Naruto: Infinity Divide

The Ancient Demon

Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

This installment is a bit of a mishmash, but I like it. Here is Chapter 104, Enjoy!

Port = Left

Starboard = Right

[ ] Signifies a foreign language

{ } Signifies hand signs

~ ~ Signifies singing

…

Last time:

Bridge

The Fleet Captain strode onto the bridge and took his command chair. "Report!" he ordered.

Commander Sarutobi had arrived on the bridge only moments before and motioned to Samui who reported, "We are on course to a pair of distress signals from two El-Aurian refugee ships that were destroyed in 2293 according to Starfleet records."

Naruto raised an eyebrow and Doctor Fairbanks added, "The S.S. Robert Fox was destroyed with all 265 people aboard and the S.S. Lukai was destroyed with 103 of the 150 passengers aboard. 47 were rescued by the NCC-1701-B Enterprise. Both vessels exploded due to hull failures according to Enterprise B's log entries."

"How long before we reach the source of the distress signals?" asked the blonde Vulcan.

"We're forty-two minutes out sir." answered Rafi.

Thera Sorkalif looked alarmed and said, "With all due respect sir, this is obviously a trap!"

Naruto replied, "That is why we are treading carefully instead of racing in Lieutenant." He turned to Rafi. "Maintain course and speed Lieutenant Meta. Doctor Fairbanks, sensors at maximum. I want to know what we are dealing with. M'rella, try to contact the two unknown vessels. I want to get as much data as possible."

Alison asked, "What if they are the genuine article?"

"It wouldn't be the first time we've dealt with time travel." answered Naruto gravely…

…

Chapter 104

Stardate 2298.174, Federation Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine

The Federation fast cruiser Wolverine was thirty minutes away from the source of the distress signals and Doctor Alison Fairbanks and Lieutenant Maya Ayasugi were examining things carefully at the sensor stations.

Ayasugi said, "The warp signatures, displacement and hull types all match the Whorfin class vessels NFT-1455 S.S. Knoll and NFT-1977 S.S. Colman. Why they are masquerading as the destroyed Lukai and Robert Fox is beyond me."

"I concur." said Alison. "We are reading the correct identification signals from each vessel as the Knoll and the Coleman. In another fifteen minutes we should be able to detect detailed life signs."

Konohamaru asked, "Have you received any response to our hails Lieutenant M'rella?"

"Negative." replied the Caitian. "They are either unwilling or unable two respond."

…

Fifteen minutes later, Alison said, "We are reading a single positive life sign. I'm picking up one life form on the Knoll and none on the Coleman. There would normally be twelve to seventeen crew members plus passengers."

"The sensors show the two ships are undamaged." added Maya. "According to our records, both ships left the pleasure planet Argelius II and were enroute to Sol III with crews of fifteen each and no passengers. It was a routine route to pick up more passengers."

Ino came onto the bridge about that time and said urgently, "Fleet Captain, I sense a massive amount of hatred, anguish and sorrow from nearby."

"We have a visual." reported Alison.

"On screen." ordered Konohamaru. "Magnify."

The two Whorfin class vessels appeared on screen with the Knoll being closer. The Coleman was very close by and was behind her. "They are both at a dead stop and less than a kilometer apart." said Rafi. "They seem to be adrift."

"I'm receiving a transmission from the S.S. Knoll." said M'rella.

"Put it on screen." replied Naruto.

An El-Aurian man appeared on screen with tears running down his face and asked, "Are we back? Back in reality…?"

"This is Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau of the Federation starship NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine." stated the blonde Vulcan. "What is your situation?"

The man on screen said, "Thank the gods! I am Captain Cron Mal of the S.S. Lukai. We were trapped but it seems that we escaped. We need medical help. Many of our passengers are having mental issues from the shock."

"He's very unhinged." whispered Ino to Naruto. "He seems to believe what he's saying about both the ship he's on and the non-existent passengers."

Ayasugi added, "Captain Cron Mal was indeed the Captain of the S.S. Lukai when she exploded five years ago. He was among those rescued by the Enterprise-B."

Naruto nodded and said, "How many passengers and crew do you have aboard the Lukai now?"

