Naruto: Infinity Divide
Talok's Dance
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This time we get to see a bit a bit of Vulcan culture. Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
Last time:
T'Ara and Sovar's house
T'Lyra and Naruto were fast asleep in each other's arms when the blonde started stirring in his sleep. T'Lyra woke up and sensed a foreign telepathic presence in her mate. Fearing the worst, she gently placed her fingers on Naruto's face and established a mind meld with him…
…
Naruto's Mindscape…
T'Lyra saw a woman dressed in white with horns and knew who it was from Naruto's descriptions of her. The brunette beauty said, "You are…Kaguya?"
Kaguya turned to T'Lyra and said, "Well, well. At last we meet young T'Lyra. Yes, I am Kaguya, and I am Naruto's sole remaining non Vulcan ancestress. He has told me much about you."
Naruto's mate asked, "What are you doing here?"
The Rabbit Goddess said, "I check on my grandson's welfare from time to time. It seems he's exhausted himself again."
Nodding, T'Lyra said, "He drives himself too hard too often. I fear he will burn himself out."
"Perhaps he needs to take a genuine vacation as opposed to fighting all of the time." said Kaguya. "He has a race to repopulate you know."
"He indicated that you suggested him having a harem." said T'Lyra.
Kaguya nodded and said, "You seem to agree given you are willing to share him with your cousin."
"S'Loren…She is strong and delicate at the same time." The brunette added, "I do not know why but I believe she and Naruto could be good for each other."
"Are their others you believe would make suitable mates for Naruto?" asked Kaguya. "You seem awfully open minded about this."
"The Blue Dynasty practiced polygamy often." said T'Lyra. "Perhaps it's just in my family's traditions."
…
Chapter 33
...
Stardate 2273.077, 40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan, T'Ara and Sovar's house
Naruto awoke early to the smell of his Mother's cooking and inhaled deeply. "Mmmm…something smells good." thought Naruto aloud.
T'Lyra awoke to her mate's comment and yawned. "Good morning, Naruto."
The blonde gave her a peck on the lips and said, "And good morning to you T'Lyra. How is my beautiful mate this morning? Did you sleep well?"
T'Lyra gave him a tiny smile and said, "I slept well last night. I always do when I am next to you."
Naruto leaned in for another kiss and there was a knock on the bedroom door. It was Talok. "Naruto, T'Lyra; Mama says breakfast will be ready in a few minutes." she said through the door.
"Please tell Mother that we are awake Talok." said Naruto.
Talok replied, "I will tell her big brother."
…
The young couple got up and found a feast spread before them much to their surprise. T'Ara said, "I'm sure you are used to navy food, but genuine Vulcan dishes are always better than what comes out of replicators so enjoy."
Sovar soon came in and joined them. He said to his wife, "You and Talok have outdone yourselves this morning T'Ara."
T'Ara said, "I believe the children haven't had anything resembling homemade Vulcan cuisine in months so I thought we should treat them. Besides, we have plans today. We should invite them along, don't you think Sovar?"
Sovar got a gleam in his eye. "But of course. Naruto, how would you like to see your Great-Grandmother and Great-Grandfather?"
Naruto asked, "Do you mean Lady Varek's parents?"
T'Ara nodded. "Grandmother Evoras and Grandfather Hanesh are staying at the M'Fau family retreat in the Plains of Gol and insisted on meeting Talok once they heard she is aspiring to be a dancer."
Talok was eating with barely contained excitement (by Vulcan standards). "Grandmother Evoras is from a long line of dancers and Grandfather Hanesh is a musician. They perform together. When they found out I wished to be a dancer too Grandmother wrote me a letter and said she wished to meet me in person."
"No wonder you are so lively this morning Talok." said Naruto. "I believe I met her when I was little. Is that right Mother?"
"Yes; you were three years old, and Grandmother Evoras said you were made for the martial arts like your Father." answered T'Ara. "Looking back, I can't help but feel she could see more than your Father and I at the time."
Talok interjected, "You are coming aren't you Naruto?"
