Payment in Full
By Trynia Merin aka StarbearerTM
Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z or Full metal alchemist. Funimation brings us these master works of anime on DVD. Toriyama created DBZ, and Full Metal Alchemist belongs to its own creators. I can only claim responsibility for the plot and the character of Atomique, Parsnip, Fermi, Bohr, Merlot, Cabernet and other fan characters here. The only pay I get is your reviews so please keep them coming! And my thanks to those who have already reviewed! Kudos and hugs to you!
Father and Son FrictionUrgent shrill beeping roused her out of a troubled sleep. Sitting bold upright she noticed Raditz was cursing and stirring sleep from his dark eyes. He sat up, gently pushing Atomique along with his rising chest so she nestled in his lap. Sheets fell from around their hips, and Raditz rubbed his eyes. He let out a loud yawn, stretching. Lightly his tail dropped across herexposedthighs, tickling the tops of them. Still he wore the spandex shorts and top, while she wore a light loose gown of silklike material he'd given her the night before.
"Up woman, food," he said.
"I don't' know first thing about fixing anything!" she snorted.
"No I mean we get food, idiot," he said.
"It's too early to be pissed off at you. What the hell am I supposed to wear?"
A chiming bleep answered within seconds of her question. Raditz urged her off his lap, and then crossed the foam-covered floor to answer the door. He grunted, "Yes?"
"Sir, Commander Turles instructed these garments be delivered for your concubine with his regards," said a female in diaphanous silver veil skirt. It was one of the concubines she had seen the day before, the white furred Persia.
"Thank you, lady Persia," Raditz inclined his head. "Give my regards to your master for his generosity."
"He also bids me tell you to start the woman with your sire, Professor Bardock as soon as she's fitted for armor and eaten. And bids me recommend you train her yourself after assessing her combat skills."
"Is that all?"
"Yes. Forgive my intrusion," Persia nodded. She backed away, the gold collar gleaming around her slender neck. Raditz let the door slide shut, clutching the wrapped bundle in his arms.
"Come here woman, your question's been answered," Raditz said. "I was right when I told you that you'd have no need for those rags you call clothes."
"That was my old state alchemy uniform," she snorted.
"This is your new uniform. As of now you're my subordinate. And as such you must wear what custom dictates," Raditz said. He laid out a full body AE suit, with breastplate that had no shoulder flashes, and was a dark black with groin and hip guards. She was thankful the black AE suit would cover her legs, but was annoyed her arms would be bare. Still it was better then the skimpy things the concubines wore.
It took a few minutes for her to get dressed, but the armored breastplate conformed to her body, with some stretch and give across her chest. It supported her stomach and bosom far better than any high tech wonder bra, and the tall boots came to her knees, putting her height up at least three inches. The boots were reinforced things with small compartments, and she had the option of tugging the long leggings over the top or tucking them in the boots. Her AE suit had short sleeves that covered her arms to the elbow.
"I look ridiculous with this thing. How am I supposed to see clearly out of both eyes with this?" she wondered as he handed her another item, which was a scouter.
"Shut up and finish dressing. I'm ravenous and I loathe waiting for my morning meal," he griped, struggling into his own armor. Ironically much of her body was covered except for bare forearms and neck and face. She was quite thankful of that. Leaning down he showed her how the scouter fit over the left eye rendering part of her field of vision a pale green.
"You won't need the glasses. It will compensate for your lack of sight across your entire field of vision," he mumbled fiddling with it. Atomiqu looked at him doubtful till she noticed the light waves blurring to a clear point just before the limits of her vision.
"Damn," she mumbled. Still she folded her glasses and stuck them in one of the compartments on the side of one boot. Instead of hip pouches the Saiyan armor had things in the boots or the gauntlets.
"You dropped this before. It is of some value," he said, tossing her a silver watch inscribed with a chimera.
"Wait, how did you get that? I thought I left it behind!"
"Careless to do so. Don't you require it for your power regulation?" he sniffed. It had been her hope to leave it behind and not reveal the extent of her true powers, but Raditz had retrieved it. Opening it she saw at least the note was not present. Sighing she fastened it around the wrist and pushed it into one of the gauntlet compartments on her right wrist.
