This is a Vegeta/Bulma-centric story. I don't see myself using Goku or Luffy in any major way; I'm not overly fond of either character. As an AU this story does not follow canon of either DB or OP, but canon material guides a lot of character and plot elements. This story is also influenced by the offical DB/OP crossover, Cross Epoch, and Pachi's Vegebul doujinshi, The Captain and the Thief and I'm Fine with You Captain, as well as by Charlotte Brönte's Jane Eyre.

Thanks again to my beta, Froglady15

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Bulma plopped down onto the floor with a heavy sigh and wiped the sweat from her brow.

"You did good," Axle said, smiling at the worn out girl.

"Yeah, I think I can feel myself getting stronger," Bulma replied. She looked down at her worn dress and frowned. "I don't think my dress is going to survive many more of these training sessions. Hey, how are Gin and Kenworth able to buy new clothes and the other things?"

"They steal them."

"Steal?" Bulma asked, astonished, "the Doctor allows it?"

"Father doesn't really care what they do as long as they don't get caught."

Axle's face was impassive. He always wore the same indifferent mask when he looked at pictures of birds or when he was explaining defensive moves and where a human's weak points were. Bulma knew, however that if she watched him close she might see a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips when admiring a colorful bird or his brows might twitch or peak when she baffled him. She thought to herself, that the only one more unexcitable than Axle was Mojag. Even the Doctor, who seemed to be whittled from ice, would yell and his pale wrinkled face would flush red when the boys made him angry. Pierro, she had seen when she peeked into training sessions now and again, had a very unsettling grin, one that made her think of a cat that had just caught a mouse. When Pierro yelled at the boys, his high pitched bellow carried right through the door like a yowling cat's wail.

Axle planted his bulk on the floor in front of Bulma, his great big tree trunk legs folded in front of him.

Bulma played with the tattered hem of her dress as she spoke, "When I used to stay at the orphanage we used to earn allowances by working in the kitchen or the garden or cleaning the building. That's how I was able to buy these dresses and my first ever book of fairy tales." She smiled up at Axle as she recalled the not so distant past. "I used to read Cinderella over and over. I read it so much that I had begun to dream of being rescued by a handsome and caring prince who would buy as many books and dresses as I could ever want, but that all seems very silly now, doesn't it?" Her smile melted away and she looked down again at her frayed hem before looking back up at Axle, more solemn. "Do you think the Doctor would allow me to earn an allowance for my work?"

"I don't know. You could ask him."

Bulma shuddered at the idea of talking to the doctor.

"I guess."

"I could buy them for you."

Bulma blushed at his offer. "Yes, I know you would if I asked, but I won't. I promise to pay you back for the books you've bought me."

"You don't have to. I would not accept your repayment any way."

"Where do you get all of that money?" Bulma asked suddenly, her brows knitted in wondering.

Axle considered this question in silence.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked, that was rude of me." She quickly apologized, but Axle showed no signs of being offended.

"What do you know about the Marines and the World Government? Have you read that new book?"

Bulma looked away in embarrassment. "Well, no. I dove into the one about the airships. I actually just finished it yesterday. I'm sorry, it's just that history seems so stale and boring."

Axle grunted a reply, which sounded like and amused scoff to Bulma. "When we used to live on Earth father was an arms developer. I don't remember much. I was only four at the time. He had a rival and back then they were competing for an important Marine contract."

"You don't remember the rival's name, do you?" Bulma asked.

Axle shook his head.

"I've been meaning to ask," Bulma began hesitantly, "In all of the stories I've read, the Pirates are bad guys, like bandits and thieves. And the Marines fight pirates so that would make them good."

The past week Bulma had spent hours lying awake wondering about her status in life. She didn't feel like she was a bad person and Axle or Mojag didn't seem bad either, the other boys she was pretty sure which way they leaned, and the Doctor and his assistant Pierro? Well, she really didn't know what to feel about them. Some days she wished she had been left at the orphanage and other days she quite liked it here. Everything was confusing, and nothing really seemed to explain anything.

Axle looked at Bulma expectantly as her brows twitched in consideration and she nibbled on her lower lip.

"Are we bad guys?" she asked, slowly.

"I don't think so. I never really thought about it. I know that father has hated the Marines since the attack. He said it is their fault Mother is dead."

"The Marines attacked your family?" Bulma gasped.

