CHAPTER 35

He landed on the steps of his small clinic, just outside of the underground passageways. He was one of the only Saiyans not secured by a collar, the reasoning that if he was to abandon his people, he would be abandoning everything he believed in. Metaphorically speaking, his collar was his profession, and he would never abandon any of them. He moved into the underground area usually bustling with the captive Saiyans performing their daily duties, but the streets and tunnels were empty. The walkways were muddy from the mix of dirt and rain pouring in from the top level of the compound seated directly over the slums of the Saiyans enslaved below. They had been ordered inside their bunks until further notice, which only made spreading the news that much more difficult. Their mandated curfew heightened their cause for concern…why was King Ginn forcing them inside?

His task was simple on paper, but it would not be simple to execute. He would have to spread word to the Saiyans underground that help had come, but they needed to be patient, they needed to remain inconspicuous, but they needed to remain vigilant. Gavis thought to himself as he closed the door to the infirmary leaving to the underground slums as quickly as possible—If I can tell just a few, and they can spread the word…I need to find Bardock…he'll be able to help spread the word expeditiously.

"HEY, YOU!"

Gavis froze in his tracks, and slowly turned to face his accuser. "GAVIS! WHY ARE YOU NOT IN THE INFIRMARY AS INSTRUCTED?" The Saiyan was a member of King Ginn's brute squad sent out to keep order, and maintain the 'peace' by removing any threat he seemed fit. Gavis was a Saiyan, but he was no fighter. He might be able to hold his own against most, but not against the warrior class—that's where Cortese came in handy. Slowly, and calmly, he turned around and held up his hands as an act of goodwill, "I am responding to the needs of our expectant mothers. Given the King's strict orders to ensure the healthy pregnancy of all expectant mothers, I am making sure this sudden retreat to their quarters coupled beside this nonstop rain does not induce unwanted stress on either mother or child."

It was one of the biggest lies that Gavis could come up with, but it was one of the most convincing. The birth rate had slowed dramatically since King Ginn's rise to power due of his tyrant reign. Women were ill-wanting to conceive, and bring in a new generation to be ruled by such a monster. But, a King needs servants, needs population, and needs slaves, so he ordered only certain women of childbearing age to 'get to it' with his followers so the newborn can serve under his rule as they grew. They neglected to use the term 'rape' in this instance, because no King would want to be associated with such a method for population growth. Instead, they were given a choice, conceive, or die. It was disgusting. It was vile. It was ruthless, but, it was about to come to an end provided Gavis & Bulma could pull it off.

The sentry looked at Gavis, and sneered, "…make it fast, doctor." He spun, and continued to patrol the area while Gavis closed his eyes thankful for such idiot guards. So dumb…but so useful. His mind drifted to his own Cortese—handy with a needle & thread, and a sword, but not too brilliant upstairs. He made his way to the first small barrack, and went inside to spread the news.

Meanwhile…

Her feet pattered softly on the steps outside the communications center for the airfield she was determined to infiltrate. The rain still poured down, albeit lighter than before, but still obscured the surrounding areas for anyone on the surface. She was planning to go alone, but Gavis introduced a faster alternative for her to complete her task.

"I will transport you. Cloak me, and I can get you as close to the compound without risk of being seen. This will shorten the time traveling exponentially, and increase the amount of time you will have to find what you are searching for." She didn't want to involve him, or put him at risk so close to the finish line, but he was determined to make sure she succeeded—he was determined to see Cortese again. "I guess I can't say no, can I?" He shook his head. "Let's go."

On top of the building sat a tower used for radio transmission, one that Bulma thought for sure she'd be able to pair with the device she'd configured to inactivate all the collars. It didn't take her long to reconfigure the King's device he'd left behind, it was a simple toggle that needed to be reversed, but now she needed to amplify it to ensure the signal got to each and every enslaved Saiyan. She moved through the building like a mouse with padded feet. She might not have the capability to be seen, but she could still be heard. If she was heard, that would only invite too much investigation, too many others, and the potential of blowing her cover would heighten.

