Chapter 35: Solidarity in the Subterrace
The early afternoon sun illuminated Capsule Corp's sprawling lawn, the air somewhat humid but temperate for the summer season. The peace was soon broken as a noisy military helicopter descended from the cloudless sky, its rotors slicing through the air with a thunderous roar. The Namekians who had been milling about in the sunshine spotted its approach and scattered, their colorful robes billowing in the harsh winds created by the aircraft's propellers. The chopper touched down on the lawn with a thud.
As the dust settled, a group of soldiers emerged from the helicopter, their uniforms crisp and expressions stern. They quickly fanned out, forming a protective perimeter around the aircraft. Amidst the commotion, Dr. Briefs stepped out with his usual laidback demeanor, his hands casually tucked into the pockets of his lab coat. He surveyed the scene with a calm expression, seemingly unfazed by the military excursion that he had just been on for the past couple hours. Following closely behind him, his beautiful blue-haired genius of a daughter disembarked from the helicopter with a tense expression etched upon her features. Her usually vibrant demeanor seemed subdued, overshadowed by an air of apprehension. She glanced around anxiously, her eyes darting from one soldier to another as they stood guard.
As the soldiers completed their inspection of the helicopter, they nodded to one another before turning back towards the aircraft. With practiced efficiency, they boarded the chopper once more, their movements swift and purposeful. With a deafening roar, the helicopter's engines came to life once more and it lifted off from the lawn, disappearing into the vast expanse of the blue summer sky.
Left in the wake of the departing aircraft, Dr. Briefs and Bulma stood together on the disheveled grass. A sense of tension hung in the air between them, palpable even from a distance. Dr. Briefs turned to Bulma, a reassuring smile bending his mustache upwards as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Well, what do you think? At this point, with you as Vice CEO, we would both need to agree to it," he spoke.
As Dr. Briefs placed his hand on Bulma's shoulder, his warm smile softened the tension that had gripped her features. She glanced at him, her expression still tinged with concern, but there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "I'm not sure, Dad," she admitted, her voice low and uncertain. "It all seems so sudden and I can't shake this feeling that something isn't quite right. Shoot! Come to think of it, I couldn't help noticing how much more polite Commander Pewter was this time knowing we weren't under duress."
Before Dr. Briefs could respond, their conversation was interrupted by the approach of Dende and Morely, accompanied by a small group of other Namekians. Morely's brow furrowed in curiosity and concern as he addressed Dr. Briefs, "What was all that about? Is everything alright?"
Dende peeked out anxiously from behind Morely's robes, his gaze scanning the disheveled grass and the remnants of the recent military presence. "Some of the Capsule Corp employees seemed very nervous," he observed, his voice laced with worry. "We were wondering if everything is okay."
A random Namek among the group called out, his voice apprehensive, "Is it another conscription?"
Dr. Briefs offered them all a reassuring smile, his demeanor calm and collected. "No, no," he assured them, his voice steady. "There's nothing to worry about. It was just a… prospective business meeting of sorts," he explained, choosing his words carefully. "Nothing about a conscription was mentioned."
Bulma nodded in agreement, her gaze flickering between her father and the concerned Nameks. "Yeah, that's right," she chimed in, her voice firm despite the lingering uncertainty in her eyes. "It was just… unexpected, that's all. But, uh, I don't think there's anything for any of you to worry about."
As the tension gradually began to dissipate, Dr. Briefs turned his attention back to Bulma, his smile never faltering. "We'll figure this out, Bulma," he told her, his tone certain. "Whatever it is, we'll face it."
Together, they turned and began to make their way towards the entrance of Capsule Corp, their footsteps echoing faintly against the well-trodden path. As they walked, their conversation remained hushed and private, their words carried away on the gentle breeze. Despite the uncertainty that lay ahead, there was a sense of solidarity between them, a silent understanding that they could weather whatever challenges came their way, together. As they disappeared into the cool shadows of the compound, the bustling energy of the Capsule Corp lawn gradually quieted, leaving only the faint rustle of leaves in its wake.
As they reached the interior entry door to their family residence, Bulma muttered something about consulting their team of corporate lawyers just in case. Dr. Briefs nodded in agreement, his expression thoughtful as he opened the door. What greeted them on the other side was unexpected.
Standing in the foyer were Mrs. Briefs, Goku, and Krillin, their faces alight with excitement. Goku practically bounced on his feet with enthusiasm as he stepped forth to greet them. "You guys will never believe what happened while you were gone!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with glee.
Bulma and Dr. Briefs exchanged a puzzled glance before turning their attention back to Goku. "What happened?" the younger genius asked, her curiosity piqued by Goku's ecstatic demeanor.
Goku's grin widened as he launched into his tale, recounting the events that had transpired in their absence. Bulma and Dr. Briefs listened intently, their earlier concerns momentarily forgotten. As Goku finished his explanation, Bulma and Dr. Briefs stood in stunned silence, their jaws practically on the floor.
Before they could say anything, Krillin jumped forward. "Can you believe it? He actually agreed to it!"
Goku turned to Bulma and Dr. Briefs, his pleading eyes growing large. "So, what do you say? Would you guys be willing to provide the resources to put together an authentic saiyan veggiezurat?"
Krillin gave Goku a side-eye, scratching his head. "Uh, Goku, I don't think you said that right…"
Bulma drew her brows together and placed her hands on her hips as she met Goku's eye. In that instant, fear gripped Goku's heart, thinking that he was about to be rebuked, but then she surprised him by saying, "You're nuts for even asking that question, Goku. Of course, we're one-hundred percent on board!"
Dr. Briefs did not hesitate to nod firmly in agreement.
Excitedly, Goku turned to head out the door to find Vegeta. "I'll go tell 'Geets that we've secured the funding! If I'm not mistaken, he headed to the Atrium earlier with his tablet!" he declared.
Before he could take a step, Bulma's hand gripped his bicep, stopping him in his tracks. He looked back at her, eyes bright and curious. "No, Goku. I'll go talk to Vegeta to get a list of the kinds of resources he'll need," she said, her voice filled with resolve. "We'll have to throw together a preliminary budget. Why don't you guys give the Ox-King a call together with my mom and get him on board to host the whole August event, including the beach party? Make sure to let him know that the funding is coming from Capsule Corporation, so he doesn't need to worry about paying for anything. I know the Ox-Kingdom is still monetarily recovering from the fires and I think he'll appreciate us taking his financial situation into account. In fact, we can even offer to pay him generously for serving the role of host."