"We have 150 people aboard the Lukai." answered Cron absentmindedly. "Where…where are they all…?"

Naruto cut the outgoing audio and turned to Alison. "Where has Cron Mal been the last five years?"

"He was hospitalized to be rehabilitated on Argelius II according to our records." replied the redhead. "He was not deemed fit for space travel due to post traumatic stress disorder…That's to say nothing about captaining a ship."

The Counselor reached out mentally and said, "He's probably having flashbacks. Let me reach out to Cron and try to calm him down…" Ino recoiled suddenly as if she'd been punched in the face much to everyone's shock. She almost hit the floor, but Konohamaru and Naruto managed to catch her before she hit. Ino's blue eyes were wide with horror. "Something evil is on that ship within Cron. It's hungering for us…"

Cron said desperately, "You must beam me aboard your ship so I can be treated!" Then he started mumbling incoherently to himself. "I'll beam myself over!"

"Shields up!" ordered Naruto. "You aren't beaming over, Cron Mal."

The El-Aurian's face turned to rage, and he screamed, "WHY ARE YOU STOPPING ME?! REDJAC NEEDS TO BE FED!"

"Redjac?" asked Konohamaru in confusion.

Blocking out Cron's screaming, Naruto ordered, "Computer, cross reference the name Redjac with the databases and see what we find."

The computer smoothly answered, "Working." After a pause it said, "Redjac is a name associated with a malevolent non-corporeal entity that has existed for centuries. It has possessed other lifeforms to commit mass murders across many worlds to feed on the fear generated by its victims upon their death."

Naruto saw his wife Alison scanning her readout and she said, "Redjac has been known by many names throughout the centuries, such as Red Jack, Jack the Ripper, Beratis, and Kesla. In our recorded history it has travelled to Earth, Mars, Alpha Eridani II, Deneb II, Rigel IV and… Argelius II."

Then she added, "The last encounter with Redjac was in 2267 on Argelius II when it was encountered by the crew of NCC-1701 Enterprise. It was beamed into space on wide dispersal in hopes that it would die from lack of nourishment*①. Apparently, it didn't work. I'm assuming somehow Redjac possessed Cron Mal and murdered the crews of the Knoll and the Coleman to satisfy its hunger."

That was when Cron started to laugh and smiled wickedly on the screen. "So, you know of me…I suppose I'll have to find easier prey elsewhere. It took years to reincorporate myself but when you have existed since time immemorial, it's just a blink of an eye. Farewell, crew of the Wolverine."

That was when Naruto instinctively made a fist and his eyes and the Otsutsuki symbol on the back of his hand began to blaze brightly with power. He forcefully uttered the words ["** *** *** **!"] that he himself did not understand.

Redjac/Cron began to shriek in horror and agony as he took on a corporeal form that looked like some form of snake-headed demon. Redjac wailed, "N-NO! THE TKON ARE LONG DEAD! THEY WERE THE ONLY ONES THAT COULD FORCE US INTO OUR PHYSICAL FORMS! I AM THE LAST OF MY KIND! HAVE MERCY ON ME TKON PRINCE! I-I CAN'T DIE THIS WAY!"

The Fleet Captain said in an iron tone, "Shizuka, lock all weapons on the bridge of the Knoll and destroy that ship!"

Shizuka replied, "Firing now." An instant later, the Knoll was destroyed in a massive explosion that also engulfed the Coleman.

Redjac let out a scream so horrible that the entire bridge crew shuddered as the evil creature died its final death…

Ino was breathing heavily and said, "It's dead. Redjac is gone." She smiled tiredly at Naruto. "Just what exactly did you say Fleet Captain?"

The blonde Vulcan's eyes had faded back to their normal blue and he replied, "I have no idea."

Ino sweat dropped and Alison laughed. The lithe redhead said, "I'm sure it was in the Tkon language somewhere in Naruto's subconscious. Let me run it through the universal translator… Ah, here we go. He said, Evil one, reveal thy true form! Quite the little magic spell there, Fleet Captain M'Fau."

