Chapter 40

At Zarbon's insistence preparations for the Queen's sojourn to the Southern Continent were sped up, from days to hours. Personally, Zarbon thought anyone non-Saiyan would be safer off-world, especially after that uncomfortable meeting with the captains. Chishan and Radditz were the two Saiyans Zarbon thought to be the most reasonable among all the on-planet ones he knew. He also thought he had some understanding of the uncontrollable hormonal thing that afflicted Saiyans during this season, but the recent meeting had shaken him. Despite past experience, he had underestimated the surge of primal energy that arrived with the moon year and how it might threaten Bulma. Getting the Queen to a place with fewer Saiyans became his main priority.

Bulma, caught off guard by the sudden change in plans, initially resisted. She insisted her remaining engineers needed to accompany her, and that the temporary facilities weren't ready yet. "The Capsule Corporation can't set up housing and a lab overnight?" Zarbon inquired mildly. Bulma bristled at that, as he knew she would; the availability of immediate temporary facilities was a bedrock of the company. A call to the on-planet factory elicited the information that, although production was down due to the personnel on leave, there was sufficient stockpiled capsules with various building configurations that could be sent to the Southern Continent within hours.

So Bulma found herself and Trunks unceremoniously bundled off to the same palace where she stayed when she was pregnant, along with most of the Queen's Guards and a smaller contingent of King's Guards that were sent in advance of Vegeta's arrival in a week's time. Almost as soon as she landed she was thrust into a whirlwind of activity, elbow deep in logistics as she made sure the temporary quarters for her workers had everything they needed. In addition, she cobbled together various configurations so the newly-installed onsite factory would have sufficient power to make more capsule houses for those displaced by Vejiitasei's suddenly less-than-calm oceans. The pressure was immense, but Bulma was determined to ensure the safety of her workers and the continuity of her work.

It was late when she checked on her sleeping son and retreated to the Royal quarters, exhausted but unable to rest. There was a persistent low beeping when she entered the bedchamber. According to the chronometer, someone had been on hold for quite a while. Probably Vegeta, she thought, her ire at her banishment resurfacing. Scowling, she slapped a hand across the interface to open the link. "What?" she snapped.

"Whatever happened to 'hello?'" mused her father.

Bulma gaped for a moment before gathering her thoughts. Dr. Briefs rarely called her. He left the social niceties to her mother. In fact, he was far more likely to talk to her chief engineer than anyone else on Vejiitaseii. Was that a clue? "Sorry, it's been a long day. Hello. Something I need to check on, Dad? Problems with production, maybe?"

Dr. Briefs gave a noncommittal 'hmmm.' "I understand from Gohan that it's the Moon Year there, right? And your mother said you had to leave the palace."

Bulma rolled her eyes. "I did not 'have' to leave the palace. Vegeta doesn't want me in the Capitol right now, Zarbon agrees with him, and it was easier to give in than argue with the two of them."

"Is your young man there with you?"

"No. Zarbon insisted he stay for diplomatic duties. Most ambassadors have already left, but there's one or two stragglers. Vegeta has to say 'bye' to them in the most diplomatic way possible." Bulma grinned. "He's not happy about it, and the update Radditz gave me an hour ago suggests he's not being very diplomatic, either. He should be here in a week or so, though."

"Hmmm."

"Dad?"

The digitized version of her father adjusted his glasses as he peered over them. "I've been working on something, with Gohan's help. Goku's acting as a consultant."

Bulma blinked. "You're doing what with Gohan? Wait. What on earth could Goku 'consult' about?"

"He doesn't have a tail, but he can withstand gravity extremes so he's very useful in helping set up experiments."

"'Experiments'? Gravity experiments? Experiments using Gohan?" Bulma's voice was laced with disbelief. "Dad! He's just a kid!"

"He's a kid with a tail," Dr. Briefs pointed out. "Like my grandson."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

Dr. Briefs sighed. Bulma had the uncomfortable feeling he was disappointed with her. "I understand this is a dangerous time there, but perhaps it doesn't need to be."

Still trying to grapple with the ramifications of 'experiments' that required a kid with a tail, Bulma shrugged. "It's Vejiitasei. It's always dangerous, or so Vegeta likes to tell me."

