Chapter 2
"Hey, when is Goten coming out of the cockpit again?" asked Bulla loud as rested her hands on her hips. The large gray alien creature only called out "di diiii di di". A big sigh escaped her lips "waiting is no use, I'm going in". Jaco looked up as the squirrel creature named Snip bandaged his wounded shoulder.
Arriving at the large metal sliding door, Bulla grabbed the handle and pulled it. But door was locked. Furious, Bulla shook the door "Goten come out now!" Again she shook the handle and kicked once at the bottom "scardy cat!" she shouted now. She balled her fists but just before her fist hit the door, it slid open and Goten caught the blow in the palm of his hand.
"Princess you make too much noise on my ship" Goten's voice sounded more masculine than Bulla could remember. How could this be Goten? What could have happened to make him act like this? Bulla pressed her nose in the air "ah the grumpy captain decides to show himself". Goten sighed irritated "What are you doing here anyway? And with Jaco?"
Goten looked suspiciously at the space patrol man, a person like Jaco was the last person he wanted on his ship. But he used to trust Jaco, deep down he hoped this wasn't a mistake. Then his eyes slid to Bulla, the prodigy of the Brief family. She was so cute, so smart and feisty, adored by everyone because of this. And now her spoiled ass was in his ship. Jaco stood up "can you drop us off at defense port #240, it must be close by".
A cheerful giggle came from the cockpit "Captain that wasn't a serious question was it?" Goten laughed "of course not, pirates on a defense port". The whole team started laughing. Bulla took a step forward and looked straight at Goten with her deep blue eyes "pirates? You vanished to become a pirate? What would your mother say?" Goten took a step to the side and walked past her "I was a nothing anyway; don't think my mother would cry about any job less than a professor."
With big steps Goten walked away he crossed his arms "Xomu come with me. We need to check the supplies". The large grey creature trailed behind Goten "Di di dii di". Goten looked back at the creature "don't joke like that yes, it's not funny". It almost seemed like the creature started laughing "di di di di di". Bulla looked at the pirates walking away, she heaved a sigh.
Again a voice came from the cockpit "don't worry about the cap girl, he's not always as cranky as he seems right now". Bulla turned and walked over to the two large leather seats near a large front window. On the seat sat a creature, yellow skin, red hair and amusing black eyes. The man looked up smiling at Bulla "ah you are the girl for whom the captain broke his own code, welcome". The man had a soothing relaxed vibe with his Hawaii blouse on "uh you I guess you are Mash then?" asked Bulla softly.
For a moment he pointed to the other seat "sit down girl, and yes I am Mash pilot of this beautiful flying palace" fondly he petted the dashboard. Bulla lowered herself into the chair and looked over the control panel "pleased to meet you, the name is Bulla". But then Bulla`s eyes stayed at an almost faded Capsol Corp logo. "The prototype?" Bulla whispered. Mash looked up "what did you say there?" But Bulla stood up, time for answers from the big bad Captain Goten.
Meanwhile, Goten leaned against a doorway in the storage room. A lilting voice full of volume called out his title and name. Xomu looked up "di di di diii". Goten rolled his eyes "yes you have an easy talk you" Goten looked over his shoulder and saw the Saiyan prince's daughter coming towards him "Goten I want an answer now". The captain snorted once "Xomu leave us alone" With a "di di di" Xomu walked away.
The blue-haired young woman was almost a head shorter than him; she looked up with an angry expression. "What do you want me to say princess that it was stupid for me to have run away? I don't regret it" Goten became uncomfortable from Bulla's gaze. "No regrets? You disappeared in the middle of the night, you stole a ship. You stole this ship! And your mother? Trunks? Aren't you sorry you left them heartbroken?" Bulla sounded angered, she was far from that clueless little girl he remembered.
Then Goten lowered his eyes and sighed deeply "You will never understand princess, daughter of the rich Bulma and the mighty Vegeta." Bulla pressed a finger against his chest "what about you? You are the son of the all-powerful Goku, you were so cheerful and caring". For a moment Goten was startled, cheerful was not something he had been called for a long time. "I was tired of being on Earth; I didn't want the life that was laid out for me. I am free now, I have my own team and I have respect. I made something of myself". The captain pushed himself up straighter and looked down at Bulla, gazing into her diamond like twinkling eyes.
