Naruto: Infinity Divide

Starfleet Academy

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This chapter has a four-year time skip in it so Naruto and T'Lyra are both seventeen now. Enjoy!

Last time:

"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.

…

Chapter 11

Stardate 2271.253, Planet Vulcan, The Forge

A speeder bike roared across the desert with two figures on its back in body fitting uniforms and helmets. They were clipping along at 500 km per hour. The smaller figure on back was watching an instrument gauge readout as the larger figure effortlessly threaded between obstacles in desert. Kicking the airbrakes they spun 180 degrees and came to a halt. The driver took off his helmet showing his spiky blonde hair and looked back over his shoulder. He said, "What do you think T'Lyra? At 500 K's everything felt smooth as glass."

T'Lyra took off her own helmet and shook out her long brown hair. "Everything is exceeding our expectations Naruto. The new fittings not only allow us to brake and turn in half the distance we previously needed but the acceleration to 500 K's is twenty-five percent faster. I wish my little VK-650S had this kind of power." She hopped off the speeder bike and admired the crimson red machine. "It took us four years to fully restore this beauty. After riding it for a year I still don't see why you don't race it. You've got the skill and 500 K's per hour is nothing for this speeder bike."

Naruto shrugged. "I'm just happy to have it whether it is race qualified or not. Anyway, your VK650 Sport is upgraded enough to participate in the lightweight racing course. Thanks to you rebuilding it; the thrust to weight ratio is unbelievable compared to a stock one. I'd bet you've set a new standard T'Lyra."

T'Lyra blushed slightly and said, "Thank you for your praise but my little 650 Sport has nothing on your 220R. She admired her betrothed for a moment. He had grown into a lean, muscular young man standing at 186cm. T'Lyra had grown likewise into a very curvaceous and beautiful young woman standing at 155 cm. Neither had experienced their Pon Farr yet but they already accepted each other fully as husband and wife.

They'd both grown in the martial arts as well. T'lyra was a fifth level adept at V'Shan and a seventh level adept at Ponn-ifla. Naruto was now a fourth level master at Kareel-ifla and a second level master of V'shan. He'd been in several competitions and was really pushing his limits to match his Father's level.

The beautiful brunette said, "I've graduated the Vulcan Technical Institute this last year…We're both seventeen and I really want to join Starfleet Naruto. I've been talking to Mother T'Ara about her adventures in space and it's amazing. I know you've considered becoming a Professor and continuing your education but space seems so much more exciting…"

Naruto sighed. He wanted to join Starfleet but his Mother had already said a war could well be on the horizon. The Fourth Klingon-Kzinti War was winding down to an inconclusive end, so the Klingons were once again a threat. Likewise, the Romulans were using Klingon technology now thanks to the Klingon-Romulan Treaty of Smarba and were a threat on the opposite Federation border. As a result, Starfleet had massively increased their recruiting and the Navy was expanding. One Starfleet recruiter basically said the Navy would give Naruto an officer's commission on a silver platter if he agreed to join. The blonde had two Doctorates thanks to his multitasking with shadow clones and was very desirable to the Starfleet as a result.

As for T'Lyra, she was perfectly happy with the idea of being an enlisted crewmember as long as she was in the Engineering Division…

The blonde was torn…

…

Stardate 2271.267, ShiKahr City, Starfleet Recruiter's Office

It had been two weeks since their last discussion and Naruto had corresponded with his friend Commander Spock about joining Starfleet. He had also spoken a great deal to his Mother T'Ara over time. As it stood, T'Lyra was to be accepted into Starfleet without issue because T'Ara wrote a letter of recommendation for her. Naruto was fortunate that Commander Spock was willing to do the same for him without question. The enlisted personnel went to a larger part of the building. Naruto and the other would-be officers were in a more specialized area…

Naruto was given a routine physical and then was shoved in a waiting room with other hopefuls. Soon the blonde's name was called, and Naruto was sitting with a human officer in his mid-twenties.

"I'm Lieutenant David Cruze." said the recruiter who was interviewing Naruto. "I understand that you wish to join Starfleet as an officer Naruto."

"That is correct sir." answered the blonde.

