Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction / Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Payment in Full: Saiyan's 2nd Chance ❯ Assignment and hiring ( Chapter 3 )

Payment in Full

By StarbearerTM aka Trynia Merin

Unbeta'd version

Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z or Full metal alchemist. Funimation brings us these master works of anime on DVD. Toriyama created DBZ, and Full Metal Alchemist belongs to its own creators. I can only claim responsibility for the plot and the character of Tomic, Parsnip, Fermi, Bohr, Merlot, Cabernet and other fan characters here. The only pay I get is your reviews so please keep them coming! And my thanks to those who have already reviewed, and to Bardockgurl for her beta! Kudos and hugs to you!

Urgent shrill beeping roused Atomique out of a troubled sleep. Against a firmly muscled surface her cheek rested, rising and falling with the breath of the Adonis with long hair she curled up with. Soft feathery hair surrounded her partially. Sitting bold upright she noticed Raditz was cursing and stirring sleep from his dark eyes. He sat up, gently pushing Atomique along with his rising chest so she nestled in his lap. Sheets fell from around their hips, and Raditz rubbed his eyes. He let out a loud yawn, stretching. Lightly his tail dropped across her exposed thighs, tickling the tops of them. Still he wore the spandex shorts and top, while she wore a light loose gown of silk like material he'd given her the night before.

"Up woman, food," he said.

"I don't' know first thing about fixing anything!" she snorted.

"No I mean we get food, idiot," he said.

"It's too early to be pissed off at you. What the hell am I supposed to wear?"

A chiming bleep answered within seconds of her question. Raditz urged her off his lap, and then crossed the foam-covered floor to answer the door. He grunted, "Yes?"

"Sir, Commander Turles instructed these garments be delivered for your concubine with his regards," said a female in diaphanous silver veil skirt. It was one of the concubines she had seen the day before, the white furred Persia.

"Thank you, lady Persia," Raditz inclined his head. "Give my regards to your master for his generosity."

"He also bids me tell you to start the woman with your sire, Professor Bardock as soon as she's fitted for armor and eaten. And bids me recommend you train her yourself after assessing her combat skills."

"Is that all?"

"Yes. Forgive my intrusion," Persia nodded. She backed away, the gold collar gleaming around her slender neck. Raditz let the door slide shut, clutching the wrapped bundle in his arms.

"Come here woman, your question's been answered," Raditz said. "I was right when I told you that you'd have no need for those rags you call clothes."

"That was my old state alchemy uniform," she snorted.

"This is your new uniform. As of now you're my subordinate. And as such you must wear what custom dictates," Raditz said. He laid out a full body AE suit, with breastplate that had no shoulder flashes, and was a dark black with groin and hip guards. She was thankful the black AE suit would cover her legs, but was annoyed her arms would be bare. Still it was better then the skimpy things the concubines wore

Through her mind flashed images of the first time she had awakened around him.

"Wake up, female," he grunted. "What the hell?" she asked, feeling something roughly shaking her."Wake up I said!" Raditz snarled."Get out of my face, will you?" she blinked up at him. Something scratched her back. His spiky mane eclipsed the sun sliding down to touch the mountains rimming the far horizon. Light gleamed off the lens of his scouter.

"You slept long enough, ningen," he snorted. "I can't have you dying on me. You'd better eat something."

She sat up, realizing she was sitting on a bale of hay in a farm field. He tossed something towards her, and she caught a pear shaped fruit marked with purple and yellow stripes. "What the hell is this?" she asked.

"It's your planet, you tell me," he snorted, spitting something out. He sat down next to her, tearing off huge chunks of meat from a large bone he clutched in his other hand. The remains of some creature recently killed lay nearby, smelling of blood. Fruits and vegetables were arranged in neat heaps beside the haystack she rested across.

"This isn't my planet, Saiyan," she said. "You know as well as I do."

"I know you're from my reality, female, but you're STILL human," Raditz smirked, flicking his tail against her calf as he scooted closer to her. He feasted on huge chunks of meat that he bit right from the bone. Occasionally he spat out a bit of cartilage or harder material on the ground.

"My world doesn't have this sort of fruit," she mumbled, making a face. It was half-bitter and sweet.

