Naruto: Infinity Divide

Terran Family Values

Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

A much delayed installment thanks to writer's block. This chapter we catch up with some of the in-laws on Earth. Here is Chapter 99, Enjoy!

Port = Left

Starboard = Right

[ ] Signifies a foreign language

{ } Signifies hand signs

~ ~ Signifies singing

…

Last time:

Stardate 2298.095, Sol System, Starbase 1, Spacedock, Interior Viewing Windows

T'Lyra got her children up early the next morning for a surprise. They were all sleepy but followed their Mother up to the massive viewing windows by berth 7. Then the group saw the massive Spacedock doors open slowly, and the sleek fast cruiser U.S.S. Wolverine enter the dock.

Sakuya exclaimed, "It's Daddy's ship!"

T'Lyra saw the awe in all her children's eyes, and she said, "That's right Sakuya, that is the Wolverine. It's going to dock right by us so watch carefully."

The children stood transfixed as the cruiser glided flawlessly into her assigned berth that they were viewing from. "It's huge…" whispered Vyorin.

They saw the name NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine emblemized on the side of the secondary hull and Aurora said, "I want my own Wolverine when I grow up."

The fast cruiser smoothly came to a halt and the gangplanks from the Spacedock extended out to mate up with the two docking ports on the ship's starboard side. The six children were mesmerized and asked their Mother a million questions as they watched shuttles and workbees move around the ship in perfect harmony…

…

NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge

Naruto felt T'Lyra's mental caress as they came to a halt. She thought to him, "Welcome home my love."

He gave her a mental smile. "It is good to be home T'Lyra."

…

Chapter 99

Stardate 2298.095, Sol System, Starbase 1, Spacedock, M'Fau Family Quarters

Two hours later, the entire M'Fau family was having breakfast together for the first time in their new quarters. "So, you took your Daystrom Institute Preparatory School Exams." said Alison excitedly. "What were your scores?"

Aurora answered, "They didn't give us our scores Mama. It is most vexing."

"We're supposed to get our scores in the next three days." explained Vyorin "They must have a very inefficient grading system."

"Perhaps they just have a lot of entrants." commented M'rella.

"We were the only ones there, Ma." said Niwara dryly. "I think they are just slow."

Shizuka asked, "Well, how do you think you did?"

"It is illogical to speculate Mom." said Sakuya. Shizuka facepalmed.

Erik frowned slightly. "Many of the questions were open ended with no right or wrong answer. It was geared towards human psyches, so it was difficult."

R'raak interjected, "At least the math was simple."

Naruto nodded, "I sure you all did your best."

"We all did Daddy!" declared Sakuya. "…Even if half of the questions were illogical…"

"I'm sure you all came up with logical answers to their questions." said Samui.

"We did Mum." answered Erik.

"All the children were exhausted after the testing yesterday." said T'Lyra. "It must have been very extensive to have taken six hours."

"Mother is correct." said Vyorin. "It covered a wide variety of subjects. After the testing, we all had dinner and went to bed."

"Then Mother got us up early and we got to see the Wolverine." said Aurora. "It was amazing."

"It was so cool seeing it come in through the giant Spacedock doors." added Erik.

Samui smiled. "That's my boy. I think it's cool too Erik."

Naruto gave his youngest son a tiny smile…

…

Naruto, his wives, and children decided to spend their time together relaxing and catching up with one another. They all agreed that they should touch base with the children's Grandparents on Earth as well.

"It's early morning in California right now." said Shizuka. "That means my family and Alison's family are probably up."

"It also means Mum and Papa have tucked in for the night in England." commented Samui. "I'm sure Siegfried and S'Harien are up though."

Sakuya said, "We should visit Grandmama and Grandaddy Nadeshiko. Let's go Mom. Daddy can come too."

Shizuka smiled and raised her eyebrows. "Are you sure you shouldn't ask first Sakuya?"

