Chapter Seven

"A complete last resort," Zarah informed Trunks, "Sasoli's methods might even be more extreme than mine."

Zarah frowned as he remembered how his twin meddled in his own life. He hadn't approved of her actions but couldn't complain about the results. Well, he could complain about the consequent beating he had received from Pan's father though he wasn't one to dwell on the past, that long.

He grinned as thought about how she might throw Trunks and Maron together. Aunt 18 would probably put the his cousin through the ringer just like Gohan did to him.

The grin faded as he reconsidered his stance. If he called in Sasoli then everything would come to an abrupt halt and he didn't want to think about what she might do to Bra and Goten. She wouldn't take any mercy on Bra . . .

Trunks tilted his hip to lean on Zarah's desk, with his arms crossed, and his head down, he was the perfect picture of a man in thought. He hummed to himself and nodded his agreement with Zarah's assessment.

"Let's compromise," Maron clasped her hands together resolutely, "One plan for each of us."

Trunks and Zarah glanced at her quizzically.

"I mean . . ." She trailed off uncertainly, "They're going to notice if we throw plan after plan at them . . . Then we can call in Sasoli?"

Zarah glanced at Trunks, "She's right. Goten may be dense enough not to notice but your sister is a different story."

Maron glanced at the list when a suggestion leaped out at her.

"A tournament?"

"Tournament?" Zarah tilted his head to the side, "Oh, that was Pan's idea."

"You told Pan?" Trunks read over Maron's shoulder.

"Yes, why wouldn't I?" Zarah dropped into his chair.

Trunks gave him a pointed look.

"Maybe because she might tell Bra!"

"Pan is loyal to my missions, she will not betray me," Zarah was stern, "Besides, I keep no secrets from her.

Maron smiled.

"That's really sweet of you, Zarah."

The inventor flushed and mumbled incoherently about illogical female sentiments.

"Back to business," Trunks picked up the list and circled two of them, "We will decide who's idea goes first and then in what order. Sasoli's involvement will not come until our plans prove unsuccessful."

Maron and Zarah nodded their consent.

"Shall we decide this the usual way," Zarah studied cracked his knuckles.

"What is the usual way?" Maron glanced between the two men curiously.

"Rock, paper, scissors," Trunks shrugged, not minding her giggle.

"Hey, if it's good enough for our dads then it's good enough for us. Right, Zarah?"

"Right, though I get to go twice. One for me and one for Pan."

"Done."

**

"We have nothing to talk about," Bra moved away from the entrance of her lab, "Just leave."

Goten stood his ground quietly before moving to stand beside the blue-haired inventor.

She stiffened as she sensed his presence close to her.

"Bra . . ."

Her heart skipped a beat at the low voice.

"Things have changed between us," Goten watched her from the corner of his eye, "I will wait until you are ready to talk about it."

He didn't make a sound as he left, the door clicking shut was the only sign that he was gone.

Bra put a hand to her heart in hopes of slowing it down. What right did he have to do this to her? Who was he to . . . to . . .

She wiped the water from her eyes wearily. She had already come to terms that she would be alone. Her father would never approve of him and there wasn't anyone else . . . He had no right to make her hope for what would never happen.

Even with his new spine, Goten would never stand up to her father.

**

"So it is agreed," Zarah was beaming triumphantly, "I will go first, then Maron, then Pan, and last, but most certainly least, Trunks."

"Very funny," Trunks grumbled, "But you can only do the idea I suggested."

Zarah snatched the list off the table.

"Alright, I am satisfied for once with your decision."

Maron shook her head as their argument deteriorated into name calling. Was this what she was going to have to deal with while she worked here? Though, she had to admit, it was kind of cute to see them act so childishly. Who would have thought the president of the most technologically advanced companies could be reduced to making faces?

"Boys," she held back her smile when they took the time to look offended. "We still haven't decided when we start our project."

Silence invaded the room.

Zarah tilted his head in submission when Trunks glanced at him for input. The message was clear: It's up to you.

"Today, no use waiting. The sooner we get them together, the sooner we can bet back to work."

Zarah went to his filing cabinet, picked out a file, and dropped it in front of his cousin. Trunks, not missing a beat, picked up the file and started leafing through pages upon pages of names.

