Hello and welcome to Back then.
Hurray! Finally the first chapter is ready!
Let´s meet on planet Vegeta, six years before his destruction and spend the last years with Nappa, Raditz, Turles, Bardock and his Squad and in later Chapters little Prince Vegeta.
Learn how he became obsessed with the wish to become a Super Saiyan. How Nappa, Raditz and Turles survived the extinction and meet my OC Cauli.
I hope to bring you into a totally different adventure on planet Vegeta.
A couple of dates for you so you can check on them whenever you feel like.
704 Bardock is born
710 Nappa is born
711 Cauli is born
728 Radditz is born
729 The Saiyan extinct the Tuffles. Vegeta is crowned King
730 Freezer shows up
732 Vegeta is born
737 Kakarot and Broly are born. Planet Vegeta explodes.
Back then...
Stardate 731
Done. I'm totally exhausted and led myself sink into the spacepot dead tired. My mission on Planet X 389 has been way longer and energy-sapping than I've planned it. You could get the bad feeling that Freezer was getting tired of me. Sending me here, all by myself. I had to shake my head, thinking back on my first encounter with the species of this planet. My muscles are twitching and the hair in my neck stand on end. But after all, I've become stronger. Way stronger. And that alone was worth the entire struggle I went through. And the money. Freezer, I will suck every last Penny out of your pocket.
The instruments where covered with a thick layer of blood, but I didn't need to see them to know where the right buttons were. I was longing for the cool and dark corridors on Vegeta-sei. I checked the life support system and the measuring instruments for pulse and oxygen. Afterwards I connected the tubes for oxygen and liquid food, preparing myself for a one month trip back home. I hit one more button and as the gases spread inside the pot, I sank into a deep dreamless sleep...
Beep beep beep beep. Drowsy I drag my eyes to open. I hit the button again and the narcotic gases where pumped outside the pot. The monitor was blinking and as my eyes focus I could see a message has arrived, declared, highly important. I peeked outside the window and could see that I'm not yet on planet Vegeta, but I could already see the red aura of my home planet. And that was the thing that made me uneasy. Why would they send me a message when they knew I was almost home? Could just be a new order. A I-hate-it-so-bad-turn-around-and-be-gone-for-another-year-or-so-mission. I sight. Ignoring it was no option at all. So I opened it.
I direct order from King Vegeta. When I arrive at Vegeta-sei, I should come straight to him. No delay, no detour. And something about a wedding... Gosh!
I had a bad feeling about this. King Vegeta hasn't been King for a long period. But it took him quite a while to find a wife. Thank god, I was the younger one of two siblings. I had no interest in getting married or anything else anytime soon.
The spacepot came to a abrupt halt and dropt straight down in a stomach flipping manner. I hated it. The pot landed softly in the landing area and I was so happy to be on solid ground again. It only felt like a day out in space so I felt rested and strong. But I sure didn't look as breathtaking as I felt. I had to withdraw to my pot a couple of times, blood-soaked from my battles. And except for a short live-saving jump into the river to avoid a Ki-blast I´ve had no contact to water at all.
The airlock opened and before I could enjoy the warmth of the last rays of light a big shadow stood out in front of me.
"Why you of all Saiyans?"
"Because King Vegeta ordered me to pick you up so you won't delay."
"The way I look I won't be seeing Vegeta without a shower."
"King Vegeta."
"Ah Nappa. Don't be so fussy. Two years ago he was one of us. And you know that. Our fathers have been in the same squad."
"And this is exactly why they send me here. Because you are your father's daughter, Cauli."
"Good. So if you are aware of that fact then you know what my next step is going to be." I walked around him and headed for the building. It was so cool inside. A pure relief.
"Cauli where are you going?"
"I'll go see Freezer, get my paycheck, rip his head off for giving me this totally fu*%$# up mission, demand a better payment and then go to my apartment, get a shower and get dressed in a uniform that suits for this occasion."
"No way! That would take forever. We should be on our way by now."
"I'll hurry."
"Cauli! Please. Don't let me down. It is important that we go NOW."
I stopped, gave Nappa one of my looks and turned around. Fine. He'll have his way.
"So tell me. Who´s that cub that is following you on every step?" I looked back over my shoulder and down to Nappas feet.
"That is Raditz. He ascends from low-class warrior to elite, so I'll train him." I couldn't stop myself and burst out laughing.
"He'll be trained by you? Who gave you that order? You're a kid yourself."
