Naruto: Infinity Divide
U.S.S. Enterprise
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This chapter makes reference to Star Trek: TOS episode Amok Time. I have footnoted it, but you may want to watch it or read a synopsis before reading this chapter as things won't make sense without it. Enjoy!
[ ] signifies old Golic Vulcan
For those of you keeping track, here is an updated timeline of the story:
Stardate/Year/Starfleet Battles Timeline
Stardate 2230. = 2230 = Y120 Spock Born to Amanda Grayson & Sarek
Stardate 2233. = 2233 = Y123 Kirk Born
Stardate 2336. = 2336 = Y126 Constitution Class Launched
Stardate 2254. = 2254 = Y144 Republic NCC-1371 Ensign James T. Kirk
Stardate 2254. = 2254 = Y144 Naruto Born to T'Ara and Sovar
Stardate 2263. = 2263 = Y153 Talok Born to T'Ara and Sovar
Stardate 2265.-2270 = 2265-2270 = Y155-Y160 U.S.S. Enterprise 5 year Mission (TOS)
Stardate 2265. = 2265 = Y155 Naruto's kahs-wan
Stardate 2267. = 2267 = Y157 Naruto enters the Vulcan Science Academy
Stardate 2267. = 2267 = Y157 Naruto and T'Lyra's koon-ut-la
…
Last time:
"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.
…
Chapter 10
...
Stardate 2267.330, Planet Vulcan, ShiKhar District, ShiKHar Temple
Naruto would have been sweating a river if he had sweat glands. The whole morning had been a whirlwind of activity and now they were at the temple for the koon-ut-la. As he looked over the crowd there, he saw a sea of blue wearing Vulcans of the Tolaris Clan…and the much smaller red wearing group of the M'Fau Clan. He wasn't bothered or upset by the lack of his clan members. The notice had been very short and those who could make it did. He saw his maternal Grandmother Sarissa with his Aunts and Uncles that he knew in passing from Naweeth City. Naruto also saw Lady Varek and the rest of the odd group that formed his Father's side of the family.
Then Naruto saw his artistic cousins Taurik and Elonat along with their daughter Zerin. They all had sketchbooks ready. 'I hope they don't make an outburst or something else that is equally embarrassing.' thought Naruto dourly.
The High Priestess of the Temple greeted everyone formally and then proceeded to announce the koon-ut-la. "Today in this sacred place we will hold the koon-ut-la of Naruto M'Fau and T'Lyra Tolaris with the blessings of their parents. Before we begin, is there anyone present who would object to this bonding?"
Naruto and T'Lyra both heard deafening silence as the Priestess motioned them to come forward to the altar to be bound. Naruto's blue eyes were nervous but T'Lyra's brown ones were full of joy. Naruto felt a bit more relaxed as he saw T'Lyra radiating happiness.
The High Priestess said in old Golic, ["Let us begin then. Since the beginnings of our people, even before the great awakening to logic our people have held the koon-ut-la as a sacred part of their lives. We have come together-"]
"I object to this union!" yelled a male voice. A teenaged Vulcan boy and his larger companion stood in the entryway to the shrine.
The High Priestess had her eyes wide in shock as the young man who yelled strode forward with his friend and said, "T'Lyra Tolaris belongs to me. You will turn her over to us now! Otherwise, I-"
The room was suddenly flooded with an oppressive killing intent from Naruto whose blue eyes were crackling with chakra energy. He'd seen the look of fear on T'Lyra's face and was going to protect her at all costs. Arev saw the blue fire in Naruto's eyes and shivered in fear.
Arev was about to move towards T'Lyra when he found something was blocking his path. It was Sovar. Sovar wasn't a particularly large Vulcan but to Arev the man seemed several meters tall and several wide suddenly. His aura was simply that overwhelming. Sovar asked in a calm voice, "You are Arev whose bond was broken with T'Lyra because of your emotional madness?"
Arev did his best to look intimidating and stuttered out, "I-I am Arev and I-"
There was a horrific smacking sound that made people's ears ring and Arev crumpled to the floor like a sack of potatoes. Sovar still had an open palm out and said quietly, "You do not belong in this sacred place." Sovar then looked at Arev's terrified companion and asked, "And you are…?"
"Just leaving!" squeaked the bigger Vulcan as he turned tail and ran out of the temple like the hounds of hell were nipping at his heels.
