I wish I owned DBZ, but I don't. I own DVD's and tapes, but it just isn't the same. Nor do I own any legal imprinting of whatever theme I'm using, such as a crossover with another anime, movie or TV series. Did I think it up? Yes. Was I the first to think it up? Probably not, but I digress. I also don't own the rights to any of the music pieces you see selected, just the merchandise, such a shame. The artists that created them are geniuses and we all must bow to them.
Chapter 5: Framed
"Where did you say you got this?" Bulma asked.
"The REDIC facility in Satan City. Detective Satsu called for help. That is the remains of an android I destroyed," Verto explained as he had dropped what was left of the big android Xin in the middle of her lab. It was smashed and burnt beyond repair, resembling little more than a pile of scrap metal.
Bulma grimaced, "Okay, well that's just great. I finish one project and another lands at my feet, literally. Did you use the scanner I gave you?"
Verto pulled it from his pocket, "Hopefully I got enough. I'm not sure what Kain got from the prototype models, but he should've gotten plenty from the three advanced models I fought with. This big pile of junk was essentially another type like Android Thirteen in that he could take components from the other two to gain strength. I didn't have time to go back for more without being seen."
Bulma sighed, "Alright, I'll find out what I can from this, or what's left of it. It might take a while though. This looks pretty advanced even for Doctor Gero."
"Kain said he detected aspects of both Gero and Wheelo's tech in these models. And we already know that Wheelo was using Gero's information and models," Verto pointed out.
"It can't be Flandal, he's dead and buried in the tundra somewhere, isn't he?"
"Whether he is or not, we have another android assembly line somewhere. And they were strong enough to push me to Super Saiyan."
"Well, what about the missing people?" Bulma asked.
Verto scowled for a moment and looked away, "There wasn't anything I could do for them. They were either replaced and hidden somewhere or completely transformed. I'd wager on the latter. Sonny said that the prototype models I destroyed matched their reports, so maybe they were used for templates but I doubt it. I know the things I killed were not human, or at least no longer were. I could sense some Ki from them, but they all felt off, like they were in a state of flux the whole time. It sounds like a waste of time and effort to transform them though. Sonny said the one they managed to kill was all metal underneath after they set it on fire."
Bulma grimaced again, "Well, I hope for your sake that they were just robots wearing someone's skin. I hate to think that they were innocent people." "You're not the only one, but if they were, they didn't act like it. They were more like mindless zombies, just a robotic type. We might want to keep the Dragon Balls handy regardless," Verto suggested.
Bulma nodded, "I agree, I'll see what I can do with the information you brought me. Are you staying for dinner? The upload might take a while after all."
Verto shrugged, "I guess I could. Hercule doesn't need me until next week."
"Oh so you took the job? Good for you," Bulma said with a smile.
Verto snorted, "We'll see how good it turns out to be. I am a little worried about this REDIC situation though. Hopefully Sonny and Marcus gave the authorities enough to shut them down."
"At least you didn't blow the whole place up this time so they could investigate," Bulma pointed out.
Verto looked away again, "I'm starting to wonder if I should have. I'll be in the den."
He was barely a step out of her lab before Trunks came running up, "Hey bro, I've got a problem and I need your help!"
Verto's eyebrow went up at the urgency he sensed, "What kind of problem? I'm not doing your homework for you."
"Not that, that stuff is easy. I can't get my energy sword technique to work very well against Ki blasts."
"Didn't I tell you before that it won't work that well against energy-based attacks and defenses? It only works if the power-output is greater than whatever it's going against," Verto explained briefly.
"But your Psi sword always worked, even at low power," Trunks mentioned.
"Not against everything. And it is a different type of energy, that's why. Psionic waves are also more effective against energy techniques, especially Ki-based ones. Your Ki sword is better against physical things and obstacles. It's just the way it is, I had to learn that too. You probably could still use it to deflect energy blasts as long as they're not too strong, but it's not a good way to block directly unless you throw a lot of power and effort into it. And to be perfectly honest, that's a big waste of energy when you can probably just dodge. You should only do something like that when you feel you have to."
