Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Lost and Found II: Lavender Blues ❯ New Employees ( Chapter 7 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Like A Father To His Son
A New Lab Technician for Capsule, and Other Disturbing Developments
Disclaimer: DBZ belongs to Toriyama and Toei, and is distributed by Funimation. I only own Tomakt, Merlot, and other fan characters such as Bliss and Bernie Simms. I make no money off this, so don't sue me! My thanks to Heiress and Bulma for their continued support. And because you requested it, I'm going to try and give Trunks a girlfriend here.
***

Bulma sighed as she went through the roster of scientists. There had been several new hires in the past six months since she and Vegeta had been out in space. There was only two more years till the androids would emerge according to Future Trunks' predictions. Now that very youth was here prematurely.

Vegeta had revealed a bit more of his secret plan to her and Future Trunks. There were Saiyans that were alive yet on ice, sleeping in regeneration tanks on Idsarsei 7 only awaiting the order to awaken. Of those Professor Tomakt and Sub Commander Historian Merlot had already been sent. However Vegeta had mentioned a few others, namely Saiyan females.

"Why didn't you ALL come to earth?" Bulma asked Professor Tomakt that day.

"Who says we all didn't?" she blinked with a strange grin.

"What?" Bulma asked. "But Vegeta said…"

"He didn't say when we would all arrive," said Professor Tomakt with a clever grin. "Tangelo and Vegeta had been working on this contingency plan for years. The main limiting factor was the success of the regeneration tanks that would grow back our tails after Bok Choi removed them."

"I had seen the tails in the museum," Bulma shuddered. "But Vegeta blew up a lot of stuff!"

"He only blew up what Bok Choi had. The Idsarjins kept the other items. The only thing of value possessed by Lord Bok Choi was the race banks and the psychochrom discs of which Merlot is presently updating," said Professor Tomakt.

"But where and when are those other Saiyans coming to Earth?"

"You cannot repopulate the race without a suitable genetic diversity," said Tomakt. "My father's research hinged on trying to find compatible races for crossbreeding with Saiyans."

"But Vegeta said there were only 4 alive?"

"Technically yes because we were suspended between life and death. None of us could breed while floating in tanks," said Professor Tomakt.

"Why are you a third class if your father was an elite scientist," Bulma asked.

"I did it for… free choice," she said. "On Bejitasei there were 20 males per female. Most of us were paired off the moment we were whelped. My father had promised me to Habeniero, one of his colleague's sons. But my brother didn't care for him, and I didn't either. It was just a matter of waiting till I was old enough by Saiyan law for bonding. I begged my father and brother not to force the mating."

"Fortunately my brother listened to my pleas and took me into space with him on his missions with his crew of mercenaries," said Professor Tomakt. "I was only a young girl when I joined his crew. That negated me having to be shot into space for purging operations. If this distresses you to talk about this…"

"I want to know," said Bulma quietly. "Did you do it for love?"

"We don't' experience love like you do," she said quietly. "Not the way humans wrap it in hearts and sentimental things. What we feel is far stronger and more intense. If two Saiyans are forced into a mating bond there is little chance for success. Why do you think so many of us needed invitro tanks?"

"WHAT? Vegeta said it was because females couldn't…"

"He's the Prince, but his knowledge of such things is relegated to the Scientific Elite," she whispered. "Being a physician and geneticist, I know the true reason. If a female doesn't have attraction to her mate they are not in synch and she cannot conceive by natural means. The King approved all mating bonds if they were deemed unconventional. The female could opt to join his harem if she refused her parent's choice, or she could prove the male was unworthy of her. As I didn't wish to join the harem, and there were only twenty females allowed…"

"Harem? What kind of choice is that?"

"Females were WELL treated. Most concubines were safe and well cared for, Mistress. If they were not used to produce royal heirs they were given to the top ranking Noble families of Vejitasei," she said. "Often the King removed the burden of virginity for a Saiyan female. It's his right. Your planet had the same custom."

"Ugh," she shivered.

"The king or a ranking noble, since there were so few females. Those that were not mated to Saiyan females could naturally pick mates from other compatible species or they would select a concubine to sate their sexual drives. The only species considered WORTHY of any interbreeding was the Idsarjin. Most of the concubines from Vejitasei came from that world. And crossbreeding DID occur, but many of them were killed by Freiza's men."

"Good Kami," she gasped.

"I was 'deflowered' by the King," she said quietly. "I considered it a great honor. My mother was royal tutor to the Prince before he was sent away… so naturally I had some sway in convincing the King to allow me to consider alternatives. But I refused the honor of concubine in favor of serving my brother. But sooner or later I'd have to choose. It was a females duty to conceive brats for her race."

