When Chichi opened the door to the living room, she noticed everybody waiting there. She then proceeded to tell them how Goku, Krillin, Tien and Launch were doing, even though it was a bit strange, considering they were dead and all. However, Yamcha, Chiaotzu, Roshi and Bulma were surprised to hear about Tien and Kushami. They had been too busy planning their escape to register what was happening between the two during their time in the shelter.
"If I am no longer needed here, I shall return to my Sanctuary." Kami announced, getting up, "I wish to check if Piccolo didn't alter anything else during his... stay there."
Bulma nodded, and got up to accompany Kami to the front door. The rest of the Z Fighters followed to see the Guardian of the Earth off as well. They said their goodbyes and with that, Kami blasted off into the darkening night sky. As his Ki trail was beginning to fade from view, everyone got back in the living room to discuss what they were going to do next.
"We need to reform the Z Fighters," Roshi told them, "only this time, we'll have to do better than just meet at every Budokai."
"Hey, wait a sec," Yamcha interrupted, "why? The Red Ribbons are no more, Piccolo's imprisoned forever and Pilaf couldn't beat us if he tried..."
"The reason is simple." Roshi replied, "I want to be sure that whatever future threat may arise, we'll be ready for it."
"Besides, we all believed the same when Goku destroyed the Red Ribbon Base," Roshi continued, "No one counted on the appearance of Piccolo back then either."
"Well you got that one right," Chichi sighed, "someone powerful always seemed to pop up whenever the last one was destroyed. Count me in."
"Yeah, you're right," Yamcha noted, "Anyway, you guys can count me in too."
"Me too," Chiaotzu said, "I may not be a great fighter, but my skills may come in handy."
"That goes for me too," Bulma said, before adding, "after all, you need someone with technical skill as well."
"Then I'll join too," a voice spoke from behind them. As the Z Fighters looked, they noticed Dr. Gero standing in the doorway, "See it as my way of repaying you for letting me continue my research here."
"Okay, now that that's dealt with," Roshi said, "the next issue. How are we going to finance this?"
"That shouldn't be a problem," Chichi noted, "the tax revenue of Fire Mountain should cover most of the upkeep, and Capsule Corp. can supply the equipment we'd need."
"Then I'll have an extra wing constructed with some bedrooms and a larger training room." Bulma said, "I think the one I had gave out under the amount of violence done by your aura's."
"Know what, I can even implement an artificial gravity generator in there as well." She continued, "I've heard Kami talk about a room in his Sanctuary that can do that."
"You can?" Yamcha asked, with a surprised look on his face, "But Kami doesn't HAVE machines up there, so how can you copy its effects?"
"Basically, I just need to make a few alterations to my weather simulator," Bulma told him, smirking, "although I need some time to run a few tests as well."
"Bulma, you're a genius," Yamcha smiled, earning a wink from Bulma, "what do you say we all call it a day? We'll go to Kami's place tomorrow."
"Yeah, you're right," Chiaotzu noted, stifling a yawn, "it's been a long day, and it's getting late. G'nite everyone."
Chiaotzu stood up and went to his bedroom, soon followed by the other Z Fighters. Bulma was the last one to leave, yet as she passed Gero, she heard him say something.
"Miss Briefs," Gero said, "there is something I've been wanting to ask you."
"Sure, go ahead," Bulma replied, "what's up?"
"Now that we're officially on the same side," Gero told her, "I propose a treaty."
"This sounds interesting," Bulma noted, "what exactly did you have in mind?"
"A cooperation, really. You grant me access to your research files, and I'll grant you access to mine." Gero offered, "You're working on a lot of innovative projects, and I know you're anxious to find out about the androids I keep in my pods."
"It sounds like we'd both benefit from it then," Bulma said "but we still have your rather... unfortunate reputation to deal with."
"There is a way to do that." Gero noted, "Undoubtedly, people will have heard in the past week that the Demon King Piccolo had returned."
"Now, there'll be a broadcast in which the Z Fighters state that Piccolo has been defeated again." Gero continued, "All I have to do is be in it as well..."
"... And because most people don't know who you are," Bulma finished, "we could leave a first impression of a saviour in their minds."
"That is correct, miss Briefs," Gero stated, "nothing they'll hear afterwards would be able to convince them otherwise, not even my... former occupations."
"Dr. Gero, we have an agreement. Capsule Corp.'s PR division will take care of the details." Bulma said, holding out her hand, "Welcome to Capsule Corp."
"Much as I would like to go over your research at this very moment, miss Briefs," Gero said, clasping his hands in Bulma's, "might I suggest awaiting the completion of the additional wing?"
"Sure, the current lab is a little too small with all the equipment you've brought with you." Bulma told him, "Oh and please, call me Bulma."
"Very well," Gero said, releasing Bulma's hand and turning towards the stairs, "I'll be looking forward to working with you and your father."
Bulma was glad Gero had already turned away, so he couldn't see the shock that had hit Bulma upon realising that her father knew nothing of this. She was worried that although her mother didn't mind if she'd invite Piccolo Daimao himself over for tea and cookies, her father would object.
What made things worse, was that her father knew EXACTLY who Dr. Gero was.
It had taken him a while to get used to Yamcha's appearance, but at least he hadn't known from the start what Yamcha did for a living. She could still remember the panic he was in when he found out, running around Capsule Corp. installing locks onto every door to keep his industrial secrets safe. How he would react to Gero in the house, she could only guess.
'I guess I'll pass that bridge when I cross it,' Bulma thought, vaguely wondering if it would be on fire, 'it's too late to turn back now...'
And with that, she went upstairs to get some sleep.
A/N: And that concludes me putting up what i had. My apologies to anyone who had this story faved (MrBump and Xyex) for having FFnet's update bot flood your mailboxes with seven new chapter alerts sweatdrops
Even though i won't be writing new fanfics (at least, not anytime soon), i'll still be updating this one with character bios from RP forums. I still make those, and a number of them i'm quite satisfied with... The first of whom i've already put up .