Naruto: Infinity Divide
Ion Engines
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
How can Naruto get that old speeder bike running again? Here is chapter 9. Enjoy!
Last time:
…After class, Professor T'Laan said to Naruto; "You certainly brought up some interesting points about the philosopher Grelek today, Naruto. Have you ever considered pursuing Philosophy as a major?"
Naruto wanted to faint…
…
Western Dorm Cafeteria
"It must be tough being the teacher's pet." snickered Alison. "Maybe you should drop all your science courses and study Philosophy and Theology instead."
Naruto cringed at the concept. "Professor T'Laan is a good person but she is a bit too interested in me because I'm a hybrid it seems. She seems to think my point of view would be radically different from others even though I was raised as an ordinary Vulcan child."
"Being raised by a Father who is a Master of the martial arts and a Mother who has three doctorates is hardly what I'd consider ordinary Naruto." commented Senva in a conversational tone.
Naruto resisted the urge to face fault. "You are not helping at all Senva."
Senva sipped her tea. "You seem to be under the false impression that I was trying to help."
Geoff and Alison burst into laughter and Naruto just shook his head…
…
Chapter 9
...
Stardate 2267.324, Planet Vulcan, ShiKahr District, Vulcan Science Academy
It was very early Saturday morning and Naruto was up and running. He had big plans for the day with T'Lyra and didn't wish to be late.
"Personal Log: I am overflowing with happiness that T'Lyra Tolaris and I will soon go through our koon-ut-la together. It is only one week away. This is all happening so fast. I find it difficult to believe after all these years that I finally have an intended mate. Today I am multitasking with shadow clones to do homework with my friends while I head home to work on the speeder bike with T'Lyra. My studies are going well and the boost of positive energy within me has made my productivity go up. I currently can make two shadow clones per day without suffering the exhausting mental feedback I dealt with when I made four.
On another note, Professor T'Laan has asked me to write a paper on the philosopher Grelek that she wishes to present to her colleagues. I should feel flattered but to quote my friend Alison it is a "royal pain in the ass." (I believe I used that in the proper context). At any rate I hope this weekend will prove to be a productive one."
Naruto closed his tablet having made his daily entry and packed it with his other things for the short shuttle trip back home to ShiKhar City. After stopping in at his house to drop his things off Naruto got ready to set out towards T'Lyra's home.
…
T'Lyra's house
The beautiful brunette girl was wearing her form fitting gray work clothes and had just finished putting her hair in a sensible braid. 'I want to dress up nicely for Naruto though it's not logical or practical given we are doing dirty physical labor. Mother doesn't like me doing this, but I enjoy working with my hands and more importantly working with Naruto.' She admired herself in the mirror. "There we are." Her communicator buzzed and she saw it was Naruto calling. With a tiny smile she answered her communicator. "This is T'Lyra; good morning to you Naruto."
Naruto was happy to hear her voice. "I am glad to hear you are up T'Lyra. I thought I would come over and pick you up if you are ready. We need to take that bike frame over to Kesh's house today so his Father can weld it together."
T'Lyra said, "My parents aren't up yet so I'll meet you on the porch out front. Have you had breakfast?"
"I had something light." said the blonde hybrid. "Have you eaten?"
"No but I'll pack something easy we can eat on the way back to your house." answered the brunette girl. "I am eager to get started."
She could practically feel Naruto beaming at her through the communicator. "I'll see you shortly then." he said happily.
…
Naruto walked over to T'Lyra's house in about twenty minutes and knocked on her door lightly. He was soon greeted by his betrothed at the door. "You look nice today T'Lyra." he said shyly.
She blushed prettily and gave him a tiny smile. T'Lyra said, "It's just work clothes Naruto but thank you. Come in and let me finish packing our breakfast and we can go."
The young pair was soon walking back to Naruto's home and they were talking about their plans for the day. He was explaining shadow clones and how they worked.
"That's amazing Naruto!" exclaimed T'Lyra. "I can't wait to see them in action."
…
The two made it to Naruto's house without incident and snacked on their breakfast. Soon Naruto was checking everything on the bike to make sure it was ready to transport and T'Lyra called Kesh to make sure it was okay to bring the frame over as they'd discussed previously. T'yra soon had a flat look on her otherwise lovely face. "What do you mean you forgot Kesh? Get out of bed and get ready. We are coming over." After she turned off her communicator, she noted Naruto with a raised eyebrow and blushed slightly. She said, "Sometimes Kesh needs an extra push."
