AN: Hey Everyone! SanshiLove here hoping all your summers/whatever season it is for you is going fantastic! I wanted to let all the readers know I recently got engaged so if the chapter releases slow down . . . that's probably why. Of course me and CelestialMageLucy will do our best to keep pumping out the next exciting chapters as soon as we can. Of course as always I would like to thank all our readers for continuing to read, favorite, review, and subscribe to our story. Now on with the chapter!

Song: "Respect"-Aretha Franklin - Our song for this chapter is dedicated to the "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin who passed away recently.

Chapter 17: Forward

~Several Weeks Later~

True to his word, a small home was built for the earthling woman and her half-Saiyan child that was completed in the span of three days. A small two story little cottage in the mists of the forest that wasn't too far away from the Son residence and a clearing was made for a yard. It had given the human settlement a startling panic when a horde of builder Saiyans had flown towards the settlement and began to get to work. After Goku had calmed most of them and had a hand in helping to build the cottage. When she finally saw the cottage, it was everything that she could dream it could be. A nice two bedroom little home with the bedrooms on the second floor and a shared bathroom. On the ground floor was a little kitchen and eating area, elegant sitting area, a smaller bathroom, and off to the side was a study for her that she could easily turn into a small lab, or even play area for her son.

After barely getting settled in, Goku pulled her aside and informed her that she needed to head towards the labs to begin her work. Ensuring that Trunks would be returning with her best friend to continue on with his school day with his new found friends, she changed into her signature lab coat with her collection of capsules she had initially brought with her and started up the vehicle. With the coordinates already pre-programmed into the system, she was easily able to follow the backway to the labs. Upon arriving, Bardock was finishing up her part of the lab which would be her personal area. This would be her life for the next upcoming weeks of her coming in the mornings to work until early afternoon on the inventions she promised to complete.

The empire had been taking a steady spiral out of control since the propaganda and illegal broadcasts continued to pollute the people's minds and opinions towards their current government. Riots often would break out at all high level events which were being lead by an unknown resistance group. This group had been gathering followers making the tortured girl their martyr for the reasons to overthrow the royal family. Damage control was becoming nearly impossible; considering they could not allow any information about Vegeta's mission leak to any outside sources. Things were progressing too quickly for the dark prince's taste, but the Woman would not let him down with her skill and grace.

Roughly about two weeks she had completed the three shields she agreed to and the rest of her time was spent between creating the ship that the prince would need for the mission and the devices that would free and return the girl back to the planet. Her afternoons were coming back to the Son's residence and teaching the three boys Saiyan writing, language, and famous works from the Saiyan race along with her initial promise of advanced science and mathematics for Gohan. Dinners were together with Goku and Chi-Chi. Afterwards, it was back home preparing Trunks for bed before another day of work and teaching.

As of late, when Vegeta made time, he would slip away to the labs to simply watch and give input here and there on her tireless work. Old memories would surfaced as he recalled a time that honestly had felt centuries ago. A time where he was clad in only training shorts and she in that same lab coat over something he deemed appropriate to stare at her assets while she grumbled and complained about having to fix yet another toy he purposely destroyed. It was as if time had never passed so many years as he sat in the lab watching her complain about his standards being too high for perfection when he gave opinion about something she was creating he didn't approve of.

The third wheel in the room, Bardock, had to hold back his own laughter at how childish they were being. It was a new light he was seeing the prince in. He was actually playing with the female counterpart. Amused eyes held much more promise every time the prince had a chance to ruffled her the wrong way. Vegeta teased her to the point where she would snapback and thus ensured another argument that would have him leaving to seek his own mate to gain peace of mind. It had taken all of his willpower to not shout one day that they should just fuck and get it over it. The frustrated tension was always high whenever they engaged in one of their arguments, but best to hold his tongue should the insult not be well received.

So this was the norm during these crazy, hectic time. Working together for a common goal that would hopefully result in the rescuing of a noble child. With all their hard work, the plan was going to be set in motion as almost everything was complete. On the eve of the projected day to conduct the mission, Bulma stood before the mostly completed vessel running over a checklist diagnostic while attempting to ignore the smoldering eyes burning in her back from the prince sitting in the chair behind her.