"Please?" asked the youngest daughter. "You'll take us won't you Daddy?"

Naruto looked at his other children and saw they needed attention too. "I'll make shadow clones for each of you but remember they can't use transporters."

"We should have brought the Runabout with us from Vulcan." said Vyorin.

T'Lyra looked at her son. "We don't even have our quarters set up yet Vyorin. I haven't had time to check in to what it would cost to dock the Runabout here. Docking fees can be expensive."

"…Can we go?" asked Sakuya with big eyes.

Naruto ran his fingers through his youngest daughter's raven tresses. "Why don't you and Mom call them and make sure they are up? Then we can see about beaming down to see them."

Shizuka said, "Come on Sakuya, let go call Grandaddy and Grandmama Nadeshiko. I bet they'll be excited to see you."

Alison yawned. "I suppose we should visit your Grandad and Nana Fairbanks…and the rest of the Fairbanks side."

"As long as we don't have to participate in their savage eating rituals…" groused Aurora with aversion in her tone.

Her Mother grinned. "You mean eating with their hands touching their food?"

"Yes, it is most distasteful." said the younger redhead. "That and they eat meat…"

Alison replied mirthfully, "I guess we'll just have to rough it, Rory. I'll give Mom and Dad a call."

Aurora said, "Daddy, is there no other way?"

Naruto replied, "Consider it training for diplomacy, my daughter. I find their eating habits abhorrent too."

"Well, since everyone is going to the surface, let's go see your big brother." said Samui to Erik.

"Really Mum?" asked the youngest son excitedly.

She smiled. "Let's call him."

…

San Jose, California, Fairbanks Vineyard

An hour later, Alison and Aurora beamed down to the gravel driveway of the Fairbanks Vineyard wearing their crimson M'Fau robes and Vulcan sandals.

Looking at the ranch-style house she grew up in, Alison sighed at the memories; both good and bad. Clasping hands with her daughter, she smiled and said, "Let's go greet your Grandad and Nana."

Coming up to the door, they were eagerly greeted by Alison's Mother, Selena. "Ally, you brought little Rory with you! It's been a whole year since we saw you in person Rory, look at how much you've grown baby!"

Aurora gave the Vulcan salute and said, "Peace and long life to you, Nana. It is good to see you in good health."

Selena immediately engulfed her grandchild in a big hug and said, "You're so cute when you're all logical and Vulcany!"

'Vulcany?' thought Aurora dumbfounded.

By that time, Selena had released her granddaughter and was hugging Alison. "You look so good Alison; I'd never guess you were older than twenty! Come in, come in!"

'Nana is gregarious as ever.' thought the ten-year-old.

"Your Aunt Marie and cousin Nathan are here Rory." said Selena. "Maybe you and Nate can play together He's eleven so you're about the same age."

"I suppose I should get used to interacting with human children." said Aurora. "Is he good at Kal-toh?"

"What's Kal-toh?" asked Selena.

Alison smiled. "It's a Vulcan strategy game. Rory is very skilled at it."

"I'm afraid not." said Selena to her grandchild. "Maybe you could play ball or frisbee instead."

"Frisbee?" asked Aurora.

"It's a disc shaped throwing toy you play catch with." explained Alison.

Rory frowned slightly. "How does it work Mama?"

Alison thought for a moment and said, "How do I describe it…Hmmm…The two key forces that act on a frisbee during its flight are lift and drag. Lift is the force that allows the frisbee to stay in the air, and it opposes the force of gravity on the mass of the frisbee in flight. The frisbee itself creates this lift force as it flies. It pushes air out of the way as it moves and causes a slight downward motion of the air. The air pushes back up on the frisbee, creating the lift force."

Then the older redhead raised a finger. "Drag is a backward force on the frisbee, and it goes against the frisbee's movement through the air, slowing it down. The force of drag acts perpendicular to the force of lift. The frisbee's shape, velocity, and angle at which it moves relative to the still air all affect both the lift and drag."