Cruze looked over the paperwork on his desk and said, "You have two doctorates from the Vulcan Science Academy at the age of seventeen. That's incredibly impressive. One is in Astrophysics with a minor in Astrodynamics and the other is in Genetics with a minor in Xenobiology. Those are very different areas of study Naruto. May I enquire as to why you chose those particular fields?"

Naruto nodded. "I prefer to have a well-rounded field of knowledge. I didn't wish to be limited in my career choices."

The Lieutenant took down some notes and asked, "Why did you choose Starfleet?"

"There are two main reasons." said the spiky haired blonde. "My betrothed is entering Starfleet and my Mother is a Lieutenant Commander in Starfleet. It is in my family you see."

"Is your Mother the Officer who sponsored you?" asked the recruiter.

"No, I am sponsored by Commander Spock who is the Executive Officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise." answered Naruto.

Cruze raised his eyebrows. "Commander Spock is quite famous you know."

Naruto replied, "I have had a correspondence with Commander Spock for years. I grew up knowing his Mother Lady Amanda Grayson."

The recruiter took some further notes and said, "You've already passed the physical, so we'll be running a battery of tests on you to see what fields of duty you are best at. That doesn't mean you couldn't be in another branch of course. What branch were you hoping to serve in? Command, Engineering, Sciences, Security?"

"Sciences would be my first choice." answered Naruto. "I believe I'm best suited for that."

Cruze took some more notes down and said, "I'm going to take you to a learning station to test your aptitude now. There is no reason to be nervous given your education. There are a lot of questions that gage your personality so there isn't necessarily a right or wrong answer. Do you understand?"

Naruto wanted to sigh. 'More testing…' "I understand perfectly sir."

…

Naruto stood at a testing station answering questions for nearly three hours. He found that about a quarter of them were psyche test questions and were very repetitive. 'This is highly illogical. I have answered this same test question five times with different wordings each time. Twice would be sufficient.'

One of the most illogical questions that Naruto found was:

How do you refer to members of the Klingon Empire?

A) The Enemy

B) The Klingons

C) The Ridgeheads

D) All of the above

Naruto's blue eyes nearly bugged out. 'What the hell kind of a question is this? What were they smoking when they created this test? Is this to weed out racists? '

Next the blonde hybrid was given several basic starship tactical challenges which he solved easily enough. Questions on the history of the United Federation of Planets were next. All in all, the three hours went by fairly quickly…

...

Finally, the test screen went blank and the computer said, "Thank you for participating. Please return to the waiting room for further instructions."

…

Cruze was looking at Naruto's test with glazed eyes. He'd shown the results to the staff, and they were all equally bewildered. "This boy…he uses the most unorthodox tactics I've ever seen in my life. He always won in the simulations, but I've never seen anything like it. In order to win those you are supposed to lose he actually captured his opponent's vessels to use against other enemy ships."

"Put this one in the fast track for Command; not Sciences Mister Cruze." said his Commanding Officer.

"But he wanted Sciences sir." said the baffled Cruze.

His Commander said imperiously, "Then MAKE him want Command more. You're the recruiter."

"Yes sir." said Cruze weakly.

….

T'Lyra was waiting for Naruto outside by the bike when the blonde sauntered out. She was beaming. "Naruto, I've been accepted as a Crewman Recruit that specializes in engineering! It's just what I wanted. How did you do?"

The blonde hybrid said glumly; "They said to come back in a week because my application is under review."

T'Lyra's eyes flickered dangerously. "Your abilities and references are impeccable! You are my man. There is no reason to review anything. What are those illogical humans doing in there? I ought to-"

Naruto gave his mate a tiny smile as he gently took her hand in his. "There are probably extenuating circumstances we can't fathom at this point. Let's get on the bike and go back to my place and relax. We'll talk to Mother there."

…

T'Ara and Sovar's house

Naruto pulled into the garage and park the VK-220R in its usual place. T'Lyra had been rather disgruntled about the situation and was worried that she was accepted, and Naruto wasn't. Naruto on the other hand was more curious than anything else. 'I think I'm in but there must be some kind of hold up.' The blonde figured his Mother would have the answer but wasn't sure if T'Ara ever had anything to do with recruiting others.