Naruto hid his smile and asked, "Kesh was still in bed, wasn't he?"
"I'm afraid so." said T'Lyra. "I guess that means we can take our time and finish our breakfast."
Naruto nodded. "That seems logical."
After finishing off breakfast the two teens got their things together to make the sojourn over to their friend's house. Naruto handed the half meter long replacement piece of frame they got from Mahak's Speeders to T'Lyra. "I'll carry the rest." said Naruto as he picked up the frame with one arm and balanced it on his shoulder.
"Are you absolutely sure that's not too heavy Naruto?" asked T'Lyra worriedly as Naruto closed the garage behind them.
"It's fine." the blonde said in an assuring tone. He gave her a tiny smile and said, "Let's go!"
…
Kesh's house
T'Lyra and Naruto came trotting up and exchanged greetings with Kesh's Father Skon. "Good morning to you Skon; is Kesh up? We brought the bike frame as we agreed last week." said Naruto.
Skon's eyes were bulging at Naruto's holding the frame so easily. "Is that an ultralight?" he asked confused.
Naruto carefully set the frame down and said, "Not to my knowledge. Where do you need me to put it?"
Kesh's Father went to move the frame himself and found he could only drag it instead of pick it up without extreme effort. "Let me move it." said Naruto as he picked it up again.
Skon looked a bit dazed and said, "Lay it on its side over here with the bent side up."
Kesh came out of the house and into the garage with his long hair all wild from sleeping and said, "Father, Naruto and T'Lyra are coming with the bike…Oh, I see they are already here."
"And good morning to you Kesh." said Naruto. "I trust you slept well." The blonde was enjoying the look of embarrassment on his friend's face.
The long-haired boy decided to deflect the whole conversation and said, "Let's get to work on that bike shall we?"
The hybrid hid a tiny grin and said, "By all means; let us proceed."
For her part T'Lyra just shook her head at Kesh's antics. 'Kesh is a good friend but sometimes he's a bit scatterbrained.'
…
Skon carefully checked Naruto's measurements on the frame before he cut the damaged piece of frame out and fitted the new one. Handing Naruto the appropriate safety goggles and gloves Skon carefully guided the blonde hybrid along as they welded the new frame piece in.
"…And there you have it Naruto." said Skon as he extinguished the plasma torch. "It's simple to use but safety and careful alignment of all the parts in question are paramount. The best thing about welding with a plasma torch is it cools to the touch in minutes. Let's have some water and then we'll scan the weld and make sure it's all good." Kesh's Father seemed quite pleased with the results.
A half hour later the group of four was examining the new weld with Skon's matter scanner that showed the shear strength and tensile strength of the weld. "Everything looks as good as can be Naruto." said Skon. "Very nicely done."
"Now all it needs is some paint to make it match." said Kesh. The long-haired boy was very enthused.
"I wish it was that easy Kesh." said Naruto. "I've been reading up on this. We need to strip the paint for corrosion control, acid etch it and apply new paint and seal it. It with be extensive work unless we can find someone to do it for us like a paint shop."
Kesh's Father looked impressed. "It sounds like you kids are planning to do it right. What kind of shape is the engine in?"
Naruto got a twinkle in his eye. "I have someone coming to look at it tonight. I believe he can help me out. We shall see."
…
Flashback…
Thursday evening Geoff was talking to an upperclassman over dinner. He was a tall, lanky Vulcan by the name of Adenkar that Geoff was taking a math class with. His major was in engineering. "Your project for the first trimester is to fix up an engine?" asked Geoff.
Adenkar shook his head. "My project is to rebuild and upgrade an ion engine's performance, but I can't find an appropriate ion engine to work on. They cost a lot you know."
Naruto cocked his head. "What about an ion speeder bike engine? They are smaller. Wouldn't that be cheaper?"
Adenkar looked a bit dubious. "Ion engines on repulsor bikes are more collector's items these days. It would cost a fortune to get one. One off a shuttle would be cheaper. It's a nice idea but-"
"I have a VK-220R ion engine I need completely rebuilt for my speeder bike." said Naruto. "I'll let you rebuild it any way you want as long as it looks stock when you are through."
The lanky Vulcan said with wide eyes, "A VK-220R…? Are you serious?"
