Part II
Chapter 11
A Whole New World
Riiing... riiing... The plain blue telephone mounted on a wall announced an incoming call. The room was empty, for the moment, containing nothing more than the off-white walls, grey blue carpet and a smattering of furniture. Muted sounds from a television drifted in from another room. Footsteps approached in a slightly hurried pace and a woman's hand snatched up the cordless handset.
"Nobody in this house answers the phone," grumbled the woman. She pressed the handset to her ear and said in a more cheerful voice, "Hello? Briefs residence, Bulma here."
"Bulma! Am I glad you're home!" a tenor voice replied. The man seemed to be a bit disconcerted despite his words. "You haven't been watching the news, have you?"
"No, I haven't, Krillin," Bulma said. She crossed her free arm over her stomach, wrinkling the tan cloth of her dress. She lightly tapped a finger on her elbow. "What's going on? You sound upset."
"I might have good reason, Bulma," Krillin stated. "Go turn on the news."
"Ok, ok, give me a moment." Bulma turned and headed to one of the doorways. As she walked, the sounds of the television grew louder. Stepping through, she entered the living room area. A sofa was positioned in front of the television. A teenaged boy with purple hair slouched on the seat, his arms draped over the back. Bulma plucked the remote control from one of his hands.
"Hey!" The boy turned his head. He looked at her, disgruntled. "Mom!"
"Not now, Trunks," replied Bulma. She frowned, deepening the shallow lines around her mouth. She pointed the remote and changed the channel over to a news station. A startled gasp escaped her.
"See my reason?" Krillin asked, having heard Bulma's involuntarily response.
"It... it can't be! It's like a smaller version of Frieza's ship!" Bulma said. Her mouth hung open as she took in the scene on the television. A yellow and black alien vessel was sitting on a ruined streetscape, tumbled down buildings behind it and pieces of torn up concrete and plants strewn around. She recognized it as a busy business section of West City.
A female reporter was standing to the side on the camera view, babbling on about how the ship had crashed through the city center. The sharp retort of guns and the almost silent zap zap of blue-white energy bolts were heard in the background.
"It just might be, Bulma," said Krillin, a hard edge coming into his tone. "Though I didn't sense any large power levels and so far whoever's inside has kept to shooting at the police."
Bulma made an annoyed sound. "It would happen when Goku and Vegeta are off sparring! I don't suppose either of them even noticed."
"Probably not," Krillin agreed with a chuckle, then turned serious again, "I already sent Yamcha off to find them. It's a good thing I didn't accept Goku's invitation, otherwise we might not have known until later."
"Are you implying something, Krillin?" Bulma demanded, irritated that the short ex-monk might be questioning her awareness of things happening practically in her own backyard.
"No! No no!" Krillin said. He laughed nervously for a few seconds. He paused, then said, "I'm heading over. There's no telling how long it will take for Yamcha to find those two."
"All right," said Bulma. She was still a little miffed but if someone or something powerful decided to pop out of the ship, it would be good to have an extra fighter around. She thought for a moment, then added, "I'm going to check it out. Maybe I can find out something from the police."
"What? Now what a minute, Bulma!" sputtered Krillin.
Bulma waved off the concern. "Don't worry, I'll take Trunks with me!"
"What?" Trunks turned around and stared at Bulma. He had purposely been quiet, hoping his mother wouldn't get any wild ideas. He had heard the stories about his future self coming back to defeat Frieza. His memories of that time were pretty vague since he had been so young. But he had no desire to try and live up to the reputation of his alter ego.
"You can't-"
"Mom, what are you-"
Bulma ignored Trunks and Krillin's protests. She said to Krillin, "It'll be all right. Just get here as soon as you can."
With that, Bulma pressed the handset's disconnect button, hanging up on Krillin and preventing any more disagreements. She crossed her arms and glared at Trunks. "We are going to check this out. We don't know when Goku and Vegeta will show up and it will take Krillin at least twenty minutes."
Trunks sank a little lower into the sofa cushions. He looked as if he might argue some more, but then he sighed and rose from his seat. There wasn't much that could dissuade Bulma once she got an idea into her head. "Ok, let's go."
Bulma's expression brightened. She smiled and quickly led the way out of the living room, stopping to grab a few capsules from a box on a table, then headed out the front door. Once she got to the street curb, she tossed one of the capsules to the ground. A small personal flier poofed into existence.
She deposited the rest of the capsules in her purse and said, "We'll go in by air. I doubt any cars will be getting through that mess."
Trunks nodded sullenly, stuffing his hands into his pants pockets. He watched his mom get into the driver's seat.
Bulma poked her head out the door. "Come on, Trunks!"
Trunks sighed again and climbed in on the passenger's side. He settled into the seat, then buckled the safety belt. "I really don't think this is a good idea."
"Don't be so pessimistic," Bulma said with a one sided smile. She started the flier, easing it off the ground. Checking the controls, she nodded and set a course for the crash site. "You've gone up against strong guys before. Krillin said he didn't sense any large power levels, so this should be easy!"
