Epic

by The Prime Minister

What if Vegeta had known from the outset of Freeza's treachery and vowed to do something about it? A different twist in the DBZ universe. Enjoy and don't forget to visit Vejiitasei (my home site) for more stories.

67. Chapter 66

Chapter 66

Bulma stepped out of the lavatory, wiping her mouth gingerly on a soft handkerchief as she glanced at the way the light was coming in through the windows. It was already midmorning, and she had been sick a few times. Going over to the window, she placed her palms on the dry, rough rock and looked up into the sky, peering through the dust whipped into the air by the wind. Somewhere above that haze was the sky, and in that sky, far away from her, was her husband. she murmured into the breeze, closing her eyes against grit and tears. He was an insufferable man, really he was, but something within him answered her like she had never been responded to before. When he was with her it seemed as if he needed her with all his heart and soul, although he would rather die than let her know. Still, she could tell, and she felt the same way about him. The resonance between them would never die, she knew that now. Stay alive, she whispered again, turning away from the window and putting a hand over her stomach. We have so much to live for.

a voice from outside called. Can I come in?

Bulma smiled and sat down on a bench, looking idly at the project she had brought back to her quarters. It was a shield, a small, compact device worn on the wrist that should deflect nearly all ki attacks. she replied, reaching out and fingering some of the miscellaneous parts strewn about on the table before her. It was so close to being finished, and if those who couldn't fight with ki, such as herself, were armed not only with the ki-piercing guns but the shields as well, there would be no stopping them.

the voice said, and she raised her eyes to see Yamcha standing there, a soft smile on his ruggedly handsome face.

she replied, actually happy to see him. Whatever awkwardness she had first felt when he had arrived on Arlia had passed, and at present it meant the world to her to have such a close friend nearby.

Yamcha nodded and put his hands on his hips, looking at the floor for a few moments. Listen, Bulma, I'll just get straight to the point.

Bulma looked up at him then, raising an eyebrow as she fought down anxiety.

Are you feeling okay? I mean, you've been spending a lot of time cooped up in this room or in your labs, and some of your attendants say you've been ill...

Bulma broke out laughing, cutting short his words. The surprised, almost frightened look on his face amused her even further, and it was several minutes before she could regain her composure enough to give him an answer. I'm fine, Yamcha, she chuckled. What I'm going through is perfectly normal and natural.

Yamcha's brow creased. Uh, oh yeah?

She nodded, a smile still on her face. I'm pregnant, you see, she said gently.

His eyes went the size of saucers and he blinked at her, his mouth slowly dropping open. No kidding, he muttered, his expression glazing over. Well I'll be...

Tell me about it, Bulma replied, looking down at herself. I was pretty surprised myself. Surprised, but happy. It's nice to have something to look forward to with the universe coming down around our ears.

Yamcha's face broke out in a grin and he rushed to her side, pulling her up to standing and embracing her tightly. I'm so glad to hear you're happy, he said into her ear. I was so worried you wouldn't be, with that Saiyan troll for a husband.

I should slap you for talking about him like that, but it's true. I was afraid I wouldn't be, too. He really is an asshole, but trust me, he makes up for it. It's a shame no one else will ever get to see that side of him.

Yamcha released her and shrugged. How do you think he'll take the news?

Bulma laughed and rubbed her belly once more. He wasn't even close to being prepared for me. I seriously doubt he'll be prepared for fatherhood.

So you haven't told him.

Bulma looked at the floor, examining the stone tiles. No. I don't want to distract him.

Worry wart whether he shows it or not, eh? Yamcha muttered, going over to the windowsill and leaning out. A few moments of silence passed, then he turned to her. Listen, if anything should happen to him, you know I'll help you out.

Yeah, I know, she replied, turning back to the table and shield pieces.

He came over to her and took her hand, pulling it to him until she looked him in the eyes. She sighed as she gazed into their dark depths, thinking about how lovely it was to see gentleness again. I mean it, Bulma. I'll always love you, you're family, and I'll do whatever it takes, okay?

Smiling, she wrapped her arms around his muscular midsection and squeezed. Thanks, Yamcha, she said softly, resting in his strong embrace and reveling in his support. She was strong, and she thought she was doing a good job of running the Empire in Zarbon's absence, but while being strong wasn't difficult, it certainly was tiring. It felt nice to just rest for a short while, to forget how much rested on her shoulders.

a voice shouted as someone burst into the room.

Bulma pushed away from Yamcha as if she had been caught doing something wrong, her face burning with shame. Her posture relaxed a little as she saw it was only Krillin, doubling over and putting his hands on his knees as he panted. What is it? she asked, feeling panic slowly rise within her. Krillin was pale and obviously worried, and his distress only increased her own.

the small man panted, wiping sweat from his bald brow with the back of his hand. Pikuhan...and Atlia...sent me...

