CHAPTER 24

Vegeta sat with Bulma at the table in the cargo room. They were both quiet as she mulled over his proposal. Vegeta sat with his arms crossed over his chest staring past Bulma as he was deep into thought about their next actions. He was brought from his trance when Bulma began to shift, sigh, and nod while bringing her index fingers to her lips.

"I don't necessarily foresee any immediate problems, but…"

Vegeta raised his eyebrows, "But what?"

Bulma pursed her lips. "…my heartburn with the whole scenario is the length of time this ship has been inoperable, and that there is no one here that can fix it?" Vegeta nodded a bit at her question. He had filled her in on bits and pieces of the plight of the stranded Saiyans without the knowledge that she had heard everything regardless of his confessions. He omitted several things that would have been outside of her ever needing to know, so she made sure to question only based on the information he had given her. It was a bit comforting to know that he told her the 100% truth, and didn't sugar coat shit.

"I don't know Vegeta. Why would you send all your best scientists away, and not leave at least one here to fix shit should it all go south?"

Vegeta uncrossed his arms as he leaned forward onto the table slightly.

"I agree. Although, I am to ponder if they did have someone here, but either died, or was killed. Regardless, who would purposely harm the one person that could ensure your long-term survival?"

Bulma nodded, "Or…what if…"

She raised her finger mid thought.

"…what if that was the plan from the other side? A double cross of sorts? Claim to send back the smartest person, but don't deliver?" Bulma thought about her own question, "But why bother going to that length in the first place?"

The two sat and pondered over the various conclusions regarding the current predicament of the Saiyans, and how they were in this mess in the first place.

"There might not even be a ship. This could all be a ploy to…no…that doesn't make sense they never knew you'd show up…"

Vegeta opened his mouth to speak, but closed it as it seemed he was able to explain away his own thought without even having to voice it.

"OH! I got it!" Bulma raised her hands in the air, and looked at Vegeta. Her smile turned into a grimace, "Wait…no I don't."

They both sighed in unison which was quite comical if there was anyone else to witness such a scene.

"Well, that settles it then. Our first hunch is the most accurate and provable."

Vegeta agreed as he exhaled, and stood from his chair.

"They're idiots."

They were right. The Saiyans sent over their smartest and bravest first in to scout for the new planet, and make sure it was safe and habitable for their colonization. But as the intelligent ones fled the planet first, the stupid ones were left to coordinate the next round of departures. Sure, the smart ones left them a plan to follow, but no plan can stand a chance in the hands of an idiot. They cornered themselves, and left the dumbest scientist for last.

Bulma shifted again and shook her head. "I don't know Vegeta. After a certain timeframe, don't you think a search party would have returned to see what happened to everyone else?"

Vegeta thought for a moment at her assumption, and found validity in her statement.

"Yes, and no. In war Saiyans never retreat for those who do not return on their own. A rite of passage for a warrior is to see through your battle, and come out as victor. I would conclude the same mentality was at play here. Those who didn't make it—didn't. This would avoid sending other warriors to their deaths if a hostage situation turned to be a trap. Less casualties, and more fighters to mobilize."

Bulma stood quiet as he spoke, and explained a bit of Saiyan mentality and warfare in the role it may have played in this situation. She responded, "Even if the King was left behind…you would not attempt a rescue?"

Vegeta grinned, "If a Saiyan King allows himself to be captured, then he is not fit to be the King, is he?"

Bulma could see the double meaning in Vegeta's words, and chose not to have him elaborate any further. She lightly smacked her hands on the table, and made a little drumroll as she spoke to the Prince.

"So, what is the plan then?"

Vegeta was tense. His goal was to find out what planet the other Saiyans headed to, but he knew that he was not going to be given this information even if he slaughtered them one by one. He needed to be crafty, and utilize every resource he had to get what he wanted. If he was on Earth, that information would be given to him hand over fist—but not here. Especially to him.

"If the ship can be repaired, then I will have the leverage to seek the answers that I want."

Bulma agreed. "True…"

He watched as she trailed off, and lifted his eyebrow when she didn't continue her thought. "Do you have a concern about this?" Bulma pressed her lips together and looked a bit puzzled. "I am just a bit wary of my reception, and it's reflection on you. If I can fix the ship, won't my talent overshadow your own—you know as far as engineering is concerned?"