The building was dark, quiet, and seemingly empty, but she knew that the King and his cronies were somewhere. The stench of old abandonment permeated the air. It must have been a long time that fresh air was ever introduced into the building. Floor by floor she made her way, until she entered a large room full of computers, devices, microphones, maps, and radios. This is it…this must be the radio tower. She maneuvered quietly through the seemingly abandoned room, and looked out the glass windows down to the airfield beneath her. Old ships lay in waste, unused in so long, grounded, and in need of maintenance. She scanned the area below for any signs of the King, or his posse, but saw nothing. The rain didn't help her make eyes on anything either.

The lightning lit up the dark grey sky as the thunder rumbled low and long across the whole compound. None of the ships looked even remotely in any shape to be used, which meant that there must have been a ship nestled away somewhere else, and it would be small given by the King's lack of informing the others about a potential visit from Frieza. Bulma furrowed her brow at his logic…or lack thereof. He didn't tell anyone else about the potential of a Frieza visit by now, either meaning he was all about self-preservation and leaving them to die, or, he figured out that she was indeed full of shit. Either way, her mission was still the same, but her mission would soon turn into a nightmare when she went to turn on power.

*click*

Nothing.

The building was dead. It may have been just this one particular building cut off from the rest of the airfield, or the entire airfield was dead. Bulma bit her lip…this was an outcome she knew might exist, but really, really hoped that turned out in her favor.

Son of a bitch…

Bulma pressed the break button on her radio signaling for Gavis to respond if he could, and thankfully, he was in a position that he was safe to do so. "I am here." She sighed, "There's no power here…do you know if there's a remote area to switch it on?" There was a silence over the radio for a brief period, but Gavis came on, "I am not sure. I am in the 8th housing barrack now. When I get to the 16th, there might be someone there that can answer your question…that barrack is where they house the 'technically savvy' men & women." Bulma sighed to herself, "How long will that take?"

"Not long. 20 minutes if I hurry."

Bulma looked out the window at the dark & drenched airfield, "How many barracks are there?"

The radio crackled on, "25…all which hold about 100 persons each." Bulma bit her lip…that sure was a lot of imprisoned Saiyans to inform. Hopefully he would have enough time before the cavalry came blasting through the south gate. Wow—about 2500 Saiyans…and yet they are captive by such a small number. Sad that the actions of such few can destroy the lives of so many. The rain began to pick up as she wandered about the room looking for any way that she could turn on the power, but it seemed futile. She needed to go back outside, and look there instead. She wanted to be proactive in the 20 minutes she needed to wait for Gavis to acquire that information. There was also no telling if he would come back with good news.

She made it down to the first floor as the lightning flashed through the windows illuminating the dusty furniture. She was not able to make it outside before two of King Ginn's goons came barreling in barely even giving her enough time to duck. She was cloaked, yet the reaction was natural for her to hide out of the intensity of her situation. The men went upstairs, but to exactly what room she didn't know.

Fuck…what are they doing here?

Slowly she turned off her radio—the last thing she needed was for Gavis to chirp in, and blow her cover. That sound would be a red flag to the Saiyans, and there's no telling if they'd even inquire to what made the noise before arbitrarily blasting away at the direction it came from. She crept back upstairs to trail the men, and it didn't take long for their purpose to come out.

"It is not here either."

Bulma peered through the open door as the men trashed the same radio room that she'd just left. What are they looking for? One of the men opened an old cabinet, and smiled, "I found it!" He pulled out a large object, square in shape with a few toggles and dials on the front. "Is the device still operational? It's been sitting here for years." The other Saiyan flipped a switch, and the device slowly powered on. "It needs a charge, but it will do for now." It began to ping softly as he spoke, "This will tell us whether or not there are any of Frieza's ships near the planet."