"That was part of my culture Bulma," Vegeta said as he stood there. Bulma almost leapt out of her skin to see her husband there, folding his arms across his chest.

"I didn't see you there," she shivered.

"Doubtless it repulses you, but that is what my race is, woman," Vegeta said quietly. "You wanted to know about Saiyan culture, so don't whine and bitch. Professor Tomakt is one of the last that know our science."

"Kami," she sighed. "Well, it explains a lot. I guess I'll have to get used to this stuff, seeing as we've got a baby on the way. Where's Trunks?"

"I had meant to ask you that," said Vegeta. "He said he was going to spar with Merlot and Raditz. But I don't sense his ki anywhere."

"They are in the gravity chamber," said Tomakt, adjusting her scouter.

"How can you pick something up on a scouter if it's masked?" Vegeta asked quietly. "Some advance?"

"Your Majesty, from their scouter signals," said Tomakt innocently.

"Stupid pain in the ass!" Vegeta mumbled when Bulma gave him a smug look. "What are YOU looking at?"

"Naturally I assumed the Prince's son was with them," Tomakt said. "Am I incorrect, sire?"

"Shut up and keep doing what you're doing. Bulma, have you picked suitable scientists to work with the Professor here?"

"Well I was going over the roster. But you've got a high set of standards," said Bulma crossly.

"Pick two," said Vegeta. "These two look like they'll keep their mouths shut."

"Bernie and Bliss Simms?" asked Bulma, glancing where his gloved finger landed. "But they've only been employed for a year at the most!"

"Humph, they have the necessary background. And if they squeal, I'll blow them up," said Vegeta. "Have them brought here immediately, Bulma."

"Vegeta, you don't know FIRST thing about…"

"I'm a Prince woman. I know SOMETHING about selecting the right personnel for allotment of resources," Vegeta gave her a withering glance. "Running a company is CHILD's play to me! Your foolish sire knows little about efficiency management! And since YOU are the heir to this financial empire you'd do WELL to listen to someone who KNOWS about matters of governance."

"Excuse the hell me, your Royal Whyness but I'm not stupid!" Bulma said. Tomakt tried to look as if she wasn't paying attention.

"Fine Bulma, just bring them here and get them to work! If we're to beat these tin cans we need every advantage of Saiyan prowess on our side!" Vegeta glared at her. "I shall speak to you later in private, Bulma. And stop staring, Professor!"

"Yes sire! Sorry sire!" she said, averting her gaze.

"Hmmph, carry on," Vegeta said. He strode out of the lab like he owned the place, making Bulma growl under her breath.

"Stupid pain in the ass! Who the hell does he think he is? This is MY company!" she snorted.

"Begging pardon, but once a female mates with a Saiyan male, her property becomes communal. Especially if that female becomes the mate of a Royal," said Tomakt quietly.

"Great, just GREAT," Bulma snarled. "But Capsule is MY baby, not his!"

"You could benefit from hearing his council though mistress," Tomakt said quietly. "Just as a matter of course. He WAS trained from infancy to rule. As the next King."

"Whatever. Look, I'll send these two over. They'll be your technicians so try not to blow them up if they piss you off," Bulma sighed.

"I don't liquidate without proper authorization mistress," Tomakt said quickly.

"Good," Bulma said. She flipped open her cell phone and dialed personnel.
***
Two hours later, Bulma met the two new scientists in Human Resources. Rather than take any chances she decided to introduce them herself to their new co-workers. Both would be in for the shock of their lives.

"May I introduce Bliss Simms," said Bulma as she showed the young woman into the lab. Honey colored hair streaked with some brown was swept up into a French braid that dropped down the nape of her neck. Copper colored eyes took in every detail of the laboratory around them. She saw the sturdy figure of Professor Tomakt rise from the lab bench, and stopped.

"Ms. Briefs?" she asked.

"Professor Tomakt, she's your new lab technician," said Bulma. "I know the professor looks a bit unusual but she doesn't bite hard."

"You're one of those aliens I heard about," said Bliss quietly. Tomakt's eyes narrowed momentarily, brown fixing into copper. Then she smiled with a Saiyan smirk.

"Top secret Mistress?" she asked. "Will I have to convince her of the necessity of secrecy?"

"I signed the standard release form. I won't say a word, Ms. Briefs, honestly," said Bliss, glancing at Bulma with concern.

