[Author Note: 3rd of the 5 bonus chapters.]
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As Celeste plugged the data drive into her communicator, a holographic screen appeared above it showing nineteen folders, one of which was labelled Earring Production Instructions, the other eighteen were labelled with a different year starting with Universal Year 3229 and going up to Universal Year 3247.
Celeste opened the file for Universal Year 3229 and saw several documents with different names; however, as she noticed the name on the first document, she couldn't help but frown and say, "Siren Communications? Now I know you're messing, that company is about to go under."
[LadyErkath (Deverinian Prime): I knew it. That data drive is the reason for Horn Manufacturing's success.]
[CEOHopkins (Earth): Siren Communications?]
[Phoenixempress (Fenix Nest): It's a company started by a member of the Siren race that made communication devices. However, at the time, Adam and Diva Rowena are in, they are close to going under because their products could never compete with the three big communicator companies from the Phoenix race, Dwarfinian race and Solarian race, or at least until the product that changed everything.]
"I know what you're thinking, but you, like everyone else, are wrong," Rowena replied before she went on to explain. "Siren Communications is about to shake up the communicator industry with its latest release. Not only is it more advanced than what every other communicator currently on the market is capable of, but it also offers many new features that other communicators don't yet have. That second connector on the data drive is also for their new communicator."
"If it's as good as you say, why has no one heard of it?" Celeste asked doubtfully.
"No one expects anything from them since everyone believes they are about to go under and is therefore not paying attention to them. Also, the rumours about Princess Liluth Solar releasing something called the Uniband to replace the communicator are attracting almost everyone's attention," Rowena replied.
"Is that rumour true?" Vlad asked curiously, as he had been listening in from the side the whole time.
"Take a look for yourself," Rowena replied before pulling back her sleeve and tapping her uniband, which caused a holographic screen to appear above it.
"Wow," Celeste said in amazement as she and Vlad leaned in for a closer look.
"These won't be officially announced and released for several years yet, which gives both Siren Communications and Horn Manufacturing plenty of time to make heaps of credits. Also, if you do well in working with Siren Communications, Princess Liluth Solar will take notice of that and contact you about working together on the new uniband."
Universal Year 3247
On a space station orbiting Solarian Prime, Liluth sat within what she fondly liked to call her time chamber, since it protected her from any changes that the rest of the universe might encounter from Adam's time-travelling.
Many holographic screens were arranged in front of her; however, the one she focused on the most was the one showing Adam's stream.
Liluth smiled as she heard Rowena's words before saying, "Dear sister Rowena, they don't need to try too hard since the me in that time already has plans to work with Horn Manufacturing on the unibands mass construction."
Universal Year 3229
"I see," Celeste replied as her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Each document gives you detailed instructions on when to form a partnership with each company," Rowena explained before instructing, "In the future, many companies will come to you with business offers; however, if they are not on the list or the date to work with them hasn't been reached, don't agree since it could mess up the entire plan."
"Understood," Celeste replied as she began to inspect the data drive again while asking, "So where do we send these earrings once we are able to produce them?"
"Nowhere," Rowena replied before instructing, "you need to store them all somewhere and I will contact you about distribution after we return to our time."
"That means I'm going to have to find somewhere to store five years' worth of earrings," Celeste complained.
"At least they're small," Rowena replied with her signature smirk before adding, "Also, just think of all the credits that will come pouring in once we put them on sale."
"That's another thing, I won't get any sort of return on these earrings for at least five years."
"True, but with the information we have provided, you won't have to worry about running out of credits."
"I get it," Celeste replied.
"So I assume that these unibands will replace communicators in the future?" Vlad asked as he heard Rowena and Celeste's business discussion finish and he finished inspecting Rowena's uniband.
"That's correct, progenitor," Rowena replied respectfully before indicating Adam as she said, "It's about time we head out."
"Very well, I guess that means I need to go get ready to show myself at the temple during the festival," Vlad replied.
"Please remember not to mention any of this to the me that you see there," Rowena requested before shaking her head and adding, "That makes me sound like I'm crazy."
"Well, travelling back in time is kind of crazy," Celeste remarked as she closed her communicator while disconnecting the data drive from it.
"Don't worry, I'll remember," Vlad said calmly.
"Thank you," Rowena replied with a slight bow before turning to Adam and saying, "Let's go."
"Sure," Adam replied before giving Vlad a quick nod, after which he followed Rowena out the door.
"Well, that was interesting," Vlad remarked after watching the two leave and the door had closed.
"I still find their claim about travelling back in time crazy," Celeste commented.
"I was certainly doubtful when they first told me and if I'm being honest, I still don't completely believe their story.
Luckily, it will be quite easy to verify. I just have to attend the festival gathering at the temple and see if Philip really does embarrass Rowena, while you just have to make a business proposal to Siren Communications."
"Siren Communications, huh?" Celeste asked thoughtfully.
"Having second doubts?"
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't. It's just so hard to believe that a company on the brink of collapse will release a product that will both save them and make both them and my company big profits."