A nine-year-old Talok opened the door revealing her dancer's body and how much she was growing to look like her beautiful Mother. "Naruto, T'Lyra; how did it go?"

T'Lyra took off her helmet and said, "I was accepted but Naruto was told to come back in a week."

Naruto took his own helmet off and nodded in agreement. "I believe I passed all of their requirements. It is most puzzling."

"That seems rather illogical." said Talok with her eyebrow raised the exact same way T'Ara and Naruto raised theirs.

"Logic doesn't seem to be a deciding factor there." said T'Lyra. "Everyone I was introduced to was a human."

The three walked inside the house and Talok shook her head. "That doesn't sound very promising. Why would they have human recruiters here on Vulcan?"

T'Ara overheard their conversation and said, "Starfleet is dominated by humans and the percentages show that Vulcans are terrible at recruiting others because we are too honest and frank about the facts. Starfleet isn't all fun and adventures as I've told you time and again."

"So, humans intentionally gloss over the facts Mama?" asked Talok. "That sounds very misleading."

"It would be more appropriate to say they are inclined to omit less savory facts about space travel and naval duties." explained T'Ara.

T'Lyra asked, "Mother T'Ara, can you think of a reason they would ask Naruto to come back in a week instead of accepting him like they did the others?"

T'Ara looked at her son for a moment and asked, "Did you do anything…unusual on their entrance exams Naruto? Special cases arise where someone is a bit too good for standard training and they fast track them though it's rare."

"I can't think of anything I don't normally do on tests…" said Naruto. That's when he noticed all three females were staring at him with flat looks on their faces.

T'Ara's eyes glittered with humor. "How did you do on the test when your ship was outnumbered three to one?"

Naruto thought for a moment and said, "I did the logical thing. I charged the lead enemy vessel, captured it with boarding parties and used the captured ship along with mine to destroy the two remaining enemy ships*①."

T'Ara gave one of her tiny smiles. "And that is why they set you back a week. The logical thing to do is retreat Naruto. As usual you did something impossible, so they probably figure you are some kind of a tactical genius."

"Naruto always wins at strategy games Mama." said Talok. "Are you surprised? The only way he plays is with unorthodox and unexpected strategies."

"I should have known." said T'Lyra as she shook her head. "My mate has always been too smart for his own good."

Naruto had the decency to blush. T'Ara was simply amused…

…

Stardate 2271.267, ShiKahr City, Starfleet Recruiter's Office

Lieutenant Cruze was sitting in front of Naruto and said, "The normal time for someone to go through Starfleet Academy is four years but because of your excellent performance not only on our entrance exams but your four years at the Vulcan Science Academy we are waiving your first two years of basic courses. Naturally, basic courses exclusively geared towards Starfleet will be required but the Commandant of Starfleet Academy is confident that you will be able to handle this. Your field of study is to be fast tracked to Command with your own choice of minor which I presume will be Sciences."

"Why is Sciences not my major?" asked Naruto.

"Your aptitude tests show that Command is your strongest ability. After that comes Sciences and Engineering." said Cruze. "I'm sure you understand that Starfleet needs leaders and someone such as yourself may be in training today but will be a leader tomorrow. Starfleet is investing a great deal in you to help you live up to your full potential. Of course, your future success is entirely up to you."

…

Naruto shook his head and remembered his Mother's words. "Starfleet will put you where they want you Naruto. It's a military organization. Don't expect everything to go your way…" Naruto was understandably down due to his current circumstances. 'As usual, Mother's assessment was correct. In six weeks, I will be headed two San Francisco on Earth to attend Starfleet Academy. I won't see T'Lyra for at least two months while she is in Starfleet's boot camp and after that there will be two long years that we won't be seeing each other regularly because she will be on duty while I am in training. I expected some of this but facing the reality of it is difficult.'