"Humph, I suppose you'll require protein if your appearance is similar to mine. Judging from your teeth you're perhaps omnivorous," Raditz mumbled, grabbing a bit of fruit and munching on it before tossing the core into the pile of bones next to his boot.

"Correct. You're primates like us," she asked, wiping fruit juice off her lips.

"What?"

"Descended from apes?" she asked. "Humans once lived in trees."

"Humph, so you say?" he blinked. "Eat."

She flinched, catching the bloody piece of flesh he tossed to her. Sniffing it she shook her head, snapping, "Humans COOK their meat or it has NO nutritive value. We lack the proper digestive enzymes."

"Primitives," Raditz mumbled.

"Hey, look who's talking, Mister Hunt and Gather! Maybe you're carnivorous with those FANGS of yours... but some of us think cooking's a step up from..."

"Do all females talk so much?" Raditz rolled his eyes, glancing at her picking up the piece of raw meat and turning it over.

"I'm not stupid, you know," she said. "Just because I'm a female."

"No. You talk too damn much to be anything other than some manner of scientist," he mumbled.

"Thanks bunches, Tarzan," she said. She attempted to at least lick the blood from the meat for the iron content. It was hard to do so without gagging.

"Is that a derogatory term?" Raditz asked.

"Depends on the context," she answered. "You aren't calling ME by my name, Raditz."

"How do you know my name, incidentally?" Raditz asked, swallowing his next mouthful.

"It stands to reason if I know who Kakkarot is, I know you're his brother, Raditz," she said. "Specifically his OLDER brother?"

"Tell me How you know this," Raditz snapped, grabbing her wrist. She twisted easily out of his grasp.

"Because, I know where to find him. But as soon as I tell you, you might kill me for the thrill of it," said Atomique. "Am I right?"

"I have other plans for you," Raditz answered, glancing at her. She was nervous, but not terrified. Dark eyes fixed into his with the detached air of a scientist. Although he smelled fear, he also determined the light of above average intelligence gleaming there.

"You're going to rape me?" she asked.

"I've not seen a female for a long time," he said. "And it can be pleasurable for you if you let me convince you otherwise. And you won't die. It won't hurt much.""I suppose there's no dissuading you," she said, glancing at his dark eyes. "But you can't rape the willing."

"You would consent to it?" Raditz asked her.

"Yes, I would because I don't want to be DEAD," she said, glancing at him. "And well... why should I be unwilling if you saved my life? I might as well get SOME enjoyment out of it.""Smart female," he mumbled, reaching over to sniff her neck. She shivered, feeling a tingle in her body. Raditz backed away to the edge of the hay bale, nostrils flaring.

"You are in heat. Little wonder you're at least willing," he murmured. "Why aren't you terrified of me?"

"Because, you... you're fascinating."

"You can't hope to tame me like some fool, if that's what you're thinking," he said quietly.

"I'd be an idiot to presume that," she said. "Look Raditz, I just want to be alive. It's obvious you're going to have sex with me willing or not, and I might as well just accept it as an inevitability. I just hope to hell you don't end up killing me... because I have my OWN needs just like any being does."

"I won't kill you, female," Raditz said quietly. "You amuse me."

"And as long as I do, I live?" she asked.

"First you and I will mate, then you'll show me where Kakkarot is. If you please me, you live. If not," he said.

"I die," she nodded slowly. He nodded, reaching a massive hand to rest on her leg. Slowly he slid it up, parting her knees so she tipped backwards. Atomique gasped at the feel of his bulk looming over her to inhale her.

"You comprehend well. But you're not eating. You'll need all your strength."

"I told you I can't eat meat that isn't cooked. And if you'd permit me to build a fire," she said.

"I don't wish to attract attention, bitch," he mumbled, sitting down so she was in full view.

"Hairy baboon," she returned, irked at being called a derogatory term.

"Drek eater!" he growled.

"Douchebag," she said.

"Tail humper," he added.

"Son of a bitch!" she snorted.

"Fourth class left behind!" he snapped.

"What the hell is THAT?" she giggled. "That HARDLY rates as an insult."

"Humph," he snickered. "I suppose it's just as well."

"If that's the WORST you can call me, you're running out of words, monkey boy," she chuckled. "Are we DONE, or do you want MORE of a crash course in human swear words?"

