Royal Namekian Blues Burdock’s Reunion with Goku

By Trynia Merin

Disclaimer: I don’t own the Manga or the Anime Dragon Ball Z. Toriyama does. I make no money from writing this story and my character Dr. Stellari, Fermi and Bohr mean no harm to the series. Many thanks to Butterfly V for her suggestions in this story. My thanks also to Project Shadow, and everyone else who has reviewed; you know who you are. I am very grateful!

Raditz gritted his teeth, glaring at his hand. The blasted thing betrayed him when he needed it the most. How was it he could generate any manner of ki ball but not the precious plastic that could stop the android's power attacks, or short circuit their neutrino power relays?

"Grrr," he mumbled, then drew in harsh breaths to steady himself. Today he was going to do it, come what may. Slowly he reached deep, then spread his legs wide and arranged his fists as Goku had shown him. Red fire burst from the pit of his soul as he shouted, "KAO KEN!"

The crimson flames licked around his armored body. Coursing with the power boost, Raditz then pushed harder. All the rage and frustration were channeled into white hot fury, then added to it was the sum total of hatred of Freeza and all that had destroyed the Saiyan race's true potential. Resentment for years in hell coupled with any other dark emotions soon compressed into a fine point. Like a star it exploded into life and flooded him with its radiant being. "YEAAAAAHHHH!" he shouted. Around him the room vibrated, tiles rattling and the entire structure vibrating as dust spiraled around his boots, funneling upwards in the cyclone of rising energy. Hissing surges accompanied the sudden push, and Raditz felt himself grow in size and strength.

"I can go Super Saiyan, but I can't generate a measly plastic," he mumbled. Power levels flickered easily at one million steady. To even imagine going three orders of magnitude up in power without transforming blew his mind. What would happen if he went Great Ape while Super Saiyan?

Now he had the same power barrier. Easily he thought of the molecular structures of the hard plastics she forged. Harshly he gritted, "Onyx SHARD!" In his fingers formed a handful of the razor sharp quills Stellari generated. Throwing his hand forward Raditz hurled the spikes at the far wall. They easily embedded themselves with pinpoint accuracy.

"HYAAAY!" he shouted, hurling a ki blast at one of the robots. It zinged back and forth from one bot to the next. Then the ki ball zinged back towards him.

"PERSPEX!" Raditz shouted, raising his left hand to form a gold ki shield. It solidified into a hard clear barrier, which the missile glanced harmlessly off.

"YES!" he laughed. "I've DONE it! YES!"

"Done WHAT?" asked a voice. Raditz spun around to see Burdock standing there with pure shock in his dark eyes.

"Father?" Raditz blinked, seeing his parent stepping into the 100 times gravity training room. "How long have you been standing there?"

"I can't believe it… you… you're the Legendary too?" Burdock blinked at his son. Raditz barked to the computer and the gravity shot back to 1 standard Planet Vegeta. Burdock trod nervously up to see Raditz standing as casually as day with a long cascade of gold down his back. Only the top points stood up while the rest were too heavy to do so.

"I thought the Prince told you. Kakarotto and I have achieved it. Didn't you see for yourself in your visions of the future, Father?" asked Raditz.

"Yes, but you… I had no clue. Damn it. I have underestimated you," grumbled Burdock.

"You have, but I don't care anymore," Raditz snorted. "As if that standard mattered. Kakarotto has been training me to break through."

"So… Kakkarot's been doing some training eh? I see he's taught you some manners," said Burdock with a chuckle. Raditz dropped the Super Saiyan mode, and strode over to look his father in the eye.

"So, what do you think of Capsule corps?" he asked him.

"Well it's pretty much like any other city on this planet," Burdock shrugged. "They all look the same."

"Where is Mother?"

"She's with Stellari. Meeting your brats," said Burdock. "I wanted to talk to you first though. See what you've learned. I guess I wasn't prepared to see you like this."

"You too will learn how to sense ki without a scouter," said Raditz.

"I already know that," Burdock snickered, folding his arms across his chest with pride. "Prince Vegeta taught us that shortly after we landed."

"No sign of the androids?"

"Prince Vegeta's mate the Princess Bulma says that there's been sightings of that android named 17, and the one called 13."

"13? But the Namekian and I disposed of him!" Raditz blinked.

"Apparently you didn't," said Burdock with a toss of his head. "He's gotten stronger. And he's joined forces with 17. Didn't you see the television?"

"I've been TRAINING, father."

"I've just been learning the customs of this crazy planet. There's something about a tournament. That lunatic 17's holding a tournament called the Android Games. He wants to prove he's the strongest on earth!"

"What?" Raditz blinked.

"I was saying the same thing," Burdock shrugged. "That's why the Prince sent me to tell you. He wants you and all the other Saiyans to meet him back at the Lodge. Mother's going to stay and protect Stellari and the kids. I had hoped to meet Kakarotto, but I guess it's going to have to wait."

"No it isn't, Father," said Raditz quietly. "He's nearby."

"Huh… what the… where the hell is that energy coming from?" Burdock gasped. Raditz opened the door, and grabbed his father's arm. He dragged him out to the lawn where two figures dropped in for a landing.

"I can't believe it…" Burdock gasped, blinking in the sunlight.

"Raditz, there you are!" Goku shouted.

"Uncle Raditz, we're done in the Time chamber… and Vegeta's going to be able to go in if… Who's that?" gasped Gohan.

"Kakarotto…" stammered Burdock, pressing a hand to his head.

"Wait a minute… I didn't expect… wait… so Dende WAS right… some Saiyans DID come to earth while Gohan and I were training!" gasped Goku.

