Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Danger in the horizon ❯ Out of the frying pan into the fire ( Chapter 10 )

Chapter Ten -Out of the frying pan into the fire

As proud as Bulma was of her achievement of having had the last word in her somewhat heated conversation with Vegeta, she could not help but feel a little disturbed by the fact that she did in fact want to stay with him, in his quarters. It was just sick. She leaned against the wall of the elevator, eyes closed in deep concentration, trying desperately to shake his image from her mind. Bulma was so oblivious to the outside world; she did not notice that the elevator had stopped once to pick up another passenger.

"I told you that I would be seeing you soon, Bulma."

Bulma's eyes shot open. She didn't need to look over to her left to know exactly who it was. Zarbon. And now she was stuck in a small confined space with the green freak. Just her luck.

"If I count to 10 and close my eyes, will you disappear like I want you to, Zarbon?" she replied sarcastically, bringing her fingers up to her temples and rubbing.

Zarbon chuckled. "Not likely, love. I don't see why we can't be more than friends even if I did dump your little friend. You know, she was a lot of fun to be with, but I can tell that you will be even better than her."

Bulma could feel the bile rising into her throat. "Being a little presumptuous aren't we? What in the 9 circles of hell would make you think that I find you in the least bit attractive?" she bit back.

Zarbon's eyes glittered dangerously. "You don't have to. But it's more enjoyable if you do. I always get what I want, Bulma, always. Don't forget that. And no one on this station can stop me."

Without any warning, Zarbon lunged towards Bulma attempting to grab her. As he did so, the elevator reached the level on which her quarters were. Seizing her only chance, Bulma ducked as he lunged at her and slipped through the doors and ran like the hounds of hell were on her tail. She need not have worried. By the time Zarbon realised her intent the door had hissed shut and the elevator had continued on its journey. As it left, she could hear his shout of annoyance at the situation.

Only once Bulma had reached the relatively safe haven of her quarters, did she relax somewhat. That creep was never going to leave her alone. What was worse was that Zarbon was totally right. No one the station could stop him from attacking her. She would just have to be on guard at all times. She could always inform security about him, but then again, that could make the situation worse.

She kicked off her boots and flopped bonelessly on her bed, face first. Bulma was intending to have a quick catnap before returning to the docking bay to continue her work on the pods, but her stomach reminded her that she had not eaten for at least 15 hours. Cursing, Bulma hauled herself off the bed and shoved her boots back on her feet so that she could go to the mess hall. She shuddered; hoping that Zarbon would not be there, ready to pounce.

"Get a grip Bulma," she scolded "He won't try anything with at least 100 people around. Don't be so bloody paranoid."

As she entered the mess hall and grabbed a quick bite, Bulma noticed Lisa sitting alone in a corner near a viewing window. As she drew nearer to Lisa, she saw that her friend was still puffy eyed from endless crying. The pile of used tissues next to her was testament to that fact.

"Quite a sight aren't I?" she snivelled. "All over some bloody man. So much for a woman's inner strength."

Bulma placed her tray on the table and sat next to Lisa, placing her arm around her friend's shoulders to comfort her.

Bulma gave her a quick tight smile. "At least I know how you feel. There is nothing worse than being shat on by someone you have deep feelings for. Remember how I was with Yamcha? You are holding up a lot better than I did, I used so many tissues up over that man I should have bought shares in a paper mill."

Lisa giggled despite her emotional turmoil. "Yeah girl, you were definitely the most heartbroken woman I had ever seen! The very mention of his name was enough to set you off for days!"

"Well, if laughing at my misfortune makes you feel better, then use it. I know I can laugh at it now." Bulma replied, picking casually at the food in front of her.

Lisa picked up a fresh tissue and wiped delicately at her eyes. "Hey, let's get off the subject of jerks for now. Tell me about these refugees that you are baby sitting for the next 11 months."

"Sure thing. I have to say that this has been one of the weirdest days I have ever had on this station." Bulma then went into a detailed description of the Saiyans and what had transpired during her day, carefully omitting any mention of Zarbon. The mention of that aliens name would only set Lisa off again, and the truth be told, she wanted to get that guy off her mind as well.

Lisa sat back, very much calmer and looking more like her usual self. "These guys sound like fun. The one called Radditz especially. Sounds like he needs a woman, big time. Momma always said you should get back on the horse if you got thrown off!"

Bulma gave her friend a shocked look. Had this woman no scruples? "Lisa, you have no idea. This guy is like; 7 feet tall at least, built like the proverbial outhouse and appears to be seriously sexually charged. I would prefer that any woman avoided him like the plague." She finished dramatically, hoping that Lisa would take the hint that Radditz, Vegeta and Nappa were very much an unknown quantity.

Lisa arched her fine black brows. "Want him for yourself, huh? Come on, admit it. Even if you have only just met him you find him attractive, don't you?"