"Thank you," she mumbled gloomily. He reached down and fastened the chain to her neck, running the line to his hand.
"A formality. If you serve without question the first few days it will be removed," Raditz said quietly. "All fourth classes are so trained."
"I got you," She grumbled. "Some people would call this thing a love leash and consider it kinky."
"Humph, interesting. You must tell me later. But enough of this babbling," he snapped, giving the leash a slight tug so the chain tapped her bare neck. She followed him, standing up and striding with as normal a posture as she could.
Inside a large 'mess hall' several tables were set up with long benches. Some of the females sat with leashes, at least the non-Saiyan females which ran to their owner's wrists. They would sit to the immediate left of their masters or on their laps. Apparently Turles had a greater number of Saiyan warriors than she could have originally anticipated.
"They are not all full blooded," he said. "My family is one of the few third classes that still are. Most of the others are half. Even those with a drop of Saiyan blood can aspire to higher ranks. But it is hard."
"I have no Saiyan blood," she said quietly.
"You see the other aliens? Turles employs other races. Those two are Tangelo, Ascorbic, and Tangerine. The red stripes signify Idsarjin warriors who serve Saiyans."
"Third class," she nodded. "Rank and file."
She saw the males had long hair with streaks of silver and black. Their armor was black with green or brown shoulder flashes. Raditz sat down near the three Idsarjin males, and two Saiyans that she had seen the other day. A young male named Parsnip, and another with shorter hair called Cellulose. He was Raditz' age, wearing armor much in the style of Raditz, but he wore a bodysuit underneath, and had a brass ring on his upper left arm. Next to him sat the second female Saiyan she had seen.
"Chablis," Raditz whispered. "Cabernet and Napa's eldest daughter. One of the few Saiyan females other than Ruta who survived the explosion that destroyed our home world. She is mated to Cellulose. "
"One big happy family," she said.
"I see your old man's come out of his lab finally," Tangelo said mildly.
"I will not dignify that with a response," Raditz mumbled as he ignored his teammate.
"Your father?" she asked with a shiver. "But he looks just like…"
Raditz nodded with a look of extreme irritation. The newcomer and doppelganger to Goku came past the table and met Raditz' eyes with a low grunt and nod of the head. "Father," he said quietly.
"So, you finally came back from that little wild targresh chase? I hope Napa didn't give you any foolish ideas," he said with a frown.
"If it's any of your interest I found you another assistant," Raditz glowered at him. "This is Tomik. She's been assigned to R and D."
"Hmm, you finally found a female. Took you damn long enough. I suppose you realize that aurites aren't the most important thing anymore?" he sniffed, glancing at Atomique. "Where are you from, girl?"
"Another dimension, sir," she said.
"Come with me, girl,' he said. "You can entertain my son later. I want to see just what you claim you know. If you have any use as a scientist we'll see it soon enough."
"Father really she hasn't eaten. I don't' want her dying on me before I take my pleasure," Raditz snorted.
"She'll be fed, whelp," his father snorted. "Doubtless its better then hearing your damn fool bragging about how many destroyers you snuffed. If she's to help me at all she had best get started as soon as possible."
"Radz-kun?" she blinked.
"Go with Father. And remember to mind what he says. Do try and bring her back in a sane condition after your experiments," Raditz sniffed. He handed the leash over to Bardock, who snorted unimpressed.
"And a good morning to you, boy," Bardock grumbled at him, giving him a hard stare. "This way girl."
"Don't be nervous, you'll be treated well," Lyssra said with a smile. The first genuine smile she'd seen since coming on the ship. Nervously she got up and let Bardock and his concubine lead her away.
They came to a large laboratory in another section of the ship. Lyssra entered a code to access the chamber. Inside Atomique stared in wonder at conglomerations of glassware on one counter bubbling away. Another area contained what appeared to be advanced electronics far more advanced then even Bulma's laboratory at Capsule Corporation. Since she was accustomed to the technology of her alchemy world, it all seemed far beyond her ken. Nevertheless she had learned much about advanced circuitry and machinery during her stay on Chikyuu by her powers of observation.
"So, you're from Earth?" asked Bardock as he glanced at Atomique. Starting at her feet his eyes flickered up her armored form to her eyes. "You look almost Saiyan."
