blonde found himself admiring the symmetry and rationality of the Academy's layout and understood why his Mother liked it so much here. Like the Forge was a second home to Sovar; the Academy was to T'Ara. He noted that every room was illuminated by natural light and the entire facility was very energy efficient. Looking out of his windows onto the campus proper Naruto saw the intricate silver and white domes with spires arranged in orderly places among them. The Academy was surrounded by tranquil, well-maintained parkland and the buildings and the parks flowed harmoniously into one another. Even the lawns were perfectly maintained and each one was in a perfect geometric shape. The same could be said of the many trees and shrubs; all things were in their logical place. Naruto sighed peacefully as he took in his new surroundings…

…Until a horrendous cacophony from the next suite over nearly bowled Naruto off of his bed. He heard something like an animal howling and crashing and the blonde immediately went out to investigate. He found many other students peering out of their doors or standing outside the suite beside Naruto's. They all seemed to be puzzled and mulling around outside quietly observing. Naruto said authoritatively, "Has no one investigated this infernal noise?" Seeing everyone take a step back the blonde said, "Someone could be injured. We must investigate this situation at once." He went over and rapped on the door loudly before he said, "Can anyone hear me in there?"

The door came open and a tall, black haired human male said, "You here to join the party? You look kinda young to be here."

A redheaded human girl poked her head out through the doorway. She was laughing and smelled of alcohol. "Look at you blondie! Aren't you cuuuute? Come on in!"

"I don't think he's here to party Alison." said the male as Naruto's eyes seemed to be burning a hole in his chest.

The girl flipped her shoulder length hair back and laughed. "Of course, he is! I'm Alison Fairbanks and this is my buddy Geoff Baker. Where did you get those cute whisker marks?"

Naruto felt his ears starting to hurt from what he realized was some sort of music and the smell of alcohol was bothering his sensitive nose. The smell of humans wasn't too great either (Vulcans don't sweat, humans do*①). Naruto turned his burning blue eyes to Geoff's frightened brown ones and said, "Unless you want the Academy Administration to get involved, I would turn that sound down a few decibels." The blonde then marched back to his room and closed the door.

Geoff cringed and Alison laughed. "I like him!" said the redhead.

Naruto went back to his suite and found that the noise level was turned down considerably though he could still hear it. 'Of all the rooms in this Academy I have to be next door to rowdy humans. I can't help but feel this is no coincidence.' he thought mutinously.

The blonde hybrid sighed and looked back at his school uniforms and civilian clothing he had arranged in his closet. Some people preferred the uniforms but the only time they were actually required were for formal ceremonies –and there were a lot of formal ceremonies. His standard uniform was a conservative gray and black. Naruto's civilian clothing was his traditional browns, tans and blacks though he did have one set of formal robes that were a deep crimson. They represented the M'Fau clan. He was rather proud of those. Aside of that Naruto had a platinum medallion presented to him that showed he was a first-year student, and he was to wear it at all times at the Academy. It was emblemized with the Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations symbol*② and in the ring around it was the Golic Vulcan script for 'learn.' As the years in the Academy passed more symbols would be added in the ring around the IDIC symbol that showed each student's respective position and achievements within the organization of the Academy.

Listening to the quiet thumping of the music the music through the wall, Naruto wondered what tomorrow would bring with the start of classes…

…

Monday, Main Auditorium

Naruto's first four periods of the morning classes had been preempted by a formal meeting. It had been stressful to the blonde as most of it was just things regarding decorum and rules regarding behavior for newcomers. The entire meeting seemed endless to Naruto and speech after speech explaining the hows and whys of the Academy lifestyle was imparted to the first years. 'Gods I wish I could relax with some advanced calculus.' thought the blonde. He had looked around for his acquaintance Senva but did not see her. He did see the human Geoff looking nervous and Alison looking amused at the morning proceedings.

After a healthy lunch in the dorm cafeteria Naruto actually went to his first class of the day. His fifth period was an hour dedicated to physical education. There were many activities to choose from but Naruto chose to join in a martial arts group and went over to a set of mats dedicated to practitioners of V'Shan. He saw Senva there getting handily defeated by an older student. 'I didn't know she practiced V'shan.' thought Naruto. 'She's an advanced learner but not quite an adept yet.'

The instructor asked, "First year, are you here to participate or observe?"

