Naruto: Infinity Divide

Talok's Dilemma

Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Thanks to everyone who reviewed last chapter! I'd like to thank Unnatural Reader and Crimson Hawk Wolf for helping to inspire this chapter. Have you wondered what Naruto's little sister Talok has been up to all this time? Here is Chapter 91, Enjoy!

Port = Left

Starboard = Right

[ ] Signifies a foreign language

{ } Signifies hand signs

…

Last time:

NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Captain's Ready Room

Naruto had a sense of foreboding as he opened the transmission with a retina scan. He saw his daughter Aurora's beautiful face on the screen, and she said without preamble, "The U.S.S. Columbia was lost with all hands in 2286 on an exploration mission into what later was found to be Cardassian Space and the U.S.S. Wolverine was not involved in our future. The Bajorans were occupied by the Cardassians in 2319 and their population was decimated. Proper Federation contact wasn't made with either race until decades later."

The redhead continued. "Something happened in the past that caused this to change, and the U.S.S. Wolverine-D was sent to assure things proceeded according to this new timeline. We do not know if this was for better or worse, but we will see you in the future when we are born. This is Captain Aurora M'Fau signing off."

Naruto sighed. "I'd best report this to Starfleet."

…

"Ship's log, Stardate 2286.183. Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. The NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine will be returning to Federation Space per orders of Starfleet Command. We all feel that a wonderful opportunity to learn from the rich Bajoran culture has been lost to us, but several Federation vessels are going in our place to make peaceful overtures with the people of Bajor."

"Our brief but violent clashes with the Cardassians and the presence of the future NCC-1602-D Wolverine indicate to me that bloodshed between the Cardassian Union and the United Federation of Planets may be on the horizon. Klingon culture we have some understanding of, but the Cardassians we do not. The situation is worrisome to say the least…'

...

The Wolverine was soon on course for Federation Territory…

…

Chapter 91

Stardate 2286.185, Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, Alison's House

Talok M'Fau had returned to Vulcan aboard the S.S. Lola Montez. She sensed the early stages of Pon Farr coming on and felt it would be logical to seek out her betrothed, Fer'at Stepn who also was born in ShiKahr in 2263. They were the same age and had been friends as children. Talok had always thought of him as a cute, studious young man.

Fer'at's Father, Oratt Stepn was an old friend of her Father Sovar's and they both taught at the Vulcan School of Defensive Arts. At the time Fer'at and Talok met they were five years old. Talok wanted to be a dancer and Fer'at wanted to follow in Oratt's footsteps and be a teacher. They got along well and seemed to be a good match for one another.

However, by 2279 Talok was sixteen and had become renowned as the V-Shan Dancer on Vulcan. Fer'at didn't like the fact she was famous and wanted her to retire from dancing to be a proper housewife… That went over like a lead balloon with the daughter of the M'Fau family and she signed up with the Cultural Exchange Program a week later…

Now it was 2286 and Talok had blossomed into a radiant twenty-three-year-old young woman. She hadn't been in contact with Fer'at in the seven years while she travelled the stars. Truthfully that suited Talok fine and she had hoped that her Pon Farr would not come to pass until later like her brother Naruto's did*①.

…Alas, Pon Farr had hit Talok, and her first thought was to see her parents about the matter. Unfortunately, through the most unpredictable and inconvenient of timing, T'Ara and Sovar were undergoing their own Pon Farr and were very occupied with one another. That left Talok with the most logical option of calling her big brother Naruto and his mates for their assistance.

…

Federation Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Captain's Quarters

Naruto and his wives were having dinner together and enjoying each other's company when Shar contacted them from the bridge. "You have a priority one transmission coming from Planet Vulcan." said the Andorian. "It's on a Starfleet channel but the person calling is a civilian."

Naruto raised a perplexed eyebrow. "Who is it Shar?"

"She says her name is Talok and that she is your sister." replied the philosopher.

The blonde Fleet Captain said, "Put her through immediately."

Shar answered, "Understood Naruto, stand by."