Goku's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That's a great idea, Bulma!"
Bulma smiled and then turned to Goku and Krillin with a softer expression. "And thank you both for thinking of me when I was upset this morning and deciding to throw me this awesome beach party. It really means a lot to me that you considered my feelings. Even if it's not as soon as I liked, the sheer scale of the idea makes it worth the wait. As a matter of fact, I will take a few girlfriends to the beach with me this weekend and try to work on my tan for the party in August!" she excitedly declared.
Goku scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin on his face. "Actually, that was Vegeta's idea."
Bulma looked surprised and even charmed by the revelation. "Really? Well, I'll have to thank him, too!" With a quick nod, she grabbed her tablet and headed out, ready to talk to Vegeta about the event.
Meanwhile, Dr. Briefs, Mrs. Briefs, Goku, and Krillin exchanged excited glances, already planning their next moves to make the party a reality. Mrs. Briefs grabbed the house phone and brought it to the dining room table. "Gather around, everyone! I'll put it on speakerphone so that we can all hear."
…
In the Atrium, Vegeta was perched comfortably on a thick tree branch, engrossed in linguistic translations on his tablet. The soft rustle of leaves provided a soothing background to his focused concentration. However, the peace was abruptly shattered when a familiar voice called to him, instantly breaking his concentration. "Oh, Vegeta!" Bulma hollered, startling him from his reverie. With a jolt of surprise, he lost his balance, teetering precariously on the branch before gravity took hold and sent him tumbling downwards. In a swift motion, he twisted in the air, managing to catch himself with his tail. He ended up hanging upside-down, his stylus still clutched tightly in one hand and his tablet in the other.
Annoyance laced his tone as Vegeta glared at Bulma upside-down. "What is it? Can't you see I'm busy!"
Bulma could not help but laugh at the sight of Vegeta suspended from the branch, all topsy-turvy. With a playful gleam in her eyes, she strolled over to where he hung, her footsteps echoing softly against the grass. "Well, aren't you in a bit of a predicament," she teased, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. As she reached him, she leaned in close, booping him on the nose with her finger. "Goku spilled the beans, you know," she said, her tone teasing yet affectionate. "Told me and Dad everything."
"Well, no shit. You had to be consulted, obviously," Vegeta snapped back, his scowl deepening.
Bulma ignored his grumbling and held up her tablet. "Anyway, I came to collect a preliminary list of the resources you'll require," she said, her tone businesslike as she shifted gears. "We want to make sure that everything's ready for your grand storytelling event in time for World Grandparents' Day."
Vegeta's expression softened slightly at the mention of the event. He nodded, a hint of approval in his gaze as he took in Bulma's words. "Very well," he replied, his voice more relaxed now. "To put this together in a month will require a professional event coordinator of some kind. As I'll be busy working on translations and other things, I won't have the time available to make sure everyone involved has their shit together," he explained, composing himself in his dangling position by crossing his arms over his chest. "Auditions for dancers and drummers will need to be held no later than early next week. I'll also require a talented female martial artist, the best you can procure, as well as a modest backstage crew who can control lighting and sound effects. Plus, a few competent artists and designers… and a costumer."
Bulma nodded attentively as Vegeta listed his requirements, her stylus dancing across her tablet as she diligently took notes. When he finished, she met his gaze again, her eyes bright with excitement. "It sounds like this is going to be pretty showstopping," she remarked, smiling. With a nod, she continued, "Don't worry, Vegeta. I'll take care of everything. We'll make sure every detail goes off without a hitch."
Vegeta inclined his head in acknowledgment, a sense of approval evident in his gaze. "Good. Keep in mind, I only agreed to do this because Kakarott, Krillin, and Al literally groveled at my feet. I thought they would be deterred from their foolishness if I made them aware of the heavy resources required for their request, but that knowledge only seemed to make them more excited. They're all insufferable."
Bulma could not contain her laughter at Vegeta's comment, nearly dropping her tablet in the process. Vegeta's expression remained stoic, though a hint of annoyance flickered in his eyes at her reaction. Eventually, Bulma managed to compose herself, wiping a single tear from her eye as she turned back to Vegeta. "Sorry about that," she said, still snickering, "but it's good to know they're enthusiastic, right?"
Vegeta rolled his eyes, but did not offer any further comment on the matter.
Bulma continued, "Well, my parents, Krillin, and Goku are already taking care of contacting the Ox-King about hosting the event, so everything should fall into place soon," she concluded with a smile.
Vegeta nodded in understanding. "Fine. I'll leave for Phoenix Mountain Saturday evening or Sunday morning." He paused for a moment before adding, "And I'll need to bring the Gravitron with me. I intend to keep up with my training as much as possible in light of all these other ridiculous demands."
Bulma nodded in agreement, her expression reflecting her awareness of Vegeta's commitment to his training. "Of course," she replied. "We'll make sure everything is arranged to accommodate your needs. Oh, and thank you, Vegeta. Goku mentioned that it was your idea to throw me a big party on the beach. That's uncharacteristically considerate of you and I imagine it will indeed be worth the wait."
Vegeta scoffed, muttering, "Anything to cut down on the drama."
Bulma placed her hands on her hips and shot Vegeta a playful yet sassy look. "Oh, please," she retorted with a teasing grin. "You're just as dramatic as I am and you know it. If I'm the drama queen of Capsule Corp, then you're definitely the drama king of this place, always making a fuss about things."
"Pff. Whatever."
Bulma flipped her hair with a playful flourish as she turned away from Vegeta, shooting him a brief yet flirtatious look over her shoulder. "Well, Your Majesty, King of All Dramatic Types, I better get going and start looking into your list of event requirements," she teased, one hand resting confidently on her hip.
Vegeta rolled his eyes again at her antics. "Yeah, okay. Just get it done."
Bulma chuckled, her laughter echoing through the Atrium as she bid Vegeta farewell. With a confident stride, she turned and strutted off like a runway model, each step bursting with sass. As she disappeared from view, Vegeta could not help but watch her go with a mixture of exasperation and begrudging admiration. The prince dropped down from the branch and leaned against the trunk, dropping to sit on the grass around the roots. His gaze remained fixed on his tablet as he continued his translation work.
…
Goku made his way through the lush greenery of the Atrium, following Vegeta's ki signature towards the fountain at its center. The prince sat on the edge, engrossed in his tablet, the soft glow of the screen casting a faint light on his focused features. Goku approached quietly, his footsteps muffled by the soft grass, until he stood right behind the saiyan prince. "Hey, 'Geets," he said, tapping him on the shoulder.