"Then perhaps you should accompany me to the temple and observe what happens before you make any decisions."
After Adam and Rowena left Horn Manufacturing and had walked a short distance away, Adam suddenly said, "I'm surprised they believed us so easily."
[Handsome3horns (Vinox 2): You're not the only one. There is no way I would believe someone so quickly if they came up to me and said, Hi, I just travelled back in time to make you rich.]
[Noobkiller9000 (Earth): Well, they did offer them proof.]
"Well, we did offer them proof, though I doubt they will fully believe everything I have said until they witness what is about to happen," Rowena replied with a shrug before adding, "Besides, the progenitor has seen much in his life and isn't one to dismiss something that seems impossible when someone offers him proof."
"So, are we heading to your family estate now?" Adam asked.
"That's the plan," Rowena replied before saying with a sigh. "It's been a long time since I returned to Darah Five, although I would like to go see a few friends and catch up; for them, I haven't even left yet."
After leaving Horn Manufacturing, Vlad returned to his private quarters within the temple of blood and considered what Rowena had told him before activating the console on his desk and starting a holocall, which was soon answered.
"Embassy of the Phoenix race, how might I assist you?" A male phoenix asked as he appeared before Vlad on a holographic screen.
"Please connect me with the Empress Revi," Vlad replied with a smile, making the phoenix raise his eyebrows in surprise.
"I'm afraid that unless you have an appointment, you can't just speak with the Empress Revi," The phoenix replied politely before saying, "However, you can make a request to speak with her and if she accepts, then we can arrange a suitable time for you to speak with her. If you would like to do so, I will need a few details, starting with your name."
"My name is Vlad," Vlad replied while still smiling, as he knew what was about to happen.
"And your planet and place of residence?"
"Darah Five, Temple of Blood."
"The temple of blood, I see," The phoenix replied as he noted it down on his console before looking up in surprise and asking, "Did you say the temple of Blood?"
"I did."
"I, I see," The phoenix replied as he heard of the temple of blood, but didn't realise that anyone was actually allowed to classify it as their residence.
"And your occupation?"
"Progenitor," Vlad replied while laughter filled his eyes since he had never encountered a situation like this before.
"Progen...," The male phoenix said before looking up with even more surprise than last time and asking nervously, "Did, did you say progenitor?"
"I did, I am the Brood progenitor," Vlad replied as mirth filled his eyes.
"The Brood progenitor?" The male phoenix asked almost robotically.
"That's correct?"
"Might I put you on hold for a moment, sir? I believe I need to consult my colleague about your request."
"By all means," Vlad replied before bursting into laughter as soon as the holographic screen before him showed a hold message and played a song.
"BOSS, BOSS," The male phoenix yelled at the top of his voice as he stood up from his desk, causing all his colleagues to turn and look at him curiously.
"WHAT?" A female phoenix yelled back before marching over while angrily asking, "What are you yelling about?"
"I have the Brood progenitor wanting to speak with the Empress," The male phoenix replied, causing all his colleagues who were paying attention to show looks of shock.
The female boss, who was strolling over to him with an angry expression, tripped over her own feet as she heard his words and only managed to stop herself from falling face-first onto the floor by flapping her wings.
"Who did you say you have on hold?" The female boss asked in shock as she returned to a standing position.
"The Brood progenitor."
"You put the Brood progenitor on hold?" The female boss asked in disbelief.
"Was that wrong?" The male phoenix asked nervously.
"You have some balls, son. I don't think I have ever heard of someone putting a progenitor on hold," The female boss replied as she looked at the male phoenix with a mixture of respect and disbelief while pulling out her communicator.
She quickly made a call before a holographic screen appeared, showing another female phoenix who asked, "Fenix Nest International Relations Office, how can I assist you?"
"This is Manager Plume of the Lueat Galaxy embassy call centre. I need to be put through to the Empress's office immediately. I have a triple VIP individual calling and they wish to speak with the Empress."
"The identity of the triple VIP?" The phoenix on the holographic screen asked with surprise.
"The Brood progenitor."
Revi sat in her office, going through the latest documents relating to the Phoenix races' current finances, when a hurried knock suddenly came from her door, causing her to look up and raise an eyebrow in surprise before saying, "Enter."
As soon as the word finished leaving her mouth, the door was quickly opened and her assistant walked hurriedly into the room before stopping before the desk and saying, "Empress, the Brood progenitor is waiting to speak with you."
"The Brood progenitor? Why is he suddenly calling?" Revi asked in surprise before she used her console to check her call feature and sure enough, there was indeed a call waiting from Darah Five, which she quickly accepted.
"Brood progenitor Vlad, I apologise for keeping you waiting, but I had no idea you would be calling. What can I do for you?" Revi asked politely as Vlad's handsome appearance appeared on a holographic screen.
"Quite understandable, Empress Revi, since this call is out of the blue," Vlad replied calmly before saying, "I wish to talk to you about…"