Naruto: Infinity Divide

Dangerous Liaisons

Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Let me state for the record that the warp speeds quoted have been using the TOS scale up to this point, not the TNG scale. The transition to the TNG scale will take place in 2312, and it will be noted in the text. Blame Gene Roddenberry for the confusion.

There is also a time skip in this installment. That said, here is Chapter 106, Enjoy!

Port = Left

Starboard = Right

[ ] Signifies a foreign language

{ } Signifies hand signs

~ ~ Signifies singing

Last time:

Stardate 2298.194, Planet Earth, San Francisco, Starfleet Headquarters, Bureau of Design & Repair

"Fascinating…" said Vach. "Having variable geometry warp nacelles is a stroke of genius. It will solve many of the problems associated with high-speed maneuvering without sacrificing performance at all."

"What inspired this Mercury concept Fleet Captain?" asked Suzuki.

"I don't like the Explorer concept at all." replied Naruto in a flat tone.

Hiro and Lucien sweat dropped and Vach nodded in acceptance.

Looking at the performance specs, Admiral Tolm said, "You realize this ship would make every small cruiser in Starflet obsolete."

"That is the idea." said the blonde.

Captain Suzuki rubbed his chin. "Perhaps it would be best to present the Mercury as a smaller stablemate to the Explorer rather than a competitor. Technologically speaking, they would be of the same generation and use many of the same components."

"I think that's an excellent idea!" exclaimed Lucien. "Since Naruto has already framed the design, I can present it at the next staff meeting."

Chapter 106

Stardate 2299.001, 40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan, ShiKahr Spaceport

It had been a few months since the Mercury Project was presented. There had been a lot of debate, but eventually it was decided that both ships should be developed. The M'Fau family arranged in advance to return home to Planet Vulcan to see their relatives during January because classes were out. They were all looking forward to it, particularly the children. Siegfried and S'Harien came along as well.

T'Ara and Sovar were there to greet them at the spaceport along with their youngest son, Saros*①. Saros was eleven and was born a year before Vyorin and Aurora. He was a handsome boy with his Mother's features, but personality-wise, he was his Father all over again. The young Vulcan was a wanderer at heart and loved camping in the desert with Sovar and practicing the martial arts.

Saros had no desire to leave Vulcan and got along with everybody. He was particularly close to Vyorin and the two boys had missed one another a great deal. He greeted his nieces and nephews warmly with his parents and was pleased to see his big brother Naruto and his wives were well. They had often watched him when he was little.

Sovar gave the Vulcan Salute to his eldest son and said, "Peace and long life. Welcome home, my son. It is good to see you all looking so well. It has been a year already. You have been missed." T'Ara and Sovar were quickly swarmed by their grandchildren, and all were obviously pleased to be reunited…

M'Fau Compound

Naruto and his family entered their home and found everything was in order. They were paying a service company for the upkeep, but it was worth it for trips like this. About an hour after they arrived, Talok and Selik arrived with their two daughters, the nine-year-old T'Rama*② and her eight-year-old sister T'Sala*③. Both were dance prodigies like their Mother and looked like Talok as well. They greeted their cousins eagerly.

Sovar looked at his progeny and said, "This is the first time I've had all my children and grandchildren together under one roof in years. We must celebrate."

T'Ara gave a tiny smile and crossed fingers with her husband. "I agree. We should all have dinner tonight and catch up on things."

The M'Fau clan went into the old quarter and dined in style that evening…

TIMESKIP

Stardate 2306.301, Sol System, Planet Earth Orbit, Spacedock 1

It had been eight years since the Explorer and Mercury concepts had been approved and both prototypes were nearing completion. Naruto was spending time between the Mercury prototype in Mars orbit, his home on Starbase One and aboard the U.S.S. Wolverine. His children had been busy as well…

Both Aurora and Vyorin M'Fau entered the Vulcan Science Academy at age thirteen in 2301 and graduated with two doctorates each in 2305. They were now eighteen and in the Starfleet Academy as cadets. Vyorin had stayed in touch with Lady Mirai who was now serving as a Centurion helmsman aboard the Romulan dreadnought R.I.S. Gemini in the Romulan home fleet.

