"Hu?" Chaya muttered as she landed the space-copter. "All my missions were cancelled?"

At the back of the copter, Cody had thrown up three times from ingesting the solution that Chaya had given him. The entire place stunk of old vomit and it was a wonder how the saiyan had flown back without passing out.

Cody let out a small moan as Chaya picked him up to take him to the medical bay. In retrospect, taking Cody to Xandonia's moon was probably not the best idea she had ever had. But it was done, and now she had to deal with the (disgusting) consequences.

After she had cleaned up, she headed to the office of the Chief Distributor. His job was what his name implied - he distributed assignments to every soldier within the system and only responded directly to Kafara herself. She knocked on the Chief Distributor's office door before entering.

"I've been expecting you," said the Chief Distributor, who was in the middle of going through some files. On his stumpy nose rested a small pair of glasses. "You must be wondering why I nixed all your assignments. The reason is because you've been given a very special assignment."

"Oh? What kind of assignment? Enlighten me."

"Before I do that, Kafara wants me to pass a message onto you: Don't take the zoorian out again without her permission. Also, she thanks you for killing the Commandant. It saved her the trouble of doing it herself. The man really was quite annoying."

"Right. So what's my new mission?"

The Chief Distributor adjusted his glasses and read aloud from a hologram. "Ah, let's see here... Kafara has recently acquired a new prisoner working against the Empire and requests your assistance in guarding him."

Chaya raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Is he dangerous?"

"From what I've gathered, no. Not physically anyway; his power is a mere 150,000. But the man apparently possesses important knowledge and Kafara wants to keep him as," he cleared his throat, "a hostage for negotiation."

"Tch. Should have figured. Very well, I accept the mission."

"You didn't really have a choice."

Chaya pointedly ignored the Chief's correction. "Where is he being held?"

"On Prison Ship 2, Cell 14."

Prison Ship 2 was one of the adjoining ships connected to the main vessel, where all the soldiers and other staff resided. Like its cousins Prison Ships 1 and 3, it held criminals that had been declared threats to Kafara's constantly growing empire.

"Alright. I suppose I'll be guarding him all around the clock?"

"You'll be informed of breaks while on duty since Lady Kafara has not set any schedule for you, nor has she ordered me to set you one. Best of luck, Captain. Expect one of your squad members every now and then to replace you. The prisoner should be perfectly contained by now so I suggest you go down there now to attend to your duties."

Chaya nodded and saluted him, a gesture which involved folding her forearm over the area where her heart beat. "I won't let the Empire down."

When she left, the Chief Distributor glanced down at the prisoner's file. "Whoops, I forgot a few details. Gah... Must be my old age. I wonder how she'll cope when she discovers Lady Kafara has taken one of her own kind prisoner?" He squinted at the lettering. "Reeennsooo... Renso. Renso. Huh. Funny name, he's got."

"Oh, this is just peachy!" Bulma squawked, flailing her arms around as she searched for her notes. "Goddammit Vegeta, where did you put them?!" She had slept the entire night away and it was now early in the morning.

"Looking for these?"

Vegeta was leaning against the door frame, the door wide open so that the hallway light flooded their shared bedroom. He was holding some crinkled papers in one hand.

"Yes," Bulma said, a wave of relief washing over her. "Thanks for keeping them safe, Vegeta -"

"Quiet," the prince growled. He moved forward and shoved the papers into Bulma's face. "What is the meaning of this, woman?"

Bulma sagged a bit. "O-oh, those? Haha... Funny you should ask -"

"Cut the bullshit and just answer me already. Stop stalling."

"You're so difficult," Bulma grumbled. "Will you at least let me take a shower first? I haven't bathed since yesterday morning. And that was only a quickie. I stink." She made a move toward the door but Vegeta did not relent. He grabbed her wrist - not hard enough to hurt her - and glared stonily at his wife.

"Bulma," he said sternly. "What's going on?" When she still hesitated he released her and said more gently, "Tell me."

With a small sigh, Bulma tugged on his sleeve and led him to the bed, where they both sat down. "Alright, you got me. It goes like this..."

Half an hour later, Bulma finally finished her explanation, telling Vegeta of what she and Tights had seen and what she had gotten out of Trunks yesterday. At the end of her elucidation, Vegeta merely stared at her.

Then;

"And you didn't think to tell me this sooner, woman?!"

"Hey! Listen buster, I just didn't want to worry anyone! We were having a party for crying out loud. It would have been the worst time to announce that there would be a possible apocalypse. I wanted to figure things out myself first before jumping to conclusions." She buried her hands into her face. "I finally got the pieces together when Trunks told me what he knew today."

There was a silence, during which Vegeta wrapped an arm around Bulma's shoulders and pulled her close to him. She was dreadfully cold, having worked herself to exhaustion for the past month.

"Foolish woman," Vegeta murmured, though it was more in an endearing manner than an insulting one. "You're not the only one playing the game. From what I've gotten so far, it involves all of us."

"I know..." She snuggled into the crook of his neck. "I'm sorry, Vegeta."

"Hn. According to Trunks, if Caulifla and Kakarot were to be apart, the timeline would screw up, no?"