Naruto found his center and said, "I am here to participate in the V'Shan matches Master. My name is Naruto."

The instructor looked at the young hybrid oddly and said, "I am Instructor Aloran. As you are new, we will need to gauge your skill level."

Naruto nodded and said, "I am prepared Master Aloran."

Aloran nodded. "You use formal speech for your martial arts. I take it you have some formal training?"

"You are correct Master; I've trained for eight years." said the spiky haired blonde. "I am a tenth level V'Shan adept."

Several eyes widened and an older student said, "That is highly improbable. Are you sure you are not a tenth level learner?"

"I stand by my words." said Naruto.

"How old are you?" asked Aloran.

The blue-eyed boy said, "I am thirteen. I will prove my skill to you with an appropriate sparring partner."

Master Aloran raised an eyebrow and said, "Galsh, come here. Will you test this young man?"

Galsh was two heads taller than Naruto and extremely broad and muscular. He absolutely towered over the blonde hybrid. "Galsh asked, "Instructor Aloran, you wish for me to spar with this…boy?"

Aloran nodded and Naruto walked into the ring and bowed formally. "May we have a good match."

The big student looked slightly confused but then bowed and said, "Yes, let us have a good match."

"Galsh, Naruto; begin!" said Instructor Aloran.

Naruto hit Galsh before the big man could react. Naruto kicked Galsh's feet to the right as he gripped the larger man's left hand and flipped him completely to the left causing Galsh to flip over twice. Galsh tried to recover with a foot sweep at Naruto, but the blonde anticipated the move and flipped back and away from Galsh and his superior reach. Galsh got back up and shook his head. 'I need to take this boy seriously.' he thought. Forming two knife hands Galsh attacked with a quick and ruthless set of combos that Naruto batted aside or deflected harmlessly. Galsh went for a neck chop, but Naruto caught his larger opponent's hand flipped Galsh completely over his shoulder causing the larger martial artist to land flat on his back which knocked the wind out of him.

Naruto jumped back in a fluid motion and slid into a low stance that extended his leg reach. Galsh was shaking the cobwebs out of his head from the flip. Naruto's eyes burned with determination, and he charged with an open palm and hit three pressure points before he finished Galsh off with a foot sweep. Galsh was lying flat on his back again in a state of disbelief as Instructor Aloran called the match in Naruto's favor.

The blonde bowed and said, "Thank you for the match. Please allow me to unlock those nerve clusters." Galsh nodded as Naruto tapped his pressure points and caused the tension to be released. Then Naruto helped Galsh up and said, "Good spar. You are an eighth level adept, correct?"

Galsh's eyes widened, "How could you tell?"

"You lack the footwork to go with the speed of your hands." said Naruto honestly. "It is a stage we all must pass. You are quite skilled Galsh." praised Naruto.

The observers of the match were all completely dumbfounded. Instructor Aloran said, "Unlocking nerve clusters like that is a second level Master skill."

Naruto said, "I have a long way to go before I am a second level Master in V'Shan Master Aloran. I am but an adept that has much to learn."

The blonde was going to go greet Senva but was swept away by several high ranking V'Shan students that wanted Naruto's advice. He waved at her, and she waved back. There was amusement in her eyes. After weathering dozens of questions Naruto managed to make it over to Senva who was watching the other students spar. She said, "It is good to see you are well. I had no idea you had such skill in the martial arts."

Naruto shrugged, "It is good to see you too. I'm in the western dormitory; where are you?"

"I'm in the opposite side of the Academy in the eastern dorm." replied Senva.

"Hey Naruto! Is this your girlfriend?" asked Alison as she materialized out of the crowd. "You kicked some serious ass out there!"

'How did she find me?' The blonde face palmed and said, "Ah Senva…This is Miss Fairbanks who lives in the same dorm I do."

"Yo; call me Alison." said the redhead. "We are next door neighbors after all."

"I thought that was Mister Geoff's room…" said Naruto dryly.

Alison shook her head. "Nope. Geoff lives on my other side. You should have partied with us. You're cool enough in my book. Where did you learn to fight like that?"

"My parents are both V'Shan Masters." explained the blonde hybrid. 'Best not to mention Kareel-ifla. Most people consider it brutal. Besides, I'm better at it than V'Shan.'

Alison turned to Senva and said, "So Miss Senva; are you Naruto's girlfriend?"

Senva blushed a tiny bit. "He and I just met at the entrance exams. I am not his girlfriend."