There was one thing Bulla knew for sure, Goten was hiding something. For a small moment she saw the Goten she remembered. For a moment she thought back to a party at her parents' house, Bulla was still so small. She had run away out of the garden, into the city. Goten had found her standing between the cars in the middle of the street. At that moment he had been her savior and that was how she had always looked at him. Until the moment of his arrogant action to run away, will he know what heartbreak he had caused?
A cough sounded behind them, Jaco stood there with his hands behind his back "Madam Bulla we still have a mission, maybe your lost friend can help us." Bulla looked suspiciously at Goten "do you want to ask a pirate for help?" Goten rolled his eyes "what do you want to know Jaco". The purple alien looked from Goten to Bulla "not the pirate, do you trust Goten?" That was a question Bulla did not expect, when she looked up she bit her lip "yes if the Goten from before is still around I trust him". There was something in Goten's expression, a piece of innocence?
In the middle of the ship there seemed to be a living room kitchen. Jaco and Bulla took their seats at the table. Mash the friendly jolly pilot came and sat next to Bulla "tea?" he asked happily. "Ah yes thank you" said Bulla in a shooting tone. Goten came walking in, only now did she notice the long brown coat he was wearing, an old washed green blouse and leathery pants with a halter and pistol. With his big hand he grabbed a chair, turned it around and came to sit directly across from Bulla. His gaze on her made her uncomfortable so Bulla looked away from him.
What was wrong with this arrogant spoiled girl? Her clothes were clearly a disguise; no way would Bulla dress this way willingly, her father would not allow it. "Princess, if you want to change we have some in the back that might be more your taste." Bulla looked at him with one eye but Snip with his big mouth intervened "what still from those prostitutes we once picked up?" If glances could kill, Goten was dead instantly. Bulla's eyes spit fire. Xomu began to laugh too. "Men shut up, Jaco you wanted to know something" shouted Goten sternly.
Bulla did not look at Goten, with crossed arms she stared away. Jaco put a tablet on the table but didn't press anything "there's a gossip" began the patrol man. The pirate team was on high alert. Jaco continued "a valuable object has been stolen, of uh great value. The rumor was that it had been seen in the smuggling port where you found us. But how do you get more information?" The earth captain looked at the tablet "and what was this object?"
"That`s none of your damn business" Bulla saw the way Goten`s expression turned, a greedy pirate. The captain`s gaze was suddenly livid "look princess, there are hundreds of objects but also a hundred ways of smuggling, transporting and obtaining them. If I know what the object is I can help, otherwise not". Bulla stood up angrily, Goten copied her. "Fine captain big bad pirate, we are looking for a large round diamond like stone called the purple apple, does it ring a bell?" Goten got a smirk on his face.
Goten dropped back onto the chair "Ah the purple apple, didn't it have magical powers?" Jaco shrugged "that's what is said, but nobody knows what it is." In a loud voice Xomu roared "di did diiid di" Goten looked up "maybe, I have no idea". Bulla tilted her head "you really understand him don't you?" Goten began to laugh "of course, we've been a team for years". Xomu made himself heard "di di" Goten laughed "wait has it been that long? Wow we were so young then".
Bulla rolled her eyes "okay and what did he say?" Goten sighed "you can develop physic powers". Mash and Snip started laughing but Bulla remained serious "Okay that might not be useful among villains and bad guys". The hard laughing Snip turned to his captain "you believe that nonsense?" Goten looked aside "in a heartbeat, yes". The whole team was silent, Goten and Bulla knew about the dragon balls but were both planning to say nothing about this. "Okay captain, where do we find the information?" Bulla sounded direct.
Goten shook his head and then massaged his temples "then you should be with Vos, he manages the network of diamonds." Mash stood up "captain, you can't just steer them in the hands of Vos". Bulla got a smirk on her face but before she could say anything Goten interrupted her "they are not going to Vos, these two are going to earth".
Furious, Bulla jumped up "what? No we don't". But Goten walked out of the kitchen, he was in no mood for an argument. He knew very well what Vos was capable of, no hair on his head that he introduced Bulla into that little world. She should never have stepped into this world in the first place; her spoiled butt won't last long. With large strides, Goten walked towards the cockpit.