"No. Pirates attacked father's rival. There was a Marine crew in West Town that night. They weren't supposed to be there until the next day; they were early. When the Pirates attacked Capsule Corporation the Marines went after them right away. They battled in the middle of town and many people were injured and killed. Mother's shop was in the path of a direct attack."

"That's terrible!" Bulma exclaimed. "But surely, it must have been an accident. Or, maybe it was a pirate that launched the attack."

"No!" Axle said, his voice was so loud and firm that Bulma flinched in surprise. She had never seen such a reaction from the gentle giant. Her eyes darted down to his large ham-like fists; they clenched so hard veins popped out against his pale skin. "I was there when it happened. I saw those Marine dogs attack recklessly. If they weren't there mother would have been fine."

"But," Bulma said cautiously, "the pirates attacked innocent people."

Axle grit his teeth and his brows twitched. "That doesn't excuse what they did. I won't forgive them nor will father."

Axle stewed silently for a long moment. All the while Bulma kept quiet for fear of setting him off by saying the wrong thing.

Having calmed his temper in a long silence, Axle spoke, "After that night father severed all ties with the Marines. He began working with various pirate crews in the area including the ones that attacked Capsule Corporation."

Bulma gasped.

"The attack was what ultimately lead the Marines to establish the base in West Town. The residents were outraged and frightened that such a thing could happen in their town. There weren't any survivors; all of the assistants, the Doctor and his wife, were killed."

Feelings warred inside Bulma. She was very sorry Axle's mother had been killed in the crossfire but she was also sad for the residents and employees of Capsule Corporation.

"They lied and we know it!" Axle shouted as he pounded the floor with his fist. The sound echoed in the cavernous cargo bay.

Bulma's heart leapt into her throat and for a fleeting moment she wondered if she should run. It was the first time she felt a little fearful of the hulking boy. Her voice was a small whisper as she asked hesitantly, "What do you mean 'they lied?'"

"Those dirty Marines. After the attack they blamed the civilian casualties on the pirates. It was dark and late at night, people were sleeping, no one had ever stepped forward as a witness. When daylight broke the Marines were celebrated as heroes to West Town."

Bulma stayed quiet and still, reluctant to voice her doubt that the Marines were bad.

Axle smirked, and turning to look at Bulma he said, "They think they're smart and that they can keep pirates away but as you've seen we still visit. Father's office and workshop is still there. That's where he meets with his clients. The pirates come into town secretly. They keep a low profile to avoid alerting the attention of the Marines."

Axle seemed to relax as he spoke on, "When father sells his plans he makes a huge profit. The pirates pay him in gold and jewels which can be easily exchanged for IGC in space, if you know where to go. That's where our money comes from."

"I'm a little confused," Bulma pondered, cautiously, "I haven't yet seen other planets, I know they exist and there are a few space stations we've come close to where I've seen other space ships from afar." As she spoke Bulma's face scrunched as she tried organized her thoughts. She crossed her arms over her chest, reaching up with her left she chewed on her thumb tip. "The technology out here is so advanced, but on Earth it isn't."

"The World Government does not allow outside technology."

"And yet they allow for a space port?"

"As I understand it The World Government had come to an agreement with the Galactic Patrol, who station ships nearby to keep the traffic coming into Earth to a minimum, as the World Government would prefer it. With trade under their control they can direct the flow of wealth into their pockets."

"But how is the doctor allowed to come and go from space?"

"You have a lot of questions this evening." Axle teased, chuckling.

Bulma blushed. "I'm sorry. I'm just so curious. All of this is new to me, it's fascinating and overwhelming."

"Last question and then we go to bed; I'm not a robot, so, I require sleep. Father operates under the radar as an 'independent trader.' This ship's certificate states that is it a cargo vessel owned by Gear Technologies, father's company on Earth. Because the vessel was purchased off of Earth it falls under the jurisdiction of the General Galactic Alliance and the Galaxy Patrol They are ones who control the space port. It does not fall under World Government control; that is just the way it was worked out in the agreement, as far as I know. Being a provisional member of the General Galactic Alliance, Earth stays protected from unfriendly forces like the Cold Empire, the Saiyan Empire and many other insanely strong alliances or other space pirates."

Bulma's head spun with the overload of information. There was so much that Axle knew that she did not. How did he know all of this, aside from being four years older than her? She really did underestimate him! He wasn't stupid at all. Her astonishment must have shown all over her face because Axle answered just what she was thinking.

