Chapter 19: Resolutions and Revelations

SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 763

Aloha Long's mind raced with thoughts as she paced back and forth in her bedroom, her phone lying dormant on the bedside table. She had kept it off for nearly twenty-four hours, desperately seeking the courage to confront her parents about her adamant refusal to hand her financial freedom over to them. With a frustrated huff, she flopped onto her bed, her drone project forgotten amidst her inner turmoil.

Suddenly, a soft knock at the door interrupted the mental chaos. "Coming," Aloha said, rising from her bed and opening the door to find a small messenger robot standing before her. Its robotic voice chirped a greeting, informing her that her parents were trying to contact her. Before she could respond, the robot bid her a good day and rolled away, leaving the young genius behind to release yet another frustrated sigh.

Feeling suffocated by her own indecision, Aloha decided to take a break and get some fresh air. She left her room, her mind still swirling with anxiety and uncertainty, and wandered through the halls of the Capsule Corp compound. As she passed through the atrium and stepped out onto the back lawn, she nearly collided with Bulma Briefs, who was clad in a cute pair of short shorts and a crop top.

"Oh! Bulma," Aloha exclaimed, her heart racing, "I should've been looking where I was going."

Bulma smiled, her blue eyes sparkling. "No worries, Aloha. Are you alright? You seem a bit flustered."

Aloha sighed, running a hand over her short hair in frustration. "I'm just... trying to figure some things out," she slowly admitted, her voice shaky with uncertainty. "It's... complicated."

Bulma nodded understandingly, stepping closer to Aloha with a comforting gesture. "Well, if you ever need someone to talk to or some advice, you know where to find me," she offered kindly.

Aloha bit her bottom lip. "Well, it's that thing we talked about yesterday. Just before I went to talk to you, I had gotten off the phone with my mother right after she told me to close my CCCU account and give them all my money. I do need to advocate for myself, like you said, but I don't know how to put this into practice. Errgh, I can just foresee what's going to happen. I'll get on a video conference call with my parents and they'll dogpile on me until I give in, so I've kept my phone off and have been avoiding them. They tried to contact me through Capsule Corp just now. I don't know what to do. The pressure is getting to me. They're so pushy, I swear, and I know that they won't take no for an answer!"

Bulma listened attentively to Aloha's frustrations, her expression sympathetic as she took in the young employee's distress. As Aloha poured out her worries, Bulma nodded in understanding, her mind already formulating a plan to help. "It sounds like you're really caught in a tough spot, Al," Bulma said, her voice gentle yet firm. "But remember what we talked about. You have to stand up for yourself, even if it's difficult. Your financial independence is important and you shouldn't let anyone take that away."

Aloha nodded, her brows furrowed in deep thought. "I know you're right, Bulma. It's just... easier said than done, you know? There's a mental block that I just can't get past. If I could just figure out what's causing it exactly… like, what if they threaten me? They can do that! They have a million different ways! It'll feel like I'm being bound and gagged. I've been through this a million times before. I almost feel like… Oh, here's one way to explain it in scientific terms. It's like… like learned helplessness. I can't just break free in one day. It takes time to undo the programming… and how much time do I have before they literally fly around the world and come to West City to force a confrontation with me?"

Bulma's eyes softened with empathy as she listened to Aloha's struggles, understanding the weight of her predicament. "I hear you, Al. It's not easy to break free from ingrained patterns, especially when it feels like you're up against a tidal wave of pressure." She paused, considering Aloha's concern about threats. "But remember, you're not alone in this. You have friends and allies who will stand by you, myself included. And if they do try to threaten you, we'll deal with it together. You don't have to face it alone."

Aloha winced. "Ugh, but it feels like it would be inappropriate to have a friend go on a video conference call with me. I mean, errgh, that would just feel like… like… either like snooping if my parents didn't know the friend was listening in or just really inappropriate for introducing a stranger into a 'family' chat. They would use 'privacy' as an excuse to isolate me so they can influence me more easily."

Bulma nodded, her mind churning with ideas. "I get what you're saying, Al. Privacy is important in family matters. But there might be a way to navigate this without compromising your boundaries." She paused, her brow furrowing in thought. "What if you had someone on standby, someone you trust, who could discreetly join the call if things started to get out of hand? They wouldn't have to say anything unless you wanted them to. They could just be there for moral support, ready to step in if needed."

"But the privacy isn't for my sake, it's for theirs! They would protest if I got on with someone. I'd love to have someone on with me who could back me up, just like my mom always backs up my dad. It would even the odds, for sure. But I feel like my parents would just see that person as a threat and try to convince me that I'm being 'brainwashed' by them. That's another thing they've done before. At times, they treat me like I don't have a mind of my own and I'm just so easily influenced."

Suddenly, a eureka moment passed over Bulma's visage and she snapped a finger. "Alright, consider this solution. We could do a little set up in my lab with two computers, back-to-back. I'll be on one and stay silent and you be on the other. I have a way of hacking into conference calls while remaining completely undetectable and, believe me, I can type a mile a minute. So, I can help you find appropriate responses in the heat of the moment and my suggestion would pop up on your screen, like you're reading from a teleprompter. Simultaneously, you could type a message back if you're unsure about something or want to ask a question. Naturally, you don't have to read exactly from the script. You can adapt the words as needed, but it'll help you get some first-time experience in breaking out of the learned helplessness mindset. Once you do it for the first time, it'll give you a huge confidence boost and you shouldn't need such direct help as much in the future. It'll almost be like taking a crash course. However, I'm pretty busy today and your parents are urgently trying to contact you right now. Here's an idea. I can send a message courtesy of Capsule Corp Inc. that says you were called away on an urgent work assignment, but you'll be back Monday morning. Then when Monday comes around, we'll set things up and get this little session over with. Think of it like taking baby steps. When you first learned to walk, someone held your hand, but then you quickly got the hang of it and didn't need or want help anymore. What do you say?"