Trunks frowned with disappointment, "Okay, I guess you're right. Does that mean the Chi version is better than both?"
Verto scowled at the unintentional reminder of his situation, "Correct, it is effective as long as it isn't overpowered by whoever you're going up against."
Trunks' curiosity remained, "So how did you beat that android last night?"
"I see you still spy on conversations. I turned Super Saiyan and used the laser on him, your mother has what's left in her lab," Verto said as he jerked his thumb towards the lab.
Trunks couldn't contain the excitement, "Cool! Wish I could've seen it!"
"I don't doubt that, but the fact that I needed to go that far is concerning me. I need to meditate, if you don't mind. Let me know when dinner is ready," Verto said as he walked off. Trunks gave off his own look of concern as he watched Verto slowly step away.
The evening was quiet until about halfway through the meal when the police sirens were heard. When they came closer and closer, Verto started to get a little worried.
"Weaklings must've crashed into each other again. Fools should learn how to fly," Vegeta grumbled.
"Yeah Dad, no kidding!" Trunks agreed. Bulma stared at Verto as his eyes were shifted to his left despite the full plate of food before him. The sirens got louder before abruptly stopping nearby, followed quickly by the doorbell ringing and excessive pounding on the Capsule Corp entrance.
Verto sensed dozens of human life forms out there and instantly knew, "They're here for me. Last night was a setup."
Vegeta laughed, "And what do they plan to do boy? Threaten us with their little pistols?"
"Probably, but they're also going to make us miserable. Public opinion can be swayed fairly easily by truth and lies. Looks like you get to say it about all of this blowing back on us," Verto said as he glanced at Bulma.
"Told ya so! Now I'm the one in trouble because I'm your legal guardian!" she said in exasperation.
"Is it documented?" Verto asked.
"Well of course! You think I would miss a detail like that?" Bulma asked as if insulted.
"If I buy you enough time, do you think you can un-document it?" Verto asked in a serious tone.
Bulma turned her head slightly, "I suppose, why?"
"What do you have in mind boy?" Vegeta asked.
"Just follow my lead, and don't worry. I intend to keep them focused on me and not you. Listen up…" he started. Outside, no less than a dozen police vehicles and three times as many officers had set up a perimeter on the street with several more driving up onto the grass to cover all potential escape routes. This included numerous helicopters hovering around the complex to cover the air. Only when all teams were in position did the local lieutenant pick up a megaphone. He hesitated to even speak into it, despite having lead police in times of crisis such as shootouts and hostage situations. It wasn't his experience as much as it was fear that kept him from ordering his team to breach the complex. He wasn't stupid, he knew who lived there. One wrong move and his team would be wiped out.
"This is Lieutenant Pepper of the Global Police Force, we have the place surrounded, come out with…" Pepper hadn't even finished when Verto came flying out through the wall of Capsule Corp, landing on the lawn between the police line and the building.
Vegeta appeared and stepped through the fresh hole, "Was that enough boy? Or do you need another to remind you of who I am?"
Verto slowly reached one knee as he wiped off a bloodied lip, "No. I didn't forget who the biggest asshole in the galaxy is."
He stood up with his back to the cops, who were all taking their guns off safety mode. Verto ignored this and charged at Vegeta instead, starting a brawl between the two. Shockwaves went off as most of the police lost their footing and struggled to stay upright even as they held onto their vehicles. The exchange was brief before Verto was knocked into one of the cars, completely smashing the hood and most of the engine in the process.
He quickly crawled out but was stopped short when one of the officers dared to point a rifle in his face, "Freeze! Hands where I can see them!"
Verto's facial expression was clearly unimpressed, "For what?"
Lieutenant Pepper ran over with a long piece of paper, "Verto Briefs, we have a warrant for your arrest!"
"Oh really, what's the charge?" Verto asked, playing dumb.
"Murder of the patients and staff at the REDIC facility in Satan City. Also willful destruction of property," Pepper read.