"You know, if you don't stop, I'll just kick you out again. I don't like being stared at."

"Then make sure you are doing your job correctly. Instead of being concerned about my starring, you should be more focused on completing the task and ensuring that I make this trip safely and quickly." Vegeta, still as tired as ever, had just gotten back from calming another riot in front of the palace and needed to work out some frustration.

"Hard to do that when someone is being an asshole and not giving me personal space."

"Hmph, such a princess."

"Takes one to know one." He hadn't missed the amused tone at the insult she sent right back to him.

"Cheeky wench." He said with a signature smirk.

"Stubborn jackass." Never once looking away from her checklist as she was completing it. "Hmm, it looks like everything is in order. It should be ready for you tomorrow." Giving her nod of approval, she set the device down on her desk and ran a hand through her hair. "Well I think that is it for me today. I should head home."

"Woman, actually, would you mind staying?" The sudden question stopped her from removing her coat as she looked at him slightly surprised. "I...I think we should have dinner."

"Dinner?"

"To go over the plans one more time and to really make sure that this mission will go over smoothly. I know you've been avoiding the news but things," he takes a deep sigh, "aren't looking to good."

"Vegeta, I have done my best. The rest should be fine and we can go over this tomorrow." Removing her coat, she set it on the back of her chair.

"I still wish to have dinner with you."

"And what about Trunks."

"The clown can watch him. Tonight, I want to have dinner with you. In case-"

Sighing, she couldn't look away from his sudden determined gaze as he was standing up and right before her. "Fine. Dinner sounds nice. I am already late to go home anyway" At the sound of her agreement, a smile of relief graced his features. It was clear to her more then ever now just how worn out and tired the prince had gotten. For him this would likely be an all or nothing mission to bring the girl back or it would mean all out war, some thing she quietly feared herself. If it was going to turn into another war zone, it was her own initial fear for her child that she harbored. It just seemed that this was her luck ever since Gohan was kidnapped by Raditz. Always one more threat after the other; except the past three major incidents had affected her and her son directly.

The prince studied her thoughtful concentration, "Woman, what exactly is going on in your head?"

"It's nothing."

"If you are worried about tomorrow, it is better to share it instead of suppressing in my personal experience."

"Since when did you turn Dr. Phil?"

"Dr. What?"

"Heh, nevermind. So, you mentioned food?"

"We shall have it in my room."

"You know the last-"

"I know exactly what happened last time." He cut her off with a slight pink tint covering his cheeks.

"Uh-huh. Let's go Mr. high and mighty." She lightly punched his shoulder and walked past him with her own small smile gracing her lips. He started walking beside her as they both headed through the palace. Several times he had to slow his pace as to keep with her. The young mother was at a loss of words. Every corridor and hallway that they turned to had her stopping to admiring the artwork and architecture. It was hard to believe that after hearing years of his insufferable demanding of his regal status, it was something completely different to walk the hallways of his home. He really was royalty, and the realization hit her hard. She had slowed to a stop to admire a working art fountain in the middle of a large entryway. Slowly she approached it and took in the way the water flowed through the twists and turns of the direction it was supposed to flow into the large pool.

"Find something you like?"

"It is beautiful…" He heard her barely whisper. Her eyes never leaving the sparkling lights underneath the water and fishes that swam around.

"Yes, it is." Blinking, she heard his tone and looked towards his staring.

She cleared her throat as suddenly the room felt hot and her face was becoming flushed. "Sorry, I shouldn't keep us. Let's keep going?" She turned on her heel and headed in the direction they were supposed to. She chose to ignore the soft chuckle from behind her as she heard him following in step to catch up with her. After taking a platform up several floors and a few more hallways, they had transitioned to the royal heir's wing made especially for Vegeta. Various doors lined the hallway leading towards a majestic set of doors that she could only guess belonged to the arrogant man beside her. They had paused outside the double door as he pressed his palm to the scanner to allow himself inside. Suddenly she felt subconscious while fiddling with her hands. He looked at her through his peripheral.