Aloha's eyes widened with surprise and a glimmer of hope as Bulma outlined her plan. "Wow, Bulma, that's... actually really clever," she admitted, her voice overflowing with admiration. "I never would've thought of something like that. It's like having a safety net without them even knowing it."

Bulma grinned, pleased with Aloha's reaction. "Exactly! It's all about finding creative solutions to navigate tricky situations. And hey, it's not cheating or anything. You're just giving yourself a little extra support until you feel confident enough to handle it on your own. You'll see, once this problem isn't hanging over you anymore, you'll be free to refocus your energy on your passions and work stuff."

Aloha nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "You're right. It's not cheating. It's just... leveling the playing field. And if it helps me break out of this learned helplessness mindset, then I'm all for it."

With a determined nod, Bulma clapped her hands together. "Great! So, I'll send that message to your parents and then we'll meet up on Monday morning to set everything up. In the meantime, try to relax and focus on enjoying yourself at the barbecue. I think we got this one in the bag."

As Aloha nodded in agreement, a sense of relief washed over her. With Bulma's support and ingenuity, she felt more confident than ever that she would come to determine her own destiny. Feeling a heavy weight lift from her shoulders, she took a deep breath and decided to go work on her drone for a bit.

…

In her private laboratory, Bulma sat at her computer, fingers tapping away as she delved into the many technological possibilities for planetary security measures. The partially-clouded sky outside cast a soft, diffused light into the room, creating a calm atmosphere that contrasted with the storm of thoughts swirling in Bulma's mind. The Cold family, with their looming presence and unknown intentions, continued to weigh heavily on her thoughts, disrupting her sense of peace. Despite the absence of much new information, the nagging feeling of unease persisted, driving Bulma to seek solace in her work.

As she leaned back in her chair, her gaze turned inward, lost in memories of Namek and the horrors that she had witnessed there. The memory of the planet being torn apart from the inside out sent a shiver down her spine, a grim reminder of the destructive power wielded by beings like Frieza. "And yet, that didn't destroy it instantaneously..." she mused aloud, her voice barely above a whisper. The notion sparked an idea in her brilliant mind, a glimmer of possibility amidst the darkness of uncertainty. With newfound determination, the young heiress straightened up in her seat and got right to work, typing away.

Bulma began to create a computer model simulating the potential impact if Earth were split in two. Drawing on her expertise in physics and engineering, she input data, fine-tuning parameters and adjusting variables to reflect the hypothetical scenario. Equations danced across the screen, algorithms whirred in the background, as the simulation took shape. Each line of code was a step closer to understanding, a step closer to preparing for the unimaginable. "Gotta start somewhere," Bulma murmured to herself, her voice infused with perseverance. With unwavering focus, she continued to refine her model, driven by the relentless pursuit of knowledge and a steadfast commitment to safeguarding her home planet.

Bulma's brow furrowed in concentration as she stared at the complex equation displayed on her computer screen. Despite her expertise, this particular challenge seemed to elude her grasp, stubbornly refusing to yield its secrets. Frustration bubbled up within her as she wrestled with the problem, her mind consumed by the intricacies of the calculations. Lost in thought, her gaze wandered toward the window, drawn by sudden movement outside. The Gravitron, with its imposing presence, caught her attention. She watched intently as the door dropped to the ground, revealing Goku and Vegeta emerging from within.

They paused for a brief exchange before making their way toward the compound, their footsteps steady and relaxed. Goku, in particular, looked quite happy. Bulma's curiosity was piqued, her mind buzzing with questions. What were the saiyans up to? What was the nature of their 'combined mental and physical' training? With a determined glint in her eye, Bulma glanced at the time display on her computer screen. Five minutes until lunch. Without hesitation, she accessed the company's security database, swiftly navigating to the footage from the Gravitron recorded after dinner the previous night.

As the video played before her eyes, Bulma leaned in closer, studying the saiyans' actions with keen interest. "What are they doing?" she thought aloud, watching as they sat on floor mats, one facing the other. Their mouths were moving, but their bodies were not. Goku closed his eyes as if concentrating a few times and opened them again. More talking. After a while, they got up and stood facing each other. She saw Goku turn around as if he was about to leave. Vegeta touched the back of his head. Suddenly, Goku was laughing. Then Goku's face turned serious and they were back to talking. It almost looks like they're rehearsing for a play… The hell kind of training is this? All of a sudden, Vegeta led Goku to the lower level. Bulma raised a brow and switched to the kitchen security footage. Her eyes widened when she saw them both walk into the bathroom together and disappear. There was no security cam in the bathroom, so she had no way to know what they were doing in there. "What the heck?!"

Bulma's mind raced with possibilities as she rewatched the footage of Goku and Vegeta's peculiar after-dinner training session in the Gravitron. Their actions seemed to defy conventional logic, leaving her baffled and intrigued in equal measure. She leaned closer to the screen, her eyes narrowed in concentration as she scrutinized every movement and silent word exchange between the two saiyans.