"I believe you," said Bulma. "Professor, behave. She may look fierce, but she's under orders to play nice. Right?"

"Yes Mistress. There is much work to be done, Miss Simms. You're a geneticist and analytical biologist it says from your file? With some experience in fixing medical machines?"

"Yes. I spent lots of time studying various life forms. Including those found in outer space and planetary terraforming for the space development unit. I'm fully qualified. Although I take it you're also qualified in some rather unusual fields," said Bliss.

"I think she'll work out," said Professor Tomakt. "Mistress, if you'll permit me to begin to show her the latest project that you and your husband requested?"

"Sure. Get her started on the regenerator machines. And get her a crash course in decryption," said Bulma. "I've set your mother up with our security expert. She'll be better used helping me and my dad in the electronics."

"Your dam?" asked Professor Tomakt. "She's an inventor and engineer?"

"Solid state electronics and repair," said Bliss. "She taught me all I know. I'm not just into studying alien life forms."

"Good. I need someone with all around skills. My thanks Mistress Bulma," said Tomakt. She buttoned the labcoat overtop the armor she wore, and then motioned Bliss over to where she had been assembling a new regeneration tank.

"Okay, see you both later. Got to make sure your mother's settled in, and that Merlot doesn't do something stupid," mumbled Bulma.

"My mother can handle any man that gets out of hand," said Bliss, glancing up. Bulma noticed that once she had seen the devices Tomakt was working on, she seemed quite absorbed and to have forgotten Tomakt was a fierce Saiyan scientist.

"That remains to be seen," Bulma said. "Excuse me."

Out in the corridor she heard a snarl and a yelp. Merlot gasped as a tall woman with a buzz cut had pushed him against the wall b y his wrist. "You sure know how to make a male feel excited, miss," Merlot laughed.

"Merlot what are you doing!" Bulma gasped.

"Showing this Neanderthal who's boss," Bernie sniffed. "My apologies Miss Briefs, but he was being a smart ass."

"How… how did you…" she gasped.

"She's a feisty one, aren't you, milady?" Merlot winked at Bernie.

"You can't just go around HITTING on my workers!" Bulma yelled at him.

"Apologies Mistress, but she is quite well versed in self defense techniques for a human," Merlot chuckled. "I wouldn't' have hurt her."

"You're saying you LET me win, monkey man?" Bernie winked up at him. "For shame. The guys at Central told me that there would be some unusual new employees. I guess these are the aliens?"

"Yes," said Bulma. "They're Saiyans. My husband is one of them, and you'd better make SURE word of this doesn't get out or…"

"I know Ma'am, it's my tail on the line," Bernie laughed. "I got you. No worries. I think Mister Kong and I have a little understanding. I was a professional wrestler on the side."

"Still, they are ten times stronger then us humans, so I'd use a little caution," Bulma whispered.

"No fear," said Bernie. "So where's this top secret electronics project you and your father need help with?"

"Mr. Merlot will show you the way. And don't hit on her. Capsule has a strict policy against employees dating one another in the same department!" Bulma glared at him.

"I'm sorry Mistress," Merlot inclined his head. Bernie glared up at him and followed the male Saiyan. Bulma blinked in curiosity as she returned to the laboratory to see how Bliss and Tomakt were getting on. Finally she decided that a break was in order, as her ankles were feeling quite swollen.

Entering the lab she saw both women leaned over the console of a new regeneration tank. They spoke in hushed voices, eerily getting along well. Bulma strode through the door, and cleared her throat. Both Tomakt and Bliss glanced up. “Greetings Mistress. We're progressing rapidly.”

“Good to see you two getting along so well,” Bulma said with a sigh of relief.

“Was there any doubt, Ms. Briefs?” asked Bliss with a smile. She pushed her lab glasses further up on her face. A few tendrils of honey brown hair fell around her face, partly obscuring her view though the rest was pulled back.

Was it her imagination, or did Bulma see Bliss's teeth appeared rather white and sharp looking for a human. Shaking it away as overactive imagination, Bulma strode over to peer over their shoulders. Tomakt appeared strange in the labcoat she wore overtop her Saiyan armor, but at least she was attempting to adopt some earth norms. Nevertheless she still wore her Saiyan scouter.

“Time for that shopping trip,” Bulma noted.

“Does this meet with your expectations, Mistress Bulma?” Tomakt asked, handing her the lab notebook with the progress transcribed.

“Wow, that's further along then I thought,” she murmured.