"Then you don't mind if I take him as my study buddy?" asked Alison.

"Study buddy…?" asked both Naruto and Senva with identical flat tones.

Alison said conspiratorially, "You passed with honors. I looked that up and that's something that only happens every fifty or sixty years. Given you placed third I can safely assume that you are some kind of genius at something. Rumor has it you blew the staff away on astrophysics Naruto." She waggled her eyebrows. "Am I right?"

Naruto's blue eyes widened a tiny bit but inside he was panicking. 'By the gods; I have a human stalker!' "Ahem; it is not logical to speculate just on rumors. I would be curious as to where you obtained this information."

"A girl is entitled to her secrets." said the redhead with a smile like the cat that ate the canary. "We have Astrophysics and Quantum Theory together this afternoon, so I'll see you then." Alison then spun on her heel and walked off energetically.

Naruto thought aloud, "How could she know my class schedule? This is most disturbing…"

"Indeed, it is." agreed Senva as her comment rattled him out of his thoughts. "I too have Astrophysics this afternoon. What period do you have yours?"

"I have Astrophysics with Professor Iria during my seventh period." answered Naruto.

"Excellent." said Senva. "I shall see you there. I need to get to my sixth period. You probably should get to yours as well." Senva then departed.

….

Naruto was astounded at the intensity of his sixth period. 'Somehow, I expected Writing and Literature to be relaxing. Professor Kawarda runs her class in an almost militaristic fashion. I already have a report due Friday on passages from the Logic of the Forge.' He sighed. 'What a heavy piece of reading to squeeze into a single week.'

The blonde walked into the Astrophysics Lecture Hall and immediately felt himself relax at the many mathematical formulas written on the walls as well as laws and advanced theories. "Much better." he whispered to himself. Within minutes everyone had arrived and had picked a random learning station. He was soon greeted by Senva who took a station to his right and Alison who took a station on his left by rudely asking someone else to move. The redhead waved and grinned. Naruto thought, 'Curse my blonde hair. I'm so easy to spot.'

While Naruto was lamenting his spiky blonde locks; Professor Iria walked in and stood before the class. She was a tall and imposing Vulcan woman. "I bid you greetings. I am Professor Iria and I am the new head of the Astrophysics Department with Doctor Denak's retirement." She looked directly at Naruto for a split second, but her expression was unreadable. "I have high expectations for this class since we have both the second and third ranked members of the first-year class here. Miss Alison Fairbanks and Mister Naruto M'Fau will no doubt be leading our class in scoring so if you need extra tutoring, you might consider asking them. Please raise your hands for the others you two."

As he raised his hand Naruto's blue eyes nearly popped out of his head as Alison's green ones sparkled with mirth. Senva likewise was doing her best not to gawk like all the other students were.

"You may lower your hands." said Professor Iria. She pointed towards the main holographic display and said, "Direct your attention to the main display class. Today we will discuss the very basics of warp theory (which you all should know by now) so you may all become acclimated to the way this class is organized…"

Naruto watched distressed as various students were studying him carefully. He felt nervous at being singled out and put on the spot, but Alison was happily soaking up the attention she was getting…

…

"This is so awesome!" said Alison as she walked towards the Quantum Physics class together with Naruto. "Not only does Professor Iria like us, but she also acknowledged us in front of the other students!"

"I felt it was rather rude." replied the blonde. "I wonder what her agenda is…"

The redhead chuckled. "We're two of the three top scoring students in our year. What do you mean agenda?"

Naruto sighed. "Vulcans value their privacy. For her to call us out in front of the other students she must have a logical reason…" He shook his head. "Changing topics, considering you have a higher score than I do on the entrance exams; why do you need me to study with you? I'm quite sure you could pass without me."

Alison smiled weakly. "I'm all alone here and it's hard to find people that I can be friends with. I've always been too smart for other people, so most people avoid me."

Naruto saw her green eyes had a sadness in them and said quietly, "I'll be your study partner then. I know it's hard to be alone from experience."

The redhead glomped him in a massive hug and said, "Great; we'll knock them all dead!"