"Kakarotto is that really you…" Burdock stammered.

"Hey mister, you okay? You look almost exactly like my Daddy!" Gohan said, rushing forwards to help catch a shaky Burdock. He leaned heavily on Raditz arm, his knees giving out.

"Hey… easy now!" Goku shouted, rushing forwards. His hands caught Burdock’s gauntleted ones, holding him steady as Gohan stood next to him. Gold hair shimmered along with the blue eyes.

"Brother why are you still Super Saiyan? He might not recognize you!" said Raditz.

"You… you look just like Daddy… are you… him?" Gohan asked, looking up at Burdock. His long hair had been chopped neatly off, standing up in a spiky parody of his father's super Saiyan do. What would Chichi say to this modification?

"Burdock… it's me, Son Goku. Really," said Goku. "Here, let me change back."

"But Dad you said we'd be more powerful if we stay super Saiyans," said Gohan.

"Just a little while won't hurt," Goku said. "Please Gohan?"

"All right Dad," nodded Gohan. Instantly the glowing radiance faded to black, and Burdock breathed deep breaths, looking into a friendly face with gently rounded eyes peering at him in welcome.

"Maybe you could use something to eat… I could transport us all to…" Goku started.

"No you won't! You know what happened the LAST time you did that, Brother!" Raditz scolded him.

"Someone PLEASE tell me what the HELL is going on!" Burdock growled, pushing them away. "You're really Kakarotto! Why weren't you there to meet us before?"

"We were training in the Hyperbolic time chamber! Sorry to miss you. So you're really here… wow…" Goku blinked with a slow smile on his face. "It's so great to finally meet you in person."

"You… and Raditz both… and he… he all changed…" Burdock stammered.

"Mr. Burdock, it's true. Maybe we should go in, sit down, and explain some things, Dad. He's having culture shock," said Gohan smartly.

"C'mon, let's chat a bit," said Goku.

"But the Prince…" Burdock stammered out.

"Raditz, you take Gohan and tell Vegeta that I'm coming too," said Goku kindly. "I want to talk to Burdock."

"All right, Brother. Father I shall see you later. Gohan?"

"Later Daddy," Gohan said, following Raditz as they entered into Capsule.

Goku grabbed Burdock’s shoulder, and suddenly whipped him into the Capsule kitchen. Burdock groaned, holding his stomach as his son helped him sit down in one of the kitchen chairs of the Brief's main family complex. "Oh my, visitors? Can I get you some coffee, Mr. Son?"

"Black, and some of those great sandwiches please!" Goku asked cheerfully. Burdock reeled in disbelief to see his mirror image so happy and bubbly. It seemed almost horrid and at the same time relieving to know his visions had come to pass. Soon Burdock had a dozen sandwiches in him, and plenty of Panchi Brief's coffee to bring him round.

"Kakarotto, I can hardly belief I'm looking at you, son," Burdock said quietly, holding his cup between his hands.

"Well, I'm not quite sure what to call you, I mean my parent was Grandpa Gohan… I had no idea I had parents… well Saiyan parents. Till Raditz told me about you, and his mom."

"You are my son, there's no denying," Burdock chuckled ironically. He shook his head, knocking back a sip of Joe. "Man, wait till Torah, Fasha, and the others see you."

"I wanted a few minutes to talk to you alone. Get to know you," Goku said softly.

"Family bonding? I'm afraid I'm not much for warm fuzzy greetings, like you humans are," said Burdock with a grunt. "Still…"

"I'm not expecting a big hug or anything," Goku said softly. He stood up and bowed politely, then offered his hand for Burdock to shake. Burdock did so, carefully feeling his son's strong grip. Looking at Goku's fingers he saw calluses and healed wounds.

"You've got the hands of a warrior, all right," said Burdock appreciatively. "Your mother will be pleased to see you. She's meeting your mate now. I've heard much about this woman Chichi. She sounds like a Saiyan almost."

"Well Chichi can be… intense sometimes. She's very protective of Gohan. Doesn't let me train him," said Goku quietly.

"Mmm, I suppose someone's going to have to CHAT with her," said Burdock with a grunt, and raised his hand to scratch the back of his neck instinctively as he rolled his eyes. "Kinoha your mother was VERY protective of Raditz. It drove me NUTS."

"Ah… I see…" said Goku nervously, rubbing the back of his neck with a silly grin. Both of them looked at each other in pure shock to see the same habit. Except Burdock didn't have that nervous grin.

"Damn, I guess it's not all nurture," said Burdock with a laugh. His voice was deep, rich, and resonant, rather than higher pitched like Goku's. Yet it had the same tonal quality overall.

"Well, Gohan's REALLY smart. Chichi's overly worried about him getting an education," said Goku.

"Takes after his grandmother then," said Burdock. "She's the one who was a weapons expert."

"I heard you were some kind of smart guy," said Goku.

"Who me? Who told you THAT?" Burdock snorted, popping another roast beef sandwich into his mouth.

Goku was happy to see his father shared his huge appetite.

"Well, Raditz did…"

"The bum actually said something nice about me. Must be getting soft," Burdock joked.

"He calls me idiot all the time, if it makes any difference," Goku shrugged. "I'm not STUPID, you know."

"You're smart enough to defeat Freeza," said Burdock, shaking his hand. "And to think it was my son who did it. I'm damn proud, if not jealous. I've had the chance to watch you Goku, from Hell. And I had to admit I like what I see."

"I wish you could be in Otherworld, with King Kai," said Goku softly. "You could train hard and we could have a match!"