The twins, Niwara and R'raak were seventeen and unlike their older siblings had stayed at the Daystrom Institute. They were currently living in the city of Shzerensohr on M'rella's home world of Cait. The two were serving as interns at the M'Yengh Shipyards. Their degrees were in astrodynamics and astrophysics. The Head of M'Yengh Shipyards Construction Division, Trinsak, had taken a personal interest in the twins' brilliance and had already offered them permanent positions designing starships on Cait.

Sakuya returned to Vulcan at age twelve in 2302 to study under her Grandfather Sovar at the Vulcan Institute for Defensive Arts. She had already proven herself to be a prodigy in the martial arts and was eager to learn more.

…And Erik followed Aurora, Vyorin and Siegfried's examples and entered the Vulcan Science Academy at thirteen in 2303. He took a course in diplomacy which led to him meeting Ambassador Sarek. He was serving as a liaison for Sarek by the age of sixteen. It was under Sarek's wing that Erik M'Fau met the Romulan Imperial Ambassador Tantillion and received a unique opportunity…

Stardate 2306.320, 40 Eridani A System, Planet Vulcan, City of ShiKahr, Vulcan Embassy

Ambassador Sarek was hosting Ambassador Tantillion at the Vulcan Embassy when the Romulan statesman said, "It's been twenty years since the Romulan Empire and the United Federation of Planets made peace Sarek. Emperor Tal has extended an invitation to you to return to Ki Baraton on Romulus and join us in our celebrations."

"Twenty years since the Romulan Peace Mission in 2286…It seems like yesterday" said Sarek. "I'm sure that our people will be celebrating as well. Please inform Emperor Tal I would be honored to be in his presence again."

Tantillion smiled. "I'm sure both Emperor Tal and Praetor Rolandus will be delighted to hear the news. I don't suppose you could convince Naruto of Vulcan to join us as well?"

Sarek raised his eyebrows ever so slightly. "What would you think about his son Erik joining us instead…?"

Erik M'Fau found himself in a quandary. He'd heard about his Father's trip to Romulus and it didn't seem very promising. The young Vulcan hybrid had taken the diplomacy course as a step toward leadership in Starfleet but never imagined he'd end up under Sarek's wing or getting the opportunity to visit the Romulan Empire.

Deciding that the logical thing to do was join Sarek on this trip, the platinum blonde called his parents to inform them of his decision. It was his Mother Samui who picked up the call. The blonde bombshell smiled at her youngest and said, "There's my boy! How are you, Erik?"

He gave the Vulcan salute and said, "I am glad to see you, Mum. There is a matter I wish to discuss with you. Ambassador Sarek is going to Romulus to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Romulan Peace Mission. He has invited me to join him in Daddy's stead."

"Do you want to go?" asked Samui.

"After a great deal of reflection, I have concluded that going is the logical course of action." said Erik. "I do not take this decision lightly and seek your counsel on the matter."

Samui smiled, "Your Father is out right now but if you want to go, trust your gut. Just make sure you are armed in that seal on the back of your hand. You and Sakuya haven't learned Sage Mode like your older brothers and sisters, but you have plenty of power. If they get aggressive, blow them away with your killing intent. It isn't like you don't have it in spades."

Erik gave a tiny smile in return. "Thank you, Mum. It puts my mind at ease hearing your words."

"That's what parents are for." replied the blonde bombshell. "Try to have fun and learn from the experience. Naruto said the Imperial Palace has grand architecture. Let us all know what you think of it when you get back."

Stardate 2306.349 Romulan Empire, Eisn System, Planet Romulus, Ki Baratan, Imperial Palace

After a great deal of preparation, Ambassador Sarek arrived at Ki Baraton with his guest, Erik M'Fau. They came before Emperor Tal who welcomed them grandly. "It is a great pleasure to have you here once again Ambassador Sarek. Over the next few days, we will be celebrating twenty years of peace between our empires, and I hope you will enjoy our hospitality. Please introduce me to your young companion."