"Of course, I am." said Naruto. "T'Lyra, would you like to bring your ka'athyra*① so you could play as well?"
"Hmmm…I suppose I could if you wish it Naruto." said T'Lyra in a pleased tone. "I don't know if I will be up to the expectations of your Grandparents though."
"You shouldn't be so modest T'Lyra." said Sovar. "Your playing is exquisite."
T'Lyra blushed a tiny bit at the praise. "I'll get my spare ka'athyra from Mother and Father's house then. I can tune it before we head over to the Plains of Gol."
…
Anuak and Falor Tolaris' house
Naruto cordially greeted his mother and Father in law while T'Lyra went to the back bedroom to retrieve her spare ka'athyra that she'd lovingly packed away with its cleaning and tuning supplies. There T'Lyra found her cousin Shizuka looking a bit out of sorts. Shizuka turned to T'Lyra with big eyes and said in a loud whisper, "Please take me with you. I don't care where we go. Aunt Anuak is driving me positively insane!"
T'Lyra thought to herself, 'I suppose I shouldn't be entirely surprised.' She pondered for a moment and then said, "I'm sure Naruto and his family wouldn't mind you coming along Shizuka…Let me ask." The beautiful brunette thought telepathically to her mate, 'Can Shizuka join us on your family's trip Naruto? My Mother has her a bit…distressed.'
Naruto gave a mental nod and when the two young Vulcan women came out of the back room, they heard Naruto talking to Anuak and Falor. "…And since my family is going to see a genuine Vulcan entertainment troupe, I felt it would be good for S'Loran to see some real Vulcan culture as was once played in the royal courts of the old dynasty." He said it so smoothly that no one would have guessed he was completely adlibbing.
Anuak clapped her hands together once and said, "That is an excellent idea Naruto. You are such a thoughtful son-in-law. I wish I'd have known in advance or Falor and I would have joined you as well." Anuak turned to Shizuka and T'Lyra and said, "S'Loran, use this wonderful opportunity to learn about our Vulcan culture."
Shizuka did her best to bow appropriately and said, "I'll do my best Aunt Anuak. I'll see you and Uncle Falor later then."
…
As Shizuka, T'Lyra and Naruto walked back to the M'Fau residence Shizuka said quietly, "I can't thank you enough! One more mention of the Honorable Blue Dynasty and I would have jumped out of an airlock!"
Naruto mentally cringed at the thought of what Shizuka was going through having spent time extended time with Anuak himself. "Father Falor is relatively laid back but Mother Anuak can be taxing."
"My Mother is rather fixated on the past laurels of the Tolaris Clan." agreed T'Lyra with a flat look.
Naruto mentally said, 'It could always be worse my love. She could be staying with Taurik and Elonat.'
T'Lyra mentally smiled at the crazy antics of Naruto's artistic cousins. 'Truthfully I like them.'
Naruto just stared at his mate in shocked disbelief…
…
T'Ara and Sovar's house
"Honestly it's no trouble at all Shizuka." said Sovar to the relieved Security Chief. "You are welcome to come along on our little outing."
T'Ara added, "I can understand your distress at Anuak's antics. Our family is so glad that T'Lyra takes after her Father's side of the Tolaris Clan."
"Thank you very much." said Shizuka bowing her head. The M'Fau's quickly loaded up the family hovercraft and Naruto pulled his VK220R out of the garage. Shizuka saw the crimson red racing machine and asked, "What is that?"
T'Lyra came out in her form fitting biker suit holding a helmet and said, "It's a VK220R speeder bike. Naruto and I will be riding it while you ride with the family in the hovercraft."
Shizuka was admiring the sleek sports machine with wide, amazed eyes and asked, "How fast does it go? This is some vehicle. It looks really badass!"
Naruto came out of the house in his own uniform with his helmet and saw Shizuka talking animatedly with T'Lyra. The brunette was proudly showing off the bike a bit. T'Lyra said, "We never rated a true top speed, but we took the 220R up to 500 kilometers per hour easily which is well within racing specifications."
"Awesome!" replied Shizuka enthused.
'Perhaps Shizuka has the same need for speed T'Lyra was blessed with.' thought Naruto to himself.