Naruto had the decency to blush…

…

Stardate 2298.174, Federation Space, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge

"Ship's Log, Stardate 2298.174. Fleet Captain Naruto M'Fau reporting. The explosion of the S.S. Knoll destroyed the nearby S.S. Coleman as well. It is regrettable but the crews of both vessels were murdered by Redjac long before we could have intervened."

"A debt of gratitude is owed to Counselor Ino Yamanaka for identifying the danger of the malevolent creature before it could have come aboard the Wolverine and caused untold damage. Redjac must have existed during the time of the Tkon Empire to recognize my heritage and the language I used. We are going to see if the creature's race is referenced in the Tkon's vast histories. Doctor Fairbanks postulates the Tkon people hunted Redjac's race into virtual extinction."

"We are now back on course to Starbase 1 in the Sol System for some well-deserved downtime…"

…

Stardate 2298.175, Sol System, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Daystrom Institute Preparatory School Campus, Classroom Two

While the U.S.S. Wolverine was travelling towards its homeport, Commander Charles Cross of the Federation Starfleet Academy was at the Daystrom Institute to present the students there with the option of joining the navy at a job fair. Despite his strict handling of Starfleet Cadets, Cross genuinely enjoyed the excitement in the eyes of young children as he talked about space exploration. It was an opportunity to shape young minds for the future.

The morning had been invigorating for the Commander and just before lunch he went to give a presentation to a class of ten-year-old children. Stepping into the classroom, he spoke to their instructor Doctor Sybil Beeson briefly before he was formally introduced to the small class of twenty-three kids.

He said, "It's a pleasure to meet all of you, students. Please address me as Commander Cross or Mister Cross. Starfleet Academy has a lot to offer young people, and I'd like to share that with you today as a possible career path." Seeing he had their attention, the Commander continued. "The Daystrom Institute has a lot of ties with Starfleet. How many of you have a relative in the service?" he asked. Seeing about half the class raise their hands, Cross smiled. "Would anyone care to share?"

A strawberry blonde girl spoke up. "Bonjour! I am Mercedes Dubois, and my Father Francis Dubois is the Assistant Chief Science Officer of the famous U.S.S. Enterprise. It's the Fleet Flagship for those of you that don't know. Also, I am among the highest scorers in our level."

'Mercedes is full of herself as usual.' thought the rest of the class.

Charles Cross asked, "Have you considered following in his footsteps?"

"I have." replied the French girl. "My Mother is a diplomat, and I haven't decided what path to take."

"Well, you are young and there's plenty of time to decide." said Cross warmly. "Who else has relatives in the fleet?"

Various children talked about their families in brief until the Commander reached the end of the line where Vyorin and Aurora were sitting in silence. His jaw nearly dropped when he saw the whisker marks and fathomless eyes of the two quiet Vulcan children. Naruto's image flashed in Cross's mind, and he asked, "Are you two related to Fleet Captain Naruto of Vulcan by any chance?"

"He is our Father." answered Aurora. "He is the Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Wolverine."

Charlie Cross could hardly believe his luck. "And where did you place in the class rankings?"

Doctor Beeson chimed in. "They just joined our class recently and haven't been placed yet. Both Vyorin and Aurora are extraordinarily bright students."

The whole class was gawking at the two Vulcan children and the Commander asked, "Are you thinking about joining Starfleet?"

"I want to be in the Engineering Branch." replied Vyorin.

Aurora answered, "I intend to be in the Sciences and Command Branches."

"I had the privilege to instruct your Father and the entire Think Tank when they were Cadet Officers." said Mister Cross proudly. "I hope to see you both at Starfleet Academy someday."

…

Cafeteria

Later, Vyorin, Aurora and their younger siblings were all sitting together for lunch. The six Vulcan children were eating their meals quietly as they conversed about their mornings. "We haven't met anyone from Starfleet at the job fair yet." said Sakuya. "We met three others though. There are supposed to be three more this afternoon."

"I believe you'll find that Commander Cross is very enthusiastic." said Rory. "He pieced together we were related to Father and told us he instructed the Think Tank."

"He probably saw the whisker marks and thought of Daddy." replied Niwara between bites.

