Chapter 2: The Princess

The journey to the Water Nebula was made quickly in the Doctor's efficient Tardis. The ship was comfortable and Pranis soon learned his part in the navigation and upkeep of the machinery.

"This is it, Pranis. Watch the monitor – the Water Nebula's beauty is seen from a distance." The Doctor had been in his teacher/mentor role for the trip, enjoying tremendously the distraction that showing Pranis the wonders of the Tardis had been.

During the couple of days that they had traveled, the two had shared stories and meals and even a bit of a philosophy debate while drinking a beverage from a bottle of some very potent drink that Pranis had brought. It was called wick nectar, and it was made on his planet from fermenting some of the grain that grew abundantly in the warm months.

The Doctor quickly discovered that wick nectar was to be handled very gingerly. Pranis had brought several small bottles with him and between them, they had barely put a dent in the first bottle before Pranis was snoring at the table and the Doctor was passed out UNDER the table.

They decided the next day that the philosophy debate was a tie and the Doctor took the opened bottle of wick nectar and put it in the lab with the other poisons that were stored aboard the Tardis.

The Doctor spent quiet time going over treaty negotiation diplomacy skills with the young man and giving instruction on the role that he wanted Pranis to play.

Pranis in turn showed the Doctor his own skills of combat and defense, impressing the Doctor with his strength and speed.

"Hopefully we won't need it but if there's a fight, I'm standing behind you!" The Doctor said from his back, looking up at Pranis. He had just been knocked off his feet with a sweep of the man's powerful legs that happened faster than could be processed.

Pranis held out a hand, helping the Doctor up off the floor. "If you're not a fighter then you must be a lover" Pranis teased, turning to head for the showers. "Your turn to cook, don't forget!" He called out his parting shot.

The last comment wasn't heard. The Doctor was lost again, staring at that spot that was always in front of him projecting his memories onto a make believe stage that only he could see. A lover. Something that he never got to be with Rose. He felt a pressure on his chest and a lump in his throat grow with the memory.

She was so beautiful! He remembered her eyes staring up into his as he held her in a moment of quiet, looking down at her and feeling loved. Rose loved him and he reveled in it. Her love made him a better man because he wanted to live up to the adoration that he saw in her eyes.

The pain that was left in her place at times stripped him of coherent thought. He felt the familiar anger swell in him and closed his eyes, deliberately steadying his breath and squashing it all down. No memories, no anger, no pain. Keep to that and he can get through another day.

A beeping in the control room dragged his attention away from his internal struggles and back into the reality around him. It was the alarm that they were approaching their destination.

"Hey Pranis! I'm not cooking – we're just in time to crash dinner!" His humor restored, he made preparations to land.

…………………………………………………………………..

The group of Chancellors sent an emissary to meet the Tardis, and she was waiting for them as they exited the ship. She was taller even than Pranis, and her skin was a bright, deep blue.

She approached the Doctor and bent down, pressing her lips to his in a kiss that left the Doctor speechless.

She spoke with a melodic voice, and the Doctor could swear that her eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Welcome!" The woman introduced herself as Chalandra Auromarinase Debelial Altase Lamentas. "You two don't talk much, do you?"

The Doctor and Pranis stood frozen, their mouths open at the random action.

"Is all of that your name?" Pranis asked.

"Oh, that plus a title or two."

"Do you have a nickname?" The Doctor asked.

"You can call me Princess" Chalandra replied.

"Right." The Doctor whispered under his breath.

They were ushered into the transport, and arrived at the ministry a short time later. The two men were quiet in the car, as Chalandra kept up a non stop monologue of tidbits of information about the buildings they passed, the Chancellors and the ministry.

The ministry welcomed them with its silence as Chalandra left them in the entryway. They were soon greeted by a tall man rushing towards them, his hand outstretched in welcome.

"You're early! We weren't expecting you until much later, but no matter! I'm so happy to see you here, Doctor – the Shadow Proclamation has spoken very highly of your abilities. I'm Chancellor Shue, and I'll be your liaison with the ministry and the other Chancellors during your trip." He bowed low, presenting the top of his blue head.

"Thank you, Chancellor Shue. May I present Pranis of Parakemble? He is here to assist me, as well."

"I've never met anyone from Parakemble before, but I've heard of your people!" Chancellor Shue looked about him, then added in a low voice "you don't have any wick nectar to trade, do you?"

"My mother insisted that I bring some with me," Pranis replied.

"Lovely!" The Chancellor rubbed his hands together. We'll have to see what you will accept in trade then! Bowing again, he gestured with his arm to follow him through the doors.

They soon found themselves in the ministry, being introduced to the other Chancellors and the representatives of the Chrysoberyl Cluster. After a short period with refreshments offered, Chancellor Shue collected Pranis and the Doctor to show them to their rooms.

"Dinner will be in one hour. I'll come for you to lead you down, yes?" He offered.

……………………………………………………………….

"So far so good!" Pranis exclaimed.

"What? Oh, yeah – you haven't caused any interstellar wars yet." The Doctor replied, distracted.

"Oh, give me a little credit! I'm not THAT naïve!"

Ignoring the statement, the Doctor went on "I know better than to let my guard down, but I have to admit that both parties seem very willing to negotiate this trade treaty. I don't anticipate any kind of trouble. The representatives of the Chrysoberyl Cluster seemed extremely amicable."

"Do you think it will be smooth then?" Pranis asked.

"Just a boring old contract negotiation!" The Doctor exclaimed. "Let's get ready for dinner."

………………………………………………………………..

Chancellor Shue came for them and escorted them into the dining room. People were gathered about, drink glasses in their hands, wearing fine robes and chatting softly. Both sides were socializing easily.

The Doctor and Pranis made their way through the room, being stopped from time to time in welcome and pleasantries. As they were approaching the head table where they were being lead to, a flourish of music was heard and a loud voice proclaimed:

"Princess Chalandra Auromarinase Debelial Altase Lamentas of the Water Nebula."

She walked in, her blue head adorned with a crown and her robes fluttering behind her. Her hand was on the Prime Chancellor's arm, and she gracefully nodded to either side before making her way to the head table, pausing when she reached the two guests.

The Doctor and Pranis looked at each other, and the Doctor said under his breath "Not one word, Pranis. Pretend that you're just now meeting her."

Pranis nodded in understanding.

"Doctor, we're very honored that you have come to negotiate our treaty," the Princess said in her melodious voice.

"The honor is ours, Princess."

Chancellor Shue was seated between the Doctor and Pranis for dinner. He leaned over and said quietly to the Doctor "our Princess won't come into her full power in the senate until she reaches her majority in five years. Until then, she attends state dinners and senate sessions to learn the mechanisms of our government."

"She's young then? I'm not familiar with the aging process of your people." The Doctor responded diplomatically.

"She's the equivalent of a teenager for you."

Pranis interjected softly, "that explains a lot."

The Doctor winked at him in understanding and sat back to enjoy his dinner.