"Shut up and eat," he said.

"You're a real dinner conversationalist aren't you?" she said. "By the way, instead of 'fourth class left behind loser you might try mother fucking son of a bitch instead'."

"As if being compared to a canine's offspring was any more insulting then being compared to the lowest caste of my society," said Raditz.

"Oh, I get it. You're low on the totem pole already, so you think you can hurt my poor human sensibilities by calling me an untouchable riff raff?" she raised her brow.

"They were slaves," said Raditz.

"Oh well, thanks a LOT," she snorted. Grabbing the bloody bit of meat back he tore into it, chewing it. Then he seized her wrist, pulling her body forwards so she almost fell into his crossed legs.

"Obviously I'll have to CHEW it first," he laughed harshly.

"What the HELL?" she grunted; as powerful lips crushed over hers in what she thought was a kill. Yet when his tongue thrust against her mouth she knew she dared not refuse him entry. What caused her to gag was the mouthful of food he spat into her surprised mouth. Gagging she almost choked on the half-chewed mouthful of masticated meat. His powerful hand grabbed the base of her neck while his other hand dragged her down into his lap to hold her still.

"All right that's what you do with your young but you could have cooked it!" Atomique gasped deeply, coughing and gagging. Half of it had gone down her throat before she had the presence of mind to breathe through her nose. Clearly he was doing what some animals did, preceding the food and feeding her like a bird would its young.

"There's no pleasing you, female is there?" he laughed, blood and saliva dripping from his mouth. Again he did the same process. However this time, after Atomique swallowed what he'd transferred she seized handfuls of his hair to hold his lips to hers. Her tongue glided into his mouth to tease his. Raditz opened his eyes slightly in surprise to feel the earth woman's lips still moving over his. Already he had fed her the next mouthful so why should se still want to keep her mouth over his? Grunting in confusing he tried to pull away. Yet Atomique desperately held his mouth in a satisfying kiss. Judging from the pheromones she released, along with the sweet taste of her in his tongue he surmised it was some weird earth custom involving mating? Or at least foreplay.

"That's a kiss, in case you didn't know, but you seem pretty smart for a Neanderthal," she laughed.

"Look who's talking, you tailless simian. It's NOT an evolutionary advantage to lose it," Raditz smirked with a feral Saiyan grin of superiority.

"Whatever, just show me how advanced you ARE then, oh greater being, and I'll judge for myself," she said mockingly.

***

It took a few minutes for her to get dressed, but the armored breastplate conformed to her body, with some stretch and give across her chest. It supported her stomach and bosom far better than any high tech wonder bra, and the tall boots came to her knees, putting her height up at least three inches. The boots were reinforced things with small compartments, and she had the option of tugging the long leggings over the top or tucking them in the boots. Her AE suit had short sleeves that covered her arms to the elbow.

"I look ridiculous with this thing. How am I supposed to see clearly out of both eyes with this?" she wondered as he handed her another item, which was a scouter.

"Shut up and finish dressing. I'm ravenous and I loathe waiting for my morning meal," he griped, struggling into his own armor. Ironically much of her body was covered except for bare forearms and neck and face. She was quite thankful of that. Leaning down he showed her how the scouter fit over the left eye rendering part of her field of vision a pale green.

"You won't need the glasses. It will compensate for your lack of sight across your entire field of vision," he mumbled fiddling with it. Atomique looked at him doubtful till she noticed the light waves blurring to a clear point just before the limits of her vision.

"Damn," she mumbled. Still she folded her glasses and stuck them in one of the compartments on the side of one boot. Instead of hip pouches the Saiyan armor had things in the boots or the gauntlets. He reached down and fastened the chain to her neck, running the line to his hand.

"A formality. If you serve without question the first few days it will be removed," Raditz said quietly. "All fourth classes are so trained."

"I got you," she grumbled. "Some people would call this thing a love leash and consider it kinky."

"Humph, interesting. You must tell me later. But enough of this babbling," he snapped, giving the leash a slight tug so the chain tapped her bare neck. She followed him, standing up and striding with as normal a posture as she could.