…
The trip across ShiKahr City eastward to the Plains of Gol proved to be without incident and they soon came upon the M'Fau family retreat. Shizuka was expecting a large family ranch house of some sort but what she saw looked more like…a caravan?
'What could this be?' wondered the twenty-five-year-old Security Chief. 'Looking at the people here reminds me of gypsies from Earth.' As her green eyes wandered over the retreat, she saw the large, ornate carts were drawn by many of the horse-like, striped dzharels and large rows of tents. Shizuka then noticed that everyone seemed to be wearing the most amazing clothing. They had a sheen like she'd never seen before. "Their clothing is beautiful…" commented Shizuka. "…I've never seen the like."
T'Ara said, "Ah, those clothes are handcrafted out of dr'thelek silk*②. It is rarely seen outside of Vulcan."
The M'Fau family hovercraft came to a stop at the edge of the retreat and Sovar hopped out showing his crimson M'Fau robes. He flagged down a man feeding the dzharels and after exchanging the Vulcan salute Sovar asked, "Are Evoras and Hanesh M'Fau available? I'm their grandson Sovar and they are expecting my family and I."
The man scrutinized Sovar for a moment and said, "I've heard of you. You are our cousin that travels in The Forge. You and your family are welcome here in the retreat."
Sovar added hastily, "We have a guest that is new to Vulcan with us. Is it alright if she joins us?"
The man mentally sighed and asked, "Is she a human tourist?" 'We get enough of those in our travels without tourists at the retreat.'
"No, she is a Vulcan raised on Earth by humans." explained Sovar. "While she doesn't know our logic or customs; we hope to put her in touch with her roots. She is descended of the Tolaris Clan."
Nodding, the man said, "That is an admirable goal. She is welcome of course." He motioned behind him towards the caravan. "Grandfather Hanesh and Grandmother Evoras are in the large green covered tent."
Sovar bowed and said, "Thank you cousin." Moving at a more relaxed pace; Sovar came over to the hovercraft and said, "Everyone is welcome. Grandfather and Grandmother are in the green tent." He motioned to Naruto and T'Lyra to park their speeder bike by the hovercraft and the blonde brought the crimson red machine smoothly to a halt. The pair quickly dismounted and took off their helmets.
"All of these people are your relatives?" Shizuka asked Naruto.
Naruto nodded and said, "Yes, all the people in this travelling troupe are relatives on my Father's side. His branch of the family is made up of artisans, artists, spiritualists and so on. They travel the world and entertain others at festivals, but they usually return here when they can."
Shizuka looked over at T'Ara briefly and asked the blonde, "…And your Mother's side?"
The blonde said, "Mother's line is descended of the warriors who rode the plains on their dzharels; hence our name M'Fau, 'The Riders.'
"The Riders huh?" wondered Shizuka aloud. "That sounds like a clan to see."
Naruto brought Shizuka out of her musings when he handed her a bit of luggage to help unload the family hovercraft…
…
Evoras and Hanesh's tent
Sovar and his family (plus Shizuka) entered the tent of his Grandparents and proper introductions were made. Soon they were all sitting down around a traditional cooking fire over tea.
"It has been a long time Sovar." said Evoras. She was dressed in white and red. Evoras was in her nineties but certainly didn't look it. She had a well toned dancer's body and was quite striking for her age. Her husband Hanesh also wore white and red patterns but he was totally gray unlike his wife who just had a wisp of gray in her black hair. He noticed T'Lyra's ka'athyra and took interest in the young woman though he hadn't said anything.
Evoras scrutinized Naruto and said, "I remember you bringing this little troublemaker as well. You rearranged my wardrobe according to your own logic Naruto M'Fau. It took days to straighten that mess up. I hope you've outgrown those tendencies."
Naruto gave a minimal smile and said, "That was my way of showing my respect as a child. I play much more mature riddles on others now."
Shizuka kept a straight face because of her discipline but wanted to laugh at Evoras's raised eyebrow of terror…
"So, you play the ka'athyra." said Hanesh to T'Lyra. "How long have you played?" he asked curiously.