"Huh…" she muttered to herself, her curiosity growing with each passing moment. The sight of Goku and Vegeta engaged in what appeared to be a combination of conversation and physical gestures left her perplexed. It was unlike any training regimen she had seen before and she could not shake the feeling that there was something significant beneath the surface. As she continued to observe, Bulma's keen analytical mind dissected the footage, searching for clues and patterns that might offer insight into the nature of their training. The moments of laughter interspersed with periods of intense focus intrigued her, prompting her to consider the possibility of some form of mental conditioning or emotional regulation at play.

Again, her train of thought was interrupted when Goku and Vegeta made their way to the lower level of the Gravitron, disappearing from view. Again, she switched to the kitchen security footage, hoping to glean some understanding of their actions. However, her bafflement only deepened. "Damn!" she exclaimed, her frustration evident in her voice. "I guess I should have this thing recording audio too." She leaned back in her chair, a frown marring her features as she pondered the mysterious behavior.

Despite her best efforts to unravel the mystery, Bulma found herself at a loss, unable to make sense of the behavioral enigma she had just witnessed. With more questions than answers, she resolved to keep a closer eye on Goku and Vegeta's activities. As Bulma's eyes remained glued to the security footage, her phone vibrated on the desk beside her. With a sigh of resignation, she tore her gaze away from the screen and glanced at the incoming message. It was from her mother, informing her that she was late for lunch.

"Typical," Bulma muttered under her breath, frustration evident in her tone. She had lost track of time in her quest to unravel a saiyan mystery, but now the call of family obligations pulled her away from her work. Reluctantly, she rose from her chair and cast a final glance at the computer screen before shutting it down. With a lingering sense of curiosity gnawing at her, she exited her private laboratory and made her way home to join the family lunch. As she walked through the familiar halls of Capsule Corp, her mind continued to churn with thoughts of the enigmatic saiyans and the secrets they held.

…

The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air as the Briefs and their two alien residents gathered around the dining table, the midday sun peeking through the clouds and onto a sliver of the dining room floor. Bulma sat at one end of the table, her gaze fixed on Goku and Vegeta, who were seated opposite her, their plates piled high with an array of foods. Across the table, Goku and Vegeta indulged in their meal with gusto, their appetites seemingly insatiable. Blanched broccoli, spaghetti and meatballs, a generous vat of mashed sweet potatoes, and crispy baked chicken drumsticks adorned their plates, a feast fit for warriors.

Bulma's attention remained fixed on the saiyans, her mind consumed by thoughts of their odd training regimen. She barely noticed when her mother, Mrs. Briefs, reached out to touch her shoulder gently.

"Dear, you're not eating," Panchy remarked, concern in her voice.

Startled from her reverie, Bulma blinked and glanced at her plate, realizing she had barely touched her food. With a reluctant sigh, she lifted a meatball toward her mouth with her fork, her gaze still locked on Goku and Vegeta. As she chewed mechanically, the tension in the room mounted with each passing moment. Bulma's frustration simmered beneath the surface, her lack of knowledge about the saiyans' activities gnawing at her insides. Finally, unable to contain the tension any longer, Bulma slammed her fork down on the table with a sharp clatter, causing a meatball to go flying off her plate.

The sudden noise startled everyone, her parents' soft conversation halting as all turned to look at her.

"Damn it!" Bulma exclaimed, her voice ringing out in the silence of the room. Her eyes blazed with intensity as she directed her gaze at Goku and Vegeta. "What were you damn saiyans doing in the Gravitron last night?!" she demanded, her tone sharp. "If you don't tell me right now, I swear, I'll..."

Goku and Vegeta exchanged a quick glance, sensing the seriousness of Bulma's tone and the urgency in her demand. Despite the suddenness of her outburst, they remained composed, their saiyan instincts alert and ready to respond. Goku, ever the optimist, offered a sheepish grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, Bulma, you see, we were just... uh... training! Yeah, training!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "You know how it is, always striving to get stronger and better!"

Beside him, Vegeta's expression was more guarded, his features set in a stoic mask. "Indeed, Bulma," he added, his voice low and steady. "And I'm pretty sure we told you that last night at the end of dinner."

Bulma jumped to her feet, two fists at her side as she blared, "Bullshit! I watched the security footage. You weren't training at all, you were just chatting and making weird gestures. And then you idiots went into the one-person bathroom together. I mean, what the hell?! Is taking a piss together in the same toilet normal for you monkey-tailed cretins?! 'Cause here on Earth, it's freaking weird!"

Vegeta had swallowed a meatball. It ended up regurgitated at bullet speed through his left nostril when he heard Bulma's last two sentences. He coughed like crazy and fell over in his chair, hacking on the floor.

Goku averted his attention from his blue-haired friend to the prince. "'Geets!" he cried.

Mrs. Briefs grabbed the pitcher and rushed to refill Vegeta's glass of water. "Here, Vegeta dear, take a drink. Quick," she encouraged, trying to hand him the glass as he struggled to climb back up in his chair.

As Vegeta struggled to regain his composure, coughing and sputtering, Bulma's frustration only escalated. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, her gaze blazing with indignation as she stared down at the two saiyans. "Well?!" she demanded, her voice sharp with anger. "I'm waiting for an explanation!"