Sarek and Erik bowed as was Vulcan tradition. The Ambassador replied, "I thank you for your warm welcome, Emperor Tal. Allow me to present Erik, son of Naruto M'Fau and an heir of the Otsutuski."

Erik rose from the bowing position as his eyes flashed with chakra causing the emperor to tremble ever so slightly. "Thank you for your kind invitation your highness. I am honored to be here."

Tal shuddered at the crystal ice blue eyes probing his very being. "Of course, young Erik. Please enjoy your stay here in Ki Baraton. How old might you be?"

"I am sixteen years of age, your highness." replied the platinum blonde.

'Maybe the courtesans will keep him occupied.' thought Tal. He clapped his hands twice and several attendants stepped forward. "Escort our guests to their rooms so they may relax from their long trip."

The servants bowed to their emperor and the lead attendant said to Sarek, "Please follow us."

Palace Guest Quarters

The two Vulcans were shown to their luxurious rooms which were adjacent to each other. After their things were brought to their quarters, Sarek called the younger man in and said, "Erik, you project the same aura as your Father. Make an effort to not intimidate our hosts. We are guests here."

"I will do my best." replied the platinum blonde flatly.

The Ambassador looked resigned. "That is all I can ask."

Imperial Quarters, Emperor Tal's Private Rooms

Emperor Tal retired to his private chambers after welcoming the many important guests to the upcoming festivities. 'The heads of the many Great Houses and military officials I can deal with, but the Otsutsuki heir is another matter…' "I'm not even forty yet and I fear I will turn gray…" he thought aloud.

"Does something trouble you, Father?" asked a smooth, feminine voice from the doorway.

"Alia." said Tal to his seventeen-year-old daughter and Crown Princess. "How is my little jewel today?"

She grinned impishly and said, "I am well, but you don't seem to be."

Tal returned her smile and looked at the lithe, beautiful girl. With her deep blue eyes and jet-black hair contrasting with her ivory skin, she looked stunning as usual*④. Her lack of stature was more than made up for by her cunning intelligence.

"Would you like to talk about it, Father?" asked Alia.

The Romulan Emperor asked, "You are aware that Lord Naruto Otsutsuki's son is here, no doubt?" She nodded and Tal said, "There is little I genuinely fear. That boy's Father is one of them. Young Lord Erik possesses the same bearing and power Naruto does. He sees right through me."

"Do you want Lord Erik to…disappear?" she asked.

Tal's eyes widened in terror. "Heavens no! That would be a disaster!"

"It was only a passing thought." replied Alia. "What are we to do about him?"

"I was hoping to distract him during the festivities, so I won't have to look at those piercing eyes of raw power." lamented the head of the Empire.

'A Child of the Endless Flame…' she thought. "So, how do you intend to distract him?"

"I'm hoping some of the more beautiful courtesans will keep him occupied." answered Tal. "He's still a sixteen-year-old boy. I'm sure there are a lot of hormones bouncing around in him under all that Vulcan logic."

Alia was stunned. 'Father is afraid of a boy my age?!'

Imperial Palace, Main Ballroom

The next day, the festivities began. Many people of Romulan high society were at the celebration to see and be seen. Orchestral music was being played live in the background and many were dancing. It was quite a spectacle to observe. Ambassador Sarek was talking with Praetor Rolandus about his daughter Mirai.

"I noticed your daughter Lady Mirai is not present Praetor." commented Sarek. "I hope all is well with her."

Rolandus smiled. "She's twenty-three now and is in the Romulan Imperial Navy. Like her dearly departed Mother, she takes her career very seriously and does not have time for frivolities."

"It is a positive thing that she is so dedicated." replied the Vulcan Ambassador.

"It is." agreed Rolandus. "Still, I miss her at times like these…So tell me about Lord Naruto's son, Erik. The young man has his back to the wall and is surveying the room like a great bird of prey. Several ladies have approached him only to shy away."

