The engines of the Tardis melodiously sprang to life, signaling the end of their stay on the Water Nebula.
The Doctor had used some of his skills to heal his bruises and muscles and was feeling more of his old self. In fact, he felt better than he had in over a year.
Pranis came into the control room, drinking water and holding his head.
"That wick nectar is going to kill you." The Doctor said.
"Maybe…but please tell me…were the girls pretty at least?"
"Well….in their own way. Perhaps…..they were ok. Maybe……..if you like blue people. No. They weren't pretty. Maybe one was. Kinda." He finally let his voice trail off, not seeing a graceful way out of his blunder.
"Then perhaps it was best that I don't remember it." Pranis said.
"Do me a favor…lock up the rest of that stuff."
"It's gone. I traded it to Chancellor Shue."
"What did you get?"
"I don't know…he said it was something from the Princess."
"Probably an old shoe" the Doctor grumbled.
Pranis retrieved the box that the Chancellor had given him when they were leaving. Inside was a note. "Oh – it's for my mother!" He exclaimed.
"There you go. What is it?" The Doctor's curiosity had raised its head.
Rummaging in the box, Pranis pulled out a beautiful plate, its artwork depicting the water nebula from space. He held it up so the Doctor could see it.
"That a surprisingly – mature- gift!" The Doctor exclaimed.
"Mother will love it. You know, that was actually pretty thoughtful of her."
"Maybe there's more to her than we thought there was?"
The two men looked at each other for a moment, then together, said
"Nah."
They laughed.
………………………………………………………………….
Once they settled down into the trip, the Doctor brought up the subject that he wanted to talk about.
"Pranis, you told me when we met that your mother wanted you to get a more practical education in diplomacy and negotiation, right?"
"Her exact words!" He replied.
"I was thinking. Would you like to travel with me for a bit? Just hang out, visiting different worlds, seeing what makes them tick. Are you game?"
"For how long?" Pranis asked.
"For as long as you want to, or as long as we can stand each other. Whatever, keep it loose." The Doctor found that his breath was held a bit, waiting for his answer. Wanting it to be yes.
"Hey, that would be great! Can I get word to my parents?"
"We'll pop in there next. Welcome aboard!"
"Do I get my own screwdriver?" Pranis asked.
"Don't push it."
A/N - Pranis spent five years traveling with the Doctor, honing his diplomacy and negotiation skills. At that time, he returned to Parakemble to take his place within the ministry as an elder, working beside his father for his people.
The Doctor and Pranis met again, about 100 years later. Pranis by then is Lead Elder, and the Doctor travels to Parakemble to answer his call for help.
Please check out "Broken Hearts Still Beat" in my profile. It's novel length and you'll see much more of Pranis and get to visit his beautiful planet.