The prince beat on his chest for a moment to clear his airway and held up a hand at Goku when the orange-clad clod opened his mouth to answer. Vegeta flashed Goku a warning look before he took the glass from Mrs. Briefs and downed it all in one go. Then he abruptly sneezed and used a nearby napkin to blow the tomato sauce out of his nose. With Vegeta's wordless gestures, Goku snapped to attention and remembered the training they had done. He drew his brows together and rose to his feet. With shoulders square, he towered over the table slightly, eyes narrowed on Bulma. "Listen, Bulma, I understand you're upset, but that doesn't give you the right to try to kill Vegeta like that. Don't do it again."

After a moment's hesitation, Vegeta gave Goku a thumb up, unable to muster actual words.

Goku grinned, encouraged by Vegeta's apparent approval. "And… and also… we weren't peeing."

Two thumbs up.

Goku gave Bulma a final glare and sat down, turning back to his delicious meal. Confused, Bulma's eyes panned from Goku to Vegeta and back again. "What were you doing in there if not peeing?"

"None ya biz," Vegeta croaked.

"Yeah!" Goku echoed, stuffing a whole drumstick in his mouth and pulling out the bone. He pointed the tip at her accusingly as he swallowed. "Do we interrogate you about science-y stuff? No? Exactly!"

Mrs. Briefs shook a finger at Bulma. "Now, sweetie, you're never going to find a husband yelling at the fellas like that. And, please, remember to mind your manners at the table," she gently chided.

Falling silent, Bulma crossed her arms and slumped in her chair, glaring at Goku and Vegeta in turn.

After regaining his dignity, the prince grinned back at her with self-satisfaction in his eyes. Goku, on the other hand, turned his attention back to his meal and started stuffing his face again. Vegeta followed suit.

Bulma uttered a low growl and rose, throwing up her hands. "Just forget it! I'm leaving. You two are impossible," she snapped with a flip of her hair. Grabbing her plate, she stormed out of the room.

Vegeta wheezed, "Don't let the door clap your ass on the way out."

…

Following their afternoon training session, the saiyans returned to the compound a bit early to wash up and get ready for the barbecue dinner. As Goku stepped out of the steam-filled tub, a sense of contentment washed over him, accompanied by the soothing softness of the fluffy white towel wrapped around his waist. Beads of water glistened on his skin, his muscles relaxed from the hot, invigorating shower. With a carefree grin, he glanced at himself in the mirror, his reflection radiating a sense of joy and satisfaction. Yet, beneath his cheerful demeanor, a strong hint of determination flickered in his eyes.

"Don't mess with me, Bulma." Goku's voice carried a note of warning, his gaze piercing his reflection. With a nod of approval, he shook off the moment and continued with his post-shower routine. Humming a tune under his breath, Goku dried himself off, the towel gliding over his skin. He tousled his crazy black hair, the strands falling into place with a casual flick of his fingers. Once satisfied with his appearance, he discarded the towel and reached for a fresh gi, slipping it on with effortless grace.

Exiting the bathroom, Goku entered the common area of the Briefs' residence, his footsteps light and purposeful. His eyes fell upon Vegeta, who was sprawled out on the couch, looking utterly spent from their earlier training session. A smile tugged at the corners of Goku's lips as he approached his saiyan counterpart. "Hey, 'Geets," Goku greeted warmly, his voice filled with genuine admiration, "you really pushed yourself hard today. I gotta hand it to you, you're always up for a challenge."

Vegeta grunted in response, his eyes flickering open to regard Goku. "I can't believe I almost choked to death at lunch. I think that took more out of me than the actual training, if I'm being honest."

Goku chuckled at Vegeta's comment, a playful glint in his eyes as he settled into an armchair opposite the couch. "Yeah, that was quite the scene," he admitted with a grin. "But you handled it like a champ, Vegeta. I've seen you face much tougher challenges than a stray meatball."

Vegeta huffed in agreement, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I choked because… that was quite literally the stupidest thing I've ever heard Bulma say, and that's really saying something. A lot of nonsense comes out of her mouth on the daily. She really outdid herself with that pissing remark."

Goku chuckled heartily at Vegeta's blunt assessment, his laughter echoing through the room. "Yeah, I guess you have a point. That one was really out there," he conceded, a grin still lingering on his lips. "Bulma does have a knack for coming up with some... interesting commentary."

Vegeta cleared his throat and sat up. "Well, fortunately for us, her impulsive little outburst revealed that she's been spying on us. I think next time we do your resocialization training, it should be somewhere without recording devices. Same if we're exchanging secrets about saiyan culture."

Goku nodded. "Makes me wonder why she cares so much."

"Some of the smartest people in the universe are also the nosiest," Vegeta pointed out with a nonchalant shrug, getting up and opening the sliding glass door. "Come on, I'm hungry as hell," he declared.

…

As the aroma of sizzling barbecue wafted through the air, the Capsule Corp backyard buzzed with lively chatter and laughter. Goku and Vegeta gathered by the smoking grill, checking out the delicious selection still in the cooking process. Mrs. Briefs hovered over the barbecue, expertly flipping burgers and skewers, while Bulma bustled about, ensuring everyone had a refreshing drink in hand.

Krillin and Launch engaged in animated conversation nearby, their laughter mingling with the sounds of clinking glasses and sizzling meat. Master Roshi lounged in a nearby chair, regaling Puar and Oolong with tales of his latest adventures. Yajirobe sat at a corner of the table, eagerly digging into his plate of appetizers with gusto and listening to Master Roshi's exploits with half an ear. For the anthro pig's sake, Mrs. Briefs had courteously avoided buying any pork products for the party. And amidst it all, a few Nameks mingled with the crowd, their serene presence adding an air of mystique to the gathering.