"No I don't! It's just that he is not a sweet as he seems and I wouldn't want you to get hurt badly again, okay?" Snapped Bulma, shocking even herself with her outburst. I don't want him, I want, I want…….Vegeta. Bulma violently shook her head to get the sudden unbidden thought in her head. She had only just met him and now she was starting to act like a horny teenager! Sick.

Lisa chuckled deep in her throat. "Well anyway, I still want to meet him and the others soon. You should ask them up to one of the bars to socialise with the rest of the refugees. Of course, only when those two have been stitched up." Lisa smiled in anticipation. This Radditz character could be the guy to have some fun with.

Bulma groaned. Once Lisa wanted something or someone, come hell or high water she was going to get it or them. "Okay" she said in resignation. " I'll see what I can do. I have no idea how social these guys really are, so give me and them a little time, okay?"

"Sure Bulma, you're a lifesaver! Anyway, I have got to go back to work. Thanks for the pep talk. See you later." Lisa smiled happily, Zarbon for the moment forgotten.

Bulma placed her head in her hands. "Oh god. What have I done? Become an interplanetary matchmaker? This is all going to turn to custard and drop on my head, I just know it!" She grumbled to herself. "So much for my genius brain!"

"Quite finished falling prey to insanity, Ms Briefs?"

Bulma jumped, almost spilling her coffee on herself. She turned around to be greeted by the heavyset face of her team leader, Sharon. "Oh, hi Sharon. Just getting a quick bite and then going back to the repair job, honest."

Sharon smiled at Bulma. It wasn't often she caught the younger woman off guard. "It's okay Bulma, I'm not checking up on you. I just thought that after the day I heard you had you might want to finish for the day. It's only an hour until knock off anyway and you look like you need a stiff drink."

Bulma relaxed once again. "Thanks. But how did you know about what kind of day I had?"

"The med techs filled me in. Quite a mess those boys left up there. It looks like we will need to set aside an area just for them."

"Oh yeah, sorry about the mess. Prince Vegeta requested a more intense training facility for himself. Any ideas?"

Sharon wrinkled her brow in thought. "Yes, I think we may have something for Mr Arrogant. The eggheads have been working on a gravity simulator designed to increase strength in an individual. However, it's experimental. On the other hand, no one has been game enough to try it out as yet. Maybe Prince Vegeta wouldn't mind being a guinea pig for a while."

Bulma grinned. This was going to solve the problem Vegeta had laid at her feet quite nicely. "Shall I let him know now? He seemed rather impatient."

"No, he can wait until tomorrow. Can't have my baby sitters running themselves ragged. Anyway, I have a message for you from the med wing. Apparently the one called Radditz wanted you to pop up and see him. Rather insistent he was by all accounts that I deliver the message personally."

Bulma was too tired to argue against it and relented. "Sure. I'll go and see him now."

"Great. I'm off to the bar for the night. Maybe I'll see you there." Replied Sharon as she made her way out of the mess hall.

"Maybe." murmured Bulma as she finished her food. She picked up her tray and gave it to the kitchen staff and made her way up to the med wing. Thank god Radditz was injured. At least then he would not have strength to try anything. Bulma had been propositioned twice today, and that was definitely two times too many.

Chapter 11 - Discoveries, good and bad

Even though Zarbon was still annoyed beyond belief at what had happened with Bulma in the elevator he still had a job to do. He would deal with the little bitch later.

Carefully extracting his comms device from his clothing, he tapped in the code needed to open the channel to Freeza's flagship. At least one thing had gone the right way today. He started his transmission and before closing the device down, he checked once again that he had not been observed and ensured that the transmission was received clearly by his master.

The black fingernails tapped impatiently on the communication console, waiting for the urgent transmission. After some 30 seconds, the transmission crackled through, giving the creature to which the fingers belonged to some long awaited news.

"Finally." Freeza croaked to himself. "It appears that sending Zarbon and Dodoria to that far corner of the universe has reaped what I desired most." He cut off the transmission after hearing all he needed and turned towards the navigator and pilot of his flagship.

"Gentlemen. It appears that a change of direction is needed urgently. Please be so kind as to inform me of the most expedient passage to the galaxy which contains the planet Earth." He grinned horribly, his red-rimmed eyes flashing. Even after getting the best news he had heard in a month, Freeza was still in a kill anyone who got in his way mood.

Both the pilot and navigator exchanged very nervous glances. Now was not the time to stammer or appear frightened. It only caused the evil lizard in front of them to become enraged.

The navigator spoke up, keeping his head bowed low so Freeza would not see the fear in his eyes. "Lord Freeza, according to our star charts it will take 3 standard months to reach our destination. This is only if we continue at our current speed. Should the speed be increased to maximum, the flagship will reach Earth's galaxy in 1.75 standard months."

The look on Freeza's face betrayed no joy in the navigator's statement. As far as he was concerned, 1.75 standard months was too long. But no matter. Prince Vegeta and the other 2 Saiyans would not be expecting him at all. They would be hoping to never see him again.

Finally he spoke aloud, more to himself than to anyone else on the bridge. "Damned little monkey prince. He could have been the best. But no. He had to try for power himself. Well, that will be his downfall."