Bulma's eyes grew wide. Oh no…

It was a large remote scouter, and they were using it to confirm Bulma's assertion that Frieza was on his way.

She clenched her teeth together, No…no, no, no…not now…shit!

The scouter pinged softly as the Saiyan played with the dials, and then plugged it into the amplifier that Bulma had her eye set on. The device powered on the tower, emitting a signal through the atmosphere looking for any of Frieza's fleet.

*Ping…*

*…ping…*

*…ping…*

…and then reported what Bulma knew it would…

"AH HA! The little bitch was lying! Come…let's inform King Ginn the news that there is no Frieza fleet, and that we just have a conniving woman loose that's hiding by smoke and mirrors." The Saiyan turned off the scouter, unplugged it from the tower's amplifier, and placed it under his arm. "I'll head to barrack #16. I know there is someone there that can modify this scouter to track whatever devices she's using to evade us." The Saiyans took off in a hurry, and Bulma stood at the doorway clutching her hands to her sides. SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT!

She made sure she had a visual on the Saiyans as they left before switching on her radio & chirping up Gavis. "GAVIS! You there?!"

He returned her transmission, "I am. I'm at barrack 14—!" Bulma cut him off, "There's no time! Two Saiyans are on their way to #16 now, they're looking for someone who can alter a device in order to locate my whereabouts!" Gavis responded, "I'll head there now...6maybe I can slow them down…"

Bulma began to pace, "No…it won't be enough time…I need to act now…I can't wait any longer." She looked over at the room that housed all the radio equipment, and the tower she needed to access to get the signal out to deactivate the collars. "I—I'll have to jump it myself." Gavis was already on his way to barrack #15 to enlist the help of a trusted friend that could aid in informing the others. He made it to the doorway, and burst in startling all its residents, "Where's Bardock?!"

Vegeta paced in the ship's corridor as he waited rather impatiently for either Bulma or Gavis to chirp up on the radio. So far, it was silent, the only noise being made was the sound of the Saiyans prepping for battle. He head ached with the absurdity of the situation happening all around him at the moment. Bulma was in the compound, and he was out here waiting for her to give him the word to strike. Who the Hell does she think she is…ordering me…a warrior around like a trained dog? He paced back and forth unhappy with what fate had thrown at him this time around. Another major annoyance was that he actually listened to her. He chose to wait for her and Gavis. He chose to allow her to complete her self-appointed mission. But worst of all, this whole mess could have been avoided if he had only let her come with him to the ship. She would be in his care, she wouldn't have been captured, and the Saiyans would be at war right now. Except for him. He wasn't fighting this war for them, not now, and not ever.

I should have taken her to the ship hidden away for Noire when I had the chance.

There was little use for regrets now since what was done, was done. Vegeta was dead set on stuffing Bulma into that ship and sending her on her way, but he wanted to ensure the ship actually existed before exposing Bulma to any of King Ginn's goons if they were out patrolling. Without her suit to protect her, there was no guarantee that she would get out of any ensuing battle unscathed, which was a risk Vegeta was not willing to take. So here he was, angry, pissed, and impatiently waiting for her signal, when all he ever wanted to do was get her off this planet. He still didn't even know whether or not the ship King Vegeta informed him about even existed.

King Vegeta had everyone under assignment, and his blood pulsed with the call of war. Everyone bustled around getting ready for the oncoming battle, the victory, and the ensuing reunion among those they'd not seen in many years. He walked over to his son and stared at him intensely. There were lots of things that Vegeta did not like, and struggling through a conversation which he'd want no part of was high on that list.

King Vegeta crossed his arms loosely, "It is evident that you will not be engaging in this battle." Vegeta met his father's gaze, "My objective is to put as much distance between myself and this place as I possibly can." He turned to walk away, but not before King Vegeta laughed which only stopped Vegeta in his tracks, "What is so humorous to you?"