Vegeta glanced up, a hint of irritation in his expression. "What do you want, Kakarott?"
Goku scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Uh, dinner's ready," he said, his voice cheerful despite Vegeta's grumpy demeanor. "Did your stomach forget to be hungry or something?"
As if on cue, their bellies growled in unison, causing Vegeta's eyes to widen in realization. He quickly stashed his tablet away and stood up, dusting off his pants. "Right, let's go," he grumbled.
As they walked, Goku glanced sideways at Vegeta. "Oh, by the way," he added, "we're heading out with Al after dinner. She said to wear street clothes, not training gear. So, like, jeans and stuff."
Vegeta nodded in understanding, his mind already shifting gears as he mentally prepared for the evening ahead. "Got it," he replied shortly, his thoughts already drifting to the upcoming excursion. "So, uh, I guess we're going to find out more about this homophobia Earth nonsense thing then?"
Goku bobbed his head. "That's what Al said. We'll also meet other people in the community."
Vegeta and Goku nodded at each other, their conversation about the upcoming event lingering in the back of their minds as they ascended the stairs to join the Briefs for dinner. The aroma of home-cooked food greeted them as they entered the inviting atmosphere of the family residence. They took their seats at the table, joining the Briefs and Krillin as they eagerly dug into the delicious spread before them.
The clatter of utensils against plates filled the air as Vegeta and Goku devoured their food with gusto, their hunger sated by the hearty meal prepared by Mrs. Briefs. Finishing their meals in record time, they exchanged a quick glance before pushing back their chairs and rising from the table. With a shared nod, they went to their respective rooms to change into street clothes for their evening outing with Al.
Emerging minutes later, Vegeta sported jean cutoffs paired with a white tank top and sneakers, as well as a pair of fingerless leather gloves, while Goku opted for navy blue cargo shorts and an orange tee, complete with open-toed sandals. As they made their way toward the door, Bulma's keen eyes caught sight of their uncharacteristic attire, prompting her to call out to them. "Uh, what are you guys doing?"
Bulma's comment caught the attention of Dr. Briefs, Mrs. Briefs, and Krillin, who all turned to look at Goku and Vegeta with puzzled expressions. Goku simply beamed at Bulma, his usual cheerful demeanor unwavering as he responded, "Oh, we're just going out for a bit. We'll be back later, promise."
Bulma narrowed her eyes at them, a hint of suspicion in her gaze as she warned, "Take your phones and don't be out all night. I mean it. You still aren't off the hook for your last night of shenanigans."
In response, Goku pulled his orange smartphone from his pocket and held it up to show Bulma. "Don't worry, it's all charged up," he reassured her with a grin. "I promise, we'll be good."
Vegeta snorted, muttering under his breath, "Speak for yourself."
Krillin, who had jumped up from the nearby couch, raced over to them with a worried expression. "Are you guys planning another adventure without me?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Goku raised a brow at Krillin and shook his head. "Nah, we're just going to meet some new friends. Nothing adventurous," he replied casually. "Really, Krillin, you gotta learn to relax over these things."
Meanwhile, Vegeta snorted derisively. "I doubt you'd have any interest in where we're going."
Krillin sighed, begrudgingly accepting their words but still feeling left out. He turned to Goku and looked down, rubbing the back of his neck. "Promise me you won't have too much fun without me…"
Vegeta rolled his eyes. "If 'fun' was the plan, I'd invite you instead of Kakarott at this point. You've already proven yourself to be way less of a buzzkill than he is," he pointed out, shooting Goku a critical side-eye as he stepped past them and opened the door, preparing to depart the premises.
"Hey, don't be a meanie!" Goku said in protest, swatting at the end of Vegeta's tail as he trudged by. The larger saiyan chuckled and turned back to Krillin, smiling. "Okay, Krill, I promise no fun without you."
Krillin snorted in amusement at the banter between the saiyans, his self-esteem spiking at Vegeta's implication that he was actually more fun than Goku. Somewhat encouraged by their playful exchange, he nodded and looked up at Goku, replying, "I'll see you guys later then and, uh, I'll update you on the MMA matches when you get back." With a fond smile, he bid them farewell, watching them head out the door with a mixture of amusement and a new sense of confidence in the value of his own company.
…
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, Goku and Vegeta emerged from the front entrance of Capsule Corp, their eyes scanning the area for Al. A familiar voice called out their names and they turned to see a figure with Al's frame waving to them from the driver's seat of a sleek hovercycle. However, the person's face was obscured by a motorcycle helmet.
Goku's eyes lit up as he approached. "Hey, Al!" he exclaimed. "Nice ride! And that outfit… really cool!"
Al, dressed stylishly in baggy black denim cargo pants adorned with silver spikes down the seams, along with a matching black leather jacket, chuckled behind the helmet. "Thanks, Goku," Al replied in a deeper-than-usual voice muffled by protective gear. The genius jerked a thumb back, indicating for them to get into the passenger seats behind. "Come on, let's get moving," Al proposed confidently.
Vegeta glared skeptically at the glossy hovercycle, his arms crossed over his chest. "Do we really have to ride that contraption?" he questioned, his tone dripping with disdain as he eyed the vehicle.
The human let out a hearty laugh. "Well, you two may be able to fly, but our destination isn't in the sky," Al explained, nodding towards the bustling metropolis. "We're headed to the Subterrace beneath the city."
Goku's eyes widened with excitement at the mention of the Subterrace. "I've never been there before, but I've heard plenty about it!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with anticipation. "Ooh, I can't wait!"
Al grinned beneath the helmet. "It's pretty rad down there."
Goku readily hopped on behind Al, settling onto the seat with a sense of eagerness. Vegeta, still skeptical but begrudgingly accepting the situation, followed suit and climbed on behind Goku. As they settled into position, Al revved the engine. With a confident thrust, they soared off into the descending dusk, the hum of the hovercycle's engine echoing through the evening air. Gasping at the sudden jolt, the saiyan prince quickly wrapped his tail around Goku's waist for stability and clung to him tightly.
As they zoomed through the industrial district, the cool evening breeze whipped against their faces, the rhythmic hum of the hovercycle's engine providing a steady soundtrack to their journey. The emerging lights of the cityscape blurred past them in a colorful mosaic of urban life. Approaching the highway, Vegeta leaned forward against the rushing wind, raising his voice to be heard over the noise. "Did you two ever manage to find that missing friend? I almost totally forgot about it until now!"