For his part Naruto was blushing green and was too mortified to speak at such a blatantly emotional display…

…

Naruto's first day of class was over and he made it back to his suite and sat down. "What an exhausting day…" he thought aloud. Getting out his tablet, Naruto went through the files and brought up the first chapter of Surak's Logic of the Forge. He went through the introduction and thought to himself, 'This is no way to enjoy Surak's teachings. This is like having the data shoved into your brain like-' There was a rattle noise and then a thumping at his door. "What is it now…?" growled the blonde. He got up and said, "Unlock."

The door immediately slid open, and Geoff Baker fell in the doorway with an "Oof!"

Geoff looked up and saw Naruto's feet, black robes, medallion and finally the blonde's rather stern face and blazing blue eyes. "May I help you Mister Geoff?" Naruto asked the black-haired young man.

Seeing Naruto's rather intense look, Geoff said; "I'm sorry Naruto; I thought this was my room." He gave the blonde a weak smile. "Sorry about that."

Naruto held out his hand and pulled Geoff to his feet. As the blonde looked at the tall and lanky boy he said, "There is no need to be so timid Geoff. It isn't like I'm going to hurt you."

Geoff scratched his neck nervously and said, "I felt kind of bad about disturbing you with the loud music yesterday. Thanks for not reporting us. Alison is kind of out of control."

The blonde motioned towards a seat and said, "Tea?"

The human boy looked surprised and said, "Sure, thank you."

Naruto served some tea from his food replicator and said, "Tea out of a food replicator is a poor substitute for home brewed tea but it's all I have to serve I'm afraid."

Geoff took a sip and said, "It's good." The two young men sat in silence as they sipped their tea and the dark-haired boy asked, "So how are your classes? Alison said she has three class periods with you. She seemed really tickled."

The blonde sat his tea aside and said, "Yes, we have Physical Education, Astrophysics and Quantum Physics together. She seemed pleased."

"She seems to really like you." said Geoff. "I wouldn't stand a chance with her." the young man shrugged. "I think you're her type."

Naruto raised a questioning eyebrow. "Her type? I'm not familiar with your meaning. I assume that's a Terran phrase?"

Geoff chuckled, "I mean you're the type of guy she finds attractive; like a boyfriend."

"You mean you aren't her boyfriend Geoff?" asked Naruto puzzled. "You were in her room, and she was-"

"Alison says I'm too old and too wimpy." said Geoff. "Besides, she's a genius and I barely made it in. I'm at the bottom of our class of 87."

The blonde asked, "How old are you? I'm thirteen and you don't look old to me."

"I'm almost eighteen; Alison is fourteen." explained Geoff. "On top of that I'm already balding. It's kind of embarrassing."

"It's simple genetics." said Naruto. "I fail to see why it would be a source of discomfort for you. Isn't baldness a common thing among human males?"

Geoff smiled, "Some men lose their hair later in life but I'm very young, so it makes me look older."

Naruto picked up his cup and took a sip of tea. "You are very self-conscious about yourself. You should focus on the positives rather than the negatives. You must be very intelligent, or you wouldn't have made it into the Vulcan Science Academy to begin with. Adhere to your strengths to overcome your weaknesses. That's what my parents taught me."

"You seem awfully wise for someone that's thirteen Naruto." said Geoff. "Thanks for the tea. I'm two rooms south, right?"

"You are welcome -and you are two rooms north." said Naruto as he showed Geoff to the door and pointed north. "Have a good night." said Naruto as the black-haired young man went to his room. 'Now to get back to my reading…'

…

Stardate 2267.310, Planet Vulcan, ShiKahr District, Vulcan Science Academy

"Personal Log: My first week at the Vulcan Science Academy has been quite tumultuous. My original plans to go home this weekend and work on Father's old bike with T'Lyra and Kesh have been completely dismembered faster than you could say 'homework.' T'Lyra in particular seemed distressed over the situation. When I mentioned I was helping my new study partners and that two of them were female; she told me a piece of Vulcan wisdom that was imparted to her by her Mother. "All women are insane and all men are stupid." I've been pondering this matter for several hours and I have yet to figure out the logic behind it. Perhaps I should ask my Mother for advice on this matter…"

"On an unconnected note I have finally perfected the spiraling sphere or 'Rasengan' that is pure shape manipulation of my chakra. I need to test its capabilities as it is combat oriented. I have come to the conclusion that these ancestral memories are gradually being unlocked as I grow stronger physically and spiritually. It is a difficult concept to conceive at this point but my most recent 'memory dreams' have been of a technique called the shadow clone. I believe it could unlock possibilities that quite literally defy the laws of conventional physics. Of course, chakra in general is a mystery that Mother and I have yet to unravel other than it is an evolutionary step towards controlling the body's bioelectric energy. I wish I had more time to dedicate to studying chakra but my various Professors' current goal in life seems to be burying me alive in homework. Just as bad; due to Professor Iria's announcement I have numerous Astrophysics students that have asked me for guidance…"