King Vegeta tilted his head, "We'll see what Bulma has to say about your plans, now, shall we?" Vegeta turned, and slowly walked towards his father. His stare was intense, and the rage flowing from Vegeta began to grow. Vegeta parted his lips to speak, but his words were robbed from him as the radio chirped on. He sneered at his missed chance to put his father in his place, but he had more important things to attend to now. He picked up the radio, and responded.

"Woman, this better be you."

The radio crackled to life, "No, Prince Vegeta…it is Gavis. There's been a problem." That was not what Vegeta expected to hear, and a lump formed in his throat when he heard Gavis report in. The King, as well as Cortese, Shirazi & Malbeca began to join around the radio. "Explain yourself at once!"

Gavis peered through the window of his infirmary as a large number of Saiyans loyal to the tyrant began to mobilize underground. With the enlisted aid of Bardock, the were able to inform all of the barracks of Bulma's plan. It was hard to convince them of the impending rebellion, but eventually they decided to give hope a shot. Gavis was able to make it to barrack #16, to warn them of the Saiyans on their way to build the device to locate Bulma. It was only moments after he entered, and spoke to the crowd that King Ginn's goons entered, and began to interrogate one of the Saiyans most knowledgeable with creating such a device they'd hoped for. He hid while he listened to the Saiyans speak with the one who could create such a device, and he held his breath as their conversation carried on.

"I am sorry, but without knowing exactly what type of technology this female is using, it will take me at least 30 minutes to get this device close to picking up any rogue signals." The 2 Saiyans were quite happy with his timeframe as 30 minutes seemed very quick. Little did they know that in under 20 minutes, their stupid device wouldn't mean shit. The others would come, and they would all be liberated, device or no device.

Gavis came back on the radio, "They know that there is no Frieza fleet, and they are actively looking for Bulma. They are working to procure a device that will scan for her whereabouts." Gavis swallowed hard. Like the physician he was, he wanted to convey all the information, not bits and pieces. Unfortunately, in times of war all you have to go by on are bits and pieces, and hope that the information is correct. "Bulma needs to power the amplifier for her plan to work, but the power is out. She will manually be transmitting the signal."

Vegeta looked up at Malbeca and Shirazi—their faces dripped with worry and concern. Eyeing them both he exclaimed, "What is it?!" Malbeca spoke to Vegeta, as well as to Cortese, Shirazi, the King and Queen, "Bulma's going to use what power she has left in her bracer…if she does…" She trailed off expecting them to pick up where she was headed with her statement. She was met with nervous stares hoping that she wasn't referring to what they all knew was the problem. Shirazi picked up for his sister, in a whisper, "…Bulma will have no defense. She'll be exposed."

Vegeta grabbed the radio and chirped in to Bulma. Come on damn it! She didn't respond. He chirped one more time, his hand holding the device so tightly that the plastic began to crack. A collective sigh was released when she came over the tiny speaker of the hand-held radio, "…I'm here…" She didn't get more than 2 words out before Vegeta began to hammer her over the open line, "Woman, get your ass out of there this instant!" Bulma came back over the radio, "I'm almost done wiring up the bracer to the amplifier, just 3 more minutes and I'll have those collars deactivated!"

Vegeta slammed his fist on the command center, his anger peaked, his patience long gone, and his teeth clenched, "THIS IS NOT YOUR WAR WOMAN. GET OUT OF THERE, OR I SWEAR TO EVERYTHING HOLY YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN!" He thought his threat would sway her, as did the others that stood and witnessed the Prince lose his shit for the sake of his female companion, but her resolve was strong. "Vegeta, I'm not leaving all these people at the hands of some asshole to blow up on a whim, not when I can stop it right here, and right now."