Goku glanced over his shoulder. "Not yet!" he replied, his voice tinged with disappointment. "Baba's is away on a trip until Sunday, so we're waiting until then to resume the search!"
Vegeta nodded in understanding. "I see!"
The trio fell into a comfortable silence as they approached the towering skyscrapers that loomed ahead in the city's center, the glow of the bustling metropolis casting long shadows across the streets below. Al skillfully maneuvered the hovercycle up onto a ramp leading to the raised highway over the city, the vehicle smoothly transitioning onto the elevated roadway. As they ascended, Goku and Vegeta marveled at the breathtaking sight unfolding around them. The highway was covered by a clear glass tunnel, offering an unobstructed view of the sprawling metropolis below. The emerging city lights, twinkling like stars against the darkening sky, painted a mesmerizing scene of urban beauty. The sun's descent cast a warm golden glow over the landscape, accentuating the vibrant hues of West City's architecture.
Goku's eyes widened in awe as he took in the panoramic vista. "Wow, this is amazing!"
Vegeta's gaze swept across the expansive skyline. As the hovercycle sped along the elevated highway, the glass tunnel allowed them to see the city stretching out for miles in every direction. The purr of the engine faded into the background, replaced by the serene ambiance of the city at twilight. As the three-person hovercycle slowed to a halt at a red light, Al lowered the helmet's visor to ensure being heard clearly over the ambient noise around them. Glancing over a shoulder slightly, the human began to explain the destination awaiting them. "The place we're going to is called the Rainbow Capsule Lounge," Al said in a measured and steady voice. "It's one of the most popular LGBT destinations in all of West City."
Goku and Vegeta exchanged curious glances, their interest piqued by the description.
Al continued in a serious tone. "But I should warn you, the scene in the lounge is vastly different from what you're likely to find in most areas of West City. The people there will look very different, too. These LGBT places serve as a much-needed haven for certain outcasts from regular society."
Goku nodded thoughtfully, taking in Al's words.
Meanwhile, Vegeta raised a brow. "What do you mean by outcasts?"
"I mean gays, lesbians, bisexuals, those who don't conform to traditional gender roles, and those who love outside their species all exist on the fringes of Earthly society. The average Earthling neither wants to see nor hear about any of us. They essentially want to live their entire lives believing that people like us don't even exist, so we form our own spaces, like the lounge where we're headed right now. That's what I mean by outcasts. We're not objectively inferior, but our planet's peculiar taboos cause us to be treated as if we are. Therefore, when we're in most public spaces, we have to disguise ourselves as quote-unquote 'normal.' In our own spaces, we don't have to do that," Al patiently explained in an even tone.
Vegeta chuckled. "Earth is so weird. Almost every other planet I've ever been on did not have those particular taboos. Granted, many had other weird and random taboos of their own though, some even based on ancient superstitions that had been disproven for eons…" he remarked.
Al grinned. "I wish society at large knew about the rest of the galaxy. I think our government suppressing that information does more harm than good, if I'm being honest. At least, if people across the globe knew that homophobia is not the universal norm out there, maybe they'd realize how stupid it is."
"Yeah!" Goku replied in agreement.
The red light changed to green in an instant and Al revved the engine, the hovercycle smoothly accelerating back into motion. As they turned off the highway onto a descending ramp, the hovercycle transitioned onto the steep decline. Goku could not contain his excitement, raising his arms above his head and whooping like a child on a rollercoaster. "Woo hoo! Yeah, this is fun! Go faster!"
"Stop fooling around, Kakarott!" Vegeta snapped, shooting him a glare.
The hovercycle continued its descent, the wind rushing past them as they delved deeper into a tunnel below the city streets. Before long, the Subterrace came into view, illuminated by billions of neon lights that painted the underground cityscape in vibrant hues. Goku's eyes widened in awe as he took in the breathtaking sight. "Wow! I never knew all this was down here!" he exclaimed in wonderment.
As they exited the descending ramp onto a main road, the cars slowed to a crawl, allowing them to converse. Al turned to them with a raised voice to be heard over the traffic. "The Subterrace is essentially Old West City. West City was built above it centuries later, so the Subterrace hosts much older buildings," Al explained, nodding to the ancient structures that lined the streets. "Some parts are pretty rundown."
Goku and Vegeta took in the sights with fascination, marveling at the blend of history and modernity that defined the Subterrace. As they ventured deeper into the underground city, they could not help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of exploring this hidden gem beneath West City's bustling surface.
Vegeta blinked. "I had no idea that there was anything under this city but dirt until now. However, this wouldn't at all be the first time I've seen a layered city by a long shot. In the more developed regions of the cosmos, there are some cities built with fifty or more layers. Some planets have no wild lands left at all and have been turned into just one big city encircling their respective stars. Earth has made some remarkable technological innovations all by itself given that its cut off from the rest of the galaxy."
Goku raised a curious brow at Vegeta's revelation. "A planet with no wild lands left sounds terrible!"
Vegeta shrugged nonchalantly. "Some of those city planets are much nicer than others," he replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "But the worst developed planet I've ever been on… It looked like one big rundown city that was crumbling on top of itself. The people were too sick and poor to even care."
Goku's expression turned somber as he processed Vegeta's words. "That sounds awful," he murmured, unable to picture such a dismal existence. "I can't even imagine trying to survive in a place like that."
Vegeta nodded grimly. "Well, it's good you put an end to Frieza, because that was essentially his doing. He didn't care for anything natural. He gladly would've killed every living thing on Earth and sold the sterilized planet off to the highest bidder to be over-developed into such an urban nightmare."
Al shivered involuntarily, the image of such desolation sending chills down the human's spine. "That's… pretty horrifying, Vegeta. And you say you've seen such things with your own eyes?"
"Yes," Vegeta replied without hesitation.
Goku's disgust deepened, his fists clenching at the mere thought of such cruelty. "Well, I'm glad that we took care of him!" he declared firmly. "No one deserves to live like that. What a waste!"
Vegeta's expression remained stoic, his gaze fixed in the distance as if seeing through the veil of space and time. "Don't get too comfortable. Frieza may be gone, but his legacy lives on in the Cold family."
Goku's brow furrowed in concern. "You mean King Cold and his other son?"
Vegeta nodded curtly. "Exactly. King Cold wouldn't hesitate to put his elder son, Coola, in charge. And mark my words, Coola is just as ruthless as Frieza, if not more so. The empire isn't truly dead as long as they're around. If they haven't already, they'll soon pick up where Frieza left off."
