In the cold of space you find the heat of suns

Thank you for the reviews. They really do keep me going.

The tune is ‘I feel pretty’ from West Side Story. You’ll understand when you get there.

Apologies if the characters have grown differently in their new environment.

Spacer crews travel the Far Borders and the Fringe of occupied space, trading. Spacing is an ancient and honourable profession carved out by millenniums. Most spacers start out as fourteen-year-old boys seeking a future. Few survive a decade spacing.

60. Moving on

Kankuro and Temari appeared utterly stunned. Even Gaara blinked.

“You wanted a permanent solution,” Shikamaru reminded them. “Double-gating your system means that it will never be worth their while coming back. You’ll be impossible to bottle up. Using toll gates with inbuilt light speed communication relays gives you control and earns you credit.”

“We buy six gates,” Temari checked. “Three of which have to be more expensive than normal because the holes are on the edge of being unusable. That will cost us?” she queried.

“About two petacredits,” Shikamaru told them. “You raise the money against a planet you didn’t know you had,” he explained. An image of a lush-looking planet appeared. “This beauty is one jump away from Kaze II. It was seeded with a standard ecology over ten thousand standards ago. The is no trace of it in the Colonial Service’s current records so I’m guessing that it was some Space Hopper’s secret nest egg. Whatever, it is unoccupied and worth at least twenty petacredits so raising credit against it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“How do we raise credit against a planet we do not own?” Kankuro asked.

Shikamaru coloured slightly. “As far as everyone else is concerned you do. Or rather, Temari-san does as the oldest surviving member of your family’s main line. You will find everything in order. The records appear to go back to when your family first occupied the Kaze system and staked their claim.”

“You have stolen a twenty-petacredit planet and given it to me?” Temari queried.

“I did not steal it,” Shikamaru assured her. “I found it. It was lost. Yes, I have given it to you.” He smiled. “We expect you to raise enough credit against it to pay us as well as buying the gates and funding the rest of the plan.”

“You could have kept it,” Kankuro observed. He looked towards where Sasuke was sitting with Naruto beside him. “For Uchiha.”

Sasuke shrugged. “Why would Uchiha want with a planet that can only be reached from Kaze II? This way we end up with powerful allies in this region of space.”

Temari frowned. “There are suggestions of a lost planet in our oral history,” she admitted.

Shikamaru nodded. “Yes, that is mentioned in the Sunagakure records. That was my starting point.”

“You have our records?” Temari queried.

Shikamaru shrugged.

Gaara spoke. “Describe the plan.”


Getting rid of the slavers would be a combination of timing, coordination, unprecedented resources and being able to travel routes that should be impossible. Shikamaru hoped that the slavers would accept that defeat was inevitable and leave.

“If they dig in it will be messy,” he admitted. “Vulnerable planet-dwellers will die.”

“They harvest our people as slaves, Shikamaru-san,” Temari reminded him. “If we can convince them we have a good chance, the planet-dwellers will help us kill them.”

“Hopefully that will not be necessary,” Shikamaru repeated. “If we handle information flow perfectly, I estimate that there is an 81% probability they will choose to leave.” He took a deep breath. “That brings me to one of the most important parts of the plan. There was a reason why we insisted that only you three should attend this meeting. We must keep all details of the plan secret.”

“There is a traitor or a spy very close to you,” Sasuke informed them.

Kankuro exploded with denial. Shikamaru projected a three-dimensional diagram showing information flow. Temari studied the image.

“Shut up, Kankuro,” Gaara said quietly.

Kankuro fell silent immediately.

“I agree,” Temari stated.

“No information leaves this ship or is shared.” Gaara ordered. “Timeline for the plan.” he demanded..

There were three possible dates for the coup. The earliest, which required every step to go smoothly, was in a half-standard’s time.

“The first date,” Gaara decided. “We review in two divs. Temari stays as liaison. Kankuro will act as if the negotiations failed. This meeting is over. I will speak to Shikamaru alone.”

“No!” Naruto and Temari replied simultaneously.


They compromised. Kankuro went back to his ship. Sasuke went to his office. The other four went to the docking bay. Gaara and Shikamaru moved out of earshot but stayed within Naruto’s line of sight. Gaara turned his back to Temari and Naruto.

“She lip-reads,” he warned.

Shikamaru turned his body likewise. “A useful skill. Naruto can probably hear us,” he warned.

“That is fine,” Gaara replied. “Temari cannot. You gave the planet to Temari,” he observed.

Shikamaru stiffened, momentarily fearful that Gaara was displeased.

“You know our plans,” Gaara stated.

Shikamaru relaxed. “I have guessed from what Naruto has told me. I will help you in any way I can, Gaara-san. I have already begun working on the controller, using the information we collected when you used Naruto’s gun turret. Perhaps you could visit the infirmary and submit to the dia-doc? That would help enormously.”

“I will do so,” Gaara agreed. “My ship monitors me continually. I have lost control many times. I will send you the data.”

