Nine: Freeza and a Father's Concern

- 9 -

Freeza and A Father's Concern

Bulma led the two saiyans through the kitchen and down the lower hallway to her father's lab. Glancing back every so often, she wondered if she had missed something. The tension she felt in the air made her nervous, all the while wondering if she should ask what happened or not. Had it been because of her? She didn't think she had taken it too far outside... and then again maybe the prude thing had been too much, but hell, she was right. There was nothing wrong with swimsuits... Everything else she had said was something she would normally say anyway. Then again, maybe it was the other Saiyan's fault...

Tucking the still semi-wet hair behind her ear, she stopped at her father's door and pushed the intercom button. "Hey, Dad... Can I come in?"

They only had to wait a few seconds when the comlink replied, "All clear, Bulma... I'm glad you're here, I need your help."

Smiling, she glanced at them before she turned the handle on the door and pushed it open. They were greeted with a pulsing light and a strange crackling sound. She covered her eyes briefly, until her eyes focused in on her father leaning over one of his current projects. A smile made her lips twitch up as she pictured him as a mad scientist with his light lavender hair and obscenely huge goggles. She looked over at her two companions who stared at the older scientist with varying degrees of interest and apprehension. She couldn't blame them. Her father really did look menacing with the sparks flying all about and that determined frown on his face.

While he didn't show it, she knew her father was concerned somewhat by Vegeta's appearance and whatever else was out in space... thus this leap in weapon tech. Normally, he didn't like making such things... he didn't like knowing his inventions killed people. Hell, she didn't either, which was why she never actually showed most to the military thus far. But this was different. Before, she thought he worried too much. Maybe he was right to be concerned. She hoped not, yet it was always best to air on the side of caution.

"So what seems to be the problem with the arc projector, Dad?" She waited for him to stop before nearing his work table.

Setting the welder down, he pulled his goggles off and rubbed his brow. "I don't know. It should follow the ionized beam like we discussed, but no charge is being emitted."

She chuckled as she stood next to him. "Okay, okay... let me take a gander." Her hands moved skillfully over the weapon as she took it apart.

The doctor turned to her, just then catching sight of Bardock and Vegeta. "Mmmm, now you're not, Goku..."

Not looking up from her work, she started to introduce him, "Dad, that is Bardock. Goku's..."

"Father I presume...?" It was more a statement than a question. "Tell me your species lives for roughly one hundred and fifty years?"

Bardock grunted, "I see where your daughter gets it from. Yes, in earthling terms we live about that long."

Pulling off his gloves swiftly, Dr. Briefs spoke, "My, my, where are my manners..." He held out his hand for him. "Name's Dr. Teddy Briefs..." Bardock took his hand as Bulma's father continued, "I guess you want to take a look-see at the Lad's reports?"

His brow rose looking at the Lad next to him who was looking away with a scowl on his face. "Yes..."

Before he could finish however, Bulma gave a happy cheer, "Yay! That should do it." Promptly she put it all back together. "I'm going to test it, Dad, if that's okay with you..."

He glanced warily at his daughter as he rubbed his mustache. "As long as you take it to the testing room. I don't want my computers fried again."

Bulma pouted as she hoisted it up against her shoulder and looked at them. "How was I supposed to know that would happen..." Seeing his fatherly look, she rolled her eyes. "Fine, fine."

Vegeta watched as she sauntered over to a room off to the right that was almost made out of a wall of glass. The way her hips swayed with the bulky weapon propped up like that... While he hated to admit it... was rather appealing. And though he did view guns as a pathetic tool that those without power used to even the odds against people like him -just then he found himself once again gaining more respect for the woman. As she put some goggles on and entered the room, her father and Bardock moved up to the window. Vegeta found himself propelled by his own curiosity and interest as he followed. He stood a foot away from the old man and the woman's father as the woman put the gun in the nook of her shoulder, a cold sweat settle over him with the determined look on her face and the roaring flame in her eyes as she brought the gun down, taking aim.

Her thumb pushed a button and a green dot appeared on one of the five dummies that looked to be made to be as human-like as possible. "Okay, tell me when, Dad." Her hind food slid back, as if to brace herself for impact.

The doctor's fingers entered a command on the keyboard, setting all the cameras in the room to record and the other devices to record any information they might need. "Okay, sweetie, all set."

With the go-ahead, her pointer finger pulled the trigger and she was shoved back, slamming her against the wall by the force of the giant lightning bolt that shot out from the gun. In front of her the first dummy she had been locked onto lit up as if just struck on all sides by a huge electrical storm which quickly traveled to the other four dummies in a heartbeat. And while superficially it didn't look to do anything, the computer flashed immediately with critical heart failures and other internal complications for all the targets.

Vegeta knew from personal experience that lightning wasn't something to scoff about, having been in a few super-charged storms in the void of space and even on a few planets. It wouldn't kill any Saiyans worth their grain of salt, but it certainly would stun them and hurt like no other.

He studied Bulma as she quickly collected herself after the air was knocked from her, almost skipping to the door as she opened it... finding himself glad that she wasn't a Saiyan or from a race that had a natural ability with using ki. She still had that look of confidence and determination on her face while the spot she had rested the gun was surely already bruising... along with anything that might have happened to her as she hit the wall... And yet here she was brushing it off as if nothing had happened. To say he was impressed would be a vast understatement.

Bardock's mind suddenly brushed against his."Quid dixi puerum... necesse erit videte..."{What did I say, boy... you'll need to watch out.}He met his mentor's gaze, scowling all the more.

"So? How did we do?" she asked, somewhat breathless.