Trunks didn't agree. He knew his mom was aware that fighters could sometimes hide their power. He wasn't sure why she was interested in going personally. He would have preferred to let his father and Goku handle it. Goten and him might have faced off with Buu, but they had been fused and still managed to screw it up.
As far as he was concerned, he was off the official Chikyuusei warriors list. His last fight had been the last Tenkaichi Budoukai, which had turned into a disaster after Goku and Uub took off. His own father had quit because he had only been interested in fighting Goku and the fighter the other Saiyan had mentioned would be there. It had left an even number of leftover participants, so the tournament had continued.
Trunks eventually fought Buu, who won the match. The teen hadn't really cared, he had entered to keep his father from cutting his allowance. Luckily, he hadn't been pestered much since then about fighting and training. He wanted to keep it that way.
His attention was drawn outside as they entered the damage zone left by the alien ship. Several buildings were shedding chunks of concrete onto the ground. Twisted metal beams stuck out of gaping holes and broken glass coated various surfaces. Most cars that had been parked along the street were either flipped over or crushed. The destruction looked somehow more real, now that he saw it with his own eyes instead of watching it from a comfy sofa a safe distance away. He shifted, disquieted, as he wondered how many lives had been lost.
Bulma set the flier down on a fairly clear lawn behind the lines of police vehicles. Trunks shoved the unease to the back of his mind. The two occupants disembarked, taking in the situation. The police were still fanned out around the ship. Some of them were discussing plans on how to approach the pilot while others kept an eye on the hatch. It seemed the fire fight was at a short break.
Bulma strode up to one of the men. He was carrying a bullhorn and pointing to the ship as he spoke to several other officers.
"I don't care how, Keeki, but I want in that ship by another route!" the portly older man said. A taller, younger officer nodded, looking a bit flustered.
"Excuse me, are you the one in charge?" asked Bulma as she tapped the shorter officer on the shoulder.
The man whirled around. He glared at the woman who was intruding on his current investigation. "Lady, this ain't no place for tourists. If you want to watch what's going on, go home and turn on the TV."
Bulma bristled at the man's tone. Before he could turn back to the others, she poked him in the chest with her finger and said, "Listen here, whoever you are. I'm Bulma Briefs of the Capsule Corporation. We donate a lot of money to your funds, so I think you can spare a moment to tell me what's going on!"
The man sputtered in anger, not at all pleased to deal with a major contributor. He'd rather leave that to the PR department. People like that always stuck their noses in where they don't belong.
"I'm Lieutenant Doon Atsu, ma'am," he said with more than a touch of sarcasm on the end. "I'm sure you can see we're busy. Why don't you run along? The papers will write this up soon enough. Then you'll have your stories."
"Hmph!" Bulma glared at the officer, then jerked her chin up and marched past the lieutenant.
"Hey, mom! Wait!" Trunks reached out for Bulma but she slipped between two of the parked police cars. He shook his head and trotted off after her.
"Crazy woman," Atsu muttered. He nodded to Keeki to follow the foolish broad. He didn't need the death of some demented aging socialite on his head.
Keeki nodded back and tailed the other two.
Bulma made quick time getting through the mess of cars, rubble and other officers. She always tended to walk around with enough attitude that most hesitated a moment before trying to approach. By the time they realized she didn't belong there, she had left them behind. So she reached the stretch of ground between the ship and the police before either Trunks or Officer Keeki managed to catch up.
She gazed up at the opening in the side of the vessel. She couldn't see anything but a gray darkness beyond it. Cupping her hands around her mouth, she yelled, "I know you're in there. Whoever you are, you'd better stop your attack this instant!"
The barrel of some sort of weapon poked out of the opening. When no defensive attack came, it was followed by the torso of a black haired female. The woman frowned down at Bulma. She seemed a little confused but her expression left no doubt she would fire if she had to. She pointed the tip of the weapon at the newcomer.
"What do you want?" the woman asked, her voice hard.
Bulma studied her, thinking the pointy locks and dark brows looked extremely familiar. She was momentarily relieved the occupant wasn't the same sort of creature as Frieza. Though she had a hunch that the woman was powerful enough in her own right. Stepping closer to the vehicle, Bulma replied with hands on hips, "I'm Bulma Briefs, head of the largest corporation on this planet. Do you realize the damage you've caused?"
The woman grinned at her, not appearing at all sorry. "Wasn't my intention. And it was your native guards there who started the shooting."
Bulma heard the thump of footsteps behind her. Without turning around, she guessed it was Trunks, maybe one of the officers. She didn't take her eyes off the other. That reply was probably the closest anyone was going to hear to an apology. It did ease her mind that the damage wasn't on purpose, if the woman wasn't lying.
She crossed her arms. "Well, if you're done blasting things, come down here so those police know you didn't come to start a war."
The grin disappeared. The woman didn't seem to appreciate the tone of Bulma's demand. She turned her head slightly, as if listening to something inside her ship. Bulma realized she hadn't taken into account there might be more occupants. Well, she supposed it didn't matter. If they were peaceful, then they shouldn't make a fuss about coming out.