T'Lyra answered, "I've played 15 years. I started taking lessons at four years old."
"Marvelous." replied Hanesh. "I would like to hear you play for us."
"I will do my best." said T'Lyra. "However, I doubt it is up to your standards."
Hanesh said reassuringly, "I'm sure you will do well."
…
The eleven-year-old Talok was eagerly speaking with her Great-Grandmother Evoras about dancing forms and the Elder was very pleased to see her grandchild knew so much about the subject. "I started dancing as soon as I was old enough to walk." stated Evoras. "Your Father indicated you did the same. I am most interested in seeing your dance style little one." she said to the eleven-year-old.
"I am eager to show you." said Talok with barely hidden enthusiasm. "Dancing has been my favorite thing to do since as long as I can remember."
…
That evening the M'Fau Clan cleared out an area that they used for practice and Talok was given center stage. Truthfully Evoras wasn't sure what to expect from her grandchild, but the clan lent her some traditional dancing clothes which seemed to please Talok immensely. As the clan sat around the 'stage' Talok walked barefoot out onto the sand and began a flowing V'Shan routine. This caught everyone but her family off guard as she effortlessly went through the steps and a few advanced V'Shan moves.
Finally, Talok moved from her artistic warm up smoothly into a few dance steps. She said to her Great-Grandfather Hanesh, "Please play what your soul feels, and I shall dance."
Hanesh was not expecting such a request, raised a surprised eyebrow. He got a gleam in his eye and motioned to T'Lyra who was sitting beside him with her ka'athyra ready. He said, "Play as you wish, and I will accompany you child."
T'Lyra nodded and started tapping her feet in a very complex twelve-eight time and after establishing a steady rhythm that others joined in on the young woman started playing an ancient tune called The Fires of the Forge. It was considered a classic but very complex piece that started out slowly like rolling thunder but grew in speed and ferocity as the intricate tune went on and ended almost explosively.
Talok tapped her foot in rhythm with her sister-in-law and nodded as if to accept the challenge. She spun on her bare feet in the sand slowly as if further loosening her body up. Talok's long, glossy black hair fanned out behind her as she spun faster and faster as if in the eye of a sandfire storm. The young girl then acrobatically flipped from her standing position into a long foot sweep that showed just how flexible Talok's lean body was. The incorporation of acrobatics and V'Shan style moves that the young Vulcan girl effortlessly incorporated into her dancing style astounded many of those watching as they clapped along to the beat.
As Talok continued to dazzle her audience, T'Lyra found herself caught up in the music that she, Hanesh and two other ka'athyra players were making. The faster and more intense the music got, the more she enjoyed this particular piece. T'Lyra found her Mother always thought The Fires of the Forge was too wild and too loud so she only played it when her parents were out of the house. On the other hand, she could sense the entire M'Fau Clan there was as caught up in the music as much as she was and T'Lyra was enjoying herself immensely.
As Talok gained speed she spun once again causing the audience to wonder how the girl could achieve such a level at such a young age. Her borrowed dancer's outfit flowed like the wind behind her, and it was a spectacle to see for Sovar and T'Ara. They both imagined what a splendid and beautiful dancer their daughter would become in the next few years.
…As the music came to a crescendo Talok pirouetted and came to a perfect halt in the bowed position when the song ended…
The M'Fau troupe exploded into civilized but very loud applause. It was obvious that they were all very impressed and Talok felt a sense of elation go through her body despite the fact she was rather drained from the intense fifteen minute dance.
Most of all she noted her Grandmother Evoras clapping with enthusiasm…
Shizuka was shocked at what a fantastic performance she saw. T'Lyra played all evening with Hanesh and the other ka'athyra players in the clan and Talok danced several times with some of the other dancers as the evening passed. She earned the moniker of 'Little V'Shan Dancer' by nightfall.
…
Sitting near the campfire Hanesh invited Sovar and Naruto over to have some Vulcan port with him. "It seems that your mate T'Lyra is truly gifted with the ka'athyra Naruto." said Hanesh. "Her singing voice is truly wonderful as well."