Rubbing his mustache, Doctor Briefs looked over the data still filling the screen. "So far so good. It appears it does just as we thought it would. Jumping to people in close proximity and continuing on seemingly limitless..."

She set the gun down on the table by the computer, only then taking notice of the pain she received as she rolled her right shoulder. "Guess we can't use it with allies being among those we attack..." Sighing, she then eyed the two saiyans. "Um... let's finish this later, Dad... I'm sure they're not interested in our toys."

The doctor coughed as he walked over to his cluttered desk and grabbed the folder. "Right. Bulma, do you..."

"Dad, I know what's in the file... you don't need to send me to get something. So let's get this over with." Bulma rolled her eyes, then noticed Vegeta watching her as she walked past and winked at him. The Prince promptly shifted his gaze, hoping neither Bardock nor her father had seen it at their angles.

Dr. Briefs eyed his daughter as she handed the file to Bardock. "So that's how my pen was moved the other day..."

Holding up her hands in mock surrender, she feigned innocence as she peered at him innocently with her wide blue eyes. "I don't know what you mean, daddy dearest."

He chuckled as he shifted his glasses, "Fine, fine... Do you at least agree with my assessment?"

"You know that medical crap isn't quite my favorite subject." She sighed as she crossed her arms, leaning against the work desk. "But as far as I could tell it sounds right and your solution should work.

Bardock listened to the exchange before flipping the folder open and beginning to read, letting his mind connect with Vegeta's so he could understand what the pages said as his Prince stepped closer to look over his shoulder. In the background the father-daughter duo started to discuss almost in a different language the proteins and bindings, whether it was alpha or beta, and the stereochemistry of the molecules of the compound involved. As the words he read and what they were discussing sank in, his chest tightened. While Vegeta was standing next to him, he was ever so slowly dying... from whatever chemical Freeza's scientists had uses to take his ki away.

Vegeta felt the old man's gaze on him as he stared blankly at the page. The full gravity of his situation slapped him in the face, demanding his attentions. Fact was: the Prince of Saiyans was weaker than these ki-less humans. He was at the Briefs' mercy. Never in his life had he needed to rely on anyone for mercy. It was something he had long lost. The closest he ever got to it was when he killed someone and how quickly he did it.

"Num quid colligunt vis?"{Can you not gather ki?} Bardock asked as he closed the folder and set it down on the table.

Vegeta shifted uncomfortably, refusing to look at him."Quid censes senex?"{What do you think, old man?}

Mentally he sighed, "Doleo...Viderim mihi-" {I'm sorry... I should have seen...}

"Oblivisci...quae Aulularia."{Forget it... what's done is done.} Vegeta cut him off, growing frustrated with his mentor. What could he have done that he hadn't? And yes, Bardock had visions, that didn't mean he had a choice what he saw. Vegeta understood that better than anyone.

Noticing how her two Saiyan guests were staring at each other, she stopped her conversation with her father. She had been leaning with her elbows on the table and straightened as she turned to the Prince. "Hey... you really should be sitting, Vegeta." She stepped closer. "If what happened at lunch is any sign..."

He growled at her, his body stiffening even as it screamed in pain. "Touch me, woman, and I'll break your hands."

She merely blinked at his harsh glare and threatening voice before crossing her arms and returned his glare. "Right, jackass. Don't hurt yourself with that stick being so far up your ass." With two more quick steps she got in his face, surprising Bardock all the more and amusing Dr. Briefs with the interaction. She poked Vegeta lightly in the chest. "Now sit... before I pull that stick out and hit you over the head with it."

His stern look grew deadly, threatening harm should she not cease her foolishness. "You're very fortunate that I am in my current state or you would have been greeting the next dimension a few seconds ago."

Never one to back down, she huffed back, "Oh, you would be so mighty to squash a tiny gnat like me?" Growing closer, her sapphire eyes held his as she studied him for a few seconds. A sad half smile turned her left lips up."Why can't you just let something so little go Vegeta?" She sighed as she stepped back a little to give him space and folded her arms across her front. "To boast about destroying the harmless is not a very honorable feat for someone who holds pride and honor to such high regard."

She was right. He realized and unwillingly her words seemed to swallow him whole, rattling in his mind. Once again jogging old memories…He blinked away the memories and the shock. His face still noticeably softened. "You are anything but harmless, you wretched banshee."

Her hand went to her heart, feigning humble shock. "Oh… really? I'm so honored you view me so highly, your majesty." She gave him a dramatic bow. "I do try so hard."

Vegeta shot his mentor a glare, fuming inside when Bardock started to grunt with amusement. "Nulla in oratione senex..."{Not a word, old man…}

His gaze went back to Bulma, then blinked once again surprised at finding the soft smile on her lips. He had never had anyone taunt him playfully before. It was certainly a strange sensation… and that look on her face. He felt his anger quiet down, replaced by confusion and an even stranger sense of… longing? Regaining his senses… and the awareness that his pride was taking some heavy blows here, he snorted and looked away, glaring at the floor. Truthfully he was torn… part of him wanted to blast here right then and there or leave her broken and bloody in the least. But she was right. And the thought of killing her made him rather ill. When had that changed?