"Apparently. I doubt he'd lie about that."

"There's probably other things we are not aware about. Our best bet right now would be to retrieve Caulifla from Universe 6."

Bulma looked up at her husband. "Who's going to go? Not you - you're supposed to be going to Beerus' planet for training today. So that leaves... Goku?"

Vegeta nodded. "The only option is that clown. Aside from the tin cans, Kakarot is the closest to her. Out of all of us, he'll be the only one capable of convincing Caulifla to return."

"Mm..." Bulma yawned. "I'm so tired... Can I shower now, Vegeta?" She yelped when she felt Vegeta's teeth nibble on her ear. "Really, you want to do this now?"

There was a low growl and Bulma made a noise akin to a squeal and a laugh as Vegeta pushed her onto the bed.

"I'm home, Chi Chi!" Goku announced after an afternoon of plowing the fields. The tractor had broken down for the umpteenth time that day and Goku had had to take it for servicing, much to Chi Chi's despair. While the tractor was being repaired, Goku had instant transmissioned to Briefs, where he had been briefed (no pun intended) of his mission. Of course, Bulma (who had been basking in afterglow) had left out the detail where they needed him and Caulifla to be within each other's vicinity.

All day, Goku had pondered on how to break the news to Chi Chi. Though the excuse of 'the future of the universe is at stake' would probably move any other wife to let their husband go, Chi Chi was a entirely different story. Goku had to admit, his wife had her priorities extremely mixed up. He recited what he would tell her in his head from 'if it goes well, I'll be back within the day' and 'I'll dress nicely for Goten's primary school graduation ceremony' (which was in a few months time).

"I'm in here," Chi Chi called back. "If you're here for a lunch I'm afraid you're a bit early, Goku."

"Listen, Cheech, I have something to tell you." Goku pulled out a chair at the dining table and sat down, his brows knitting in a small frown.

Chi Chi faltered slightly but sat opposite her husband. "What is it, Goku?"

"I'm going to Universe 6," Goku blurted, inwardly kicking himself. Yeesh... That sounded a lot better in my head.

Chi Chi scowled. "And why is that?" She narrowed her eyes. "Isn't that where Caulifla is from? Don't tell me... You want to see her again, right?!" Goku opened his mouth to retort but Chi Chi didn't let him. "So you'd rather go off gallivanting in another universe with her than actually bring an income for this household? What Gohan sends us each month can't support us forever, especially since there's two saiyans living here!" She spat out the word 'saiyans' as if it were a disease of some sort. "Do you know how many groceries I have to buy each day just for one meal?! All I ask of you is to stay home and get a few chores done. Plow the field. Sow the seeds. Harvest and sell the vegetables. It's not that hard, Goku!"

"I'm sorry Chi Chi, but things came up. You see, if I don't find Caulifla and bring her back, the universe might be in danger."

"You expect me to believe that? Especially since you're practically as strong as the gods. And speaking of them, they're not going to let anything happen anyway. So I suggest - no, I order you - to stay home and get your job done!"

"Chi Chi," Goku started again, getting increasingly frustrated at her nagging. "This really isn't up for any debate. Look, all I'm asking is for a few hours to find Caulifla and bring her back. It's not much. I won't be staying away for seven years."

"Don't you dare use your previous mistakes to justify this one. Just don't, Goku."

"We had a message from the future," Goku tried again. "It was all messed up and everything."

"Then why hasn't Future Trunks warned us of anything, huh?"

"I don't know, but Bulma suggested that it was probably a different timeline since," he gulped, "you were still alive."

Chi Chi glared down at the table. "Fine. Let's say the universe really is in danger. Why does it have to be you who goes? Why can't Vegeta go? Or Piccolo?"

"I'm the best option since I'm the closest to Caulifla," Goku explained. When Chi Chi glared even harder, he hastily continued, "It'll only speed up the process! I'll be back selling vegetables before you know it, Cheech."

"Hrr... I don't like this, Goku. You just got back last night and now you're going again."

"Please, Chi Chi. I have to."

"You don't have to do anything. Everything could resolve itself."

"Chi Chi... You and I both know that's not going to happen."

Chi Chi looked like she wanted to say more but couldn't get anything out. Goku had won that one and they both knew it. But that didn't mean she had to give up. "I don't want you going, Goku. 18 is close to Caulifla too, right? They sparred all the time when Caulifla was still here. She can go."

"Both 18 and 17 are out of the question. It might get too dangerous for them, especially since we suspect that the threat is from Universe 6."

"Oh, of course," Chi Chi huffed, crossing her arms. "You just have to be the hero again, don't you?! Haven't you saved the world enough already? Just let the others save themselves for once!"

"Chi Chi!" Goku admonished. "How could you possibly say that? If history plays out, then that means the threat's stronger than me, like Zamasu. As much as I hate to admit it, the others won't stand a chance, even with Vegeta and I around."

"Goku!" shouted Chi Chi, standing up and slamming her palms on the tabletop. "You are not going and that is final!" She sat back down, wringing her hands together.

"No."

Chi Chi glanced up in disbelief. "No?" she echoed. "What do you mean, no?!"