"So I've heard," she snorted, glancing at him. "I understand you're something of a scientist?"
"Mmph, what did that drek eating son of mine tell you, woman?" he asked.
"Dear, go easy on her," Lyssra said.
"What's your name, woman?" Bardock asked, glancing at her harshly. But his eyes were gentle, almost like Goku's. "I'm not going to hurt you. Speak."
"I'm Atomique. At least that's any name that has any significance," she said, glaring at him equally defiantly. "And I am an organic chemist. At least that's what I was when I was studying to become a state alchemist for the military of my world. Your son encountered me in another dimension. Where your prince and your son were alive."
"I know," Bardock said. "You must be the one."
"What?"
"I have certain… abilities. I won't explain them now. But I can predict things before they happen with uncanny accuracy. That's all you need know. But I predicted my son would find a mate soon. I guess you're it. And I'm glad to say you're the best prospect for a mate he's had in ages," Bardock snorted. "Now, I'm going to test your knowledge of various disciplines and then see where I can best use you. Lyssra, prepare her while I get the equipment ready."
"A test huh," she said. "Like the GRE?"
"GRE? Some qualification test?" Bardock asked as Lyssra led her over to where several modified scouters were kept. Bardock strode over and punched buttons on a console in his laboratory. All manner of devices and laboratory equipment were kept here. A few other technicians worked there, one of, which was a young male Saiyan she recognized as Cellulose.
"My other technician. Corporal Cellulose. Meet Private Tomik. She's working with us," Bardock waved. "Now, come here. I'm going to have the computer scan your mind and ask you a series of hypothesis. You just think of the methods to solve the problems and the computer will assess your abilities. It's all psychic."
"I'm not very psychic, but I will play your games," Atomique nodded; glad to have something useful to do. He hooked the headpiece to her scouter, and slid special gloves over her wrists and ankles.
"Switching on. Lyssra, go resume work on the Neo project. Master Kaulif wants the data right away," he said. "Cellulose, have you got the tissue type and matching project done? He's on my ass for that."
"Yes sir. But he tells me you should focus on the Bruits wave experiments for maximum efficiency. Commander Turles wants data as soon as possible. The Master is anxious for us to have as much completed from the databanks we've gleaned on this last voyage."
"Lyssra, you decoded that Jhuweylian database yet?" Bardock asked. He glanced at Atomique's hand movements and speech spewing equations as she solved unknown problems.
"Yes love," she nodded. "I think we can integrate their psi powers into our race database. Sub Commander Kaulif will surely promote you to Second class if you continue…"
"As if it would be any use to me. You think seriously they care what color armor I wear? To them I'm always a madman. Ever since those damn dreams started," Bardock mumbled. He moved over to Atomique's test results, punching buttons.
"Hmm, she has considerable A 1 rating in matter and bonding. Although her social sciences are a bit weak. And she has some empathic abilities that result from her powers of observation. Physics and math is strong, and her three-D spatial skills are top notch. But her knowledge of current theories is weak. I think I can bring her up to speed. She had the requisite intelligence," he mumbled.
"Should I start her on the data tapes?"
"Yes. Educate her. Before I can properly use her she's got a LOT to learn. But that fool son of mine had better not burn her out," Bardock grumbled. "That polymer generation she's doing right now is unique. But if she's going to be any use as a soldier she's GOT to stop relying on it."
A knock sounded at the door. Bardock grunted, "Yeah what is it?"
"Research Director Kaulif to see you," Cellulose said nervously. A tall figure with broad shoulders and white battle armor strode in, glancing down at him. He had shoulder length spiky hair clustered under his blue lens scouter, while he wore a long lab smock over his armor.
"Well, Third class, I see you've been busy. Any results on the Neo project?"
"You've got me split between that and the Blutz wave experiments. I'm doing a lot more with fewer scientists. I'm no damn miracle worker!"
"Still, I hear you have another servant. What's her qualifications?"
"Chemistry and matter synthesis," he nodded.
"Put her to work testing the armor. And throw her on neo, but don't tip your hand. What's her intelligence?"
"She's my son's concubine. These are the results. Bone structure's unusually dense for a ningen."
"Maybe she can make the change. You know that Lyssra's also a prime candidate," he nodded.