Aloha Long stood off to the side at first, taking in the scene with a mixture of awe and excitement. This was her first time meeting the legendary Z fighters in person and she could not help but feel a flutter of nerves in her stomach. Suddenly, she noticed a familiar flame-haired silhouette and smiled, approaching. She figured that it would be easiest to chat up someone she had actually met before.

Vegeta's eyes were fixated on one particular juicy-looking burger when he felt a feather-light tap on his shoulder. Goku was standing beside him, obsessing over the meats. Who else would dare touch him? He drew his brows together and spun around, rounding on the foolish individual. A skinny brown-skinned person with short curly black hair shrank back from his intense gaze. The face was unfamiliar. He shook a fist at the puny human. "What do you want? How dare you touch the Prince of all Saiyans!"

Aloha's heart skipped a beat as the cranky warrior whirled around with a menacing glare, his sharp words cutting through the lively atmosphere like a knife. The noise and chatter of the barbecue came to an immediate standstill as everyone turned to stare. Fear flashed in her eyes as she recoiled slightly, her breath catching in her throat. She stumbled over her words, her voice barely a whisper as she stammered out apologies. "I-I'm so sorry," she stuttered, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I d-didn't mean to startle you. I just… I thought you might remember me… you know, from the clinic?"

Vegeta looked the human up and down, sizing up the fearful individual, before leaning in to give a low-toned warning, "I've never seen you before in my life, boy, and you've some audacity touching an elite warrior without permission." He paused, and then snapped, "So, what the hell do you want?!"

The beet-red color on Aloha's face turned ice-blue. "Well, I-I…"

"Vegeta!" Bulma blared, romping over to try and give him a whack on the head. He blocked it and cast a glare Bulma's way, which only increased her rage. "Where are your manners?! That's a girl, not a boy. And don't you shout at her! She saved your life in the clinic, you ungrateful idiot!"

Goku placed his hands on Vegeta's shoulders from behind and pulled him back slightly. "You'll have to excuse Vegeta," he explained. "He doesn't mean to be so harsh, he's just a little hangry." Goku sniffed the air. "Say, you smell familiar. Is that you, Dr. Along? Oh yeah, you were in the clinic!"

Aloha's heart raced with a mixture of emotions as Vegeta's words sank in. In that brief moment when she was mistaken for a boy, her heart swelled with a sense of euphoria more powerful than any she had ever felt. For so long, she had struggled with her identity, grappling with feelings of confusion and isolation. But in that brief moment with Vegeta, she had felt seen, even if it was under hostile circumstances.

As Vegeta's harsh words echoed in her ears, her mind raced with conflicting thoughts and emotions. On one hand, she was frightened and embarrassed by the bulky warrior's aggressive response, but on the other hand, she could not deny the fleeting sense of validation that had shaken her to her core. She bit her lip, torn between revealing her true self and maintaining the facade to avoid further conflict.

However, Bulma's intervention snapped Aloha out of her reverie, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as the truth was revealed. The moment of gender euphoria quickly dissipated, replaced by a surge of anxiety and vulnerability. Despite the overwhelming support from Bulma and Goku, Aloha could not shake the lingering fear of judgment and rejection. "Uh, uh… Well, it's okay, Bulma. I-I don't mind being called a boy. I mean, what does it matter anyway? We're all really just… people, right?"

Bulma stuck her nose in the air and planted her hands on her hips. "It matters because it's just plain rude!"

"Whatever!" Vegeta blared at Bulma. "Your weird friend looks like a bozo either way," he said, spinning back around toward the grill. "I want that damn hamburger," he uttered to Mrs. Briefs, pointing.

Mrs. Briefs giggled. "Alright, Vegeta dear. Let's get you some food to calm you down there," she replied, flipping the burger onto a bun with all the fixings. She had only barely finished when Vegeta grabbed it and stuffed it down his throat in a single bite. Mrs. Briefs added some more raw patties to the grill. "I just love a man with a healthy appetite. Some of the others are almost ready. Who wants medium-rare?"

Krillin and Oolong raised their hands.

Bulma cast a final warning glare at Vegeta before she returned to her drink-dispensing duties. "Goku, you keep an eye on Vegeta and make sure he behaves himself," she directed with a firm voice.

Goku smiled and nodded, turning back to the grill as Mrs. Briefs started piling hamburgers up on plates.

Meanwhile, Aloha backed away from the scene, thankful to no longer be the dead center of attention. She breathed a sigh of relief, placing a hand over her still-racing heart from the confrontation.

As the tantalizing aroma of grilled delicacies filled the air, Bulma and Dr. Briefs moved gracefully around the picnic table, their arms laden with an assortment of savory delights. Large serving platters piled high with cooked patties, sausages, steaks, and shish kabobs were carefully arranged, eliciting murmurs of anticipation from the hungry guests. Vegeta settled himself at one end of the table, Goku taking the spot next to him with an eagerness that mirrored his boundless appetite. Nearly everyone found a place and began to dig into the mouthwatering feast, their expressions blissful as they savored the flavors.

At the opposite end of the table, Master Roshi and Puar stole nervous glances at Vegeta, their whispers barely audible above the sounds of clinking cutlery and satisfied murmurs. Sensing the tension, Bulma gestured for Aloha to join her, offering a reassuring smile as she whispered an apology for Vegeta's behavior and a discreet warning about the man's temperament. Aloha nodded in understanding, a snicker escaping her lips as she made her way to sit beside Bulma, positioning herself opposite Goku.