Verto almost laughed, "Must be a slow night at the donut shop. Or is it that time of the month where your ticket quota is low. Bet you guys feel tough pointing your guns at a kid."
"We know full well what you are kid, don't play us for fools," Pepper claimed.
Verto's eyebrow went up, "I don't have to play, and you already are fools. By the way, you should probably call your superior, Sonny Satsu…"
"Detective Satsu was arrested this morning for money extortion. His brother is currently missing, but REDIC security indicated that all three of you were there was night. There is more than enough evidence to put you away until you're an old man. Now are you going to come quietly or not?" Pepper asked in all seriousness. Verto let the information run through his head for a moment before turning and staring down Vegeta, giving a very brief nod.
"That depends on you, are you only here for me?" Verto asked Pepper.
"As legal guardian of you, a minor, Miss Bulma Briefs will have to take responsibility as well. We have a warrant to seize the premises and all of its assets," Pepper stated.
Verto laughed fully this time, "So when did you idiots grow a sack? Doesn't matter anyway. You see, there's a problem officer, your information is wrong. She is not my legal guardian nor birth parent. Check your database next time."
"I assure you we checked that out you little smart ass and it clearly says that you…"
"Um, sir. There isn't a Verto Briefs in the registry," another officer piped up as he stared at a PDA device.
Pepper's head wheeled around, "What?! How is that possible? It was there an hour ago!"
"I'm telling you sir, he's not in there. I tried looking in both the local and global databases, nada!"
"Shit! We've been hacked. Call Reese, tell him to back up their files now!" Pepper shouted.
"Too slow, looks like your hands are tied, sucks for you," Verto said with a smirk.
Pepper snarled angrily as he pointed his pistol at Verto's face, "Be quiet, we're still taking you in. Even if we can't incriminate anyone else associated with you at this time, there's still more than enough evidence to…"
Verto finally snatched the pistol out of Pepper's hands before crushing it easily, "To what? Whatever it is, I'd like to see you try! You think a pair of handcuffs is going to matter to me?" Pepper scrambled backwards in fear as did a few of the officers to give a little more space. This didn't last as Vegeta suddenly phased in, punching Verto back across the lawn.
"We're not finished boy!" he declared.
One of the officers dared put the business end of his rifle in Vegeta's face, "Stand down sir, we'll handle this!"
Vegeta's glare nearly made the officer wet his pants, "I'm protecting you, idiot. Pray I don't decide to let him go."
Pepper's legs shook noticeably as he pulled the officer's rifle down and tried to stand firm, "I'm afraid as a liability to public safety, I must ask you to back down and let the police do their jobs."
Vegeta almost smirked, "Do you have a death wish?" Pepper's answer was never came as Verto flew into Vegeta, knocking him into another police car, which destroyed it in the process as officers scattered.
The Saiyan Prince was out quickly, "Don't try my patience runt!" Verto glided back slightly before flying up and hovering some fifty feet off the ground. His hand charged with golden energy before he fired a quick blast as the nearest police car. Two officers barely jumped out of the way before the car exploded.
"Open fire!" Pepper shouted.
Vegeta snorted, "Don't be ridiculous." The array of cops obeyed and fired every gun they had at Verto. It only took ten seconds of blurred hand movement by Verto before they stopped, realizing Vegeta was right. Verto let go of the pile of compacted bullets, littering the ground with them before he charged another blast. He glanced at Vegeta once before aiming at a group of officers. He fired, but the blast was knocked aside by Vegeta when he phased in front of it, shielding the officers from harm.
"I suggest you morons clear out if you don't want to be killed!" Vegeta suggested to the officers. Verto's hand glowed again before he fired a larger blast at the edge of Capsule Corp. Vegeta phased out again and bashed it aside, leaving a sizable crater of ash behind.
Verto nodded slightly, "I'm done wasting my time with all of you. Don't follow unless you want to die!" His blue aura shot up before he blasted off into the night sky. Vegeta quickly followed suit, leaving the police coughing up dust.