"Hmm, I'd like that. But first how the hell did you get Raditz to become Super Saiyan? I thought only you and the Prince could do that!"

"Gohan can. So can Trunks. I'm not sure if Nappa can, and Piccolo's pretty strong, almost a Super Namek," said Goku.

"A Namekian huh? No wonder you guys are so powerful. Those Namekian warriors have some pretty formidable skills of their own," said Burdock.

"So… what do I call you, Father… or Dad?" Goku asked quietly, looking at Burdock. "If you don't mind, Dad… I really don't like being called Kakka whatever. I really prefer Son Goku?"

"Dad's not a word I'm familiar with," said Burdock with an awkward chuckle. "We don't have a work for that in Saiyan. I prefer Father if it's all the same to you, Kak… I mean Goku."

"Fair enough," said Goku.

"Aww, isn't that sweet," Bulma laughed.

"Hey Bulma… you must have met him!" said Goku.

"Son that's the Princess! Show her some…"

"I don't care. Goku and I have been friends forever," said Bulma with a dismissive wave of her hand. She walked over and accepted the brotherly hug he gave her.

"I'm glad you're okay. Where's Vegeta?"

"I see I'm finally hiding my ki from you, clown," said Vegeta with a smirk, appearing near Bulma.

"Hey that's pretty good! Way to go!" Goku cheered him. Vegeta simply rolled his eyes, as Burdock got on one knee.

"Sire forgive his lack of…" Burdock started.

"Don't even start with me," Vegeta growled at him. "I've been waiting for you, Burdock, but seeing as Kakarotto is here too, perhaps he'd deign to join the rest of us Saiyans in my chat?"

"Sure Vegeta. By the way, can you tell me what's up? You really had a whole bunch of Saiyans land on earth. What are they here for?" Goku asked, his brows narrowing over his now slanted eyes. Burdock noted the transformation from jovial to business in two seconds.

"Find out for yourself, Kakarotto," said Vegeta with a sweep of his gloved hand. "You can use your trick to transport us all there."

"Sure, I need to get to the bottom of this," Goku said. "Grab onto me."

Vegeta distastefully grabbed Goku's forearm then Bulma's hand. Burdock shakily grabbed Goku's shoulder, and all four were instantly swept away to the greatest concentration of mental Energy that Goku could detect. To his surprise Goku suddenly stood in the middle of a large domed area with several armored Saiyans blinking at him in shock. Judging by the rocky walls Vegeta must be holding the council in a structure of stone hollowed out from a cave. He could smell the fresh ozone of ki blasts. The odors of multiple organic paint wafted into Goku's nose. Around the domed walls were painted friezes of Saiyans hunting, fighting, and changing to great Ape form under the full moon. Behind Vegeta hung a tapestry with four giant apes in either corner, and what appeared to be an enormous river with many tributaries and writings on them.

"What's that?" Goku whispered to Vegeta.

"The royal family tree you fool," Vegeta said. To Goku's shock he saw the Planet Vegeta insignia directly stitched above the tree. Each name had a different great ape beside it, while any female names were denoted with a simple Saiyan figure. Typical male society. Slight variations in the council painting around the dome indicated the subtle different cultures of some of the warriors sitting there. Goku assumed that all Saiyan culture was uniform, but by the various armor styles even within Burdock’s team he realized it was like assuming everyone on Earth lived as they did in his village.

"Holy drek… is that…" Torah gasped, wanting to stand up from the circular benches curling around the assembly hall. The tapestry had what appeared to be a carved throne directly under it, and a large table raised on a dais with smaller chairs nearby. Trunks sat on one of the smaller chairs, and the other to the left appeared to be a crib where a small baby Trunks was slumbering watched over by Bliss to the immediate side. Nappa stood beside the adult Trunks, taking the position of a bodyguard. The semicircular benches were only half filled with the various Saiyan warriors there, but he saw strangers sitting among them too.

"Damn not him," Turles grunted, standing up from one of the front benches and whirling around.

Vegeta strode up taking Bulma's hand, and led her to sit in the slightly smaller throne next to his. Whoever had made the thing had carved wood and set it into two limestone great apes for the armrests, and the back piece was absent like a roman style throne so the tapestry acted like a backrest instead.

"You… you're here too?" Goku growled as he saw Turles standing near the front.

"Easy, Kakarotto, he's under MY authority," Vegeta growled at Goku. "I thank you NOT to blow him to smithereens. That's MY privilege if he steps out of line!"

"I don't know about this," Goku shook his head, staring at all the warriors regarding him like he was a freak. While they were comfortable with his Saiyan appearance, he couldn't understand WHY they were so… freaked.

"Goku, why don't you sit down here in the front?" asked Bulma, indicating some space near Turles and a few others.

"Maybe I should sit with him," Goku said quietly, noticing Vegeta's harsh stare. Burdock nodded, and led Goku to sit down with the rest of his team. He was the only one dressed in earth clothes in the whole chamber. Even Bulma wore her ceremonial armor as Vegeta stood to address the whole group. There were at least eight Saiyans there besides him and Vegeta. Even Nappa had strode in, sitting closer to the front of the assembly with his daughter Bliss. Next to her sat Trunks, wearing Saiyan armor like Vegeta's.

"I'm sure you've all heard about the latest. This tin can… android 17 has thrown down the gauntlet," said Vegeta.

"Wait, you mean 17's come out of hiding?" Goku blinked. "A lot can happen in a year…"

"Goku, shh!" Bulma hissed.

"Sorry, sheesh," Goku glared, pouting.