The blonde put down his tablet. "Mother is correct. Keeping a personal log does help organize one's thoughts at the beginning of the day. I will have to thank her for the advice. Now to have a quiet breakf-" He heard a pounding on his door. 'Oh what the hell is it now?!' he growled mentally.

Naruto opened his door to the overzealous Alison who said with characteristic cheerfulness, "Good morning blondie! Ready for another exciting day?"

"My plans for a peaceful morning of reflection have been shot down in flames." lamented the blonde hybrid.

Alison laughed. "Who needs a boring morning of reflection when you can have a whole day of excitement with me?! Besides, poor Geoff needs our help."

'Ugh. Urge to prank, rising. There will be a reckoning red. Just you wait…' thought Naruto darkly.

…

Alison's Suite, after lunch

"It's bloody impossible!" cried Geoff.

Naruto said, "No, it's genetics. You have the same Professor I do Geoff. This is basic stuff."

"I think Professor T'Par hates me." lamented the dark-haired boy.

"It's just chromosomal drift between species." said Senva. When you crossbreed animals then the resulting hybrid will be unique."

Alison grinned. "They are talking about you again Naruto." The blonde just shrugged.

Geoff snapped his fingers. "No wonder! I guess that's why you understand this stuff so well huh Naruto?"

"Considering half of me is Vulcan and the other half is unknown then yes, I've studied genetics with my Mother extensively." said Naruto.

"Unknown?" asked Senva. "Everyone assumed you were half human like Ambassador Sarek's famous son Spock."

"What are you then?" asked Alison curiously as her green eyes stared intently at Naruto. "Is that why you have those cute whisker marks?"

Geoff scolded, "Alison, don't be rude."

"But I want to know!" replied the inquisitive redhead.

"My species is unknown." said Naruto. "The whisker birthmarks do seem to come from that side though. It's mainly classified by Starfleet, so I don't talk about it."

Senva looked very curious. "Then you really don't know? That must be very unsettling."

"It is vexing sometimes but my parents have always treated me as a normal Vulcan child." explained Naruto. "I've just always been a bit different in appearance."

"Rats; I was hoping you'd have some cool abilities outside of normal Vulcans." said Alison in a disappointed tone.

Naruto's eyes glittered. "You mean like walking up walls and across ceilings in defiance of gravity?"

"Exactly!" exclaimed Alison.

"You have quite an imagination there Naruto." said Geoff.

"It sounded like something Alison would appreciate." said the blonde.

Senva said, "Perhaps we should get back to our genetics homework. Professor T'Par expects it to be completed first thing Monday morning."

…

Gymnasium, the next morning

Sunday morning Naruto was up early and was at the gymnasium practicing his V-Shan routine with his new friend Galsh as Master Aloran observed. "You need to relax your stances more Galsh." advised the blonde. "Find your center and release your mind and body from their confines. Naruto gently stretched at and impossible angle into a handstand. Then he flipped back into a standing position.

"Forgive me Naruto but that was not V'Shan." said Galsh in a puzzled tone.

Naruto nodded. "Correct. I see no reason to limit oneself to a single style."

Galsh asked, "What martial art was that then?"

Instructor Aloran commented, "Unless I am mistaken that was one of the exercises to build upper body strength in the style of Kareel-ifla."

"Kareel-ifla is said to be absolutely brutal." said Galsh in a concerned tone.

"It is also incredibly effective regardless of its reputation for being barbaric." said the blonde. "My Father is a sixth level Master at Kareel-ifla Master Aloran."

Aloron's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "A sixth level Master? What does he think of you mixing moves of different martial arts?"

Naruto hid his amusement at Aloran's reaction. "Father always found my style to be unpredictable and innovative. He has always approved ever since he started training me out in Forge."

"You've trained in the Forge?" asked Galsh. "That sounds very harsh."

"Ever since I was five years old." said Naruto. "I got beat up rather badly by other children, so Father and Mother trained me in their respective arts. Mother is a second level Master in V'Shan so she is no pushover."