Inside a large 'mess hall' several tables were set up with long benches. Some of the females sat with leashes, --at least the non-Saiyan females--which ran to their owner's wrists. They would sit to the immediate left of their masters or on their laps. Apparently Turles had a greater number of Saiyan warriors than she could have originally anticipated.

"They are not all full blooded," he said. "My family is one of the few third classes that still are. Most of the others are half. Even those with a drop of Saiyan blood can aspire to higher ranks. But it is hard."

"I have no Saiyan blood," she said quietly.

"You see the other aliens? Turles employs other races. Those two are Tangelo, Ascorbic, and Tangerine. The red stripes signify Idsarjin warriors who serve Saiyans."

"Third class," she nodded. "Rank and file."

She saw the males had long hair with streaks of silver and black. Their armor was black with green or brown shoulder flashes. Raditz sat down near the three Idsarjin males, and two Saiyans that she had seen the other day. A young male named Parsnip, and another with shorter hair called Cellulose. He was Raditz' age, wearing armor much in the style of Raditz, but he wore a bodysuit underneath, and had a brass ring on his upper left arm. Next to him sat the second female Saiyan she had seen.

"Chablis," Raditz whispered. "Cabernet and Nappa's eldest daughter. One of the few Saiyan females other than Raddocchio who survived the explosion that destroyed our home world. She is mated to Cellulose. "

"One big happy family," she said.

"I see your old man's come out of his lab finally," Tangelo said mildly.

"I will not dignify that with a response," Raditz mumbled as he ignored his teammate. She almost had a stroke when another male Saiyan strode in, accompanied by an Idsarjin female in Saiyan style armor. Apart from a scar running from cheek to chin, and the scouter, it was like staring at a ghost of something she left behind. The red headband bound around his brow matched the shinguards and gauntlets with its blood red hue. Altogether the black and green armor along with his dangerous compact body suggested someone you wouldn't want to mess with. Dark black eyes gleamed with the intensity of a battle hardened veteran. Next to him, the purple haired female was curved in the places where the male was angled. Only a few inches shorter, she wore the same style of armor minus the hipguards. A gold collar encased her neck, a style identical to Atomique's.

"Your father?" she asked with a shiver. "But he looks just like Goku!"

“There is a disturbing resemblance to Kakkarot,” Raditz nodded with a look of extreme irritation. The newcomer and doppelganger to Goku came past the table and met Raditz' eyes with a low grunt and nod of the head.

"Father," he said quietly. To Atomique's surprise he didn't acknowledge the female except with a grunt and a frown.

"So, you finally came back from that little wild targresh chase? I hope Nappa didn't give you any foolish ideas," he said with a frown of his own.

"If it's any of your interest I found you another assistant," Raditz glowered at him. "This is Tomic. She's been assigned to R and D."

"Hmm, you finally found a female. Took you damn long enough. I suppose you realize that aurites aren't the most important thing anymore?" he sniffed, glancing at Atomique.

“Time will tell,” Raditz answered, resting his hands on his hips.

Turning his attention to Tomic, Bardock's nostrils flared as he took in her scent. Next to him the blue eyes of the feline woman fixed on Tomic. Imperceptibly her lips twitched into a slight smile. At that moment she and Tomic gained understanding. Bardock's voice was less gruff when he asked, "Where are you from, girl?"

"Another dimension, sir," she said, melting under the heat of his gaze. Bardock and Raditz were incredibly handsome, and she could tell where Raditz had gotten his dark eyed stare. Whoever the girl was, she was quite lucky to have such a specimen of masculinity. She had to admit Bardock was every bit as handsome as his son was.

“If I didn't already have Raditz, I'd be tempted,” she mumbled. Slapping herself mentally for such thoughts she focussed on a spot on his chest just above his black breastplate. Bardock's eyes examined her with the scrutiny of a scientist assessing a subject. It was a welcome sight to the leering gazes of the others, the sort of stare she knew well. Here was a man of science. Yet he seemed almost bored as if he had expected to see her.

"Humph. Come with me, girl,” he said. "You can entertain my son later. I want to see just what you claim you know. If you have any use as a scientist we'll see it soon enough."

"Father really she hasn't eaten. I don't' want her dying on me before I take my pleasure," Raditz snorted.