"Would you calm down, there is nothing crazy inside there. These are just my personal chambers. I had dinner sent up for us."

"You swear no funny business."

"I swear, though I am not even sure why I would need to. Not like I am trying to seduce you or anything."

"Not like I haven't heard that line before." She folded her arms and attempted to be annoyed, but everything came off as simply nervous energy.

Ignoring her antics, he opened the door and went in first as he sensed her following behind. They had come to the sight of his large suite. It was lavish in his royal colors with his large bedding through double doors on a platform. Currently they were in a sitting area with plush seating and large circular fireplace in the center to entertain. Off to one side of the suite was a small kitchenette stocked with foods if he should decide to cook for himself and a dining area. On the opposite side of the place was a large entryway that led to a very luxurious bathroom complete with large bathing area and hot stone shower.

Not even in Bulma's wildest dreams could she have the money to make something of what he would inherit. He allowed her explore his room with little complaints as her fingers idly seem to touch and explore everything. He had silently moved towards the kitchenette where he found the food that was brought up, well more the ingredients that he requested so that he could prepare the meal for them.

"You are cooking?" Came the incredulous tone that was filled with surprise.

He hadn't looked up from his chopping, "How else does one eat dinner if not preparing it?" He scoffed at her logic, even though he knew perfectly well what she meant by her surprise.

"Really, do you have to be a jerk? You know I can just leave." She huffed with no actual threat behind her tone.

"I'll just have the guards drag you back." He simply rolled his eyes. He paid no mind to her as she walked over and took a seat at the breakfast bar and rested her chin on her hands. "Yes?"

"Just going to watch you cook. Do you want any help?"

"You could help with the appetizers or you can help with the dessert. Whatever you find in the fridge, help yourself." He spoke gruffly, trying to hide his amusement.

"I can do both." Bulma spoke with actual happiness in her tone.

The pair worked together in a light silence as they prepared a full spread for dinner. The meal looked fit for a King, or maybe just a prince. Vegeta makes his way to the fridge to pull out a bottle of wine to go with the meal. He easily grabs two glasses and begins to fill each one. He placed them delicately on the table as Buma watched with slight fascination. For a few moments the two admired their handy work until the scientist's stomach interrupted the silence.

"Heh alright, let's eat," Vegeta spoke with a smirk as he took his spot at the table. He grabbed for the appetizers and started placing some on the plate of the woman dining with him. For some reason, the light atmosphere from before had shifted to an uncomfortable, unsettling silence between them. It was as if they reverted back to before, where neither wanted to speak what was on their mind in case they offended the other. So there they sat, picking at the meal they prepared together, and troubled by their own minds. Having enough of it, the dark prince cleared his throat, "What is it?"

"Vegeta?"

"Yes?"

"What is this whole dinner really about?" Bulma swore she could feel her heart racing as she desperately tried to hide the heat threatening to engulf her cheeks. She studied his unsurprised features as he set his utensils down and looked her straight in the face.

"In truth?" He glances down at the meal with a melancholy look. "This may be my last night in the palace for a long while if I am captured," he could only scoffs, "Well, maybe even my last night alive should anything not go to plan." He averted his gaze as clearly he still struggled with being so open with his emotions; something he has yet to master despite all the years they have been apart and how close they had become as of late. In order to calm his nerves, he reached for the wine to sip in the hope that a little liquid encouragement could better explain his thoughts aloud. "Under normal circumstances I would never be this . . . this," what word was he searching for? Emotional? Exhausted? Lonely or scared? No, never scared, he was a warrior! Fighting didn't scare him.

"Frightened?"