She didn't want to make him look inferior to the rest of the Saiyans, especially when they were already eyeing him—both of them—with such scrutiny as it was.

"I couldn't care less what they think of my status with a human female in my company. My business is none of their concern." Bulma smiled as Vegeta spun off his chair and set his feet on the floor. "Then I guess if I can it is best I put a lock on it, so in the event of a double cross the ship will remain useless."

Vegeta smiled at her idea. "Well devised."

She smiled, "I figured you'd appreciate that. Ok so the plan…from the top."

They remained in the cargo room devising every step, every action, every option, and every potential for retaliation. Vegeta would get his answers, and Bulma would get off this ship. When they finished, they suited up preparing for departure to the Saiyan capitol. Bulma brought a few of her capsules complete with all the tools in her arsenal, some food, water, and assorted personal items she thought may come in handy for this adventure. It felt good to be on this side of Vegeta. She missed it more than she thought she ever would.

She heard him call for her, "Woman, let's go." She shook her head and rolled her eyes.

Uggghhh…woman…really?

She made her way to the ramp where Vegeta stood in wait. He took to the air with Bulma following close behind. Bulma swallowed a bit hard as the reality of their situation surrounded her. This was going to be one Hell of an adventure for sure.

It wasn't long before they both arrived in the courtyard to the surprise of many Saiyans present. Vegeta locked eyes with almost every single one of them, as if saying 'try me' without uttering a word. Many were smart and casually exited the area not wanting any part of whatever he and Bulma's purpose was for their presence. Some of the more warrior-minded Saiyans remained, and eyed them like a prize.

Vegeta spoke to Bulma, "It seems you have a target on your back already." Bulma blinked, and looked to Vegeta as he turned his head towards her. "What do you mean?" He nodded to the side at a group of females with eyes like daggers. "It looks like you have a fan club of women who want you dead so they can take your place." Bulma looked at the small group of women, and her eyes widened slightly. They looked like they were just waiting for any opportunity to take Bulma out. They knew the Prince was back, and what better way to gain status in this world than to court the royal family. The King was off limits due to his lack of interest, but now the Prince was here. Besides, Bulma was only human. It was likely that she was just his slave.

Bulma looked around at the mob as it began to grow. "Say the word Vegeta and we're gone." They had a contingency if shit got out of hand right out the gate. They would just teleport to the room where the King had taken them, and infiltrate that way. Vegeta wanted to make an entrance though, so the courtyard is where they started much to Bulma's objection.

A familiar voice came from the crowd as the mob began to separate leaving a path for the King to walk. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" Vegeta stood stoic, and stared at his father with hateful eyes. "I ensure you there is no pleasure to be had. I come for answers." The King made his way to the duo, looked at Vegeta, and then to Bulma who averted her gaze as she briefly made eye contact with the King. Vegeta's resemblance was uncanny, which made her blush slightly, because Vegeta's dad was quite the looker himself.

"Answers? What would make you think I would give you anything after our last encounter here?"

Vegeta smiled. "I could slaughter you all one by one if that is any consolation."

The crowd began to tense up as they figured there was about to be another huge rumble in the courtyard. They weren't about to be slaughtered by anyone, and if it was information Vegeta wanted, they would die before he got it. Bulma looked around and read their body language, and overheard their mumbled words.

"Vegeta…it looks like mass casualties isn't going to work."

Her words were useless as Vegeta looked as if he was prepared to battle, and Bulma became nervous. Shit…here we go again!

She powered up much to the surprise to everyone around them as she waited for Vegeta to make his first move. She looked to the group of women, who were also battle readied, and narrowed her eyes. They pointed to her, and spoke to themselves, "Let's kill her first—she'll only get in our way." Bulma was now powered to capacity as her suit hummed and the light danced from the shields. Her energy was quite immense that the surrounding crowd took a step back—even the gaggle of females. Bulma was ready for war.

She looked so fierce until a hand rested on her shoulder pushing her down until her feet met the floor once again. She looked over to Vegeta, who didn't look at her, but corralled her impulse. The King saw Bulma's readiness to whoop some ass, and couldn't help but laugh. "So, you managed to find a human female with a taste for blood? How rare. No wonder she is in your company." He looked at Bulma who stood at the ready, waiting for Vegeta to pounce. "What answers do you seek, Prince Vegeta?"