Finally, she added, "Spinning the frisbee helps it fly by supplying angular momentum, which helps keep the frisbee stable while it is rotating. The faster it spins, the more stable it should be. Understand?"

Aurora nodded. "So, supplying a large amount of angular momentum upon release will cause it to fly further when thrown?"

"Correct Rory." said Alison.

"Excellent. I will try this frisbee out." said the younger redhead.

Selena had swirls in her eyes. "What did you just say Ally?!"

Alison smiled at her Mother and said, "I told Aurora to give the frisbee a good spin so it would go further, Mom."

"Ooooh." said Selena. "Let's go find Nathan and introduce the kids. Marie is on the back porch."

'I hope Nathan didn't inherit Marie's sour personality.' thought Alison. 'Then again, I haven't seen her since we settled on Vulcan. Maybe she's changed.'

Selena led Alison and Aurora through the house to the back porch and said, "Marie, your sister's here and she brought little Aurora with her."

Marie turned to face the newcomers and said, "Well, well. The genius daughter comes home. Shouldn't you be on Vulcan?"

Alison was astonished at how unkind the years had been to Marie. 'My god, she's forty-six but looks like she's closer to Mom's age! She's got more gray hair than Mom has.' Getting over her initial shock, Alison said, "Hello, Marie."

Aurora peered around her Mother and looked at her Aunt. 'So, this is my Aunt Marie. Daddy said that she looked a lot like Mama but she looks so much older.' She greeted her Mother's sister with the Vulcan salute. "Peace and long life to you Aunt Marie." said Rory respectfully.

"Is that Vulcan for 'hello' little girl?" asked Marie acidly.

Marie had a Doberman Pinscher sitting beside her that growled at Rory. "There's my little girl Buttercup." baby talked Marie to her dog. "I don't think Buttercup likes you girl."

Aurora's eyes crackled with chakra, and she gave the Doberman the patented M'Fau death glare which caused the dog to whimper and then turn tail and run. "I don't like Buttercup either." said the ten-year-old.

Alison smiled at Marie's slack jawed look and said, "Looks like Buttercup isn't too brave."

"But she's a trained guard dog!" exclaimed Marie.

Selena decided to diffuse the situation and called her grandson over. "Nathan, come greet your cousin Aurora!"

Nathan was an average-looking boy with red hair like the rest of the family. He took one look at Aurora and said, "You've got pointed ears."

Alison rolled her eyes, but Rory took it in stride, "That's because I'm of Vulcan descent."

Selena said, "Nate, be kind to your cousin. Why don't you show her how to play frisbee? They don't have them on Vulcan."

Nathan got an evil gleam in his eye and said, "You've never played frisbee before? I'll teach you how."

"Play fair Nathan!" ordered Selena.

"Yes, Nana…" he said in a sullen tone. "Come on Aurora, I'll show you how to play."

Rory nodded a followed her cousin out into the back yard…

…

Mojave, California, Nadeshiko Residence

While Aurora was learning about frisbees with her cousin, Naruto, Shizuka and Sakuya were at the Nadeshiko household with Keiichi and Seiko. Sakuya was eagerly telling her Grandparents about Starbase 1. "…And it's enormous." She said making hand motions. "Even Daddy's ship fits inside it, and the Wolverine is really huge."

Shizuka's parents were having a great time listening to their eight-year-old granddaughter as she sat beside Keiichi on the sofa. Seiko said to her daughter, "Sakuya's an absolute darling. I'm so glad you've moved close to Earth."

Naruto watched as his youngest daughter interacted with her Grandparents. 'This is good. Both Shizuka and Sakuya look so happy. As illogical as the Nadeshiko's are, it is obvious they love Sakuya very much.'

