Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Feeding Genius ❯ Gleya Four ( Chapter 11 )

Feeding Genius

Chapter Eleven

Gleya Four

Disclaimer: DBZ's not mine! ¬_¬;;

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"Trunks! Be still! I'm trying to concentrate."

Small arms thrash wildly in the three-point safety harness, clawing at the reinforced fabric for release.

"But I don't wanna! I got an itch!"

Ugh! The child's whining is more than I can take! I swear to Dende that his petulance is all I've heard for the last forty-eight hours. Someone please remind me - why the hell did I go out of my way to organize this?

"It's not fair! You get to see everything - you have the big chair. This seat is for babies!"

Only paying minor attention I look at him from the corner of my eye, "I get the big chair because I'm big, and you," I chuckle slightly at the contraption that holds him so securely, whilst sipping on a steaming mug of coffee, "get the short straw kid, 'cause you're part human and have to deal with annoying and coddling relatives. Just be thankful she didn't make you bring the blazer."

He quirks a blue eye in my direction, and blows purple bangs away in an attempt to glare at me unrestricted. "What one? The scratchy one with the yellow bits on the sleeve, or the one with the red anchor thingy on it? I liked that one!"

The schematics I was browsing are suddenly disregarded. I stare at him in utter contempt. If he didn't have such formidable ki for an infant I would seriously have to question his paternity. "It was NOT an anchor you little sh… er… brat."

"Looked like it to me. Just like the little red one's on your gloves."

"Dammit kid that is my family crest! It's your family crest, and your heritage. There was a time when this symbol would strike fear in the hearts of every creature that witnessed it, and you have the audacity to call it an ANCHOR!"

"Well…" he grumbles, "That's what it looked like."

I humph my annoyance of his retraction and look to the consol wishing the child had more fight in his vocabulary. My mind is aching for stimulation. It is hard to adjust after having had my very own sparring partner for so long. I audibly growl under the stray thought. I won't let it get to me. Not now.

We have been in the capsule for just over two days. All preparations went smoothly under the doctor's supervision and he was easily able to keep his promise of having the ship ready to go by the end of the week. With everything having been on target for our departure it has set the rest of the formalities in motion, proving useful and refreshing for an easy journey. We should be reaching Gleya Four within the next couple of hours.

As if on cue an incessant beeping breaks annoyingly over the glaring silence. For a moment I'm confused. Where the hell is it coming from? The old man has changed the controls around so much I'm completely lost. I check the temperature gauge - it's normal. Fuel…? No - no problems there. Life support? Ok… now I'm getting impatient. Nothing is registering any readings worthy of alarm - So why is that wretched noise still invading my ears?

"Papa!"

"What?" I snap - punching a few buttons in the hopes they'll do something to help.

"It's beep… beepety… beep."

My fist slams into the control panel. "I can HEAR that brat!"

"So?" he questions.

"So?" I reply through gritted teeth.

"It's not beep, beep, beeeeeeeeep."

There has never been a growl more worthily placed. "And your point is?"

"Beep… beebety… beep, means its on the outside. Someone wants to say hello!"

I stare at him. He stares defiantly back. Distrustfully I leave his gaze to glance at the communications array. I look back, my jaw slightly agog. A solitary LED is blinking on an off in a taunting confirmation, indicating that an alien transmission is being directed at the ship.

"How the hell did you know that?"

He looks smugly back to me. "Gramps told me. You were there, but you weren't listening. I could tell."

"How did you know I wasn't?"

"Papa! You're so silly!" He chirps. "You never listen to Gramps when he's at work!"

Darn kid! I want to be angry with him, but the growl that hisses up my throat, turns into nothing more a huff of indifference. He has a point. Not trying to think about being indebted to a brat for the running of the ship, I scan the frequency to see whether the coding is known. Heh! It is familiar - probably nothing more than routine security checks. Good! Things are about to get interesting. I wonder how far I will have to push?

My hand is a hairbreadth away from answering. Only a glimpse of triumphant five-year-old stops it short. I pause - reflect. I am about to do something that was completely alien to me before I arrived on Chikyu and it is still hard to accomplish. I only just managed to catch myself. It's so mind-numbingly annoying when I find that human logic is sometimes more appropriate than Saiyan. It is true that I have adapted to the culture. I only wish that Bulma could do the same and open her mind to a few more Saiyan characteristics. Then we might not be in this situation, because she would know that lying to a Saiyan is unpardonable outside the battlefield.

Gah! I need to get these thoughts out of my head right now! The last thing I want is to be mentally unbalanced during my first communication off planet for over five years.