'He must be an emotionalist as well.' thought Sovar with a nonchalant shrug.
Every member of the Tolaris Clan was wide eyed with shock but the M'Faus just acted like this was an ordinary thing to happen. Taurik, Elonat and Zerin were inspired and immediately started drawing…
Sovar shook his head in disgust at Arev and said to the High Priestess, "Excuse me one moment." He picked up Arev's unconscious form and carried the interloper out of the temple. All was silent for about ten minutes when Sovar came back in and quietly returned to his seat beside T'Ara. "Please continue." said Sovar. "There will be no further interruptions."
The High Priestess nodded shakily. ["We have come together to bond these two today so that their lives…"]
T'Ara leaned over to her husband and whispered, "So where did you put that boy, Arev?"
Sovar gently squeezed T'Ara's hand and whispered back, "You know how I am about cleanliness. I deposited the trash in a proper container down the street."
T'Ara's onyx eyes glittered with humor. "The public dumpster?"
"That would be correct my wife." said Sovar. "Let's watch our son's special day now."
…
["My mind to your mind"] said the High Priestess.
["My mind to your mind"] repeated Naruto and T'Lyra.
["My thoughts to your thoughts"] said the High Priestess.
["My thoughts to your thoughts"] repeated Naruto and T'Lyra.
Both young people suddenly felt a union of their hearts and souls. T'Lyra felt Naruto's power wash over her as her own life force gently embraced his. 'It is beautiful my husband.' she thought happily.
'You are beautiful my wife.' thought Naruto as the bond completed. Their unified thoughts swirled in harmony and both T'Lyra and Naruto felt a form of joy and happiness they'd never experienced before. They were one.
All too soon they returned to the physical plane and looked lovingly into each other's eyes.
["The koon-ut-la is a success."] announced the High Priestess. ["Live long and prosper."]
Naruto and T'Lyra soon were the center of a sea of congratulations and T'Lyra said to her new Father-in-Law, "Thank you for dealing with Arev Father Sovar."
Sovar gave a tiny smile. "It was the most logical thing to do at the time. Besides, if Naruto got there first that troublemaker Arev and his cohort would no longer be counted among the living."
Naruto asked, "Was this another example of the application of brute force Father?"
"You are learning my son." said Sovar as he ruffled Naruto's blonde hair. "Sometimes a good smack upside the head can be quite effective."
The young couple spent the rest of their weekend together celebrating with their families…
…
Stardate 2267.340, Planet Vulcan, Mount Seleya
"Personal Log of T'Ara M'Fau: My Officer's Commission was reactivated unexpectedly yesterday by my old superior Rear Admiral Sheila Tristan. She informed me I was the only officer in the area available for this duty. Somehow an 'incident*①' with Commander Spock, son of Sarek has caused ripples in Starfleet High Command and I have been selected to talk to our High Priestess T'Pau about the situation and carry out an investigation…"
It had been ten days since Naruto's and T'Lyra's koon-ut-la and T'Ara was carrying out another duty. She climbed Mount Seleya's steps along with her husband Sovar. Her mission as a Starfleet Reservist officer was to meet with High Priestess T'Pau to hear her words. T'Pau wasn't willing to impart them to a non-Vulcan. After a long climb the couple was taken before The High Priestess. T'Ara bowed with Sovar and made the Vulcan Salute. She said, "We come to serve."
T'Pau returned the salute and said, "Your service honors us. You are T'Ara of the Federation Starfleet?"
"That is correct my Lady. I am accompanied by my husband Sovar of ShiKahr."
"I welcome you both." said T'Pau. "I will speak with T'Ara alone. Sovar may rest if he so wishes."
…
T'Pau's home
T'Pau said in a no-nonsense tone, "No doubt you and wondering why I summoned you. Eight days ago, Spock, son of Ambassador Sarek and Amanda Grayson came to Mount Seleya suffering from the Blood Fever."
"He got that far into Pon Farr?" asked T'Ara. "He must not have been prepared."
"He was in deep space aboard his ship in Starfleet and was unable to come home to Vulcan to fulfill his biological needs." explained T'Pau. "In the end there was a challenge issued by his bond mate and Spock apparently killed his superior officer in Starfleet which broke him free of the Blood Fever."
T'Ara's onyx eyes hardened, and she said, "Spare me no details my Lady; this is very serious not only for all of Vulcan but for Starfleet as well."