“Do that first,” Shikamaru suggested. “It may make using the dia-doc redundant. A visit to the infirmary would involve lying to Temari-san. She is very skilled at detecting lies.”

“I shall.” Gaara considered. “Kankuro is trustworthy. His men are suspect. If you know the identity of the traitor, tell us.”

“I don’t,” Shikamaru admitted. “Temari may be able to work it out. She has more information about individuals.”

Gaara fixed Shikamaru with his gaze. “I will owe you.”

Shikamaru smiled. “Na-chan is my best friend. He wants me to help you. That is enough. I do not need to be owed.”


There was a message from Rin waiting for Sasuke when he arrived at his office. He suggested that she come to his office.

“I have been in discussion with the scientist, Kabuto,” Rin reminded him.

Sasuke nodded.

“There was a message from him in the packet of correspondence we picked up when we jumped into this system. He wishes to examine Naruto-san. He says that he may be able to suggest treatments that could contribute to an age retard programme.”

Sasuke knew that Naruto would be against it. “Can’t he work with a simulation?”

“I would have difficulty working in meaningful way with a simulation, Sasuke-sama,” Rin admitted. “Naruto-san is unique. Even the best simulation that Shikamaru and I can construct is inadequate. Kabuto-san has sent me his current travel plans. With a small modification of our course, we could rendezvous with him on our way inwards from Wave.” She paused. “That would give you time to persuade Naruto-san. He is not totally opposed to treatments to stave off the symptoms of aging.”

Sasuke was acutely aware that they would be jumping away from the light speed communication relay within the day. “I will check the course modification with Shikamaru. If he agrees we send a message arranging the rendezvous. If Naruto refuses to see him, he will have to settle for consulting with you.”


He headed for the crew room, knowing that Shikamaru and Naruto would return there after their meeting with Gaara. Shikamaru was canoodling with Neji on one of the couches; it was good to see them making progress, however slowly. He felt guilty interrupting Shikamaru and asking to speak with him. He explained the situation swiftly.

“Can you check that the course modification is realistic and will not affect our other plans?” he asked. He took a deep breath. “If it is practicable, please tell Rin-san as soon as possible so that she can send a message today, before we jump. And, please, can you not mention it to Naruto until I have had an opportunity to talk to him about it?”

Shikamaru frowned. “I won’t bring it up but I won’t lie to him if he starts asking questions,” he replied.

Sasuke nodded. It was as much as he could hope for. He would have to face up to tackling the subject with Naruto sooner rather than later.


Naruto was, as Sasuke expected, in the nursery. He was lying on the platform, his long body curving between the gestators. Sasuke had already shed his boots and his jacket in their room. He climbed into the platform, lay down and positioned himself behind Naruto. Naruto pushed back against him and Sasuke hugged him close.

“How are they?” he asked.

“They have all gained mass,” Naruto informed him with pride. “All indicators are above 95%.”

“Clever babies, “ Sasuke acknowledged. “Have you thought any more about names?” he asked.

A small growl grumbled in Naruto’s chest. “Names,” he complained.

Sasuke wished he had not brought it up; he had come to accept that Naruto felt no urge to name the babies.

Naruto sat up and looked at him. “Are names so important to you?” he asked.

Usually Sasuke prevaricated but, usually, Naruto did not ask so directly. “Yes,” he admitted.

Naruto touched the egg containing the baby girl, “Hoshi, our star.” He laid a hand on the first boy, “Hikaru, our light,” and the second boy, “Haru, our sunshine.”

Sasuke blinked. It was very quick, he had not been consulted and he had reservations about having triplets with such similar names. On the other hand, they were Naruto’s babies and he was much more comfortable having names to use. He mimicked Naruto’s hand movements.

“Hoshi-chan, Hikaru-chan, Haru-chan,” he agreed.

Naruto nodded, then slid across Sasuke and lay down behind him. Strong arms held Sasuke tightly. Whiskers tickled his neck. “I have booked the bathroom for us this evening,” Naruto whispered.


Petersville was a laissez-faire space station in a system with no habitable planets but ten holes, six of which were navigable even without an improver. Four of the six were gated. Having so many ways in and out meant that the space station was unattractive to pirates and, consequently, very popular with everyone else. Many traders had outlets there. With so many spacers visiting, there were many leisure facilities.

“We’re going dancing, we’re going dancing, we’re going dancing, yes dancing, today!” sang Haku as he danced from one end of his crew room, through the galley and the length of the other crew room, followed by Fu and Terai.

Iruka sighed and gave up the attempt to manage the crew’s access to the space station in a sensible manner.

“It’ll be the best protected crew in known space,” Kakashi reminded him.

“It’ll need to be, with a female cat and four women,” Iruka complained.

“We’re taking Tayuya?” Kakashi queried.

“She has been very well behaved recently, she deserves to go,” Iruka insisted.

“Kurenai and I will stay here, of course,” Asuma said.

“I could stay with the children, Asuma-san,” Shino offered. “You and Kurenai-san deserve some fun.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Iruka saw Anko’s expression collapse into resigned misery.