The reason I held back from replying is now singing to himself, blissfully unaware of the predicament I face as to his presence. Perhaps it is best for him to remain oblivious for now. There are certain aspects to this journey that should not be witnessed by a child. Unfortunately (confined as we are) I have no choice but to answer the communiqué with him in the room. The problem will be trying to curb and rein in my anger, but still enforcing respect. Preparing Trunks for such an event is paramount. He is in a far riskier position than he has any idea of. I cannot afford to have him known too soon and therefore cannot allow him to interfere.

"Trunks!" I demand.

"What papa?" He sings back, his voice expectant.

"We're almost there."

There's more struggling as he tries to remove his safety belt to get a decent view out of the window.

"Don't be foolish boy there's nothing to see yet, but I need you to do something for me ok?"

He looks distrustful under the sudden smoothness of my voice. I can see he is trying to figure out in what way I am about to twist the knife. Good creature! Perhaps there is some hope for him after all.

"Papa's going to be talking to…" I think about how I should term this, "…an acquaintance on the video screen and there's going to be some raised voices. But you have to be quiet, because it's nothing more than a game. I'm going to say some things to whomever sent this message which I don't really mean, but the winner is the one who scares the other the most." I frown. The Saiyan no Ouji reduced to lying to a child! It leaves a foul taste, but I have no other option. "So no matter what I say I don't want you butting in… got that?"

"Sounds like a pretty stupid game if you ask me."

"Well I didn't ask… now do we have a deal?"

He is about to give in. I can see an, 'I couldn't care less what you do!' shrug beginning to form in the rounding of his shoulders, but his eyes suddenly sharpen and I swear I can see his mind working through the glint of cerulean. He looks up to me with a frighteningly familiar smirk. "Ok!" he lisps, "but I never want to sit in this seat again."

The seriousness and concern he places on such a trivial matter is ludicrous. He looks expectantly at me. I scowl back. "You have yourself a deal kid. Now remember… you have to be quiet!"

He nods once and only sparing him a single glance to make sure he is behaving, I press the switch and bring the security station up on screen. The voice of the creature that clouds onto it is tired, and its bird-like crest is already bristling in agitation. Looks like I won't have to push too far after all. No doubt he's had a busy day - and its about to get worse. I almost pity the creature… almost.

"You are being transported on an unregistered space vessel. Please state your name, species, and business on Gleya Four. Once these terms have been complied with you will hand over all legitimate documents before you proceed."

"We have no valid identification."

The creature hasn't even looked up yet. He is more concerned with the paperwork in his hands. "Then you cannot come any closer."

I chuckle under the threat. "You could do little to stop me."

I don't quite think he was expecting that answer. He looks up and tries again, "Without formal identification your admittance is not allowed. However, if you state your name, species, and business then special dispensation might be allowed by the commander."

"Very well. My name is Prince Vegeta, my species you should know with my name, and my business is none of your concern. Report as much to your seniors. Tell them also that opposition to my plans is not an option."

There is a moment of silence - then, slowly, comprehension dawns. Under the time allowed the poor creature grows several shades paler, especially when I let the ghost of a ki ball flicker in my palm. He jumps. I smirk. So my name still has some weight. This might go easier than I thought.

"Yes lord Vegeta. You are well known. There are few of my species that could forget."

"So you will let me proceed!" It isn't a question.

"Will you tell me your business?"

Heh! The creature has more guts than I gave it credit for. "I've told you." My voice increases in authority because of his obstinacy, "My business is none of your concern."

"And how long are you planning to stay on Gleya?" That is better. I can see the sheen of sweat forming across his brow and my favourite emotion engraved in his eyes. Fear.

"The amount of time I spend is not decided, but definitely long enough to destroy you or any other creature that bothers me with officious red tape. I am not here to destroy, but I could be pushed to it if you continue to test my patience. And whilst we are on the subject, I demand the respect of my proper title at all times. The Ice-jin's army is obsolete, my title as a part of it will no longer be acceptable, be sure to let your subordinates know as much. I will not suffer to hear it again."

He looks down at his own consol for a second, more than likely reporting my presence to his superiors. A confirmation beeps over the speaker and he lifts his eyes to mine, "Your request for admittance has been accepted. Please report to docking bay fifteen alpha."

"That is much better"

"The commander wishes to know if you have made reservations for living quarters during your stay?"

"No!" I affirm, "You will provide me with everything I require during my visit."

"Of course your majesty. That is what the commander suggested."