Talok appeared on screen looking absolutely beautiful and she said, "Big brother, I am in need of your assistance."

Naruto's blue eyes crackled with chakra and locked with Talok's onyx ones. He said, "Tell me what you need Talok. I will come there if you need me. We are not that far from Vulcan."

She looked relieved. "I thank you Naruto. My situation is rather dire, and your presence would be most welcome."

"What is the situation?" asked T'Lyra. "Perhaps there is a logical solution."

Talok was obviously uncomfortable with the subject. "It is difficult to solve with logic. My Pon Farr is approaching, and my betrothed is not to my liking."

"So Fer'at Stepn has returned to your life." said T'Lyra. "I told you years ago you should have broken it off with him and parted amicably. What do Mother T'Ara and Father Sovar think you should do?"

The onyx eyed beauty sighed. "I have been unable to talk to them. Due to incalculable odds, their own Pon Farr is going on right now. That is why I called you."

Samui hadn't heard her sister in law's story and said, "Is this Fer'at a bad guy or something?"

"Fer'at Stepn isn't a bad person." explained Talok. "He simply didn't agree with my fame. He wanted me to stop dancing and be a traditional wife for him."

"But dancing is your life!" exclaimed Shizuka. "You should crush that weenie like an insect!"

"A weenie?" asked Talok. "Please clarify."

Alison smiled and explained, "It's a human expression. It's basically the combination of a nerd and a huge baby. They put a halt to things because they're scared or worried about something dumb. A weenie whines constantly about everything."

"Yeah, what Alison said!" added the Security Chief.

"That does seem like an apt description of him." said Talok thoughtfully.

M'rella was fighting the urge to burst into a fit of giggles at the idea of the ever-logical Talok referring to anyone as a weenie. She asked, "Is there someone else that you would find suitable to be your mate?"

"I have not been actively looking." admitted Talok. "I did not foresee this becoming an issue."

Naruto stroked his chin. "Have you spoken to Stepn at all about the subject?"

Talok shook her head. "I suppose that would be the first logical step in resolving this."

"Yes." said T'Lyra. "Speak to Fer'at first and see if a solution presents itself."

The blonde Fleet Captain said, "Keep us informed Talok. We are on our way."

…

Bridge

Commander Nodaway was sitting in the command chair and heard Naruto page her. She answered on the comm. "Nodaway here, what can I do for you Fleet Captain?"

"How many days out are we from the 40 Eridani A system?" asked Naruto.

Jackie looked over at Lieutenant Meta who held up five fingers.

"Five days at our current cruising speed of warp factor four, sir." said the Executive Officer.

The Fleet Captain ordered, "Lay in a course for planet Vulcan at warp factor ten Commander Nodaway. I want us there in hours, not days."

Jackie was a little bug eyed and asked, "Is there a reason for this course and speed change sir?"

"Vulcan family emergency." stated Naruto. "Make it happen Nodaway. Execute."

"Aye, sir!" replied Jackie. She turned to the Trill and sad, "You heard the man Rafi. Put the pedal to the metal!"

…

Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, Alison's House

Talok was pondering the fact she was staying at Alison's house across the street while her parents were otherwise occupied. 'This is an unforeseen situation. I am glad that Alison's home is available. Right now, it would be improper to stay at home. (sigh) I should go over to Fer'at's home and speak to him and his Father. It is a shame his Mother passed away so young.'

Walking over a few streets to the Stepn residence, Talok knocked on the door, which was soon answered by Fer'at's Father, Oratt. Oratt was a kind man in his 90's (as opposed to Sovar that was still in his 50's). The elder Stepn was obviously surprised to see Talok after all this time. She was standing there in her crimson M'Fau robes looking radiant as always.

Oratt admired her for a moment before he said, "Talok M'Fau, it is good to see you looking so well. Please come in."

"Thank you for inviting me into your home." replied Talok. "I was hoping to speak with you and Fer'at."

Oratt's eyes widened slightly, and he hurriedly said, "I'll get us some tea."