…

San Francisco, Daystrom Institute of Technology Campus, Siegfried and S'Harien's Apartment

After contacting Siegfried, Samui and Erik beamed down to the Daystrom Campus to see him and S'Harien. Erik was very excited to see his big brother and it showed. S'Harien opened the door and invited them in. She looked at Erik and gave him a tiny smile. "Hello little brother, I understand you took entrance exams at the institute. I look forward to your test results."

Samui hugged her daughter-in-law and stated, "I'm sure all the children did well. Now let me look at you." She admired S'Harien for a moment and said, "You look beautiful as ever S'Harien. I'm surprised you and Siegfried haven't had any children of your own yet."

"We have discussed the matter." said the dark-haired beauty. "The correct time simply hasn't arrived yet."

Siegfried came out of the kitchen and greeted his Mother and brother with hugs. "Mum, Erik; it is good to see you both. You look well."

Erik was wide eyed. "You look well also big brother. I am glad to see you both."

"Come in and sit down." said Siegfried. "I'm sure there is much to talk about."

…

San Jose, California, Fairbanks Vineyard

Alison's Father Charles and her brothers William and Junior got home from working in the vineyard in time for lunch. They were delighted to see Alison and Aurora, unlike Marie. Unfortunately, lunch was fried chicken so once again, Rory was exposed to the horrors of watching people eat with their hands. She and Alison ate their salads neatly with utensils while the food civil war went on.

"So, how are your grades in school Rory?" asked Charles in between bites.

"My grades on Vulcan have always been excellent but I have yet to be placed on Earth." stated Aurora. "The Daystrom Institute College Preparatory School's grading process is slow."

"The Daystrom Institute?" asked William. "Isn't that for geniuses only?"

"It is a school for higher learning." explaIned Alison. "Children who are too advanced for regular school go there."

"That's insane!" exclaimed Nathan. "I barely get passing grades."

"Perhaps if you applied yourself, you would get better scores." said Aurora.

"Nah, that's too much work." replied her cousin.

Alison sweat dropped and Rory stared at him in disbelief…

Charles asked, "So Rory, where is this school you are trying to get into?"

"It is in San Francisco Grandad." replied Aurora. "It will require beaming down from Spacedock every morning if I get in."

"That's exciting." said Selena enthused. "Living in space must be amazing."

"I have yet to become accustomed to it." said the youngest redhead. "I'm still used to Vulcan's gravity and atmosphere."

"I heard it's hotter than hell on Vulcan." said Nate.

"Language, Nathan!" scolded Selena.

"Sorry, Nana." he replied.

"Vulcan averages around 41 to 53 Celsius in ShiKahr in the peak of summer it can reach 86 Celsius." said Aurora. "It is cold here by comparison considering it's only 16 degrees Celsius right now."

Junior whistled, "Man, that is really hot. How did you survive it, Ally?"

"Adopting Vulcan clothing and staying hydrated are the main things." answered Alison. "You get accustomed to the higher gravity and thinner air after a while."

"Is your robe considered normal on Vulcan?" asked Selena.

Alison answered, "It just average, everyday clothing Mom. Crimson is the M'Fau clan color though, so we wear it on outings."

Selena felt Aurora's clothing with her fingers and said, "It seems awfully course and heavy."

"It has to be to protect you against sandstorms." replied Rory. "Desert survival requires rugged clothing."

Charles raised his eyebrows. "That sounds awfully rough for a little girl."

"Vulcan is a wonderous place," said Rory with a tiny hint of wistfulness in her voice.

…

Mojave, California, Nadeshiko Residence

The Nadeshiko's were having salad for lunch as they'd been forewarned by Shizuka. Naruto appreciated their efforts and Sakuya seemed to be enjoying her meal with her Grandparents as she told them about Vulcan.

"…And Daddy lets me ride on the back of his speeder bike sometimes and it's really fast." said Sakuya. "It's even faster than dzharels are Grandmama."

"Dzharels?" asked Seiko. "What are those?"