Yamcha was immediately in action, offering Krillin a glass of water and patting the other man's sweaty back gently. There, there. Take a minute and then tell us clearly.

Krillin threw Bulma a glance, but she nodded, fighting down the growing sense of urgency within her. Her hands moved down to her abdomen of their own free will, spreading protectively over her womb. She knew what Krillin would say, and it wasn't as if she was unprepared for it. Whenever you're ready, she murmured to the agitated man, then stole a glance at Yamcha. The taller man seemed relaxed and unconcerned, but the way the skin around his eyes was tightening gave him away.

Tien and Chao Tsu are still at the command center, getting instructions from Pikuhan, Krillin explained. There are thousands of ships showing up on the orbital radar, and it's only a matter of hours until they arrive.

Freeza's men? Yamcha asked, his arms tightening over his chest.

Of course, Bulma said, feeling a bit testy. I don't think anyone within the Empire is stupid enough to try and start a rebellion now, especially when the reason most of the planets joined was to be protected from Freeza.

They're close, though, and there's a lot more than we expected, Krillin muttered, rubbing more moisture off of his shaven scalp.

You should only speak for yourself, Bulma grumbled, putting a hand to her chin and glowering at the small pieces of machinery on her table. I've been trying to prepare us for Freeza's entire fleet. We need to get to the command center right now.

Yamcha said, going over to her and gripping her gently around the middle.

Bulma reached down and snatched up the functional parts of her shield. Okay, let's go.

You coming? Yamcha called to Krillin, rising into the air and heading towards a window.

Right behind you, the small man replied, and the three of them were off.

Bulma hit the ground running the moment Yamcha landed, tearing towards the heavy doors of the central control room. With a great shove she opened the doors and stormed inside, blue eyes taking in every single bit of activity within the chamber. What's the situation? she demanded, immediately going over to a console and examining what she saw there.

Atlia was suddenly beside her, his strange, raspy voice insistent. Highness, there appears to be fleets of ships appearing all around the Empire. The largest force is centered here, on Arlia, but there are also detachments at Kijar and a good portion of our other planets.

How many in the total estimate?

Several hundred thousand. Freeza means to crush us.

Of course he does. He's insane, not stupid. Still, I think he'll find that not sending his entire fleet to completely obliterate us is a huge mistake.

Bulma smiled coldly to herself as she continued to study the screens before her. Sweat began to bead on her brow, her mind not wanting to accept that she was so suddenly and irrevocably responsible for the lives of so many. They'll find we have quite a few tricks up our sleeve.

Pikuhan reporting! a voice shouted behind her, and she turned to face the speaker. Pikuhan, appointed interim commander by the empire, stood before her, white turban wrapped tightly about his high, green forehead.

Go ahead, she said with a nod, taking in the billowing fabric of his pants as he moved.

Word at the intergalactic ops station has it that they're attacking our communication satellites. How shall we proceed?

Bulma scowled at Pikuhan's words and turned to Atlia. Get the intergalactic ops team on the screen at once.

Atlia burbled a reply and set to work at the console. she murmured beneath her breath.

Are you okay? Krillin asked from beside her.

I've never lead a war before, she whispered back.

No one here has, he replied,But if anyone can, it's you.

She smiled down at him grimly as the screen was suddenly filled with faces, the majority of them Arlian. Your Majesty? someone rasped.

I want to verify Pikuhan's report, she said sharply. Krillin, tell the troops to be ready. Dispatch Tien and Chao Tsu to notify the northern and eastern hangars, respectively. We'll be wanting to launch the first wave of ships at once.

Krillin said, dashing from the room.

We have already lost three of our satellites, the Arlians confirmed. The majority of the fleet appears to be putting a pincer attack on Arlia, whereas only the fringes of the forces are attacking affiliated planets.

How much longer, do you think, before Freeza's ships move within the range of the next satellite?

Not long. We have twenty minutes at best. They're still a good distance out.

Bulma chewed at her lower lip, staring blankly at the screen as she concentrated. Her options seems both unlimited and grossly restricted all at once; the sheer multitude of choices made her feel as if she had no recourse at all. Okay, I want you to send this message out immediately to all battle stations on all planets. Arlian forces, specially equipped with the supercharged warp drives, will be leaving the planet immediately for the fringes. These are the ships that will defend the other planets. All other planets are to send three fourths of their forces toward Arlia. I want them to come at us from all sides. We defend the other planets, and they defend us. Am I clear?

Yes, Highness, one of the Arlians on the screen rasped.