"I always look forward to hearing T'Lyra play." said Naruto. "It is a pleasure for the ears." Naruto took a sip of his port and said, "This port is an excellent vintage."
Hanesh said to Sovar, "I see your son has the same tastes in drinks that you do Sovar."
Sovar replied, "It is something I inherited from you, Grandfather."
Hanesh leaned back in thought and said, "Ah yes, little Varek never was fond of alcohol."
"I've never thought about it before, but I've never seen Lady Varek drink." commented Naruto.
Hanesh raised an eyebrow at the way Naruto referred to his Grandmother as 'Lady' Varek but said nothing.
Sovar said, "Yes, your Great-Grandfather Hanesh got me started drinking. Mother was furious at him, but I've never seen anything wrong with it as long as one drinks in moderation."
…
Evoras was sitting with Talok, T'Lyra, Shizuka and T'Ara in her tent. "I want to give these dancing fans to you Talok. They are an old family heirloom and given your talent I believe they would suit your style perfectly."
The young girl held them reverently and said, "I thank you for your great generosity." Talok held the two fans and noticed they had a weight about them. "Grandmother Evoras, what are these fans made of?"
"They are made of metal." said Evoras. "Open them up."
Talok clicked open one of the fans and immediately noticed it was razor sharp at the edges. Her eyes widened slightly when she noticed small blades concealed in the grooves of the folding fan. When Talok opened the fan a bit more the blades extended showing just how dangerous they were. "These are…weapons?" asked the eleven-year-old.
"Indeed." said Evoras in a pleased tone. "My own Grandmother wielded them while travelling with the caravan to protect herself from predators such as Le-matyas in the wilds."
"How old are these fans?" asked Talok in awe.
"No one knows really." said Evoras. "They've been passed down Mother to daughter and daughter again for centuries. That is why I want you to have them. You are strong enough to use them without any difficulty. Most dancers in the clan don't have the wrist strength to use them properly and have to use fabric fans. I will show you how to care for them and teach you how to incorporate them into your dancing tomorrow after breakfast."
…
Naruto and his family immensely enjoyed the three days they spent at the M'Fau family retreat. They were allowed to ride the clan's dzharels which Naruto and Talok took advantage of. Shizuka found that the M'Fau clan was very understanding of her offworld origins, and they gently instructed her in some Vulcan traditions (Unlike her Aunt Anuak that seemed to want Shizuka to be shipped off to a boarding school). She also received some beautiful blue robes made of Dr'thelek silk that she was thrilled with. They matched the ones that T'Lyra received, and the pair looked absolutely stunning together. T'Lyra also received crimson robes as she was part of the M'Fau Clan in all but name…
…
ShiKahr City
After returning home to ShiKahr, Naruto and T'Lyra decided they should drop in and see their good friend Kesh as they had missed him the last time they'd been home on Vulcan. They found him helping his Father on the family hovercraft out in front of his home. "Kesh Lhai*③!" called T'Lyra.
Kesh raised his head showing his long hair was as wild as ever. He immediately set down his tools and said, "T'Lyra, Naruto; it has been so long my friends. It is so good to see you!"
The blonde greeted his friend with a Vulcan salute. "Kesh, you've grown taller. How are you?"
Kesh returned the salute and said, "I couldn't be better. I'm working as a business and marketing manager now at a speeder bike company. It turns out between business school and working on that VK220R of yours really opened my career path."
"That's excellent." said T'Lyra. "Do you have a bike of your own?"
The long-haired young man said, "No, I have a small hovercraft to get around in." He scratched his neck nervously and said, "For some odd reason I'm a bit danger prone on speeder bikes."
Naruto and T'Lyra thought in unison, 'Some things never change…'
"At any rate, what are things like in Starfleet?" asked Kesh. "Surely they must be more exciting than being in a business office all day."
The three friends sat down together and spent the afternoon relaxing and visiting about the different adventures they'd been on…Hours later Naruto and T'Lyra bid Kesh farewell for the evening having caught up on most of the current events with their old classmates. The trio agreed to travel up to Vulcana Regar the next day so they could spend more time together.