Freeza snapped his eyes to the pilot. "Set the ship to maximum speed and get the course changed to the galaxy containing Earth, immediately!"

The pilot and navigator both bowed low. "Yes, Lord Freeza." Both spoke at the same time and rushed towards their respective stations.

Freeza left the bridge murmuring to himself. "Yes Vegeta. I will kill you. Not quickly as you would hope. I will ensure yours is the most excruciating experience I have ever dealt to a life form. Then you will know that you are worthless and I alone am the ruler of the universe."

The ship changed direction and started its journey towards the Earth.

Light years away, on Station Delta, Bulma made her way up to the med wing to see Radditz. Although she did not really want to, her compassion dictated that it would be good to find out the state of Radditz's and Nappa's health.

She took a deep breath before entering the med wing. "Just keep this visit short, Bulma," she said to herself. "The sooner you get this over with the better."

Making her way down to the small room Radditz and Nappa were in, she overheard some the med tech staff discussing the Saiyans physiology. "Absolutely amazing! Any human who took a knock like that would be in a coma right now! These two guys are virtually indestructible!"

"Whatever," she murmured aloud as she passed. "You don't have to baby sit these idiots."

Realising that she still had some of Radditz's blood on her overalls suddenly made Bulma self conscious about her appearance. Then she checked herself. Better that she went in looking like she had just been into a slaughterhouse than looking like a supermodel. That way, she reasoned she would be a lot less attractive to the opposite sex right now.

The room's door opened in front of her, allowing her access to the room. What she saw gave her a bit of a shock. Far from the bloodied mess she had seen earlier today, Radditz and Nappa were looking remarkably healthy. Nappa noted her presence and grunted before rolling over in his bed and returning to sleep. He had not requested to see the Earth female, and quite frankly, she did not interest him in the slightest.

Bulma walked softly over to Radditz's bed, careful not to further disturb Nappa. Radditz sat up, his attention now on Bulma fully. He cracked a wry smile. "Ms Briefs. So nice of you to see me."

Bulma pulled up a chair to his bedside taking note of the swollen eyes and jaw he sported. "I'm only here because my team leader personally delivered the message to me. It also reflects rather badly on me if you die in my care." She replied smoothly.

Radditz frowned. This was not going the way he wanted. In his experience, women found it comforting to care for men who had been injured. Bulma was obviously different to the normal woman. He noted that she still had some of his blood on her uniform giving her a somewhat battle worn appearance herself.

He decided to try a different tack. "What assistance did Prince Vegeta require? I did hear him request your presence in his quarters before I completely passed out."

Bulma sighed deeply. Radditz was trying to draw her into a conversation she did not want to have. However, she did not want to appear rude, so decided to indulge him. Maybe he would get bored and then she would be able to leave and get cleaned up.

"He wanted a more intense training program for himself, that's all. He felt that you two were not giving him enough of a work out. I have arranged something for him so that you and Nappa will not be setting up permanent abode here in the med wing."

"Nothing else?"

"No. What are you implying Radditz? That I assisted Prince Vegeta with something else?" Bulma snapped back. This conversation was now taking on a decidedly seedy tone, which she did not like.

"No" He stammered. "It's just boring in here. These medics won't let us leave until tomorrow and you are the only person I have had any normal contact with here."

"Well Radditz, I'm sorry but I have to go and get cleaned up. I can't be tending to the sick and injured because it's not my job here. Anyway, I have to make sure that I won't be bumping into a certain green goon with impure intentions." She stood up and set the chair with its back to the wall and made a move to leave. Before could do so though, Radditz grabbed her hand.

"What did you say?" he snapped.

"Let go of my hand Radditz. I would like to leave, now!"

"I will as soon as you tell me about this "green goon" you were speaking of." Radditz's mouth had curled into a feral snarl. He was feeling an emotion he had not felt for years, jealousy. He wanted this woman for himself!

Bulma struggle a little bit before realising it was futile. "Fine Radditz. This "green goon's" name is Zarbon. He seems to think that I would be an interesting sexual diversion for him. I refused. The thought of him is just - revolting! Now will you let go of me!?"

Radditz dropped her hand, his eyes glazing over. "Zarbon." He murmured. "Shit. I have to get out of here as soon as possible. Nappa! Get up! We must get to Prince Vegeta immediately!"

Nappa had already started to struggle out of his bed after he had heard Zarbon's name and was busy dressing himself, not caring if Bulma did see him semi naked. Radditz was doing the same, wincing as he did so. Amazing as the Saiyan physiology was, his ribs would take at least another 3 days to heal properly.

Bulma meanwhile was trying to make sense of the scene in front of her. Two semi naked men dressing themselves in a rush as if there was some impending crisis about to happen. "Radditz, what the hell is going on?" she yelled.

"Something very bad." He stated as both he and Nappa rushed out of the room, towards the elevator. Bulma was left in a daze. What the hell was going on? And what did Zarbon have to do with "something very bad"?