Very good. After the message has been transmitted, I want you to send the largest pulse you can through the satellites. Time it for when the largest number possible of Freeza's ships draws close. Pump everything we've got through those satellites- I want to break at least a few ships when it explodes. Understood?

And one last thing. Arm everyone with a ki-piercing device. Hide in the rocks if you have to, but never stop shooting Freeza's bastards.

Bulma turned abruptly, thoughts interrupted as a hand touched her on the shoulder. But, Bulma, how are the other ships supposed to get here in time? Freeza's ships are only a few hours from here at the most, Yamcha said, brow furrowed.

A genuine smile broke out over her face. How long have I been out here on Arlia?

A while, I guess.

Her smile broadened. And you didn't think that I would have found a way to perform hyperspace jumps by now? Sure, the planets are far apart, but we've been anticipating this attack for a very long time. Half the other planets' forces are already in place. Arlia's planetside hangars only have enough ships to defend the surface and to buy us enough time for our aid to arrive.

Yamcha scowled and turned to one of the monitors, his dark eyes tracking the moving dots there. But how do you know the planets will stay loyal? he murmured.

Atlia made a growling sound that Bulma had never heard before, and suddenly the Arlian stood next to Yamcha, short antennae quivering with what she could only describe at indignance. Every person on every single planet knows what Freeza's forces will do to us if we don't support the Empire. Most of the planets under Lord Vegeta's command joined us willingly for that very reason.

Bulma smiled wanly. Believe it or not, Vegeta is actually the lesser evil, in this case.

Yamcha threw up his hands. Fine, fine. I can accept hiding behind someone stronger than you. We do it to Goku all the damn time. Still, you can understand my worry.

Bulma went over to him and put a hand on his shoulder. Of course, she began, when the floor started to shake. She uttered a short cry and Yamcha caught her before she crashed into anything, but most of the others in the room toppled to the ground.

What's going on? Yamcha demanded, releasing her as soon as she had her balance.

She rushed over to one of the consoles and madly began to tap in commands. Our hangar, she breathed, sweat beading on her brow. It's gone.

Atlia rasped, appearing beside her.

Well, it happened. The hangar on the outskirts of town was hit. The war has started.

What now? Yamcha cried, looking about madly.

Bulma screeched, turning around quickly. Everyone just calm down!

Her voice could just barely be heard above the scrambling of bodies, but the sound was apparently enough to make people stop and listen. A few people returned to their stations while others stood and quivered, limbs tense with panic. She slowly surveyed the room, scowling. One of the soldiers who had returned to its workstation cried aloud and raised its hand, pointing at the screen. Pods! They got beneath our radar!

They couldn't have, Bulma growled, returning to the screen. Listen, everyone. Those of you who can fight arm yourselves immediately and join the troops. Our ground battle begins now. Take no prisoners, do you understand me?

shouts rang out from around the room, and suddenly about half the occupants of the chamber were gone.

That's why, she muttered. Three of our towers went out, leaving our radar with a blank spot.

Just gone? Yamcha interjected.

Why aren't you outside helping? she spat, scowling at him over her shoulder.

Because I'm not going to leave you unprotected!

That's crap! Just go do your damn job. They'll need you more than I will.

Then who's going to make sure you're safe?

Me, dammit!

Yamcha shook his head. Bulma, you can be pretty scary when you want to be, but trust me, you're nowhere near as scary as Vegeta would be if he found out something happened to you. There is no way in hell I'm going to leave you alone.

Bulma studied his face for a moment, reading all the stubborn affection there. she grumbled. Now what could have taken out those towers?

someone screamed, and the sound of boots scraping against stone echoed throughout the room. The prisoner has escaped!

Bulma's brow knotted and she squinted at the newcomer. What? What prisoner?

Ex-Commander Nappa, Milady!

Her breath caught in her throat as realization flickered at the edges of her brain. Oh, no, she whispered as the ground shook again. Somewhere close by must have been hit by a sizable ki blast, for the building's stones were beginning to shake loose.

Incoming message! another tech cried, and suddenly Gohan's worried face appeared on the center screen.

the boy cried, face streaked with tears.

Gohan! You're okay! she cried in return, rushing over to the screen and brushing stone dust from her hair.

Yeah, but Piccolo-

You joined up with them? That's where you've been all these weeks? We've been worried sick about you!

Please, Bulma, they're fighting the Ginyu Force, and they're hurt real bad. Piccolo thought we should try to escape if things got bad, but I don't know how to work the controls on this ship and I can't read Arlian.

Bulma's heart sank into her knees as she spotted Piccolo's bleeding body a short distance behind the boy. Gohan had said the others were hurt badly, was Vegeta all right? Are they alive, Gohan? she demanded, insides twisting with fear. Funny, the prospect of getting herself blown up wasn't nearly as awful to her as Vegeta's death.