With a push, the door slid shut behind him but it was stopped. Bulla's voice sounded outraged "what the hell Goten, you were only after what we were looking for? Have you sunk this low? I trusted you". Goten turned around "princess I". But Bulla cut him off "nothing princess". The two half Saiyans were furiously facing each other.
Goten took a large step forward and stood a few inches away from Bulla. "Bulla, this world is dangerous, I'm going to send you to Vos that man is menacing." Bulla shook her head "no, you have no idea what I can do." Goten took another step and forced Bulla backwards, he pinned her between the slammed door and himself. His hands rested on either side of her head against the steel.
Bulla felt his breath on her face, his eyes were fixed on her "princess I will take you to earth, there you will be safe from trouble". Stammering she searched for words, she put her slender hand on his lower arm "Goten, you don't have to worry about me". Again Goten moved a little closer to her "of course, I once promised to always rescue you from trouble remember?" For a small moment she squeezed his arm "Goten I'm not a little girl anymore". Her voice sounded almost out of breath.
"I can see that princess, but still you go to earth" commanded Goten. But then he felt a needle in his shoulder, with might he jumped backwards "what the hell?" Bulla had a smirk on her face, slowly she held a syringe forward "let's make a deal, you help me and I won't tell anyone your location through the GPS microchip". Goten stared at his arm "bitch that's blackmail"
Goten started pacing back and forth, Bulla could only grin. At last she was getting a grip. No way would he bring her down to earth now. This was her first mission and she will finish it too. She had a expectation to uphold, and with Goten's help this should go well. She trusted the old Goten. But not this new pirate version. He was a handsome man, but was the old Goten still there? Bulla hoped so.
With a deep sigh, the half Saiyan captain looked pissed "fine, I'll take you to Vos. But you do as I command, and you don't say a word yourself". Bulla pressed her nose into the air and pushed her finger against his chest "sounds fine with me, lead the way" Goten shook his head in disbelief "Mash" he called "we have a new destination".
## 24 hours later ##
Bulla looked through the ship's front window; she had settled in next to Mash. His cheerful stories about space travel, the team and also even Goten made her feel at peace somehow. The large metal sliding door slid open "Princess, we are almost there. Are you ready?" Bulla pushed herself out of the leather chair "let's go."
The half Saiyans walked together into the cargo area "okay men this is the plan. Princess and I take the emergency ship and pay Vos a visit. You guys wait on planet Fly for us". Goten sounded determined, but Jaco had his doubts "and you guys just walk in there and ask about the stone?" Goten laughed "no, we'll let them know we have it". Jaco pulled on Bulla's skirt "either he's an idiot or mega smart". The blue haired young woman was silent; she didn't know herself yet either.
Bulla walked behind Goten, she still had a quick change of clothes, A pair of leggings, a pair of high laced boots and a tank top was enough. Her long blue hair hung like a braid over her shoulder. Goten pressed a large button and a door slid open, with a smirk he turned to Bulla "Princess your carriage". Bulla held out her hand "captains first". Goten walked into the emergency ship.
Jaco stood behind them "Bulla are you sure? I mean I know you trust him but he is still a pirate". Jaco's rattling was cut off by the captain "hey Jaco just a quick question, how far have your patrol men gotten in tracking down this apple?" The purple alien stuttered "they are looking in the dark". Goten grinned "then you have little choice hey, bye Jaco" and the door slid shut.
As Goten started the ship Bulla came and sat next to him "my mother was genius that she installed an emergency ship". Goten picked up the radio "Mash when we leave you go straight to planet Fly". There was some crackling but then there was an answer "understood captain, make sure you come back together and leave the girls in one piece okay?" Goten tried to suppress a laugh but couldn't "the girls will both come back safely Mash".
The small ship freed itself from the larger one and Goten quietly steered it into space. Bulla looked aside with a raised eyebrow "girls?" Goten concentrated on steering "yes uh Mash is quite fond of the ship and sometimes a bit worrisome. He's also been the pilot since the beginning". Bulla pulled her knees up "that's been sixteen years". Observing, Bulla looked at his face, but Goten didn't move his expression. There was no emotion.