Naruto nodded. "You get the grade and in return I get a restored engine. It seems like a good deal for both of us."
Adenkar asked, "How well does it run?"
"It ran ten years ago when my Father put it into storage." replied the blonde hybrid. "I haven't tried to start it since I'm currently restoring the frame."
"Can I look at it and see what kind of shape it's in?" asked Adenkar. "It sounds too good to be true."
"Why do you say that?" asked Geoff curiously.
"A VK-220 had a standard engine but a VK-220R had a downgraded ion racing engine." said Adenkar with fire in his eyes. "If that engine is stock and actually runs then it would be a dream to rebuild one to racing standards. It would be perfect."
"How about you come out Saturday evening to give it a look?" asked Naruto.
Adenkar nodded vigorously and said, "Give me your home address and I'll come out to check it with my instruments."
Flashback end…
"…And so Adenkar is going to come out and inspect it tonight." explained Naruto to the others. "If it works out, I believe it could save me a small fortune since I haven't even studied the engine yet."
Skon was goggle eyed and studied the logo on the bike's frame that said VK-220R on it. "I had no idea this was an R. Thirty years ago every amateur racer there was wanted one of these to upgrade to racing specs. This is a very desirable bike."
"I wonder why Father never said anything…?" pondered Naruto aloud.
…
T'Ara and Sovar's house, that evening…
Adenkar pulled up in a small freight land speeder and saw Naruto, T'Lyra and Kesh waiting for him. With the lanky Vulcan was Geoff Baker who came along for the ride and to help if needed. As they pulled up Naruto directed them up the driveway to the garage.
Sovar heard Naruto open the garage and came out to oversee the proceedings. Though he trusted Naruto's judgment Sovar wasn't going to let just anybody run off with the bike's engine. Adenkar gave the traditional Vulcan salute to all of them. "Good evening. I brought my sensor rig to check the engine." he said as he motioned to a plethora of machinery on the back of his flatbed.
'He certainly has all the tools of the trade on that flatbed.' thought Sovar. 'It looks like a mobile repair shop.'
Naruto came over and welcomed them. "Good evening Adenkar. Welcome to my home. Geoff, it is good to see you. Allow me to introduce my Father Sovar, my betrothed T'Lyra and my good friend Kesh. Everyone; this is Adenkar from the Vulcan Science Academy and my friend Geoff Baker of Earth."
Geoff's eyes goggled. 'Naruto is engaged?! Alison's not going to be happy.' The young human man took a good look at T'Lyra and thought, 'Not that I blame Naruto; she's a total knockout. I bet she'll be a real bombshell when she gets older.'
Everyone finished exchanging greetings and Naruto rolled the engine out on the jack it was resting on. He turned to Adenkar. "Where do you want it?" asked the blonde.
Adenkar said, "I have a hoist. We'll load it onto the back of the flatbed and put it in the testing cradle I have."
Naruto was just going to lift the engine but T'Lyra stopped him. "Let him use the hoist. You could hurt yourself." she said with concern in her voice. Naruto nodded in agreement.
Twenty minutes later the engine was firmly strapped down in its test cradle and Adenkar was testing connections with more gear than anyone knew existed. Finally, the lanky young Vulcan said, "I've checked all the connections. Everything is within acceptable parameters. It's not optimal but it is adequate. Let's start it up." He motioned everyone away from behind the engine exhausts to the side where they were clear. "No need to get blasted by the exhaust stream." he said.
After everyone had moved clear Adenkar said, "Here we go!" He was obviously excited.
The engine hummed and then made a sickly, coughing sound and belched black smoke out of the exhausts before it backfired and went quiet. Everyone looked puzzled but Adenkar looked devastated. "My project…" he muttered under his breath.
"Oh, it's doing that again." said Sovar as he climbed up beside the smoking engine. He asked Adenkar, "Do you have an adjustable wrench?" The lanky Vulcan student nodded and wondered what adjustments need to be made.
"Here is the wrench." said Adenkar as he handed it over. "What needs to be adjusted? All my readings check out."
Sovar simply said, "Try starting it again." The engine hummed and coughed once more and Sovar whacked the right front side of the engine with the wrench. Then the engine roared to life, and it blew smoke for about a minute before it started rumbling smoothly…
Adenkar looked dumbfounded and asked, "What did you do?"
Naruto's Father shrugged and said, "I have no idea, but it always worked. It was that or kicking it."