“I couldn't believe how tricky this stuff was at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's a snap,” Bliss chattered excitedly. “You see it was my idea to boost the input phase through the electronic regenerator and save…”

“Whoa there,” Bulma blinked at her in shock. “You really are picking this up QUICK for someone who's just worked with Capsule a year. What was your background again, Miss Simms?”

“My mother taught me all I know about solid state electronics. But I did an internship with a scientist who used to work for Red Ribbon. I hope that doesn't reflect negatively on my progress here,” she said quietly.

“Which former red ribbon scientist?” Bulma blinked.

“That's why I was hired. Because my mother had an inside lead to former Red Ribbon technologies. I thought you requested her because of her ability to hack into their encrypted files,” said Bliss with confusion.

“Oh of course. Silly me, not a problem. That will do well with what we're about to face. Say, is your mother working now with my father, Dr. Briefs?” she asked.

“Yes. She said that your son had some talent in that area, and they were working together till he worked out,” said Bliss.

“My son?” she asked.

“Mr. Trunks Briefs? Handsome young man with a sword on his back? He is your son, right?” asked Bliss.

“Um yeah, my son,” said Bulma, blinking suspiciously at Tomakt.

“She already knew,” said Tomakt. “Your husband the lord Prince gave us the briefing earlier. Was I in error bringing Mistress Bliss up to speed?”

“No, it's just surprising. I didn't recall giving her that level of clearance,” said Bulma, swallowing hard.

“Was I supposed to conveniently FORGET that?” asked Bliss. “You know you can trust me. I'd die before I let anything slip that was confidential Capsule…”

“Wait a minute, death wasn't in the standard non disclosure agreement,” Bulma stammered, grasping Bliss' shoulder.

“Just a figure of speech,” Bliss reassured her. “A kind of sick joke.”

“Really sick,” Bulma grumbled.

“Sorry, it's just that my mom served in a rather military fashion,” Bliss stammered to explain.

“Why don't you go check the circuitry again, young one while I talk to Mistress Bulma. I'll call for you later,” said Tomakt. Breathing a sigh of relief, Bliss hurried into the next lab over, leaving the others alone.

“She's weird, for a human, and that's not saying much,” Bulma grumbled.

“Mistress did I do something wrong?” Tomakt asked.

“No, not YOU, but I didn't recall telling Vegeta it was okay to just blab…”

“Mistress she can be trusted. Remember a Saiyan can smell the difference between lies and truth,” said Tomakt. “I would never do anything to endanger you or your heir.”

“I know, but Bliss creeps me out! There's something not quite kosher about her.”

“Kosher?” Tomakt asked, lifting a dark brow.

“Some earth slang. You should ask my mom to explain. Speaking of, how's the earth education going? You gotten through those tapes yet?”

“Yes mistress. I'm well acquainted with many of your earth customs now,” said Tomakt. “And Bliss has been most helpful in that regard.”

“I meant to ask you, before we were interrupted,” Bulma said, leaning on the lab counter and sitting on a stool she dragged up.

“What mistress?” asked Tomakt.

Bulma lowered her voice, glancing around as if the subject she was about to breach was forbidden. Tomakt drew close, sitting on a stool opposite Bulma. She whispered, “You and Raditz. Did you have any children?”

"None living," she said bitterly. "But more of that later. I met Raditz, Nappa, and the Prince on Orchydsei. Raditz was part of Napa's brigade then, as a young third class. He was one of the few males that I liked being with. And his father was a scientist of his own sort. Naturally I thought if the King thought it acceptable he'd approve my request. But since Raditz was a third class, it was highly controversial."

"Shimatta,” Bulma shivered. She buttoned her labcoat more securely around herself.

“I know that it seems rather harsh to your society, Mistress,” Tomakt said with an apologetic glance.

“No, this is interesting. I promised Vegeta I'd learn all I could about Saiyan culture, and this is pretty juicy,” Bulma chuckled. “Go on. I like dirt.”

“Well this is rather `gossip' filled, so I figured you might enjoy learning how I met Raditz, my mate,” said Tomakt with a wry grin, showing her pronounced canines. Though they were retracted, they were still quite sharp. Tomakt's dark brown eyes gleamed with mischief, something Bulma could relate to.

“Girl talk's always a good way to break the ice,” said Bulma. “Wait till I tell you about Yamucha and some of the guys I've dated. When we go shopping.”

“Should we bring Bliss along?”

“Sure. But dish, I'm all ears,” Bulma whispered, indoctrinating Tomakt into the secret sisterhood of boy talk.