"Good! I deserve nothing less than the very best, but make sure that it has two bedchambers as I am bringing a guest. I am curious. What training facilities are there on Gleya?"

He smiles nervously, suddenly over-eager to help. "The best. Master Suh is now stationed here and gives lessons daily. Are you familiar with her credentials?"

"Yes. She is a very skilled martial artist. I trained under her as a boy. Her knowledge is useless to me now. She has given me all I need to know. What of more technological methods? Any holographic simulations?"

"Yes. Plus we have very recently received the technology to update all training rooms with gravity enhancers making them second to none."

"Have you indeed?" Now here's an interesting development! I keep my thoughts in check, but I doubt such an occurrence is coincidence. This will definitely be a line of enquiry to explore. "I am very interested in these."

"Then I will make sure to have a room set aside for your personal use during your stay."

I nod my head in acknowledgement. "I expected nothing less."

"There is every amenity you can ever desire to keep you occupied whilst you are here Prince Vegeta, please enjoy your visit."

There is an awkward moment of silence as both of us stare at each other, waiting for the screen to go blank. Once it is accomplished I turn back to Trunks and undo his restraint. "A deals a deal kid, but you touch another button on this consol, you even so much as breath in my direction and you will have my foot so far up your backside you won't crap for a week. Is that understood?"

"Yeah!" he beams, "I'll be a good boy just like grandma said I should, but… there's nothing to do papa. Aren't there any toys?"

"For the fiftieth time boy! This is a training excursion not kindergarten! Toys are prohibited at all times."

His face falls.

"You're the one that wanted to come into space Trunks. I told you it wasn't any fun. You should have listened. This doesn't mean that everything will be boring. There is a difference between recreation and dedication. Now we have clearance, you will need to get your things together. I expect you to spend the remaining time doing just that. Now get out of my way. I have important matters to organise before we dock."

He nods once and scampers to the door. He makes it that far but instead of walking through turns to look at me, a hand resting on the frame. "I told you it was a stupid game papa. You must win every time!"

~*~*~*~*~

The docking procedure was uneventfully done. Of course it was not a completely unmarred landing, but it was not unpredicted that there would be some complications with two such alien forms of technology. There was only the slightest of disruption to the flight path, but thankfully enough so as to cause a few of those in attending to sweat in anticipation as to what their future held.

The introduction of Trunks of course was highly amusing. The assortment of attending guards and waiting dignitaries were completely baffled as to the presence of the pintsized creature that tottered warily down the ramp behind me. I warned Trunks (in as veiled a manner as I could) to stay on his guard from the moment we exited. I was satisfied with the result.

It has to be noted that more than one eyebrow went up as the child descended, but any questions were very quickly haltered under my gaze. Trunks walked in front of me so I could keep watch, and as we were directed to our very ample and accommodating quarters, my son made his presence known in an energy that could be seen very clearly in the dimly lit corridors. His over-display was diverting and I did nothing to curb it. There was no harm in letting the guards know that the child's ki was more powerful than anything they could ever dream of achieving.

We arrived very early in the morning cycle, and I was pleased that our presence was witnessed by so few. I wanted to stay as unnoticed as possible whilst we got ourselves settled. Trunks didn't want to sleep, but he eventually fell as the excitement and adventure of the last two days caught up with him.

It is now well within social hours and I have made all arrangements necessary for our stay. It looks as though there will be no more clamour or procession involved with our visit and I'm glad for it. I want to make my own way as much as possible, and being stuck attending a train of official nonsense was not something I wanted to fall victim of.

Master Suh's presence on the station is an event that I was not expecting, but I may well take a few moments out to pay her a visit; More out of curiosity than anything else. It will do her good to see how far the student has surpassed his sensei. That will be my first visit, but not the most pressing. It is the gravity chambers that hold the majority of my attention. The technology was unknown during my last visit to space and I just know that the sudden appearance of such devices must have some link with Bulma. Perhaps there will be some connection to her current location and as much as I have protested my indifference I cannot leave such a lead unexplored.

Once Trunks is up, dressed and breakfasted I tell him of the days schedule and we leave the sanctum of our quarters. The main promenade is extremely busy and thankfully our presence is lost in the crowd. I like it that way. I can see my son's eyes lighting up as he sees the bustle and commercialism that comes with such a frequented spaceport.

There are a multitude of traders lining the large hall and I can tell that my son wants to get into the thick of things and explore as much as he can. He is especially persistent about a certain stall with over-sized stuffed toys at the back and shelves overflowing with sweets at the front. He tugs enticingly at my arm, trying to pull me in that direction. "No!" I insist, instead pulling him into a side corridor and heading in the direction of the main training area.