"They are riding animals similar to horses here on Earth." explained Shizuka.

"So, you like riding these dzharels Sakuya?" asked Keiichi.

The little girl nodded. "Yes, all of us children like riding dzharels. That's where our clan got its name, M'Fau."

Seiko was amused. "And what does your clan's name mean?"

"It means 'The Riders' in old Golic Vulcan." explained the eight-year-old. "Our clan rode dzharels on the Plains of Gol in olden times. They are beautiful creatures."

"It sounds like you really like them, Sakuya." said Keiichi.

"I do Grandaddy." replied the little one. "They are my favorite animals."

…

San Francisco, Daystrom Institute of Technology Campus, Siegfried and S'Harien's Apartment

Erik was eagerly describing the tests he took for his brother and sister-in-law. "It seemed that many of the questions were aimed at the human psyche as there were no logical answers. It was very confusing to me."

S'Harien ruffled Erik's downy soft hair and replied, "You will find that humans often are not as straightforward as Vulcans. Some of their concepts are difficult when viewed strictly through the concepts of logic."

"Mum always seemed logical to me." said the youngest.

Samui smiled. "That's my boy."

…

Stardate 2298.096 Eisn System, Planet Romulus, Imperial Palace

Praetor Rolandus was talking to his lovely fifteen-year-old daughter Mirai. She had grown into the image of her departed Mother Kurenai. "Remember, this voyage to Planet Earth is very important diplomatically. Our Terran friends need to be treated with the greatest of respect."

Mirai frowned. "And the one who slew my Mother will be there?"

Rolandus sighed. "I've been assured that Naruto of Vulcan will be present for our visit. Remember your Mother died honorably in battle. There was a war going on then. It took me a long time to accept it but if I can, you can too Mirai."

She stewed a bit. "I suppose. Emperor Tal has named Naruto of Vulcan a friend of the Empire after all."

"This is my first visit to Earth despite the fact Ambassador Tantillion has been many times." said her Father conversationally. "He says it is a beautiful world. Just try to enjoy the trip."

"We'll be taking the Royal Imperial Ship Stellar Flare, correct?" asked Mirai. Seeing her Father nod, the girl said, "I've always wanted to see a command cruiser."

"You still intend to join the navy Mirai?" questioned Rolandus. "I would rather see you live here safely in the capitol." 'She takes after her Mother Kurenai in more ways than one…'

…

Stardate 2298.097, Sol System, Starbase 1, Spacedock, M'Fau Family Quarters

Naruto and his clones had spent the last two days busily arranging everyone's rooms in their new quarters. The children were very particular, and all had different aesthetics in mind. In the midst of this chaos, Naruto received a message from Fleet Admiral Smillie.

The blonde raised an eyebrow. "You wish for me to be present at the welcoming ceremony for Praetor Rolandus and his daughter Lady Mirai?"

The Fleet Admiral smiled. "It was the idea of the Diplomatic Corps. They'll be arriving in three days. I trust you'll be there Fleet Captain?" he asked.

Naruto mentally groaned. "Of course, Admiral."

After signing off with the Fleet Admiral, Naruto got a call from the Daystrom Institute Preparatory School. The children all filed in with their Mothers to receive their test scores.

The principal on the screen introduced herself as Doctor Carrie Webster and said, "All of your children score well within the 90th percentile Mister Naruto. The Daystrom Institute will be thrilled to accept such brilliant young minds into our program. Their orientation will be Monday at 08:00 local time."

The blonde Fleet Captain nodded. "This is excellent news. My children will be honored to attend."

"I will transmit the information packets for all six children to you momentarily." said Doctor Webster. "If you don't mind my saying, this is rather unprecedented. The largest number of family members we have ever had attending here is three up to this point. Your family has seven if you include Doctor Siegfried. They have all been blessed with extraordinary intellect."