Goku's jaw tightened, a mixture of determination and frustration flickering across his features. "Then we'll just have to stop them, too," he declared, his voice unwavering. "Those jerks."
"Indeed," Vegeta replied, "and that's what we're in training for. But even once they are vanquished, it's likely that their next most powerful underling will try to rise up and take their place."
Goku sighed. "Aw, man, this is going to give me a headache."
Al spoke up with a mix of disbelief and fascination. "Sounds like the galaxy's one big Wild West."
Vegeta nodded in agreement, his expression grim. "That's what I told the Briefs. The universe can be a lawless place, especially in the absence of strong leadership. I wonder if other galaxies out there are different. I suppose we won't know until we develop the technology to travel between them."
As they continued down a dimly-lit side street, Al could not help but muse aloud, "If only there was some sort of powerful galactic sheriff to keep all of these tyrannical galactic gunslingers in line."
Vegeta chuckled, a rare hint of amusement in his voice. "It would take a lot of powerful, united people with a lot of ambition, but I suppose it's not entirely impossible. Maybe, some day…"
Goku's eyes sparkled with determination. "Maybe, that's something we can work towards. My friends and I have already saved the Earth countless times. Who's to say we can't bring peace to the entire galaxy?"
"Kakarott, I don't think you understand just how big the galaxy is. Frieza's empire only consumed a small portion of it, with your Earth right there on the fringes. If Planet Vegeta was still around and I was still in line for the throne, that goal wouldn't seem quite so completely out of reach. Our race was becoming so numerous and so powerful that Frieza destroyed us simply because of the threat to his supremacy that we posed. In fact, he killed many such races that would've eventually built up the collective power to pose as a 'sheriff' to his 'gunslinger' ways. He was fucking terrified of us and everyone like us."
Al's empathy deepened as they turned onto a busier road and started heading toward the more populated area in the Subterrace. "I'm sorry for what happened to your people and I promise to do my part to keep their legacy alive. Speaking of which, I'm really looking forward to the event in August. If there's any way I, as a scientist and technologist, can assist in putting the thing together, please let me know."
Vegeta nodded. "Indeed, I may have a role for you," he said, taking a mental note. As they turned onto a wider, faster-moving street, the prince's expression darkened once more. "Frieza did everything in his power to rob us of our culture. In fact, one of the first things he did when he subjugated the planet was to order all lower-class infants to be sent to weak planets to purge them of all life. It tore apart our society's family system on a fundamental level and caused irreparable damage. Many commoner babies didn't survive their missions and others who did were left scarred by the experience. And when he took me from my father, I was forbidden to speak my native language, even with Nappa and Radditz."
Al's heart sank at the cruelty of Frieza's actions. "That's terrible."
Vegeta's chuckle held a hint of bitterness. "That's okay. Despite his best efforts, I still dream in Saiyago nearly every night and I still remember every word of the epic tale of Karotta and many others."
As the conversation lingered in the air, Goku paused, a contemplative look crossing his face. "Vegeta," he began hesitantly, "do you think that… I was taken from my mom and dad against their will?"
Vegeta's gaze softened, understanding dawning in his eyes. "Most likely," he replied quietly. "I'm sorry, Kakarott. Frieza had no qualms about separating families to serve his ends. It's highly probable you were taken from your parents without their consent. Frieza made my father enforce that law. In all probability, it was part of a plan to keep our population from growing, same as the virus he injected me with."
Goku's shoulders slumped as a heavy sigh escaped him. "I suppose that… that I should be grateful. At least, that means I wasn't willfully abandoned, that they probably even wanted me. I always wondered ever since Grandpa Gohan told me that he had found me in the woods all by myself."
Vegeta patted Goku on the back. "They wouldn't have made you if they hadn't wanted you."
The group fell into a somber silence as the sounds of traffic intensified, drowning out their voices. As they rode onward, navigating the busy streets, they turned onto another side street and passed through a seedier section of the Subterrace. As they approached a nondescript building, Goku could not help but notice the unusual social scene unfolding before him. Two young men, clearly enamored with each other, leaned against the building, exchanging flirtatious gestures. Goku's eyes widened in surprise as he caught a glimpse of one stealing a kiss from the other. His gaze darted around, taking in the vibrant and diverse atmosphere unlike anything that he had seen before. The hovercycle came to a smooth stop at the curb and Goku eagerly hopped off, his eyes fixed on the couple engaged in their intimate moment. With a burst of excitement, he dashed over to them, leaving his companions behind momentarily.
"Hey, Al!" Goku called out, his voice filled with wonder as he pointed excitedly at the gay couple. "I think I see what you mean now about the homophobia thing. I see girls doing this with boys sometimes in public, but I never see two girls or two boys doing it. I can't believe I never noticed before!"
His words rang out loudly, drawing the attention of nearby pedestrians who turned to stare at the unusual scene unfolding before them. Al, Vegeta, and several others exchanged bemused glances, realizing that Goku's innocence and curiosity had once again led him into an unexpected situation.
The bulkier one out of the two eyed Goku, looking him up and down. "And… you are?"
Goku turned back to them with a bright smile. "Oh, yeah, sorry about that. My name is Son Goku. I like boys, too," he replied amiably, glancing back over his shoulder in search of the saiyan prince. When he spotted Vegeta dismounting the hovercycle, he pointed at him excitedly. "That one right there!"
Al quickly hopped off the hovercycle last and jogged over with waving hands. "Sorry, guys! Uh, yeah, this is my friend Goku. He's new to the LGBT scene," Al explained, pulling off the helmet.
The gay couple exchanged bashful glances, the one who had addressed Goku rubbing the back of his head. "Oh, I see," he said, turning back to Goku and extending a hand to shake. "I'm Grande and my boyfriend's name is Rio. Welcome to life out of the closet, Goku. Never go back in, if you can help it."
Goku accepted the handshake with a puzzled expression, his brow furrowing slightly. "Well, uh, thanks," he said earnestly, "but how am I going to get my clothes if I don't ever go in my closet?"
The couple burst into laughter at Goku's unintentional humor, their faces breaking into wide grins. Meanwhile, Goku just scratched his head and blinked at them cluelessly. He turned to Al, about to ask what the joke was, when he noticed his friend's face. Goku leaned in, his eyes widening. "Whoa, Al, you look like a real boy now! There must be something about the lighting in the Subterrace."