Vegeta's disgusted initial expression began to slowly transform to one of understanding. "Yeah...I suppose that's it. I've known for a long time that my father doesn't fancy me taking over the empire, and would much prefer Kailie to mate someone he could easily control. Heh, not that she would do what he said anyway." He sips his wine shifting uncomfortably in his seat, "and I know this girl should be saved. No one deserves to be in that kind of situation, least of all a child with such little experience." The words he was spoke of brought back his memories of his time with the Kolds and just how terrifying and desperate he was to get away from it all. Memories best left buried, along with the past, still managed to resurface to the forefront of his mind. Maybe it was the wine, or maybe the company from a better chapter of his past that was making him dig up old wounds.

Bulma, instinctively and without hesitation, reached for his hand and didn't waiver from locking her eyes with his. She could feel his pain radiating off him of him and it brought her back to the rooftop of where they used to watch the stars and bared their souls to one another. She saw his pain as clear as day. His pain called for her like a siren and she wanted to desperately used her body like a bandage.

Not expecting the sudden physical contact, the prince slightly pulled back startled and yet, she did not remove her hand from him. He watched her with blatant curiosity as she looked back at him with that expression of hers. The one reserved just for him when he exposed another scar that she couldn't see. It wasn't pity, but understanding and empathy. He relaxed under her touch and returned the gaze with one of his own. Unspoken intimacy filtered the room in a hazy glow as they were lost within each other.

She was slipping deeper into her emotions as her heart and mind were at war with each other. Her mind screaming at her to pull away, to not get suckered back into the cycle. This was the exact reason she ended up in her original situation, but...her heart...her heart whispered for forgiveness. Her heart was aching for him, weeping at being so close, and yet so far. She should just remove herself from the situation. She should walk out the door and not look back, then her gaze turned from his eyes to their connected hands. It was just as warm as she remembered. Was she really above forgiveness? Above comforting him? Her attention traveled back up to the same eyes that held such pain within their depths. He was the same hurting man that he was back on Earth. Nothing really had changed? He was still hurting, still in pain. As much as her mind was scolding her, she couldn't ignore her instincts. She needed to give him comfort like her maternal instincts had taught her. She couldn't ignore the call of it.

The sudden physical contact that brought him out of his sudden despair, disappeared just as quick. His eyes locked onto the woman who once again pulled him out of his own world and brought back feelings he thought he had long since forgotten. She always had this way of knowing just the thing he needed to hear, knowing just when the fight wasn't really a fight. He loved that about her. In the past few weeks he was beginning to remember everything he loved about her and, in his overtired and overworked state, it started to make him more and more desperate for her attention. Long were the days where he was at war with himself. He had hated her back then, insufferable as she was to him. From her high status to her carefree attitude. She was pure in a world that chewed everyone up, but yet, spared her...or so he had thought. She was just as good as him with hiding her pain. That was another aspect he began to treasure. While he walked around with a chip on his shoulder, she was always kind. Never did she air her pain or grievances, but in the quiet of the night, when it was just them, she sought refuge within him. It was nights like that that made him feel the most important. It was as if that was his purpose in life; a calling that answered what he was really born to do. He was her rock, her safe landing. She had chosen him to seek shelter despite all the suitors that could have her; she choose him.

Now she was here, sitting for a meal they created, and she was holding his hand. It was that intimacy that he hadn't expected, yet he so desperately needed. How could he have ever let her go the first time? Years he had berated himself for letting her slip through his fingers and as they couldn't stop looking at one another, several years of pain and regret died on their lips. How was he supposed to really tell her how he felt, when he was always a man of action? Remembering that aspect of himself, he did the one thing he knew, despite whatever outcome that may be. He used his other free hand and grabbed the back of her head, threading his fingers through her beautiful hair, he pulled her forward and captured her lips with his in heated passion.

Eyes widening as Bulma felt the hot mouth over hers, and for a moment she was lost in the sensation. A million memories flooding her senses as she was pulled back in time. A soft, verberating whimper escaped her mouth as she slowly closed her eyes to the scent that used to be her security blanket. Time stood still; frozen in it's ever perfect capturing of the moment. It didn't matter that she was in his room or that she had a son or that they were about to go up against the same monsters that had plagued them both for more time than they like to admit; but what mattered was that they had found each other after all this time.