"More so than usual," said Dr. Briefs, either conceding or ignoring the point, "thanks to the Saiyan propensity for turning into giant monkeys in moonlight. I've come up with a device that should suppress the change."

"You what? Suppress the change? Dad, this is kinda a religious thing for them, as much as anything is. I have to be careful about interfering in the native culture here."

"Trunks is going to change, right?"

Bulma blinked. "But he's just a kid!" she protested, unconsciously echoing what she had just said about Gohan.

"Gohan was about Trunks' age when he first changed," Dr. Briefs pointed out.

There was a pause.

"That's why we're here," Bulma said in slow realization. "That's why Vegeta's freaking out. He's worried about us. More specifically, he's worried about Trunks. Geez! Why can't he ever just say that he's worried about us?!"

Dr. Brief exhibited rare diplomacy by passing over that statement. "If everyone around Trunks is changing at the same time, that would be dangerous."

"Yes," Bulma said grimly. "It would be. How are you 'suppressing' the change? Interference with wavelengths?"

"I have been experimenting with wavelengths, yes. We know the minimum moonlight required for transformation is a Buruz wave of at least 17,000 megaunits, but prototypes to shield the entire planet were too unwieldy, especially given our time constraints."

"Something else, then?"

"Yes, something more localized. It's based on your gravity harness, actually."

"Generating an individual field to counteract the Buruz wavelength?" mused Bulma. "I suppose that could work. Do you have a prototype?"

Dr. Briefs nodded. "Yes. Initial tests with Gohan were promising. He was exposed to the necessary wavelengths at ten times Earth's gravity and didn't change. That was a controlled environment, however. We need to test it in situ."

Bulma was abruptly torn from her abstract considerations. "Test it here? On Trunks? But the side effects? What if it doesn't work? What if it has unforeseen consequences?"

"We won't know about any of that until we try," Dr. Briefs pointed out. "Although I don't suggest necessarily testing it on Trunks first. I talked it over with Radditz. I have a rough idea for a field test."

"You talked to — ? Y'know, never mind. Where is this 'prototype'?" Bulma asked suspiciously.

Dr. Briefs made a show of looking at his wristwatch. "Prototypes, actually. Already on the way. In fact, they're probably in the Capitol right now, being unloaded from one of the shipping drones."

"You've thought this out," Bulma gritted out in a tone that indicated it wasn't a compliment. "I'll check with Zarbon. He's been here in previous moon years, so he'll be our best bet for identifying a test subject."

Dr. Briefs nodded in his unfocused way. Bulma asked a few more questions (although she decided against inquiring after Chi-chi because there was a good chance she had no idea what Goku and Gohan were doing at the Capsule Corporation) before ending the call. The faint hum of the room's air filtration system was the only sound left as the call ended. Bulma slumped into her chair, the weight of her father's words pressing on her. Burying her face in her hands, Bulma took a couple of deep breaths and tried to calm down.

Yes, she needed to talk to Zarbon.

There was, however, someone else she needed to call first.

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Vegeta knew from the series of tones that it was Bulma calling. He regarded the communication station in their quarters with annoyance as he seriously considered not answering. The 'diplomacy' idiocy Zarbon had him performing was making him short-tempered.

Whatever the mercurial creature was calling about this time of night, however, it was bound to be bad, and putting it off would only make it worse. He greeted her with, "I suppose something dire has happened?"

"Dire? Dire?! You didn't tell me about Trunks going oozaru, that's what happened!"

Vegeta's eyebrows drew together. He was genuinely perplexed. "The moon is almost here. It's not a secret. I did suggest you go back to Chikyuu. Zarbon said he discussed it with you as well."

"He did not —!" Bulma started hotly before she paused. "Wait, you mean, back on Earth before I married you? Well, yes, we talked about a lot of 'Saiyan' this and 'Saiyan' that, but that was before Trunks was even born! No one's even mentioned it since!"

"How does the timing of that conversation change anything?" wondered Vegeta.

It didn't. All the fury and heat swept through her, leaving her spent and exhausted. Bulma took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. "Vegeta, this is important. My father has a device that can suppress the transformation. We need to test it."