Aloran waved the two boys over to sit with him and have some tea. After the three sat down together the Master asked, "So what level would you say you are at in Kareel-ifla?"

"I currently hold the rank of a second level Master in Kareel-ifla." said Naruto. "It actually comes more natural to me than V'Shan."

Galsh took a sip of tea. "I'm surprised you never mentioned this before." said the big young man.

Naruto shrugged. "Kareel-ifla has a reputation that precedes it. Many people have the misconception that practitioners of Kareel-ifla are uncivilized, so I rarely discuss it."

"That is a logical bit of reasoning Naruto." said Aloran in approval. "That being said, I have observed Kareel-ifla matches and they are quite brutal to watch. Neither Galsh nor I will mention this to others."

Galsh nodded in agreement and Naruto said, "I thank you. What do you say we get back to our V'Shan practice…?"

…

Naruto's Suite

After practice, Naruto was talking to T'lyra on his communicator. "I am glad to hear from you T'Lyra. You seemed frustrated when we last spoke. Is everything alright?"

"Something rather drastic has happened." said T'Lyra in a strained voice. "I would like to see you in person to relate the news as it is of a sensitive nature."

Noting the stress in his friend's voice the blonde pulled out his tablet and said, "I can come out via transport bus this evening at six. I can take one back here at nine. Will that be enough time T'Lyra?"

"It should be enough." said the blue-wearing girl. "I'm sorry to interrupt your studies but-"

"If you deem it necessary then I will be there." Naruto said with a tone of finality. "I trust your logic on these matters. Where do you want to meet?"

"My house would be best." said T'Lyra.

"Very well; I will see you this evening." replied Naruto.

…

Cafeteria

The group of four study partners was having breakfast together. "And so, I propose we use we use Naruto's room instead of mine today." said Alison. "With all my stuff it's a bit crowded."

"That seems logical." said Senva. "The excessive clutter in your room is distracting." 'Not to mention it smells like humans…'

"Hey! I like my room." defended the redhead. "It's a work in progress."

"It looks more like a starship's crash sight." commented Geoff.

"Shut up before I hurt you Geoff." said Alison. "My room isn't that bad."

Geoff said, "Off topic, but how come Vulcan last names are so hard to say?"

Maat fau isn't that hard to say. It's Golic Vulcan for clan who rides, The Riders." said Naruto.

"Mayat-fow?" asked Geoff.

"Forget I said anything." said Naruto in a flat tone.

"What about your name Senva?" asked Alison. "I want to hear Geoff completely butcher it too." she said with a snort.

Senva sighed. "My Clan name is t'oluhk (maat) which is old Golic for of the snake (clan)."

"Go ahead and say it Geoff!" said Alison with huge eyes. "This I've got to hear!

Geoff said in a pouting tone, "I'm not even trying with that one."

…

Naruto said, "On an unconnected note I will be out this evening until after nine so we can study in my room till about six."

"Is everything alright?" asked Senva.

"A friend of mine has urgent news so I am going to see her." explained Naruto.

"I hope all is well." said the Vulcan girl.

"As do I." the blonde replied gravely.

…

Naruto's Suite

"You have hardly any decorations at all Naruto." said Alison with a sweat drop. "This room of yours is utterly boring. You don't even have any pictures…"

Naruto sighed, "We are here to study; not to critique my living space."

"It is clean and efficient." commented Senva. "Everything seems to be in a logical order."

The blonde nodded in appreciation. "Thank you."

Geoff was looking at a small holographic projector on the nightstand beside Naruto's bed. "Wow Naruto; who is this total babe? She's hot! Is she your girlfriend?"

Naruto's eyebrow twitched. "That would be my Mother, Geoff. The projector scrolls through different members of my family."

Alison exploded into laughter as Geoff blushed madly in embarrassment. We the redhead got herself under control she watched as the holographic projector scrolled through Sovar, T'Ara, Talok and then a picture of the whole family together including Naruto. "Well, in Geoff's defense, Naruto's Mom is smokin' hot."

"S-shut up Alison!" cried Geoff.

"Let's just do our homework…" said Senva.

Naruto nodded and said, "I am in full agreement Senva."

…

ShiKhar District, T'Lyra's House

Naruto quietly knocked on the door a T'Lyra's residence at six-thirty in the evening. T'Lyra's Mother Anuak answered the door and said, "Naruto, welcome. We've been waiting for you. There is much to be discussed."