The crowd settled down a bit when it was obvious that Vegeta and the King weren't about to fight—just yet at least. Vegeta stood cool and calm, "Where is this planet which you claim almost the entire population of Saiyans has relocated?" The King smiled, "Now, why would I tell you this information? So when you're finished eradicating us—that you'll go and eradicate them as well?"

Bulma's eyes twitched. Shit…we never thought of that!

Thankfully, Vegeta had.

"The only one I had the desire to kill was you, and we both know how that scenario played out." Vegeta had him. He could've ended the Kings life the other day, but chose not to. He could've ended the planet if he wanted too, but he didn't. "So let me ask you again…where is this planet?" The King grimaced. "What's in it for us then? Why should we tell you? What have we got to gain?"

The crowd was tense around them as more and more Saiyans gathered to get a piece of the brawl if one erupted. Bulma maintained her eye contact with them all, despite Vegeta's earlier heed not to, but the cat was out of the bag now, and she needed to look tough—not submissive. She powered up again, this time for dramatic effect. Vegeta looked at her, and then back to the King. She had unknowingly given him an idea.

"Suit yourself. You will not die today by my hands—a warrior's death—instead, you'll just die at the hands of an incredibly unstable human female." Bulma heard him say it, but had to act like she didn't…so she waited for her native cue.

The King laughed, but seemed a bit hesitant. "You really believe she could kill us—all of us?" He laughed again, which only sent the crowd erupting in laughter. Bulma was getting angry, but she had to wait for Vegeta to inform her in her tongue. Vegeta smiled.

"Bulma—does you suit allow for detonation?" Bulma nodded, "Yes. Yes it does."

"Good. Make them feel it."

Bulma powered up her suit, and lifted her left bracer touching a few buttons. Vegeta spun his tail around her waist as he remained staring straight at the King with his arms crossed, and large grin plastered on his face. The shields now encompassed Vegeta, which startled the crowd as they took another step backward. Vegeta laughed.

"Such a pity. Here is a human who is more than capable of eradicating you—or saving you. You chose poorly, father." The King's eye widened as Vegeta spoke to the female next to him in a language he didn't understand.

"Do it."

Bulma looked the King square in the eyes, smiled, and touched her bracer.

*Beep*

*****KAAAA—BOOOOOOOOOOOOM!*****

A shockwave erupted from her suit at least 50 times stronger than the one that she had detonated back on Enid, and it sent the hordes of Saiyans flying backwards. She destroyed the courtyard, and everything within 200 meters of her epicenter. She was intact, and Vegeta was protected from the blast. Vegeta nodded, and looked to her.

"At what capacity was that blast?"

She lifted her bracer and showed Vegeta, "65%"

He nodded in approval. This little rouse would work for her benefit as well, and keep defiant Saiyans from attempting to attack her, or it would entice them to try out the human challenger. Either way, it made Vegeta feel good. "Prepare yourself for any counter attack."

That attack never came. Her blast was concussive unbeknownst to her, and practically 2 out of 3 Saiyans were out cold. They stood there motionless as one by one they began to come too, and stand to their feet shaky and a bit dizzy. The King managed to remain conscious, and stood up to confront his son and the human. Vegeta continued.

"Do I have your attention now? Or do you all die at the hands of a human?" Bulma wanted to give Vegeta a death stare, but couldn't. I should kick his ass when we get back to the ship. Not that she could. Her mind wandered—she'd try, but he'd overpower her, and then things would probably get a little steamy. She began to blush, and she regained her composure as Vegeta stood wondering why he was inhaling a hint of her arousal—here and now. He shrugged it off as adrenaline and assorted wacky female hormones from the excitement of the blast.

The King stood and held his hands out to his people to refrain from any attack on the duo. "You've made your point, and you create others. You mention that the human can kill us or save us…elaborate." The King took the bait, hook, line, and sinker.