Vegeta's eyes narrowed, his expression a mix of skepticism and annoyance. "'Suppress the transformation'? Do you realize what you're suggesting?"

"I know, Vegeta. But Trunks is just a child. He's not ready for this. And if everyone around him transforms, it could be dangerous for him. I remember what happened when Goku transformed the first time. He was uncontrollable. Can you tell me that Trunks won't be? That the guards won't be?"

Vegeta crossed his arms, brows pulled down into the familiar scowl. "He's my son, Bulma. He's ready for this. He has to be."

Bulma met his gaze, her voice steady. "You didn't answer my question, Vegeta."

There was a long pause as Vegeta considered her words. Finally, he nodded, a sharp jerk of the head that indicated he was still irritated. "Fine. You want to test this device? I have no objection. However," he cut across what Bulma started to say, "I have to be present for your 'test.' Zarbon has me scheduled for the rest of the week. I'll tell him two more days, tops, to deal with whatever diplomatic nonsense is left."

Bulma nodded, relief washing over her. "Agreed. Thank you, Vegeta. I'm sure this isn't easy for you."

It will be harder on Trunks, Vegeta thought, but he knew better than to start the whole argument back up by saying as much out loud. "You look haggard. Get some rest."

Bulma rolled her eyes. "Thanks loads. I will. Goodnight, Vegeta."

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Zarbon expected the incoming call to be Vegeta wanting to blow off steam with a bout. When confronted with Bulma's scowling countenance on the holoscreen, his first thought was the same as Vegeta's; whatever it is, it's going to be bad.

Bulma's opening salvo confirmed his fears. "Zarbon, my father has developed a prototype device to suppress the transformation. We need to test it."

Zarbon blinked, though his demeanor remained controlled. "To clarify; when you say you want to suppress' the transformation, you mean when the moon crests and the Saiyans start going oozaru?" At Bulma's impatient nod, he raised an elegant brow. "And why are we planning to interfer with one of the most essential components of Saiyan biology?"

"Because I don't want my son to turn into a giant ape!" Bulma snapped, her eyes flashing. "Why is that so hard for everyone to grasp?"

Zarbon rested his chin on his hand, his gaze unwavering. It was clear Bulma was nearing her breaking point. She looks tired, he thought. No. Not 'tired.' She looks like she's at her wits' end. "Your concern isn't difficult to grasp, but you're asking to interfere in a fundamental aspect of Saiyan identity. This isn't just biology for them; it's culture, tradition." He paused. "It's politics."

Bulma's frustration flared. "What does politics have to do with my son not turning into a monster?"

Zarbon sighed, carefully choosing his words. "If word gets out that the prince cannot transform, it casts doubt on his status, his lineage. Saiyans respect power, and the ability to control one's oozaru form is seen as a rite of passage. This isn't just about keeping him safe; it's about maintaining the integrity of the royal bloodline. If you suppress the transformation now, it raises questions about his future—and yours."

Bulma stared at him, her hands clenched into fists. "So you're telling me I should just let him turn into something uncontrollable?"

"No, my Queen." Zarbon's tone was patient, but firm. "I'm telling you that if you don't allow Trunks to transform at the right time, it could be dangerous—more dangerous in the long term. Not just for him, but for you, Vegeta, and anyone aligned with your family. There's a delicate balance to be maintained, and we can't afford to misstep." He paused, leaning forward. "But I understand your concern. You need Trunks to be as safe as possible. Here's my suggestion. Radditz has seen hundreds of moons on hundreds of planets. He is your best bet to transform with Trunks."

"Wait. With Trunks? No! The whole point of this is that Trunks doesn't change!"

"If you repress the change, it will get out that Trunks can't change," Zarbon pointed out. "That reflects poorly on the bloodline and endangers the succession."

"I don't care about—" Bulma started, and then stopped. "'Endangers the succession,' seriously?"

"Turning oozaru is an important part of being Saiyan, my queen."

"And Trunks has to be Saiyan for this to work," murmured Bulma, as if to herself. After a pause where she seemed to be wrestling with her thoughts, she refocused on Zarbon. "Does it have to be now? It can't be seven years from now?"