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Bulma rose from her seat and clinked her fork against a glass of lemonade to capture everyone's attention. "Hear ye, hear ye," she announced with a playful grin, her gaze sweeping across the table. "For those who haven't had the pleasure, allow me to introduce our newest Capsule Corp colleague, Aloha Long." She gestured towards Aloha with a flourish, her tone laced with pride. "Aloha is not only a brilliant mind like myself, but also a delightful addition to our team."

Aloha waved shyly to the gathered guests, her cheeks tinted with a blush as she spoke up. "I go by Al for short," she blurted out, her voice soft but filled with warmth. "It's nice to meet you all."

Goku beamed at her with genuine enthusiasm. "Hi, Al! It's so nice to meet you," he exclaimed, his large grin infectious. "Gosh, you look young," he continued, scratching his head in a gesture of befuddlement. "Uh, I don't mean to be rude or anything, but, uh... d-did you say you were a boy or a girl? I'm sorry to ask. You see, when I was a kid, I couldn't tell the difference at all. I can usually tell now, but with some people it's harder to tell than with others," he admitted, being painfully blunt as usual.

Bulma shot Goku a reproachful glare, her voice laced with exasperation. "Goku! Stop it! That's insulting!" she scolded, her frustration evident. "If you're too clueless to tell, then keep it to yourself."

Aloha placed a comforting hand on Bulma's shoulder, offering her a reassuring smile. "No, no, it's perfectly alright," she reassured them, her gaze meeting Goku's. "I... um, I have the same problem sometimes. It can be hard to tell. But, really, does it matter anyway? We're all just people, right?"

Goku's smile widened, his admiration for Aloha growing. "Yeah, I totally agree. Thanks for not being mad at me!" he exclaimed, genuine gratitude shining in his eyes. "Some people get real mad."

"Yeah, it's a silly thing to get worked up over," Aloha remarked. Returning his smile, she nodded in affirmation, a sense of acceptance settling over the table as the guests continued to enjoy the feast.

Bulma narrowed her eyes at Goku a few moments more before releasing a light growl of frustration. "Anyway, Al, which is short for Aloha – ahem, clearly a girl's name, Goku – is interested in learning the martial arts. I just thought I'd put that out here. She's been dying to meet all you Z fighters."

As Bulma revealed Aloha's interest in martial arts, Krillin's eyes lit up with excitement, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Welcome, Miss Al," he greeted warmly, waving a hand to get her attention. "I'm Krillin and I'd be happy to help you get started with your training whenever you're ready."

Master Roshi, ever the seasoned martial artist, chimed in with his own greeting, his eyes twinkling with interest. "Ah, a fellow enthusiast of the martial arts! I'm Master Roshi, a trainer of the Z fighters," he introduced himself with a verbal flourish. "Tell me, Miss Al, how advanced is your training?"

"I have no experience at all yet, but I desperately want to learn!" she readily admitted.

Aloha's response was met with a thoughtful expression from Master Roshi. "Hm," he hummed, stroking his beard contemplatively. "I myself don't usually take on students starting at zero."

Krillin's cheeks flushed as he sensed Master Roshi's hesitation regarding Aloha's lack of training. "Hey, don't worry about that," he interjected, his voice bursting with enthusiasm. "I may not be a master like Roshi here, but I've got plenty of experience and I'd be more than happy to help you get started."

Aloha's eyes brightened at Krillin's offer. "Oh, thank you, Krillin!" she exclaimed. "That would be amazing. I've always wanted to learn martial arts, but I was never allowed to as a child."

Krillin flashed her a reassuring smile, his own excitement growing. "No problem at all. We'll start from the basics and work our way up. Trust me, you'll be throwing punches and kicks like a pro in no time!"

"Awesome!" Aloha replied with enthusiasm.

"Oh, speaking of training, Goku," Krillin addressed him, redirecting the conversation. "You said over the phone that you had some updates you were gonna share at the barbecue. Anything worrisome?"

Goku listened intently to the conversation, his brow furrowing slightly as Krillin shifted the topic to the potential Cold situation. Goku shook his head, a light smile playing on his lips. "Not exactly," he replied, his voice calm and reassuring. "The last thing I heard from King Kai was that King Cold had disappeared from his palace. For over a month now, King Kai's been searching for his whereabouts." He paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. "If it makes you feel any better, Krill, King Kai completely searched all the areas closest to us and says we're in the clear for now. I asked him to keep monitoring the area to see if any threats start to approach, so we'll at least have some head's up."

Krillin nodded, relieved. "That does make me feel better," he admitted. "I think the closer we get to being able to bring Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu back, the better. We gotta bulk up our defenses."

Aloha Long sat at the picnic table, her eyes alight with curiosity as she listened to Goku and Krillin's conversation. She chewed thoughtfully on a piece of steak, glancing between the two Z fighters as they discussed their encounters with apparent royalty. "Uh, Mr. Goku, sir, did you say that you know kings?" Aloha's voice trembled with excitement as she spoke up, her cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment.

Goku turned to her, a playful glint in his eyes. "Oh, you mean King Kai? Well, he's technically more of a god than a king, but I do know some kings, yes. Why do you ask?" he returned.

Aloha's blush deepened and she fidgeted with her fork. "Oh, no reason. I've just lived kind of a sheltered life and I've never had the chance to meet real royalty before. That's neat that you have. And a god, too? That's even more amazing! I've heard many legends growing up on Papaya Island."