Not to mention killing her would be rather pointless. She wasn't technically hurting him, and his people needed her brain. While it would temporarily relieve his wounded pride, in the end it would only trouble him more. Hold on, did he really just think that her death would trouble him? Why am I thinking such nonsense? No one's death troubles me! Then again… he had never thought about it recently. When he was a child his parents' deaths had briefly… Was there anyone whose death would make him feel something? He glanced at Bardock. Back before this last stint with Freeza he had relied heavily on the old man. And even now saw him as a mentor of sorts. And then there was Tash…

Frustrated, Vegeta gritted his teeth and looked back at the ground. Why the hell was he thinking this? What was this blasted woman doing to him? He couldn't believe he was just thinking about feelings… How pitiable am I that? Once more he was torn, his anger eating at him and then at the same time pent up emotions bubbling ever-so-slowly to the surface. He needed to get a hold of himself before he did something stupid.

Bulma sighed, pulling him from his thoughts and he found her eyeing him. "Well… I think you should stay close to the compound just in case." She then glanced at her father. "His ki abilities should be returning by the end of the month, right?"

Her father nodded with a cough into his hand. "Yes, that sounds about right. But don't push yourself either, Lad. It will all come back in due time."

Bulma clasped her hands together, startling the two Saiyans with her abrupt loudness. "Oh! While we are here… Dad, you should show them your capsule tech." Her knowing eyes went to Bardock. "Maybe we can have some sort of business deal in the future…?"

Bardock regained his composure a few minutes ago and the older Saiyan considered the girl, amazed at her boldness… On the other hand, everything he had seen from her had been fairly brazen. And what he had seen from their intelligence so far, he found himself to be more or less excited.

"Hmm." Bulma's father nodded with agreement. "That is a wonderful suggestion, Bulma."

She beamed at him. "I know, aren't I amazing? Who would have thought brains and beauty in one small package? Anyway, I should order that food while you guys do that, before I forget. Last thing I want or need is a whiney Goku on my hands." Her bright mood suddenly vanished with that thought. She took out her cell phone from her still damp shorts pocket and cursed as she pushed buttons. "Damnit, Goku… he broke my phone!"

Vegeta eyes followed her every move as she walked to another bigger 'phone' in the room, muttering to herself as she threw the worthless plastic and hardware across the room, careless as to what it might hit. Her father shook his head with faint amusement before going back to his desk and obtaining the capsule labeled 'screwdrivers' and showed it to the two saiyans. All the while her soft voice rose and fell in the background distracting the Prince as she ordered food.

"Here you go." The doctor tossed Bardock the capsule, and Vegeta only gave it a small glance before it returned to the woman, not thinking he would find anything of interest. "That was my first invention, back when I was in graduate school getting my MD. Funny how it has nothing to do with healing people…"

Seeing the older Saiyan's black gaze examining the cylinder object, Dr. Briefs rubbed his mustache as he spoke, "Just push the button on the top and toss it. Any flat surface will do."

Bardock looked at his Prince, noticing he was distracted and following his gaze. Putting that in the back of his mind he did as he was told, tossing it to the floor. His brow rose with the puff of smoke, not knowing what to expect. Was it a weapon? But as the cloud disappeared Bardock found that he was speechless. And he looked up to find Vegeta had taken a step back with the loud pop and was staring at the mat of ordered tools lying on the floor, clearly fascinated. Shaking his head with wonderment, Bardock knelt, touching the handle of one of the screwdrivers hesitantly. Finding nothing but the cool handle, he grasped it and took it from its holder, examining it… then the others before looking to the doctor for an explanation.

"H-how did you distort space?"

The doctor chuckled, "Ahhh… How indeed. Would you believe it came to me one night in a dream?" Shrugging, he looked down at the screwdrivers. "Technically the capsules fold space and time, so anything inside doesn't age, making it a great storage for food…" His eyes flickered with delight at the look of astonishment on both of their faces. "Maybe in time I can let you take a look at my blueprints to see the how."

Bulma gasped, having just finished ordering Chinese food, she returned to them and leaned against the work desk with her hands. "Wait, what? We never let anyone look at those… I mean I know the formula isn't all there just in case, but still…"

Dr. Briefs glanced between the two Saiyans, analyzing them. "Well, the prospect of being the first to reach out to space is a tempting interest to me. And it would be exceedingly foolish to think I could just jump right into whatever economics they have out there without knowing anything about the history or cultures involved, which means I would need some sort of partner…" As the doctor talked, Plato seemingly came from nowhere as he strolled up to his owner and mopped against his legs. Dr. Briefs bent down to pick him up before continuing, "Now I would need someone I trust in such a position, and if I can't trust them enough to take a look at my blueprints then it isn't going to work."

Bulma folded her arms and tapped the curled fingers of her right hand against her mouth, thinking about her father's logic. "I guess you're right…"

Taking a break from petting the black cat on his shoulders, he straightened his glasses. "Presuming it is a course of action you are interested in and can do."

Bardock gave him a small nod. "Yes, it is something we can and are willing to do." He glanced at Vegeta. "While someday Vegeta will take his place as king among our people. Temporarily I am their…" Pausing, he searched for the words they would understand. "Well, you could call it elected leader for lack of a better description. I still have to present everything to the elders and elites, but given our current situation… if I approve of something they will accept it. We are very fortunate that Vegeta was found by you, Bulma…" He nodded towards her. "Our people do need new technology. What we have now is whatever we can get our hands on, and such tech is not always top-of-the-line."

Bulma tilted her head. "What about that?" Her hand gestured to the scouter over his eye.

"This? It's junk." He turned it on, pushing buttons on the side. "It's one of the oldest models out there. But here…" Taking it off of his ear, he held it out for her. "Take a look, you should be able to understand it now. I set it in your written language."

Her face lit up with the prospect of inspecting alien technology and she moved closer, smiling shyly as she took it from him. She then sat on the work table, crossing her legs as she studied the scouter in her hands. Biting her lower lip, she put it on her ear and concentrated on the screen. Her fingers then moved swiftly as she gained her bearings, absorbing everything she could.