Ugh! Now he's sulking. I turn to stare contemptuously at him and although he still pouts his disapproval, he is silent and is no longer trying to pull me onto a different course. Stopping at a computer terminal I check our location. Master Suh's school is just around the corner. We head in that direction and as we round the last metal bulkhead the dojo is in full view.

To say that it is impressive is an understatement. The entrance literally shines in conjunction with the largely grey décor. A large sign hangs above the floor to ceiling glass plate windows, denoting Master Suh's title, rank and style in the martial arts. Long red and gold banners hang from the ceiling and holographic students go through the same series of forms I was taught as a child in a display at the front.

Through the glass I can see the large room and the current students being put through their paces. I watch for a moment, a slight smirk pulling at the corners of my mouth. There seems to be a very varied age range. Perfect. "Trunks!" I demand, "How would you like a lesson under my old master?"

"But I thought you were gonna train me."

"I am." I reply, "But there is no harm in variety. Besides I have a few things I need to take care of before we begin."

"Ok." He beams, "Sounds like fun!"

"Well then… lets go inside."

We enter through the main doors and I look around, trying to see if I can locate my former trainer. It does not take long to locate her. A high-ranking student is taking the class, and Master Suh is sitting on an elaborate chair at the back, overseeing it all.

Moving round the large matted area we both navigate our way to the front without disrupting the lesson. As we approach Trunks' young age is apparent as he suddenly becomes very quiet, holing onto my leg for reassurance. I scowl at the intrusion but let it slide, this once.

"It's been a long time Maek Suh!" I acknowledge, by way of an introduction.

Her dark red eyes leave the students and turn to me. She looks no different than I remember. He dark hair is pulled high onto her head and crafted into long plaits, just as it always was. Only the beginning of wrinkles to her very dark skin, and the odd intrusion of grey, set the age that has separated us into effect.

"It has?" Her eyebrow is raised in question.

"I'm offended." I imply, "Have you forgotten your most prodigious student already? But then, old age would do that."

I chuckle as she audibly growls at me. "How dare you disrespect me in that way! Just who the hell do you think you…you…?"

The sentence is lost, and I see a hint of recognition flicker through the crimson of her eyes. With her mouth hanging wide open, she reaches a hand to my face, seemingly wanting to confirm that I am real and not some kind of hallucination. I slap it angrily away. "Only one female has ever had the licence to touch me in such an intimate manner, and I will never allow another to do so."

Her mouth twitches into a smile. "How could I ever forget such insolence!" she breathes, her whole face alive with animation. "Vegeta-sama?"

"The very same." I state, folding my arms defiantly over my chest.

"Good lord! Look at you! I can't believe… what are you doing here?"

"Training of course."

"Of course." She smirks. "I would expect nothing less from you, but aren't you a bit advanced for my classes now?"

"More than you could possibly imagine."

That reply holds her attention for a while. "As it was predicted?"

I look intently at her, no longer disguising my power level. "Exactly as it was predicted."

Her expression is laughable, a mixture of incredulity and fear - just as it should be.

"Show me!"

I close my eyes and chuckle. "Not now onna. I am not here for myself."

"Then wh…" Her eyes now travel down and she sees Trunks for the first time. She looks questioningly back up at me. "A student?" she asks.

"In a manner. Master Suh I'd like you to meet Trunks. He is unbelievably gifted, but then it is of no surprise. After all his father is the legendary."

"H…h…his father. Then… that means?"

I nod.

"Your son?"

"Yes, the brat is mine. I would like him to have a lesson under you tutorage, whilst I am here."

There is a rustle as the long golden robes she is wearing crinkle to the floor. There is a moment of inspection. "His colouring is very odd. His mother must be a very exotic creature. Undoubtedly not Saiyan."

"His mother is none of your concern. Will you train him?"

"Of course. It would be a pleasure, but on condition."

"What?" I demand.

"No need to get so uptight. I just think that my students will do well to have a lesson under the legendary. What do you say?"

"I haven't got the time or patience for it onna. Absolutely not!"

She frowns at me. "Vegeta! That is not how I taught you! Look!" she says, gesturing to the students. "You see what I have to put up with. See those stances. Half an hour, that's all I ask. You owe me remember. Don't tell me you have forgotten the old routine?"

I smirk at her persistence. "I remember, but this is a once off. I have paid my dues for that day. Half an hour, not a second longer."