Sarek replied, "He is his Father's son. Socializing is not one of his strong points. He has yet to learn the finer points of diplomacy."

The Praetor nodded. "Perhaps he will loosen up a bit as the evening goes on."

Across the ballroom, Crown Princess Alia was analyzing the situation and noted the platinum blonde Erik was all alone. Her Father Tal had motioned several courtesans his way, but the young Vulcan apparently wasn't interested in small talk. Finding herself curious, Alia decided to talk to the young man to see what made him tick.

Erik M'Fau was bored and saw the Crown Princess drifting over towards him. Her ladies in waiting seemed very concerned but Alia smiled at him and said, "I seem to have found myself without a dance partner Lord Erik. Would you care to join me?"

Erik was suddenly glad his cousin T'Rama had insisted on teaching him Romulan dances (she was a harsh taskmaster) before he left Vulcan. He was surprised at the invitation but felt he couldn't refuse a request from the Crown Princess.

The platinum blonde replied, "If it pleases my Lady, we will dance."

Her deep blue pools lit up with delight. "Wonderful!" said the Princess. She grasped his hand and felt unfathomable power oozing from him as she led him to the dance floor. Alia was surprised at how smoothly Erik eased into step with her as they began to dance to the slow music.

The music turned more sensual as the pair danced close. Alia felt her body melt into his as they glided effortlessly across the dance floor. She noted how strong and solid Erik's body was. The Princess had assumed the young Vulcan's crimson robes were padded but found it was all him.

The pair locked eyes as they danced, twirled and held one another. The animal magnetism was irresistible, and the two young people danced the afternoon away without noticing the others around them. He found her deep, liquid blue eyes enchanting and likewise she felt herself drawn into his electric, ice blue ones.

Emperor Tal saw his little jewel had been dancing with the terrifying Lord Erik and that the pair seemed totally entranced with one another. It was obvious they were in their own little world and the Romulan Emperor was more than a little concerned. His daughter had considerable charm but the look in her eyes was one of total adoration. It was not like the playthings she'd had in the past.

He reflected on Alia's birth mother and wondered where the woman vanished to. She was his favorite concubine at the time Alia (his first child) was born. After Alia was taken into the care of the staff at two months old, her Mother went to visit relatives and disappeared without a trace leaving the Crown Princess all alone.

It had been a terrible emotional blow to Tal, and he felt fortunate that his cousin Rolandus and Mirai had been there. Mirai had been six when Alia was born, and the two girls were very close. They had a sisterly relationship. Both were very smart and got along well. Tal's current concubines were rather jealous of Alia because he doted on her more than them.

Out on the ballroom floor, Alia was feeling warm and safe with Erik. 'I just want to wrap myself up with him like a warm blanket.' thought the Crown Princess. They'd been dancing till evening and totally lost track of time. She saw a Minister named Shak coming over out of the corner of her eye and wondered what he could possibly want. The man had expressed interest in her according to her Father and had the Emperor's ear.

Shak said, "Your highness, I believe you've yet to change dance partners all evening and he is a foreigner. I think-"

Alia wanted to roll her eyes. 'He's jealous. I knew he had designs on me, but this is a little too overt.' That's when she felt a massive power rolling over her from Erik. His eyes blazed like stars and amazed her.

The platinum blonde looked at Minister Shak causing the man to recoil in fear. Erik said, "I believe it is up to her highness who she chooses to dance with, not you."

The Minister's teeth were chattering, and he was trying to come up with something to say when Alia stated, "I am perfectly content dancing with Lord Otsutsuki, Minister. You may return to my Father's side and inform him as much."

Shak bowed before making a hasty retreat towards Emperor Tal's entourage. The man was white as a ghost.

Alia felt a thrill travel from the top of her head to the tips of her feet. She blushed prettily and whispered, "Minister Shak is an annoyance. Thank you for chasing him off." Erik simply nodded.

Shak came over to the Emperor in a tizzy. He said without preamble, "Your Highness, that young man-"

"I felt the wave of power all the way over here." said Tal with a slight shudder. "Leave them be."