He wasn't one to think before speaking, especially when he was dealing with emotions he'd never had to convey before to anyone. He was frustrated that she'd put herself in danger for these people, and for what? They owed her nothing. They had been nothing but a thorn in his side since his time with Frieza. They didn't deserve to have such compassion from her, Hell, even he knew that he didn't deserve her compassion. But she was his, not theirs, and if she was going to expend any heartfelt emotions on anyone—it should be on him—not them. The words flew from his lips and into the radio for all around him to hear.

"WOMAN, BE AWARE WHAT YOU'RE CHOOSING, OR SO HELP ME I WON'T GIVE A DAMN IF YOU NEVER MAKE IT BACK!"

She could hear the despair in his voice she was causing him, but she was stuck between a rock and a hard place. If she left, she would be abandoning her morals right beside the Saiyans that would surely be murdered by the tyrant. If she stayed, she would be abandoning any and all progress she'd made with Vegeta. She was in a moral dilemma, and no matter what she chose to do, someone would be hurt, and she'd be hurt either way.

She came back over the radio, speaking softly, the pain could be heard in her own voice as she spoke her choice, "…Vegeta…I've come too far…"

That was not the right answer that Vegeta wanted to hear. She chose them over him, and this realization showed as he came back over the radio one last time.

"THEN GOOD RIDDANCE."

He threw the radio as hard as he could sending it sailing across the ship. Cortese had to duck to barely miss the projectile as it smashed into pieces against the wall, falling to the floor in tiny chunks. He turned and left the ship in a hurry, and with purpose. Because of Vegeta's careless destruction of their only radio communication with Gavis was also destroyed, so there was no telling what was going on at the compound anymore. It had only been 40 minutes that passed, but they had to mobilize. The King looked at those around him, "Our hand is forced now. We fight. Gather the others, and prepare to depart."

"Hello? Vegeta…anyone?" The radio clicked but only static came across from the other end. "Vegeta…? Please…?"

Static.

Siiiiiiiigh…

She hung her head in disappointment of how Vegeta reacted to her commitment to follow through for the Saiyans enslaved under the tyrant. Why can't he understand…I can't just let them die…

The only sound that echoed in the room was the rain battering the window, and the light sound of her breath as she exhaled with sadness. She knew she'd crossed a line with him, and she knew she wasn't making good on her promise to not interfere anymore. In her eyes, fate brought her here at this moment, in this place, and she needed to capitalize on the opportunity. That's how she has managed to maintain her own all these years with the Z fighters after all. She learned to take every opportunity and exploit it for all its worth, except now, she felt as if she exploited Vegeta, and annihilated the delicate foundation their inexplicable relationship was built upon. He told her to choose, and she did, but why couldn't he see it didn't have to be that way? It didn't have to be him vs. them.

She brought the radio back to her lips as she turned the channel back to Gavis choking back the emotion building in her throat.

"Are you there, Gavis?" He picked up immediately. "I am. What is your status?" Bulma set her bracer down on the control panel leading to the amplifier, "I am about to connect now. I have to use the battery in the radio, as well as a couple other parts to make it work, so this is my last transmission…" He heard in her voice that something was amiss, as if she sounded lost, "What is wrong?" Bulma sighed as Vegeta's words echoed in her head…

"…good riddance."

She made a few last connections, working as steadfast as she could, "No, I am fine…just concentrating is all." Gavis furrowed his brow, "As you say. What is your extraction plan?" Bulma blinked a bit then shook her head, "I haven't made one yet." She continued to tinker as her conversation with Gavis continued. She declined his aid, as his main priority would be to ensure the safety of the Saiyans, especially if any were injured during this new 'transition' process from the tyrant to King Vegeta. She knew a lot of people would be hurt, maybe even killed during the battle, and it was best that their physician was safe and secure. Gavis agreed to meet with Bardock, and when the collars came off they would start their rebellion as soon as King Vegeta's army breached the south gate. In his last transmission to Bulma, he spoke, "If this is the last we speak, know that I will be eternally grateful to you for what you will accomplish." Bulma stopped working at his words. The threat was very real here, and it was only in these past few moments that the reality of her situation was sinking in. There was no one to save her. No Goku, no Gohan, no Krillin, Yamcha or Piccolo…and now certainly no Vegeta. "Thank you Gavis. I am sure to see you when this is all over."

