Chapter 3: Ten Years Later
"This is a hard decision, King Vegeta. We must be very careful with the Cold Family." General Bardock voices his concern.
The King, the Prince, the General, and four representatives form the Saiyan council. The meeting takes place in the royal palace and the atmosphere is tense.
The representatives are Gourd: the Intergalactic Rep. The Saiyan oversees the Empire's political relations with other planets. Sage: He's the people's representative.
The King sits at his throne as usual while his son, the Prince, stands behind him with his arms across his chest. His usual stance annoys the elders but he is the Prince and the King's pride and glory. What bothers the elders is that the Prince thinks he is better than the council and can't even bring himself to sit amongst them, at least that's what some of them assume.
"I know General." The King cups his chin.
"Your majesty, if we ally ourselves with the Cold Empire, we will have peace." Gourd offers, he is the intergalactic representative, but once was the General of King Vegeta's father. But when the present King rose to the throne, the King appointed Bardock to be the General of the Saiyan warriors. Having being demoted to a politician, Gourd has allowed resentment to take over his warrior heart. The Prince despises the short and bald Saiyan. The Prince doesn't trust him and he is sure the old Saiyan has a hidden agenda. Why press upon the issue of the alliance with the Cold Empire?
"We might achieve peace but we have to think at what cost, Gourd. This is the Cold Empire we're talking about." General Bardock stays calm.
"Hmm, General Bardock is right Gourd. Son, what do you think?" The King asks his son who is still standing behind him at a stance that seems to be for protection.
"If we accept the alliance, we become part of the Cold Empire and we'll no longer be the Saiyan Empire."
Gourd slams his fists on the round table. "This is decision must be based on more than just pride!"
Vegeta takes a step forward; ready to confront Gourd head on but his father's hand stops him.
"Watch it Gourd. I will not tolerate insubordination." The King scolds the older Saiyan. The King looks at the angered face of his son and nods. The Prince steps back and returns to his previous posture.
"May I make a suggestion?" Sage, the eldest and wisest of the council speaks. He's been quiet for most of the time, observing the tense discussion. He is the only member of the council that is highly regarded even by the King and Prince. He is like a grandfather to the Prince. It is Sage that has and continues to teach the Saiyan Prince about their people, pride and honor. And for that the King is grateful.
"Please." The King says almost hopeful. He is growing tired of what seems to be an endless discussion.
"Let's consult the Oracles of planet Serge."
"Oracles?" Prince Vegeta asks honestly intrigued.
"Yes, my young Prince. Numerous Empires have consulted the Oracles of planet Serge over the years. The Oracles have the ability to see the future."
"Oracles? We don't have time for oracles your majesty." Gourd says.
"Settle down Gourd!" Sage raises his voice and catches everyone's attention. The Prince smirks at the old man's reaction.
"Your impatience is becoming rather annoying Gourd." The King says before he gestures for sage to continue.
"There is one Oracle that has been getting a lot of attention for her special abilities."
"What's so special about her?" The King asks.
"Most oracles see glimpses of the future but this one, she can access the future when she wants to." Sage continued. "The future is like a book for her, a book she can open whenever she feels like it."
"How do we get to this Oracle?"
"There, my young Prince lays the catch."
"There's always a catch." Vegeta says rolling his eyes.
/
"The Sergi depend on their Oracles to provide for them." Sage explains to the Prince and Kakarot as they walk to the departing deck.
"What do you mean?" Kakarot asks.
"Their planet is dead. The land doesn't provide and the Sergi buy their supplies from other planets. Where do you think they get the money?"
"From suckers like us." Vegeta answers.
Sage laugs at the Prince's response.
"Tell me something old man, why did you suggest consulting an oracle, you don't believe in such things." Vegeta asks.
"To buy time Vegeta, Gourd insists and I think he's up to something. I need to know what it is. If we delay this decision, he will grow desperate and will make a mistake. Besides I've always been curious about the Oracles, I hear that their abilities are quite impressive." Sage walks with his hands behind his back. "And I hear they are lovely creatures."
"What's up with these Oracles anyway?" Kakarot asks.
"There's a long story behind the Oracles." Sage responds with sadness in his voice. "A rather sad story."
The three Saiyans stopped in front of a ship. "Well have a safe trip you two." Sage says as he pats both Saiyans' back.
"Hey, wait a minute, what about the story?" Kakarot asks.
"That I will tell you some other time Kakarot." Sage smiles and pushes the young warriors forward.
"Kakarot!" Bardock yells as he stops in front of the ship.
"Father?" Kakarot asked.
"Here." Bardock hands Vegeta a brown bag. "The King sends this. He says that you are to consult the most expensive Oracle."
"Of course he did. See what you've done old man." Vegeta says to Sage.
Sage chuckles. "It's all going according to plan."
"What plan?" Vegeta yells to a retreating Sage.
"You'll find out soon enough." Sage waves to the young warriors as he continues to walk.
The Prince rolls his eyes and curses under his breath.
/
Vegeta stares at the stars from their ship lost in thought. Kakarot stuffs his face like always.
"Hey Vegeta, aren't you going to eat anything?" He asks while chewing.
Vegeta rolls his eyes. "Not hungry." He answers.
Kakarot stops stuffing his face and drops his spoon on the table. "Alright, what's on your mind?" Kakarot swallows his food. He knows Vegeta well and if he doesn't eat it's because something is bugging him.
"Gourd is getting on my nerves."
"What's new about that? He gets on everyone's nerves. I still can't understand why he wants an alliance with the Cold Empire." Kakarot says.
"I think he's planning to betray my father. But I need evidence. His seat at the council still gives him that privilege." Vegeta says as he walk toward Kakarot.
Kakarot expression becomes serious with concentration. The type of expression he gets when is about to engage into battle with a fierce and strong opponent. "Then we can't underestimate him and we must follow Sage's plan."
The Prince rolls his eyes before he says, "What plan?! We don't know what Sage's plan consists of!"
Kararot's expression remains. "Do you trust Sage?"
Vegeta smiles very subtly. To the untrained eye, it would go unnoticed. But not to Kakarot. He sees it. The have and will always have a brotherly bond that grows stronger with time and with every mission and battle they fight side by side.
Vegeta nods and Kakarot grins. "Okay then. Let's eat!"