Al shook his head. "No, Goku, I'm presenting as male. It means I'm dressed as a boy and I'm wearing makeup to give me more angular features. Everyone here knows me as Alpha, so don't be afraid to call me that in front of others in the lounge. I love this place because I don't have to hide the real me."
Vegeta strolled over and looked around, his arms crossed over his chest. "Hmph, this place doesn't look that strange, at least not compared to some of the shit I've seen across the galaxy," he remarked, turning around to take in all of his surroundings, his keen senses attuned to every detail of the Subterrace.
Meanwhile, Rio happened to glance down in that moment. He let out a high-pitched squeal, drawing everyone's attention to a rather unexpected sight. "Grande, look! What the hell is that thing?!"
Grande leaned over to examine the appendage, his eyes widening in fascination. "Excuse me, Goku sir," he addressed the larger newcomer with polite curiosity, "why does your boyfriend have a tail?"
Goku's eyes widened in realization as he glanced at Vegeta's tail, having forgotten his saiyan anatomy might draw attention in this unfamiliar environment. "Oh, uh, well," he stammered, trying to find the right words, "Err, um… it's because he was born with one. I was too, but mine went away for a while."
Vegeta glared at the men over his shoulder. "Can you keep it down to a dull roar? For fuck's sake, you have all kinds of weird fucking creatures all over your planet. Why does a tail cause such an uproar?"
Alpha stepped between Vegeta and the bewildered couple, sensing the rising tension. "Hey, let's calm down," he said to defuse the situation. "We're at a nightclub. Noise and surprises are par for the course."
Vegeta huffed in annoyance, but begrudgingly accepted Alpha's reasoning with a nod. "Fine," he muttered, his arms still crossed over his chest. "Let's just get inside. I want to see what's in there."
Meanwhile, Grande looked at Vegeta with wide eyes, still fascinated by the saiyan's tail. "I… I can't say that I've ever met a human with a tail before," he observed aloud, his curiosity evident.
Vegeta's lip curled in disdain at the comparison. "I haven't either," he replied dryly, his saiyan pride refusing to acknowledge any similarities between himself and mere humans. With a dismissive snort, he strutted past the couple to the entrance to the lounge, his impatience clear. "Come on, Kakarott," he called over his shoulder, his voice carrying a hint of irritation. "Let's not waste any more time out here."
Goku and Alpha exchanged amused glances before following after Vegeta, leaving Rio and Grande to marvel at the unexpected encounter. As they entered the lively lounge, the pulsating music and colorful lights enveloped them, washing away the tension of the outside world. Vegeta strolled over to the bar and took a seat on a stool, his eyes fixed on the stage where cross-dressed performers of at least three different species were performing an impressively well-synchronized dance. He found the colorful costumes fascinating and watched quietly, his usual stoic demeanor somehow betraying a hint of intrigue.
Goku caught up to him, his eyes wide with excitement as he took in the vibrant scene. "Wow, Vegeta, look at all the different kinds of people here!" he exclaimed, raising his voice above the music. "You'd almost think we'd just stepped onto another planet entirely. But no, this is actually Earth!"
Vegeta nodded in agreement, his gaze still fixed on the performers. "Indeed," he replied, his tone contemplative. "And the clothing choices are much more interesting here as well."
The saiyans were caught up watching the performers for a few minutes, enjoying the spectacle before them. As one song ended, Alpha caught up to them and tapped them to get their attention. When they turned to Alpha, their eyes also fell upon a towering figure standing behind him. Alpha beckoned the giant transvestite forward. "Goku, Vegeta, this is Luna Lovelace, a new friend of mine," Al explained.
Goku looked up at Luna, narrowing his eyes as he examined her. Suddenly, his eyes shot open and he pointed at her, his curiosity piqued. "Are you transgender?" he blurted out, his voice filled with genuine interest. "You look like someone who was born a boy, but feels like a girl on the inside."
Luna laughed warmly at Goku's question, her demeanor kind and patient. "Oh, honey, I'm something called a drag queen. It's not the same as being transgender. Drag is a performance art, not an identity."
Alpha nodded in agreement, stepping in to further clarify. "That's right," he chimed in. "Luna identifies as male, has a male name, goes by male pronouns, and even dresses as male outside of performances. Drag is just a way for her to express herself creatively while on stage. Offstage, she's totally cis."
Goku blinked, curious.
Luna cleared her throat. "What makes me part of the LGBT community is that I'm gay."
Goku's eyes widened in excitement and he started to bounce on his feet. "Really? So, you're a boy who likes other boys? Wow, me too! It's nice to meet you, Luna. You can call me Goku."
Vegeta stepped between them and looked up at Luna. "Hey, where's the bathroom around here?"
She pointed a bejeweled fingernail at an open entryway in the back. "That way, sweetie, on your left."
Vegeta nodded and strolled off, deftly squeezing between couples and randos on the dance floor.
Goku beamed at Alpha. "Hey, Al, can I meet someone else who is also transgender, but in the opposite direction like your friend Ashley Fierce? I haven't seen one of those people yet."
Luna raised a well-manicured brow. "You mean a transwoman? We've got those up the wazoo." Luna and Alpha scanned the bustling nightclub in search of a transwoman, their eyes darting from one corner to another in the sea of vibrant colors and dancing bodies. Suddenly, Luna's eyes lit up, a knowing grin spreading across her rouged lips. "Ah, ha!" she exclaimed, her gaze fixing on a figure across the room. She ushered Alpha and Goku over, her heels clicking against the floor as she moved through the crowd.
Goku came face to face with a curvy blonde, even taller than himself in six-inch heeled boots. He blinked in surprise, taking in her striking appearance. Luna introduced her as Flaxena, her voice dripping with playful excitement. Flaxena looked Goku up and down, a coy smile playing on her lips. "Is the one and only Luna Lovelace proposing that I dance with this hunk?" she purred, her voice smooth as honey.
Goku returned Flaxena's gaze, his expression a mix of curiosity and amazement. He turned to Luna and Alpha, pointing at Flaxena with a puzzled expression. "Are you sure this is a transwoman?" he asked, his voice incredulous. "She looks like she was born this way. I meant someone who was born a boy."
Alpha cleared his throat, stepping in to provide some clarification. "Flaxena was born male, Goku," he explained patiently, his tone gentle. "But she transitioned to a permanent female look through the use of modern medicine. Pretty neat, huh? It's similar to what I was planning to do myself until I learned about the… you know… Anyway, a lot of transpeople want to transition, but can't afford it, which is sad."