After signing off, Naruto turned to his sons and daughters and saw their eyes were all crackling with chakra from excitement. He said, "It seems we have reason to rejoice."

Sakuya couldn't hold it in any longer and exclaimed, "Yeeeeessss!" as she made a fist and pumped it.

Then all the children burst into cheers…

Soon, everyone was looking at the children's information packets that were transmitted from the institute.

Alison was going over the kid's profiles and said, "All of the children are heavily slanted towards the math track. I'm not surprised."

As the family all discussed the children's recommended coursework, Naruto reflected on the upcoming week. 'Monday I shall attend the children's induction at the Daystrom Institute and Tuesday I will be present to welcome the Romulan Praetor and his daughter to Earth. It's going to be a busy week.'

…

Stardate 2298.099, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Daystrom Institute Preparatory Campus

Naruto and his wives were present as the children spoke with a counselor about what was expected of them at the Daystrom Institute. They were issued with white school uniforms and tablets that had their classes programmed into them. The M'Fau children also were given transporter passes to travel to and from school.

Once the obligatory tour was given to the parents, the children were whisked away to their orientation classes they would be attending the first week.

"Gee, I was expecting a little more interaction with the parents." said Shizuka nonplussed. "They just took our little ones and ran."

"It is to teach the children to be self-reliant." replied T'Lyra. "They will be fine."

"Hnnnn. I guess I just worry for them." stated M'rella in a distressed tone. "They are awfully young."

Alison smiled. "Let them enjoy a little independence. I know I did."

Shizuka frowned. "Says the girl who ran away from home at twelve."

Alison frowned back. "I was thirteen."

"Our children aren't going to run away." said Samui. "They are just stepping into a larger world. It will be good for them."

'I just hope they don't prank everybody…' thought all the M'Fau parents as one.

…

Stardate 2298.100, Planet Earth Orbit, R.I.S. Stellar Flare, Transporter Room

The Romulan Praetor Rolandus and his daughter Mirai were readying to beam down to meet with the Federation Chairman for a welcoming luncheon being held for them.

"Remember my daughter, diplomacy and tact." said Rolandus. "We are guests here. I expect you to carry yourself with grace and poise."

She wanted to roll her eyes. "Of course, Father."

'Mirai is going to put me in an early grave.' he thought wearily.

…

Planet Earth, San Francisco, Federation Diplomatic Corps Building

An extravagant meal was served in honor of the Praetor and Lady Mirai. It wasn't until afterwards that the fireworks started…

Mirai saw Naruto standing there talking with her Father and Ambassador Sarek. She squared her shoulders and marched up to Naruto. She said, "You are Naruto of Vulcan, correct?"

The Fleet Captain turned to Mirai, and the weight of his stare silenced her. He said, "Peace and long life to you Lady Mirai. I have not seen you since you were a toddler, and I returned you to your Father. I see you have grown into a fine young lady. What are your impressions of Earth?"

She was at a loss for words. It had been her intention to read this Vulcan the riot act, but his presence was so overwhelming that she was shocked into silence. Naruto of Vulcan was…frightening. "Ummm, Earth is quite interesting." she answered lamely.

Naruto nodded. "I understand you intend to join the Imperial Navy. My children have expressed the desire to join Starfleet as well."

"You have children...?" she asked.

The blonde said, "Yes, I have three sons and three daughters. They are all attending school here on Earth. My oldest boy living with me is Vyorin. He is ten years old."

She blushed slightly. "…I would be interested in meeting this Vyorin."

Naruto raised an eyebrow in his usual way and Rolandus hid his shock at her request. The blonde said. "We will see if arrangements can be made with your Father's consent of course."

Rolandus said, "We have a busy itinerary, but I believe we could work a visit in during our time here." 'What is she thinking?'

…

Starbase 1, Spacedock, M'Fau Family Quarters

That evening, Vyorin raised his eyebrow in the typical M'Fau manner. "A Romulan noble wishes to meet me?" he asked over dinner. "How unusual."