The blonde hybrid resisted the urge to face fault. 'Only you Father…'
T'Lyra hid her smile at Naruto's facial expression of utter disbelief and Geoff said, "More importantly it runs! It looks like your project is a go Adenkar."
Soon everyone was inside the garage, and they were looking over a standard contract from the Vulcan Science Academy's Engineering program to 'borrow' the engine for the remainder of the trimester. When Sovar and Adenkar signed it was obvious that the lanky young Vulcan man was giddy (by Vulcan standards) with excitement. He bowed and said to Sovar and Naruto, "I promise you that when I bring that engine back at the end of the term it will be better than new." Everyone bade their farewells and Adenkar and Geoff soon left with the engine firmly strapped down for safety.
Naruto turned to Sovar and asked, "So how did you learn to restart that engine with a wrench anyway?"
Sovar looked thoughtful and said, "I couldn't get the bike to start after the wreck bent the frame and it kept dying. After hours of this I lost my self-control and kicked it. Then it started right up." Sovar seemed rather pleased with himself and Naruto just face palmed.
"I should have known…" said Naruto with a sigh. "You didn't employ the scientific method at all did you Father?"
Sovar nodded. "I find brute force will usually suffice my son." he said sagely.
T'Ara joined them and said, "Spoken like a true martial artist my husband. Come inside and eat everybody, It's time for dinner. There is plenty for T'Lyra and Kesh as well."
…
The next day…
Naruto spent most of his Sunday morning working on the electrical systems on the bike with T'Lyra helping him since Kesh was busy doing homework that day. The two of them made an interesting discovery as they looked over the VR-220R specifications. "There are aerodynamic fittings that cover all the exposed wiring on the frame." said T'Lyra. "Why is it missing on this one?"
"I guess we should ask Father." said Naruto. The pair went in the house and found Sovar and T'Ara gently helping Talok with her V'Shan routine she was learning as part of her 'dancing.' Naruto waited until Talok finished her routine and then clapped as the little girl finished. "Very good Talok. You're doing well learning V'Shan."
Talok bowed happily and said, "Thank you Naruto!"
"Did you come to practice son?" asked Sovar. "We haven't sparred in some time."
Naruto paused and said, "Actually I had a question about some missing parts on the bike, but we haven't had a good spar in weeks now that you mention it." Naruto turned to T'Lyra and asked, "Do you mind if I spar with Father?"
"I don't mind but you know I don't have any experience with the martial arts." replied the beautiful brunette girl.
Sovar said, "Your body type is suited to Ponn-ifla or V'Shan T'Lyra. You should train with Talok. I would feel better if my future daughter-in-law could defend herself. Wouldn't you agree Naruto?"
Naruto nodded and asked, "What would you think about learning V'shan T'Lyra? It's an easy martial art that is also a good workout while you practice your forms."
"You can learn with me!" said Talok happily. "We can dance together."
T'Lyra was amused and said, "I'll think about it. It might be enjoyable to learn."
…
Naruto and Sovar were soon in the back yard in their respective Kareel-ifla opening stances. Naruto was in the offensive position whereas Sovar was in the stiffer defensive form. "Any rules Father?" asked Naruto eagerly.
Sovar nodded. "Stay in one style or the other rather than your usual freestyle. I will stay in the Kareel-ifla style for now."
The blonde grinned ferally and said, "I will too then. I'm ready Father."
Sovar said, "Begin!" and Naruto vanished before T'Lyra and Talok's eyes only to reappear in front of his Father with a brutal open palm attack. T'Ara was used to this kind of speed and kept up easily enough as she sat with Talok in her lap on the back porch. Naruto and Sovar were in a flurry of activity with brutal punches, kicks and grappling moves employed. Naruto suddenly went flying back and rolled to a halt on all fours. He shot back into the fray when Sovar motioned him forward. The sounds of the hits were like thunderclaps.
T'Lyra was baffled by the sounds alone and soon both men were quite disheveled. Sovar's long hair had been blown completely out of his normal ponytail and Naruto's spiky hair was all over the place. Naruto got under his Father to leg sweep him but Sovar caught his son's careening leg and flipped the blonde over his shoulder. Naruto twisted midair and landed on his feet in a skid. After about ten more minutes of furious activity Sovar held up his hand for Naruto to stop. Both men were breathing heavily. "Well done my son." said Sovar proudly. "You haven't lost your edge at all while you've been away at the Academy. Very good."