"Yes, but give me more time. She's a valuable resource I can't do without. If it went wrong," Bardock mumbled.
Time seemed to pass without her knowing. It was a total shock when someone tapped her on the shoulder. Vast equations swirled in the VR simulation that fed directly into her brain. Hour after hour complex molecules spun, and Atomique discerned their structure. Other parts of the test involved cranking equations that were something she was accustomed to seeing scrawled on a blackboard at Central HQ. Principles of science were one universal constant, no matter how advanced the society.
"Time to eat," Lyssra said, unplugging Atomique's feed to her scouter.
"Already?" she shrugged, letting Lyssra help her disconnect all the electrodes.
"Bardock insists. Can't have our technicians starving to death, can we?" Lyssra grinned.
"So, how'd I do?"
"Not too badly. Of course you get reasonable marks for chemistry and physics, even though your knowlege is outdated by our standars. Bardock thinks you can be reeducated. However your knowlege of electronics is woefully inadequate. I was surprised with your skills in the psychology category, and you seem to have a knack for three D spacial artistic functions that he guesses are from your ability to channel your ki to rearrange molecules," Lyssra said.
"Where are you from? Why weren't YOU a slave?" she asked.
"Bardock chose me," she said, pulling back her hair to reveal the circular bite mark. "And I'm not a pretty little thing that Turles and his men can use as a toy. Play your cards right and you can go far. It's not all bed slaves and such. He has the beautiful women because he fancies himself another King Vegeta. But don't let anyone know I told you that."
"What happened to the prince?" asked Atomique.
"You'll learn as soon as Bardock or his son see fit to tell you," she said. "Come, let's join him."
"Are you fourth class like me then?" she asked, examinine Lyssra's armor. It was identical to hers except she wore shoulder flashes with gold tipping them.
"Yes," she nodded. "A servant like you, but a concubine."
"Raditz said his mother was killed when a comet smashed into Vejitasei. We had Saiyans in my reality but only two survived. Bardock's younger son Kakkarot, and Prince Vegeta."
"Prince Vegeta has gone missing. Some of us hope we find him, but lately our Master has been sending us on more missions."
"Who is in charge of Turles? The commander?" Atomique continued, seeing that she was finally getting a reliable source of information. Raditz so far had only told her what he figured she should know. Limiting knowlege or access to it was the best way to control a subserviant.
Slowly Lyssra drew in a breath, lowering her graceful brows. "You don't know about the master?"
"Emperor Freiza?" Atomique said carefully. Instantly Lyssra's face twisted with fear and her eyes widened in horror.
"No, not he! Why Lord Paragus of Alvegasei," she shuddered.
"Lord Paragus?" she shook her head. That name didn't ring a bell, but it sounded Saiyan/
"One of the last surviving Royal families," Lyssra said in a whisper. Back and forth she glanced, as if checking to see invisible eyes or ears listening in.
Atomique stood close, blocking Lyssra's face from what she percieved as a security camera. She muttered, "There aren't many Saiyans left are there?"
"I'm not permitted to speak of that," Lyssra said, shuffling weight from one boot to another. She licked her lips, flickering her eyes from left to right. Muscles twitched in her slender neck.
"Are they fewer then 20?" Atomique queried.
"More," she said.
"100?" the alchemist tried again.
Reluctantly Lyssra caved in, admitting, "There are few full bloods. Most are half or 1/4. The race survives, but barely. Strangely enough."
"Half bloods are stronger then full, I know," she said.
Lyssra looked at her in surprise. She said, "That's what Research Director Kaulif is working on. A Race bank, studying the permutations of what causes this when Saiyan genes mix with inferior species. Idsarjins are the most compatible race for crossbreeding. So most Saiyans you see have Idsarjin mothers and Saiyan fathers. They are the only beings strong enough to withstand a Saiyan mating bond. But only full blooded and half-blooded Saiyans can claim a mate according to their traditions. Non Saiyans are mere concubines. But the bond is lifelong."
"Why doesn't Turles agree?" asked Atomique, helping her to put away the test leads and other equpiment where she indicated.
"Members of Royal family and Royal Elite are free to mate with as many females as they see fit, because they must produce an heir to pass their power onto. King Vegeta had at least 20 concubines. But only the one who bore him a son became Queen," Lyssra continued, not bothering to lower her voice. Clearly this must be a less forbidden topic.