I don't know, the boy sobbed. What should I do?

Okay, honey, you just need to sit tight until one of the grownups comes back.

Bulma, I killed someone, he cried, wiping his eyes and nose with the backs of his dirty little hands. She could see that blood stained his skin and his clothing.

Oh, Gohan, she breathed. It's okay.

No, it's not okay! he moaned. I killed a person! I ended their life!

Bulma choked down the tornado of emotions inside of her, grateful when she felt Yamcha's warm, steady hand on her shoulder. You can worry about that later, and talk to your dad and uncle. They've been through it too, and they'll be able to help.

It's okay, Gohan, Yamcha echoed. They'll know what to do.

All right, Gohan sniffled.

The ground shook again and Bulma knew their time was growing short. Freeza's ships were probably almost past the communication satellites by now and she wasn't even sure if her message had been sent yet. Listen up, kiddo, she said gruffly. You need to pull yourself together, otherwise you won't be able to help anyone else should they need it. Now, get everyone you can into that ship. Underneath the monitor you should see the console- it's what you used to make this call. Underneath the console is a panel near the floor. Open that panel and you'll see three buttons. Press the middle one, the right one, and then the left one. That'll set up the ship's auto-launch, and after a while Piccolo can help you steer the ship to safety, okay?

Gohan began, turning away from the screen.

I gotta go. Freeza's troops are here, she said, looking over her own shoulder. She could hear sounds of fighting coming from outside and knew from Yamcha's clenched jaw that he was hearing the same thing.

You're being attacked?

Yeah. I need to go.

I'm sorry, I should have stayed, he muttered.

Bulma cried aloud as another explosion rocked the building, rock dust raining down upon them. Worry about it later, she shouted, and was about to terminate the signal when the monitor exploded. She screamed and fell backward, shielding her face as electricity crackled around her.

Yamcha cried, his arms suddenly around her and pulling her to standing.

I'm okay, I'm okay, she muttered, pushing away and dusting herself off. I guess the satellites have all been destroyed.

Atlia said from a few feet away.

And the message was sent to the affiliate planets?

Bulma nodded, running over to where here things had been shaken from a table. She strapped on two guns and the shielding device, making sure her capsules were in the pockets of her cargo pants. Okay, move operations to the catacombs, she shouted. You know the plan. Make sure our ships attack Freeza's forces from behind, and when they turn to fight our reinforcements, hit them hard with the specialized fleet.

Where are we going? Yamcha pressed, following her as she stormed out of the room.

To flush out a rat, Bulma growled, and took the safety off her ki-piercing gun.

The noises they had heard inside the building did nothing to prepare her for what was happening outside. Arlian troops were everywhere, battling Freeza's forces. The air stank of burned flesh and twisted metal, the smell permeating everything. Dust had also been kicked up into the atmosphere by the battle, whipping about and nearly blinding her. She hoped that the troops' training had paid off; even in this sandstorm, Pikuhan and his specially trained division should be able to locate and eradicate the enemy. Still, she had never seen so much carnage. Oh my god, Yamcha breathed beside her. This really is a war.

We've seen battles sure, but we've never seen war, she grated, fixing a pair of goggles over her eyes and a kerchief around her mouth. Armed and covered, she began to move through the sand, thinking about her destination. Three radar towers had been taken out by someone who knew exactly where they were. Where would the saboteur strike next? A million locations ran through her brain as she sifted through the vital spots. Oh, no! she cried, breaking into a run and barreling forward, completely heedless of the ki blasts being fired all around her.

Yamcha shouted, rising into the air to follow her. She glanced over her shoulder just in time to hear the beeping of scouters. Her friend's ki level had been detected, and he was immediately set upon by a gaggle of Freeza's troops. She thought about going back to help him, but she had her own scouter equipped and could tell that the attackers were no match for Yamcha.

Be careful! she shouted, praying that he would be all right. Despite their rocky past, he always had cared for her. . .

No! Bulma! he called in return, blocking punches and kicks like mad as he twisted this way and that, obviously trying to keep her in sight.

she cried, reaching into her pocket and finding the right capsule. Her thumb depressed the plunger and she threw it in front of her as hard as she could, the airbike coming into existence just as she arrived at it. Jumping on without a second glance, she raced over the rocky, hard terrain of the Arlian planet, dodging falling stone and ki blasts as she went. She hated to leave Yamcha, but he was better off than she was. Of course, she had no choice. She had a pretty good idea where their inside enemy would strike next, and wished that she had listened to Zarbon's advice. The Saiyans had dismissed him as paranoid, but she should have known better. Zarbon was too seasoned and experienced to be proven wrong often. I'm coming for you, she growled into the sand-laden wind and sped away.