“I was informed that speaking of males and mating was a common norm amongst Chikyuujin females,' said Tomakt. “Well, I was sent on my first solo purging mission. But because I failed to perform to Elite status I was demoted. But I was able to mate with Raditz and join his family as a result," she said with a snicker.

Bulma's mouth dropped open. “Wait a second, back up! You bungled a purging?"

“Yes,” said Tomakt.

“But your parents were both ELITE!” said Bulma. “I find it HARD to believe that you screwed up.”

“Well, the Prince calls me soft hearted but I don't have the urge to kill without purpose. Some Saiyans do, but most have been polluted by Frieza's lies. To kill for the sport only is wasteful. I killed in my own way but usually if they were close to dying for disease. Sometimes I'd let the planet fight one another, and those that were left I sold as slaves. I was 'soft hearted'," she snickered. "But many became experimental subjects."

"Ugh," Bulma shuddered.

"I apologize Mistress if this is not worthy of discussion. I merely wished to answer your questions," she said quietly.

"You said you had children but they're not alive?" Bulma said, trying to change the subject without looking too horrified.

"Raditz and I had a son and a daughter. My son was slated for sending off world, but I gave him into the care of my brother instead as a mercenary. My daughter was killed when the planet was blown up," she shivered. "I'd left her with Mother… mother in law. I was on Archalisei when the explosion happened."

"Damn," Bulma shivered. "What about your son?"

"He was killed by Bok Choi," she said. "When Freiza allowed him to go around killing Saiyans. Raditz unfortunately never saw his children because he was off on purging missions and consumed with training the Prince. For long periods of time we rarely saw one another."

"What did you DO as a third class?" Bulma asked, leaning even closer. She rested her chin on her wrist, captivated by the lurid yet colorful tale Tomakt was spinning.

"I programmed the education modules for the whelps shot into space," she blushed.

“Is that where you first saw Goku?” asked Bulma with a grin.

“I did see Kakkarot on a regular basis, yes,” Tomakt admitted. “He was birthed in the same center as my whelps.”

“What else did you do?” asked Bulma. “Were you still allowed to work on the Race bank?”

"Once demoted I wasn't given that privilege. Although my background did clear me to assume responsibility for taking DNA extracts to add to the race records.”

“How did you survive?” Bulma asked, pressing on to get all the details out of the Professor.

Tomakt's face wrinkled with the effort to remember things that she would rather forget. “When our home world was destroyed the Prince collected all living Saiyans to see who was alive. I was one of only a handful of females left alive. We were sent to Idsarsei 7 so Freiza couldn't get his hands on us. Fewer then 20 of us were left living. All females were mated so there was none for the Prince to choose as mate. And he was far too young. The contingency was for him to be taken as far away from the rest of us as possible by his honor guard. My brother took a few of the others with him and made a crew of mercenaries. The rest of us waited."

"How did Bok Choi get his hands on you?” Bulma queried.

Brows furrowing, Tomakt growled, "We were betrayed. A huge raid hit Idsarsei. All those of Saiyan blood were taken away despite the fight. But Princess Mandarin and her sister hatched a plan to build regeneration tanks so if we were freed, those of us left alive could be kept in cold storage till the Prince came of age to reclaim his throne and get his vengeance on the one who exterminated us," she shivered.

"Let me guess, Napa and Raditz were Vegeta's 'honor guard'?" Bulma nodded.

"Yes, they were the ones who could be spared. I, Napa's mate and daughter, his brother, and his son were all together in the zoo that Bok Choi made. To my knowledge only three Saiyan females exist to this day. My brother had taken my son, Raditz' cousin Parsnip and Parsnip's mate Rutra with him,” said Tomakt.

“Your brother. He was pretty powerful wasn't he? Was he elite too?” Bulma asked.

“Yes. Somehow he was trying to get enough money and resources to hit Bok Choi hard. But then his ship was lost and never heard from again. He was trying to purge a planet and grow enough of his Arbol fruit to become powerful enough to best Frieza,” Tomakt continued, pride shining in her eyes.

"WHAT?" Bulma yelped. At the mention of these words, Bulma's blood ran cold. The bottom dropped out of her soul with shivering familiarity. Surely it couldn't be the same person who she suspected. Yet the truth was too eerie to be mere coincidence. Something about Tomakt's features was dastardly familiar to another Saiyan she'd gotten to know up close and far more personal then she would readily admit.


Tomakt backed up, visibly shaken by Bulma's revulsion. She haltingly said, "He would… well select a planet, plant a wild species of tree…"

Bulma regretted what she was about to ask, knowing that Tomakt was not responsible for picking her relatives. Nevertheless she had to satisfy her curiosity. So she asked, "Your brother was his name Turles by any chance?"