"Yes, it has to be now. Trunks is the son of the King. He's expected to show his strength. You don't want seven years of rumors that he can't transform. If we handle this carefully, under controlled conditions, he can transform safely and grow into the strength he'll need."

There was a long pause before Bulma gave a curt nod. "Fine. I need a plan, Zarbon."

Zarbon straightened, returning to his usual composed state. "We don't do this recklessly, Bulma. If your father's device works, it can still be part of the solution, but we need be sure. First, we test the device. Then, we prepare for Trunks' transformation as safely as possible. You're concerned that your son won't be able to handle his first transformation, correct? This is understandable. It's not uncommon for first-time oozaru to go berserk. If you want to do it under controlled circumstances, then you need to do it without the moon being the trigger. We need to test your father's devices as well. Again, during the moon's appearance is not the time to be doing that. We have to do it before, so we can control the narrative if anything does go wrong. Are you all right?"

Bulma had her head in her hands. "It's just so much, Zarbon! I can't believe I didn't consider any of this until the last minute!"

Zarbon, well aware that Bulma's genius included industrial-grade blinders at times, decided not to comment.

Bulma inhaled deeply, raising her head before she nodded slowly. "Okay. We'll need to talk logistics, just — not right now."

"Tell me when you're ready, and we'll form a plan," Zarbon said calmly, a small, reassuring smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "This is manageable, my Queen."

"I really, really hope so," Bulma muttered before signing off.

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To her surprise, after Bulma ended the transmission with Zarbon, there was a blinking light indicating yet another call, although this one was not holding for a response. Chieftain Nira had left a brief message. Acknowledging that she was still too wound up for sleep, she hit the 'reconnect' button and was soon greeted by Nira. "My Queen, good evening. The King suggested you needed someone to talk to."

"VEGETA told you to call me?"

"I believe his orders were to 'talk you down,'" Nira replied, her tone edged with amusement.

Bulma was almost touched by Vegeta's brusque expression of concern. Almost. "I think Zarbon's done a good enough job at that for the moment, although I expect I'll still be furious tomor— no, make that later today. There's been a lot happening in the last few hours."

"I'm aware you have relocated to the Southern Continent. I'm sure that had its challenges."

"Word travels fast. 'Challenges,' huh," Bulma grimaced. "That's one way to put it. Well, since you're here, I'll bring you up to speed."

After Bulma explained what had happened over the past few hours, "You're setting up an experiment with your son?" Nira seemed more intrigued than alarmed at the idea of the Heir being used as potential guinea pig.

This made Bulma leap to her own defense. "I didn't really think about him transforming. I thought he was too young to do that, to the extent I thought about it at all."

Nira's lips flattened. "My Queen, he very much is not too young."

"Evidently." Bulma pressed her palms against her eyes, the stress of the day crashing down on her. "My father's device may prevent it. It's worked under controlled circumstances on Earth, but things here never seem to go as planned..."

"You're trying this on your son?" Nira asked again, her voice carrying a peculiar intensity.

"Maybe? Zarbon doesn't think that's a good idea, although he conceded that we can't make any solid plans until I have Dad's device in hand. Ultimately the best thing may be for Trunks to transform under controlled conditions before the moon becomes visible. Not that I agree with that, either. It's what Zarbon thinks needs to happen. I see the logic in it but — " Sighing again, Bulma dropped her hands, gazing grimly at Nira's visage on the screen. "I'm not one hundred percent convinced, Nira."

Nira paused, considering Bulma's words. "My Queen, assuming your offer to visit still stands, I would very much like to witness this."

Bulma blinked, surprised by Nira's sudden change of heart. "Of course, Nira. You're always welcome. What changed your mind? You said you had to be at home for your daughter—oh. She's going to change, too. Of course."

Nira did not comment on Bulma's sudden realization. "I will bring Zenza, if that's acceptable."

Bulma, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Nira, nodded. "Of course. It's settled. I'll make sure clearances are in place. We'll face this together."

If Nira thought that closing statement peculiar, she gave no indication. "Thank you, my Queen. I'll make the necessary preparations."