"Of that there is little doubt." affirmed Erik. "They stand out."

"Did you meet anyone of note?" asked Vyorin to his younger siblings.

R'raak answered, "We met Doctor Sara Calico who works with big brother Siegfried. She noticed us immediately. I postulate that she recognized Sakuya and Erik in their class the same way. Erik looks just like him."

"I do not like being the center of attention." said Erik. "It is most uncomfortable."

Aurora gave a tiny smirk. "It must be difficult being so adorable Erik."

The platinum blonde gave her a flat look. "Now you are just being obnoxious Rory."

Her eyes glittered with humor. "It is in my job description as your older sister."

That was when Mercedes Dubois came over and asked Aurora, "Is this seat taken?"

Aurora raised an eyebrow at the strawberry blonde girl and answered, "It is not."

Mercedes smiled and sat down with them. "We haven't really talked since you joined the Daystrom Institute. I thought I would get to know you a bit. You are very quiet in class." She looked at the younger children and said, "I am Mercedes Sophia Dubois. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

Vyorin was wondering exactly what Mercedes wanted but was polite. "As you know, I am Vyorin M'Fau and this is my sister Aurora. These are our younger siblings R'raak, Niwara, Erik and Sakuya."

The strawberry blonde replied, "My friends all call me Sadie. She looked at Niwara and R'raak and saw their slitted eyes. "You are, umm…"

"We are half Caitian." replied Niwara to the unasked question. "That is why we have vertical pupils and tails."

"I see…how unusual." she commented in a puzzled tone. "I did not know Caitians and Vulcans could have children."

"They can." affirmed R'raak. "All of us are half siblings except Niwara and I. We are fraternal twins."

"So, your Father is the famous Naruto of Vulcan?" asked Mercedes in an excited tone.

"Yes…" chorused the six siblings.

She smiled. "That is amazing! What is the Fleet Captain like? He is a great hero to both of my parents. He brought peace between us and the Romulan Empire."

"Daddy is very kind and really smart." said Sakuya. "He has three doctorates and sometimes lectures at the Vulcan Science Academy."

"He was working towards a fourth doctorate when he was recalled into Starfleet." added Aurora. "Daddy said he would continue when the time becomes available."

Mercedes was thrilled. "I can't imagine having a living legend as a Father!"

Now Erik raised an eyebrow. "He is just Daddy to us."

"He doesn't talk about his accomplishments?" asked the strawberry blonde girl. "I'm surprised."

Now Vyorin raised an eyebrow. "He doesn't bring up the subject of his military service unless we ask. Neither does the rest of our family."

"Well, I still say it's amazing." said Mercedes.

…

Daystrom Institute, Main Entrance

The rest of the day passed quickly for Aurora and Vyorin. They met Doctor Sara Calico who recognized them immediately but aside from that, Aurora now had a new friend, (whether she liked it or not) Mercedes Dubois.

"So where do you all live, Aurora?" asked Sadie. "I live in Chateau Dubois in the commune of La Barre, France. It is a very lovely place."

Aurora wondered why the French girl was asking to begin with, but answered, "We live in orbit in Starbase One."

The human girl exclaimed, "You live in space?!"

"Many Starfleet officer's families live on base." replied the redhead. "It is not unusual."

Vyorin came marching up to Aurora with their four younger brothers and sisters in tow. He said, "It's time to head to the transporters Rory, let's get going."

Mercedes exclaimed, "You go by Rory? That's so cute!"

Aurora's train of thought was totally derailed, and she said, "Yes. Well, we must be going." The redhead gave the Vulcan salute and said, "Live long and prosper."

The human girl smiled brightly and said, "Au revoir!"

…

Planet Earth Orbit, Starbase One, Transporter Room

Soon, the M'fau children materialized on the transporter pad and saw their Mother T'Lyra patiently waiting for them. She greeted them and asked, "Was your day productive little ones?"

Aurora replied, "It was taxing. Are all human children so…exhausting?"

T'Lyra cocked her head to one side. "You've made a new friend, Rory?"

"Unfortunately." said the redhead in a flat tone. "She is very intrusive."