Like everything else, time stopped for no one and the reality came crashing down on her like ice water dumped on her skin. Her eyes snapped opened and she took in what exactly was happening to her. Suddenly she shoved him away from her with a cry. "No! We are not doing this! Not again!"

Dazed and a little hurt, the prince dumbly looked up from his seat as she had pushed herself out of hers and was standing there panting. Regret clearly written on her face while his was filled with pain and remorse. Of course she would push him away, he hurt her worse than he could imagine. Why should she give him a second chance? However, he was broken out of his own self-hatred as he felt her walk past him to leave. Suddenly, without thinking, he reached his hand out and grasped her wrist. "Stay." He came out as a plea for help rather than a command. Under his palm he felt her straighten.

"We know exactly what this is."

"No, we do not. Bulma, for crying out loud, stay damnit. I let you go once, I won't do it again."

"Damnit Vegeta, you have to let me go! We are two different people now. I can't afford to be young and foolish. It isn't just my life that is affected, and you know that. You said no funny business"

"And how can I not touch you!"

"Very easily. You just don't. I am not your woman or your wife. I am your hired scientist. We may have had a past together, but that is what that is, a past."

"How can you even say that!" He snapped with anger suddenly bubbling and spilling out. "How dare you brush this aside as if it hasn't affected you! I know that is a fucking lie, Woman! You cannot deny what we had."

"You left Vegeta! You! You didn't stay and you didn't take me with you. You left with no chance of returning! Don't yell at me for being the logical one here."

"If you would just give me a second to speak Woman you would learn that I went back to that stupid mudball looking for you after a year and saw what was left." His face filled with the emotion and desperation he felt all those years.

"You think that fixes anything! Good for you, you came back, do you want a gold star or something? Do you have any idea what I had faced? What I was forced to endure! No, you wouldn't because you weren't there." Her rage was making her shake at the audacity that this man was bringing up and making her go through again.

"Woman I scorged the entire fucking GALAXY searching for you! I fought with everyone only finding other humans everywhere I looked!" He looks away for a moment, "and you're well aware of what I know about being a plaything for the Kolds."

Harden, blue eyes gazed fiery in their passion as they stared him down, "I don't care how long you searched or where you searched. In the end, it didn't save me and it left me with challenges that were completely unfair and out of my control to to handle. You have no idea the shoes I had to walk in or the dangers I had to face alone."

"You think I don't know all that woman?"

"I almost died." The silence fills the room making as quiet as a tomb.

He takes a deep breath looking away once again unsure of himself, "I didn't want this dinner to be like this."

"Move then, I am going home. Clearly you opened the can of worms you want to put back in. Fine, I don't have the luxury of doing what I want at my whim. So if you excuse me."

"Woman . . . If I don't come back tomorrow." He looks down feeling the weight of his thoughts and duties overwhelm him. "If I don't come back, I wanted you to know I've never stopped loving you or searching for you and I am sorry." He moves back into his room standing still just looking at the fireplace.

Folding her arms, it was not lost on the once famous heiress the words that came from the dark prince. "Shut up. You are coming back. Stop with this bullshit talk about dying and if you don't make it. If I can survive the birth of our son with no help and bleeding out, then you can survive a little search and rescue mission. You can't say you love me if you never even have in the first place." she reaches for the handle of the door, "and one more thing Vegeta, if you don't come back alive, I'll never forgive you!"

Vegeta let her leave as he took in the last few words she said while walking out the door, if you don't come back I'll never forgive you. He smirks knowing it's her way of saying she cares. Having lost his appetite he readies for bed, his mind racing with all that he must do, the woman, the mission, and his position.

Little did he know a certain blue-haired scientist makes a quick call to the Son residence as she heads towards her lab to settle in for a long night.