Half an hour later her assumptions were proven correct. Pillars of smoke billowed from the large, metal building, the smell of burning circuitry heavy in the air to her trained nose. Components were being fried left and right, she was sure of it. Thank goodness that the project's access codes would be impossible for the attacker to break, that the weapon itself was buried so deeply in the earth that she doubted even a Saiyan could get to it.

When she arrived she was horrified to find that some of the burning stench was coming from the bodies littered outside the facility, most of them charred beyond recognition. Bulma felt nausea pull at the edges of her stomach. She had known and worked with the majority of the victims for quite some time. Damn you, she hissed. What game are you playing?

She wandered around for a few minutes more, wanting to be absolutely sure of the situation before entering the building. Her younger days were called to mind as she crept around the outside of the structure, her heavy work boots making little noise in the soft, dry Arlian soil. How many times had she snuck around with Goku and Yamcha when she was a teenager, her life depending on remaining undetected and the males' ability to protect her? Well, there was no one around to protect her now, she had made sure of that. She was a grown woman, and she would clean up her own messes. All right, so this mess wasn't actually hers to deal with, but Vegeta was her husband, and she supposed that made it her responsibility to make sure things were put right.

Scowling with anger and disgust, she pushed a burned body away from the side entrance to the building with the toe of her boot, still being careful to make as little noise as possible. Sadness gripped her heart and she very pointedly did not look at the body. None of the people in this building had been trained in hand-to-hand combat, or even battle at all. True, they were helping her design a weapon, but they were scientists, not fighters. They must have been like lambs to the slaughter for him.

Slipping inside the building, she saw that most of the control panels near the entrance had been destroyed, disarming most of the building's defense and alarm systems. A good deal of destruction must have taken place before the alarm was finally raised, and the thought made her burn with anger. Somehow, no matter how estranged she had felt at first from the other aliens, these people had become her people. They were all scientists working to save their lives, and now she was the only one left. Someone would be made to pay, she thought to herself as she wandered down the corridors. It was difficult to see through all the smoke, and she could tell that the attack had been indiscriminate and near-mindless. Of course it was. No one entering the building for the first time would have had any idea what to attack and what not to. Access was so restricted that the only people who had entered the building besides those who worked there were Atlia, Pikuhan, and herself.

She resisted the urge to call out as she crept along, wanting to see if anyone was still alive. That would alert the intruder to her presence for sure. Her ki level was so low that no one but the most trained warrior could sense her, and so if she could just stay hidden and quiet until her suspicions were confirmed, she would be safe. Where was the intruder? Was he trying to find a way to pry up the floor of the main lab and access their cannon? Even if he blew up the whole building the cannon would remain unaffected. She had made sure the weapon was protected well, even from the likes of him. The building wasn't large, and it didn't take her long to work her way down to the chamber at the end, the biggest room in the building. In fact, that room alone was as large as the rest of the structure. She could begin to hear the sounds of metal being twisted coming to her from the room. So that's where he was, just as she had suspected. They had all thought he was predictable, that they had him under control, and yet here he was. Had they underestimated his intellect or overestimated their own?

As she reached the door, staying pressed against the wall and listening to the growling and destruction going on inside, she realized that her best bet was to try to get his attention, then shoot him as he turned around. All the equipment he was destroying was at the perimeter of the room. Come on, Bulma, she mouthed to herself, resting her head against the wall and closing her eyes for a moment. Even though the temperature of the building was near-sweltering, it was cold sweat that her body was bathed in. She had never fought such an enemy alone and she was not a killer. However, it seemed that in this situation she had no choice. If it was who she thought it was, the Empire, and more importantly, Vegeta, had been betrayed.

Taking a final deep breath, she armed her ki-piercing gun and dashed into the room, her boots clanking noisily on the metal floor of the room. she cried. You traitor!

The large man slowly turned around, an entire console in his hands. If it isn't the bitch, he growled, a hateful, twisted smile on his face. His black, piggish eyes narrowed further as he saw her and the console was suddenly sailing through the air at her. She shouted and dove to the side, rolling as she hit the floor. The console's metal screamed as it twisted upon impact, crumpling in the spot she had stood just split seconds before.

Dammit, she should have shot him in the back while she had the chance. What are you doing? she screeched, eyes searching for the large Saiyan through the smoke.

Lord Freeza said it was time, so I broke out of jail, a deep voice said from somewhere, the metal surfaces in the room making the words echo strangely.

she gurgled, finally spotting her prey. He was walking toward her through the billowing smoke of the wrecked console, and then she saw it- a scouter on his face. It wasn't one of their scouters. So you've been speaking with him all along, she spat, finger on the trigger.