"Watch your mouth Cauli. My rank is still higher than yours. So don't forget whom you´re talking to."
"Don´t be such a jerk. Come on Nappa. It's me. Cauli. I know that you can't stand kids. So what's the deal?" He stomped and snorted like an angry rhino.
"The King wants me to stay close as a guard. So no more missions and flying around for me. So he "promoted" me as an instructor. But don't laugh too early. I'm curious what he wants from you.
The bad feeling from earlier is back. I facing thousands of enemies was way better than that feeling. I took a second look at the boy, with his black shoulder long spiky hair, and his dark angry eyes. I couldn't stand his stare. Defiant. No respect.
I spun around and grabbed him at his armor, pulling him off his feet so he could look me in the eye on the same level. He should feel my antipathy against him. No Saiyan has ever switched from his rank. And I don't tolerate it.
"Who´s your father?"
"Bardock." That was Nappa answering for him. "He's four years old." I was full of anger. So the boy had someone to speak for him already?! Great! I put the boy back on his feet in the most rude way I could. He fell backwards and on his butt.
"I didn't talk to you." My eyes were even darker than my mood and I combined it all in one look that I gave Nappa. And it got even darken when I saw his grin.
"I know. I'm just wondering that you don't have to ask who that is. After all he is a low-class Saiyan." I turned from him and went on walking.
"What? Don't you want to know more?"
"Nappa shut up!"
" Why? Did I say something wrong?"
I slapped him so hard that it should be heard on planet X389, but with the problem that there was no one left to tell about it.
"No Nappa. Everything is fine."
We walked in silence for the rest of the way. We took several elevators to higher levels. And the closer we got the brighter and pompous the corridors got. More guards, better uniforms. At the end we didn't even have to walk. There where conveyor belts.
We came around the next corner. The ground was all red and the walls and ceiling where all over with gold fancywork. The door we had to wait in front of reached from the bottom to the ceiling and from wall to wall. There were a dozen guards outside. All dressed in brown and red armor with a dark blue cape. We kneeled and announced our arrival. The door opened and as we entered, everybody inside seemed to be busy. There were a lot of people and a lot of noise, but I couldn't see Vegeta anywhere.
"My guest has finally arrived. Everybody out!" That wasn't King Vegeta speaking but everybody followed the order and after a while there was no one left but Nappa, the boy and I. There was a loud yawn from the backside of the throne.
"Nappa. Thank you. You can go now. And take the boy with you." I could see that he was not pleased to take orders from a female voice but after a second of hesitation he did a small bow and turned to leave. He gave me one last concerned look and the door fell shut behind him. So I was on my own now.
"You should look at yourself Cauli. If I wouldn't have ordered you to come, I wouldn't have recognized you. Your hair looks a mess and your face even worse." My first look fell on the really shiny straight black hair. They weren't as curly as I remembered them and the eyes looked at me out of a new awareness. She was wearing a strapless purple body, white cuffs on her arms and legs, with black boots. I was confused.
"Caja?"
"Queen-to-be Caja." She pointed at the throne, or to be precise at the throne next to King Vegetas on which a black armor with shoulder pads and a white cape lay. The red family crest on the left chest. I was bluffed. And I had no idea when all of this had happened.
"Well, you could at least try to be happy for me."
"You know that I don't jig around." But to please her I did a small bow. "Why am I here? And please don't tell me that I should be babysitting like Nappa."
"You haven't changed at all. I'll be Queen and you still try to give me orders." I just raised my shoulders.
"You're still Caja, aren't you? And I just want to know who ordered me here and why. It is as simple as that."
" Ok ok. So let's quit this bubbling about old times and take the shortcut. Fine by me." She took her shoulders back. "It was me who ordered you here. And no, I don't want you to have the same business like Nappa." I wasn't relieved yet. And that was for a good reason. "I want you to be my personal bodyguard. 24/7. Vegeta doesn't want me protected by another man and he knows about your qualities as a warrior. So from next week on you'll be my guard." I didn't get it. What the... bullshit!
"That is bullshit you are talking right now. I am not a guard. The king knows... how did you say that? The king knows nothing about me! I haven't stayed for more than a few days in a row on plant Vegeta for the past two years. My job is to conquer and clear planets. And you don't need any kind of protection. Last time I saw you, was on planet Tarian facing hundrets of enemies and decapitating one after another with your bare hands. So if anybody doesn't need to be protected it would be you."
"Cauli I was not asking for a favor. That is an order from King Vegeta himself."