"Dad doesn't know," said Gohan, striding in the room wearing his outfit given to him by Piccolo. Along with him strode Piccolo himself, glancing at all the Saiyans warily, followed by Stellari, and then Kinoha. Each of them sat around Goku with a stern face on Vegeta.

"A Namekian," whispered the Saiyans.

"Got a problem with that?" Piccolo grunted.

"Hmm, so you're here too? Where's Baldie and the others?"

"Elsewhere. I'd like to know what this little powwow entails," Piccolo said quietly. He stood in the back of the hall, leaning against the wall.

"You can sit with Kakkarot's brat, if you wish. Or stand. I don't care which. Just don't interrupt again," Vegeta grunted. "Amongst the Saiyans I am the…"

"He knows, Vegeta, please," Bulma whispered.

"So what will you do, Prince Vegeta?" Piccolo grunted. "Now that you've got your Saiyan squad, are you still going to defeat the Androids, or do you have designs on Earth?"

"This little planet is not my concern," Vegeta said quietly. "Except that I will not tolerate it being taken over by those tin cans. Since 17 has challenged us to games we will play his game and face him as equals."

"It's in ten days," said Piccolo. "He said we have that much time to show our pathetic human hides there."

"Does he know we're here?" asked Nappa.

"I'm sure it's a given," Vegeta laughed. "And we will enjoy seeing these androids try to take us on. But all of us will crush them."

"So easily?" Piccolo asked. "So far, the only Super Saiyans among you are yourself, Goku, Gohan, and Raditz… and Trunks."

"Perhaps, but all will be needed for the fight ahead," Vegeta said. "Tell us what you know Bliss."

"As you know I was captured by 17 and held against my will. He was this close to turning me into one of them. Then the Saiyans arrived and rescued me. They manage to destroy the lab where we were, but 17 escaped. And it seems that 13 is alive."

"Well that gives us someone else to fight. Is he stronger?" asked Goku.

"Much stronger. And he appeared on a broadcast with 17," said Vegeta.

"Just this morning on the news too. They've built a ring and everything. To hold the Android games," said Bulma with a hard swallow. "Apparently they've captured that famous wrestler Mr. Satan… who wanted to challenge him."

"Oh boy," Goku swallowed "I don't know if he's smart or what."

"That means they'll all be in one place, and we can show our Saiyan supremacy," Vegeta grinned. "Out in the open and in honorable combat."

"OR so we hope," said Trunks.

"And since we have the time, I will retreat to train with Trunks tomorrow. The rest of you will train in the gravity chambers and keep watch that the tin cans keep up their end of the deal," said Vegeta sharply. "And where are those others Z warriors, Namek?"

"Tracking down Tien and Yamcha," said Piccolo. "Need I remind you of…"

"I've been trying to work on a way we can free them, don't you worry," Bulma said. "And I have help."

"She does," Burdock said quietly. Piccolo blinked at the Goku look alike sitting there.

"Turles will take the training of the others in one of the gravity ships. Nappa will supervise the others, won't you? And Kinoha will help your mate Kakarotto in protecting the Saiyan youths, will she not?"

"With all due respect sire, I think I can work on helping the…" Kinoha started, but then shut her mouth as Burdock glared at her. Goku glanced at his 'family group' sitting a row in front of the other members of Burdock’s team.

"Your brat is welcome to fight with us. What will it be Kakarotto?" Vegeta asked. "Will you get in the way, or will you stand with the Saiyans?"

"It depends on what you're going to do after this, Vegeta," Goku said quietly.

"You and I will settle that after the Androids are defeated. You and I will battle to decide that. But for now, Earth is our base of operations. I have no desire to destroy it, fool. In fact, it will be most useful as a second homeland," said Vegeta.

"You mean you're going to bring the Saiyans HERE?" asked Gohan.

"No, child. This planet is too puny to protect itself without our aid. Something about it allows my people to achieve the Legendary. It can be a valuable secret in the Galaxy. And as many will try and seek it out, the Saiyan Race must protect it at all costs," said Vegeta.

"We've already found a new home world," said Turles.

"You… I should have KNOWN you'd be here... you…" Gohan snapped. "You MONSTER!"

"How little opinion he has of me. Careful young one," said Turles smoothly.

"Enough! Leave him alone, you sod!" Burdock snapped at him. "Get to your point!"

"As I was saying, we've found a new home world. The purpose of Earth is not for settling, but for training," said Turles. "But it is ultimately in the Prince's hands."

"And will those hands destroy or create? Because if they are out to destroy, you know what I'll do," Goku said quietly, standing up.

"Indeed. But I plan to destroy this upstart 17, with or without you, clown. And if you are not with us… you are against us," Vegeta said.

"It doesn't have to be like that!" said Goku.

"Might I suggest you two settle it when you fight, AFTER the androids are beaten?" Burdock coughed. "Your majesty?"

"Quite," Vegeta nodded. "Now, here's what we will do. If you don't have the stomach, Kakarotto, you may leave. But stay OUT Of my way or else."

"Listen to what he has to say, Goku," Burdock hissed, grabbing Goku's wrist. "Please."

"I'll watch," Goku said, sitting down as Burdock tugged him to sit next to him. Luckily his father's sense and cool head had prevailed. With pride, Kinoha looked at her strong second son, anxious to speak to him.

"Vegeta, Burdock’s right. I'm getting confused here," Bulma urged, nudging him with a hand.

Vegeta caught up with his mate finally, grasping both upper arms in his large hands. He spun his head around to glance down at her over his shoulder. Bulma blinked up into his dark eyes filled with concern. Vegeta let go of one arm so he could brush way her tears with one gloved index finger. Gruffly he said, "Woman, what's wrong?"