…Talok wondered why he seemed so nervous as he served tea to her. Finally, Oratt sat down with her and said, "Fer'at doesn't live here anymore. He has a wife now and moved out last year."

Talok raised an eyebrow in the exact same way her Mother and brother were known to do. She delicately set her tea down. "Well, it would have been appropriate for him to contact me about this matter, but I suppose it does end our betrothal."

"You are not…disturbed by this situation?" asked Oratt.

"Fer'at and I had a disagreement regarding my chosen profession so perhaps this is for the best." said Talok. "There still is the problem of my own Pon Farr but at least he is taken care of."

'Thank the stars.' thought Oratt. 'I feared war had come to my doorstep.'

That was when war arrived at his doorstep. His daughter-in-law Mitrani Stepn arrived and let herself in. She was a short, cute young woman with brown eyes and light brown hair. However, she had a shrill voice that grated on Talok's nerves. She said, "Father Oratt, I came by to see you. Fer'at and I-" She saw the gorgeous Talok sitting there and immediately recognized the V-shan Dancer. Mitrani gasped.

Oratt swallowed hard. "Mitrani, allow me to introduce Talok M'Fau. Talok, this is Fer'at's wife Mitrani Stepn."

Mitrani felt fear in her heart and lashed out verbally. "Fer'at is mine! You can't have him! I-I will fight you for him Talok M'Fau!"

Talok stood up and unleashed a mass of killing intent that the M'Fau Clan was known for and Mitrani recoiled in horror. Talok said in an icy tone, "If we were to fight, I would grind your bones into dust, girl. Fortunately, I have no interest in Fer'at so there is no reason for conflict."

"You…you don't want Fer'at?" squeaked Mitrani. Seeing Talok shake her head 'no,' Mitrani asked, "What about your Pon Farr?"

Talok frowned. "What of it?"

"Fer'at and I have lots of friends." said Mitrani. "Perhaps we could introduce you to someone."

'That seems like a bad idea.' thought Talok. "I'm awaiting my brother's arrival to help me find someone suitable."

Mitrani had stars in her eyes. "Naruto M'Fau who brought us peace with the Romulans?"

"That is correct." stated Talok.

"I think our friends would be honored to meet him!" gushed Mitrani.

'Yes, definitely a bad idea…' pondered the V-Shan Dancer.

…

Stardate 2286.186, 40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine

Hours later, the Wolverine came roaring into geosynchronous orbit over ShiKahr. Her arrival did not go unnoticed by the people of Planet Vulcan. Naruto was famous for his exploits and the fast cruiser was considered one of their own. In short, they received a warm welcome by Vulcan standards.

"We are now in orbit over ShiKahr." reported Rafi crisply.

Naruto had explained the situation in brief at the Staff Meeting earlier that day and that the matter was to be kept discreet. He and T'Lyra were going to beam down and assess the situation and if it was going to take time then shore leave would be granted. Obviously, the Fleet Captain was bending the rules a bit, but the Think Tank was famous for doing that regardless.

…

Transporter Room

Ensign Heidi Gaul was at her station in Transporter Room One when Naruto and T'Lyra came marching in dressed in their matching crimson M'Fau robes and Vulcan sandals. Heidi grinned at them and said, "I've got the designated coordinates for your house. You should appear right out front. Contact me if you need me."

"Thank you, Heidi." replied Naruto.

The Transporter Chief grinned. "The Think Tank takes care of their own. Ready when you are."

The young couple stepped onto the transporter platform and the blonde said, "Energize."

…

Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, Alison's House

Naruto and T'Lyra materialized in front of Alison's house where they normally stayed now when on Vulcan. Across the narrow street was T'Ara and Sovar's house where Naruto grew up. The pair was greeted by Talok who was waiting on the porch for them. Talok gave the Vulcan salute before embracing her brother and sister-in-law each in turn.

"It has been far too long Talok." said T'Lyra.

The V-Shan Dancer nodded. "I just wish it wasn't under such dire circumstances."

Naruto made a fist and chakra crackled around it. "We will make this right no matter what it takes."

"I know you will big brother Naruto." said Talok with a tiny smile.