"Humans can be quite inquisitive." said their Mother sagely. "I felt the same way about my friends in Starfleet when I first joined. As your Mama Alison is fond of saying, they are an acquired taste."

"You would think I would be used to humans since so many are in the family." said the little redhead.

"There is a difference in perspectives between knowing humans and being in a minority among them Aurora." replied T'Lyra. "You will get used to it. All of you will."

"Let's go back to our quarters and relax." said Vyorin. "We'll have dinner, do our homework and play some kal-toh tonight."

"I would rather play kal-toh first." said Sakuya.

T'Lyra replied, "As always, you must learn to prioritize logically Sakuya." Hearing the children's stomachs growl, she said, "Let's head home and eat."

…

M'Fau family quarters

The M'Fau's were having a deep discussion over dinner. "…And Doctor Calico recognized me because I resemble big brother Siegfried so closely." explained Erik to his Mother. "She is the co-director of the Isolinear Chip Program."

"Do they have these job fairs on Vulcan, Mother?" asked Niwara. "I've never heard of such a thing before."

T'Lyra shook her head. "We were always taught to keep our future prospects in mind as children but had to pass our kahs-wan first. It wasn't until after passing that rite that I started thinking about possible career choices."

"How are we going to undergo the kahs-wan ritual if we don't live on Vulcan any longer?" asked R'raak in concern.

"I will make arrangements in advance when you are prepared." said T'Lyra. "Naruto and I were only eleven when we took ours. I was not prepared and would have perished if your Father hadn't intervened on my behalf*②."

Vyorin's eyes widened slightly. "I was not aware of this."

"Nor was I." said Rory. "Will you share with us Mother?"

T'Lyra thought back to her childhood and said, "I hardly knew Naruto at the time. I was betrothed to another. I foolishly decided to participate in the kahs-wan because my betrothed did. Eventually I found myself trapped against a tree with two Le-matyas stalking me. Your Father heard me cry out and arrived in time to chase them off."

Sakuya looked confused. "Why didn't you just chase them off yourself, Mother?"

The beautiful brunette gave a tiny smile. "I was not trained in any form of self-defense at the time." Seeing her children's eyes bulge in shock, T'Lyra explained, "Unlike all of you, I wasn't trained in the martial arts until I was in my teens. Your Father started when he was only five and all of you started even earlier. As I said, I was not prepared."

"So, Daddy saved your life when you were children?" asked Niwara.

T'Lyra nodded. "It was an ordeal, but I decided that I wanted to be with Naruto after that experience. He saved my life, and I fell in love with him. Later, we were joined, and you know the rest."

"What happened to your first betrothed?" asked R'raak.

"I do not know what became of that one." answered the brunette. "He was disturbed, and we do not speak of him."

…

The children were soon engrossed in their homework and T'Lyra was helping where she could. She had a great deal of satisfaction knowing her children were so advanced academically, but at the same time was a bit distressed that her knowledge was limited compared to the bunch of little geniuses she was raising. 'At least I can guide them socially.' thought the Vulcan woman. 'Besides, this is still a big adjustment for all of us.'

Seeing the children finish their homework and fiercely playing kal-toh like a bunch of ruthless little oligarchs brought a tiny smile to her face. 'They are all so much like Naruto…' she thought wistfully.

…

Stardate 2298.176, Planet Earth, Daystrom Institute Preparatory School Campus, Main Entrance

It was early the next morning and Aurora and Vyorin entered their classroom only to find Mercedes eager to greet them "Bonjour my new friends! It is good to see you." said the strawberry blonde girl.

The pair gave the Vulcan salute and Aurora said, "Peace and long life."

"Come sit with my friends and I today, Rory." said the French girl.

Rory looked at her brother and he shrugged. "Very well, I shall join you today." said the redhead. Henceforth known as mistake number one…

They had a study period, and Aurora was surrounded by several human girls of different nationalities that all had different accents. The ten-year-old Vulcan was cataloging the many different foreign phrases she was hearing for later reference when a cute girl of Vietnamese descent named Tran Linh asked, "So, does your brother Vyorin have a girlfriend? I think he's very handsome."