“You will take Anko-san dancing, Shino-san,” he insisted and was rewarded by Anko perking up.

“I shall?” Shino asked.

Asuma slapped him on the back. “Of course you will, Shino-kun. Young lovers need to go dancing. We will look after Sumaru-kun, Iruka-san.”

“That is kind of you,” Iruka acknowledged.

Kurenai had been watching Naruto. “We will bring the children over here,” she said. “To be with Sumaru-kun when he is guarding the babies.”

Sumaru, who had looked a little crestfallen at being left behind, puffed up at the thought of guarding Naruto’s litter.

“Thank you, Kurenai-san,” Naruto acknowledged.

“You are very welcome, Naruto-san,” Kurenai replied.


“We can stay here,” Sasuke offered as Naruto checked the nursery for the fifth time.

Naruto shook his head slowly. “There will be times when I have to leave them. Better the first time be now, when the risk is low.” He looked at Sasuke. “You look awesome.”

Sasuke had found the silk shirt they had bought on Tarrasade and put it with some dark blue pants that looked like a second skin. He added boots, his knife and the bracelets and earrings that corresponded to Naruto’s tags.

Naruto was wearing skin-tight leather pants, a mesh shirt, boots, his knife and his tags. Haku had managed to persuade him to forgo orange.

“You are magnificent,” Sasuke told him.


Kakashi decided, on balance, that it was good that Naruto drew the eye so completely. It meant that there was some small possibility that people might overlook Sasuke. He was utterly gorgeous. His lack of vanity, the way he assumed that the stunned silence was for Naruto, only made him more beautiful. On impulse, Kakashi pulled the tie from Iruka’s hair.

“’Kashi!” Iruka objected.

Kakashi shrugged. “I like it down. Please. For once.”

Iruka looked about him. In such company only Kakashi’s eye would be on him. “Very well,” he agreed. “But if someone pervs on me, you had better chase him away.”


It was fun. They took over most of a club and no one seemed to mind. Naruto danced. Sometime Sasuke danced with him. Many of the others also danced, particularly Haku, Fu and Temari. Neji and Shikamaru made out in a corner; it appeared that nightclubs did not evoke any unpleasant memories. Rin and Dan held hands. Shino behaved as if he was escorting Anko on an evening out and Anko made the most of it, even persuading him to dance a few times. Iruka and Kakashi only bothered with the slow dances. Kisame kept his eye on Kono-kun and Tayuya.

They got back to the ship without challenge or other incident. There had been no crisis while they were gone. The babies were fine; Sumaru was asleep on the platform in Naruto’s place. Naruto carried him to his room and then returned to Sasuke. The others looked at each other knowingly, it was bound to be one of those nights with much growling, howling and screaming.

Shikamaru looked at Neji from under his hair. Neji looked back. Neither of them could quite believe that Shikamaru had given Neji a blowjob in a nightclub. Neji was undecided what was the more shocking: that Shikamaru would do it, that no one would care or that he would thoroughly enjoy it. Whatever, it was a massive breakthrough. Neji gathered his Shika to him and kissed him. “Thank you,” he whispered.

Haku sat at his mirror removing his cosmetics, wondering who would come through the doorway that he had left so invitingly open. Kisame? Gai? Perhaps Inoichi or even Kunugi? He had been wiping away his eye makeup when he heard the door slide shut and the lock engage. When he opened his eyes it was Konohamaru and, to Haku’s delight, his expression was distinctly predatory.


Shino walked Anko to the guest crew room. They had a brief glimpse of Temari as she ordered Tayuya to bed and retired to her own room with a wave. Anko made Shino coffee and poured them both a small whisky. They say opposite each other across the galley table.

“I had fun,” Anko told him.

Shino smiled. He brought out a small box, removed his lenses and put the box back in his pocket. “So did I,” he admitted.

Anko swirled the whisky about her cup. “I don’t understand the rules of the game,” she admitted. “Do I have to serve a probationary period? Or offer you a heart ring? Or agreed to spend my life with you? Or let you plant a baby in me?”

Shino stiffened. “There are no rules, Anko-san,” he told her. “Lifetime commitment and babies are not suitable subjects for mockery,” he rebuked her.

Tears prickled Anko’s eyes. “I’ve had enough, Shino-san. If there aren’t any rules I will never work out what you want. I’ve had enough of being alone at night because I can’t please you and you will not give me what I need.”

She did not see the stricken look in his eyes. “Do you want to end it, Anko-san?” he asked, softly.

Anko was on the edge of saying yes. Then she risked looking into his eyes and knew that she would meet his price, whatever that proved to be. “No,” she admitted.

“Would you like me to stay with you tonight?” he asked.

She sobbed. She could not help it. “Yes, oh yes. Even if all we do is sleep together. Please.”


It was, indeed, wonderful to cuddle close and wait for sleep.

Not that she minded the sated contentment he had managed to create in her with his clever fingers and talented tongue or, finally, having the opportunity to use Shikamaru’s gift, the red lipstick, for its intended purpose.

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