The blonde quietly entered and took off his sandals. "Thank you for inviting me into your home. T'Lyra sounded stressed when she called so I came as soon as I could make arrangements."

T'Lyra came out of the back and said, "Naruto; I'm so glad you are here. Please join me in my room. I'll get us some tea."

Naruto was soon sitting at a small table for tea that T'Lyra had in her room to entertain guests. He took a sip of tea and cringed slightly. 'T'Lyra's Mother must have made this.'

The blue wearing girl said, "My Mother made the tea. I'm not sure what flavor it is." T'Lyra took a delicate sip and got an extremely sour look on her face. "Perhaps we should skip this tea. It seems quite unpalatable. I can't even tell what flavor it is."

"Ah, that is an excellent idea." said Naruto. He looked at T'Lyra and so how tired she looked. "Tell me what happened T'Lyra? You seem very stressed."

T'Lyra sighed. "Where do I start?" She pondered for a moment and said, "Arev is out of therapy and visited this morning. I'm afraid that he is damaged."

"Damaged?" asked the blonde. "Do you mean in a physical or mental way?"

The brown-haired girl said, "After two years of private therapy Arev decided to embrace the path of emotionalism over logic."

Naruto's blue eyes goggled. "What?! But that's absurd! What do his parents think?"

"His parents are very distraught and have all but disowned him." explained T'Lyra. "For obvious reasons my engagement to him is broken off. He grew very angry when I declared this, and he threatened me. He said I belong to him and when his Pon Farr comes around he will seek me out whether I agree to it or not. I am very concerned he will carry out his threat and he acts unstable and unbalanced. Everyone has urged him to go back into therapy for his own sake, but he is convinced that emotional control can only be accomplished by experiencing emotions. His display was vulgar and illogical. I don't know if his parents will be able to keep him as he's already spoken of leading a nomadic life with others that reject Surak's teachings. His parents already indicated that they did not wish to let him influence his younger siblings."

Naruto reached out and grasped T'Lyra's hands with his own larger ones. "I will protect you from him T'Lyra. Arev will never touch you if I have a say in it."

T'Lyra gently squeezed Naruto's hands. "Arev hates you and wants you dead Naruto. He said so himself. He also hates Kesh but not to the same extent. You must be cautious Naruto. I do not want you to be hurt by him…Arev has become a monster."

"If Arev attacks me or anyone, I care for then I won't hold back." said Naruto in an iron tone.

"You mean you would actually use your chakra?" asked T'Lyra.

Naruto nodded. "If he tries to hurt you in any way T'Lyra; I will put him down like the sick animal he is. I won't let him touch you."

…

Vulcan Science Academy

Naruto got back to his suite at nine-thirty and sat wondering what exactly happened to Arev. T'Lyra's parents explained to Naruto that the engagement was mutually broken between Arev and T'Lyra's parents which put the blue wearing girl in the position of being thirteen and unbonded. Regardless of this fact, Arev had been completely enraged and apparently was dragged out of T'Lyra's house by his own very mortified Father…

'It isn't like Arev was ever any sort of friend to me.' thought the blonde. 'Other than taunting me from day one and attacking me we are barely acquaintances. I saved his life and it made him mad. Perhaps he was damaged all along and rebelled completely during his therapy. How disturbing.' Naruto showered and changed into his night clothes. He thought aloud, "If Arev tries to harm T'Lyra in any way there will be no power in the world that can save him from me."

Naruto slept uneasily that night dreaming of assassination techniques from his ancestral memories. Whether he knew it or not his dreams would prepare the blonde for anything…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: Vulcan noses were sensitive enough to the body odors of humans to require nasal numbing agents in some cases.

*②: Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations symbol: The IDIC symbol represents the basis of Vulcan philosophy, celebrating the vast array of variables in the universe.

Well, this chapter ended on a darker note than originally planned but it was a good stopping point. Naruto's first weeks of school were hectic, and he's made several new friends in the process. Arev once again reared his ugly head, and it seems the boy has gone over the deep end. There aren't that many "Vulcans without Logic" but they are out there. Some are fairly well-adjusted individuals (like Spock's half-brother Sybok) but it seems that Arev isn't one of them. Now when is Naruto going to get a chance to work on that bike? See you next time. Blue out. 8/24/23