Maron frowned as she read the file name: Women to be avoided at all costs.

She snatched Zarah's list off the desk and read the circled idea.

"Your going to have women molest Goten until Bra rescues him?" Maron was blown away. This was Zarah's great idea to get two stubborn people together? The man who thought pledging undying loyalty unromantic?

"Where do you think your going to find the women for this?"

Trunks and Zarah looked up from their file amused.

"Right here, in the company."

"Where else?"

Maron crossed her arms.

"You expect me to believe that professional women, who fought tooth and nail to work in the most prestiges company, are going to risk everything over a cute guy?"

Trunks and Zarah burst into laughter. They laughed so hard tears began to leak from their eyes and they had to sit to avoid falling to the ground.

"She doesn't believe-"

"Well, she hasn't been here for that long," Zarah clapped Trunks on the back, "Maron, go to the break room."

"What?" Maron was confused by the order.

"Go to the break room," Zarah guided her to the door, "Mention your my secretary but not my cousin. Tell them, Trunks is considering moving you under him instead."

"Zarah," Trunks cut them off a little desperately, "Is this really necessary?"

"There is no better way to learn," Zarah grinned tooth fully, "Get out of the way."

Trunks gave way but not without Maron noticing the embarrassed redness in his cheeks.

"We'll rescue you in five minutes," the door shut.

"Rescue?"

**

Goten took his time returning to Zarah's office as he pondered his actions. What had he done? Hadn't he decided he was going to stay away from the Princess of all Saiyans? That Trunks' friendship was more important then a chance at what might only be temporary? And get him killed in the process?

He shook away the guilt and doubt from his mind. What was meant to happen, would happen, that was the Son family motto. So if Vegeta killed him, then he was meant to die.

No point in worrying about it.

**

Maron stepped into the break room gingerly, she didn't know what to expect after the guys reaction and explanations.

Slowly, she relaxed as she saw what she had expected to see, professional women who were gossiping lightly by the coffee machine. Nothing she wouldn't see in any other company all over the world. At least that was what she thought until they spotted her.

Like birds of prey, they descended upon her and pulled her into the center of a newly formed circle. The professionalism dripped away from them like ice cream in a furnace. Maron felt cornered, threatened, and, for once, wished she had taken up Trunks offer to teach her how to fight all those years ago.

"Who are you?"

Maron kept her spine straight and her head high. She would be damned before she would let them smell fear.

"I'm Maron, Zarah Briefs' new secretary."

She watched different emotions dance over their faces with extreme weariness. She saw anger, jealously, spite, and many more they couldn't decipher. The guys had said they were going to rescue her, right?

"How did you get the job?" A redhead stepped forward.

"I applied," Maron met her cold green eyes with her ice blue ones.

Respect entered her green eyes though the viciousness didn't fade for a moment.

"You do realize your working for a woman hater, don't you?"

Maron's brow creased. Zarah? A woman hater? Impossible. Sure, he was a little short but-

"He almost killed his first secretary by throwing her into a wall," the women around the redhead tittered together in agreement. "He drove his next one insane by one minute proclaiming his love and the next, having her thrown into jail."

Maron's gaze never wavered as she caught onto their game. They were hoping to scare her away so one of them could have the job. She would have to talk to her cousin, though, later.

"I was aware of the risks," she lied smoothly, "As I am aware my employer is a married man."

The women deflated for a moment before they grouped together. Maron was hard-pressed to keep her expression bland as words such as 'affair', 'divorce', and 'we still have Trunks' floated to her ears.

"So," the circle had reformed, "What do you think of Mr. Zarah Briefs?"

Maron felt the beginning tendrils of anger wrapping around her.

"He is a very intelligent man who-"

"No, that is not what we went," the redhead interrupted her, "We're asking if you're attracted to him."

Maron was shocked at the sheer audacity.

"No."

The group of women seemed to ripple.

"Then we won't have a problem as long as you stay out of our way," they sent her one last piercing look before starting to go back to their forgotten coffee cups.

Maron took a very thought out step toward the exit when the door swung open.

Everyone turned to the door to see an enraged Zarah stalk up to Maron.

"What's this I hear about you becoming Trunks' secretary?" He asked through his teeth.

The women gasped as one.

