ch. 6 Welcome: Tri-Link Inc

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disclaimer: nothing has changed

The bass of a heartbeat sounded and the screen faded black. 'Bum-bump!' A shade of green outlining the shape of a switchem flashed through the middle. 'Bum-bump!'A red switchem pulsated in the upper right corner. 'Bum-bump!' Purple sound waves took over the screen and a booming voice erupted from the screen, "The dawning of a new era in technology is upon us!"

Bulma rolled her eyes, "Pffft, doubt it…"

"SHHHHHH!"

"Well sorrr-ry… you'd think I was interrupting a show, not a com--"

"SHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"Alright alright geez. Bite my head off won't ya!" Relenting, she crossed her arms over her chest, and focused on what remained of the ad. There was no way she was shutting up, without knowing the importance of a commercial that merited such actions.

"'...-ue genius,' says the editor of Science & Tech magazine.

'Tri-link Inc. is sure to give CC a run for the money' adds an employee of the Capsule Corporation.

"WHAT!? I didn't approve that statement!"

"The unveiling of this invention to the domain of consumer purchase is being held this Saturday at Tri-Link headquarters. Invitation only."

Bulma hoisted her nose in the air and started walking back to the kitchen grumbling to herself. "Humph! It can't be that big of a deal. Neither I, nor Trunks were even invited…"

Pan snickered leaning over the couch, "Oh, I'm pretty sure you'll get be getting an invitation soon. Yes, very soon indeed."

Bulma glanced back at her with a mixture of suspicion and confusion, then slowly turned around and continued on her way, "…sure"

Waiting until she was completely gone Bra and Marron snatched Pan back on to the couch and pinned her under their knees, "What the hell do you think you're doing?! We're trying not to look suspicious!"

She calmly sat up removing two pairs of knees from her ribcage and put on a smug face, "Not inviting them is suspicious. Who wouldn't invite the technological powerhouse of the world to the unveiling of a new invention? Especially after all the praise it's garnished from the scientific community. I'll tell you who, someone with something to hide. Bulma and Trunks are smart. We can't leave any clues indicative of us being behind all this," poising her index finger and thumb for emphasis, "no matter how small."

xxxx

Spot lights roaming the sky, big music playing, and hundreds of people littering the sidewalk. Paparazzi flashing away as esteemed guests are ushered down a ruby red carpet to a chandelier laden, Cristal poppin', caviar catered banquet! That's what a typical unveiling consists of, but not Tri-Link Inc.'s. Not by a long shot. Being new to the whole business finance thing, Pan allotted way too much money towards the production of the commercial; leaving the unveiling ceremony a little…uh under-funded.

The three co-presidents had yet to be seen, but it was now ten minutes before the grand presentation and they sat backstage.

"Ugh, this is so embarrassing." Marron moaned cradling her head in shame, "This looks more like a sweet sixteen bash than a swanky business party."

"It's not that bad," commented Bra, simultaneously searching the crowds of people 'Where is Pan!' "I mean the blue crepe paper and balloons make it look more like a…office party." Spotting Pan coming around the corner she got a devilish smile, "Just focus on the presentation right now," she soothed looking Marron in the eyes, "because you're the only one that knows it!" Bra finished with a squeak scrambling away. No longer was the appearance of the party on her mind, Marron was simply enraged.

"WHAT! You guys didn't lea--"

"Ladies and Gentlemen: Welcome the newest company to the field of Science and Technology, TRI-LINK INC!"

--!Applause all around!—

"Hahaha too late to learn it now" Pan and Bra high-fived, "Score: one point us; and no points for Piglet!"

Narrowing her eyes, "Oh it is on!"

"And now, it is my honor to introduce to you the people behind it all; the co-presidents: Brock Trousers, Kuriku Hazel, and Ichigo Banana!"

The three shuffled in awkwardly from behind a curtain and bowed to their audience. The applause died down as they began to approach the podium, Pan and Bra stopping five feet short. "There ya go Ma-Kuriku, break a leg!" With two big 'cheese eatin' grins they shoved her forward and sat down in the provided seats.

"Yeh thanks" she spat. Clearing her throat she began.

xxxx

The presentation went along without a hitch. So much so that it received a standing ovation. Not really for the delivery, but in excited anticipation of obtaining the invention as soon as the presentation ended. They all pushed and plowed into the adjacent room. Shoving and pulling hair, you'd never think these were the same sophisticated scientists, celebrities and CEO's who had entered. Everyone rallied around a display table to eagerly pay for a switchem. Well, not everyone. In the back of the room, an aqua haired woman could be seen standing, watching, waiting…

After the long speech, Marron was drained. So she found a secluded room, locked herself in it, and decided to sleep off a headache that was fast approaching. Kicking her feet up, she plopped down on a couch, and was out like a light!

Pan and Bra were a different story all together. They were full of energy, and yearning to burn it. With all the people here, there was bound to be something interesting to get into. All work and no play makes two demi-saiyans restless. With a quick glance and a nod, Pan took off into the room full of swarming consumers, with Bra following close behind. Or rather, she was following close behind. That was until someone tapped her on the shoulder.