"Can't you tell?" she asked.

"You are needed too, Bulma," Vegeta answered. "Do you doubt me? You are the Princess of all Saiyans."

She blushed at his frank admission and then exhaled, "I think what Goku wonders is what will happen if we do win? Will you stay on earth or go? That's a valid question."

"She's right," said Goku. "Vegeta, where will the Saiyans live? Here on earth or on this other world? Or will you leave?"

"I cannot say Woman, till we've fought the battle ahead," Vegeta answered. "And Kakarotto, seeing as you are so loyal to this world, it would seem you'd insist we should stay."

"Earth isn't so bad a planet is it? Bulma loves it here. Do you HAVE to leave?" Goku asked quietly.

"But what about the Saiyans living here? This world has limited resources," Piccolo suddenly said. "Already it's straining under the weight of its population. Saiyans having their own world would make more sense."

"I hadn't thought of that," Goku said, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand. "Vegeta, if you DO stay here, what will we do in this 'new world' of yours after the Androids, eh?"

"Things are moving very fast," Burdock nodded. "And although this planet is pleasant, it's small compared to what we Saiyans are used to. There are ten thousand others on the world we've chosen and MUCH more room to move."

"They are, indeed. But I'm not without some strategy for that even," said Vegeta. He reached up and pulled the scouter off her ear. Bulma sighed deeply, glaring at her husband. He tucked her blue hair behind her ear and stroked her cheek.

"Vegeta I want to trust you, but I'm so scared that after the Androids are defeated you'll go out and conquer the universe or something!" Bulma said candidly.

"You fear my ambitions equal that of Freeza?" Vegeta asked soberly.

"Uh… to tell the truth, yes," Goku said, voicing all their concerns."

"How little you know me you idiots. I do not intend of having my reach exceed my grasp. The survival of the Saiyan race to me is paramount. The fact that the humans are involved is a side benefit. But it will attract attention. And it is my home world and my place to protect."

"EXCUSE me?" Piccolo grunted. "Care to EXPLAIN that?"

Before Bulma could splutter protest Vegeta stopped her with a soft pressure of the same hand on her lips. "Let me finish. When I say mine, I don't exclude ownership of the humans here. Only that they need protection from the rest of the universe. They have the great potential but they have no one to guide them from their own folly. The Saiyans can exist with the Human here, and on the world they've chosen. But only if we protect them from themselves as well as from the others that would conquer here."

"That sounds very arrogant," Piccolo grunted, striding up. "Protect us from ourselves? I'm capable of protecting this world. And so is Goku, and the other Earth's Special Forces. We don't need to be lorded over by you or anyone else!"

"I meant that this planet spawns fools that would try to destroy this world. I have no intention of letting anyone do that. Because this small rock has some value. It is all that I can protect for our son. I will NOT let the Saiyan race die along with the human race. And although some Saiyans have been wished back, we are nowhere near strong enough without… breeding stock. Eventually the unmated males loyal to me will seek companionship should they come. And humans are few of the only compatible races. Instead of fearing offspring being stronger, I will use this to my advantage."

"Vegeta… you're scaring me," Bulma admitted.

"Vegeta, that sounds noble and good, but it's kind of confusing the way you're putting it," Goku scratched his head.

"Don't you trust that I have this world's interests in mind? I am a Prince, born and bred to rule. This world needs a protector, and I shall be that!"

"We can ALL protect the planet, Vegeta. That's what Piccolo's trying to say!" Goku said frustrated.

"True, but there is only one number one Saiyan. And I will prove that when I defeat you, Kakarotto."

"Dad, this is nuts!" Gohan suddenly said.

"With all due respect Sire, might I suggest a solution?" Burdock asked, standing up.

"Speak," Vegeta glared at him.

"It seems to me this is all a matter to be solved AFTER the androids. And in the tradition of the Planet Vegeta right of satisfaction, when one challenges another, the warriors spar and duke out for their rank. The winner remains, and the loser agrees to whatever fate meted out by the winner," said Burdock.

"So you mean Vegeta and I will have a fight to prove who has the right to protect earth?" asked Goku. "Like a tournament? But I can't see why we can't ALL protect the earth!"

"This sounds like a good solution," Piccolo said. "If we all survive this that is."

"Wait, Piccolo, this is important. Vegeta always wants to prove himself, why not?" Goku asked. "Okay Vegeta, you'll have your match AFTER the androids are defeated. So what are your terms, Vegeta?"

"Clearly this. If in the off chance he should defeat me, I shall leave the world in his hands as its protector. But that will not happen," said Vegeta.

"And if you don't, then you'll leave?" Bulma asked. "This planet is my home! I can't believe…"

"We will speak of this later, when the androids have been defeated," Vegeta said quietly.

"Done," said Goku. "I accept your challenge, Vegeta."

"Are you NUTS, Goku?" Bulma burst out.

"Might I suggest we break for lunch?" Nappa diplomatically asked. "Sire?"

"Fine," said Vegeta with a grunt. Everyone exited the meeting space, speaking in hushed tones as Piccolo and Goku exchanged meaningful glances. Piccolo shook his head and sighed.

"Don't worry, it'll be okay. And I'm sure it won't matter," Goku said as he walked past his friend and ally.

"If we don't survive it won't matter anyway, and this discussion's pointless," Piccolo grunted.

"I hate this," Stellari murmured, rushing out of the hut before Kinoha and Burdock could stop her.

"Wait," said Kinoha.

"I'll go after her, Mother. You can use this chance to speak to Kakarotto... Son Goku," said Raditz. He indicated where Goku was standing with Piccolo and Gohan.