"She'll be fed, whelp," his father snorted. "Doubtless its better then hearing your damn fool bragging about how many destroyers you snuffed. If she's to help me at all she had best get started as soon as possible."

"Raditz?" Atomique blinked, feeling insecure about leaving the known watching gaze of her male. Even though Raditz still intimidated her, she felt suddenly scared about leaving him to another. He had claimed her as his own, and the impact of that possessiveness was a welcome surety in an unsure universe that seemed vast and about to swallow her whole.

"Go with Father. And remember to mind what he says. Do try and bring her back in a sane condition after your experiments," Raditz sniffed. He handed the leash over to Bardock, who snorted unimpressed.

"And a good morning to you, boy," Bardock grumbled at him, giving him a hard stare. "This way girl. Follow Bharbera."

"Don't be nervous, you'll be treated well," Bharbera said with a smile. The first genuine smile she'd seen since coming on the ship. Nervously she got up and let Bardock and his concubine lead her away.

***

They came to a large laboratory in another section of the ship. Bharbera entered a code to access the chamber. Inside Atomique stared in wonder at conglomerations of glassware on one counter bubbling away. Another area contained what appeared to be advanced electronics far more advanced then even Bulma's laboratory at Capsule Corporation. Since she was accustomed to the technology of her alchemy world, it all seemed far beyond her ken. Nevertheless she had learned much about advanced circuitry and machinery during her stay on Chikyuu by her powers of observation.

"So, you're from Earth?" asked Bardock as he glanced at Atomique. Starting at her feet his eyes flickered up her armored form to her eyes. "You look almost Saiyan."

"So I've heard," she snorted, glancing at him. "I understand you're something of a scientist?"

"Mmph, what did that drek eating son of mine tell you, woman?" he asked.

"Dear, go easy on her," Bharbera said.

"What's your name, woman?" Bardock asked, glancing at her harshly. But his eyes were gentle, almost like Goku's. "I'm not going to hurt you. Speak."

"I'm Atomique. At least that's any name that has any significance," she said, glaring at him equally defiantly. "And I am an organic chemist. At least that's what I was when I was studying to become a state alchemist for the military of my world. Your son encountered me in another dimension. Where your prince and your son were alive."

"I know," Bardock said. "You must be the one."

"What?"

"I have certain… abilities. I won't explain them now. But I can predict things before they happen with uncanny accuracy. That's all you need know. But I predicted my son would find a mate soon. I guess you're it. And I'm glad to say you're the best prospect for a mate he's had in ages," Bardock snorted. "Now, I'm going to test your knowledge of various disciplines and then see where I can best use you. Bharbera, prepare her while I get the equipment ready."

"A test huh," she said. "Like the GRE?"

"GRE? Some qualification test?" Bardock asked as Bharbera led her over to where several modified scouters were kept. Bardock strode over and punched buttons on a console in his laboratory. All manner of devices and laboratory equipment were kept here. A few other technicians worked there, one of, which was a young male Saiyan she recognized as Cellulose.

"My other technician. Corporal Cellulose. Meet Private Tomic. She's working with us," Bardock waved. "Now, come here. I'm going to have the computer scan your mind and ask you a series of hypothesis. You just think of the methods to solve the problems and the computer will assess your abilities. It's all psychic."

"I'm not very psychic, but I will play your games," Atomique nodded; glad to have something useful to do. He hooked the headpiece to her scouter, and slid special gloves over her wrists and ankles.

"Switching on. Bharbera, go resume work on the Neo project. Master Caulif wants the data right away," he said. "Cellulose, have you got the tissue type and matching project done? He's on my ass for that."

"Yes sir. But he tells me you should focus on the Bruits wave experiments for maximum efficiency. Commander Turles wants data as soon as possible. The Master is anxious for us to have as much completed from the databanks we've gleaned on this last voyage."

"Bharbera, you decoded that Jhuweylian database yet?" Bardock asked. He glanced at Atomique's hand movements and speech spewing equations as she solved unknown problems.

"Yes love," she nodded. "I think we can integrate their psi powers into our race database. Sub Commander Caulif will surely promote you to Second class if you continue…"

"As if it would be any use to me. You think seriously they care what color armor I wear? To them I'm always a madman. Ever since those damn dreams started," Bardock mumbled. He moved over to Atomique's test results, punching buttons.