…

The trio was soon inside discussing Talok's dilemma and who she had contacted.

Naruto had a flat look on his face. "You contacted Lady Varek?"

Talok nodded hesitantly. "You know she has more social connections than anyone else in the clan…"

Naruto sighed. "To use a human idiom, desperate times call for desperate measures. As intolerable as I find her, you are correct in your actions Talok."

"Will you ever forgive her Naruto?" asked the dancer. "She is our Grandmother after all."

Naruto frowned. "I do not know little sister…"

The blonde's communicator beeped, and he opened it. "M'Fau here, Wolverine. Go ahead."

"Nodaway here." said Jackie. "Shall I begin granting shore leave or has the situation resolved itself?"

Naruto answered, "Begin shore leave. We will be here for some time."

"Understood Fleet Captain. Wolverine out." said the Commander.

"I'm sorry to have caused so much trouble." said Talok upset.

The blonde replied, "You have caused no trouble. This situation is beyond your control."

T'Lyra spoke to her mate mentally. 'Talok is losing emotional control. She may be further along than we think. This is bad.'

Naruto squeezed T'Lyra's hand and thought to her, 'We will get my little sister through this.'

That was when Talok's personal communicator beeped. She answered it with glassy eyes and said, "This is Talok."

Varek's chatty voice came on the line. "Talok, my beautiful granddaughter! How are you doing?"

"I am not well Grandmother." said Talok. "Naruto and T'Lyra are here with me fortunately."

"Naruto is there? That is fortunate news." said Varek in a pleased tone. "Let me talk to my grandson please."

Talok said to Naruto, "It's Grandmother Varek, she wants to talk to you."

The blonde raised an eyebrow and took the communicator. He said, "What is it you need from me Lady Varek?"

"Is it too much to want to talk to my grandson?" asked Varek.

Naruto snarled, "Actually, it is. If you do not have news to help Talok then I have no time to talk to you Lady Varek."

His Grandmother said hurriedly, "I have news to help! Mother and Father wanted to contact Talok with news, but I feel you would be the more logical choice to talk to. Talok is losing her emotional control, I can tell."

"Great Grandmother Evoras and Great Grandfather Hanesh have news?" asked the blonde.

"Yes. I want everything to be alright. Please call them immediately." answered Varek.

"I will." said Naruto. "Talok's life depends on this."

…

Plains of Gol, M'Fau Family Retreat

Evoras was teaching one of her many granddaughters how to do a proper kick while dancing when Hanesh came trotting over to her with a communicator and said, "It's Naruto. He's come here to Vulcan to help Talok."

"Ah." said Evoras. "Everyone continue to practice. Hanesh and I have a call that must be taken."

The couple went into their tent and Hanesh turned on the viewscreen. Evoras saw her exotic great grandson Naruto, his lovely mate T'Lyra and her beautiful great granddaughter Talok all sitting together.

Naruto gave the Vulcan salute and said, "Peace and long life, Great Grandmother and Grandfather. Lady Varek indicated you may have good news for Talok."

Evoras said gently, "You still hold a grudge against little Varek, don't you Naruto?"

The blonde frowned. "Yes, and it is wide as the Plains of Gol."

Hanesh raised his eyebrows. "That is quite the declaration Grandson."

Naruto looked a bit sheepish but said, "Talok is in dire need, can you help?"

Talok said, "Grandmamma Evoras, I-"

Evoras said in a soothing tone, "Talok, there is a distant cousin of ours that joined our troupe a year ago named Selik*② M'Fau who plays the ka'athyra. His mate and child died three years ago in an accident, and he too is seeking a mate. It was a tragedy, but I believe you could find harmony together. Would you be willing to meet him?"

Hanesh added, "He is close to your age and very talented. Perhaps you could lift the sadness from his soul."

"I am unsure." said Talok. She looked at Naruto and asked, "What should I do big brother?"

Naruto gave a tiny smile and answered, "I believe you should trust in our Great Grandparents, for they are wise. It won't hurt to meet this Selik, will it?"