"Thank you, Father." said Naruto. "I was never able to get an opening in your defense though."
T'Lyra came over to Naruto and said worried, "That was unbelievably frightening. Are you hurt Naruto?" She turned to Sovar and said, "Are you hurt Sovar?"
"We're both fine." said Sovar with a minimal smile as he dusted off his hands. "Besides, Naruto is tougher than a Capellan Power Cat*①." I could probably knock him through a wall and he wouldn't even be fazed. He chases away Le-Matyas, remember?"
…
After everyone got back inside Sovar was drinking some juice with Naruto and said, "So what was it you two wanted to ask me about earlier? Something about missing bike parts…?"
T'Lyra was still fussing over the now fully healed Naruto. She said to Sovar, "There were fairings that went over the wiring that are missing from the bike. We were wondering where they went."
Sovar scratched his chin and said, "I know where they are. The person I bought the bike from stripped all the trim off the bike so it would be easier to access the wiring to work on it. I never bothered to put it back on. There are a lot of extra parts over in the shed behind Mother's house."
"The parts are over at Lady Varek's house then?" asked Naruto. Seeing Sovar nod he said, "That's not good."
"Lady Varek…?" asked T'Lyra. "She is your Grandmother Naruto?"
T'Ara explained, "Mother Varek was unkind to Naruto as a child because he is a hybrid. She wouldn't let him address her as Grandmother until he passed the kahs-wan ritual when she finally acknowledged him as her grandchild. Naruto refuses to address her as Grandmother to this day."
T'Lyra suddenly looked rather uncomfortable. "I see; that's not good."
"Mother Varek has been quite interested in meeting you T'Lyra." said T'Ara in a conversational tone. "She's quite talkative so watch what you say around her."
"She is a gossip then?" asked the brunette girl as she looked over at the generally quiet Sovar.
Sovar shrugged. "We still wonder how she and I are related given our personalities are nothing alike. Perhaps I take after my Father."
"What is he like?" asked T'Lyra.
"I don't know; they divorced when I was still an infant." said Sovar. "I've never met him in living memory."
"How unfortunate." said T'Lyra. "I am sorry to hear this."
Sovar said, "You needn't worry about it T'Lyra. I imagine my Father had his reasons. I made peace with that long ago."
'She probably drove him away with her nonstop talking.' thought both Naruto and T'Ara as one.
"We'll get those parts later then." said Naruto. "I don't have the patience to deal with Lady Varek today." 'And I don't want her interrogating T'Lyra either.' he thought dourly.
…
Stardate 2267.327, Vulcan Science Academy, Naruto's Suite
It started off a normal school week. On Tuesday Naruto, Senva, Alison and Geoff finished their homework early and at Alison's insistence were playing a Terran medieval style role playing game on their tablets.
Senva's knight died (again) against a vampire lord. She and Naruto were both confounded by the total lack of logic involved. Senva sat there for a moment and said, "There are two physical states of existence for mammalian animals. They are alive or they are dead. Even when mammals go into deep hibernation, they are alive…What does undead mean?! It is not alive, yet it is not dead. An animated corpse must be alive if it is not dead…"
Naruto was in a similar state of confusion. "These undead are vulnerable to fire more than the living…yet they are invulnerable to frostbite even though they are composed of the same flesh as ordinary humans…This is too illogical for me to continue!"
Alison thought the whole situation was hilarious. Seeing her two Vulcan friends practically banging their heads on the walls at the concept of vampires and ghouls was far more entertaining than the game they were playing. The redhead was in a state of uncontrollable giggles…
Geoff was trying to be more merciful. "It's fantasy guys! In medieval times the living feared graveyards because they feared the dead. They invented myths and…"
"Why would anyone fear the dead?" asked Senva. "Once life leaves the body it ceases to move other than coiling into the fetal position. This undead concept is absolutely confounding!"
"Maybe we should stick to cards…" said Geoff forlornly.
…
ShiKahr City, T'Ara and Sovar's house
On Wednesday morning T'Ara had just returned from dropping Talok off at school when T'Lyra's Mother Anuak called and disturbed the onyx eyed beauty's otherwise peaceful morning.
"What do you mean ninety-three members of the Tolaris Clan wish to attend Naruto and T'Lyra's koon-ut-la?" asked T'Ara. "We agreed that seventy-five was the maximum."