She turned off her radio, and dismantled it for its parts.

The lightning flashed, the thunder rolled, and the rain fell harder and harder. Bulma stood at the control center with her bracer hooked into the power port, the battery from her radio also lending its energy. The switch to disengage the collars was set next to everything, and it was time. Bulma knew as soon as she turned it on that her location would be exposed, and that King Ginn's men would come looking for her. All that mattered now was that she got those collars off, and the war would be won before it even started.

"Here we go."

She flipped on the power, and the amplifier came to life. She could hear the hum of the giant dish attached to the tower as she glanced to her bracer. It was losing power fast due to the energy demand that the amplifier required. She grabbed the remote, flipped the toggle to transmit the signal across the compound. It only lasted for 8 seconds, before all the power she had was drained, and the amplifier ceased working.

8 seconds…I hope that was long enough…dear Kami…I hope it worked.

Bulma would not know if her task was a success since her radio was now dead, and she had no way to contact anyone on the outside. What she did know was that she needed to leave, immediately, if she was going to escape being caught. She was a sitting duck now, and without her bracer to camouflage her from her adversaries, getting out unseen would be hard. She was sure that her capture only meant that she would be put to death immediately, so there was no more room for negotiations with the tyrant. There would be a bounty on her head, dead or alive. She made her way to the exit, down the stairs, and across the front of the building before hopping over a giant concrete divider before she heard the sounds of saiyans heading her way. She laid down flat against the barrier, hoping it would disguise her well enough from their attention, and prayed that the rain obscured her even more.

"This way. The tower was activated, she's got to be around here somewhere."

There were 6 Saiyans total that entered the building, and as the last one closed the door behind him, Bulma made her escape into the thick foliage behind her. She would survive as long as she could get back to the ship, and when she did—if Vegeta was there—she would attempt amends with him and go home. Maybe our worlds should have never crossed.

Vegeta on the other hand was in the sky and hauling ass to his original destination prior to his attendance on the command ship.

Why…why won't she ever listen!? I'm done playing these fucking games woman…done.

Vegeta's thoughts ran wild as he made his way to the location given by his father regarding the whereabouts of Noire's alleged getaway ship. King Vegeta gave him the location, because Vegeta deserved it, and so did Bulma. They deserved to leave, and never come back if that's what they wished. King Vegeta was given his Queen, and the chance to take back his throne. The least he could do was give his son, and his human counterpart whatever they asked for in return despite any oncoming circumstance. Vegeta could see the landing area on the distance, away from the airfield, and soon to be away from all these conflicting emotions running wild in his head, and his chest.

Stupid, stupid woman…always must play the hero to save the fucking world...fuck what I want.

Vegeta had arrived at the ship that was earmarked for Noire far away from the compound, and far away from the command ship. He was far away from the ensuing battle, and now even farther away from Bulma. He was soaking wet as he entered the ship apprehensively, his eyes and ears on alert for anyone that would be around or near the ship, guarding it, or watching for escapees. This settled ill with Vegeta. If the ship was a gift to Noire…wouldn't there be someone around to speak with her—debrief her—or something? He powered up his energy to evaporate the water from his body, and in seconds he was dry. He looked around at the insides of the ship, then sneered with aggravation.

It was junk.

The ship was a pile of shit. It didn't fly, and it never meant too. Vines were growing throughout the console, the glass was cracked, and the hull was bent in from someone blasting at it long ago. Seems that Noire would have been double-crossed by King Ginn after all, but too bad she didn't live for it to happen. Vegeta walked through the ship, as if in a daze. What was left of his pathetic life was crumbling down around him, and the stress was becoming too much for him. He leaned against the flight deck, his eyes squeezed tight, his fingers digging into the metal, and his shoulders tense from the magnitude of his internal despair placed upon them. All he wanted to do was leave, and go find somewhere…anywhere…to just go. He had no idea where, he just wanted off this planet, and back into space where it seemed everything made more sense to him. He would have the open vacuum of space to navigate, and most importantly, he would have Bulma at his side. He would have control, he would have his ship, and he would have her.