T'Pau nodded. "It is well that you understand the gravity of this situation. This is why I chose to impart this only to a fellow Vulcan."
…
Stardate 2267.344, NCC-1701U.S.S. Enterprise
"Ship's Log: Captain James T. Kirk reporting. NCC-1701 U.S.S Enterprise has been assigned to return to Planet Vulcan in the 40 Eradani A System. After our last visit nearly two weeks ago the crew was surprised to return so soon from Altair IV. An investigation by Starfleet into the nature of Commander Spock's last visit to his home world is pending and we were informed to move at flank speed to Planet Vulcan. On the positive side I already am acquainted with the officer in charge of the investigation, Lieutenant Commander T'Ara…"
T'Ara appeared on the transporter pad looking resplendent in her blue Starfleet dress uniform. The she saw her former crewmate from the U.S.S. Republic, Ensign (now Captain) James T. Kirk. Alongside him was a tall Vulcan that T'Ara recognized as Commander Spock. "Lieutenant Commander T'Ara reporting for duty." said the onyx eyed woman.
Kirk smiled. "Welcome aboard Commander T'Ara. I hope your visit is a productive one." 'She's just as gorgeous as I remember her.' "I'm Captain James T. Kirk. I don't know if you remember me, but we served on the Republic together."
T'Ara nodded, "You were an Ensign then. You have done well for yourself Captain; commanding a heavy cruiser no less."
She gave the Vulcan salute. "You must be Commander Spock. I apologize in advance for invading your privacy during this visit."
Spock returned her salute and said, "I've been informed of the nature of your investigation. I will do everything to help speed your analysis."
"Excellent." said the onyx eyed beauty. "With your permission Captain, I will begin immediately."
Kirk turned to his first officer and said, "Mister Spock, I trust you'll want to handle this?"
Spock nodded. "Using such discretion would be best but both you and Doctor McCoy's input will be necessary at some point."
"We'll be available Spock." assured Kirk.
…
Mister Spock's quarters
"I'm surprised you have not asked about my hybrid nature Commander T'Ara. Most Vulcans do." said Spock as they sat down. "Tea?"
"Yes please." said T'Ara as she accepted her tea. "While it would be logical to assume I am curious, I am a friend of your Mother Lady Amanda Grayson. My firstborn is a hybrid as well and her guidance has proven invaluable. It is irrelevant for now. I am here to exchange information with you about the recent Pon Farr experience. As I understand it this was your first Pon Farr?"
Spock nodded. "That is correct Commander T'Ara."
"High Priestess T'Pau has made the suggestion that bonded pairs of Vulcans serving in Starfleet should serve on the same ship to prevent further Pon Farr incidents such the one as you recently experienced." said T'Ara.
"That is against Starfleet's fraternization policies." replied Spock. "What does Starfleet Command think of this idea?"
"Starfleet High Command is divided on the subject but it is your opinion that is important in this case." said T'Ara. "We already have bonded groups of Deltans serving together due to their need for extreme intimacy. The regulations are already in place for such arrangements. It would prevent unfortunate situations such as those you recently experienced. Starfleet Command has no concept that Pon Farr can be life threatening. I understand that your ship's Doctor intervened and put your Captain in a false death state to save his life."
"Doctor McCoy saved Captain Kirk's life." said Spock shamefully. "There is no doubt of that because I was completely absorbed by the Blood Fever."
"It seems your Chief Medical Officer is quite clever." said T'Ara.
Spock nodded in agreement. "Doctor Leonard McCoy is my friend and I am thankful for his intervention; however illogical he is at times."
"I found in my years of service that the human's illogical nature can prove to be quite useful as a counterpoint in an argument." said T'Ara. "It does make things difficult at times though."
"Indeed." said Spock. "Forgive my saying so but you seem rather fond of humans."
"My son is a hybrid as you are." explained T'Ara. "He has characteristics that baffled me when he was little but with your Mother Lady Amanda's guidance, I was able to overcome my confusion. It was her guidance as a human that helped me immensely."
"He is half human then?" asked Spock surprised.
T'Ara shook her head. "He is half Vulcan and his other half comes from the extinct species of Tori Prime IV. Many of his abilities are still a mystery."
"Fascinating." said Spock.
T'Ara nodded. "Indeed."