"I-"

Maron almost swallowed her tongue when Zarah's arm snapped out to grab hers and she was pulled into his arms.

"He can't have you, you're mine."

Zarah had positioned her so her back was to the women so they didn't see her complete and utter disbelief. Taking advantage of her motionlessness, he ran a hand through her hair, thanking the powers above that she had worn her hair down for once.

"You mean too much to me. Trunks may be president but he won't get away with this!"

Maron's eyes became impossibly big as Zarah's face swooped down and his hand tilted her face up. [He's going to kiss me!]

Zarah's eyes twinkled with mischief as he rested his lips on her chin, right below her mouth. [She was going to kill him.] He nuzzled her chin, giving the illusion that he was French kissing her.

Maron felt dread seep into her as she felt more then saw the angry ripple in the women behind her.

"We're right outside the door," Zarah whispered in her ear, "Call if you need help."

Zarah picked her up by the arms, making the girls' hearts flutter at the obvious strength, and set her down away from him.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of everything," he dashed out of the room.

Maron tried to follow him but was cut of by a petite blond who might have been pretty if she didn't resemble a hissing cat.

"You BITCH!"

Maron might not be a fighter but she knew the basics. So when the brunette came charging at her, she was ready with a side step and trip.

"Wait! It wasn't what it looked like!" Maron lost her composure as all twenty women glared at her murderously.

"Then what was it?" The words came at her like shot gun blasts.

"I . . . You said he drove his last secretary insane! I'm sure that's what he's trying to do now," Maron found herself backed into a corner and cursed under her breath. "I just meant him today so how could I have a long term relationship."

She had done the impossible, she had gone against nature and stopped the wave of resentment.

The treacherous redhead put an arm around her shoulders and Maron had a feeling it could easily turn into a headlock.

"You poor thing," she cooed, "I would quit if I were you."

"Wait," a woman with auburn hair stepped forward, "What about President Trunks?"

Maron managed to keep her face perfectly neutral, "What about him?"

The angry ripple was back, Maron noted with dismay.

"I have no idea what President Trunks," she made sure not to mention him informally, "has in mind. Besides, he was also recently hired some guy-"

"Guy?" Another blond jumped in, interest bright in her eyes.

"Who could he be?"

"Is he cute?"

"Forget that! Is he hot?"

Maron inched another step closer to the door.

"Where are you going?"

Maron froze but put a pleasant smile on her face.

"Nowhere."

"Good, now describe this new guy to us."

Maron launched into a quick physical description of Goten, hoping they would let her leave.

"Is his name . . . Goten?" The redhead asked hesitantly.

Maron nodded rapidly.

The resounding squeal could have broken glass.

She tried again to make to the door when she was grabbed.

"Wait! Where does he work?"

"What floor?"

"Is he with Trunks?"

"I can't believe he works here too!"

"Tell us everything!"

They all jumped when the door slammed open and a small woman stomped in. A gasp of dismay echoed in the room as her burning gaze ran over each and every one of them.

"Which one?"

They all pointed at Maron and suddenly, she found she wasn't surrounded anymore.

Maron studied the newcomer uneasily though she seemed familiar somehow. [Pan?]

Pan moved quickly as recognition crossed the blonde's face and picked up Maron by her collar.

"Are you Zarah's secretary?" Pan hissed and raised her higher.

[I am in the twilight zone,] Maron couldn't help the helpless look that crossed her face.

"Y-yes."

With a scream Pan launched Maron across the room, out the door, and into Trunks arms.

Trunks took off with his passenger secure and didn't stop until he was safe in Zarah's office. Only then did he stop to examine the woman who was clutching onto his shirt like a lifeline.

Immediately concerned, he cradled her closer and rocked her.

"Maron?"

**

Pan eyed the evil desperate creatures that filled the room with one last hate filled look.

"If I ever catch another one of you hitting on my husband, I will personally kill you."

She turned on her heel and slammed the door behind her. Zarah swept her into his arms and spun her around.

"You were wonderful!"

Pan couldn't avoid the rather invasive kiss but after a moment or so she didn't mind so much. When he finally let her catch her breath, she pushed him away.

"Why did I have to almost maim Maron again?"

Zarah slung an arm around her shoulders.

"Stupid girls thought I was having an affair with her. I couldn't have them plotting her death."