"This has been a wonderful trip Naruto." said T'Lyra with warmth in her eyes. The two crossed fingers as they went back home to Naruto's parents' house.
…
Vulcana Regar
The next day Naruto and T'Lyra (with Shizuka and Kesh in tow) took the magnetic rail train to Vulcana Regar on a short business trip to the M'Fau Banking and Investment Firm to see Naruto's cousin Metana M'Fau. Kesh and Shizuka went to shop a bit while Naruto and T'Lyra conducted business. Metana greeted her cousin and his mate and was very pleased to present them with a very successful business portfolio. Metana said, "It seems that your investments in starship propulsion and pharmaceutical companies have been extremely lucrative. It evokes a sense of satisfaction in our firm to see members of the clan so successful. What else can I do for you today?"
"We are interested in EpiCenter Pharmaceuticals." said T'Lyra. "The develop advance medicines for many races both on and off planet as well as restorative cloning procedures."
Metana brought up the data on the small Vulcana Regar based pharmaceutical company. "It seems that one of their biggest investors and business manager sold out leaving the company in dire straits financially speaking." Metana frowned slightly. "It appears that most of their development work is going to be sold to other companies next month to cover the losses. What interests you in this particular firm?"
"A friend of ours from the Vulcan Science Academy works there as a lead developer." said Naruto. "She is very gifted in the field of medicine, and we wish to see her succeed."
"Senva Tolek; holder of 33 patents in the medical field and a rising star in the pharmaceutical industry…" said Metana. "This is your friend?" Seeing Naruto and T'Lyra nod Metana continued. "It seems that she is the primary mover behind the company since the financial collapse."
"How much would it take to rescue this company…?" asked T'Lyra.
Metana plugged in a few algorithms and said, "One moment and I'll have an estimate…" She looked over the records with a vexed expression and said, "15 million credits should cover all of their losses but it would take an additional 20 million to give them the capital necessary for proper research and development. Theoretically it would be high risk but you have already invested in other pharmaceutical companies, so you are used to these kinds of numbers…"
"Tell us more…" said Naruto.
…
EpiCenter Pharmaceuticals
An hour later Naruto and T'Lyra came over to EpiCenter Pharmaceuticals to see their friend Senva. The secretary looked a bit tired and said in an exhausted tone, "Welcome to EpiCenter Pharmaceuticals, how may we be of service today?"
Naruto said, "We are investors and would like to see Senva Tolek about a possible financial arrangement with your company."
The secretary looked a bit shocked for a split second and said, "Your name sir and ma'am?"
"Naruto and T'Lyra M'Fau" answered T'Lyra.
"I will call Miss Senva." said the secretary. She quickly brought up a screen to contact Senva.
T'Lyra mentally spoke to her husband, 'Why would Senva still be a Miss? Wasn't she engaged to be married upon graduation from the Vulcan Science Academy?'
'I'm puzzled as well.' answered Naruto.
Senva soon came through a door to the back and saw Naruto and T'Lyra standing there. She immediately gave a Vulcan salute that the couple returned. "Naruto and T'Lyra my friends; it has been too long. I am glad to see you but what brings you here to Vulcana Regar?"
Naruto gave a minimal smile and said, "We've come on business. My mate and I are interested in investing in your company. We understand that you are the business manager as well as lead developer currently."
Raising an eyebrow, Senva said to her secretary, "T'Pril, I'm going out to lunch. "Do I have any other appointments today?"
"Not for another four hours Miss Senva." answered the now named T'Pril.
"Good." said Senva. "I will be out for an extended lunch then. Contact me if you need me."
T'Pril nodded. "Understood Miss Senva."
….
Naruto and T'Lyra treated Senva to lunch along with Kesh and Shizuka. They got a private booth so they could talk. Kesh was blushing slightly as he admired Senva. The long-haired young Vulcan man was completely love struck with the slightly older Vulcan woman. He said with an appropriate bow, "I am Kesh Lhai and I'm honored to meet you, Miss Senva."