"Why am I NOT surprised? But what has this to do with me?" Atomique shrugged, shaking her head. Typical male dominated society.
"You'll know. But I figure Bardock would like you to know the bare basics," she said as they walked down the hall.
Bardock himself exited another lab, glancing at his concubine and new scientist. Cellulose caught up with them as well, giving them a smirk. Catching sight of the two women, he moved up between them. "Don't get a swelled head, human. You're bright, but you still need to mind your place," Cellulose smirked.
"Yes we know, Corporal," Lyssra said. "Leave us be."
"Humph," Cellulose snorted. Just then, Bardock increased the pace of his stride, shoving the young third class aside.
"Shut up and go eat. Or I'll have you categorizing fungi samples for the next maxim!" Bardock snapped at him.
"Sorry Sir," he stammered, seeing the glare in his superior's eyes. "I'll um, I'll go on ahead and eat."
"You do that," Bardock said, resting hands on his hips. "Stupid sod, if you weren't related to the Commander I wouldnt' hesitate to take you into the combat room myself. Stop poking your nose into things that aren't your business!"
"Yes, apologies," Cellulose said, walking past the ladies at a good clip.
"Stupid whelp," Bardock shook his head. "Useless."
"Wonder why some Saiyans have leggings and others show flesh?" she asked Lyssra, keeping her voice low.
"Because my son is a show off, and he's a Purger," said Bardock. "They like to flaunt their physiques. Scientists and soldiers like us have no need for such useless waste of frivolity. We're not looked up to for our scars."
"Although with yours I'm sure you're quite attractive in your own right," Atomique said.
"What?" Bardock stammered.
"Saiyans like scarring. It makes the males look rugged," Atomique teased him.
"No doubt my SON told you that," he grumbled.
"You don't like Raditz much do you?" Atomique said carefully. His brows furrowed in anger, making her flinch.
"That isn't your affair, so drop it," Bardock snapped at her.
"Sorry," she mumbled. Moving over to Bardock, Lyssra slid her arm under his and rested her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his tail around her waist, sighing.
"She doesn't know, love," Lyssra shook her head. "She'll know soon enough."
"I'm going to introduce you to the others," Bardock said quietly. "Those others under my command."
"Are you a Purger yourself?" Atomique asked.
Bardock rolled his eyes, and said, "Please, my team goes in and assesses the contract's strengths and cleans up after Napa's squad. We're the grunts while they get all the glory."
"Bare legs equals higher status?" she asked.
"Humph, I guess you could put it that way, woman," he snorted. "Now enough talk. Be on your best behavior around my subordinates. They outrank you still."
They arrived at the cafeteria, glancing around. Bardock led them to a table where three male Saiyans and a female were already stuffing their faces from the mounds of food piled high. The sole female had short hair, much like Videl's. Her features were lovely, and she had her tail curled around that of the male next to her, who wore a dark red headband. He had multiple scars up and down his body. A more portly Saiyan sat to his left, while a very tall and stout one was across. She almost had a stroke when another male Saiyan strode in, accompanied by an Idsarjin female in Saiyan style armor. Apart from a scar running from cheek to chin, and the scouter, it was like staring at a ghost of something she left behind.
"Your son finally found a female?" the female Saiyan said as she leaned over and spoke to her commander.
"That'd be the case. Perhaps that idiot will finally contribute to continuing our race against oblivion. Honestly I don't know what to do with that glory hunter sometimes. Ever since he's been on Nappa's brigade he's been nothing but arrogant. Apparently he thinks he's too good for a third class," Bardock said sullenly.
"He's still young," Tora reminded him.
"She's Fasha," Lyssra whispered to Atomique. "That's her mate Tora, and her brother Celerick."
Celerick, Fasha's brother, rolled his eyes. "Don't remind me. Ever since he came back he's wanted little to do with our squad. Never mind that his own flesh and blood leads it."
"I don't want to talk about this now," Bardock glared at them. "That's enough."
Lyssra suddenly came with Atomique in tow. Bardock nodded, indicating she should keep the female standing. "This is Tomik. She's working on the materials weapons research. Introduce yourself, girl."