"After mother died I was at father's side all the time. Everything I know comes from my being there with him when he boarded an unsanctioned exploratory vessel. I was there when he purchased the ship, and again when he made many of the deals that lead to his wealth." Axle then blushed, and he said shyly, "it may seem odd that I could not read well, but I stopped going to school when we made the ship our permanent home. Father made an effort to teach me some basics but I think his work ended up dominating his time. When he established an entire half of the cargo space as a lab space he really immersed himself in his projects."

Bulma's face lit up again as more questions formed.

"No I don't know what they are." Axle answered. He smiled and chuckled, a deep base sound. "I may not have been able to read well at first, but your transparent emotions allow me to read you easier than a book."

Bulma could help but fall into a heated blush as she turned away in embarrassment. "I'm sorry," She blurted out, "I'm sorry I ever thought you were dumb and I'm sorry for underestimating you. Please forgive me, Axle. I never meant to judge you so harshly. If you would rather not be my friend, I will understand."

Axle stood up and reached out a hand to help Bulma up of the floor. She looked up at him hesitatingly. His smile was warm and kind and showed no hint of insult or offense, nor did she see hints of evil. Part of her was confused by his ability to accept a pirate attack on a seemingly innocent family but condemn what was supposed to be benevolent intervention by the good guys.

"It's getting late Little Bluebird."

His face was too kind and as she reached out to take his large hand his grasp was gentle yet firm. He hoisted her up as if she weighed no more than a feather. For the time being she would push this bit of dissonance aside, shelve it like a book to be studied later. She smiled up at him.

"If I am a blue bird then you must be a big red cardinal, because your hair sticks up like a cardinal's tuft." She giggled.

Axle laughed as they left cargo bay and headed for the elevator, "cardinal. I like that."

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"Ok, so if I just pop this panel out of place," Bulma mutter as she pried the mangled control panel with the plastic tool designed just for that purpose. Grunting as she strained, the charred panel gave way and she cried out in surprise.

According to the ship's manual she had found in the library, one of two on board, repair kits could be found in hidden compartments in the floor of the her storage closet-bedroom. After Bulma had finished her morning chores she had gone to the library as usual. In the half year she had been aboard the Asimov she still had not gotten through even half of the books. Most of them had long titles often with just as long subtitles. There were a lot of outdated volumes covering early space flight theory. Some of these books had charred leather covers and the authors name seemed to be scratched out as if with the blade of a knife. One of the most interesting was Flight Theory and Aerodynamics as Adapted for Space Flight by Dr. T- B-. Whoever Dr. T.B. was his books made the most sense and when compared to how actual space flight worked his theories were the closest to being correct when compared to newer volumes explaining how actual space flight worked. Some books Bulma could not understand, they were written in strange languages with symbols rather than the letters she was used to. After a few hours of perusing she was able to find one book that had an identical twin written in the Earth language she knew. Those she took back to her closet-room to study side by side.

This afternoon, rather than reading, Bulma studied each title and scanned the pages of the publications the caught her attention. As she perused she found and entire shelf dedicated to the Asimov, this included an oversized folio of detailed ship plans, schematics for the multitude of systems that kept the ship running smoothly, various repair manuals for the engines, pumps, purifiers, scrubbers and even parts catalogues with listing for dealers on planets and waystations she had never heard of. She had hoped there were star maps in the library that could show her where these distant almost fantastical places were but all she found were old and outdated charts.

That was when the idea struck her. It didn't take long until she found the manual that detailed how to repair a control panel. She was so abuzz with excitement that the fact the all these manuals were in an alien language didn't deter her. The pictures were clear and detailed enough that she was sure this was a simple enough task to do. Not having to manually pull the door open and closed was enough of a motivation.

As she inspected the exposed wiring she only gave a passing thought to why no else had yet repaired the panel. The doctor spent most of his time in his lab doing who knew what. The job of piloting and communications seemed to be Pierro's job as he was nearly always on the bridge in front of the main control panel when he wasn't with the boys, who now spent the most of the day in the cargo bay.

Not once did Bulma think what she was doing was wrong. It never occurred to her that she should not be poking around in the ships wiring.

"Nothing actually looks broken, besides the panel," Bulma muttered as her eyes roved over wires and circuits. She caught sight of a flash of exposed and frayed copper wire. "It looks like the that wire is supposed to be connected to that plug-in looking thing but it must have gotten pulled out when the panel was crushed."