…
After a customary tour of the ship from Mister Spock, T'Ara was invited to dine with the Captain and his staff. Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott said, "So you served with Captain Kirk aboard the Republic. She's a grand old lass." There was a twinkle in Scott's eye. "So, what was our Captain like as a junior officer?"
T'Ara looked thoughtful. "As an Ensign; Captain Kirk was impulsive, reckless and immature. He was also a womanizer. He was a responsible officer though despite his relative inexperience."
The entire staff was stifling chuckles of amusement (except Spock of course). Kirk just sweat dropped.
…
Kirk asked, "So what about Tori Prime IV? You were a great loss to the Republic Commander T'Ara. The child…?"
"My son in a fine young Vulcan." said T'Ara. "He entered the Vulcan Science Academy at the age of thirteen as one of the top three in his class."
"Impressive." said Spock. "He must be years ahead of his peers. What is he studying?"
"His majors are astrophysics, quantum mechanics and genetics. He also has an interest in astronomy." stated T'Ara. "He seems to long for the stars as I always did. I would not be surprised if he joined Starfleet someday."
Kirk thought a moment and then grinned. "Do you think your boy would like a tour of the Enterprise?"
….
Stardate 2267.345, Planet Vulcan, Vulcan Science Academy
Naruto was recording his thoughts on Saturday morning before he began his day.
"Personal Log: I have received the most unusual opportunity to tour the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise this afternoon. Apparently, the ship's First Officer is Mister Spock and is Lady Amanda Grayson's son. He is the only other Vulcan hybrid that has ever survived into adulthood. When I spoke to Mother about it, she said it was the idea of the ship's Captain James T. Kirk who was in the landing party on Tori Prime IV when I was 'conceived.' I've spent the morning preparing for my trip. I will be travelling by transporter beam from the Vulcan Science Academy, and I am supposed to meet up with two Junior Officers from the Enterprise named Pavel Chekov and Hikaru Sulu. They are an Ensign and a Lieutenant respectively. I hope this trip proves to be an educational one. I've never been on a transporter or into space before so this should be an interesting experience.
…Sadly all they were told to watch for was 'spiky blonde hair and whisker marks'…"
…
Vulcan Science Academy Transporter Platform
Lieutenant Sulu and Ensign Chekov arrived an hour early so they would have the opportunity to poke around at the famous Vulcan Science Academy. They were welcomed in the traditional Vulcan way with the salute which the pair did their best to emulate in return. Once they stepped outside, Sulu said to Chekov slyly, "So Chekov; what takes precedence; our little tour or admiring the women*②? We have an hour before we pick up the Lieutenant Commander's kid."
Chekov scratched his chin in deep thought. "I think the women should definitely take precedence Sulu. Remember; part of our duty is to always learn more about foreign cultures and appreciation of the arts."
It wasn't until thirty minutes later that the two young officers who were appreciating the beauties of Vulcan realized something. There were absolutely no signs to be found anywhere on any of the rooms in the dorms in the Vulcan Science Academy and what little they found was in Golic Vulcan that they needed a tricorder to translate. They were irretrievably lost…
…
Naruto was soon at the Transporter Platform five minutes early. He was in his crimson M'Fau robes with his Academy Medallion on. The blonde looked in and didn't see anyone but staff members of the Academy. After ten minutes Naruto entered and gave the Vulcan salute to the technicians there and asked, "Forgive me for interrupting your work but I was supposed to meet two Starfleet Officers here at noon and I see no sign of them. Could you tell me if they have arrived yet?"
One of the technicians went over to a podium and brought up his log entries. "Do you know their names student?" he asked.
Naruto nodded and said, "They are Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu and Ensign Pavel Chekov sir."
The tech looked at his screen and said, "They arrived at eleven and have yet to return."
"They arrived an hour early?" asked Naruto. He looked at his chronometer. 'I am on time. Where are they?'
…
With Sulu and Chekov…
"The Transporter Platform is in that direction." said a female Vulcan student to the two officers. "You are at the far end of the Eastern Dorm. Go straight west until you see the main entryway and go south. The Transporter Platform is on the East side near the main entrance. Do you require more specific instructions?"
Sulu smiled weakly and said, "No; thank you for your assistance." The young lady nodded and was on her way. 'I guess that all Vulcans are dry as Mister Spock.'