"So Lieutenant, I guess we're done here?" an officer asked.
Pepper scowled, "For now."
Once he was far enough away from West City, Verto slowed his flight speed considerably, allowing Vegeta to catch up within seconds.
"Was that enough for you boy?" he asked.
"I think so, as long as she had enough time to get my name out of their records and to keep the rest of you out of the fire. I guess I get to play the outlaw for a little while," Verto said.
"Hmph, waste of time. The law enforcement knows better than to try and break down my door," Vegeta claimed.
"Maybe, but I'd rather they try and chase me around the world then to risk their own lives trying to arrest you. Besides, I was framed," Verto pointed out.
"So those uniformed pigs have the wrong suspect? The incompetence of humans never ceases to amaze me."
Verto grimaced, "Yeah, they have their moments. They probably used edited security footage from REDIC last night, kinda like what happened between us and the Protoss when the Zerg were here."
"That reminds me, the woman seems to think that another mad scientist is running around with Gero and Wheelo's designs. I saw that pile of trash you brought with you this morning, what is your take?" Vegeta asked.
Verto shrugged, "Could be someone new, the director certainly wasn't familiar, but he could be a flunky too. Those androids weren't quite like the machines we fought last year. I'd have to break in there again to even know for sure, but that isn't the best idea right now."
"Why not?"
"They'll be expecting me, it's better to lay low and out of the public eye for now. If they ask for my location, tell them where I keep the capsule house," Verto said.
"What for?"
"Well obviously I won't be there, and neither will it, so keep them chasing ghosts."
"Hmph, pointless. Sounds more like you're running from your problems," Vegeta proclaimed.
Verto held a single finger up, "Not running, buying time. What's the point of going back and wiping the place out if we know next to nothing about what they're doing and who is behind it? Plus it'll give us a chance to see if that's the only facility. Going all smash everything and ask questions later probably won't get us anywhere."
"Whatever, do as you please. I still expect our regular sparring session this weekend. If not, I'll come find you."
Verto rolled his eyes, "Yeah yeah, good night." Vegeta turned around and flew back to West City in a flash, leaving Verto alone in the dark skies.
Hmmm, staying at Satan's place isn't the best idea, and I'd prefer to keep Goku and Gohan out of it until we know more. Plus I've got questions to answer.
He pulled his phone out and dialed quickly, "Hey Krillin, got any spare room on that island? And yes, I have my own food."
Trunks spent half the night wondering what was going on as his father was very tight lipped about what had transpired after the acting display was over. All of it had been Verto's plan just in case the police had shown up at Capsule Corp, though considering the detail of the plan, he had obviously thought that one out well ahead of time. Trunks himself was still serving his suspension from school, so other than a minor amount of homework and training, he had nothing to do but watch what happened. He half-expected Verto to sneak back in during the night, but there was no sign of him at sunrise. Trunks did notice a pair of squad cars parked outside near the leftover debris, so the police likely thought of that as well. Only when he went down for breakfast did he learn some of what was up by overhearing Bulma talking to Eighteen on the speaker phone.
"…At least he brought his own house with him, it's cramped enough with the old man running around. As long as he doesn't eat all the food, I don't care," Eighteen was saying.
"Did you two discuss the new androids he fought with at all?" Bulma asked.
"Not in great detail, it doesn't sound like they're based on Gero's work at all. Well not completely."
"Well Flandal, or Wheelo, whatever you want to call him, he combined Gero's remaining technology with his own. Add to that what he stole from the leftover Protoss tech they left behind. That's why it may not seem as familiar. Verto described these new prototype models as human skin over metal and the stronger ones were very tough by our standards," Bulma warned.
"Yes, he mentioned that. He also said that he took some scans with that AI scanner you made for him, would you mind if I come by to take a look at those?"
"Anytime you want, I was going to ask you to come over anyway for a different project I'm working on," Bulma said in a vague tone.
"And what is that?"