Shizuka raised her eyebrows and thought, 'Is he twitter-pated?' with a mental giggle.
Naruto and T'Lyra noticed the same and wondered about Kesh's own betrothal. 'What about Kesh's betrothed?' asked Naruto mentally.
'I have no idea, but I know they never got along.' replied T'Lyra. 'They seemed like a bad match.'
….
Senva explained the sad financial situation of her company to Naruto and T'Lyra. "We estimate it will take 24.7 million credits to get the company into a financial situation where we can be productive again."
"How much of that will go towards new research and development?" asked T'Lyra.
"11.6 million of that total would go towards development of new products and research." said Senva. "I'm afraid that my company is doomed. I thank you for your interest though."
Naruto and T'Lyra nodded at each other. The blonde said, "35 million credits."
Senva asked, "35 million credits?"
T'Lyra stated, "We are prepared to invest 35 million credits in EpiCenter Pharmaceuticals to restore your business and make it productive again. Naturally we would expect a return on our investment within the next ten years, but we have discussed it and believe you are up to the task Senva."
"That would give you 21.9 million credits to put towards research, development, facilities and staff." added Naruto. "We want to see you succeed Senva."
Senva's hazel eyes widened and after a few moments she finally said, "I am speechless…Can this be true?"
"We believe your company is making products that will be in demand with the Federation Starfleet in the not-so-distant future." explained Naruto. "You focus on several races rather than just Vulcans and that is a huge advantage in the marketplace."
"We'd need a new business manager then." said Senva. "I am not up to the task, and I need to focus on development."
Kesh went slightly bug eyed and pulled out his business card. "My card Miss Senva." It simply said: 'Kesh Lhai, Business and Marketing Manager, ShiKahr Speeder Bikes.'
"You are offering…?" asked Senva uncertainly.
Kesh answered, "I would be interested. I will forward you my resume. You need to go through a proper interview process and choose who is right for your company."
It only took a small board meeting for Senva to convince her staff to welcome the M'Fau's investment into their company and she immediately started drafting the job requirements for a business manager…
…
The next morning Naruto and company took the magnetic rail train back to ShiKahr City. On the way they ended up discussing Kesh's obvious personal interest in Senva.
T'Lyra said, "I thought you were betrothed Kesh; did something happen?"
Kesh leaned back in a relaxed pose. "She found another and married him with my blessings. We never got along well anyway. It was one of the best decisions I ever made."
"You seem quite pleased." commented Naruto.
"I am." said Kesh. "Can you tell me about Miss Senva? She is quite striking."
As Naruto and T'Lyra discussed their friend Senva with Kesh; Shizuka wanted to laugh. 'Vulcan courtship rituals are certainly interesting.' she thought with a mental chuckle…
…
Stardate 2273.084 Planet Vulcan orbit, U.S.S Darwin
Naruto, T'Lyra and Shizuka returned to the Darwin via transporter and materialized on transporter pad two. They bid farewell to many family members and friends before beaming up. To their surprise Doctor Alison Fairbanks was waiting for them aboard the ship when they arrived. The petite redhead smiled widely at Naruto and T'Lyra and said, "It seems I'm hitching a ride on the Darwin. There are legal matters to clear up with the whole stasis field generator incident, so I'll be in your care."
Naruto said, "I see why you weren't there for our departure then."
"I beamed up here ahead of time." said Alison with a grin. "Besides, you know I'm bad at goodbyes."
….
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Ka'athyra: The Vulcan lyre as noted previously.
*②: Dr'thelek silk: It cannot be synthesized via replicators and is renowned for its resilience and spectrum of brilliant colors, is a prized material used in the creation of Vulcan clothing. The material is not exported; the only way to obtain dr'thelek silk is to buy it on Vulcan.
*③: Lhai: I never gave Kesh a clan name, so I chose Lhai meaning "Banner Carrier."
Well, this is a good stopping point. Not a lot of action in this chapter but I wanted to show what was happening back on Vulcan and have Naruto and T'Lyra catch up with some of their old friends and families. Next chapter we'll be back in space. See you next time. Blue out. 9/25/23