Talok struggled to bring her raging emotions under control for a moment before she said, "You are right Naruto. Grandmamma Evoras, I will meet this Selik M'Fau."

…

Selik M'Fau's Tent

Selik was a very handsome, fit young man that had been in a state of grieving for three long, hard years. He had long, jet black hair and hazel eyes. Elder Hanesh had personally been training him in the ka'athyra and the sad young man had flourished musically speaking. There was still a hole in his heart though…

That's when he heard the Elder's voice. "Selik? Are you in there boy?"

Selik gave a tiny smile. 'I'm twenty-five. I wonder how old I'll be when he finally stops calling me boy.' "I am here Elder Hanesh." He poked his head out of his tent and said, "How may I be of service?"

Hanesh had a gleam in his eye. "You may be of service by joining me in my green tent for dinner this evening." said Hanesh M'Fau.

The younger Vulcan cocked his head to one side. "You wish for me to play?"

"Only if you want to impress." stated the elder nonchalantly. "Three very special guests will be here tonight, and I want you to meet them."

"Who are they?" asked Selik curiously.

"My great grandson Naruto M'Fau, his wife T'Lyra and my great granddaughter Talok." said Hanesh.

"Naruto the one who brought us peace with the Romulans and Talok the V-Shan Dancer are brother and sister?!" The younger one asked in shock. "Why was I never informed?"

Hanesh stated, "You never asked." Selik had a massive mental face fault and the elder of the pair asked, "I trust I'll see you at dinner then?"

"I wouldn't miss it." said the young Vulcan. 'I'd better tune my ka'athyra' he thought nervously and excitedly at the same time.

…

Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, Alison's House

Talok watched as her thoroughly mortified brother sneaked into their parents' house and pushed his crimson red VK-220R speeder bike out of the garage. Judging by the fact he was blushing bright green, she figured he'd heard or seen something inappropriate.

At the same time, T'Lyra pushed her deep royal blue VK-650S speeder bike out of Alison's garage and was smirking at her husband's errant thoughts about rutting like animals and additional younger siblings going through his head.

'I'll have to tease him later.' thought the beautiful brunette. 'Right now, he looks like he's going to explode from embarrassment.'

She came over to the emotionally unsteady Talok and handed her a red and white striped insulated suit and helmet. T'Lyra said, "Put these on Talok, you'll need a protective suit to ride."

Talok asked, "Where did you get this…? It's even in the pattern of my dancer's clothing."

"We got it for you years ago." said T'Lyra. "You have been in the Cultural Exchange Program, and we never had a chance to give it to you." Then she added, "It was S'Loran's idea to use your colors. You can thank her later. Right now, there are more important things to take care of."

"I feel like I'm burning inside T'Lyra. It…hurts." said Talok sadly.

The brunette said, "Your thoughts…share them with me." Talok closed her onyx eyes and felt her sister-in-law initiate a mind meld. T'Lyra's presence soothed her fevered thoughts a bit.

Talok said, "I feel calmer now. It isn't so unbearable. Thank you sister T'Lyra."

"I am glad to help." said the brunette. "Let's get our suits on. You can ride doubles with Naruto, and I'll trail you on my 650 Sport."

…

Planet Vulcan Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge

Commander Jaqueline Nodaway was in the command chair of the Wolverine looking at Planet Vulcan on the viewscreen. She'd authorized shore leave but had no desire to go down herself. 'It's hotter than blazes on Vulcan!' she thought. 'It blows my mind that some humans actually like it there.'

She looked over at their Chief Sciences Officer, Alison Fairbanks who was the first to put in for shore leave. Then Jackie looked back and saw Shizuka looking at the arid, desert world. "Are you wanting to beam down Chief Nadeshiko?"

Shizuka replied, "My home is Terra. Vulcan is too damn hot for my tastes."

Jackie looked confused and Alison snorted. The petite redhead said, "Chief Nadeshiko prefers cooler places like the Mojave Desert where she grew up on Earth."