"Man it's crazy in here! I guarantee that was a lock of hair and some teeth I saw back there!" Turning in anticipation of Bra's rebuttal, Pan came face to face with air. "Bra- I mean Brock? …" 'Where'd she go?' She bobbed up and down a few moments trying to locate the 'man' she assumed had been displaced in the dense crowd. The search didn't last too long though, and in a matter of seconds she back to busying herself amongst the crowd. 'Well, it's not the first, and it certainly won't be the last time I'll 'lose' a man in a crowd.' She came to an abrupt halt resulting in a few people tripping and crashing to the floor. Ignoring the comical scene, she stayed tuned into the thought that had caused it all. "Heeeey this whole co-prez thing might be beneficial. If guys start flocking me like the girls do Trunks, my problems will be over!"

"Take my word. They won't."

xx

Startled Bra turned around shrieking, "Mom!- uh" instantly catching her mistake. "-mia…Yeh, Mama Mia! It's a you Bulma Briefs ha ha" she laughed nervously with a Mario based, fake Italian accent.

"Ha ha yep it is a me" Bulma chuckled back, pointing at herself slightly confused.

They stood awkwardly for a few moments, rubbing the backs of their necks and letting the forced laughter fade away. Being a veteran in the social arts, Bulma was quick to recover. "Actually, I should be the one excited to meet you. Your name is Brock, right? Your company just popped out of no where with a major technological advance. Who are your scientists? Where did they study? How long have they worked for you? When did this project begin? How many prototypes did it take? Is this the only project?"

The questions went on and on not really waiting for answers. Bra tuned out the barrage and began searching for a way out. 'I almost blew it a few seconds ago! I can't sit here talking to her, this is Mom. She'll crack me like an egg. Where is Pan!??' She began searching for Pan's ki only to turn up dry. Mentally slapping her forehead she remembered that in their altered states of appearance, their ki's were altered as well. 'Oh well, guess I'll just have to do it the old fashioned way.' Squinting her eyes, she sought out her red headed buddy for aid.

xx

"Excuse me! What did you say?!" Pan hissed over her shoulder before facing whoever had insulted her.

"Oh, my apologies, I didn't mean to offend. I was merely stating that the 'swarms of fans' is a problem within itself."

Recognizing the voice this time, she spun around coming face to face with a very confident looking Trunks Briefs.

This threw her a little off guard. Why wasn't he blushing? After the year long escapade in space she had gotten to know Trunks and his tendencies pretty well. And one, which was hard to miss, was that he blushed…a lot! In fact, anytime he was put in an awkward situation, and especially when he talked to unfamiliar women, his cheeks would turn scarlet, crimson, and cherry apple red! But now, nothing, not even the tiniest hint of pink showed. What gives?!

"I'm sorry; do I have something on my face?"

Pan hadn't even noticed she was staring, "Oh uh- um, no…I just uh…"

"No matter. Hi, I'm Trunks Briefs" he chuckled offering his hand.

Tingeing pink in embarrassment she shook his hand responding, "Ichigo Banana"

'Why am I blushing? So what if he caught me staring at him, it's just Trunks!' Finding her backbone she had temporarily lost, she continued, "I shouldn't even have to introduce myself; this is my company's party. And the whole world knows who you are, so let's skip the formalities k."

"It's kind of hard not to be formal at parties like this" he stated loosening his tie.

"I know. This party needs tequila shots, a dance floor, and a moon bounce!"

"A moon bounce???" He laughed, crossing his arms, curiosity taking over his features.

"Yeh, why not." she quipped buffing her fingernails out of habit

He smirked, mischief gleaming in his eyes, "That's not a reason."

"Yes it is." Pan glared, daring him to contradict her.

"Are we really going to debate this?" he scoffed quirking a lavender eyebrow. Pan just continued to glare, crossing her arms firmly over her chest, not one to ever back down in a fight.

"Alright, alright then," he relented, "let's say we continue this debate over lunch sometime, say Friday at noon?"

"Fine by me" she snapped rolling honey colored eyes, not even realizing what she was agreeing to.

"Good, I'll pick you--

x

"HOW DARE YOU! OF ALL THE RUDE, DISRESPECTFUL, PIG-HEADED..."

x

"And that would be my mother." he explained, shaking his head in shame, "Meaning it's time we go before things get violent. It was nice making your acquaintance Miss Banana, and I'll be seeing you on Friday." With a court bow, he made his leave.

xxxx

Streamers lay limp and pieces of popped balloons littered the floor. The guests were gone, and the employees off the clock. All that was left were two extremely exhausted presidents.

"All I did was say she was acting moody, and offered her a Midol."

"Earth to Bra!" Pan giggled, "One: she doesn't know you're her daughter…Two: you're a man! …And Three: YOU'RE A MAN!"

"Well, being a man sucks" she pouted crossing her arms. Looking quite ridiculous I might add, her being a man and all.

"Don't worry it's not you. Men just have a way of saying the wrong things to women. Like your brother, I was trying to be nice and he had to go and pick a fight!"

"Who won?"

"Neither yet, but I'm going to. We're going to finish it Friday over…" Pan's face went pale and she gulped audibly as realization set in.

"Pan what's wrong?!?" Bra breathed in concern

The voice that came out was barely a whisper,

"I think I have a date with Trunks"

xxXXxx

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