"Come on, let's not waste this chance," said Burdock, taking his wife's hand. He led her over to Goku, who turned with a slight look of confusion on his face.

"Excuse me, but it's high time you and your mother talked," said Burdock.

"Oh… I'm sorry," Goku blinked. "Wow, you look just like Raditz, I mean Raditz looks a lot like you… but without all the curves!"

"Son Goku's what you call yourself? I have to admit I'm pleasantly surprised," Kinoha laughed as she strode up and gave him a huge bear hug. Goku spluttered as she raised him off the ground with her strength.

"Ack… whoa…"

"Is this not how they greet one another on this world?" she asked with a chuckle, setting him down.

"Well, uh yeah… did Raditz tell you that?" asked Goku, blushing slightly.

Raditz caught up with his mate finally, grasping both upper arms in his large hands. He spun her around so she faced him. Stellari blinked up into his dark eyes filled with concern. Raditz let go of one arm so he could brush way her tears with one large index finger. Gruffly he said, "Stellari, what's wrong?"

"Can't you tell?" she asked.

"You regret the dissidence between my brother and the Prince?" Raditz asked. He guided her to sit down next to him on the ground under one of the trees planted for cosmetic shade.

"Hearing you of all people say that is ironic," Stellari laughed harshly, grabbing blades of grass and twisting them in her fingers. Drawing up her legs she folded them to one side and half reclined, bracing her body up with one red wristband covered hand. Unlike Raditz solid gauntlets they were a firm material, but not restrictive.

"I know isn't it?" Raditz chuckled. He reached up and pulled the scouter off his left ear, shaking his hair free of the position. Neatly the lens folded against the earpiece so he could attach it to the side of one large boot. Stellari's left armband was visible, but the leg band under the other side was barely visible through the long black pants tucked into her boot tops.

"Raditz, will you stay or go?" she asked.

"I… what do you mean?"

"Oh come on Raditz, will you insist on leaving Earth or going with the Saiyans if Vegeta decides to leave?"

"Well… it would depend on what you thought, love. Would you accept life in a Saiyan culture, or would you wish to remain here? Because even if the Prince does leave, he would insist that some of us stay behind. And I would elect to remain with Kakarotto on Earth…" said Raditz. "If you wished it."

"I'm not saying I mind leaving earth, I just… the thought of living on another planet, it's just… strange," she whispered.

"But through it all, we will be together, Stellari, as I promised," Raditz answered her.

"But what surprises me most is that you'd want to stay with Goku's family here. You've finally realized that it isn't Cain and able, it's Jacob and Esau. Both brothers reconciled. The one who cheated the other of his father's blessing was tested harshly indeed. They both remained," she said softly, cupping his cheek. Raditz caught her wrist and kissed the inside palm. She scooted closer to him, and he leaned forwards to brush her lips with an all too human kiss. Catching the back of her neck, he held her face to his, then pulled her body towards his.

Stellari yelped as he tugged her down, then rolled her under his armor-weighted body. Fortunately he held most of his weight off with one gauntleted hand. Trying to touch her bare flesh was hard because only her shoulders and chest were available. Raditz contented himself with nibbling on her neck. She tickled along his bare arms and legs that were tangled in hers. Long black hair tumbled over her face, hiding her view of the world around them as Raditz kissed her hard.

He unfastened the green straps that held her breastplate on. Then he gently tugged it up and off leaving her in the flexible suit that covered her from the waist down. Stellari covered her chest with a gasp, but then saw Raditz smirk. With her help tugging he removed his own armored breastplate so he was only wearing the sleeveless top and briefs of his armor. Carefully he tugged down the suit to expose her underpants. In a clean bed of moss he gently pressed her down with one arm around her back. Then seeing her wince he instead sat up and guided her to sit in his lap instead.

"I forgot you humans don't heal as quickly as we Saiyans," Raditz apologized, nibbling on her neck. Stellari pulled up her suit a bit and straddled him.

"We can't do this here," she whispered. "What if the Prince needs us?"

"Damn it," Raditz grumbled. "But there is another thing we CAN do."

"Being?" she asked, helping him put his armor on again.

"You know that we can train ourselves by sheer force of mental projection," he said.

"Gohan once told me that he and Krillin 'spirit fought' on the way to Namek," she said.

"That's it!" Raditz nodded, helping her to fasten the green straps of her breastplate again. Still neither of them put the scouters on yet.

"I am amazed mere humans can…"

"Watch it buster, Krillin's the strongest human on earth. He could clean your clock if he wasn't afraid of me," she warned him.

"Apologies," Raditz grumbled. "You were saying…"

"Gohan told me much about his trip with Krillin and Bulma to find the Dragon Balls on Namek. The only way for him to train in a limited space was the 'spirit fighting'. I assume you're talking about much the same thing. Strangely enough…"

"You learned to fight that way in the Red Ribbon army. Mental programming to make up for years of not having proper physical training," he said softly.

"Well I WAS conditioned, as the treatments happened. But Raditz, why am I so much stronger? I mean the genetic engineering done on me and the other red ribbon soldiers simply enhanced our human limitations to the upper levels and beyond. To duplicate in mere months what would take a lifetime of martial arts training to achieve," she said.

"You always were tougher than the average human. As tough as a young Saiyan, before training. But you HAVE been drinking my blood, and you HAVE given birth to two Saiyan whelps. The hormones are still very prevalent in your human body. Kakkarot's mate has the same thing happening to her. But unlike you and she, the Princess body didn't have the same effect," he said.

"Why not?"