A bleep echoed through the small ship, Bulla looked up "what's that?" Goten pressed a button "here is Captain Goten of the Freedom, permission to land?" A stern voice sounded through the radio "what is your purpose?" Goten became a bit restless as he moved back and forth a bit "we may have a sale". Goten turned to the side, his deep black eyes were fixed on Bulla. Through the radio sounded "approved, you are being escorted to platform three".
Again Goten pressed the button, on the sides appeared two ships flying, a bit bigger than Captain Goten`s small mini ship. Bulla`s eyes widened "what?" she stammered. Goten looked ahead again "calm down princess, they are guiding us towards Vos. Now just hope they take the bait". Briefly out of character Bulla sounded almost frightened "and what if they don`t bite?" Goten flipped some buttons "then you will be back on earth with the dragon balls for no time".
"What!" screamed Bulla. Goten looked aside for a moment "did you think this was a walk in the park? You stay close to me and do as I say understand". With an angry face the bluehead looked ahead. Again Goten raised his voice "understood princess?" Muttering she replied "yes". The planet was in sight. Time to land.
The rear door of the emergency ship opened. At the same time, Goten and Bulla stood up, almost crashing into each other. "Stay behind me princess" Goten`s voice sounded more caring than commanding. Goten stepped forward, Bulla put her hand on his back "Goten wait". The captain turned around "what princess?" Bulla sighed "I trust you okay". All she got was a nod and a smirk.
Together they walked outside a group of men stood side by side, in front of them stood a large slender fox-like creature. His silver fur glistened and his black eyes shone "Captain Goten, it's been a long time. When was the last time? Oh back then with the little chest?" Goten smiled broadly "Vos, yes that's right! But no hard feelings anymore right?" The fox began to chuckle "of course not, come inside with me."
The fox looked over his shoulder "what a fine specimen you have beside your captain". Protectively Goten put an arm around Bulla "this one is mine". A little angry Bulla looked up, but she saw how serious Goten face was she remained silent. There was a strange uncomfortable silence. The vibe in the building was almost sickening. As if they could be attacked at any moment.
Arriving in a large room, there were many creatures and most had dirty smiles on their faces. Goten had let go of Bulla and taken a few big steps forward. Bulla wanted to walk along but was blocked by a duo holding their guns in front of her. Goten looked back for a moment, then forward again to Vos. The silver fox laughed "you had something to sell, we are listening captain".
Goten held his head up "the purple apple, ever heard of it?" Several creatures began to look surprised, the fox took a step closer "you have it then I assume." Goten laughed arrogantly "yes of course, why else would I be here. Look I'll make you a deal, you buy it from me and we're even". Vos began to walk around him, observing from above to below and pressed briefly into Goten's back. The half Saiyan pirate stepped forward in shock.
The fox looked at Bulla, his dirty smile "and where is this beautiful diamond. Does your friend have it?" Goten turned to Fox "princess has nothing!" Before he realized the sentence was out of his mouth, Fox's eyes sparkled more than ever "princess you say?" Bulla balled her fists "Goten you stupid idiot." The fox walked up to Bulla "tell me girl who are you anyway".
Bulla and Goten looked at each other, Bulla pressing her nose into the air. "My name is Bulla, they also call me the Saiyan princess." Vos and his men burst into laughter "Saiyan princess, I think I know what you are". Fox turned around again and walked up to Goten "the diamond, where did you supposedly hide it?"
Goten continued to look at Bulla, she got a strange feeling. "Captain I'll ask again!" shouted Vos. Goten pulled himself together "I can pick it up at another pirate gang. This is a kind of friendly service you see". The silver fox held up his hand "liar, the diamond is still in the smuggling route on its way to its buyer named Jacker". And at that moment two creatures grabbed Goten and sprayed gas in his face. All he could shout was "Bulla run".
In a blind panic, Bulla turned around. She powered up and jumped away, away to the outside. Off to the ship. Arriving at the platform, she saw that the ship was protected by men from Vos. She hid behind a pile of crates. What had just happened? And Goten! He's still inside. Her heart was racing, she seemed out of breath. She looked at the ship. Goten said run, so she should run. Or?
And this was Chapter 2, I hope you liked it. Fun fact: the Name Vos is fox in Dutch. Also, I take inspiration of the story from the series firefly. Two characters are clearly inspired by. Can you recognize which one?