The Commander was about to follow up on that line of thought when M'rella said, "You have an incoming message from the Starfleet Bureau of Design & Repair Commander Nodaway." The Caitian purred. "Hmmmm. It's on a private channel from Rear Admiral Lucian Tolm."

Jackie asked, "Are you sure it's not for Fleet Captain Naruto?"

M'rella smiled and said, "Unless Naruto M'Fau has changed his name to Jaqueline Nodaway, it is for you Commander."

Nodaway said, "If it's a private message, I'll take it in my quarters." She turned to Samui and said, "You have the bridge Schrodinger."

"Aye, Commander." answered Samui.

…

Jaqueline Nodaway's Quarters

After clearing her identification with a retina scan, Jackie saw an elderly Rear Admiral from Engineering Division who said, "Greetings, Commander Nodaway. I'm Rear Admiral Lucien Tolm. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

She was a bit taken aback at his informal demeanor. "Likewise, sir." 'I wonder what he wants.'

Lucian smiled and said, "At ease Commander. I'm in charge here at the Bureau of Design & Repair here on Earth. Fleet Captain Naruto told me he had a very promising officer that deserves to command the new fast cruiser NCC-1606 U.S.S. Manta Ray that will be completed in a few months."

Her eyes widened as Admiral Tolm continued. "…So, being the nosy old man I am, I decided to look up your background. You were in command of the light cruiser U.S.S. Littorio, the fast destroyer U.S.S. Brunhild and then became the XO of the fast cruiser U.S.S. Wolverine. You have a superb record, Commander. Naruto said you should have had your own fast cruiser years ago. It's rare that he gives that kind of praise."

Then the old man narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "I'm betting you got derailed by politics."

Jackie swallowed hard and said, "I was bucking really hard for the command of U.S.S. Stingray and got into it with personnel."

Tolm said, "That explains things then. So…"

"So…?" she squeaked.

"So, I'm wondering, do you want me to throw my weight behind your possible promotion Commander?" asked Lucian. "There are never any guarantees but between Admiral Thomas Galloway, myself, Fleet Captain Naruto and Captain Mabui Kumo I'd say there's a good chance that you'll get the U.S.S. Manta Ray. What do you say?"

"I-I'd be honored Admiral!" the Commander exclaimed.

Admiral Tolm said, "Excellent. I'll expect a copy of your application for transfer to the NCC-1606 U.S.S. Manta Ray on my desk by tomorrow morning then Jaqueline Nodaway. Is that clear Commander?"

"Crystal clear sir!" said Jackie.

Lucien nodded. "Good answer. We will speak again soon, Commander. Starfleet out."

"Nodaway out." she replied. 'I'm SO excited!' thought the XO.

…

Planet Vulcan, Plains of Gol, M'Fau Family Retreat

The noise of two ion powered speeder bikes roaring through the desert at 250k's wasn't an ordinary sound for the peaceful M'Fau Family Retreat but time was of the essence. It was early evening by then. Naruto and T'Lyra came to a halt right outside the gates before shutting their speeder bikes down and taking off their helmets.

A M'Fau cousin came out riding a dzharel and immediately recognized Naruto by his spiky blonde hair and whisker marks. He also recognized the V-Shan Dancer from her colors (she was the only one with an identical red and white pattern to Evoras) and the fact that most at the M'Fau Family Retreat knew her well.

"Welcome honored cousins." he said with a Vulcan Salute. "You are expected. Follow me and I'll take you to the Elders."

'Honored cousins…?' wondered Naruto. He returned the salute and said, "Thank you cousin."

…

Hanesh and Evoras's Tent

The trio followed their cousin down past the many carts, tents, dzharels, and M'Fau families to the green tent their Great Grandparents resided in. Evoras greeted them and invited them inside. Talok was almost weeping and engulfed her Great Grandmother in a teary hug. She whispered, "It is all out of control Grandmamma Evoras! It's all wrong! I-"

Evoras gently returned the hug and said, "This is worse than I thought." She turned to her husband and said, "Hanesh, would you…?"

Hanesh nodded. "Of course I will. Naruto, come with me."