"Why would they think that?" Pan frowned, the last thing she needed was for the parinas thinking her honey was available.

"No idea."

**

"Maron?" Trunks rubbed her back soothingly, "Are you ok?"

Maron nodded but couldn't make herself release his waist. Well, her first day at work was going well wasn't it? She didn't know what was better, fainting and crying all over Trunks or nearly inciting a riot in the break room and then clinging to him like a baby.

"I'm sorry," Maron pushed away from him.

"For what?" Trunks let her go.

"My behavior," Maron smiled weakly, "For not believing you when you said the females in this building were desperate."

Trunks chuckled and shook his head.

"You haven't seen them at their worst," he patted her shoulder, "You have nothing to apologize for."

"Are we interrupting something?"

They looked up to see Zarah and Pan in the office.

"Zarah," Maron rolled her eyes, "What could you possibly be interrupting?"

Pan elbowed her husband as she sat down in her his chair.

"Sorry about that Maron. Had to defend his virtue."

Maron's smile turned upside down, "Zarah, why did you set me up?"

"I had to show you what we're dealing with on a daily basis," Zarah sat on his desk, "And that my plan will work."

"What plan?" Goten popped his head into the room a grin spreading across his features, "Hey, Pan! Long time no see!"

"Uncle Goten!" Pan grinned as she got to feet to hug him.

Trunks nudged Zarah and nodded, Zarah in turn opened his drawer and pulled out a capsule.

"Goten, I need you to deliver this capsule to room Red 483 level D," Zarah tossed it at him.

Goten caught the capsule without even looking, the grin widening at Pan's look of surprise.

"You work here?" At his affirmative nod she hugged him again, "Wow! Congrats! Grandma Chichi must be so proud!"

"Um yeah," Goten ducked out of her embrace, "I'm working Pan so I'll see you later."

Maron's brow creased in puzzlement as the saiyans chuckled at Goten's hast departure.

"Nothing like mentioning his mom to get Goten running," Zarah snickered, "You're perfect, Pan."

Trunks and Maron could do nothing but watch as the couple kissed passionately. They turned awkwardly to each other.

"I guess he was right to bring her into our conspiracy," Trunks couldn't hide the redness of his cheeks.

Maron had more control over her facial features, "Yes, we need someone they won't suspect when setting them up. Goten would never think twice about helping out Pan while Zarah can probably get Bra to do things she'd never do for us."

"Yes, they're perfect," Trunks rolled his eyes, a bit annoyed that she was right. Without Pan and Zarah, their plans had about as much hope succeeding as a new hairdo on a windy day.

"Hey," Pan voice brought them back into the circle, "Isn't someone supposed to knock him out?"

"Oh right," Trunks took off.

Zarah went to his desk and handed Maron a sheet of paper.

"Here, call the first three girls on this list and direct them to room Red 483 level D. Tell them who you are and that you've done this to show you're one of them," Zarah grinned, "This should help you avoid future death threats."

Maron took the numbers and placed her hands on her hips.

"Just how long are you going to them molest poor Goten?"

Zarah shrugged, "Half an hour maybe."

Pan boxed his ear.

"OW!"

"I'll make he calls Bra in ten minutes."

"But Pan-"

"How would you like to be at their mercy for half an hour?" Pan glared at him murderously, "It can be arranged."

"Ten minutes it is," Zarah agreed meekly.

Pan and Maron shared a smile.

**

Goten was humming to himself as he slipped the capsule into his pocket. This gopher job was a sinche! He should have asked Trunks for this job earlier! He took about ten steps before he realized that he had no idea where the room Zarah had asked him to go to was.

He shrugged, maybe he could ask one those cute secretarys, That was his last thought before darkness took over.

**

Trunks shook his head at his friend's prone form. Goten should know better then to let his guard down in a strange place, especially in this building.

With a sigh Trunks picked up his best friend and headed for the room Zarah's plan was to take place in. If nothing else, this plan should teach Goten a very valuable lesson about the females in this company.

Avoid them, at all costs.

End Chapter Seven

AN: Sorry about the late update. I guess I'm a bit depressed. It seems like all my readers have disappeared except for a select few. Thanks to those of you who are still reviewing, this chapter is for you.

Michelle