"But he's a Vulcan." said the Minister in a panic.

"He is a Child of the Endless Flame, Minister." replied the head of the Romulan Empire. Do not incur Lord Erik's wrath."

A gong rang as the music came to an end, and Alia said, "Lord Erik, it is time for the evening meal. Please join me at my table. I understand Vulcans prefer vegetarian meals, yes?"

"That is correct." answered the platinum blonde.

She smiled warmly. "Let us partake together then."

United Federation of Planets, Sol System, Planet Mars Orbit, Utopia Planitia Shipyards, Floating Repair Dock 2

While his son Erik was on Romulus, Naruto was in orbit of Mars in a shuttle looking at his brainchild, the new Mercury class vessel. He had received the sad news that his fast cruiser NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine was going to be retired after 32 years of service but there was a silver lining. With her outstanding war record, the Wolverine was going to be preserved at Memory Alpha as a museum ship.

He looked back at the Mercury prototype's sleek lines and saw the Naval Construction Contract number proudly emblemized upon her hull: NX-1602-A U.S.S. Wolverine. It was going to be the fastest ship in the fleet. Naruto was sure of it.

Then the blonde Fleet Captain looked over at the much larger Floating Repair Dock 1 and saw the bow of the mammoth Explorer prototype, NX-10521 U.S.S. Ambassador*. It was an impressive vessel for its sheer size alone. The ship was larger than the Excelsior class by far. Would it work?

Naruto didn't really know. He hadn't had a hand in its design. The Explorer would be slow and not have as much firepower as its size might imply, but its shielding array was second to none and the cloaking device was impressive even if it wasn't as good as the Mercury's which was designed from the outset for a cloak as opposed to it being added on.

Some of the Fleet Admiral's staff loved the big, ponderous-looking beast. The only thing about it that Naruto was impressed by was the sheer range of the Explorer. Starfleet was still building Excelsior class vessels though. The plan was that the Excelsiors would remain the backbone of the fleet while the Explorer class would be fleet flagships and deep space surveyors with the Constellation class.

He turned his attention back to the new Wolverine-A and thought, 'The crew will have to acclimate to an entirely new vessel but T'Lyra will be aboard in engineering again now that our children have left home. That's the best thing of all.'

Romulan Empire, Eisn System, Planet Romulus, Ki Baratan, Imperial Palace

Crown Princess Alia was enjoying her meal with Erik immensely. As it turned out, He was a very interesting person and already had a doctorate in quantum physics and a masters in archaeology under his belt! She was very impressed. That's when a thought occurred to her. 'The First Dynasty burial chambers…'

Alia visited the Imperial Catacombs where their ancestors were buried with her Father Tal to offer prayers yearly. It was a solemn rite and always made her curious. There was an archway sealed by an obsidian crystal door(?) that had been sealed for eons. It was said that the first Emperor's treasures were stored beyond the archway and sealed by the War God Otsutsuki himself

'…If that's true, Lord Erik may be able open the door!' thought Alia with wide eyes.

One of her ladies-in-waiting saw Alia's expression and asked, "Is everything alright my Lady?"

The Crown Princes smiled and replied, "Everything is just fine now…" She turned to the platinum blonde and asked, "Since you have an interest in archaeology, do you know anything of the Tkon runes?"

Erik raised an eyebrow at the odd question and thought about his Mama Alison taking him to Rzom-Thul as a child. "I was taught to read and write the Tkon language from a young age though its pronunciation is a difficult task. Why do you ask?"

Her eyes lit up. "There is a room full of Tkon writings in a chamber deep in the palace catacombs where the First Emperor lays entombed. I have always wondered about it and thought it might pique your curiosity as it does mine."

"Have the writings been documented?" asked Erik.

Alia nodded. "They have been, but few have been deciphered. There is an obsidian crystal door that sensors cannot penetrate as well. Legend has it that the first Emperor left his treasures there. It has been a mystery for ages. We could go to the Imperial Library if you are interested."