"Hmm, she has considerable A 1 rating in matter and bonding. Although her social sciences are a bit weak. And she has some empathic abilities that result from her powers of observation. Physics and math is strong, and her three-D spatial skills are top notch. But her knowledge of current theories is weak. I think I can bring her up to speed. She had the requisite intelligence," he mumbled.

"Should I start her on the data tapes?"

"Yes. Educate her. Before I can properly use her she's got a LOT to learn. But that fool son of mine had better not burn her out," Bardock grumbled. "That polymer generation she's doing right now is unique. But if she's going to be any use as a soldier she's GOT to stop relying on it."

A knock sounded at the door. Bardock grunted, "Yeah what is it?"

"Research Director Caulif to see you," Cellulose said nervously. A tall figure with broad shoulders and white battle armor strode in, glancing down at him. He had shoulder length spiky hair clustered under his blue lens scouter, while he wore a long lab smock over his armor.

"Well, Third class, I see you've been busy. Any results on the Neo project?"

"You've got me split between that and the Blutz wave experiments. I'm doing a lot more with fewer scientists. I'm no damn miracle worker!"

"Still, I hear you have another servant. What are her qualifications?"

"Chemistry and matter synthesis," he nodded.

"Put her to work testing the armor. And throw her on neo, but don't tip your hand. What's her intelligence?"

"She's my son's concubine. These are the results. Bone structure's unusually dense for a ningen."

"Maybe she can make the change. You know that Bharbera's also a prime candidate," he nodded.

"Yes, but give me more time. She's a valuable resource I can't do without. If it went wrong," Bardock mumbled.

Time seemed to pass without her knowing. It was a total shock when someone tapped her on the shoulder. Vast equations swirled in the VR simulation that fed directly into her brain. Hour after hour complex molecules spun, and Atomique discerned their structure. Other parts of the test involved cranking equations that were something she was accustomed to seeing scrawled on a blackboard at Central HQ. Principles of science were one universal constant, no matter how advanced the society.

"Time to eat," Bharbera said, unplugging Atomique's feed to her scouter.

"Already?" she shrugged, letting Bharbera help her disconnect all the electrodes.

"Bardock insists. Can't have our technicians starving to death, can we?" Bharbera grinned.

"So, how'd I do?"

"Not too badly. Of course you get reasonable marks for chemistry and physics, even though your knowledge is outdated by our standards. Bardock thinks you can be reeducated. However your knowledge of electronics is woefully inadequate. I was surprised with your skills in the psychology category, and you seem to have a knack for three D spatial artistic functions that he guesses are from your ability to channel your ki to rearrange molecules," Bharbera said.

"Where are you from? Why weren't YOU a slave?" she asked.

"Bardock chose me," she said, pulling back her hair to reveal the circular bite mark. "And I'm not a pretty little thing that Turles and his men can use as a toy. Play your cards right and you can go far. It's not all bed slaves and such. He has the beautiful women because he fancies himself another King Vegita. But don't let anyone know I told you that."

"What happened to the prince?" asked Atomique.

"You'll learn as soon as Bardock or his son sees fit to tell you," she said. "Come, let's join him."

"Are you fourth class like me then?" she asked, examining Bharbera's armor. It was identical to hers except she wore shoulder flashes with gold tipping them.

"Yes," she nodded. "A servant like you, but a concubine."

"Raditz said his mother was killed when a comet smashed into Vejitasei. We had Saiyans in my reality but only two survived. Bardock's younger son Kakkarot, and Prince Vegita."

"Prince Vegita has gone missing. Some of us hope we find him, but lately our Master has been sending us on more missions."

"Who is in charge of Turles? The commander?" Atomique continued, seeing that she was finally getting a reliable source of information. Raditz so far had only told her what he figured she should know. Limiting knowledge or access to it was the best way to control a subservient.

Slowly Bharbera drew in a breath, lowering her graceful brows. "You don't know about the master?"

"Emperor Freiza?" Atomique said carefully. Instantly Bharbera's face twisted with fear and her eyes widened in horror.

"No, not he! Why Lord Paragus of Alvegasei," she shuddered.