Bulma eyed Trunks for a moment, "Oh I just need your input on something." Bulma then picked up the phone and turned off the speaker as she turned her head and walked away. Trunks frowned at this clear hint to go about his business and make for the table. He was certain though that the discussion had devolved into girl talk anyway, giving him all the motivation he needed to start pounding down food and ignore it. Trunks was far more interested in the new android models, though any sort of boredom cure was acceptable at this point. His sister Bulla was making quite a mess as she attempted to use a spoon, only to fling some of her scrambled eggs across the room. After a few flings she threw the spoon and dug in with her tiny hands instead. Trunks chuckled at this as he slowly munched down the last few pieces of bacon.
His mother came back in and shook her head at this, "You know, you were the same way at that age. Couldn't use silverware to save your life."
"But at least I could talk clearly," Trunks argued.
"Sure, if you consider the words 'food' and 'up' to be a full vocabulary. Now can you do me a favor?" Bulma asked.
"What's that?"
Bulma held out a white object that was clearly mechanical but also folded up, "Take this and fly out to Master Roshi's island, give it to your brother."
Trunks took the folded object, "This is the scanner thingy right? Why not just have Eighteen deliver it if she's coming here anyway?"
Bulma grimaced slightly, "She'll be over for awhile and he needs that soon. Now get a move on, I'll even let you stay out late. As long as you're not getting into trouble."
"Wow, really? So I'm not grounded anymore?" Trunks asked in surprise.
"Oh, you still are, I just need you out of here, so enjoy the break. Got it?" Bulma asked with a stern look. Trunks nodded and scampered out of his chair to leave with scanner in hand. Bulma shook her head in dismay, "Sometimes I really wonder what motivates him."
Trunks almost did a double take upon arriving at Master Roshi's island, as it was now holding two houses nearly side by side. The difference being that the new house was just barely kissing the edge of the water, whereas the original stood in the middle like usual. Shortly after Trunks' arrival though, Verto recapsulized the house so it wasn't in the way. This was primarily for Krillin's student Maize to have space for training when he arrived. Eighteen had already departed with her daughter by the time Trunks got there, whereas Verto and Krillin were sparring very lightly.
They stopped as Trunks landed and held out the scanner, "Mom said to bring you this."
Verto nodded and took it, "Thanks, how are things in West City this morning?"
"Police are still around thinking you would come back. Pretty quiet otherwise," Trunks mentioned.
Krillin chuckled as Verto moved towards his capsule house, "I think I'm more surprised that they actually tried to arrest you. You'd think they'd know better." Verto snorted lightly as he pressed the button on the side of the house, reducing it to a small capsule in a puff of smoke.
"I'm not sure they didn't know whom they were after. It happened too fast for them to have very many facts, false or not. Plus they said they already arrested the detective that called me for help against those tin cans. Still haven't heard from the other one yet. When I do, we're going back to that facility," Verto stated in all seriousness.
"So it really was all a setup then?" Trunks asked.
"Looks like it. Next time I won't be evacuating anyone. I'll tear that whole building down for answers if needs be," Verto replied.
Trunks looked hopeful, "Cool, can I come with?"
Verto paused, "Well that probably isn't the best idea…"
"Awww! No fair!" Trunks claimed, sounding much Goten.
Verto cleared his throat, "I didn't say yes or no, but it's on you if Bulma finds out."
"Fine, I won't be in the way I swear! Two Super Saiyans are better than one after all!" Trunks reminded.
Verto stifled a laugh, "True, but pushing you to Super Saiyan and pushing me that far are two different things."
"I don't know, this sounds like pretty serious stuff Trunks," Krillin stated with concern.
Trunks' head snapped towards him in annoyance, "And Majin Buu wasn't? I can handle it!"
Krillin shrugged, "Well, you've got me there. Who would want to set you guys up anyway?"
"I can think of a few, if they're still around. Added to that, we started to see anti-alien types of people last year, specifically the ones that worked for Dr. Wheelo. It's not hard to imagine that there might be more," Verto reminded.
"But isn't he buried in the ice somewhere after he tried to fight Vegeta last year?" Krillin pointed out.