Naruto worriedly followed his Great Grandfather along at a trot and Hanesh said seriously, "Talok is in terrible shape. It won't be long before she falls into plak tow. We need to bring Selik to meet her."

…

Selik M'Fau's Tent

The young musician was tuning his ka'athyra to perfection when Hanesh called out to him. Selik came out of his tent and saw the Elder standing there with Naruto. Hanesh had always exuded a powerful aura of authority that Selik respected greatly but Naruto's aura was like a solar flare by comparison.

The younger Vulcan gasped and said, "H-hello, cousin. I am Selik M'Fau. It is an honor to meet the one who brought us peace with the Romulans."

Naruto replied, "I have heard about you Selik. I am Naruto M'Fau. May we come into your tent?"

"Yes, of course." said Selik nervously. He led the other two men inside and offered them a place to sit. "What can I do for you?"

The blonde said, "I assume that you have heard of my sister Talok M'Fau? She is known as the V-Shan Dancer."

"Of course I have." replied the musician. "I saw her dance once many years ago. It was like seeing a goddess descending from the heavens." he added dreamily.

"Shan-ha'lock*③." stated Hanesh knowingly. "I've seen it before."

Selik blushed and said, "Yes, I nearly lost emotional control. I was completely under her spell."

Naruto exhaled and reached out with his senses. 'This man is as pure as new fallen snow. I can feel it.' His eyes crackled with chakra. "Selik M'Fau, my sister Talok is nearly in plak tow. She needs a husband who will love and cherish her as she deserves. I understand you are seeking a wife. I realize there is no logic in this matter, but would you meet my sister? Time is short."

Selik sat there still as a stone staring blindly ahead. Hanesh tapped him and asked, "Boy?" Then the young musician collapsed onto the cushions behind him.

Naruto facepalmed. "He just fainted Grandfather. Is this…common for him?"

"Not to my knowledge…" said Hanesh.

The youngest of the three sat up suddenly and said, "Ahem. I would be honored to meet your sister."

Now Hanesh facepalmed (looking identical to his great grandson). 'Way to make a first impression Selik.' he thought.

…

Hanesh and Evoras's Tent

Talok was doing her best to meditate while lying on her side as she waited for her Great Grandfather and brother to fetch this Selik person. 'I hope we get along.' she thought. That's when she heard her big brother outside saying something about not fainting in a commanding tone. 'What's that about?' thought the V-Shan Dancer in a daze.

That was when Selik nervously poked his head into the tent. He saw Talok reclining on her side in her form fitting protective suit and his mouth went dry. He said, "I-"

Talok saw him through her hazy vision and said with lidded eyes, "Aren't you a pretty one. Have you seen the one named Selik? I am waiting for him." The breathy, husky tone of voice she was using made the young musician's jaw drop wide open.

"I-I am Selik." he wheezed out.

Talok said seductively, "Come here so I may admire you, Selik."

He came closer and she caressed his face with her pointer and middle finger. He felt like he was on fire at her electric touch. "Lady Talok…" he whispered.

"Do you want this one…?" she asked in a lust filled haze. She started unzipping her insulated suit and said, "I feel…so hot. Help me out of this suit Selik."

Selik was tongue tied at the heavenly vision before him. Evoras was not. Talok's Great Grandmother smacked Selik on top of his head and said, "For the sake of the gods, take her back to your tent Selik. I do not wish to witness this!"

Selik said, "Ummm, yes! Let's go back to my tent Lady Talok."

"Carry me." she replied languidly.

Naruto growled, "Move it man! She's about to explode."

…

Selik M'Fau's Tent

Selik raced back to his tent carrying his fantasy mate bridal style. Once they were inside, he said, "Lady Talok, let me soothe you."

She pounced on him and slammed his back on the floor. She said with wild, lust filled onyx eyes, "I don't need to be soothed…"

…

Outside the tent, Naruto and T'Lyra stood hearing the noises as Talok completely overwhelmed poor Selik with raw desire. They soon heard the younger pair howling like animals and the older pair both blushed green. The blonde took his mate by the hand and said, "Let us leave them in privacy. I believe Talok is going to be alright now."