"Yes mistress why do you ask?” Tomakt shook her head.

Bulma squeezed her eyes shut. She shuddered, "Good Kami, he came to earth, and Goku fought and killed him… because he would have destroyed Chikyuu.”

Now it was Tomakt's turn to appear shaken. Her face fell as she averted her gaze. Dropping from the stool, Professor Tomakt rested on both hands and knees, pressing her forehead to Bulma's toe. She whispered, "My apologies mistress. I had no idea my brother was your sworn enemy."

Embarrassed, Bulma grasped Tomakt's shoulder. The female Saiyan reached up to press her forehead to Bulma's hand, running her skin against Bulma's outstretched hand. “Please forgive his misdeeds, Mistress.”

“Tomakt, would you look at me?” Bulma groaned. “Hey, I'm not going to hate you. Look, I had no idea. Hey, he wasn't cruel to me," she whispered blushing. "Because well…"

"You were with my brother? In his harem?" asked Tomakt quietly. "He spared beautiful females. He wanted to carry on his own 'breeding' experiments with the finest women."

"Let's just say, that he didn't' live long enough for me to find out," Bulma said quietly.

"Did my brother die in battle?"

"Yes, he did," Bulma said, feelings torn. She saw the sorrow in Professor Tomakt's face for the loss of her brother Turles, and yet the hatred and animosity was still present.

“How did he die?” asked Tomakt.

"Before he could do anything, Son-kun killed him. With a huge spirit bomb,” Bulma said flatly.

"He would share the fruit with any living Saiyan," Tomakt said quietly. "The life force of at least six worlds went to growing his trees. And I was one of those who helped him find suitable worlds. So I too purged in my own manner. Does it shock and horrify you mistress so? I can see it in your face."

"You're Saiyan. You're naturally all hunters and killers," Bulma said gripping the edge of the table.

"You humans colonized other weaker races, and killed the indigenous population when you took over the New World," said Tomakt. "I have seen your race's capacity for violence. It is primitive but has the potential to match Saiyan bloodlust. You cannot deny it."

"How can you just sit there and… wait dumb question," Bulma shuddered. "You didn't know any better."

"I had no choice, Mistress. Except my own death. We're taught to survive. Kill or be killed is our way. But the Prince has told us that we should put our efforts into saving our race, so I give my word that I only kill at your command. I apologize profusely for offending you, Mistress," Tomakt said with a look of regret.

"No, I understand," Bulma sighed. "Shit, I knew this would be hard. I was stupid enough to ask."

"I didn't not care for outright slaughter without justification," said Professor Tomakt. "That's NOT the Saiyan way. We're hunters but always we took what we needed, we weren't wastrels. It was only in the last two hundred revs that we overstepped our grasp to purge planets in an exponential operation."

"Who BOUGHT them?"

"More 'advanced' races such as Freiza's ilk, and those that needed worlds to colonize because their empires required so," said Tomakt. "Not all live was killed. Many beings were sold as slaves or servants, and the life forms were kept alive. Only the cities were purged and leveled, and the cultural artifacts were sold to museums as spoils of conquering."

Bulma stood up, glancing down at Tomakt kneeling before her. She grasped Tomakt's chin, slowly lifting her head to look in sapphire blue eyes filled with some understanding. “Professor Tomakt, stop beating yourself up. You didn't chose to do what you did. On this planet we tend to forgive people if they show some sings of remorse. And Vegeta did say you were soft hearted. In our book, that's the sign of a human being. Don't ever apologize for that to me, got that?”

“Mistress?” Tomakt said.

“The very qualities that make you an outcast to your kind are treasured highly on this planet,” said Bulma with a smile. “And I think that Son kun would agree with me there. Your past doesn't matter if you can put it behind you. So do me a favor and cut the crap. Just try and be a better person here and now. I should know. I married the prince of all Assholes.”

“As you say Mistress, so it shall be,” Tomakt nodded. “I serve you, my life at your command.”

“Enough of that okay?”

“I will never be the equal to a royal,” said Tomakt.

“We'll see about that,” said Bulma. “Now will you get your ass up off the floor? You've got lots of work to do. But before that, you'll take lunch like the rest of us okay?”

“Yes mistress,” said Tomakt with a rare smile that wasn't a harsh smirk, but something closer to human. She let Bulma raise her to her feet, and nodded with a low bow.