All the girls giggled, and Aurora was at a bit of a loss. "He is not betrothed*③ if that is what you are asking."

"I think he's quite dashing!" said a British girl named Monica Kindler. "I looked up your Father Naruto last night Rory. The resemblance they have is uncanny."

'My brother has a fan club…This is not good.' thought the Vulcan girl. She glanced over at Vyorin who was writing down notes.

Sadie asked, "So, what kind of girls does your brother like?"

"I've never inquired." answered Aurora honestly. "The subject never came up."

All the girls burst into giggles again…

…

Across the classroom, Vyorin was wondering what all the laughter was about. He also was concerned with Rory's current company. 'Is she able to study with all that noise?' he wondered.

…

Cafeteria

The M'Fau children were gathered for lunch as usual, minus Aurora who had been kidnapped by the girls in her class.

Sakuya looked over at the gaggle of giggling girls and said, "Rory appears to be in misery. Should we do something?"

"Intervention on our part may disrupt Aurora's social experiment she is conducting." answered Niwara.

R'raak raised an eyebrow at his twin. "Are you sure it's an experiment sister? It looks more like an abduction."

Erik said, "Eating is a time for quiet conversation and relaxation. But they are being loud, and many are eating with their hands."

"I am sure Rory will report the details to us this evening at home." replied Vyorin. "Perhaps she will have some insights to share with us then."

…

Planet Earth Orbit, Starbase One, M'Fau family quarters

T'Lyra was talking with her daughter-in-law S'Harien about a possible job opportunity over subspace. The beautiful brunette said, "While I wish to be at home when the children are, the rest of my day is nonproductive. I need an occupation and starship maintenance would not allow me to take care of the little ones."

S'Harien nodded in understanding. "The Daystrom Institute's racing team is looking for a new head technician as our previous one is retiring. You would be required to work on both ion and turbine engines. Given you are a dynamic tech with lots of experience I believe you would be well suited for the position. You should apply."

"It sounds like a logical choice." agreed T'Lyra.

"Both Ziggy and I would sponsor you naturally." said S'Harien. "It would be logical to put in an application as soon as possible to be a candidate."

T'Lyra replied, "I will do so posthaste then. Thank you S'Harien."

They gave each other the Vulcan salute before signing off and the brunette began entering data to apply at the Daystrom Institute's Engineering School…

…

Planet Earth, Daystrom Institute of Technology, Supercomputing Annex

Doctor Siegfried M'Fau was in his office working when he heard a loud knock on his door and sensed the presence of his lovely wife S'Harien there. Looking up, the platinum blonde gave a tiny smile to his mate and motioned her to come in through the transparent doors.

The dark-haired beauty was in her usual biker gear and smirked as she entered and sat down opposite her husband. She said, "Ziggy, I've been talking with Mother T'Lyra about getting a job here at the Daystrom Institute. I believe it would be logical for you to sponsor her as I plan to."

Siegfried shut down his viewscreen to give S'Harien his undivided attention. "Please elaborate. I was unaware she was looking for a position here at the Institute."

…

Outside Siegfried's office, several members of the staff were admiring/gawking at S'Harien.

"Good god, what a hot woman!" said a young computer programmer. "Look at all those curves!"

Another commented. "I'd like to have that around to look at all day…"

"Do you think she's applying for a position in our department?" asked a third hopefully.

The first answered excitedly, "I sure hope so!" 'What a babe!'

"What's going on boys?" asked Sara Calico. 'I could sense the lust coming from the other end of the building…'

"Ummm, we were just discussing the woman in Doctor Siegfried's office, Doctor Calico." responded another tech. "We were wondering if she was going to be a new member of our department."

'What am I, chopped liver?' Sara growled mentally. Then she smiled. "That's S'Harien. She's Doctor Siegfried's wife and works in another section of the Institute."

"That total hottie is Doctor Siegfried's wife?!" shrieked the admirers.

Calico's grin grew wider at their horror. "That would be correct, gentleman. Now get back to work!"

They all had rainclouds over their heads. "Yes, Doctor Calico…" 'How did Doctor Siegfried land such a gorgeous woman…?'

'Men…' thought the irritated Betazoid.