"I'm afraid news travelled much faster through the Clan than I expected." explained Anuak. "The Tolaris Clan is very close knit, and the Honorable Blue Dynasty has always…"
T'Ara thought to herself, 'Honorable Blue Dynasty, how pompous…I am glad my future daughter in law has a more level head than her Mother does.' "Fine; fine. We will make sure that they can fit somehow. No more last-minute changes though. The rest of the seating is reserved for the M'Fau Clan only." 'Even if we don't require it.'
Anuak let out a huge sigh of relief. "Thank you for understanding T'Ara. You have no idea how much it will mean to T'Lyra and I."
"Of course." gritted out T'Ara. "Well, I have things to attend to so I will speak with you again soon."
After ending the call T'Ara thought aloud, "In four days my little boy will finally have his koon-ut-la. This is a happy time for our family. Mother and Mother Varek as well as my step-Father and half brothers and sisters will be attending. So will several of our cousins and grandparents. I wonder how many will actually be able to make it."
'…I'm a nervous wreck…' she thought tiredly. 'Planning this sort of thing is not my forte.'
…
Stardate 2267.329, Vulcan Science Academy, Speeder Bike Training Course
Deciding it was logical to learn to ride a speeder bike since he owned one (even if it currently didn't have an engine); Naruto took an hour each Thursday after classes to practice on the Speeder Bike Training Course….
…Naruto was racing along as fast as the speeder bike would carry him. The wind blew threw his spiky blonde hair as he imagined making the jump to light speed in his head. He was zipping along the track at breakneck speed as the bike's gyrostabilizers fought to keep up with the sheer velocity. The digital speed gauges shot up into the red zone more than once as Naruto ripped up the desert track. Mathematics and the laws of physics shot through the blonde's mind as he barreled through the tight curves on the track that zigzagged in front of him. The blonde hybrid kicked his airbrakes to whip the bike's tail around faster to take the corners without losing any momentum. His feral side wanted to laugh out loud as he shot across the finish line of his final lap…
Then the simulation ended.
A short Vulcan woman stormed out across the holographic display course and said with her eyes full of rage, "Mister M'Fau; what possessed you to go through the holographic training course at four times the recommended speed?! Up to this point you have been a model student driving on our training courses. Explain yourself!"
Naruto scratched his neck in embarrassment. "I was trying to get the same sensations I felt while riding dzharels on the Plains of Gol."
With her eyebrows twitching madly the instructor said, "Then I advise you go back to the Plains of Gol and ride dzharels. You are done for today and will receive your course grades this evening. Consider this your first and last warning Mister M'Fau."
…
"Yeah! That's what I call hauling ass!" said an excited Alison. "I've never seen Instructor L'Vor so angry. She practically had steam coming out of her ears." The redhead clearly approved.
Naruto blushed a bit. "I got a bit carried away focusing on speed I suppose. I hope she doesn't expel me."
Alison shrugged. "I'm sure she's seen worse. I think you are safe. She didn't expel that student that intentionally hit twenty-eight pedestrians in the simulator."
"…She recommended that he get some psychiatric counseling instead." said Naruto dourly.
"Good point." agreed his redheaded companion.
…
Stardate 2267.329, Vulcan Science Academy
Naruto was anxious and uneasy. It was Friday morning and he was absolutely terrified something would go wrong with the koon-ut-la on Saturday. He'd called T'Lyra first thing in the morning to make sure she was safe. As it turned out the brunette was very excited rather than nervous and assured him everything would be fine…
Flashback…
It was obvious T'Lyra was amused. Truthfully, she thought Naruto worrying for her was both endearing and adorable given how confident Naruto usually was. "Naruto, everything is going to be fine. We are betrothed and the koon-ut-la will be wonderful. For the first time our minds will truly touch as one. I'm very happy."
"I'm sorry." said the blonde. "I'm just concerned for your safety. I wish I could be there now instead of here."
T'Lyra gave him a tiny smile. "You are coming home tonight, aren't you?" Naruto nodded at the view screen and the beautiful brunette said, "I'll come over and visit with my parents then. Mother says there are some last-minute things to take care of anyway. That way we can spend some time together…"
Flashback end…
They had talked for a bit and Naruto was nearly late for his first period class. Hours later Naruto sat down for lunch with his friends. 'I'm all worried for nothing. Everything will be fine.' Naruto swallowed. "I'm going to be leaving tonight for an important family ceremony this weekend, so I won't be back until Sunday night or Monday morning."