She pulled the plug object out from its seat. It was a small rectangular square of plastic with a copper prong sticking out on one end and at the other was a metal crimp. Well, Bulma thought, This is a super easy fix. All I need to do is slip this wire back into place and re-crimp it. She pulled a screw driver from the tool box and separated the end of the crimp, then rolled the frayed ends of the wire to tame the loose strands. She then turned back to box in search of something to squeeze the metal ends together. She fished out a pair of needle nose pliers. With the wire slipped into the metal sheath she squeezed the pliers around the crimp and then inspected her work.

"I think that should do it." She said, satisfied.

With a little push she plugged the prong back into place and pressed the open button.

Nothing happened.

"Ok. Maybe it's not such an easy fix after all." Bulma sighed. She picked the manual up and stared at the page. "I guess I need reading lessons now."

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It was going to take more than one evening of study before she understood how to read in that alien language Bulma concluded as she fell backward on her bed, making a loud whump against the cushioned boxes. The two books she had been studying lay at her still crossed legs. She sighed, starring at the ceiling, contemplating the crevices between panels, following the miniature canyons at right angles, this way, then that until the top of the shelf where she kept what little she owned had come into her view. A corner of book peaked out past the edge of the shelf, prompting Bulma to remember her earlier conversation with Axle.

She sat up, gathering the two manuals and exchanged them with the history book, thinking that it was about time for a break from language study to some lighter study.

A Brief History of the World was a hefty book, but not nearly as big as the largest tomes in Gero's Library. It was dark blue, almost black leather with gold embossed lettering and decorative scrolling on the spine. The cover was comparatively simpler in style, the scrolling wrapped around the cover's border enclosing a cross with arms of equal length, its points each capped with a circle.

She flipped through the crisp pages until she reached the index, new book smell still clinging to each page wafting at her like the sprays from a perfume bottle, eau de connaissance. Under "W," she found the entry for "World Government," wanting to dive right into some answers she turned to the first set of pages.

"In the name of Justice the Marines, then known as the Continental Maritime Guardians of Justice, were created by the directive of the 20 Royal Families under the supervision of the Five Elders, who thus assigned them the esteemed responsibility of maintaining peace and order. For over 800 years the Marines have proudly served as worldwide law enforcement with the ability to mobilize swiftly to regions lacking protection from the vast groups of treacherous criminals that threaten the livelihood of the common law abiding man.

"Recent technological developments have given way for the advent of an airborne force. Within the last decade the Marines had been developing flying ships. Still in the theoretical stage a working model has yet to be revealed by the Marine Air Corp, which is still in its infancy.

"Marine bases are located throughout the four seas of the world as well as within the Grand Line. Bases are often located in major port towns, these Marine Branches are identified numerically, currently 1 through 171. Bases within the Grand Line are known as Grand Line Branches and are identified by the letter 'G' preceding an accompanying number.

"Marine tactics emphasize the importance of power in numbers, specialized training and loyalty to the pursuit of Justice. The unique culture of training underscores the importance of developing each Marine's potential and mastery of mind, body and weaponry. All Marine recruits receive training in hand to hand combat, and usage of the latest models of flint lock firearms and basic swordsmanship. Basic training begins for every Marine recruit as a cabin boy in order to build character and discipline.

"It is implicit that the Marines do not take the place of local police forces. The Marines are tasked with maintaining world order and protecting the public from high profile and highly dangerous criminals that threaten the overall peace of the world at large. The duties of keeping common criminals at bay falls within the jurisdiction of local law enforcement, however the Marines are not above lending a hand in upholding municipal and community Justice where needed.

"In maintaining Justice it is duty of the Marines to pay out bounties to the unofficially sanctioned Bounty Hunters who bring in live, or in some unavoidable cases deceased, criminals. As long as these unorthodox independently operating groups stay within the confines of the law they remain allies to Justice."

Bulma yawned. Her eyes felt heavy and droopy. Part of her wanted to read on but most of the rest of her wanted to sleep. She scanned the next few paragraphs, her eyes catching at words that stood out here and there, the Marine motto, more mentions of "Justice" with the "J" capitalized, always. There was a description of the Marine flag, official colors, insignia and uniform. When she got to an overview of the kind of weaponry they employed her interest piqued, but it was mainly vague descriptions of flintlocks and archaic cannons. Her interest was especially aroused at the mention of something called "devil fruit," but no description was given.

"Well, that's not fair," Bulma muttered, wondering what was the point of dangling the mysterious fruit before the reader. Come to think of it, why mention fruit in a section about weaponry?

She yawned again, and continued reading but fell asleep somewhere in the middle of an explanation of the Marine ranking system.