The platinum blonde pondered a moment before asking, "Where is the Imperial Library?"

Seeing she had the young Vulcan's interest, the Crown Princess said, "Why don't I just take you there…?"

After the first day's entertainment concluded, Alia excused herself with Erik in tow. Everyone (including her Father) assumed the young couple was going to have a tryst but in reality they were headed to the Imperial Library to speak with the head scholar and archivist, Vetel*⑥.

Imperial Palace Library

Vetel was delighted to see both the Princess and the Otsutuski heir. Unlike the nobles, he didn't put on airs for others which Erik approved of. The old scholar said kindly, "What can I do for you two young people today? I rarely get visitors, especially Lords and Ladies of your caliber."

Alia smiled at the Elder and said, "We would like to view the material on the Obsidian Archway room in the catacombs."

The old man seemed to come to life suddenly. "Ahhhh, a worthy subject to study! I'll fetch the materials right away your highness." He soon came out of the back with two very large tomes that were handwritten on fabric paper. "There was a survey done centuries ago that was very thorough, but the Tkon language was a total mystery at the time. They mistook it for some kind of ancient Romulan writing and drew all the wrong conclusions as a result."

Alia was very excited and said, "Please show us the inscriptions around the Obsidian Archway. Perhaps Lord Erik can decipher them for us."

Receiving the book, Erik quickly scanned the drawing of the archway, and the very large inscriptions engraved upon it. He stated, "It reads, Beyond this door lies the abyss of Queen Rehu and her armies sealed by Emperor Ael and blessed by Lord High Otsutsuski."

Vetel was amazed. "…It was written that Queen Rehu was cast into the abyss by the First Emperor, but it was always considered metaphorical. To think it is a physical place beneath the Imperial Palace. This is astounding! There may be a mass grave from our prehistory down there."

Erik was looking at the smaller runes on the archway drawings and said, "The Ajol of the abyss will hold their souls in torment for all eternity. That almost sounds like the Terran concept of hell."

The old scholar said, "The beliefs in the Four Elements or Ajol* was the most common religion at the time of the First Romulan Emperor Ael, Lord Erik. There is Jeaih (air), Avilh (earth), Okhala (fire), and Ihhuein (water). The Ajol were believed to have protective powers and many Romulans pray to them for help or guidance and thank them for good fortune to this day."

"That would explain the Tkon emblems for those four elements at the corners of the archway then." stated the platinum blonde. "Fascinating…"

Alia said eagerly. "We would need to get my Father's permission but perhaps we could go down to the catacombs where you could view them in person, Lord Erik."

"No doubt we could learn a lot from it." agreed the young Vulcan.

Throne Room

Tal had a brittle smile on his face. "I wasn't expecting my little jewel to vanish with Lord Otsutsuki, Tantillion."

"I did not foresee these events either." replied the Romulan Ambassador with a cringe. "They are teenagers though, titles or otherwise."

"Still, she could have been a little less blatant." said Tal. He turned to Alia's head lady-in-waiting. "Did the Crown Princess say anything before she left with Lord Erik?"

"All my Lady said was our services were not needed the rest of the evening." answered the woman.

The Emperor was nursing a headache. "That will be all then. We'll track my little jewel down in the morning." 'What a day…'

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: Saros was born in 2287. His name means "From the Old Desert Wind."

*②: T'Rama was born in 2289. Her name means "Lady Bold Thunder."

*③: T'Sala was born in 2290. Her name means "Lady Wind."

*④: Alia's character design is based on the character Maomao on the cover of the manga Apothecary Diaries 2. She's very lithe and petite.

*⑤: NX-10521 U.S.S. Ambassador -This is what the Enterprise-C was. See Memory Alpha and Beta for information and pictures of this class.

*⑥: Vetel -is the Head Scholar of the Imperial Palace Library that was introduced in Chapter 81.

*⑦: The Ajol -can be read about in the Federation space Wiki. It's not canon but I'm going to be using it here.

Next chapter we'll be diving into more mysteries on Romulus. See you next time. Blue out. 2/26/25