"Vegeta doesn't even remember me."
"He knows all data from your missions and I asked him too, so please come to me Cauli."
"Forget it!" I turned on my heel and headed for the door.
"Where do you think you are going?!
"TAKE A SHOWER!" I pushed the doors open with full force and was gone as they smashed into the wall, booming like thunder.
I expected a hit or anything to my back as I left. But nothing. Seems like her new blue blood had smoothened her temper. I also expected Nappa to be sneaking around outside, but he was nowhere to be seen till I reached Apartment # 5202.
I used my ID to unlock my door and with a soft whoosh the door slid open and vanished into the wall. Though the blinds where shut, the automatic light flickered to live. I went straight into the bathroom, stripped down and fired all my clothes into the dust bin. When I stepped into the shower the sensor controlled shower started automatic with the program I had recorded. All that blood and dirt and death have left several layers that had become like a second skin. So I rubbed my skin with a sponge till I felt piglet pink and drunk in soap bubbles. I cut my nails and hair, especially my way to long bangs. I looked at myself in the mirror for the first time in weeks. My skin color has become way darker and shinier. The sun on planet X389 burned like hell. Not half a day passed till the next sun rose. And with three suns, there was no dark or cool hour ever. My black hair has grown long, all the way down my spine. That was too long for my liking so I cut almost half of it. Now I felt like a reborn grown version of myself.
While I let my hair air-dry I searched my room for a headache pill. "Computer, messages." The computer answered in a comfortable female voice. "No new messages where left." Wow. I've been gone for months and no one cared about it. Fine by me. I rolled over my bed and pushed a spot on the opposite wall. It made click and with another whoosh the closet came out of the wall. I choose green hot pants, a green top and white body armor, gloves and boots. Also red cuffs for my arms to go with it. I combed my hair one more time before I put my Scouter on. If he wouldn´t have been my lifeline in so many situations I would have left him in my room. I've been wearing this thing day and night and I really can't stand it anymore.
Even when it meant to go a long way around I decided to walk through the catacombs of Vegeta-sei, to enjoy the cool air and silence. Almost no one ever came here and if you should meet someone after all, they mostly had nothing legal on their mind. But who was I to judge. That wasn't my job. I came past several low-class Saiyan and some of Freezers scum. Around the next corner I took the elevator which brought me all the way up to the 40th floor. The Guards eyed me with distrust as I walked by. Saiyans were not welcome here. But it was payday, so, who cares.
The door slid open and a first confused then angry looking Zarbon stood up from his chair at the conference table. I walked towards him. "You don't have to stand up I'll make this fast." I put a disc into the disc slot and a hologram appeared above the table. Showing pictures of my last mission.
"Planet X389 on October 25th 731. Population 2.8 billion. Today zero. Big Cities are intact between 70% and 80%. Technology Index 58. Pollution is low. Former market value 4.900.000. Current market value is 30.000.000. And...,"I made a dramatic gesture," after I made it in less than half the time, I charge 1.000 extra." I smiled pleased. I know I set myself less time to solve this, but after facing so many problems when I arrived, I'm ok with cracking Freezers time frame.
Zarbon looked at me like I was nuts or like he would jump at me any moment. I already was waiting for him to explode. After all the time I spend working for Freezer I was convinced that he hated our race the most. Him being so pavonine. He stretched his hand towards me. "ID." I put some pressure on it when I handed my ID over, so he won't forget my bonus. He put the ID in the slot and typed in 4.000. Enter.
"And now get the hell out of here! And mind your manners next time you show up. Or I'll forget mine."
"I didn't plan on staying any longer, you will have to do without my company." I waved as I walked out backwards. Puh. Done. As I was back on the street the day draws to an end. Only moments later it was pitch black outside. I considered to go and see Caja again, to tell her that I will never ever do that job, but Vegeta should be back by now and I didn't want to face him.
I went to the supermarket and took some food for takeaway. My stomach was aching already. But I didn't want to sit and eat between those drunk, rude, stinking low-class warriors.
As I reached my apartment I opened the windows and cleaned up. I was still to hyper from the day. At 00:47 I was in the bathroom getting ready for bed as it knocked. I got done with teeth brushing and walked through my dark room to open the door. "Who's there?" No answer, just another knocking. "I'll just ask one more time. Who's there?" "Would you just open that door," a low voice hissed. My heart skipped a beat. I combed my hair with my fingers nervously and looked down on me before I opened the door. The corridor was also pitch black, I couldn't see a thing. I heard the floor creak as weight was shifted in my direction and I felt two strong arms lifting me. I wrapped my legs around his waist and laid my hands on this neck.