…

Five weeks later T'Lyra caught a passenger ship to Earth. A week later Naruto followed suit and boarded the starliner Gossamer Dream to his own destination on the Planet Earth…

…

Stardate 2271.309 Starfleet Academy, San Francisco, Planet Earth

"Personal Log: My trip aboard the Gossamer Dream was pleasant enough. Most of the passengers aboard were fellow Starfleet Academy entrants from various places around the Federation. A few were Vulcan but I mainly saw humans and Andorians. There were also Deltans, Caitians and Trills among others. Interactions with them have been very taxing on my olfactory senses. Were it not for my previous experience with my friends Alison Fairbanks and Geoff Baker from the Vulcan Science Academy the smell of humans would be overwhelming. I find this surprising because my visit to the Enterprise was not as taxing. I hypothesize that the air cleansers on the Enterprise kept the air much cleaner due to it being a military vessel unlike the Gossamer Dream.

The shuttle trip down to Starfleet Academy was rather fascinating as Earth's climate is incredibly different from that of Vulcan. I am trying to keep a positive outlook about things and have been corresponding with T'Lyra when she is available. Unfortunately, due to the nature of her training our contact is sporadic at best. Once we both are settled into our routine training schedules things will improve no doubt…"

Naruto felt the heavy shuttle come to a halt with a small bump along with the slight feeling of deceleration. When the side hatch opened Naruto grabbed his single piece of luggage with his personal effects and stepped out into the California sunlight and 26 degree Celsius weather. Naruto's eyes widened slightly when he saw the temperature. He muttered quietly to himself, "26 C? I'm used to cool days being 43 C. The Forge gets up around 65 Celsius. I suppose I'll just have to adjust to this climate."

Starfleet Academy was bustling with activity as cadets flowed in for the beginning of the semester. Naruto soon found himself herded into a large auditorium with everyone else. It was extremely loud by Vulcan standards. An officer stood up at the podium towards the center and said, "Attention Cadets! Before you are processed and given your new uniforms, our esteemed Academy Commandant Admiral Pye would like to impart a few words to you."

An elderly human took male the center stage and said in a voice rich with authority, "To the newest Starfleet Academy Cadets, I bid you welcome. In the next four years the hardest challenges and greatest adventures you have ever known. You have earned the right to proudly wear your Starfleet Cadet's uniforms through feats in academics, physical prowess and above all else, character. You are the best your worlds have to offer and only the best can represent the United Federation of Planets in Starfleet."

"Starfleet and our ideals are needed by the Federation now more than ever before as we face outside pressures and push our knowledge to new boundaries through space exploration. We need those willing to answer the call of duty and to serve the Federation and what it represents. Each of you here has heard that call to duty and answered it. I congratulate you cadets; your adventure is just beginning." There was a loud but polite applause as Admiral Pye left the podium and the names of the cadets started being called to get into line to be processed…

…

Dorm F, Room 125-F

The dorm rooms were laid out much like what you would find on a starship for junior officers. All in all, Naruto's room was rather drab and sterile looking with two beds, two desks and a shared bathroom. Naruto noted a small shelf for books above each bed and two closets for one's wardrobe. It was arranged in a very ergonomic fashion which struck Naruto as logical even if it didn't suit his personal tastes.

Naruto was sitting on the bed in his new quarters waiting for his assigned roommate to arrive. All the blonde hybrid was told was his new roommate was named M'rella and that she was female. Naruto was a bit puzzled by the name. 'M'rella doesn't seem to correlate with any naming conventions I can think of on planets I am familiar with. I suppose the logical thing to do is change into my Cadet's uniform and wait.' Naruto slipped on his form fitting uniform and noted that it left little to the imagination. Black pants and boots with a snug shirt denoting his field of study: golden for command.

Naruto head the door slide open and saw a jet black Caitian female walk in. She took a good long look at Naruto and said in a purring, cat like voice; "Hmmm*② …you don't smell like a human, I like those ears…I'm M'rella of Cait. Are you Naruto?"

'Caitians are a felinoid race that hail from the planet Cait which was a Kzinti Colony in the ancient past. She's quite stunning.' He gave the Vulcan salute and said, "Yes, I am Naruto of Vulcan. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Her amber eyes widened slightly. "You have an unusual appearance for a Vulcan. You are blonde and have whisker marks. Most Vulcans aren't nearly as handsome as you." she purred.