Vegeta felt unnerved standing there watching her… seeing the device on her eye. It didn't look right: his world of merciless bloodthirsty beings that strove to bring out the worst agony imaginable, clashing with her brightness and carefree nature. Those two just didn't belong together. Shifting, his body tensed more as he forced himself not to walk over and toss the damned thing from her face. What the cosmos is wrong with me?He shouldn't be so angry over this… shouldn't be so troubled…

"Hmmm… Your user face is the most basic I've ever seen." She frowned. "If this is the older version, what are the newer ones like?"

Bardock watched her, brow creasing. "Well, I don't know that term, but in the case of differences, this model does exactly what the new ones do, but it's not as fast and communication is faulty at best…"

She wrinkled her nose. "Ew… really? I thought this would have more options… My dead cell has more programs and apps than this."

The doctor scratched his chin. "Maybe they just concentrate on the basic needs, sweetie… I concur, though, that is rather boring, indeed."

"I mean, I could hack into our systems, but it would practically fry this system with how much data that would flush the smaller device…" Bulma took the scouter off and the Prince relaxed with the motion. "Can I take it apart? I realize it's probably your only link to space… other than your own pod. But I promise I can get it back together exactly how it is now…"

The older Saiyan studied her face, unsure. "I don't need the scouter this second. As long as I can use it later to contact the base you can do whatever you want."

With his answer he received another brilliant smile, making both Saiyans stare somewhat blankly at her. Bardock found himself rather enjoying that smile. So innocent and sweet. And happy! This smile lit up her face and the entire room. The facial expression was so utterly different than anything he was used to seeing. Not that Saiyans didn't smile. But normally it was small, not so open, and tended to only happen with snide comments or putting someone in their place. Never over true cheerfulness and never-ever just because.

"Okay… Hey, can you get me one of those sketching pads, Dad? The calculations they use to communicate look... strange." Her father went over to his cluttered desk again as she continued looking through what the scouter offered, "Maybe you can make sense of it while I take a look-see inside."

Jumping off the work table, she walked to screwdrivers that still lay seemingly forgotten on the floor and took one before pushing a button off to the side and re-capsulated them. She went back to the table and set the capsule down before going to work. Blowing a few strands of her hair from her face, she studied the scouter, trying to figure out how it opened. She nibbled on her lip. The doctor returned, setting the pad down next to her and taking the pencil he offered, she leaned over quickly jotting down what she had seen from memory… Surprising both the Saiyans.

"Where did you find that in the scouter?" Bardock asked, leaning over the table to get a better view. "More important, how did you remember all of that?"

Finishing the equation, she shrugged. "I got behind the user face, there's always a bunch of info hidden there on any system if one knows were to look… The schematics for the scouter are there as well, though none of the designs actually transferred to my language… which is why I want to take a look." She turned her attention back to the device. "At least the math is the same. Anyway, as to how I remembered…" Tapping her temple, she stating proudly, "I have a photographic memory. I can see something once and I remember it forever..."

Dr. Briefs shook his head at his daughter's smugness before looking up at Bardock over his glasses. "Is this right?"

Bardock nodded. "That is how everyone communicates. The newer models and bigger ships just put more strength behind it. It works most times, except when traveling, however, the smaller ships and scouters fail to connect more often than not." As he spoke, Plato had moved to the doctor's left shoulder and leaned out, trying to sniff the older Saiyan who eyed the creature curiously.

"I understand what you mean by strange, sweetie." Glancing down once again, the doctor read through the calculations. "It's an approach we actually had considered, but decided against applying it, thinking it wouldn't work." Plato jumped to the table as the doctor moved, heading for another work desk. "Hold on… I have the blueprints somewhere…"

Bardock glanced at Vegeta who was watching the girl (rather intently) before going back to the black cat that sat on the table before him staring back with bright golden eyes. His eyes trailed down to its tail that flicked somewhat in a gesture the older Saiyan knew all too well… The little creature was curious. If either Vegeta or himself had let their tails loose since entering the lab they would have been doing the same gesture. He held out his hand, letting the cat smell him. Having decided he was okay, Plato pressed his head up against his hand, purring.

Bulma watched the interaction from the corner of her eye, smiling all the while as she managed to pop open the shell of the scouter. Damn cat…It must be a Saiyan thing. Not only Goku and Vegeta, but now Bardock?Shaking her head, she knew she shouldn't be surprised; while they looked human, their race was probably more animalistic… given they could change into a giant apes, had tails, and what-not. Licking her lips, she stared down at the mess of wires in her hands, surprised to see so many before giving a groan. What th-what a nightmare! Shaking her head, she carefully examined the tangled heap, trying to make head or tails of all of it.

"Here we go," Dr. Briefs stated optimistically after several minutes of looking. Straightening his glasses he returned, smiling as he saw Plato being petted by Bardock. "Here are our calculations on something similar. We never actually tested it because it wouldn't work within the short distance of the planet's surface, and we didn't really know anyone out in space. As you will see, the location has to be known precisely for it to work." He set the pad down next to the first so the older Saiyan could compare. "Something that would be impossible with the level of hard-drive and system you are currently working with."