The woman scowled, flicking her gaze for a scant second to something or someone hidden to the side of the hatch. She said something, not sounding pleased, but Bulma couldn't make out the words. The scowl deepened and the woman snapped, "All right!"
Bulma didn't know if the comment was directed to her or whoever it was the woman was talking to. Whichever it was, the woman shifted her grip on the weapon, freeing one hand. She placed her hand on the bottom edge of the hatch, followed by a booted foot. She pulled herself up, balanced a few seconds, then leapt down to the ground.
The momentum from the drop forced her into a crouch. She quickly stood and brought both hands back to the weapon. Now that she was out in the light, Bulma suppressed a gasp. She recognized the black and tan armor. The twitching brown tail curled around her waist clenched it.
Eyeing Bulma warily, the woman stated, "I didn't come here to fight with your people. I'm looking for someone."
"Well...," Bulma said slowly, "I think I can help you."
"Hm?" The woman gave Bulma a suspicious glare. "How? You don't know who I've come for!"
"Maybe not," smirked Bulma, "But I do know what you are. I should warn you there are other Saiyans here and they protect this planet."
The woman blinked at her, then her face hardened. Her muscles tensed as she gripped her weapon tighter. "Don't try to trick me, woman. I know my people are dead!"
Bulma frowned, "Most of them, yes. But some escaped Frieza's destruction and now they live here."
The woman's attention sharpened at the mention of Frieza. She motioned to Bulma with the weapon. Her brows were drawn down and she clenched her teeth, "You know where he is? Tell me! That bastard will pay for what he did!"
Bulma hesitated, then answered, "If you want information, I can get it for you. But I think we'd better leave before Lieutenant Atsu decides to do something like arrest you."
The woman considered the advice, then said loudly, "Mai, get down here. Looks like our hunt is starting off on the right foot after all."
A pair of green hands grasped the edge of the hatch, an equally green head with antennae and elfish ears appeared in the opening. The white robed figure glanced at Bulma, then at the armored woman. A feminine voice answered, "Ok, I'm coming."
The woman on the ground moved aside to clear the way, though she kept the weapon ready. The one called Mai stepped up onto the hatch edge and leapt down. She didn't land as hard as her friend did, bending her knees only slightly as her feet touched the ground.
Bulma stared at her. The skin color and general body structure seemed to indicate this was a Namek. But the voice had been unmistakably female. There was also a very telling pair of bumps on the front of the robe. Not large but certainly there. She had been told there were no female Nameks!
The Namek, Mai, looked around and her eyes seemed sad. She folded her hands, bowing to Bulma. Her voice was soft as she said, "I'm sorry for the destruction we've caused. Our ship was damaged in a fight. We had no control over our landing."
"Mai!" The Saiyan glared at the Namek, making it clear she didn't think that information needed to be shared.
Mai frowned back and said, "I had to apologize, Brussi. Look what we did!"
She gestured to the ruins around them. Her eyes glittered. "Who knows how many natives were in those buildings? We're lucky they didn't execute us on sight!"
"Brat, if you don't be quiet-"
"Ahem!" Bulma cleared her throat loudly, drawing the attention of the two arguing visitors. "Look, if you two don't want to be hauled off, I suggest we leave."
Brussi and Mai stopped their bickering. Mai kept her hands folded as she stepped closer to Bulma. Brussi shouldered the weapon, then followed her friend. Bulma stepped aside, letting the two come beside her but not behind. She finally acknowledged Trunks by saying, "This is my son, Trunks. He'll be coming with us."
Trunks nodded curtly. He didn't say anything, simply turned and started back towards the flier. He wasn't surprised to see his mom take charge. He was, however, concerned over the appearance of another Saiyan. He doubted the Namek would be much trouble.
Trunks pushed past the flushed Lieutenant Atsu. The policeman wasn't pleased at the situation. He stepped in front of the three women, barring their way. "Now see her, ma'am. These two just can't up and walk off from a crime scene like this!"
Bulma bent down a little to look into the man's eyes. "If you want to talk to the Capsule Corp. lawyers, try to stop us. I'll have these two out faster than the ink will dry on their fingers! And I'll have the funding cut! If you stay out of the way, I'll see to it that the repairs are sponsored by my company. I'd hate to be the one responsible for losing that sort of assistance for the city."
Atsu grumbled something unintelligible, his cheeks quivering with rage. He bellowed, "Fine! But if these two... broads get out of hand, I'm having you arrested with them!"
He raised the bullhorn to his lips and started yelling orders for the officers to clean up and move out.
Bulma just smiled in triumph and led the other two to the flier. Trunks had the doors open, waiting for them to catch up. Brussi gave the vehicle a once over. Convinced it was ok, she slid into one of the back seats. Mai followed behind her. Trunks took the passenger side again as Bulma took the controls.
The flier lifted easily off the ground, billowing some dust, and took off towards the Capsule Corporation.