Naruto raised an eyebrow and noted her snug kimono like clothing and dainty digitigrade feet. Her black tail swayed softly with interest as she looked Naruto over. "You are in the fast-track program as I am then? There are only about twenty of us."

'There are that few?' wondered Naruto. "Yes, I was waived half of my credit hours so I have 80 credit hours to take in the next two years. I'm studying for Command and Sciences."

"Hmmm." M'rella purred. She held up a gold shirt from her bag and said, "I'm majoring in Command and Communications. We Caitians have good ears, so I was put in Communications whether I wanted it or not. Pardon me while I change into uniform." Naruto was going to leave to give her some privacy when M'rella disrobed right there and gave Naruto an eyeful. Her glossy black fur was neatly groomed over every curve of her voluptuous body. Naruto blushed and turned away for the sake of decency. She was grumbling as she put on her uniform behind Naruto. "These human style clothes simply aren't designed for Caitians. My tail feels restricted, and these boots are atrocious. I'd rather go barefoot."

Naruto turned around and saw the young Caitian woman was sitting on her bed really fighting with her boots. "Would you like some assistance?" asked Naruto.

"Ah, hmmm." she said. "That would be a big help." Naruto unzipped the side of each boot and helped M'rella maneuver them on. "So that's what those extra zippers are for." she said. "Thank you for your help, Naruto. I am not fully used to these zippers yet." She added with a purr, "I believe we are going to be good friends."

'I wonder what that entails.' thought Naruto. 'I need to study Caitian culture –and fast.'

Soon the odd pair was exploring Dorm F. There were gymnasiums, movie theatres and a large communal dining hall. "Classes start in three days." said Naruto. "It would be to our advantage to locate the classrooms we are to attend."

M'rella purred happily in approval and said, "Let's explore the campus then. I want to see the sciences building first."

…

Sciences Hall

"You already have two Doctoral Degrees?!" asked M'rella surprised. "Hmmm. I have my Doctorate in Communications and Masters in Languages and that put me in the fast-track program. I'm surprised they didn't just send you into the fleet."

Naruto looked thoughtful and said, "Those of us in the fast-track program need to be indoctrinated with Starfleet policies and procedures so I doubt they would do such a thing."

"Indoctrination sounds a lot like brainwashing." the Caitian female said with a chuckle.

Naruto was about to reply when a large human male said, "Well hello pussycat." to M'rella. "You must be new here. I'm Cadet Joseph Kirov. How would you like a tour with yours truly?"

The blonde raised an eyebrow. "You are familiar with the facilities here upperclassman?"

Kirov turned to Naruto and said, "Oh sorry pal; I didn't notice you there. I was talking to pussycat here."

M'rella resisted the urge to roll her amber eyes and gripped Naruto's arm. "I believe that my companion and I will be fine exploring on our own. Thank you for your kind offer upperclassman Kirov." Pulling Naruto to the left she said, "Hmmm…let's go to the microbiology lab right here."

Kirov huffed as the Caitian girl completely blew him off. He figured he could talk to her later. 'That black haired cutie is hot. Shame I don't know biology. She just needs to see me fight. I'm a security specialist after all.' The big man strutted off thinking of ways he could impress his latest female interest.

Inside the lab M'rella was talking to Naruto. "I truly like humans, but I truly dislike when they are patronizing towards me. I am not a pet cat; I am a Caitian." she huffed.

'I never thought of that sort of problem.' thought Naruto. 'I suppose it would be the human equivalent of being called a monkey…'

…

Dorm F, Gymnasium Number 3

Back at Dorm F there was a large sparring ring where the cadets proved their mettle in the martial arts. It was here that a beautiful young blonde woman with an uneven bob haircut and ice blue eyes was making a name for herself. Samui Schrodinger*③ was teaching an upperclassman what an elbow to the jaw could really do as he staggered backwards in a daze and fell unconscious after a follow up straight punch to the face. As her opponent fell flat on the mat Samui adjusted her white karate Gi that fit her impressive bust. Samui was an eighth-degree black belt and essentially had been getting her workout in by kicking ass and taking names all afternoon.