Chekov was thinking along the same lines and said, "We're already running late Sulu. We should get going."
They were about halfway back through the Eastern dorm when they saw a boy with a spiky mop of blonde hair and whisker marks headed straight towards them. Naruto came up to the two officers and said, "You are Officers Sulu and Chekov I presume?"
Sulu nodded and said, "I'm Sulu and this is my friend Chekov. I'm pleased to meet you."
Chekov looked a bit perplexed. 'Spiky blonde hair? Check. Whisker marks? Check.' "You must be Commander T'Ara's son Naruto."
"That is correct." said Naruto. "You were not at the Transporter Platform, so I came to track you down."
"How did you find us so quickly?" asked Sulu.
Naruto answered, "I used my nose. Human scents are rather strong so finding you among Vulcans was a simple task."
Both Sulu and Chekov sweat dropped. "You seem…ummm; quite Vulcan Naruto." said Chekov.
Naruto gave them a flat look only a Vulcan could give and said, "That is a most logical conclusion given I am Vulcan. Shall we get going? We are already twenty minutes late and will be thirty minutes late by my estimation once we reach the Transporter Platform."
'He seems like a mini version of our First Officer.' thought Sulu dourly as Naruto led them back to the Transporter Platform Room with purpose in his step.
Chekov wondered, 'How is it even Vulcan children manage to make feel kind of stupid?'
…
Transporter room, U.S.S. Enterprise
Yeoman Janice Rand*③ had been standing in the transporter room for nearly twenty-five minutes tapping her foot wondering where Sulu and Chekov were with their guest Naruto. 'Where in the hell are they?' she thought irritably. 'I hope that Commander T'Ara's son isn't some kind of hoodlum giving them trouble.' (If she only knew the truth -he was the responsible one). 'Then again, the idea of a Vulcan child being out of control seems kind of ludicrous.'
The comm blared to life. "Vulcan Science Academy Transporter Platform to U.S.S. Enterprise. We have three to beam up when you are ready."
The transporter chief said, "Ah, here we go Yeoman." He adjusted his controls and said, "This is U.S.S. Enterprise to VSA Transporter Platform. We are ready to receive. You may transport when ready."
As Rand watched the transporter beams activate, she thought, 'Phew; I was afraid I'd be collecting my retirement before they got here.'
Sulu, Chekov and Naruto shimmered into existence and Rand stepped forward. She was surprised by Naruto's appearance but did not show it. "Mister Sulu, Chekov, welcome back. You must be Lieutenant Commander T'Ara's son Naruto. I'm Yeoman Janice Rand. Welcome aboard the Enterprise."
Naruto bowed and gave the traditional Vulcan salute. "I thank you for having me."
…
Rand soon found herself with her hands full as she showed Naruto around the ship. He'd spent the previous night studying the Constitution Class Cruisers as well as the history of the Enterprise. She was taking him to non-classified areas of the ship, but Naruto seemed to know about classified areas pretty well. "…Well Naruto; it seems to me we'd need to ask an engineer that question. I'm not well acquainted with the actual shape of warp fields you see…"
Naruto was soon welcomed to the bridge by Kirk himself. "Welcome aboard Naruto. I've been looking forward to meeting you. I served with Commander T'Ara aboard the Republic."
The blonde hybrid bowed deeply and said, "Thank you for inviting me aboard your ship Captain. It has been most educational."
Kirk smiled to himself and thought, 'I guess that's the Vulcan equivalent of 'This is really neat.' "I'm glad you are enjoying your visit. Let's sit you in the Captain's chair so you can view things as a starship commander does."
Naruto was soon admiring his home planet Vulcan through the view screen. "…So this is space…" thought Naruto aloud.
Kirk found that showing the boy around was a rather fun deviation from the norm. The Captain pointed out the helm and navigator's stations as well as the science station. "The science station is where commander T'Ara was stationed on the U.S.S. Republic." said Kirk as Naruto looked in the viewscreen showing the makeup of Planet Vulcan's atmosphere.
"This is most fascinating." said the spiky haired blonde. Kirk wanted to chuckle…
…
Eventually Yeoman Rand took Naruto down to the unclassified areas of engineering where she introduced Mister Scott to Naruto. Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott scratched his chin. "Changing the curvature of a warp field to help facilitate the sudden motion shifts of a high energy turn…Hmmm…It's actually a very plausible theory Naruto. It's rough and needs to be developed mathematically but it would be an elegant solution to the breakdown problems that plague larger warships." The engineer snapped his fingers and led them over to a console. "Let's run a simulation!"