I almost forgot how good men can taste. I ran my fingers through his cockscomb like hair as he put me down on my bed. I pulled him on top of me...
I could not find any rest that night so I got out of bed and dressed; leaving him fast asleep in my bed. There was only dim light in the corridors now and barely anyone out here at this early hour.
I went to go grab a bite at the airbase. If there wouldn't be an emergency arrival tonight, no pot should be landing at 3 am. I set by the window my eyes tired, my mind dizzy and I can't believe that I'm still up.
The cheese on those crunchy chips was steaming as the door slid open and a bunch of loud men entered the room. I rolled my eyes. That means that my private time was over. Not turning my head I tried to check who came in through the reflection on the window and almost chocked on a chip. On top of that the coughing sound caught the attention of the arrivals.
"Oh. Hey there little Miss. Why so alone in the middle of the night? Need some company?" I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, preparing myself for what was going to come and turned around on my chair, the most pleased smile on my face.
"Na Na Jeice. Is that how you welcome old friends?" Pushing the metallic chair aside I stood up. Taking some hair behind my ear I tried to look as comfortable as possible.
The surprised look on their faces only lasted for a second before they started their usual posing dance. Yelling, "The Ginyu Special Squadron at your service!"
Captain Ginyu was the first to give up his pose and great me. Taking my hand in his, bringing it to his lips, pushing a soft kiss at the back of my hand. Thank god I wore gloves.
"Cauli. Always a pleasure to see you. Nothing shines brighter than your beauty in the universe."
"Oh Ginyu, prince charming as always. But you overdo it. I´m not that pretty."
"No. No. No." He said it with some force in his voice, but behaved like a stubborn kid, shaking his head from side to side. "Even Jeice who thinks he´s the prettiest guy in the universe, attempted to risk a flirt." He winked at me. "And you´re a Saiyan. When that doesn't say it all..." he raised his shoulders, leaving the rest of the sentence in the air.
"So pretty, do you mind if we join you?" Of course I did.
The Ginyu Squad was by far the worst of all squads out there. On top of my hate list was Freezer, than Zarbon and Dodoria and on number three the Ginyu force. They were all the same. Freezers little pets. After we had to fight the Tuffles for ten full years and finally gained the Planet for ourselves we lost everything after a year. I was eight when the war started. Living on the east sector of planet Vegeta I was one of the first to join the rebellion. My whole childhood took place at the battlefield. It was fight or die every day. The bull-necked Nappa smashed into my live when I was fourteen. He was always good for a laugh. Although all Saiyans love to fight, he seemed to get the big pieces of the cake. You could hear him laugh in joy for miles. We teamed up and stayed together till we finally won the war. He was the muscles, I was the brain. I was never sure if he could just be friends with me, but after we've grown up together and other men stepped into my life, the subject never came up again. The first year after our victory was the golden year of our race. We started to use the Tuffles technology and conquered other planets. But it was only one year till we faced a new threat. Freezer and his men. Forcing the King to doom his people to be lifetime slaves to that psychopath. Masking it up as a win win partnership. But those of us who sometimes use their brain know that this is a lie. But we just keep acting our part. Just like I do now.
It was also Freezer who sorted us in two classes. Before, we were all warriors. We just wanted to fight and everyone gave his best to win the battle no matter how powerful he was. That Vegeta was crowned King didn't bother anyone. He was by far the strongest and he did the most to win that war, not to mention the final battle.
And now he was about to merry my sister. A big headache erupts in my head. Why my sister? Not that I wanted to become queen. I don't want to have anything to do with that royal stuff. But she's always been a princess, as far as Saiyan women are princesses. When it came to Caja she always felt special, which she was, when it came to our family. Our family kind of was special to everybody else. Our father was...
An enormous impact ripped me out of my thoughts. A purple fist has left a huge dint in the table.
"Guldo. I don't want to see you cheat on rock paper scissor again. You're out! And that means you missed your chance to sit on the other chair next to Cauli. Go sit on another table!" Letting his shoulders down the small green Guldo walked over to the table next to us.
"Ah ah ah. Further away." They kept playing that game three more times till Guldo gave up and took a seat at the table on the other side of the room.
The other three watched in silent amusement before they went back to their game.
"Rock Paper Scissor. Rock Paper Scissor. Rock Paper Scissor. Rock Paper Scissor!"