-Morning-

The day of the big mission had arrived and Vegeta had barely slept a wink after last night's events. Even with all that he was punctual as usual, stopping only to get a quick breakfast, on his way to port where his ship awaited. As he walked into the port he had come to a site of low humming from the machines and leaning against the base of the ship with a wrench in her hand and her lab coat hanging disheveled on one shoulder, was a lightly napping Bulma. Her toolbox was nearby with scattered parts and the panel she was working on was laying on the floor.

"Woman? I leave in an hour is everything ready?" He asks lightly poking her forehead.

A soft whimper and the scrunching of her knitted eyebrows had the daze woman blinking from the filtered lights of the lab and seeing Vegeta before her. Looking around confused, she wiped off the dried drool from her chin and beadily blinked about. "Where...how long was I out?" Her voice rough from lack of sleep.

"No idea woman I just go here," he let a small smirk grace his tired face at the site of her so carefree.

Stretching out a with a yawn, she blinked awake, "I feel like I have been hit with the damn ship...any chance there is something stronger than coffee to help me not want to die on this floor?"

Vegeta makes a face as if to think for a few moments and reaches down and helps her up sending some of his energy into her system through his grip. "Did that help at all?"

Feeling the flow of energy enter her system gave it the trick it needed for her to become more well alert, "What the hell was that?" Using his hand, she stood up and straightened out of her lab coat.

"I just gave you a bit of energy, so…," he turns his attention to the ship he will use on the mission.

"Why would you do that? Tequila would have worked just as well." Playfully she smirks identical to his.

He chuckles a bit at the comment, "so is this rust bucket ready for the mission?"

"This 'rust bucket' you so affectionately call it, is going to be your saving grace when shit hits the fan today. I suggest you give my work the respect it deserves, and yes, it is more than ready. I spent all night triple checking everything and enhancing everything I could." Folding her arms annoyed at his insult.

"Good because plans changed and I need to leave quickly." He looks at his communicator indicating his window of opportunity. "I'll give it the praise it deserves when it gets me back in one piece with a grateful Saiyan passenger. How about that?"

"Arrogant as always, and clearly you need your hearing check. You are coming back. There is no ifs about it." Her eyebrows furrowed concerned, "What do you mean plans have changed?"

"Woman you better get gone. I am sure Kalei will be here any minute, she is honestly like clockwork for every mission I've been on. She always arrives 5 minutes before," he smirks. Bulma gave a nod as she glanced at the time and made her way towards the common deck as they originally planned taking only a single glance back. She took him in. He was regal as ever with his predominant features that were striking that made him almost irresistible. Silently, she sent a prayer to the powers that be that he would come back in one pieces before disappearing where she wouldn't be seen or suspected by the arrival of his sister.

"You ready to go?" Kalei asked, clearly nervous for this particular mission's success. She fiddled with her hair constantly looking away as she couldn't seem to meet his gaze. He could practically smell the guilt radiating off of her. Her eyes were downcast with shame filled within them. It was her last outburst that had made Vegeta the target of their father's rage. If she hadn't opened her mouth, he wouldn't be the one forced to volunteer for this practical suicide mission... and now that the day had come. Regret was all she could feel as realization of putting her brother in real danger. She may not know him but for a brief period of time, but he was her brother, her family, and believe it or not, she honestly cared about him.

"You worry to much. This will be a successful mission, I'll bring the girl back and she'll become an imperial icon and-" His poor attempt to offer some sort of comfort to his sister was suddenly cut short with her arms gripping him tight in her embrace. Her small frame shaking from the fear of losing her only brother. He could feel her trembling against him as she buried her face in his chest. The guild intensified as she only held on tighter. The Prince of all Saiyans didn't seem to have the heart to push her away. Slowly, he allowed his own arms to embrace her in a comforting manner. He didn't rush her as he let her take her time holding tight to him. He had one hand on the back of her head that was lightly petting her locks as her muffled sobs in his chest echoed in his ears. She was a mess, and he couldn't help his own, gentle smile grace his features.

"I-I believe in you brother," She weakly spoke while looking up into her brother's eyes. Tears pooled down her cheeks as she looked so sadly at him in her guilt. "Just . .. Just come home in one piece alright, and don't dilly dally on your way back!" She had attempted to sound as if lecturing, but it only came out as a wavering plea. Her brother leaned in and rested his temple atop of her as he had done many times before.