Yeoman Rand stood there feeling like a fifth wheel as Scott and Naruto bantered in mathematical theories that made her head spin. The changes in the warp bubble and so forth meant very little to her. 'Oh brother, the kid's some kind of engineering genius. I'm just going to stand here and just nod along. I know nothing about warp theory other than the basics. Mister Scott seems to have made a new friend…'
…
Observation Deck
T'Ara was completing her initial reports and spoke to Naruto. "My task is classified from civilians of course but suffice it to say it won't take much longer; perhaps two or three days. How are you enjoying your visit aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise? Have you discovered anything of interest?"
"I have visited most of the ship's highlights with Yeoman Rand; in sick bay Doctor McCoy seemed quite interested in my genetic makeup." said Naruto. "I also sat in the Captain's chair and I saw the science station like you worked on the bridge of the Republic. It was very interesting."
"Anything else of interest?" ask T'Ara
Naruto's blue eyes glinted. "Chief Engineer Scott seemed very intrigued about some of my warp field theories. We ran a few simulations, and he said the concept behind my curvature theory is sound."
T'Ara had a twinkle in her onyx eyes. "I did tell you one day you would surpass me in astrophysics. Well done my son."
"It's only a theory Mother." said Naruto bashfully.
She reached over and ruffled his blonde locks. "I've read Mister Scott's dossier. He is a superb engineer. If he says the theory is sound, then I would say it is." She paused a moment and made a notation on her report. "I believe you should meet Mister Spock. As a fellow hybrid I am confident that the two of you could have an enlightening conversation."
…
Mister Spock's Quarters
Yeoman Rand dropped Naruto off at Mister Spock's quarters where the two hybrids exchanged the Vulcan salute. "Welcome Naruto, I am S'Chn T'Gai Spock*④, son of Sarek.
Naruto bowed. "I am Naruto M'Fau, son of Sovar. I am honored to meet you."
…
Spock and Naruto were soon deep in conversation about being hybrids over some Vulcan Tea that Spock brewed for his guests. "I too was considered less than worthy by others until I passed my kahs-wan." said Spock. "I considered it highly illogical then as I do now. Bias and alienation seem to accompany us hybrids. It makes life difficult at times."
"Is that why you joined Starfleet sir?" asked Naruto. "It seems that bias is not such a factor here."
Spock drummed his fingers together. "That is one reason I joined Starfleet. The other is more personal."
"I did not wish to pry." said Naruto in an apologetic tone.
Waving his hand in an assuring manner, the older hybrid said, "You were not prying. Do you have a good relationship with your parents?"
"I count my Mother and Father as my greatest supporters." answered the blonde. "I could not ask for better parents."
Spock nodded. "Consider yourself blessed in that respect then. While I have a cordial relationship with my Mother; my Father and I do not get along well."
"You left for Starfleet to get away from your Father's influence then." extrapolated Naruto. Spock nodded. "Your secret is safe with me Mister Spock."
…
Transporter Room
At the end of a fulfilling day on the Enterprise, Naruto was escorted to the transporter room and thanked his hosts for letting him visit. He said goodbye to each of them with the Vulcan salute and then turned to Mister Spock. "Live long and prosper S'Chn T'Gai Spock."
Spock returned the salute and said, "Peace and long life Naruto M'Fau. May we meet again someday."
As Naruto beamed down Doctor McCoy turned to Spock and asked, "What was all that gibberish he said before your name Spock? I couldn't make heads or tails of it."
"That was my full name Doctor." answered Spock in his usual dry tone.
McCoy was wide eyed, "That was your actual name?"
"I had no idea…" thought Kirk aloud. 'No wonder Spock told us it was unpronounceable…'
…
Stardate 2268.003, Planet Vulcan, T'Ara and Sovar's house
"Personal Log of T'Ara M'Fau: I have been in touch with both Starfleet High Command and Rear Admiral Tristan. I was originally told my commission was going to be active only for the duration of my investigation of Commander Spock's situation, but it has been extended to six months. Our Klingon and Kzinti neighbors have been having border skirmishes and it is quickly escalating into what is already being called the Fourth Klingon-Kzinti War. The Federation is in an antagonistic relationship with the Klingons having fought a minor war with them recently and our relations with the cat like Kzintis are more or less neutral at this point."