…

Stardate 2298.177, Planet Earth Orbit, Starbase One, Spacedock, Berth 7, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Bridge

Lieutenant Rafi Meta grinned as the Wolverine glided to a stop. She heard M'rella report the gravity pylons were engaged and said, "Docking complete, Fleet Captain Naruto. We are safe at home."

Naruto nodded, "Nicely done as always Rafi."

"It's good to be home in safe harbors." said Samui with a smile.

"Agreed." added Konohamaru. "I'm looking forward to a little R & R."

Shizuka relaxed her posture. "I can't wait to see the family."

"I wonder what T'Lyra and the little ones have been up to." said M'rella. "I've missed all of them."

"We all have." agreed Alison.

…

Planet Earth, Daystrom Institute of Technology, Engineering School Office

T'Lyra M'Fau was finishing her interview with the head of the Engineering School, Doctor Clarence Robinson. He was a bit quirky and said with a smile, "Given your teaching degree at the Vulcan ShiKahr Technical School and your experience in Starfleet, I'm surprised you aren't applying for my job."

"I assure you that isn't my intention." replied T'Lyra. "I wish to have time with my children."

Robinson nodded. "Understandable. Well, I can say you are eminently qualified for the position. You also have superb references. I have three other candidates to interview before I can make a final decision."

"I understand sir." said the beautiful brunette. "Thank you for your time."

"It was my pleasure." said Clarence. "I will notify you soon."

…

T'Lyra stepped out under the sunlight of the Daystrom Institute Campus and stretched. She sensed Naruto's warm presence in orbit above. Giving a tiny smile, she thought, 'I will see you soon my love.'

The Vulcan woman walked across the campus to the College Preparatory School where her children were working diligently. It was Friday and there was only an hour left of class. The kids were all looking forward to the weekend. T'Lyra herself was anticipating their family spending some quality time together.

…

Preparatory School Campus, Classroom Two

Vyorin was finishing his assignments for the day and was wondering about receiving his grades. The class of (primarily) humans was strangely competitive and some of the students indicated they were terrified about their reviews. 'It must be a human thing…' he thought absentmindedly. 'All you have to do is add up your cumulative scores and your quarterly assessments can be predicted.'

As for Aurora, she was looking forward to the day ending so she could escape the company of her new friends in her class. The little redhead needed to meditate. Where grades were concerned, her thoughts mirrored her brother's. She didn't quite understand the fear of scores when you already knew them. I just wasn't logical to her.

Doctor Beeson cleared her throat and said to her students, "Monday is the first quarter's grades and therefore the first parent-teacher conferences. You will be required to bring one or both of your parents or guardians with you that day for a discussion of your accomplishments thus far. I have sent out notification to them, but you have a copy as well." The final bell rang. "I will see you all next week students. Have a good weekend."

…

All six M'Fau children bid farewell to their classmates and headed out into the lobby where they were pleasantly surprised to see T'Lyra waiting for them. The beautiful brunette said, "I have received news that the Wolverine has returned. Alison contacted me and Naruto and the girls are home."

The children all brightened up. "This is excellent news." stated R'raak. "With our grades coming out Monday, all of our parents can be present."

T'Lyra agreed. "It is excellent timing. Are you all ready to go?"

"Yes, Mother." chorused the children.

"Let's head to the transporter room then." said T'Lyra.

…

Planet Earth Orbit, Starbase One, M'Fau family quarters

Naruto and his wives welcomed T'Lyra and their children home with hugs, kisses and Vulcan salutes. The little ones were very excited (by Vulcan standards) and everyone was pleased to have a large dinner together…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: Redjac was seen on the TOS Episode: "Wolf in the Fold." See Memory Alpha for a synopsis.

*②: See chapter 2 for these events.

*③: Betrothal -After Siegfried M'Fau's disastrous pon farr (See chapter 66), Naruto and his wives decided to let their children choose their own mates when they come of age.

The original idea for this chapter was totally different and the events on Earth were going to be a separate chapter. Then I remembered the old TOS episode featuring Redjac and the chapter basically wrote itself from there. See you next time. Blue out 2/1/25