Yes. He never gave orders to kill you, though. That's just something I get to do for fun.

Bulma clenched her teeth and let loose a blast from her gun, grunting with the unexpected kickback of the weapon. Her aim was poor and she just nicked his shoulder, earning her a gravelly laugh. Why? What did I ever do to you?

You seduced the Prince and are tainting the Royal bloodline. If Vegeta couldn't have a Saiyan woman, he should have never taken one at all. You're corrupting his mind.

That's insane! she shouted, backing away from his advances and readying another shot. You're totally nuts!

Nappa just laughed and rushed at her, his huge bulk moving so quickly that it was just a blur to her eyes. She fired off a few shots, but he was simply too fast for her aim. A cry ripped from her throat as he grabbed her from behind, gripping her upper arm tightly and twisting. She tried to kick him, but the motion was awkward and he avoided it easily. Pain was clouding her mind and her only thought was of escaping. Once you die, the Prince will be free, he grated into her ear, twisting harder.

Bulma screamed as her upper arm snapped like a twig, pain racing up her shoulder and all along her body. Her vision cut out from the agony as he took the broken arm and shook her by it, the force snapping her head back and forth. Her free hand groped about madly at her belt, fumbling for anything that might help her. Suddenly her hand closed around one of her capsules, and she blindly thrust the capsule at his face, pressing the plunger. Nappa's eyes widened as the capsule exploded, a large vehicle popping into existence from sub space. His grip on her relaxed as he shouted in pain, the vehicle pinning him momentarily, and she took the opportunity to run. Dashing over to the rear wall, she quickly took some small explosives from her pack and detonated them, blasting herself an escape route. Before long she was scrambling up a sandy hill behind the structure, the sounds and stink of battle all around her. The smoke coming from the city was too dark for her to see anything, and she could only hope that her troops were holding her own.

She continued to run away from the city, holding her damaged arm and clenching her teeth against the pain. She had to get away, perhaps to the hangar just north of the city. That area would be well-defended, and she could also get some medical attention. Her energy was being drained quickly, however, and it wasn't long before she pitched face-forward in the dry soil, coughing. The broken arm was sapping her strength and there wasn't much she could do about it. She began to push herself off of the ground, watching as one of her small fighter ships was blown out of the sky with a ki blast. Things were looking grim. If only she could kill Nappa and get back to the cannon. The weapon would equalize things, of that she was certain.

Her thoughts were interrupted as a large hand lifted her by the back of the shirt as if she was nothing more than a rag doll. You thought you could escape me, did you? a voice snarled hatefully, and Bulma turned her head to see Nappa. Despair filled her chest and she scowled at him, as he turned her around. Prepare to die.

Bulma bared her teeth and spit in his face as he held her aloft, earning herself a slap that sent her spinning to the ground. She screamed as her broken arm absorbed the impact, the entire inside of her body quivering with pain. Why are you doing this? she gasped, squinting her eyes against the harsh sun and the agony in her arm.

Things need to be returned to the way they were. You and that damn Zarbon need to be killed so Vegeta can be free. Freeza is helping me.

What does that have to do with the Empire?

Shut up! he hissed, slapping her again. Bulma coughed against the dirt, breath coming in short, painful bursts.

Suddenly she heard Nappa's scouter blip and he went absolutely still, chewing on the end of his moustache as something drew nearer. They didn't have long to wait, for seconds later another alien landed nearby, wearing the armor of Freeza's forces. Are you Nappa? the alien growled, pulling out a little keypad from its belt and entering data.

I am. What do you want? Can't you see I'm busy?

Bulma examined the new alien, taking in the mottled purple and yellow skin, elongated back of the skull, and absence of nostrils. There was a strange sort of insignia on the breastplate of his armor, and his scouter was identical to Nappa's. The newcomer was obviously some sort of officer. Who's the female? it asked nonchalantly, still looking at the device it held in its hand.

Prince Vegeta's bitch, Nappa snarled. We can talk after I've killed her.

That's Vegeta's woman? She doesn't look like much, but she must be the Empress, eh?

It doesn't matter. Her life is mine.

Bulma held her breath as the newcomer regarded Nappa coldly. I'm afraid you have outlived your usefulness, Nappa, it intoned. That woman will be worth far more to us than you. This little empire will be demoralized if I can capture their leader.

No, you can't have her, Nappa snarled, reaching down and grabbing Bulma around the waist. He pressed her against his body and put a meaty hand on her throat, applying slight pressure.

My orders from Lord Freeza were to kill you, not fight you, the alien replied, tones sounding as if it was bored.

Kill me? But Freeza and I had a deal!

The alien laughed, shaking its head and putting away its palm device. You actually thought Lord Freeza would honor a deal made with Saiyan scum like you?