One of the instructors that she pummeled earlier said; "That will be enough Cadet Schrodinger. Let someone else in the ring to have a turn."

Samui bowed and said, "Yes, sir." She tightened her black belt and left the ring to sit and watch with the other cadets practicing there. Almost all of them were her upperclassman but they gave the young woman wide berth.

"That is one scary chick…" said another cadet quietly.

"Who cares?" whispered another. "She's drop dead gorgeous. Just look at the rack on that girl! My phasers are locked."

Samui sat there thinking. She was ignoring the words from the peanut gallery. 'This group isn't much of a challenge at all and most of them are security types. I've been fast tracked for Command. I wonder when I'll meet the others that skipped two years. Going to the University of Cambridge and getting my degree in Cosmology and Astronomy puts me way ahead of most of the graduates here; let alone the other cadets. Hopefully there will be some interesting people among the other fast track students…'

…

Starfleet Academy, Stardate 2271.317

"Personal Log: After the first week my basic classes have presented no real challenges. What has been challenging has been cohabitating with M'rella. I realize I am very used to privacy and need to adjust my outlook. To this end I've had a shadow clone heavily studying Caitian culture and habits and have found that they are a warm and cooperative race that value loyalty and friendship above all else. They are very peace loving and abhor violence. They are also very neat and tidy. M'rella is very meticulous about cleanliness which I approve of and grooms herself often to prevent shedding of her fur."

"On the negative side she is rather shameless and sleeps in the nude. She knows I am bonded, yet I have been very embarrassed a number of times by her suddenly appearing out of the shower wearing nothing but a smile. M'rella is also flirtatious and likes to sit very close to me. She is very expressive and affectionate. While these seem to be common traits as far as she is concerned I have more than once nearly leaped to the ceiling to stick there with chakra. I wish T'Lyra was here but at the same time I believe she would find M'rella's behavior quite unacceptable…"

….

Starfleet Education Hall, Class: Starfleet Sciences I & II

"Good morning class." said Lieutenant Charles Cross.

"Good morning, sir." chanted the entire class in answer to the Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Cross was a career Starfleet Officer that found his calling in teaching others. Mixed in his class were the 'fast track' students that he had to drill to a higher standard as they were considered future leaders whether they wanted it or not. And drill them he did. Cross was notorious for giving his lectures and shooting out rapid fire questions in the process. Regulations, etiquette, leadership skills…everything required for a future career as a Starfleet Officer…

As he lectured about Starfleet ethics, Cross suddenly snapped his fingers and pointed at Samui. "This is the basics of the basics people. Cadet Schrodinger, what is Starfleet General Order 1?"

Samui rattled out, "The Prime Directive, also known as Starfleet General Order 1 or the Non-Interference Directive, is the embodiment of one of Starfleet's most important ethical principles: noninterference with other cultures and civilizations."

"Correct Cadet Schrodinger." said Cross. He snapped his fingers again and pointed at Naruto. "Cadet Naruto, give me a full description of the Prime Directive."

The blonde answered, "The Prime Directive is as follows: As the right of each sentient species to live in accordance with its normal cultural evolution is considered sacred, no Star Fleet personnel may interfere with the healthy development of alien life and culture. Such interference includes the introduction of superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages wisely. Star Fleet personnel may not violate this Prime Directive, even to save their lives and/or their ship unless they are acting to right an earlier violation or an accidental contamination of said culture. This directive takes precedence over any and all other considerations and carries with it the highest moral obligation."

…and so it went…

…

After the class was dismissed the fast- rack students went towards their next class they all had together; Planetary Survival I. As they walked, they were discussing Lieutenant Cross.

M'rella said, "Hmmm…Has anyone else noticed that Mister Cross singles out the fast track students? His constant finger snapping is hard on my ears as well."

"He's probably under orders to." said Samui. "Cross breaking a finger or two so he couldn't snap would be tragic though." she added with a cold smile.

Naruto's mind immediately started whirring and clicking with plans to lube Lieutenant Cross's fingers so his snaps would be whisper quiet –if at all. 'It's just a matter of finding the correct lubricant…' thought Naruto deviously.