"Fourth class scientist Tomik at your service," Atomique said, glancing at the table.
"Don't just stare, let her sit down at least," Fasha mumbled. "You look hungry girl. I'm sure it wouldn't kill to have her sitting with us."
"Fourth class or no?" snorted Atomique.
"Shut up and sit down girl. You've been invited," Bardock grumbled at her. Lyssra motioned to her to sit on Bardock's other side, near where Fasha said with Tora.
"What sort of a world are you from?" Celerick chuckled. But he had a gentle manner about him that put her nervousness at ease. Bardock was very matter of fact, only concerned with her skills. It was somewhat refreshing to be treated in a totally dispassionate manner. Gruff but kind, she thought. But definitely someone you wouldn't want as an enemy.
"You may tell them, girl," Bardock said. "And eat something or that idiot son of mine will never shut the hell up."
"Right sir," she nodded, letting Lyssra fix her a plate. The two of them shared off of the large trencher. Female slaves ate off their master's platters, and since Raditz was not here, Lyssra and Bardock provided her with food from their portions.
"All of you report to Commander Turles?" she asked.
"All of us," he nodded.
"Those few of us left alive," added Fasha.
"Are you SURE you were thinking clearly taking her as a mate? She seems far too strong for the likes of you," Cellulose said dryly.
"Far too smart maybe? If she's helping your sire, you'd better watch out that he doesn't take her from you, fool," laughed Tangelo.
"You shut up and take that back now. I'm not in the mood for your games," Raditz snapped. "Don't push your luck!"
"Relax, Raditz. He means nothing by it, right?" Parsnip urged, giving Tangelo a blow in the ribs that made him grunt and spill the contents of his lips down his armor.
"Damn it!" Tangelo growled.
"Mind your tongue. I will not have you speaking such fool things about Father," Raditz snarled at him.
"I thought you couldn't see eye to eye with your old man," Cellulose mumbled.
"That's my affair. Stay out of it," Raditz glared at him. "Unless some of you want to end up plastered to the training room wall!"
"Relax," said Tangelo. "Don't fly off the handle, Sergeant. After all, your female's sitting RIGHT there."
"Humph," he snorted. "Wait here."
Among the research team Lyssra and Atomique listened intently to Fasha's latest story of a run on Gastric. "So there we were, surrounded by a hundred Gastrayans. Celerick had TOLD us that we shouldn't have taken this job."
"But you explained it to THEM, not I," grinned Celerick as he glanced at his sister.
"She kicked their tails from here to the other side of the planet," Tora shook his head.
"Score one for girl power," Atomique laughed.
"Absolutely," Fasha nodded. "Nobody disputes with my Granite rush."
"Signature attack, correct?" Atomique said.
"You got a few Riot Javelins in as I recall, didn't you, sir?" Tora glanced at Bardock. He had let his tail drop from his waist, Atomique noticed. That and Lyssra's face twitched into a smile that suggested where it had occupied itself.
"I'm not one to brag, but I can still keep up with your average, idiot," Bardock said with a pride filled smirk that reminded her of Vegeta. It was eerie seeing this battered battle crusty version of Goku sitting there with others of an extinct race. Still she was miffed at Raditz for not revealing the extent of what had survived the explosion.
"Still telling that SAME story for the hundredth time, are we?" a harsh voice cut over them. Standing nearby was Merlot and Raditz, both carrying what appeared to be trays piled high with food.
"Son," Bardock snorted, glancing up. "I suppose you're going to interrupt as you ALWAYS do?"
"I require my female back, Father," Raditz sniffed. "You've monopolized her time long enough. There's the simple matter of training her to be of use so she doesn't' get in the way."
"Lucky me," Atomique glared up at him.
"Come woman, I require your company," he snorted, grabbing her by the shoulder. She glanced at Lyssra and shook her head.
"Bring her back in one piece. She's helping me on an important project," Bardock glared up at him. "Some of us haven't the time for histrionics."
"Really, I do forget my manners, Father. My apologies," Raditz said with a slight deferent smile. "I really SHOULD learn not to brag."
"Whelp," mumbled Tora as Raditz tugged on Atomique's leash, guiding her after him. She glanced back, anger rushing through her at having her meal disrupted.
