Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball Z.

Author's Notes: Well, glad to seeFF.net up and running again. Down the weekend I planned on updating. Oh, well. OK, I know the next two chapters are relatively short, but I think this next chapter is somewhat cool, and I didn't want to put anything after it in this installment. Thanks to my faithful reviewers Omega and Anonymous Cat. Hope ya'll enjoy.



Chapter 18: A Business Deal



"Mrs. Briefs. Someone to see you."

Bulma sighed in frustration. 'Too much paperwork. Can't see anyone. Too much paperwork.' "I told you to hold all calls and I wasn't to be disturbed."

"Mrs. Briefs, this individual is rather insist - no, wait!"

The door flew open, and Bulma was astonished to see, of all people, her sister-in-law stride in. 'Well, I was looking for a diversion from this torture.' "Jita. This is a surprise. Though I don't understand why you didn't just wait until I got home to talk."

Jita assumed an expression that was utterly calm and aloof - one that seemed to be common in royalty. "I have observed on this planet that business matters are rarely discussed at a private home."

"Business?" It was as if Jita had just started speaking in iambic pentameter, or Saiyan.

"It has to do with this tuition. The identification you have provided has proven most useful. I took the entrance exams two weeks ago, and I received a letter today informing me of my admittance to the Chikyuu University. I joined the four-year program to achieve a bachelor's degree in liberal arts. I spent some time calculating the cost of four years of school and, though the amount is considerable, I have a solution."

Bulma was amazed at the woman's resourcefulness. Vegeta had never adjusted to life on earth to this degree. "And - you need me?"

"Yes. Tell me, are you interested in different technology?"

Bulma lit up. "Why, of course! What do you think we do here?"

Jita smirked. "What would my spaceship be worth to you?"



Jita opened the hatch to the sight of a group of technicians with Bulma at the lead, practically drooling over their new toy. As the technicians devoured this new technology, Jita headed over to the gravity chamber. Vegeta was there, as usual.

"You sold your ship." It was not a question.

Jita began her warm-up exercises. "I needed the money."

"Since when do you need money?"

"Since I moved to this money-driven planet."

That was one interesting thing Jita had discovered. To survive in the earth society, money was required. One must buy freedom. It seemed contradictory, and rather discouraging, but she played the game.

"What if you want to leave?" Vegeta interrupted her thoughts.

After a moment's consideration, Jita replied, "There's always the Dragonballs. I suppose wishing for a ship wouldn't be beyond the dragon's power."

The two remained silent for a while. "You always did like to study," Vegeta broke the silence.

Jita laughed slightly. "I'll never forget how angry you'd get when I hid my books in your quarters."

Chuckling softly, Vegeta asked, "Tell me. What are you planning on studying at this university?"

"Well, anything I can. You know I've always wanted to read . . . and research."

"Yes, I know," Vegeta shot her a pointed glance. Jita winced uncomfortably, and it wasn't because of the gravity.