Goku's eyes widened in amazement as he looked at Flaxena again, a newfound understanding dawning in his eyes. He nodded, processing the information, before offering the transwoman a smile. "Nice to meet you, Miss Flaxena," he said, extending a hand. "I'm Son Goku. Wow! I had no idea that modern medicine could change a person's look so completely. Did it hurt a lot? Did they have to use lots of needles?"
Flaxena shook Goku's hand, her laughter ringing out melodically at his barrage of questions. "Oh, honey, you're full of curiosity, aren't you?" she chuckled, her voice warm and inviting. "Well, to answer your question, it did hurt a little, but not too much thanks to the wonderful invention of anesthesia." She flashed Goku a playful wink, her demeanor relaxed and friendly. "But trust me, the end result was worth every little pinch and poke," she added, her eyes sparkling with confidence, "as well as every penny."
Goku nodded eagerly, absorbing Flaxena's words with genuine interest. "Wow, that's amazing," he exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder. "I guess modern medicine really can do almost anything!"
Flaxena grinned, nodding in accord. "That's right, Mr. Goku," she replied, her tone gleeful. "With a little science and a lot of perseverance, almost anything is possible. To be honest, the hardest part about my transition was the social aspect. When a male starts to take on a more effeminate look, it can raise a lot of eyebrows. People can be judgy. I only wish I'd come in contact with this community earlier."
Luna's expression softened as Flaxena shared her experience, her brows furrowing in concern. "I remember the day we met like it was yesterday," she murmured, her voice tinged with sadness. "I found Flaxena in a bloody heap on the city streets, beaten up by a couple of men for being perceived as gay."
Flaxena nodded, her demeanor turning somber as she recalled the painful memory. "It was a difficult time," she admitted, her voice quieter now. "But Luna came to my rescue and she's been by my side ever since. It's sticking together as a community that allows us to survive in a world filled with hate."
Luna placed a hand on Flaxena's shoulder. "It breaks my heart to see someone targeted for being who they are. But together, we've built a community where people like us can feel safe and supported."
Goku's expression darkened with anger as he listened to Flaxena and Luna's accounts. He clenched his fists tightly, his resolve strengthening with each word. "That isn't fair," he said firmly. "Everyone should be able to feel safe and supported, no matter where they are on the planet. You shouldn't have to hide in the Subterrace." He turned to Flaxena, his eyes narrowed. "What city did this happen in?"
Luna and Flaxena exchanged a glance, understanding the significance of Goku's question. Flaxena took a breath before replying, "It happened here in West City, topside above the Subterrace."
Goku's jaw tightened at the mention of the location. West City was a bustling metropolis known for its diversity, but it seemed even there, hate and prejudice could rear their ugly heads. "I won't stand for this," he declared, his voice firm. "If I'd known about this stuff sooner… No one should have to endure that kind of violence just for existing. Was there no one else around at the time but Luna here?"
Flaxena sighed heavily, her gaze dropping to the ground. "In fact, there were several witnesses," she began, her voice tinged with bitterness. "But none of them did anything to stop it. Some were too scared, I suppose, but others… others turned away when they heard my attackers dropping the six-letter f-bomb."
Goku's brows shot up and he gasped. "They threw a bomb at you?!"
Alpha quickly intervened, placing a calming hand on his shoulder. "Goku, remember the slurs we talked about in class? Flaxena is using a euphemism for the word 'faggot,'" he explained gently.
Goku's brow furrowed in confusion as he tried to recall their previous discussion. "A euphemism?"
Alpha nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "Yeah, a euphemism is a softer or less offensive way of saying something," he elaborated, hoping to provide clarity. "It's using a word that sounds nicer or less harsh to talk about something unpleasant. In this case, Flaxena used 'f-bomb' as a euphemism for that terrible slur."
Understanding dawned in Goku's eyes as he processed Alpha's explanation. "Oh, I get it now," he said slowly, nodding in understanding. "Thanks for explaining, Alpha." He turned back to Flaxena. "So, what you're saying is, they started calling you mean names and that caused people to not want to help you?"
Flaxena nodded somberly. "Many people here on Earth see us queer folk as degenerates. Because of that, they're less likely to offer help or intervene when someone they perceive as gay is in need."
Goku's expression darkened with understanding as he absorbed Flaxena's words. "That's not right."
Flaxena offered Goku a sad smile, touched by his empathy and determination. "I couldn't agree more, Goku dear," she said softly. "But changing people's hearts and minds takes a lot of time and effort. That's why it's so important for allies like you to speak up and stand with us, so thank you so much!"
Alpha interjected. "Actually, Flaxena, Goku isn't just an ally," he said, his tone warm and informative. "He's also a member of the community. He only recently realized that he isn't entirely straight."
Flaxena's eyes widened in surprise, her expression shifting to one of curiosity as she turned to look at Goku again. "Is that so?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine interest. "Well, you don't set off my gaydar, sweetheart. Maybe, I need to go get it calibrated!" she added with a laugh.
Goku scratched his head, looking a bit puzzled. "Gaydar? Is that some kind of device? Like radar?"
Alpha chuckled softly, realizing Goku's confusion. "Not exactly, Goku," he explained. "Gaydar is a term people use to describe their ability to sense or detect if someone is gay or not, based on various cues or instincts. It's like a figurative radar, but for detecting someone's sexual orientation."
Goku's eyes widened in understanding as he processed Alpha's explanation. "Oh, I see!" he exclaimed, nodding in comprehension. "So, it's like a sixth sense for figuring out if someone is gay or not?"
Alpha nodded, impressed by Goku's quick grasp of the concept. "Exactly. It's just a playful way people describe their intuition or perception when it comes to guessing someone's sexual orientation. You see, one of the biggest clues to someone's sexual orientation can be if that person visibly defies gender norms. In your case, you look like a totally masculine male, so it isn't obvious to anyone out on the street that you're queer. You also walk and talk in a typically masculine way, as does Vegeta, which is why I'm not surprised that you've never been called a slur before. You're kinda lucky that way!"
Flaxena flushed and placed a hand on Goku's shoulder. "Oh, it's not just that, dear. It's… well, given the march tomorrow, we've been having tons of straight cisgender allies coming through here. Under normal circumstances, I would've assumed you were a member of our community," she elucidated. Then she paused and glanced over at Alpha, processing all of what he said. "Vegeta? Who is that?"
Alpha leaned in. "Vegeta is Goku's prospective boyfriend."
Goku's face lit up with excitement at the mention of Vegeta. "Yeah, I'm gonna put my wiener in him!"