"Hard to tell. From what I know of half bloods, the 'lower' the class that mates outside their bloodline, the more adapted his mate becomes. I'm not sure why," he said. "But it COULD explain why Kakkarot's brat was so powerful."

"It makes no sense," she shook her head.

"Father would better understand it," Raditz shook his head in frustration. "But enough of that. Close your eyes and let us join together."

"What if someone attacks?"

"My Saiyan senses will spot them," he whispered, sitting down opposite her. Both of their fingers intertwined and Raditz breathed in and out. Instinctively Stellari's breathing slowed till it was the same rate as his. Simultaneously their heartbeats synched to the exact same rate, Raditz speeding up to match hers slowing. Ki crackled between them, invisible to the human eye, but tangible in small waves in the air.

Nearby Vegeta smelled something that made his nose twitch. He had moved off with Bulma close behind him. She had grabbed his arm with a white-gloved hand of her own, and he turned with frustration on his face. Somehow he wanted to find Raditz and Burdock to talk to them sternly about interrupting his meeting, but Bulma's beeping scouter caught the traces of them before he could reach where they sat in the forest.

"Let them have time alone!" Bulma whispered.

"How would you know WHAT they were doing without ME to sense their ki?" Vegeta blinked at her.

"Well judging how you and I are when we sneak off… and this scouter is detecting a rise in ki," she trailed off as Vegeta glared at her with a faint hint of pink on his tan cheeks.

"Shut up, Bulma," he grumbled.

"Make me," she pouted, sticking her bottom lip out. Vegeta growled through clenched teeth and grabbed her shoulders, slamming her against a tree. However she knew from the lascivious gleam in his eyes it was mere playing.

"Stupid idiot," he answered then cut off her next reply with his own lips attaching to hers. Bulma instinctively lifted her arms to lock his body to hers in a death grip. She tangled gloved hands in his hair, then frowned through the kiss because none of their flesh could touch thorough the hard Saiyan armor.

"This is one hell of a place for this," she panted.

"It was YOUR idea, woman," he panted, nipping at her earlobe as he suckled at it. Suddenly the shell of her ear was a fascinating curve for his tongue to explore. This part of human making out resembled the Saiyan one for the ears were quite sensitive. So intensely did he press her to the tree that Bulma pushed back a bit.

Vegeta grabbed one shapely leg and hitched it around his hip, so he could press his groin to hers. Thankfully the soft cloth of their suits made it possible to do so. Unlike the hard armored panels of third class or second armor the elite vests only covered the torso. Bulma retaliated with sharp little nibbles along the collar of his shirt, morning the fact it came almost to beneath his chin. Only their faces and heads were exposed, except her arms were bare. He reached up and pulled off her scouter, tossing it lazily down so he could nibble that ear as well. Meanwhile his gloved hands were busy sliding between her pants and bare skin underneath.

"Why am I so aroused?" she gasped.

"Shut up and go with it," he scolded, then silenced her again with another kiss. This one was more animalistic and forceful. Bulma giggled internally because she knew one of the reasons he had trained her to fight was to strengthen her for their coupling. The higher he could boost her power level the more they could mate in the Saiyan way.

"Mmm," Bulma moaned, enjoying the slip of his tongue over her palate. Then she became aware that Vegeta had slid her pants down a bit, and moved her one leg down. She yelped and broke the kiss, wondering what he was doing.

"Shh," he silenced her, with a finger on her lips. Bulma dared not move hot pulsing air against her now bared skin as Vegeta got on one knee paralyzing her. Down to her knees he pulled her leggings, breathing teasingly as he tugged her panties down too. Then his spike of hair was the only thing visible at the level of her mid armored chest as he lifted both her legs and sat her on his shoulders.

"Mmmm," she gasped, writhing at the feel of him down there on her. As much as she ached to return the favor, she bit back her vocal joy. Then he set her on shaky legs, straightening up.

"Your turn," he said, and she pulled his pants down to the level of his knee as well. Bulma shakily dropped to her knees, held in place by Vegeta's gloved hand. Feeling the glove on her hand along with her talented mouth was intense for Vegeta, who squeezed his eyes shut to maximize the experience. Vegeta's gloved hands clenched her shoulders, moving her at the pace he loved. She worked tenderly yet anxiously to return the pleasure he'd just given her.

"Enough," he panted, tugging her away. Bulma glanced up with disappointment. Then he transferred his grip to her armpits and effortlessly lifted her up to eye level. He gingerly stepped one leg in the circle made by her bare thighs and her rucked down pants then slid his left hand to her backside, and his right to tug her thigh up. Bulma realized what he was doing, and helped lift her legs so she could wrap herself around him.

"Awk…" she yelped, her back hitting the tree. Vegeta loved how easily yet perfectly their bodies complimented one another, as halves of a whole. Hands on her backside, Vegeta braced her back against the tree. Bulma braced her hands on his shoulders, massaging the muscles, then fixed her gaze into his bottomless one.

"Look at me, woman. Look at me," he purred, searching her eyes for the desire he loved reflected.

"I am Vegeta… I… am…" Bulma swallowed. Bitten off half screams died in her throat, mingling with Vegeta's low growling purr. Their armored chests collided with a subtle tapping, gloved hands grabbing onto whatever parts of the body they could reach. Bulma's hand migrated from his shoulder to the base of his neck, rubbing and squeezing at the line of his hair and skin. Vegeta reached up with one hand to slide up her back, and then cradled her neck so he wouldn't bash her head against the tree as their passion increased.

"Yes, Bulma, yes," he purred, glaring at her with those eyes she could forever dream of. Though flashing with anger or misty with tears they were irresistible as the angles of his face burned into her memory.