"In a giant robotic body that wasn't completely destroyed. While I doubt anyone could survive that long in the cold, we can't assume anything. There's a very good chance that Wheelo is behind this setup. He's not really the type to lie low for long though, which is making me wonder just what is in store next," Verto said as he stroked his chin in thought.
"Sounds like you already have your suspect," Krillin noted.
Verto glanced at him, "Maybe, I'll hold off on the manhunt until I know more."
Trunks frowned, "Why don't we just search the area that he and Dad fought? Or maybe one of the labs we found?"
Verto looked thoughtful, "Well first off, I doubt we'll find anything up in the snow. That's a huge area of mountains and snow pack that would obscure everything by now. And if he is alive, he wouldn't be there. Also, I seriously doubt he would use one of the labs we know about. Hell, they're both too torn up."
"Well, can't we be sure at least? Use that scanner thing," Trunks suggested.
Verto glanced at the scanner in his hand, "That's true, good idea Trunks. I'll take a trip up there in a little while, you in?"
"Oh yeah!" Trunks declared in excitement.
"Hold on a second you two, that sounds pretty dangerous," Krillin warned.
Verto gave him an unimpressed glance, "Are you volunteering?"
"Well no, but…" They were promptly interrupted by the sound of Verto's cell phone going off, which featured loud rock music for a ringtone.
Verto's eyes narrowed as he didn't recognize the number, "Hello?"
"Hey kid, its Marcus Satsu, Sonny's cousin. You saved my ass the other night!"
Verto tapped the speaker function so everyone could hear, "I take it you're not in jail somewhere."
"No, I was lucky enough to be out of sight when Sonny got arrested. Total bullshit theft charges that REDIC came up with!"
Verto blinked sharply, "Wait, REDIC is charging him? How? He isn't associated with them aside from the investigation."
"Someone wired a large amount of money from REDIC to his bank account at the same time we were in there. I think they're trying to claim it as a massive theft, but it might've been for hush money too. I know Sonny though, he'd never take a payoff!"
"No, he doesn't seem like the type. Any chance we could find that information out by breaking in again?"
Marcus hesitated over the phone, "Yeah, but we'd need someone to break into their secure files. My computer skills aren't up to par for something like that."
Verto eyed Trunks for a moment, "We can cover that, where can I meet you?"
"Well anywhere I guess, but it doesn't matter. That place is swamped with security now, there's no way you'd get in without being seen," Marcus claimed.
Verto grinned, "Won't be a problem, in fact I think I want them to see me. Call me at dusk to finalize the plan."
"Okay, I hope you know what you're doing kid."
Verto hung up, glancing at the bewildered expressions of Krillin and Trunks, "What?"
"Have you thought this through?" Krillin asked.
"Not completely, but I'm working on it. Still up for investigating Trunks?" Verto asked with a smirk.
"Well duh! I'm ready when you are!" Trunks declared.
"Good. No one tells Bulma or anyone else about this yet. We're going to find out just what the hell REDIC is doing in that place, who's behind it and clear Sonny's name while we're at it. Krillin, care to join us?" Verto offered.
"I'm not sure what help I'd be, but I'm just as curious about these new model androids as you are. I guess I'd be a good distraction," Krillin said nonchalantly.
"Well Marcus Satsu isn't even a good meat shield, so there's that at least. Besides, having you along means we could talk Eighteen into it as well, she seemed interested to say the least," Verto said with a grin.
Krillin grimaced, "Gee, I'm so useful aren't I?"
"Could be worse. C'mon Trunks, let's go look around the tundra for a busted up robot," Verto said as he lifted off.
Trunks pumped his fist as he followed with enthusiasm, "Right behind you bro!"
Krillin shook his head, "How did I get talked into that?"
Next time on DBV: Verto, Trunks, 18 and Krillin meet up with Marcus Satsu to break into the REDIC facility once more. While Verto distracts security outside, he encounters a familiar face. Inside, the rest of the group find Schultz and a surprising danger waiting for them below the lab.