T'Lyra gave a tiny smile as they walked away from Selik's tent. "Do you think Selik will survive the ordeal?"

Naruto replied, "At least he'll die happy."

…

Planet Vulcan Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge

M'rella was sitting at the communications station speaking to Naruto on a private channel. "All is well." reported Naruto. "Talok is going to be just fine."

"That's wonderful news!" replied the beautiful Caitian. "Hmmmm. This calls for a celebration."

"We will do that after they are done with their Pon Farr." stated Naruto. "T'Lyra and I are spent. This has been a stressful day."

"I can only imagine." answered M'rella. "I'll inform the rest of the girls. Are you down at the M'Fau Family Retreat?"

"Aye, we will be here for a few days." said the blonde Vulcan. "We will bring the rest of the girls down when the opportunity arises."

She purred happily. "Hmmmm. We will see you soon Naruto."

…

M'rella said to the bridge crew, "All is well and Talok is okay."

Samui smiled, "Ah, that's good news. I was worried."

"I'm glad our little sister is going to be alright." said Alison. "I figured Naruto and T'Lyra would come up with a logical solution."

Shizuka growled, "As long as she didn't end up with the weenie."

Rafi started laughing. "The weenie?" she asked in hysterics.

"Talok's former betrothed, Fer'at Stepn, the weenie." explained Samui.

"I can't wait to hear this backstory!" exclaimed the joined Trill.

The blonde bombshell laughed at her friend and said, "It's a good one."

…

Stardate 2286.187, Sol System, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Starfleet Bureau of Design & Repair

Rear Admiral Lucian Tolm was looking over Commander Jaqueline Nodaway's application to command the NCC-1606 U.S.S. Manta Ray and thought aloud, "Now I can see where Naruto is coming from. He's never asked a favor of me, ever."

That was when his subordinates Captain Hiro Suzuki and Captain Vach M'Fau came in to join him and give their reports.

Lucien asked Vach, "What is the estimated time to completion of NCC-1606, Captain?"

"The CFX U.S.S. Manta Ray is proceeding on schedule and should be completed on Stardate 2286.357 sir." answered Vach.

"So just before New Years." mused Tolm.

"Aye, sir." replied Captain Vach. "We have encountered no issues and structurally it is identical to the other pre-refit fast cruisers."

Lucian grinned and said, "Your grandnephew made a personal request of me Vach. Naruto said he had a most logical officer to command the U.S.S. Manta Ray and asked me to sponsor her."

Vach raised an eyebrow and said, "That is most unlike him."

The Rear Admiral stated, "Take a look at her dossier. I'm thoroughly impressed."

A few moments later Suzuki whistled. "I can see why Fleet Captain Naruto regards her so highly. She's basically been groomed for the position."

"Commander Jaqueline Nodaway seems like an eminently logical choice to command the newest fast cruiser." said Vach. "I agree with Captain Suzuki's assessment."

"Then you two wouldn't mind sponsoring her as well?" asked Lucian.

Hiro smirked. "Having all three of us recommend her would virtually cement her position unless a full Admiral has someone else in mind…even then it would be debatable. I take it you want to lock her in the position Sir?"

"That's correct Suzuki." said the old Admiral. "She was on the tail end of the U.S.S. Wolverine's X-refit so we should transfer her in as soon as possible."

"When do you need our sponsorship papers?" asked Captain Vach.

"Yesterday." replied Lucien.

Suzuki smiled. "We'll both get right on it, Admiral."

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: Naruto was twenty-five when his first Pon Farr hit.

*②: Selik -(s'yel'iki) means "from the soul of the star."

*③: Shan-ha'lock -literally 'The engulfment' is what humans call love at first sight.

And done. This chapter was originally meant to be a bit more comedic but ended up more serious than planned. It also looks like Jackie Nodaway is finally getting her dream job. That will leave poor Naruto without an XO…again. See you next time. Blue out. 5/4/24