Bardock's hand stopped moving as he read through their calculations, seeing the similarity… and yet the blatant difference. Seeing it now, he could comprehend how wrong the old calculations looked. It was as if the creator's of the scouter had just thrown it together without really understanding all of the components completely and yet… here was this father and daughter, quite literally out in the middle of nowhere with the answers to one of the most troubling problems in space. How to strengthen communications and get it to work during flight… Bardock was abruptly snapped from his thoughts when Plato gave him a small bite on the hand, frustrated that he had stopped petting him and the appendage was now dead weight on his head. Absentmindedly the older Saiyan started to pet him again. If they could use this, not only would all communications be perfectly clear, but also really hard to intercept and listen in on it… At least until the rest of the universe caught up with them.

The doctor grunted as he tapped a section of Bulma's written notes. "Here it is… No wonder why it's wrong, clearly they were lacking the knowledge of transiting stagnant particle theory…"

Bardock nodded, about to ask what the theory was, when Bulma slammed her fist on the table and groaned loudly. "What the fuck… Haven't you guys learned about microchips? All these wires are so pointless…"

He looked at the mass of wires, frowning. "What do you mean? Everything has wires… even our most complex ships…"

Her eyes widened and her face paled, looking somewhat sick. "Oh dang, just imagining that is giving me a headache." Sighing, she pinched the bridge of her nose. "No wonder why your user face sucks ass… it's all you can manage with wires…" Seeing his confused look she sighed again, going over to one of the inactive computers in her father's lab. "Microchips are basically small pieces of nonmagnetic metal with some sort of conducting material in a certain formation… thinly smelted onto the nonmagnetic parts. They replace the wires, allowing the data to travel. Using microscopes and special robotics we can get these lines insanely small, making possibilities almost limitless."

As she spoke she removed the cords from the main console. "Clearly we still use wires for some things… but even that is slowly but surely being replaced with wireless capabilities." Grunting, she lifted the device and walked over to the table. Then quickly unscrewing the back panel of the computer, she continued, "So not only can we communicate, collect data, and the few other options your scouter had, but nearly anything and everything you could ever want or think of at your finger tips." Turning the console for him to see inside, she pulled away. "If you want to know what's going on on the other side of the planet right this second I can tell you… and not through talking to someone, either."

Vegeta and Bardock examined the inner guts of the console from afar, both thinking about all they had learned and what they could do with this new technology. While in terms of space travel they were more sophisticated than the earthlings, in all truth it wasn't until recently that there had been any improvements on technology. It was unfortunate that before they could ask any further questions, the door to the lab opened and Bulma's mother, carrying a tray of drinks, walked in, followed by Goku who was being pushed by a breathless Krillin.

"Who wants lemonade?" Mrs. Briefs said with a sickly sweet voice and dazed smile. Her eyes lingered on the two Saiyans, making them both shift uncomfortably.

"Hi, Mom, I wasn't sure when you would get home so I ordered Chinese food -again." She gave Vegeta a look, knowing he had enjoyed it even if he hadn't said anything. "So you wouldn't have to cook," Bulma finished, going back to the scouter as she put it together.

"Well even if you hadn't, dear. You just know how much I love to cook."

"For three Saiyans and four normal human people, Mom?" Bulma handed the scouter back to Bardock, muttering, "There you go…" Bardock nodded to her as she walked towards the new occupants of the room. "Even you have your limits."

The older Saiyan placed the scouter back over his eye as he watched Goku, who was hiding behind Mrs. Briefs like a child. Growing frustrated, he gave his son a hard look, "Really, Goku? These needles can't be that horrible. You would be ridiculed for such a display of weakness..."

"They are really, really horrible," his son stated, eyes wide, unable to stress how horrified he really felt about them.

Bulma sighed, "Actually... his fear is understandable. Back during the first couple years of our friendship one of the idiot scientists that helped my father bent a needle into his humerus accidently..."

As she got closer she held up her hands, casually showing him there was nothing under her sleeves or on her person (a wise move for coming across any agitated Saiyan) before giving him a hug. Vegeta stiffened and glared at this new Saiyan. His tail starting to bush up as if there were a threat. He looked away, trying to fight his body and more than ever, confused at why he did it.

"Sorry, bud... I was just playing with you." Bulma patted his cheek as she moved out of the hug, but remained before him.

Calming instantly, Goku chuckled, reaching behind his head with one arm, the other one rested lightly at her hip. "It's okay, B…"

Stepping next to her little brother and friend, Bulma looked to Vegeta and Bardock. "Okay, now that he's here, let's try to discuss what this whole betrayer thing is... I mean, it has to be pretty bad if Piccolo's helping us, right?"

Bardock noticed Vegeta's indifferent attitude about the subject and decided he might as well be the one to fill them in, "Yes, it is bad. Raditz's power level is higher than Goku's and Piccolo's combined..." He let that sink in as they exchanged concerned looks. "And while I'm exceedingly stronger than him, it is in all of our best interests that I don't help."

Bulma crossed her arms as her brow wrinkled with thought. "Why?... I mean, I don't doubt Goku can handle it, he's always risen to such stacked odds..." She gave the young Saiyan a wink with a sly smile playing on her lips, which made a certain Prince scowl more. "But if you're really so much stronger, couldn't you just kick this all in the bud before anything bad happens?"

Bardock stared at her, not used to Bulma's interesting way with words when Mrs. Briefs cut in, asking, "Who's Raditz?"

"Raditz happens to be Goku's brother, Mom. Annnddd, it appears he's been following Vegeta. Which..." Bulma gave the Prince a frustrated look. "He had failed to mention was a prince of these Saiyan people. Jerk." She stuck her tongue out at him, making him blink at the childish look.

"Ohhh, an alien prince!" her mother squealed with delight, tousling her tray slightly and made everyone cringe at the sound.