"It is difficult not to be concerned. Though I am a shore-based reservist I have been informed that Starfleet is preparing to mobilize along the Klingon border. It would be a simple matter for orders to come through and return me to active shipboard duty. I am not a Flag Officer but shifting units as a threat to the Klingons seems like an illogical policy to me. I worry that the Federation may soon end up in a war we want no part of, nor are we prepared for…"
…
Naruto was at home for a month having finished the first trimester of the school year and was spending some quality time working on his bike with his betrothed. In the past months T'Lyra had found she not only excelled at mechanics; she truly enjoyed working on things. Her Mother Anuak was a bit appalled thinking it was very unfeminine but her Father Falor seemed a bit more accepting of it.
As they worked on the airbrakes together T'Lyra said to Naruto, "After this next year of Primary School I plan to apply at a technical school like the ShiKahr Technical Institute. I'll need to study my mathematics more to get in I Imagine."
Naruto set the parts he was working on down. "You certainly have a talent for these things." said the blonde. "Let's get on our tablets and see what ShiKahr Tech has as their entry requirements so you'll know which classes to take the rest of the year."
The young couple was soon sitting side by side as they looked over the various requirements for the ShiKahr Technical Institute and discovered that T'Lyra would need to take more advanced math and some physics to meet the requirements for entry the next year. "This is excellent T'Lyra." said Naruto in a pleased tone. "I'll be happy to help you learn if you want."
T'Lyra gave him a tiny smile. "Between learning V'Shan from Mother T'Ara and working on the bike I have a pretty full schedule."
"Remember that I'll always be here to help if you need it." said Naruto. He gently squeezed her hand. "I feel better knowing you are learning self-defense. I want you to be safe."
The brunette beauty shook her head in amusement. "I think Talok is stronger than I am when it comes to V'Shan."
Naruto shrugged. "Father says Talok has the potential to become a true monster at V'Shan. With the dancing lessons she's taking Talok is much stronger than she looks. Those same muscles are used in V'Shan. She's also very fast and flexible. Of course, Talok's still little but her potential is amazing."
"What does Father Sovar say about me and the martial arts?" asked T'Lyra curiously.
The blonde replied. "Father said you have a lot of potential with V'Shan but he wants to teach you Ponn-ifla. He said your body type is perfect for it."
Ponn-ifla is a defensive art, isn't it?" asked T'Lyra.
"Yes, it is designed to defend against multiple opponents and uses their own strength against them." said Naruto. "It's kind of the opposite of my Kareel-ifla that relies so much on power and strength."
"Well, you have plenty of strength to spare." said the brunette amused. "On the other hand, it is really convenient when something heavy needs to be moved." She learned in against Naruto and said, "Let's just sit here for a while. It is very comfortable leaning against you."
Naruto put his arm around T'Lyra and she closed her eyes. 'I wonder what tomorrow will bring?' thought Naruto.
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: The Star Trek: TOS episode Amok Time when Spock returns to planet Vulcan to marry his betrothed T'Pring. If you don't know this one there is a synopsis online.
*②: No, Sulu wasn't gay in the original series. George Takei said so himself. That's in the reboot.
*③: For you purists, the Yeoman Janice Rand didn't appear in the second season of Star Trek: TOS. It was never said on screen, but she may have transferred off the Enterprise in 2266. That being said I couldn't think of a better character to show a guest who is still a child around. I doubt they would have a full officer do it so we'll just roll with the idea that Yeoman Rand is still aboard.
*④: Spock's full name S'Chn T'Gai Spock was revealed in the Star Trek: TOS novel Ishmael so strictly speaking it is not canon though it seems to be accepted as such.
The koon-ut-la was kept intentionally short and simple because I couldn't find an in-depth description other than it was a Vulcan mind-meld between two young people supervised by a Priestess. Arev's appearance was meant to provide levity. He may return at some future time as an actual threat instead of a running gag. We also finally had a meeting between Naruto and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise. I hope everyone liked that, but it is very plot relevant. It wasn't just thrown in for the heck of it. Next chapter we're going to have a bit of a time skip so be prepared for a more adult Naruto and T'Lyra. See you next time. Blue out. 9/19/23