Bulma could not help but snort at Aloha's innocence, earning a reproachful glance from Goku. "Oh yeah, I've met so many different kinds of people!" Goku continued enthusiastically. "As far as gods go... well, I know King Kai and King Yemma... and for royalty, let's see," he counted on his fingers, "there's Gohan, the Ox-King, Chi Chi, and Vegeta right here," he gestured towards the saiyan who was busily devouring his meal, "and I've met a few others on my adventures, but I'm not in regular contact with them."

Aloha blinked in surprise and glanced at Vegeta, who paused mid-chew to shoot her a withering glare. She started to sweat. "He… is… um…" she began, flashing nervous glances back at the flame-haired one.

Goku, ever the oblivious one, clapped Vegeta on the back with a grin. "Yep, Prince 'Geets of all Saiyans."

Krillin could not contain his amusement, letting out a snort as he repeated, "'Geets," under his breath. His enjoyment was short-lived as Vegeta's icy glare turned to him. Puar, Oolong, Yajirobe, and Master Roshi frantically shushed him, knowing all too well the consequences of provoking the saiyan prince.

Goku giggled. "I promise, he's not as mean as he looks… and acts. He's just tired and hungry and grouchy, all at the same time," Goku surmised, explaining away the prince's moodiness.

Aloha swallowed hard. "So, um, what are saiyans? What part of the world are they from? I never saw a place called Saiya on any word maps in history classes, but maybe I just don't remember?"

Bulma, noticing Aloha's confusion, decided to approach the topic delicately, aware of the potential shock it might cause. "Al," she began gently, "I think it's time I filled you in on something pretty important for a Capsule Corp employee to know." She took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "You see, not everything you've been told about the world is entirely accurate. The military conscription that Capsule Corp was under served the purpose of preserving the government's false narrative. Many people around the globe are wising up to the truth and have been furious about all the lies that they've been told."

Aloha furrowed her brows, her curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

Bulma hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Well, you know those green men with the pointy ears that live at Capsule Corp?" she inquired, pointing a thumb to the group of Nameks gathered on the lawn.

Aloha nodded. "Uh, yeah, that friendly lot. Aren't they the peaceful descendants of the demon King Piccolo? That's what the newspapers said, as I recall. I've chatted with a few of them."

Bulma shook her head. "Believe it or not, King Piccolo was not a demon. He was… a Namek, an alien from another planet far outside our solar system. And the green men you've seen around here are also Nameks and not from Earth, but all very peaceful and friendly people. King Piccolo was the exception."

Aloha's eyes widened in disbelief as she processed Bulma's words. "Aliens?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "But... but how can that be? We haven't even sent a person to Mars yet."

"Well, we kinda skipped right past Mars," Bulma revealed. "There is some secret technology here at Capsule Corp that can take us anywhere in the galaxy." She nodded to the Gravitron across the lawn. "That right there… It's not a specialized gymnasium at all, but rather a spaceship. My father built it after taking apart and studying an alien pod that landed on Earth. Pretty wild, am I right?"

Aloha's mind reeled at the revelation, struggling to comprehend the enormity of what Bulma was actually telling her. "A… a spaceship?" she echoed, her voice brimming with awe and disbelief. "But... but why keep it a secret? Why not share this incredible discovery with the whole wide world?"

Bulma sighed, her expression somber. "Believe me, I've asked myself that same question many times," she admitted, "but the truth is, there are powerful forces at play that would rather keep this technology under wraps. They're afraid of what might happen if the public knew the full extent of what's out there."

Goku rose from his seat, his brows drawn as he rested his hands on the table on each side of his plate. "I think I can help explain, Bulma. The government of Earth, for better or worse, is trying to protect you. You see, the people who inhabit Earth are incredibly weak compared to many races out there among the stars. Space is a very dangerous place. To stay safe, Earth needs to remain hidden for now and not draw attention to itself. To join the larger galaxy, well, we would need Earth's military to be thousands of times stronger than it currently is. We would need a huge army of fighters at least as strong as Krillin here," he said, gesturing to his friend on the other end of the table, "to keep the planet secure if we were to make ourselves known to the galaxy at large. For now, there are fewer than ten people who are strong enough to make a difference if we're attacked. I'm one of them, and so are Vegeta and Krillin. You see?"

Aloha's gaze shifted between Bulma and Goku, her mind struggling to absorb the significance of what they were saying. She had always dreamed of adventure, of exploring the unknown, but she never imagined that the world she knew was just a small corner of a vast, complicated, and reachable universe. As Goku spoke, his words carried a sense of solemnity, and Aloha could not help but feel a shiver run down her spine. The idea of Earth being vulnerable, of needing protection from unknown threats lurking among the stars, sent a chill through her. "I just... can't believe that we've made first contact already. And I had no idea about it. I mean, I knew intuitively there had to be other planets with life, but I didn't know I'd be able to see or hear of them in my lifetime…" Al murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Goku nodded sympathetically, his expression grave. "I know it's a lot to take in," he said gently, "but you're not alone in this. We're all here to support each other and keep each other safe. And who knows? Maybe one day, you'll get to see some of those other planets with your own eyes."

Aloha managed a weak smile, grateful for Goku's reassurance. "Yeah," she said softly, "maybe one day."

Bulma reached out and patted her hand reassuringly. "In the meantime, we'll do everything we can to keep you safe and help you adjust to this bizarre new reality," the heiress promised.