"Not a second longer." She affirms, "Trunks. Would you take up position at the front with the rest of the juniors."

He looks nervously back up at me.

"Get lost kid." I spit, and he skips happily away.

Alleviating the young teacher of his duties Maek Suh interrupts the lesson. She claps once to get attention and the whole room bows in response. "Class I would like to introduce you to an old student of mine. His name is Vegeta no Ouji. He is now more proficient in the martial arts than I have ever been and he has graciously agreed to take you through your stance work for the next half hour. You will pay him back by giving him the ultimate respect. Besides, he might look like a small irritable little man, but given the excuse he could incinerate this entire space station with a flick of the wrist and quite frankly I don't feel like dying today."

She turns to me.

"They're all yours Vegeta-sama."

I nod once in compliance and walk casually to the class. Unnoticed I pick up a pen from the desk behind me before continuing. It really is a motley bunch. I do not think I can see two species the same amongst them all. The majority are mammalian, so this should be fairly easy to implement.

"Ok." I hiss walking to the centre. "Are there any here with injuries worthy of note?"

Two students raise their hands. "Very well, you two go to the left side. It will be a shorter distance for you to crawl to the door. Now don't say I'm not merciful!"

There is a slight titter of laughter, which disconcerts me. I was being serious.

"Lets get this over with." I snarl. "Horse stance. Now!"

The whole room does as I instruct. "Ok first off, does anyone here like music?" I look around the room. The stances have miraculously dissolved as the show of hands goes up. "Hold your stances and put your fucking hands down. This is training. You will reply yes sir! That's twenty press ups right off the bounce." They look back at me. "Stop gawping at me like fish and do as I say! That's it, get down and count them out."

There is a wave and muddle as everyone does as I instruct. "Thank you sir!" they chime in unison once their punishment is completed.

"Good! Now return to horse stance. Lets try this again shall we? Does anyone here like music?"

I smirk. This time there is a resounding "Yes sir!"

"Much better." Ok then. I'm going to conduct you all. I hold out the pen I stole earlier. "It's time for your lesson. I am your conductor and the pen is my baton. Follow it at all times and I will do the same."

I keep it dead centre for a minute. Violently I move it to the right. "Long stance!" I demand. The room follows.

"Hm, that was almost in time, but I know your legs must be stronger than that." I trail the pen down. "Lower!" Down further. "Lower!" I wait until everyone is doing the same. "That is the correct stance. Now back to the middle. Take it to fourty-five degrees."

Holding it for a minute I let the pen go higher. "Low stances are all well and good, but your legs will never get stronger if you don't move them. Holding stance above the horizontal is harder when you are unused to it." The pen moves again. "Long stance left!"

I smile as the effect is now washing over those attending. I can see the strain on their faces already.

A flicker of light along the back row grabs my attention. "Good. I see some of you have developed substantial ki. Unfortunately for you it is the wrong time to indulge in it. You have twenty laps of the hall, ten lunging in long stance, the other in squats. Using ki to aid stances isn't going to make you stronger. It is unfair to the rest of the class who are working hard. Go! I don't want to see anyone else cheating."

This carries on for five minutes and I elicit great pleasure from every groan of protest or pained expression that falls in my direction. It is refreshing to have some underlings to command after being idle so long. Not in the least affected by the workout, after a while I switch onto autopilot, allowing my eyes to wander.

Unenthusiastically I look out at the throng of passers-by as they walk past the main entrance. A few have stopped and are watching through the window. I smirk. There is something terribly proper about it… but then who could refuse to see such a well-instructed lesson. All too suddenly my gaze is fixed.

Like a beacon in the muted colours of the metal monstrosity I see a flash of aquamarine… or do I? No, surely it is a figment of my imagination. I look for it again. No - it's nowhere to be seen. But wait - there it is again. The abnormal colour is closer now, almost touching the glass. In this lighting I can only see the reflection but something tells me I need to leave. "Bulma?"

The class is forgotten. Trunks and Maek Suh are ignored as they inquire why I have stopped. Is it really her, or am I seeing what I want to see? Either way I have to find out… NOW!

"Excuse me Master Suh! Stance training is over!"

Without saying another word I practically run from the room.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A/N - Eep! Sorry this took so long. I've had such a busy couple of weeks. Including my first national black belt testing and the UK tournament. (Got a gold medal in sparring - *does her happy dance*) Wow it's been hard work! I've been martial arts mad! I have a feeling this chapter reflects as much! ^-^;; See you soon for the next.

*hugs*

Ember