“Back to work,” Bulma grinned, squeezing Tomakt's large hand. Tomakt nodded, then accepted the lab notebook back from Bulma. Questions filled her eyes as her heart pounded with confusion that a mistress could be so forgiving.

Cupping her hands around her mouth, Bulma shouted towards the next lab, “Hey BLISS, get in here and get BACK to work! The Professor needs you! I want that tank done sometime before I give birth?”

“Right away Miss Briefs!” Bliss panted, rushing back into the lab.

***
Walking down the hallway towards her living quarters, Bulma still felt shock spreading over her body after her discussion with Tomakt. She digested all the bombs that had been dropped, still shaking her head in disbelief. So wrapped up was she in this brown study that she hardly heard her son's pounding footsteps in the corridor behind her.

"Hi mom," Trunks said as he rushed up towards her. She glanced back to see her future son draping a towel around his bare neck. The black muscle tank clung to his hard chest, thick with sweat. Perspiration plastered his lavender straight hair to his forehead. For a moment he looked almost like Vegeta.

"Trunks, where've you been?" Bulma asked, grateful for the interruption.

"Training. With this guy," he said, jerking a thumb behind. Raditz strode up, wearing nothing but spandex shorts and a muscle tank like Trunks.

"Your Majesty I apologize for being out of uniform," Raditz panted, inclining his head to Bulma.

"It's okay, relax," Bulma groaned, still nervewracked to see an erstwhile enemy kowtowing to her. "Get up will you?"

"His power level's getting a little bit higher," Trunks said. "I'm teaching him a few things my sensei passed onto me."

"Well that's good. At least he's keeping you out of trouble," Bulma nodded. Raditz glanced up at Trunks, who nodded for him to stand.

"I hope to prove my worthiness for serving the Prince and your household, and I thank you for the use of your gravity chamber," Raditz panted.

"Does Vegeta know this?" Bulma giggled.

"Well, he wanted all of us ready, so I figured a little workout wouldn't hurt," said Trunks. "Did ya want to join us for lunch?"

"Is it permitted for my mate to accompany me for lunch, Mistress?" panted Raditz.

"Sure what the hey. She's in the lab with her new assistant," said Bulma. "This way."

"New assistant?" asked Trunks.

"Just a scientist we recruited to help her."

"Is it wise to be sharing our secrets with the natives, begging your Majesty's pardon for my brash question," Raditz said quietly.

"If my mom's cool with it, then it's fine," said Trunks.

"Apologies sire," said Raditz, averting his gaze.

"See you for lunch once we get cleaned up," said Trunks. "I'll go invite the ladies to join us."

"That is not necessary sire for you to expend the effort," Raditz panted. "It won't take me long to make myself presentable and I shall summon them for you."

"Is he really all right?" Bulma whispered to Trunks.

"Yeah he's cool. Falling all over himself to please me and Father," Trunks whispered, giving her thumbs up. "We can really use his help against the Androids. I've sensed his power levels spike in just a few workout sessions alone. If I teach him what Gohan taught me…"

"Gohan was your sensei?" she asked.

"Yes. Though I told you," said Trunks. "Anyhow, you wanna join us for lunch?"

"Well, actually I was going to see what your father was up to," she said. "You go ahead without me."

"Okay Mom, but you owe me a rain check," Trunks said, giving her a kiss on the cheek as he rushed off to go get showered and changed. Bulma smiled, rubbing her belly slowly as she felt something fluttering like a butterfly brushing her ribs.

"At least I know he'll be handsome," she grinned.
***
Once they had showered and changed, Trunks and Raditz peered around the door to the laboratory after easing it open a crack. Conspiratorially they regarded the fine rear view of both females standing in front of one of the lab counters. One of them had leaned over to grab something that had dropped, giving both males a nice shot of a female posterior.

Raditz wandered into the laboratory after Trunks, glancing at the two females by the counter. Trunks eyes widened at the rear view of the new technician, especially the way in which her labcoat curved over her backside.

"See something you like sire?" Raditz whispered.

"Mmm hmm," said Trunks. "Mama didn't say that our help would be so pretty."

"Have you no mate or woman of your own?" asked Raditz quietly. "She looks quite attractive, although the lack of a tail mars her beauty somewhat."

"Doesn't bother me," Trunks rolled his eyes. "Where I come from they don't come with tails."

"Apologies. For a human she is comely, but I'm not accustomed to seeing anything but dark hair as a sign of beauty," said Raditz. "Perhaps you should invite her to join us for lunch? It would not do for the Prince's son to be without female company."