Alpha, Luna, and Flaxena all spluttered in shock and laughter at Goku's bluntness.
Goku scratched his head. "Say… 'Geets went to the bathroom a while ago. He should be back by now. He blinked and looked around, realizing Vegeta had been gone longer than expected. His gaze swept across the crowd until he spotted Vegeta's flame-haired silhouette on the far side of the dance floor, engaged in conversation with another. "Ooh, 'Geets is already making friends!" he declared, a proud grin spreading across his face. He turned to Flaxena, pointing in Vegeta's direction. "See? That's Vegeta over there."
Flaxena's face paled slightly. "Goku, sweetie, if I were you, I'd head over and make sure Omar doesn't have the same idea as you about puttin' his wiener in him… unless you don't mind sharing."
Goku's eyes shot open in realization and he looked back again at the interaction, seeing Vegeta flinch back as the stranger attempted to reach for his hair. Goku clenched his fists and growled. "No, mine!" he blared, leaping over the dancers on the floor and landing squarely between Vegeta and Omar.
Alpha laughed out loud, but Luna and Flaxena were left slack-jawed at the sudden display of athleticism.
Getting nervous, Luna cupped a hand to her face and called, "To be fair, Omar probably didn't know!"
Alpha gave Luna a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. Goku isn't violent." The three watched from a distance as Goku addressed Omar and Vegeta stepped away, clearly relieved to be free of the situation. He turned around and scanned the crowd as if looking for someone. Alpha waved him over. "Vegeta!"
Before long, both saiyans headed back over to the trio, Vegeta running a hand through his hair as if to fix it with a look of mild annoyance on his face. "I don't know, Kakarott, he saw my tail in the bathroom and become instantly obsessed with it," the prince said. "I mean, he was polite for the most part and even got me a drink, but it tasted like shit. What kind of dick gets someone a shit-tasting drink?"
Goku scratched his head. "To be fair, you do have a nice tail, 'Geets, but I'm not sure about the drink."
Alpha chuckled. "Everything okay, you two?"
Vegeta shrugged, curling his tail around his body to look at it. "True, it doesn't have any bald spots."
Goku turned back to Alpha and nodded. "Yeah, everything's fine."
Flaxena and Luna's eyes zeroed in on the furry appendage. The former pointed at it, her face practically blank. "You know what? I love it. I don't know what it is or where it came from, but I don't need to. It's fabulous, good sir. If I had one, I'd cover it with gems and dye it every color of the rainbow."
Vegeta raised a brow and looked up at Flaxena. "Oh, thanks…"
Goku beamed and gestured to the transwoman. "Vegeta, this is Flaxena. We just met and she has a firsthand account to tell about homophobia. Just a few years ago, right here in West City, some people were violent with her because they thought she was gay. See? It really is a big problem around here."
Vegeta blinked. "I presume the assholes were brought to justice?"
Flaxena chewed on her plump bottom lip, simpering. "Not really. We queer folk don't have the best history with law enforcement. It's kind of a hit or miss if they'll help us or not. I've even heard stories of victims being laughed out of police stations, so for the most part, we have to rely on each other."
Alpha leaned in to give his two cents. "Which really isn't fair because we pay the police officers' salaries, same as all taxpayers. That alone should entitle us to equal protection," he explained.
Goku gritted his teeth in anger and turned his attention fully to Alpha, Luna, and Flaxena. "Listen, if the law isn't going to do its job, then maybe we can form our own justice system in the meantime. Vegeta and I are martial artists. Maybe, the next time someone is attacked, you can give us descriptions of the thugs who did it. These people won't stop unless they face consequences for their actions."
Flaxena's eyes turned to love hearts and she pressed both hands betwixt her breasts. "You mean two big strong handsome men want to protect us? Oh gosh, Luna, pinch me because I must be dreaming!"
Vegeta cleared his throat and addressed Goku. "To be honest, Kakarott, this proposal sounds much more reasonable than what you were spouting earlier. If I still had a massive army at my command, we could put a stop to this bullshit in an instant. It would be easier than squashing a bug under our boots. But given that we're few in number, it would be best to start small like this and work our way up."
Luna gasped. "You used to be an army commander?!"
Vegeta turned his attention to Luna. "Not exactly, but I was in line to inherit such a position."
Goku bounced on his feet eagerly. "Yeah! 'Geta's dad was a really powerful king!"
Vegeta glanced back at Goku. "Speaking of kings, isn't your son in line for the throne of Phoenix Mountain? I bet one day he'll be able to make a big difference politically if he so chooses."
Luna's eyes turned stark. "Do you mean to tell me that you two are a pair of bluebloods?"
Goku simpered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Actually, I don't have a title. My son inherited his from his mom's side. And Vegeta inherited his title from his dad. So, yeah, Vegeta's really the only true blue blood here, but we can both make a difference because we're both super strong!" he pointed out.
Flaxena started fanning herself dramatically and walking around in circles. "Thank the gay gods above, we've finally got some people with a little bit of power around here," she uttered aloud to herself.
Luna held up a finger. "Quick question, boys. What would you do with one of these gaybashers if you found him? I'm not so sure about the legality of administering justice outside of the law."
"We'd kick their asses, of course," Vegeta retorted. "Legality be damned."
Goku cast a scolding look at Vegeta. "That's not necessarily going to be the right answer in all situations, Vegeta," he said before looking up at Luna. "Don't know yet, but we'll figure something out."
Alpha cleared his throat. "Well, since we're already talking politics, may I inquire if either of you have seen Lamya yet? These guys were planning to join the march tomorrow and I wanted her to meet them."
Luna tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Actually, Lamya made an excursion down to the library just before you three arrived," she explained, pointing in the direction of the back exit. "Without a membership, you'll need to be escorted down. But don't worry, Mr. Beast will gladly help you if you ask."
Vegeta raised a brow, glancing in the direction Luna had indicated. "Mr. Beast?"
Luna nodded, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Yes, you can't miss him. He's a massive grizzly bear, always wearing leather overalls. Don't worry, he's a gentle giant like me. Just tell him Luna sent you."
Goku grinned. "Thanks, Luna!" he exclaimed, giving her a thumbs up. "Let's go, guys!"
Alpha led the way, pointing. "That must be him over there by the bar."
With that, Goku, Vegeta, and Alpha set off through the crowd, their sights set on grabbing Mr. Beast's attention and making their way to the library beneath the club. As they weaved through the throngs of queer folk in the lounge, their anticipation for the upcoming encounters built to a crescendo.