"It's like how it sounds, Chi Chi." Goku stood up and started walking up the stairs. "I'm sorry, but I have to do this."

"Goku!" The chair screeched as Chi Chi threw it backward. "Goku, you come back here right now!" By the time she reached him, all his work clothes were on the floor and he was donned in his signature orange gi. "Goku!"

But he was already gone, having instant transmissioned to the Briefs', where Whis was waiting.

"From what Vados tells me, you saiyans are getting used to us angels as some sort of delivery system," Whis remarked as they flew through entire galaxies with literal godspeed.

Goku chuckled and rubbed the back of his head in typical Son fashion. "Yeah... Sorry 'bout that, Whis."

"Oh don't worry about, Goku. I'm already used to it, what with Beerus around. Is there anything you want to tell me? Like why you suddenly want to go to Universe 6?"

"It's kind of hard to explain. Bulma will fill you in, she's way better at articulating then I am."

"Oh, believe me, I know that."

In the same day as they had gottten back, Caulifla and Kale had parted ways with Cabba. The latter had returned to his duties and females returned to their former gang. It had been a particularly awkward and heartfelt goodbye between Kale and Cabba, one that was accompanied by an equally awkward embrace. Caulifla had merely given Cabba a short "good luck".

Will things ever be the same? Caulifla couldn't help but wonder. They had said their farewells a day ago and Caulifla could tell Kale was already missing Cabba's company. While Caulifla was busy reassembling her gang from Ayote's mistakes, she fully encouraged Kale to spend time with Cabba. The girl had left about an hour ago and had not returned since.

"Caulifla!"

Caulifla felt a small body wrap around her and blinked down at Kale. "Kale? What happened? Did you get to see Cabba?"

"They turned me away," Kale whispered. "I didn't want to leave... But they threatened to arrest me, sis." The girl started crying. "I should have faced them! I'm sorry I'm such a coward, sis!"

"Hush, Kale," said Caulifla, rubbing comforting circles on her protégée's back. "It's not your fault. You did the right thing. You are not a coward."

"I told them I was going to see Cabba but they still didn't let me." Kale wiped the tears from her eyes. "I'm crying again... I'm so weak...!"

"No!" chided Caulifla. "No, you're not! Stop putting yourself down Kale." She ruffled the younger girl's hair. "I wouldn't want to have you any other way, Kale. You're my beacon in the dark, remember?"

"Y-yes..."

As Caulifla comforted Kale, Cabba had just returned from a mission just in time for his break. Today he'd be visiting Renso. The saiyan elite held the retired captain in high esteem and couldn't wait to recall all of his adventures on earth to Renso.

"Where are you going, Cabba?" one of his fellow elites asked.

"To Renso," Cabba replied. "I have lots of things to tell him."

"Oh, okay. I haven't heard from him in a while. Tell him I said hi, okay?"

When Cabba arrived at Renso's house, he stood still in front of the door, wondering what to say to his former superior. Renso is your friend, he reminded himself. You don't need to make a speech to talk to him. He smacked himself on the cheeks twice to calm his nerves. Then, exhaling deeply, he knocked on the door.

There was no answer, even after three minutes of standing around. He tried again, knocking louder this time. "Hello? Renso?" He knocked once more and the entire door flew off its hinges. "What the...?" Cabba picked up the door and examined it. It looked like it had been broken recently and then hastily repaired and put back in its place. Alarm instantly filled Cabba. He stretched out his chi senses but there was no sign of Renso anywhere in the house or near it.

Maneuvering cautiously, Cabba walked into the house. Nothing looked like it had been displaced. Renso's favorite kettle was sitting on the stove top. When Cabba opened it, he found tea leaves and a few drops of tea left in it. Odd. He was obviously here last night. Oh no! What if fell over somewhere, couldn't get up and died?!

It was only when Cabba surveyed the house again did he begin to pick up on details that he hadn't before. For one, the bed hadn't been slept in for a while, judging by how neatly everything was arranged. Renso usually spent most of the day resting on his couch or his bed. There were also some books left on the end table - Cabba knew that Renso couldn't bear to leave his books lying around. After reading them, he would always put them back in their original place on the shelf.

"What the hell is going on here?" Cabba muttered to himself as he continued to play detective. He looked underneath the bed and nearly hit his head on said bed when he saw what was a vital clue.

Renso's crutch! He leaned forward to drag the crutch from beneath the bed. Renso never leaves home without it. He can't walk. And he never has enough energy to fly anymore. That only left one option: Renso was taken. But by whom? What kind of person has business with a crippled man living by himself in the middle of the woods?

Cabba sweated and his hands grew clammy as he observed the walking stick he held. He had a bad feeling about this. Whoever had taken Renso meant business. And Cabba wasn't sure what kind of lengths they would go to to achieve their goals.

Please be safe, Renso. Cabba gripped the crutch until his knuckles turned white. I'll get you out of this.

A/N: The matter of Renso's disappearance will be further investigated by Cabba, Caulifla and Kale. And of course, we add Goku into the mix. If everything goes as well as it does in my head, this is where the fun begins.

For me, at least. Dunno about anyone else's pattern of thought.