Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball Z.

Chapter 3: Politics

Bulma shifted the papers uneasily in her hands, constantly straightening them out, needing to have something to do rather than wait. Her and her crew had taken a meal of foreign food of something resembling chicken and vegetables, of which Bulma had belatedly refused. Who knows if it was actually chicken... could have been an alien....

These were the thoughts that were swirling around her head when the door slid open with a whooshing sound and she and her assistants stood up. A man in uniform not as elaborate as the one who greeted her made a motion for her to follow. In fact, none of the other men she had seen so far had even remotely come close to the demanding power that radiated from that man. She remembered the landing quite clearly for all her nerves.

After he had welcomed her she had said matter of factly, "Bulma Briefs, it's a pleasure," She had held out her hand and when he took it she had felt a slight shock go through her arm but she dismissed it as nothing. Now she wondered if it wasn't just an electrical shock, but something more.

"I am Vegeta, Prince of all Saiyans. You came to discuss a treaty: there will be no pleasure. Political conversations are all I will tolerate. My seconds will handle the rest. If you will please follow the escort into the palace, then we can get started right away." He said this all with a cocky tone and an attitude Bulma did not like at all.

Bulma stiffened and looked to the others who stood beside him. All of a sudden the Prince flew off into the air right in front of her eyes. She couldn't believe it. She really hadn't thought that there were others like Goku. She ought to study him more. But she doubted if she would get the chance, Goku couldn't stay still for more than a minute.

Shifting back into reality, Bulma and her assistants were led into what looked like a conference room. There was the really long table with all the high-backed chairs, but at one end, there was a much more comfy looking chair. Bulma didn't have to think twice to know whom that was for. She actually thought he was rather spoiled; she would have thought a man of such power and experience in war, she guessed, that he wouldn't be so accompanied to luxury.

Another door opened and in came Prince Vegeta, with two others behind him. They sat down, Vegeta in the throne-chair and the others at his left and right. Bulma took a seat next to the man on the right, and the others followed suit.

"Okay, let's get start--" Bulma said.

"Let's go over the situation, shall we, Mrs. Briefs?"

"It's Ms. Briefs, and yes, of course," she said rather coldly back.

He stared back at her and she thought she saw a flicker of amusement in his lifeless eyes.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Briefs, my mistake. How old are you, anyway?" He said coolly.

"Eighteen."

"Ah..."

"But I'll have you know, Your Majesty, that age should not be taken into account when calculating skill and intelligence."

"Oh yes, I know, I would know, actually. I'm only a mere twenty-six and look where I am."

"Back to the issue at hand..."

"Yes, yes of course. Our planets have been at a cold war for many years now, both having the potential to destroy the other."

"And it is our job," she said, looking Vegeta straight in the eye, "to end this little quarrel and make peace between our people."

"Let it be known that we are also in a potential war with the Planet Zerion. Our civilizations have been in a few scuffles over the last decade and we are in the danger of getting into a war."

"Wait," Bulma inquired, "What with the superior race that you have, or that I've seen so far, why would you have a problem with them, if you can just threaten with total annihilation?"

"Their beings are equal to ours in strength and power. They are far more supernatural than we are. We are more related to your people, Earth's people. They are aliens, beings who have no emotion, no feelings, just orders. Which is why I'm asking for your help, and an alliance between our planets."

Bulma studied him. He looked grave, serious, and at the moment, much older than he said he was. But it sounded like the words he said took away his pride, and she knew at once this was a cold, hard man, that was like the snow in winter. So cold, so foreboding and scary, but when it melted, the greens of spring shown through and the true land came back.

Bulma felt sympathy for him, and her heart melted as well just thinking about him. "And what exactly can we do for you, Prince Vegeta?"

"Trade. Imports and exports. And..."

"Yes?"

"Financial aid."

"Oh."

"I haven't any idea where this potential war could take place, and near or far our nation is not rich. And if I may be blunt, Earth is rich. After discussing this with the board, I can offer you anything you like if you will become our alliance and ally."

Bulma thought this over. Did they really think they would just hand out money to a nation they have only just finished a verbal war with? Yes. They could. They can trust Earth. We are an honest people. With liberty and justice for all. Yes. That's what that American pledge said. With liberty and justice for all. For all. She smiled.

"Yes, Prince Vegeta, I believe we can help you."

She leaned over the balcony and let the wind caress her face, her hair billowing out around her. The land she looked out at was not lush and green, as Earth was; it was dark, and rather dreary. She could barely make out the other buildings in the distance. But looking at this ugly scenery she felt a sense of loneliness, poverty, and power all at once. The feeling was actually sickening.

It all hit her at once. All the emotions. The Loneliness, in another planet, trying to make a miracle happen that she doubted could happen at all. For once she didn't have her father or mother to lean on, no boyfriend to kiss and makeup. And then the Poverty, she felt many bodies on the streets, much robbery, adultery, and abuse of power in this place. Males picking on females. And the Aura of the place. It was like someone hit her over the head with a hammer; it was so strong.

"Can't sleep?"

Bulma whipped her head around to find the Prince standing there in plain clothes. They were black breeches and tunic with gold hemming.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

"Oh, no it's ok, I'm fine."

"Not as beautiful as Earth, is it?"

"No, it's not." Bulma still felt the weight on her. It grew heavier. She clutched her stomach.

"Are you alright?" Vegeta asked, and he came and put a hand on her shoulder.

"No...there's a weight...on me.... it hurts so bad...." That's all she could get out before she heaved herself over the side of the balcony and what she had eaten that night came up and out. While this happened, she felt a cool hand on her forehead as she dry-heaved up what she should have eaten. It was like a knife piercing her throat. Finally it was over.

"Let's get you to a bed," Vegeta said a little worriedly.

He scooped her up with ease and carried her to her room, which wasn't that far off.

Laying her down on the bed he looked at her and her features. Beautiful, he thought. So delicate, yet so hardened for such a young girl. She reminded him of himself at that age, not too long ago, when he had been appointed the duties and responsibilities of Prince.

He drew a blanket on her and wiped her mouth with a cloth, putting some water down her throat as well. She tried to say thank you but couldn't. He could see she was exhausted.

"Shhh..." he said quietly. Almost discreetly, he kissed her forehead.

Immediately she felt a coolness wrap around her like a towel and Bulma fell into what had to be the most peaceful sleep she'd had in a long time.