Vegeta unwrapped his tail from Bulma as he secured it around his own waist. "If you tell me the location of the planet, then I will instruct her to ready your broken ship for departure." The King laughed. "Her?! Do you mean to tell me you found a human female that can fight, and navigate herself around engineering and advanced physical sciences, on alien technology she's never seen before?" Bulma gritted her teeth as the insults kept flying her way. The King continued, "Let me guess, next you're going to tell us that she's a Princess on her planet, and is just out here with you because she got bored on her home planet?"

Well, that wasn't entirely false. She did go to Namek to help find the dragon balls—which beat sitting in her lab all day. It was by happenstance that she ended up stranded in space with Vegeta. She clenched her fists, and strained not to scream out at them in anger.

"I bet you'll even tell us that she is worth more in bed than any Saiyan female could ever compete!" Bulma snapped.

"THAT'S IT!" She stepped in front of Vegeta as her suit allowed her native tongue to translate out her message in the Saiyan tongue for all to hear. "YOU'RE GOD-DAMN RIGHT I CAN FIX THAT SHIP, BUDDY!" They all stood silent in awe of the human that was translating out in Saiyan. "That's right, I can understand every damn thing you've been saying! You think insulting me is going to get you off this planet?!" Vegeta gritted his teeth at her confession, and was a bit pissed off that she kept this little nugget of information from him. "Bulma, what are you doing?!"

She was hot and on fire. "fuck this Vegeta! I'll find that planet by myself! It obviously can't be that hard if they found it!" Boom, there was another insult, right to the King and his people's ability to find the broad side of a ban. But she wasn't done yet.

"As for you asshole, I suggest you learn to play ball, because I'M THE ONLY HOPE YOU GOT TO EVER SEE YOUR WIFE AGAIN!"

The silence was deathly. Vegeta looked at her in shock, as did the King, and everyone around them.

Vegeta brought his hand up to his face. Just ONCE, can she ever follow the fucking plan!?

She was huffing and puffing as she bore her eyes into the King's. He blinked, and then blinked again. He was at a loss for words. He'd never had any weak alien stand up to him in such a manner, and this experience was a new one for sure. His stare melted into a small grin, and then it grew, surprising everyone, even Bulma.

"I see why you keep her around."

Vegeta let go a breath long caught in his throat. The King crossed his arms across his chest, and began to speak to them, this time, his guard down. He had no intention of scrapping with his son, but he needed to portray himself as King after all. Deep down he knew that Vegeta had a ship, and with his son's help, they might be able to send a message off-world.

"If what you say is indeed accurate then I will extend every possible courtesy to have this done. However, I cannot give you the coordinates of the planet as a retainer for her assistance to repair the ship. They are stored in the memory banks, and we've no way to access them since the ship was rendered inoperable."

Vegeta closed his eyes, reached out, and pulled Bulma back. She got the hint, scrunched up her face as she turned to Vegeta. He could see on her face that there was something wrong. "Speak."

She looked at the King, and then at all the surrounding Saiyans before pressing a button on her bracer to turn off the translate capability. Her action made it absolutely clear that she would choose what they heard from her, and if they were even privileged enough to hear it.

"You mean to tell me that no one here had the brains to write it down somewhere? That seems ridiculous." Vegeta agreed, and before he could inquire Bulma cut him short, "But, If these coordinates are on board, I am almost certain they can be recovered if I can just power on the ship. We could leave right after you get what you want. Teleport back to the ship and say peace out bye to this place before they could even find us." Vegeta was initially puzzled by her suggestion to double cross them, but then he grinned in delight. She was turning fiercer by the day, and he liked it. "No…as you said earlier…let's play ball." She nodded, and turned back to the King, turning her translator back on.

"So, no one in their right mind wrote these coordinates down?" Vegeta smiled as if he cornered them in their own lie, well, until the King threw his hands up, and pointed to a slow burning fire caused by Bulma's blast.

"We did. Located in the burning heap over there which used to be the library."

Bulma and Vegeta sweat dropped. It was exactly like when Vegeta inquired about Bulma's second mattress—the one he blew up with Enid. Now Bulma blew up the recorded coordinates with her blast. She turned her head as she watched the small ashes of burning paper float around in the turbulence caused by the slow burn. "Well, shit."

Vegeta changed his angle after this little hiccup. "Where is this ship?" The King turned, and waved his hand, "Follow me."