But I did what he asked! I told him where everything on Arlia was, and destroyed what he asked me to!

Exactly. You did precisely what he asked, and now you are no longer useful.

But he promised he'd kill Zarbon and set Vegeta free if I did what he wanted!

And Lord Freeza still will kill Zarbon, although I think he intends to keep Vegeta, the alien said, looking at its webbed fingers.

Nappa screamed, releasing Bulma and launching himself at the alien. The alien's eyes widened and he stepped to the side, barely able to deflect Nappa's attack. She hated to admit it, but Nappa was strong, and the newcomer certainly didn't look like much. They closed and began to battle, ki blasts already being fired, and she took the opportunity to reach into her belt, pull out her med kit capsule, and bind her arm to her body to minimize movement. She also slipped a new blaster into her hand, one that was so small it fit in the palm of her hand. It wasn't very strong, but at close range it would do some terrific damage. Glancing at the warriors to be sure they were still fighting, she began to stumble away. Maybe she could get back into the building and activate the cannon while they were distracted.

Where do you think you're going? Nappa hissed, appearing in front of her. She gasped and took a step back, swallowing her fear, when suddenly a bright light blinded her and she was sprayed with something warm and wet. Lifting her forearm to shield her head and face, she stepped back even further, trying to figure out what had happened. A moment later it was obvious; Nappa lay in the dirt, a gaping hole through his chest. he gurgled, the blood that was pouring out of him quickly absorbed by the dry earth. This is all your fault.

Shut up, a cool voice said from behind her, and the alien raised a hand. Bulma gasped as it let loose another ki blast. The energy met with Nappa's skull, his final scream followed by bone fragments and blood sailing through the air. Bulma shuddered as bits from the explosion stuck to her skin, nausea rising violently within her. She started to stagger away, but was caught by the bandy arm of the alien. No, you're coming with me, it said. You'll be very useful to us.

Bulma cried, despair rising in her chest. No, she couldn't give in to such feelings. She had to fight; Vegeta, in her situation, would fight to the death rather than be taken. Besides, if she was captured it would demoralize her people, whereas if she died, their thirst for vengeance might make them stronger. She knew the majority of the people loved their fragile Earthling Empress, unlike the fear they had of their Emperor. The New Saiyan Empire's subjects were fighting this war for her and themselves, not Vegeta. I won't go with you! she screamed, struggling despite the sharp pain in her arm.

Don't be stupid and just come along quietly, it said, jostling her. Don't make me hurt you.

Bulma clenched her jaw and struggled some more so that the alien was forced to press her close to contain her movements. she breathed, smiling through her pain, and shifted the tiny blaster in her hand. The alien's eyes widened with confusion, but before it could figure out what was going on she lifted her hand and fired directly into its chest. The thing coughed blood and released her, holding its webby hands over the wound as it staggered backward. Without hesitating she walked over to the alien and kicked it in the shoulder, knocking it into the dust. It fired a ki blast, but the shield she had been working on kicked in and negated the effect. Wow, it works great, she said to herself, examining it briefly. Thanks for helping me test it.

the alien gurgled. Her heart was torn for a second, but then she took the small blaster and pressed it between the alien's eyes with her good hand.

I'm sorry, she whispered, closing her eyes, and fired.

Moments later she opened her eyes again, pointedly not looking at the corpse of Freeza's soldier. She didn't want to think about the fact that she had taken another life. As she passed Nappa's headless body she prodded it with a toe of her boot. Poor bastard. His loyalty to Vegeta made him crazy, his close-mindedness the root of his own demise. He had betrayed Vegeta and had, in return, been betrayed. Shaking her head, she stumbled down to the structure housing the cannon, reentering the building through the hole she had blown in the back wall. Going over to a floor panel, she raised a secret compartment and quickly tapped in codes. The floor began to open up, a hundred feet of titanium sliding out of the way as the large platform raised from underground. It had taken hundreds of people to construct the cannon and its housing so quickly, hundreds that were now most likely dead. Thank you, she whispered to the still, hot air, the sounds of battle seeming far away as she stood in the room. Thank you all for helping to give us a chance.

When the platform was completely out of the ground, she climbed aboard and dashed over to one of the consoles, quickly entering codes and data. The cannon had a power source separate from the building, and everything seemed to be functioning perfectly. The cannon itself looked like a long, silver tube, wiring apparent through the tough plastic windows that ran the length of the barrel, the whole contraption filling the room. With another press of a button the ceiling opened up and the cannon raised into the sky. Bulma put on a headset comprised of goggles and earphones, sliding her good hand onto a keyboard and calling the whole thing to life. She turned on the video feed from the towers placed around the planet and the satellites in orbit, her breath leaving her body as she saw how many troops Freeza had sent. Her people seemed to be holding their own, however; Freeza's forces were caught in a pincer attack between the Arlian ships and the fighters from the associated planets. In fact, Bulma though she recognized Anpane's old ship floating near the head of the fleet attacking the rear of Freeza's forces.