Bulma rolled her eyes as she walked to the work desk and picked up a screwdriver to twirl around in her hands. "It's not really that big of a deal, Mom… please don't get all extravagant now." Seeing Vegeta's angry scowl from the corner of her eye, she elaborated, "We've had so many princes stay here over the years it shouldn't matter that much… Not to mention I've gone to stay with a few myself. I really don't see what the big deal is." Vegeta shifted, perturbed as her eyes glinted with mischievousness as she said, "They're all so conceited… snobbish, really... just regular old sticks in the mud."

Usually he would be furious hearing someone say that while clearly implying him, but the lack of irritation in her voice and that look on her face that told him she was teasing once again, made him feel odd… It certainly was bizarre having someone mock him in this light manner. It was so… foreign to him. And the verdict was still out on how he should react to it. So he just stared at her with a slight frown on his lips. All the same, it was still evident that his rank had little effect on her. He wondered why he even hesitated in telling her when clearly it made little difference. Him being a prince should be important to her. Everyone across the universe knew of his people, shook with fear… served them without question -sell, other than the wretched Lacertilla. But none of these thing held any weight with this woman. So what did impress her?

"Aaannywaay." Bulma stated to pace in the middle of the group as she thumped the screwdriver lightly in her hand. "It seems Raditz is against them and probably wants to kill both of them." She pointed at Bardock and Vegeta with her tool, only to fall silent for a few seconds. She surprised the two new guests as her next words sounded indifferent and neutral, "He is no doubt going to terrorize as many people as he can and as he does this searching he will be racking up hundreds, probably thousands of deaths and an untold amount of damage. Am I right?"

Bardock nodded solemnly, recognizing her apathetic attitude for what it was: her scientific nature as she looked at for some sort of equation she had to solve. "He views this not only as a mission, but a time to blow off steam which regrettably for us means exactly that."

She stopped moving, pinching the bridge of her nose, "Is it too much to ask for him to come to Earth ask all nicely and leave peacefully when we tell him no?"

The older Saiyan snorted, "He most definitely won't do that. We Saiyans don't take failure lightly." He hesitated, moving so that he could lean against a filing cabinet. "If he doesn't get what he wants he'll probably just hedge his bets and destroy the whole planet."

Mrs. Briefs face turned white as she gasped, "Oh dear!"

"Yes, it is a very grave situation that I wish we didn't have to be in." Bardock shrugged. "I had hoped Vegeta could help Goku and Piccolo… but obviously that isn't going to happen."

Dr. Briefs cleared his throat, deciding to enter in the conversation. "Now why do you not want to get involved?"

Bardock felt the doctor's eyes on him as he was being analyzed, and he glanced at Vegeta who to anyone else would appear to be staring off into space having a day dream if they didn't know him. Of course his Prince was no help and seeing no other way around it, he answered, "Right now the known universe has four empires, none as strong or horrible as the Cold Empire." Pausing, he thought out his next words carefully. "Freeza is... one of three that rule part of the Cold Empire and he is by far the worst tyrant of them. You can also say he has a certain disdain for Saiyans... but he finds pleasure in creating pain and chaos in general, so he has decided to back the betrayers. Which comes to the issue at hand: they know Vegeta's here and wounded. They know because they are the ones to put him in such a state state."

"So this Freeza and the betrayers feel sending just Raditz should take care of the complication," Bulma stated, trying to retain her neutral stance, but failed showing how upset it made her.

"Yes." The older Saiyan nodded with agreement as he studied her, curious about her reaction to this and wondered about her feelings for his Prince. "I'm afraid that if they were to find out that I'm here as well, you would either have a monstrous Saiyan civil war on your hands… or Freeza. I'm not sure which one is worse. Both would most likely end in Earth's destruction and maybe even your people enslaved… And having seen it myself, I do not wish it upon you."

Bulma frowned, still standing there in the middle of them, with her arms crossed and foot tapping. She knew there had to be a solution. "Is there any way around those two outcomes if it does come to you helping?"

Thinking for a few seconds, he nodded. "Maybe, I might be able to discourage an all-out war between us Saiyans if I communicate with the elders and elites first and leave for the base. I know the betrayers have spies and they have also managed to get into our communication system… If they hear I'm not here they may only send one or two to follow up Raditz. Then there is still a chance that they might not tell Freeza… or he just doesn't care if we destroy ourselves." His tone became bitter, "Actually he might get a kick out of that. But nonetheless, there will probably still be a battle on Earth. If all goes well it will only be that one or two... and I will bring warriors back to fight them.

"That's not much to go on," Dr. Briefs said, straightening his glasses.

"I know, and for that I am truly sorry." He shook his head. "But sooner or later Earth will become part of the war with Freeza and the Cold family or one of the other Empires will demand your elegance. Every day dozens of planets that were peaceful and had no knowledge are dragged in and as it stands Earth has already been put on the list once to be purged, and it was merely accidental that the World Trading Organization has forgotten about it." Inside he cringed, realizing he just revealed something he had hoped to not bring up.

But regrettably for him Bulma was quick as a shooting star to catch onto it. "Wait… How do you know we were on the list to be purged?"