"Yes." screamed the giant Burter raising his fist to the ceiling. I had a hard time to not role my eyes in annoyance. A short time after, I found myself seated between giants. To my right Ginyu himself. To my left Burter, who was still smiling victoriously. On the opposite side of me the third placed Recoome and on the opposite side of his Captain, Jeice. They all looked very pleased with themselves. Expect for Guldo I guess. But I couldn't see him anymore; my company was just too big.
"Waiter! Five Fizzling Freezers." My mouth dropped open. It was still around three in the morning.
"You drink?" I gasped.
"You don't?" If Ginyu would have eyebrows I guess he would have raised one now.
"Sure. I... just... er... thought you might... er... have an assignment or soooo." Gosh. I'm stuttering. Great.
"Yes we have. But there is still plenty of time before we have to leave." The huge mugs were placed in front of us. I was about to take a sip when Burter gave me a hard punch with his elbow. Guess he meant to be soft, but I could swear I heard a rib crack.
"We first want to sing our praise to Lord Freezer." Disbelieving I almost slapped my forehead with my left free hand.
"Well then," started Ginyu," and a one, two, a one two three four." they sprung to their feet, the left hand on the hip, the mug in the right hand.
"Lord Freezer is the best. Yes! (All together)
Lord Freezer is the best. Yes! (All together)
He's cool (Burter)
He's handsome (Recoome)
He's generous (Jeice)
He's strong (Guldo from afar)
He's the wisest ammmooooooooong (Ginyu like an opera singer)
He knows how to pick a good fight. Right! (All together)
He knows how to pick a good fight. Right! (All together. Louder)
So thank you for our drink (All together)
Thank yooooouuuuuuuu! (Ginyu again)
Freezer ! (Burter)
Freezer ! (Recoome)
Freezer ! (Jeice)
Freezer ! (Guldo still from afar)
Freeeeeeeeeeezzzeeeeeeeeerrr! (Ginyu again. His voice hammering in my ear)
HO HO HO!" (All together)
While they were singing they kept tossing their mugs back and forth. Meeting with a click in the middle of the table. Every time Ginyu had a solo they raised the mug high above their heads, and started all over again.
If any other Saiyan sees me here, I'm doomed for sure. How embarrasing. Why oh why haven't I stood in bed. I could have snuggled up on him, count his muscles with my fingers, or anything else. Why was I here?
"So Cauli. How'd you like it?" I was in shock for a moment.
"Well. I don't know what to say. I haven't seen anything like that before." And that was the truth. Even if it wasn´t a compliment.
"All right men. We did it. All our hard training paid off. Burter take a note. We stick to this choreography and song. Take 46." They all nodded. "Let's drink!"
I would love to bump my head to the table a couple of times. I was a Saiyan. I was proud. How come I have to go through this? I downed my mug and felt the warmth of the alcohol spread inside my body. My head was dizzy but I couldn't stay any longer. I salute to the group and was on my feet. "Thank you for your company."
"You're leaving already?"
"Yes I have to. I have a very important appointment with King Vegeta and I should get some rest before." I already took a couple of steps towards the door.
"Jeice. Why are you still sitting? Escort the Lady to her room." The red skinned mutant was on his feet in no time and I couldn't hurry and say:" No no no. That is too much. Thank you very much. But I'll find my way. Captain you're far too kind. Good luck on your mission." I've reached the door. "Good night." And I was out of the door and sprinted around the next corner.
I didn't stop till I was in front of my door. Standing silent for another minute or so, I tried to hear if anybody was following me. As no sound was heard, I opened my door and sneaked in. I could hear him snort a little. After kicking off my boots and throwing my cloths in the corner I flipped back the blanked and trace my fingers across my sheets. He lay on his back spread across the whole bed, like always. I reached for his Oozaru tail, fondling it, to bring him to turn to me. He stretched with a small moan, indeed turning my way, wrapping his arms around me. "Go to sleep woman. No second round. I'm tired." he mumbled. I let go of his tail and wrap my arms around his waist, tangling our legs. The sound of his steady heartbeat lulled me to sleep.
The end of chapter one!
So how do you like it? I can´t wait for your reviews!
I promise there will be more action in the following chapters. The story will have some hopefully unforeseen twists and turns.
So be excited about the next chapter of Back then…
I found it funny to use a stardate at the beginning. When I was little I always used to watch Star Trek and couldn´t wait for the sentence to come
Hope to hear from you soon.
Yours VC18