Aloha nodded, still getting her bearings in the face of such mind-blowing new knowledge, when she felt something brush her toes and glanced under the table. "Aaaah! A snake! There's a snake under the table!"

As Al's panicked cry pierced the air, chaos erupted at the picnic table. Plates and serving dishes clattered to the ground as everyone scrambled to their feet, chairs tipping over in the commotion. Bulma let out a startled yelp and jumped up onto her own seat, while Krillin and Master Roshi exchanged wide-eyed glances and quickly fell into a combat pose, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

Goku, ever the calm presence in the midst of chaos, quickly scanned the area under the table before spotting the apparent source of Aloha's distress. With a chuckle, he reached under the table and emerged with a firm grip on a long, brown, and furry appendage. "Don't worry, Aloha," Goku said with a grin, holding up the tail for all to see. "It's just Vegeta's tail. He tends to forget it's there sometimes."

Sure enough, Vegeta, who had been engrossed in his meal and completely unphased by the panic of the Earthlings surrounding him, looked up with an irritated expression and yanked his tail out of Goku's grip. He swallowed the bite in his mouth. "Keep your hands to yourself, Kakarott," he grumbled.

Relief washed over Aloha as she realized there was no imminent danger, but her curiosity was sparked. "Um, excuse me, Prince Vegeta," she ventured timidly, "why do you have a tail?"

Vegeta paused, his expression shifting from mild annoyance to medium-level annoyance as he regarded Aloha. "Because I'm a saiyan. Pretty sure we told you that already," he said, pointing a thumb at Goku. "This idiot would have one too if it hadn't been… magicked away…" he cryptically added.

Aloha blinked in astonishment, her mind racing with questions. "And a saiyan is… what now? I think you were about to tell me, but then the conversation went off on a tangent… or something."

As Vegeta grumbled, Goku chuckled, shooting a playful glance at the saiyan prince. "Yeah, sorry about that. Saiyans are a warrior race from a distant planet called Vegeta," Goku explained, his tone light but informative. "We're known for our strength, fighting prowess, and, of course, our tails."

Aloha's eyes widened as she absorbed this new information. "Wait, so… saiyans are aliens, too?"

"That's right," Goku replied. "I wasn't even born on Earth. I did grow up here though."

Aloha glanced at Vegeta. "Were you named after your planet?"

Having returned to his meal, the prince shot her another withering glare. He swallowed. "No, the planet was named after my father, as was I. The name of Vegeta was passed down through the line of kings."

Aloha listened intently, her curiosity rising with each new detail. She glanced around the table, noticing the varying reactions of the other guests. Krillin appeared fascinated, leaning in closer to catch every word Goku and Vegeta spoke, while Master Roshi wore an expression of mild interest, occasionally nodding along as if he had heard similar tales before. Bulma observed the conversation with a mixture of amusement and pride, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she watched Aloha react to the revelations.

As Vegeta finished speaking, Aloha nodded slowly, processing the information. "So, the name 'Vegeta' holds a lot of history and significance for your people," she remarked, her voice soft with awe.

Vegeta grunted affirmatively as he went to town on another pile of burgers.

Aloha tilted her head as she observed. "Wow, you saiyans must be champions at eating contests."

Goku gave her a thumb up. "You bet!"

Aloha raised a brow as more questions bubbled up in her head. "So, why do saiyans have tails?"

Goku chuckled, pointing to Vegeta. "I'll refer you to the professor of saiyanthropology on that one."

Aloha glanced at Vegeta, who ignored the conversation as he devoured his food with single-minded focus. Undeterred, she turned her attention back to Goku. "The professor is busy."

Goku laughed, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "You got me there, Al. Well, saiyan tails have many functions. They help with balance and coordination. We can also use them like an extra hand to pick things up and manipulate objects. Oh, we also like to hang by them sometimes. I, uh, I would demonstrate, but, well, I don't have a tail right now because… you know, reasons."

Aloha ran a hand through her cropped black hair. "This is a lot to take in…" she admitted. "Advanced aerospace technology, aliens, Nameks, humanoids with furry tails… wow!"

Goku chuckled, understanding the overwhelming information Aloha was processing. "Yeah, it's definitely a lot to wrap your head around at first. But trust me, once you get used to it, it's pretty exciting!"

Aloha nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "It's like the whole universe is opening up."

Krillin, who had been listening intently to the conversation, chimed in with a big grin. "Welcome to the world of martial arts and galactic adventures, Aloha! It's a wild ride, but it's also filled with some of the most amazing people you'll ever meet," he explained. "I know, pretty mind blowing."

Master Roshi nodded, his eyes twinkling behind his sunglasses. "Indeed. The universe is vast and full of wonders. Each new discovery brings us closer to understanding the mysteries of the cosmos."

Bulma leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile on her face as she watched Aloha's reaction. "I'm glad you find this fascinating, Al. It's not every day we get to red pill someone on what's really going on."

Aloha turned to Bulma, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Bulma. I feel incredibly lucky to be here and to have met all of you. It's like I've stumbled upon a hidden treasure trove of knowledge and adventure."

Vegeta, who had been silently listening, grunted in agreement as he indulged in his delicious meal.

As the conversation continued to flow, Aloha could not help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling up within her core. She knew that she had stumbled upon something truly extraordinary and could not wait to see where this new journey would take her. With newfound friends by her side and a universe of possibilities stretching out before her, Aloha knew that her life would never be the same again.