Out of the corner of his eye he saw the tip of Vegeta's tail jitter slightly. "That is... complicated and requires some history. Saiyans have been in space for at least four generations where we took what we want and did what we want, though we did have our honor and word. It wasn't until three generations back that we met the Cold's, and at first they didn't have any other contact with us other than allowing their men to trade with us. Then Freeza came into power and little did we know he was watching us as he started gathering planets and men under his rule." Bardock looked at the ground, thinking. "He was intrigued by our culture... our pride. It captivated him." His eyes came back up, meeting hers. "You see, Freeza enjoys crushing the most prideful of people… He likes them begging at his feet only to destroy everything they protect before either killing them in the most painful ways you can imagine or enslaving them in his army." Unable to look at her anymore, he stared at the ground. "The only thing that sets Saiyans apart from any other race was that we had a level of pride hardly seen in the universe due to Freeza's own rule. When he came to us with a proposition that we become a special group of warriors in his army and for this we would retain our independence, we accepted. As prideful as we had been, we were not foolish or ignorant of what Freeza normally did. We felt we had lucked out and thought he would honor the deal..."

Bulma moved so that she stood next to him. "He turned your honor against you. You held up your end while he never had the intension of doing so..."

Surprised at her insight, Bardock met her eyes, seeing her understanding and the pain for him. "Yes. It was a ploy all along. His plan was to break us and by the time my generation came, our honor had been twisted, but our pride remained greater than ever... exactly as he wanted it. The more pride, the more there was to lose... We did everything he asked and he still went back on his word, all in the name of entertainment and thrill he gets crushing pride..."

"I don't understand," Bulma said, her voice hinted with the anger she felt, "He has slaves in his army... He rules over conquered planets... What about the other Empires? Why doesn't everyone group together and turn on him? Why aren't they revolting?"

Bardock opened his mouth to reply, but Vegeta cut him off, "Because he separates them. He turns everyone against each other so that everyone feels alone. There is no trust and when you are planning treason against such a brutal tyrant, you need that." His hollow tone left Bulma feeling cold, but it was his whole uncaring approach that really left her empty. Vegeta shrugged as he turned to finally meet her gaze. "Or you could try to kill him yourself... but you can't because he is the most powerful being in the universe."

She frowned, still somewhat confused. "Okay so he's powerful, but there has to be other methods to assassinating someone like him?"

Vegeta snorted as he turned away to stare at nothing in particular again. "No, there aren't. Most poisons don't have any effect on him and even then he has slaves to test the food."

Bardock added, "The Lacertilla are virtually an indestructible race. They can even survive in the vacuum of space."

Bulma looked around the room finding Goku and Krillin staring at the floor, silent and clearly concerned about what they were hearing. Her father was still watching the two Saiyans, reading them... and while her mother appeared to be frozen in place with her tray of refreshments, she knew the older woman was doing the same as her father. She shook her head, unwilling to believe someone was that powerful or unable to kill. "I still think that if my father got enough blood or DNA samples he could create a bio-weapon against them."

"Maybe…" Bardock studied her, then the doctor. "But getting such a sample is nearly impossible. And truthfully, I don't want either of you to be found out by him." At her puzzled look he explained, "You have spirit, Bulma, but even the strongest and mightiest men cave to his torturing and if you do happen to last without giving into his demands he will then use your father… your mother and anyone you ever cared for, including your planet, against you until you give into him. If you or your father's intelligence fell into his grasp..." his voice trailed off, not finishing, but the warning was there.

She tried to quell a shiver. "I… I understand…" After a few seconds she asked, "But what does this have to do with Earth?"

Frowning, Bardock shifted, knowing he had to be careful with his next words. "Yes... We were in Freeza's army and the Cold's have a deal with this private organization that sells planets and depending on the stock, the inhabitants. Someone has to purge these planets or round up the people..."

Bulma's eyes widened as she realized what he was getting at. "You mean, you... The Saiyans killed people and enslaved them for Freeza and that... World Trading Organization?"

"Woman, we have wiped millions of entire races out of existence," Vegeta said, none-too-kindly.

The others stiffened as the room grew heavy with this new information and Bardock shot his Prince a glare, wishing he had kept his mouth shut. "Every Saiyan was required to do at least four months of work and we had to do whatever Freeza commanded..."

"Everyone, there were no exceptions," Vegeta added with a dark smirk, looking right at Goku.

"Oh no," Bulma whispered glancing at Goku, his ape transformation flashing in her mind. Even Goku, who up to that point pretended not to know about it, paled with the realization.

Bardock shook his head, not even bothering to glare at Vegeta as he tried making things better. "Yes, even our young cubs were sent out on their first missions shortly after birth. They would pick a distant so that it took a few months to get too, but by the time they got there our cubs were strong enough in their Oozaru to level planets. Obviously, Goku, that is what happened to you... Luckily for Earth you hit your head and forgot everything or there wouldn't be a single earthling alive today."

Bulma looked at her friend, a range of emotions running through her, but mostly pity for him. He was the most kind, fun-loving man she ever knew… and he had been sent here to kill them all. Of course she knew this from before, but with everything being explained, made everything harder to brush off. She snuck a glance at Vegeta who was studying her… looking as if he was waiting for something. Her gaze fell to the floor, thinking it through while the room remained uneasily silent. They were forced into it… can I really find fault in that? It was either kill or be killed. She found herself wondering what she would do in that position. Of course she would do anything in her power to save her people… but kill and enslave… The answer came so sudden it almost made her sick. Yes! Yes, she would do it. Only in the hope of killing the bastard later.

Unafraid, she met her rough houseguest's gaze, understanding him a little more. She gave a sad smile, seeing pure shock on his face. Her gut twisted slightly with the knowledge that he thought she would turn against him. "He turns everyone against each other so that everyone feels alone." You know firsthand, don't you, Vegeta? You don't trust anyone because of him... She felt sick. If anyone knew Bulma Briefs, they would know that she was big on acceptance and forgiveness… But he didn't know her really, did he? Shit, even if they hadn't been forced into it, the fact that they were now obviously fighting against Freeza won her over in itself. The look on Bardock's face told her he regretted everything he and his people had done, and while Vegeta may pretend not to care… she had a feeling deep down he did.