Except here he stood, angry and alone inside a broken ship that represented his life thus far. Always so close, yet so far away. Fate really had it out for him it seemed. His subconscious replayed the hurtful words he had said to her prior to his departure—that he didn't care—when in reality he cared more than he'd ever cared before. He stomach tightened at such words spoken to the only person that ever cared for him the way he was. Flawed, volatile, ruthless...and broken. It didn't matter to her. When he reunited with her in the cavern her eyes spoke volumes to him. She was worse for wear, but when she saw him she lit up with happiness. Even her own pain wasn't going to stop her affection for him, not now, and maybe not ever. But how would he ever know if he never gave it a chance?

The rain pattered the ship as he stood trying to collect himself. He knew he was almost out of control. He knew that at any moment he would snap, and he was correct, something did. Deep in his subconscious he found clarity in chaos. He inhaled deeply, then released it. He inhaled again, and once more let the breath go. He opened his eyes—his pupils adjusting to the low light inside the cabin.

Vegeta made a choice from his own free will.

I will have what I desire, and nothing—no one—will stop me this time.

He centered himself, and cracked his knuckles. For the first time in a long time, Vegeta set out to fulfill what he truly desired. Not what Frieza wanted, not what the Saiyans wanted, not what anyone else wanted at all. He wanted happiness even if it meant he had to get over himself to acquire it. He was standing in his own way, but not anymore. This was HIS time, HIS moment, and he needed to claim it. Fate need step out of the way because Vegeta was determined, and nothing can stand in the way of the most determined individual. He tightened his gloves, flexed his body, and took to the air towards the compound. It was likely that his father had begun the attack which meant he needed to act fast, precisely, and without haste. He would find Bulma, touch her face, kiss her lips, and find a way off this planet—together.

Gavis peered outside the first barrack as several of King Ginn's men headed out towards Bulma's location when they saw the tower over the amplifier light up for a short period of time. "The tower is on!" They sentries took off leaving the underground camp short on guards which would only make their escape that much easier provided Bulma's plan worked without a hitch. Gavis's eyes were wide with hope, until no sooner than the tower turned on, it turned off. It was only operational for shorter than a few breaths duration before going dark once more which ignited a bit of fear deep inside of him. He slowly turned to look at the others with panic and anticipation.

"…the tower is off now…"

The Saiyans took a collective breath in with worry that this new hope would turn out to be a false investment. Some stood with their hands clutched to their chests, others with their heads leaning against their loved one. The collars were still operational, and now all hope had diminished like the light that faded from the tower itself.

It was deathly quiet, and then the smallest of noises was made.

*click*

One by one, the collars began to click…

*click* *click* *click*

…one by one, the collars snapped open…

*snap* *snap* *snap*

…and one by one, each Saiyan brought their shaking hands up, and pulled the metal from their necks.

They held their prison in their hands, and their liberation was upon them. Gavis brought his hand to his mouth in a gasp of amazement and emotion.

"It worked. She did it."

They pulled the metal away from their bodies and balled them up into clumps of twisted trash. Gavis ran to the window to peer into the barracks surrounding the one he was in, and saw the same event unfolding. The Saiyans were pulling their collars from their throats, and trashing them like they'd dreamt of for years. They were free. This was proof to them that Gavis wasn't full of shit when he went to the barracks claiming that King Vegeta was on the planet. Most importantly, they were now free to fight alongside their true King, and restore pride to the Saiyan race. King Ginn would fall tonight, his regime would topple, and everything he touched to pervert would be destroyed.