Okay, time to see what this baby can do, she muttered, transferring the video feed to her headset. Soon she could see everything planetside and in space. Take out the reinforcements first, she whispered, and turned on the grid over the video feed inside the headset. She began entering coordinates and the cannon hummed with energy. The cannon was braced by numerous supports coming out of the building, and she was happy the facility hadn't been structurally damaged. Still, Nappa shouldn't have known about the cannon at all, but that was a problem she could deal with when they weren't all teetering on the brink of destruction. This is what a human can do, she growled, and confirmed the coordinates. There was a deafening roar as the cannon reached full power small crackling and pinging sounds filling her head. She was happy for the protective properties of the headset, but her ears were still near to bleeding. she said, and entered the final command. From underneath the edges of her goggles came a blinding light and the whole building shook with the force of the shot. She could actually feel the energy arcing away into space, and then it was visible on her video feed. Freeza's ships tried to scramble but were hemmed in by her own forces. Glee ripped through her as explosions engulfed the enemy, leaving gaping holes in their formation. Bulma laughed aloud. The cannon worked perfectly! With the space forces depleted, some of her ships could dock planetside and help the battle! Eat this, Freeza! she screamed, laughing maniacally, and let loose another attack. A full quarter of the enemy ships had been destroyed.

someone called from within the room, and she gingerly removed the headset, careful not to jostle her arm.

she said in return, smiling broadly. How do you like my new toy?

It has proven very effective, from what I've heard, the tall, green warrior said, coming near. There are technicians from the hangar on the way. They will take over.

Bulma sighed, wiping sweat from her brow. I'm a bit tired.

You're injured! Pikuhan cried, touching her gently. What happened?

Nappa escaped and tried to destroy the cannon. He was working for Freeza all along, but the deal went sour.

Why, that. . . I'll make sure he's found and executed at once.

Bulma grunted and stepped off the platform shooing away the warriors that immediately crowded around her and tried to support her. Don't bother. He's already dead. Freeza sent someone to kill him and now they're both dead.

Pikuhan was silent for a moment, then tapped his scouter and murmured something into it that she couldn't make out. Here, please rest, he said, gently helping her to sit on the edge of the platform Help is coming and you will be escorted to the nearest hangar. Are you sure you're all right?

Bulma nodded, taking a deep breath. Yeah, I'll be fine. How does the battle planetside?

Desperate, but not impossible, Pikuhan confided. Our troops are holding their own, thanks to you and your scientists. Even the non-ki users are able to fight.

Well, Zarbon chose well when he chose you, she breathed.

Thank you. Master Zarbon is very well respected among the troops. Pikuhan hopped off the platform and stood beside her, his strange, round mouth stretching in a smile. Actually, most of the females in the detachments claim to be fighting for him alone.

Bulma couldn't help but grin. she chuckled, her amusement fading away as there was a commotion at the side of the room. Someone pushed their way through the small group of elite fighters, rushing over to her at once.

Yamcha cried, putting his hands on her face and shoulders as if to make sure she really sat in front of him. Thank goodness you're all right! Don't ever ditch me like that again, okay?

I promise, she said with a nod.

And you're hurt! What-

I'll tell you later, she grumbled, putting her good hand on his chest. I'm sort of tired right now.

His handsome face creased with concern, but he nodded. Okay, okay, he said.

Are Krillin and Tien okay?

Yamcha smiled. Yeah, they're doing well. Krillin was a bit shaky at first, but once he realized he was stronger than most everybody else he joined one of Pikuhan's elite detachments and took off with them.

Good for him, she muttered, sighing against him as he picked her up into the air.

I'll take her now, Yamcha said to Pikuhan, who nodded.

Has there been any word from Zarbon or Vegeta? she asked, suddenly feeling very, very tired.

Not yet, Yamcha said gently, rising into the air and floating toward the exit. Here, we need to get you some medical attention.

Bulma nodded and closed her eyes, feeling Yamcha's aura protecting them from the sandy winds around them as they sped along. She felt warm and content, as if the tide had turned and they could truly let hope into their hearts. She would live through this, of that she was sure, and her baby would, too. Placing a hand on her abdomen, she wondered how long it would be before she could actually feel the new life move within her. she asked softly, feeling exhaustion claim her body and sleep draw near.

he replied gently.

Did I do well?

A smile broke out on his roguish face. Yeah, you did, but then again, you always have, he said with a laugh, and they sped off to the hangar.