Senva simply nodded in understanding but Alison's ever-present curiosity was piqued. "What kind of a ceremony is it?" asked the redhead.
Naruto said quietly, "It's a koon-ut-la ceremony. They are very private and intimate for the family."
"So, what is this koon-ut-la then?" asked Alison. Several people around them looked at the redhead and she suddenly realized she had an audience…and they were all dead silent. Naruto was face palming and Senva looked distinctively uncomfortable. For once Alison got embarrassed at all the attention and squeaked out blushing, "Ummm, never mind." Everyone quietly returned to eating much to Alison's relief. 'I guess I'll have to look it up later. It must be some kind of taboo subject.' thought the redhead.
…
The rest of Naruto's school day shot by without him paying much attention. He robotically took notes, but his thoughts were all centered on his lovely T'Lyra…
…
ShiKahr City, T'Ara and Sovar's house
Naruto caught the six o'clock shuttle back to ShiKahr City and arrived at home without incident. He was welcomed home by T'Ara and Talok who wanted to play with her big brother. Naruto agreed to sit and read to Talok until Sovar got home an hour later. After Sovar got home they washed up and had dinner. T'Lyra and her parents arrived a bit later.
Talok was very excited as she sat with Naruto and T'Lyra. "So, you're going to be my new big sister for real T'Lyra?" asked the little girl curiously.
T'Lyra nodded and said, "That's right Talok; Naruto and I will be husband and wife. Does that make you happy?"
The little girl slid out of Naruto's lap and gave T'Lyra a hug. "We'll be great sisters!" exclaimed Talok. "I can't wait."
T'Lyra gently returned Talok's hug. "I can't wait either little one. Tomorrow will be a wonderful day."
…
Naruto was sitting on the couch listening to Anuak trying to make further changes to the ceremony and his Mother T'Ara adamantly holding her ground. The blonde was tired but too wound up to sleep. T'Lyra had her arms around Naruto's left bicep and was peacefully dozing with her head resting on his shoulder. Naruto felt her warmth against him and relaxed a bit. The blonde fell asleep too and was dreaming soon.
"T'Lyra, isn't it logical to use blue flowers to represent the Toloris Clan?" asked Anuak. "Your future Mother-in-law believes that the regular flowers in the shrine are fine as is."
"Zzzzzz..." answered T'Lyra.
"It seems that T'Lyra doesn't find the matter of importance." said T'Ara with a glint in her eye. "It is illogical to make more last-minute changes and incur more expenses. We are on a timetable and matters are set. This is their koon-ut-la, not their wedding."
Anuak was less than thrilled with T'Ara's views but found that the beautiful onyx eyed scientist was nearly impossible to win a debate against. T'Lyra's Mother looked a bit mutinous but had to give in on this point. "Very well, I suppose we will leave things as is. Perhaps we can make up for this at the actual wedding." 'I can't believe T'Ara is so adamant about this. The Honorable Blue Dynasty has important traditions to uphold.'
T'Ara sighed. 'This woman's fixation on her clan's past is excessive. I understand tradition is important but decorating the entire temple with blue flowers to honor a Tolaris ceremony is going overboard. I realize that Sovar and I are both M'Fau's so there was never any sort of conflict but this is patently ridiculous.'
…
Naruto was dreaming he was one of his wild M'Fau ancestors that just happened to have run off with a Princess of the Honorable Blue Dynasty he read about during his research for his history paper. She was surprisingly happy and took to riding dzharels with her husband on the plains from then on. She was called the Wild Flower Princess…And in Naruto's dream she bore a shocking resemblance to T'Lyra…
The next day would prove to be momentous.
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: A Capellan power-cat is a fierce feline creature native to Capella. The power-cat is extremely untamable, but above all, hates captivity. No zoo has ever been able to keep one alive.
Next chapter is the koon-ut-la which I will be researching thoroughly before committing it to paper. This chapter was fairly light but moved things along. Surprisingly Sovar's old bike has more to it than anyone realized. It was also revealed that Naruto has a need for speed that sometimes gets him carried away. Next time we'll also see the return of some of Naruto's wackier relatives and the koon-ut-la between Naruto and T'Lyra. See you next time. Blue out. 9/19/23