"Relax Kalei, I'll be just fine. We already planned for everything and I have never failed a mission. It isn't your fault that I am going. It was always going to be me since I know the layout of all the Kold ships by heart. Now," He easily separated them, he didn't miss the longing regret in her expression, and punches his fist to his chest, "For the good of the empire, give me a good send off!" He demanded. He watched amused as the cheeky girl gave a small smile and stood up straight; following his example.

"For the empire brother! May victory always find you on your mission!" She found her voice finally in reciting the classic Saiyan sendoff. His smile turned to one of a proud smirk. Tears never suited her. Seeing her bravery, it made him swell with pride at her confidence. Their little moment was interrupted by the beeping of prince's watch that had signaled the mission was about to begin. Without a looking back, he turned and climbed up into his ship. He did, however, steel a glance, after settling in, to the common deck where he spied Bulma. In truth, he knew the odds of this being a successful mission... it was at most a thousand to one, but no matter what he had to complete it.

-Mission Start-

Vegeta strapped himself in the ship preparing for the hyper jump into deep space. He was entirely on edge since he was about to go on a mission on the edge of sharp blade with Bulma's new technology. He should be able to sneak aboard Cooler's ship to free the young girl that had become the crying pain of the entire empire. Fueling a revolution and potential civil war at best and an intergalactic war at worst. He had never expected this whole situation to turn south so quickly, but then again, that was how the universe worked sometimes. With tensions in the empire higher than ever, clearly they needed to do something or they would be at war-who they would be at war with would soon be determined.

Vegeta let out a rather heavy sigh as the ship's engines fired with ease and he jettisoned into space. He lingered his thoughts on the small ship that was designed and built, to travel under the Kolds radar. What was a simplistic blueprint turned out to be a sheer genius design. He, begrudgingly, had to admit. Rarely, did he praise the blasted Woman, considering how inflated it would be if she truly knew her worth, but he should give credit where credit was due. She really had come up with something practical and functional. The ship was a small, sleek, and fitted with a special type of metal that could only come from the woman's own imagination. This special metal could absorb signals in space instead of reflecting them. The Woman did a fine job of creating a vessel that would get them there with little to no effort, but getting the girl out was an entirely different story.

From what his intel could gather, the unfortunate girl was kept in that bastard's personal cell which was located under his own room. This meant that there was only but one way in and one way out through the bastard lizard's quarters. He had also discovered that the Saiyan girl was drugged regularly, indicating that this mission becomecame more of an urgency with each passing day. The escape and the need to stay quiet, were difficult to convey to those around him. Things weren't as simple as a retrieval mission. There was planning, fighting, and stealth that needed to be considered. On top of what was deemed an impossible mission, the added need to remove the special collar that was forced upon the girl was just another obstacle he had to find a workaround for in order to safeguard the brat back to Vegeta-sei.

That damn collar, that controlling contraption would be another huge issue with this fucking escape plan. The prince dreaded the notion that he would need to keep the probably heavily drugged Saiyan child absolutely still while he attempted to deactivate the cursed thing. A feat he wasn't looking forward to. The original plan to take the collar off the girl in the safety of the Woman's lab had recently fallen through. So now he had to do it there on the ship. What she had explained to him was a series of delicate steps that were not limited to first five precice injections which he had never done before, then a wire in a special device, the Woman made for this mission, would then have to be threaded through. With each injection was an antidote for the poisons and the various drugs inside the collar's protection system. He hadn't realized his hands were shaking while he mulled over the various tasks he would need to complete for the mission. Truth be told, he did not want to go to war; especially with everything that has already been going on lately. He wanted time to sort things out with the Woman and his Brat. This damn war would deny him all of that. How had things come this close to being resolved, and yet, still left just out of his reach. He wanted to make things right, and every chance he attempted to, his duties would always pull him in the opposite direction.