Reprogrammed

The Namekians' Request

Trunks piloted the ship, bringing it in for a landing. He found a nice flat area devoid of any inhabitants, animal or otherwise. Upon landing, 18 was the first to exit the ship, looking around the new planet curiously.

"Seems similar to Earth." She commented. She glanced up at the sky. "Well, except for the green sky. You know, it's strange, I never would have imagined going to another planet."

"It's not that big of a deal for me." Trunks told her. "After traveling back in time, going to another planet just doesn't seem as thrilling."

"Whatever. So where do you suppose the Dragon Balls are?" She glanced into the horizon. "I sense a really powerful source of energy over there. Maybe we should check it out; whoever it is might have a Dragon Ball."

Trunks turned on the dragon radar. "Hmm, it does say there's one in that direction, but there's another one closer this way. Lets stop there first."

18 shrugged. "Doesn't really matter to me. You know, I'm actually rather excited about seeing the eternal dragon. You've seen it before, haven't you?"

"The earth's dragon, yes. Not the Namekian one. Mom said he's different from Shenron. She also said he was kind of cute."

18 raised an eyebrow. "Kind of cute? Somehow I can't see a giant alien dragon as being cute."

"I admit, when it comes to Mom's taste, we do have different opinions. But regardless of what he looks like, he's the only one that can help us. So, you ready to go?"

18 took to the sky. "Waiting on you."

With the dragon radar as a guide, Trunks and 18 headed for the closet Dragon Ball. It was several miles away from where they landed, but they reached the location in a matter of minutes. Soon they were hovering over a small village, inhabited by several green-skinned, pointy-eared people.

As they landed, several tough looking Nameks came forward, taking on fighting stances. "Who are you?" one of them demanded. "Why have you come to our village?"

18 glanced at Trunks. "I thought your mother said they were friendly. They sure don't look friendly."

"Let me handle this." Holding up his hands, Trunks cautiously approached the Namekians. "We mean you no harm. We're visitors from planet Earth."

The expressions on the Nameks' faces changed from hostile to surprise. "Earth? You're from Earth?"

Trunks nodded. "Yes, my name is Trunks Brief. I believe you know my mother, Bulma Brief."

"You're her son?" asked another Namek.

"Yes, and we've come to you for help."

"Stand down, all of you." came an elderly voice. An older Namek stepped forward from the crowd, brushing past the hostile Nameks. "The people of Earth are our friends. Bulma especially. We owe a great deal of gratitude to her and her people." He turned to Trunks and gave him a smile. "You must forgive them for their behavior. They are merely being cautious."

Trunks just waved it off. "Perfectly understandable."

The old Namekian stepped forward and shook Trunks' hand. "So, you're the son of Bulma. I must say that it is an honor to meet you. I am the elder. My name is Moori."

Trunks smiled at the familiar name. "Yes, my mother told me about you. It's good to finally meet you."

"You as well, my son." He glanced at 18. "And who's your companion?"

"Huh? Oh, that's 18."

The android pointed an accusing finger at the old Namek. "Don't even think about making fun of my name."