…

Communications Hall, Class: Public Speaking & Leadership II

"I did this at Cambridge." groaned Samui under her breath as their teacher talked about the finer points of writing a speech.

Naruto nodded. "As did I at the Vulcan Science Academy."

"We all did." growled another human fast track student.

Naruto was a bit bemused by his fellow fast track students. There was no doubt in his mind that they were all very smart and a bit eccentric (His friend Alison Fairbanks would have fit in perfectly). But more to the point; many of them bordered on arrogance. They knew they were special and acted accordingly. Naruto felt this was undesirable and wondered how long it would be before the more pretentious members of their little group got thoroughly humbled. 'It might be better to break up this group rather than let them develop a superiority complex.' One that stood out as being downright pompous to anyone aside of his fellow fast track students was an Andorian male named Shar. He had a full Doctorate in Philosophy from the top University on Andor. Naruto really wondered why a philosopher would qualify as a Starfleet Officer but figured Starfleet must have had a reason…

Shar turned to Naruto and said, "You are a man of logic Naruto. Can you think of any logical reason why we are suffering through this pedestrian and elementary course? It's so…mundane."

Naruto really wanted to sigh but said patiently, "Starfleet has to have each of us on the same page. Logically, I would be able to write a persuasive speech for Vulcans that would not be as persuasive to an Andorian audience. Conversely, you would be successful with Andorians but perhaps not as much to Vulcans. I believe they are attempting to round out our various skills to speak to all cultures."

The young Andorian man pondered for a moment and said, "Well, I'm sure you feel it's unnecessary as we all do but that would explain Starfleet's train of thought. Thank you, my friend."

Naruto just nodded and got back to listening to the lecture. 'Yes, it is boring, but it is a matter of necessity. The majority of Starfleet is made up of humans after all.'

…

Dorm F, Room 125-F

Naruto was back in his quarters in the sitting area talking to T'Lyra over his tablet. T'Lyra was obviously very pleased to see him as all they had been corresponding with was text for the last three weeks. The brunette beauty was a bit dirty but had a healthy glow about her and Naruto could tell she was doing well. "We're in Tunisia studying desert survival Naruto. Compared to The Forge back home this is easy. My classmates are having a rough time of it though. Humans sweat and lose water –a lot." She crinkled her nose in reference to the smell.

Naruto's blue eyes held amusement and he said, "As long as you are doing well. Our planetary survival course is all theory right now. We have yet to go into the field."

"That sounds terribly difficult." replied T'Lyra dryly. "How you must be suffering in an air-conditioned room."

Naruto gave a tiny smile. "How did you get so dirty T'Lyra?"

She looked amused. "One of our transports suffered a repulsor failure. I had to jury rig it so we could limp back to base. Our Warrant Officer didn't know how to fix it, so I offered him some assistance."

"That's my mate." said Naruto in approval.

"I have to go Naruto." said the brunette. "Stay safe."

"You stay safe as well T'Lyra. I hope we speak again soon." said Naruto. With that T'Lyra's image faded and the transmission ended…

…

Tunisia, Desert Training Station 16

T'Lyra held her tablet close to her chest. 'How I miss you Naruto…'

"Our Vulcan babe looks lonely. Maybe she needs some tender loving care from yours truly." said Crewman Recruit Thomas Sullivan.

"I don't know Tommy; I think she was just talking to her boyfriend or something." said another.

"We'll see if she feels that way in the morning." said Sullivan with a greasy smile…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: This is not the Kobayashi Maru test. That is a no-win scenario involving the rescue of a freighter.

*②: M'rella's purring voice will be reflected with Hnnnn or Hmmm sounds from time to time. I couldn't think of anything better of the top of my head. Purrr or Rrrrr just seemed off. I don't want her to sound like she's growling.

*③: Schrodinger is the name of Samui's adoptive parents. We'll go into her background later.

Well, we have some new characters in this chapter and Naruto and T'Lyra are in training for Starfleet. We also have seen the return of Samui who has been absent for several chapters (Since chapter 3 actually). So, Naruto is surrounded by eccentric brainiacs and has a flirty feline roommate. T'Lyra in the meantime has attracted some attention herself. What will come of that? See you next time. Blue out. 9/19/23