"Lord Paragus?" she shook her head. That name didn't ring a bell, but it sounded Saiyan/

"One of the last surviving Royal families," Bharbera said in a whisper. Back and forth she glanced, as if checking to see invisible eyes or ears listening in.

Atomique stood close, blocking Bharbera's face from what she perceived as a security camera. She muttered, "There aren't many Saiyans left are there?"

"I'm not permitted to speak of that," Bharbera said, shuffling weight from one boot to another. She licked her lips while flickering her eyes from left to right. Muscles twitched in her slender neck.

"Are they fewer then 20?" Atomique queried.

"More," she said.

"100?" the alchemist tried again.

Reluctantly Bharbera caved in, admitting, "There are few full bloods. Most are half or 1/4. The race survives, but barely. Strangely enough."

"Half bloods are stronger then full, I know," she said.

Bharbera looked at her in surprise. She said, "That's what Research Director Caulif is working on. A Race bank, studying the permutations of what causes this when Saiyan genes mix with inferior species. Idsarjins are the most compatible race for crossbreeding. So most Saiyans you see have Idsarjin mothers and Saiyan fathers. They are the only beings strong enough to withstand a Saiyan mating bond. But only full blooded and half-blooded Saiyans can claim a mate according to their traditions. Non Saiyans are mere concubines. But the bond is lifelong."

"Why doesn't Turles agree?" asked Atomique, helping her to put away the test leads and other equipment where she indicated.

"Members of Royal family and Royal Elite are free to mate with as many females as they see fit, because they must produce an heir to pass their power onto. King Vegita had at least 20 concubines. But only the one who bore him a son became Queen," Bharbera continued, not bothering to lower her voice. Clearly this must be a less forbidden topic.

"Why am I NOT surprised? But what has this to do with me?" Atomique shrugged, shaking her head. Typical male dominated society.

"You'll know. But I figure Bardock would like you to know the bare basics," she said as they walked down the hall.

Bardock himself exited another lab, glancing at his concubine and new scientist. Cellulose caught up with them as well, giving them a smirk. Catching sight of the two women, he moved up between them. "Don't get a swelled head, human. You're bright, but you still need to mind your place," Cellulose smirked.

"Yes we know, Corporal," Bharbera said. "Leave us be."

"Humph," Cellulose snorted. Just then, Bardock increased the pace of his stride, shoving the young third class aside.

"Shut up and go eat. Or I'll have you categorizing fungi samples for the next maxim!" Bardock snapped at him.

"Sorry Sir," he stammered, seeing the glare in his superior's eyes. "I'll um... I'll go on ahead and eat."

"You do that," Bardock said, resting hands on his hips. "Stupid sod, if you weren't related to the Commander I wouldn't' hesitate to take you into the combat room myself. Stop poking your nose into things that aren't your business!"

"Yes, apologies," Cellulose said, walking past the ladies at a good clip.

"Stupid whelp," Bardock shook his head. "Useless."

"Wonder why some Saiyans have leggings and others show flesh?" she asked Bharbera, keeping her voice low.

"Because my son is a show off, and he's a Purger," said Bardock. "They like to flaunt their physiques. Scientists and soldiers like us have no need for such useless waste of frivolity. We're not looked up to for our scars."

"Although with yours I'm sure you're quite attractive in your own right," Atomique said.

"What?" Bardock stammered.

"Saiyans like scarring. It makes the males look rugged," Atomique teased him.

"No doubt my SON told you that," he grumbled.

"You don't like Raditz much do you?" Atomique said carefully. His brows furrowed in anger, making her flinch.

"That isn't your affair, so drop it," Bardock snapped at her.

"Sorry," she mumbled. Moving over to Bardock, Bharbera slid her arm under his and rested her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his tail around her waist, sighing.

"She doesn't know, love," Bharbera shook her head. "She'll know soon enough."

"I'm going to introduce you to the others," Bardock said quietly. "Those others under my command."

"Are you a Purger yourself?" Atomique asked.

Bardock rolled his eyes, and said, "Please, my team goes in and assesses the contract's strengths and cleans up after Nappa's squad. We're the grunts while they get all the glory."

"Bare legs equals higher status?" she asked.

"Humph, I guess you could put it that way, woman," he snorted. "Now enough talk. Be on your best behavior around my subordinates. They outrank you still."