At the base of her spine she felt the tingling grow to an itch, then a full body aching only his presence could fill. Vegeta swallowed her cry with his hungry mouth pressed to hers. Waves of her bliss catapulted him to the moon as they both tingled and burned with inner fire.

Bulma could hardly breath, and he released her whimpering sob of delight so she could draw in precious oxygen. Heavily he leaned against her, bodies surging with the heat they could only quench in each other's presence.

"Admit it," Bulma murmured.

"What?" he grumbled, still enjoying the high from their lovemaking.

"You enjoyed that as much as I did?"

"Naturally when you have the best," he grunted, and she glared at him playfully.

"So what were we out here for again?" she ventured. Vegeta simply rolled his eyes, and carefully set her down on wobbly legs. He reached down to help pull her back together, and she felt a quick flash of his blue ki that evaporated all traces of their passion. He readjusted his clothes as well, and straightened his gloves while she leaned against the tree trying to catch her breath.

"Over there. We should find that third class idiot and his woman," Vegeta said. "Mating in the mind instead of in the body."

"You mean we did THAT because of them?" Bulma stifled a giggle. Still giddy from mind-blowing lovemaking she felt a bit like teasing him.

Stellari blinked around her at the dark clouded plane. Raditz stood opposite her, and she was stunned to see she did not have to hunt him for a change. Glancing up at him in confusion she saw his telltale Saiyan smirk cross his face. In his mind he seemed even more imposing and she stood opposite him wearing a slightly different armor. Still with a green breastplate but with only one shoulder strap and something twitched around her waist.

"What the HFIL?" she blinked down to see a furry band around her waist. Gold jewelry festooned her arms and earrings bedecked her ears. Even her hair seemed fluffed because she saw a spiky shadow springing to life from beneath her boots. Bright sunlight glared down at her from above, and she squinted up into the brassy sky of that alien planet.

"The only way to properly show you is to give you the aspect of a full blooded Saiyan female," Raditz snickered.

"Jerk. IF this were my mind, I'd have you appear much differently. Suddenly Raditz gasped because the landscape changed to an academic campus. To his shock he glimpsed his appearance in a nearby fountain tinkling to their left. High pillared buildings faced in brick with marble columns dominated the scene. Students rushed between the buildings carrying armloads of books or backpacks. The girls wore sailor suits and the guys black uniforms.

"High school," she said. Raditz saw his hair was long, sleek, and straight. Fastened at the nape of his neck in a ponytail and slicked down over his face. He reached up to pull the glasses off his nose and grunted in shock.

"Hello Professor Son," she joked as he regarded the tweed pants and herringbone blazer overtop a crisp white starched shirt with an open necked collar. His body was much less massive and more slender with muscle like his brother's was. He had about the same build as Yamcha, the human Z warrior, who was only an inch or so shorter than he.

"Damn woman, what have you done?"

"Leveled the playing field. You're fully human," she grinned.

"I… I…" Raditz stammered, caught off guard.

"Teacher of Economics and History," she grinned, straightening his lapels. Leaning up, she kissed him soundly. Raditz moaned with protest as her soft lips conformed to his and her tongue slipped into his mouth.

Rapidly the scene flashed back to Planet Vegeta's brassy landscape. She could tell by squinting through dark lashed eyes and the heavy feeling of weight dragging her body down. Something furry twisted around her waist, and his. Raditz memories and impressions now dominated and she felt hot in the face at the sensation of his tail darting over her bare skin. Not surprisingly she wore the same armor but looked down to see tanned skin. A quick strain of thought caused the band at her belly to twitch a bit and sway slowly back and forth.

"Let me show you how to use that," Raditz teased, capturing her wayward limb with his own. Just the contacts of his tail against hers caused a spasm of cold and hot to shoot up her spine. Her mouth dropped open in wordless ecstasy only a shade away from agony.

"How do I know what it would feel like never having had one?" She wondered. "Stupid question I know, since your memories and mine are flowing together. But will I cease to be me, and you… you?"

"We both know who we are as individuals. Has it been so bad so far?" he teased, guiding her arms around his. Stellari felt the tingling crackle of ki surrounding both of them, and Raditz slowly levitating upwards. She momentarily concentrated as well, matching her height with his so their faces were directly across from one another. In the middle of the desert they hovered, miles from any civilization. To her shock the pieces of armor festooning his body soon dropped to the sand, and she felt her own soon about to follow from the manipulations of his large fingers over the straps and bindings.

"Nobody can see us, idiot," he chided.

"It feels so real," she gasped. Dual sun blasted down on the levitating pair now bared to the skin. Arms wrapped around each other's bodies. Lips locked and fingers and tails probed at the sensitive spots the other knew so well on their mate. Stellari was ready for the mental joining of his body to hers, legs wrapped around his waist and ankles putting a slight pressure on his tail base. Hers clumsily wrapped around his body, then tangled at their sides like writhing snakes. Hot brassy air shot through her gasping lungs. The resulting supernova flared radiant hot in her brain.

She jolted awake sitting in her lover's lap. Both were covered in sweat under their armor, an uncomfortable sensation. Especially when she felt his tail was tightly wrapped around her right thigh with almost crushing pressure. Her fingers were hopelessly tangled in handfuls of his hair, tugging for dear life. She straddled him, her armored chest pressed tightly to his.

"Someone's coming," he gasped, and she released him quickly enough to almost tip backwards if not for his tail holding her in place.

"Where?" she panted.

"I had forgotten you couldn't sense ki without a scouter," he blinked.