"It was an unexpected request." replied Naruto. "The Praetor seemed to be surprised at the idea as well."

"I see no harm in it." said T'Lyra. "Did she give a reason why?"

The Fleet Captain shook his head. "She did not. Lady Mirai simply seemed curious."

"What could a Romulan girl want with our son?" asked Samui.

"She probably is fishing for a husband." replied Alison nonchalantly. "Vyorin looks just like Naruto if you change his eye and hair color. He's very handsome."

Shizuka's eyes widened. "A Romulan is interested in Vyorin?"

"It's just a theory." stated the redhead.

Aurora had mirth in her eyes. "It sounds viable to me. Who would have thought my elder brother would have Romulan women swooning over him?"

Things went predictably downhill from there…

…

Stardate 2298.104, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Federation Diplomatic Quarters

The following Saturday, Vyorin M'Fau was having a rather extravagant meal with Lady Mirai. He was dressed in his traditional Crimson M'Fau formal robes, and she was in her royal finery. Mirai was very curious about him. "So, you just moved to Planet Earth?" asked the Romulan girl. "How does it compare to Planet Vulcan?"

"Planet Vulcan has a much hotter climate than Earth." answered Vyorin. "The air is thin, and the desert is arid. The roots of the Vulcan people run deep there. It is a wondrous place."

She saw his eyes crackle with chakra as he described his homeworld. His dark pools seemed fathomless to her. "It sounds like you miss it there."

"I am adjusting to Terra." replied the brunette boy. "The lighter gravity here is very different than what I am accustomed to. What is Romulus like?"

"Romulus is a beautiful world." she said wistfully. "I live in the Imperial Palace in Ki Baraton that overlooks the Apnex Sea. The view is spectacular from there."

"My Father said as much." replied Vyorin. "I would like to see it someday."

She smiled. "I think you would enjoy it. Are you planning on joining your Starfleet?"

The Vulcan boy answered, "I have not decided yet. My education comes first. I just started at the Daystrom Institute."

Her eyes widened slightly. "Isn't the Daystrom Institute one of the premier places of learning in the Federation?"

"Yes, it is highly regarded." he replied. "I'm attending the College Preparatory School until I can actually enter college at thirteen."

'I had no idea he was so smart.' thought Mirai. 'I get good grades but not on that level.' "So, what are you studying?"

"Quantum physics and starship design and engineering are my main interests right now." answered Vyorin. "My interests are wide, so I'll probably expand my studies."

…

Starbase 1, Spacedock, M'Fau Family Quarters

That evening, Vyorin returned to the M'Fau home looking unruffled as ever. He took off his sandals and said, "I'm home."

Naruto stood up and replied, "Welcome home my son. I trust all went well?"

"Yes, interacting with a Romulan was interesting." answered the brunette boy. "She wanted to know what Planet Vulcan was like. I told her about the Forge, and she told me a bit about Planet Romulus. It was a pleasant experience."

"She didn't ask about any state secrets, did she?" asked Shizuka suspiciously.

"I'm ten. I don't know any state secrets Mom." replied Vyorin flatly.

The Earth-raised Vulcan facepalmed. "…Maybe I'm overreacting a bit..." muttered Shizuka.

The oldest son continued. "She did say she wanted to see me again in a few years when we are both grown. Lady Mirai is a very curious person."

"It sounds like you had an enriching experience." stated T'Lyra.

"It was novel." quipped Vyorin.

"Building diplomatic ties early is a good thing." said Naruto.

Alison smirked. "I still say she's looking for a future husband."

Vyorin raised an eyebrow. "You are not helping Mama."

The redhead laughed…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

This chapter is a bit of a mixed bag. I've been writing it down in bits and pieces over the last few months and though I'm generally happy with this installment, it took a lot of time to edit and polish it out. See you next time, Blue out. 12/1/24