"Raditz, you may not be human, but you do think like one of us," Trunks chuckled.

"Whoops," Tomakt whispered as she pushed the lab papers off the counter. She winked to her technician as she leaned down on one knee.

"What was that about?" Bliss grumbled, grabbing up the papers that scattered all over the floor minutes before.

"We're being watched, young one," said Tomakt in a whisper. "By the Prince's Son, and that mate of mine."

"You don't say," Bliss whispered. "You're pretty sharp for a middle ager."

"Play your cards right and we'll see what happens," Tomakt winked.

"You mean that purple haired god is the Prince's son?" Bliss whispered.

"And he's mateless," said Tomakt. "I caught him staring wistfully at me. He has not seen a Saiyan female before, and I think it is out of curiosity."

"Hmm, well the poor guy needs a dose of reality," Bliss winked. "No offense. But I hear he's from a place where they were ravaged by Red Ribbon androids."

"Mistress Bulma had briefed you, pardon the pun?" asked Tomakt.

Raditz eyes widened as his nostrils flared, and he glanced at Tomakt. She stepped on his foot before he could say something, then leaned up to give him a kiss.

"Ahem, do you need a hand?" Trunks asked, clearing his throat as he strode around the lab bench. He leaned down to pick up one of the pieces of paper, and got an eyeful of a smooth olive complected cheek. Copper eyes met sapphire ones as Bliss focussed on the Prince's son.

"Thanks," Bliss chuckled, feeling his hand brush across hers as they reached for the same piece of paper. "How clumsy of me, I can't believe I didn't' bring my laptop."

"Here you go," said Trunks, passing her the rest of the papers around his knees. "Darn files get bigger all the time. I hear you've just transferred here from central?"

"Oh yes, I'm Bliss, Bliss Simms."

"Love, are you ready for midday repast?" Raditz whispered as he leaned down and breathed in Atomique's ear.

"Hmm, I wondered what I smelled halfway down the hall? Training are we?"

"The Prince's son was sparring with me, improving my power levels," Raditz said as he helped her to stand up. "And I see that the wait was worth it. I believe I wasn't aware of your lovely companion till now."

"Bliss, Bliss Simms," she said, glancing up at Raditz with a chuckle. "So you're her 'mate,' huh? Shoulda guessed."

Raditz narrowed his eyes and glanced at Tomakt with a question on his face. However she leaned up and kissed him full on the lips, startling him and causing Trunks to shake his head. Bliss glanced at him, and chuckled. "Guess there's no doubt, huh?" Trunks laughed.

"I didn't think kissing was something they did," she whispered.

"I think Saiyans learn pretty quick," Trunks said. "By the way, you want to join us for lunch? Raditz here was just going to get the Professor, and since you're new here…"

"I think that's a marvelous idea," Tomakt said as she withdrew from Raditz.

"If you will not mind, sire," said Raditz, glancing at Trunks and Bliss.

"I don't want to intrude," Bliss said. "But I am starving."

"You're kidding, pass up a chance to catch up meeting someone from Central?" asked Trunks. "I always wanted to know what it was like firsthand to work in Central City's factory. That's where they make the graviton satellites, right?"

"How did you know? We only just perfected the latest model," Bliss said with surprise.

"Tell me more about it. I'm dying to know if they solved the gravitational constant," Trunks said as he offered his arm. Bliss wrapped hers around it.

"Allow us to escort you," Raditz said as he moved to open the door for them all.

"C'mon Professor, you two love birds joining us?" Bliss asked. "I didn't think we needed chaperones."

"I must insist. I'm responsible for his safety," Raditz said gruffly.

"To fight off the other eligible young women he asks out to lunch," Tomakt added with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Aww you figured it out," Trunks teased.

"You're too much, Professor," Bliss laughed, following Raditz and Tomakt down the hall.

"Are you sure it's wise?" whispered Raditz.

"Why not?" she asked.

"Humph you have a lot of explaining to do," Raditz whispered.

"Relax," said Tomakt, taking his arm. "At least he's got another object of desire. I recall you weren't too thrilled at his interest in me as of late."

"Mmph he is the Prince's son, but he needs a female," said Raditz quietly. "I suppose SHE might do. But what's SHE doing here?"

"I'll tell you later," said Tomakt, letting her tail drop from around her waist to flicker across the back of his calves. A furry object unfurled from Raditz' waist to lightly slap across her lab coat covered posterior.

"You'd best make it good. There are things you have not yet caught me up on, love," Raditz growled deeply, tightening his grip on her arm.
***