She had to do something. Had to get them both to realize that they (she) could be trusted. Taking a deep breath, she broke the silence, "While the thought of killing and enslaving anyone revolts me… I do understand the situation the Saiyans were in. If you didn't serve him he would have destroy your planet… You had no choice."

Vegeta snorted, deciding that Bardock had revealed so much already he might as well reveal this, "Freeza did that even when we did follow him like pathetic lap dogs." Bulma could hear the rage shimmering beneath his calm exterior. "Once he realized we Saiyans grow stronger after each battle we are in, he saw fit to eradicate us because he feared that we would get too powerful and actually kill him."

Somewhat amazed by both Bulma and his Prince, Bardock added, "If I hadn't been suspicious of something like that happening and secretly shuttled those willing to listen away, Vegeta might very well have been the only Saiyan living today… Along with Goku…"

Krillin shook his head. "Dang, man…"

Bulma glanced at Vegeta briefly before looking back at Bardock. "I comprehend why Goku would be saved, but why Vegeta?"

Seeing him flinch slightly, she found herself wishing she hadn't asked… clearly it was not a happy subject for him. Bardock gave him a wary look as well, wondering how far he should continue the story… or more important, how willing Vegeta was in letting them know.

Seeing that he was not discouraging the topic or fleeing the room, he answered, "Vegeta was the strongest Saiyan cub to be born to date and that drew Freeza's attention. When Vegeta was five Freeza decided he personally wanted to train him and demanded the King to hand him over, or else... So we gave Vegeta over to him..."

There was nothing else that needed to be said as everyone in the room became even paler, grasping what that meant. And the last thing Bardock needed or wanted was Vegeta to go ballistic right then… Not that he could do much damage as he was. Other than to himself…

Bulma swallowed, catching father's eyes, both finally getting the answer to how so many shadows had gotten on Vegeta's scans. "Oh…" Her voice sounded feeble even to her.

Seeing the look on everyone face, especially hers, Vegeta forced his gaze on them and snarled, "I don't want your pity, woman."

Nodding, she tore her eyes from him to Bardock, deciding to change the subject, "Well… at any rate, when this whole thing with Raditz and the betrayers blow-over I really would like to help you and your people, Bardock."

The older Saiyan frowned at how true her words rang. "Honestly, Bulma, I'm not sure what to say…" He shifted his stance, uncomfortable. "As you can imagine, we aren't the most liked race out there. Working for Freeza and our own twisted bloodlust has won us a monstrous image and everyone fears us. Even those who hate Freeza as much as we do, would easily hand us over to him just because of that…"

Mrs. Briefs spoke, "Ohh, how horrible. We earthlings would never do that!"

The doctor nodded with agreement as he rubbed his mustache. "That is definitely unthinkable…"

The room fell once more into silence, and before anything else could be said, a ringing noise echoed through the entire house, startling everyone from their thoughts.

"FOOD!" Goku cried happily, seemingly forgetting the hideous topic they had just been discussing, and raced from the room. Most likely wanting to forget it.

"Oh no you don't, Goku!" Bulma couldn't help but smirk as she yelled after him, running after him promptly on his heels… all before anyone even realized what was happening.

Krillin chuckled half-heartedly as he started for the door, his mind still reeling from what he had heard. "We better help her or there will be nothing left."

"Oh my…" Mrs. Briefs was close behind him, leaving only the two saiyans and the doctor listening to the yelling and whimpering of Goku and Bulma.

Dr. Briefs eyed the two Saiyans, surprising both Vegeta and Bardock when he stated, "I had a feeling something like this would come about after realizing the full extent of your injuries, Lad. It was the work of a real psychopath, and they don't tend to just let handiwork go freely."

Grunting softly, Vegeta gave him a respectful nod before leaving the room, not wanting to discuss anything else. He felt fairly naked as it was having all this revealed to these people… He didn't need someone who had clearly learned the inner workings of the mind trying to dig into his. Bardock and the doctor both watched him go.

When he knew he was out of earshot, Bardock sighed, "I haven't seen him in five years… and who knows what ghastly things Freeza did to him." He looked to the human doctor. "You, however, have been around him a lot recently… is he as unstable as I think he is?"

Dr. Briefs rubbed his mustache. "With one of my many doctorates being in psychology, I have never seen a case such as this… My most professional opinion is that the Lad is a ticking time bomb just seconds from going off…"

Bardock nodded, his eyes going to the floor in thought.

"But," the doctor's tone lightened, "Given he landed here and was found by my daughter, rest assured that he will not explode. At least not here…" With his confused look he explained somewhat amused, "Clearly you have seen their interactions. If not for her, I'm certain he probably would have killed someone by now."

"Yes, I have seen their interactions, but how?" He felt uneasy, not sure he liked having his prince dependent on this earth girl.

He gestured to the computer at his desk. "Needless to say, I have been concerned about the Lad and what he might do. So I turned on the cameras in the house. While there aren't any in personal rooms and bathrooms, I still wanted to keep an eye on things… just in case." Bardock stood next to him as he typed on the keyboard. "But even so they have caught a few interesting exchanges between them that you might find helpful… Though, I don't like him holding a gun to her or at some points what either of them say to each other… overall I find myself not concerned about him exploding…" Pulling up the videos he wanted, he started the feed and stepped back. "No, my worries are more fatherly related…"

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Beta'd by LPphreek