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Chapter 33:
UNFORSEEN CONSEQUENCES?
Previously on Consumed by the past:
Gohan's powers were finally tested in the absorption chamber. The predictions and simulations were not far off but the boy still managed to exceed all expectations. By almost destroying the chamber and its surrounding, Soropo is used as a mean to pacify Gohan and keep him under control. He also had the chance to fight Zorgho who, in the end, was not a match for the boy, but did manage to induce some nasty cuts to his body.
A lot of time has passed since the incident in the special absorption chamber which, luckily, has been repaired and is back operational. Zorgho had recovered from her injuries and Gohan, well, he had now no choice but to take part in all additional tests, since he didn't want to get Soropo in trouble again. He kept replaying the events from the absorption chamber in his mind, constantly evaluating how Soropo's life was at stake.
"Not much has changed since Cell," he said to himself, while sitting on the bed, "Innocent lives seem to always be at stake around me," he continued.
"You can't keep saying that," somebody said from outside, "and why weren't you at the canteen for 3rd nutrition period?"
"I wasn't hungry, Soropo," the boy responded.
"It must be really bad if you say something like this. Don't concern yourself with me. When my time comes, I am prepared to accept it."
"Don't say that!" Gohan raised his voice and stood up, "The moment I saw your life at stake in the control room, I felt so powerless. I couldn't risk it. I… I shouldn't have made any friends here."
"I don't think you have a choice regarding that. You are not a heartless or an emotionless, ruthless person. You don't pick on the weak or subdue them into being your loyal servants. Despite all your power, which could be used for that or conquering planets, heck, even civilizations, you make friends because it is who you are, a warm, compassionate person. I might not know you for a long time, but have been able to determine all this from being around and with you. Your eyes don't have that killer instinct, unless, if you're backed up into a corner or when protecting someone close to you. Can't blame you for that, I would be the same, and probably 99 % of others as well."
"It sounds really simple when you say it," the boy answered while walking around.
"It does, doesn't it? You are not the only one with moral dilemmas. It is the same for me, to be honest. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be in this mess. Each time they take you for testing, I feel bad and blame myself. They are using me to force you to do stuff. I hate myself for that and I truly am sorry, Gohan."
"I know how you feel, but don't worry, it is as much my fault as it is yours. We are in this together, Soropo and I promise, when I find a way out of here, I am taking you with me."
"Nobody has escaped from here, so excuse me for having my doubts, but will gladly take your offer," Soropo smiled.
"Heh, I know, but there is always the first time. I am not staying her for much longer, it has already been, well, I don't know how many months, since I lost track a while ago."
Soropo scratched his head, "Don't know what "months" is, but yeah, you have been here for quite a while now."
"It's gonna be lockdown time, so you better go back to your cell. I feel better after this talk, thanks," the boy smiled.
"Same here. Well, see you tomorrow morning. Hope you sleep well," the Wanasan waved and left.
A short while later, all the cells were locked with force fields, indicating the period for sleeping and resting. Goku's son couldn't fall asleep since he kept thinking about Soropo's words and everything that had happened. Also, being stuck in here for so long, has really hindered his training habits. Doing tests is one thing, but doing proper training is a whole different matter. While thinking about this, he wondered how everyone was doing back on Earth. He missed Chichi, Vegeta, Bulma, Krillin, and everyone else dear to him. He missed Earth in general, the nature, water, animals, landscape, even the Sun's light and warmth. He was sick of all the artificial lighting, the smell of metallic walkways, concrete and everything else related to this complex. His dad was still pretty much occupying his mind more often than less. Has he reached Super Saiyan 2 yet or not? If yes, will he be able to couple it with the Kaioken? Knowing Goku, he can do anything he sets his mind to. His thoughts wandered further and stopped at Kyuuri. He hasn't seen her since he allowed her to escape in the "Demon" realm. Is she also training or going after Endou? Where could she be, where did she escape to? The last encounter kind of surprised Gohan, since he was clearly overpowering her without much trouble. What happened to Kyuuri after she was teleported from Namek and where was she sent to? Time was passing by quickly as he was thinking about all these things which can occupy his mind for quite a long time. With that, his eyes starting becoming heavier, finally giving weigh and taking Gohan in to the dream land.
. . . . .
As the demi-Saiyan is sleeping, somewhere on a planetoid, an extremely stubborn warrior is breaking her limits, both physical and mental. She had been training every single day, no matter how bruised, beat up, burnt, tired and anything in between. There have been occasions when Kyuuri thought her body would collapse, her muscles wouldn't obey her anymore, but managed to persevere with the help of Koshi's medical expertise. Sitting on the ground on the rocky planetoid, she was in the middle of her meditation. The extreme gravitational forces which kept rotating between pulling and pushing, seemed to not bother her at all anymore.
Suddenly, her eyes opened, breaking the meditation, "I am done. Any progress after this point is a waste of time and energy."
Saying that, she teleported back to the hideout where Koshi was busy with his own tactics against Endou's spells and power.
"Back so soon?" he was surprised when seeing the demon warrior return.
"I have finished my training."
"Well, I never thought I would hear you say this. So will you let me heal your wounds now? Completely?"
"I can't say no to that offer, my friend. Without you, all this training wouldn't have been possible."
"We have always worked pretty well together. Well, until Endou screwed us completely."
"Her time will come, remember that, Koshi. Have you been able to find any clues where she might be?" Kyuuri wanted to know while taking off her armor.
"Sadly, no. Some tips here and there, but nothing conclusive. It seems as if she just vanished or completely severed her connections," Koshi explained and started preparing the healing solution.
"Knowing Endou, she is probably either trying to perfect her powers or looking for ways to expand them. Luckily, she is physically weak and much slower than me, now that I have finished my training, but on the other hand, she always had plans to counter that."
Koshi started applying the healing solution on Kyuuri's body, "True, all true, but now that you can also teleport, even in short bursts, I think you can close the distance much easier. Sure, she can teleport away, but at least you can chase her. We will formulize a strategy based on that and, hopefully, on some of my counters as well."
"Which only leaves us worrying about the Staff and mind control. This is something we need to find a defense for. Which reminds me, how is Gohan doing since the chamber incident?"
"Obeying and participating in all of the tests. I kind of feel bad for the boy, to be honest, Kyuuri," Koshi responded with a bit serious voice.
"No honor in that, I agree. I reckon once he finds out that the Kaioshins did this to him, he will most likely never trust them again. Heck, he might even turn against them, which would be beneficial for us as well," Kyuuri smiled while looking at the ceiling.
"I am not sure about that, actually. I mean, from what we have learned about him, he will do everything to fix his mistakes, which also means helping the Kaioshins get Endou, and probably us as well."
"I don't think so, my friend. He had the chance to turn me over to them, but he didn't."
"You mean two chances? If this continues, you will owe him big time," Koshi smiled.
"That is not funny, Koshi, but you are right, despite our rivalry, he seems to abide by some code of honor, just like me."
"For now, I need to get you properly healed and refreshed which will take a few days at least. All this training on that planetoid has left a lot of marks on you. I recommend you get some much needed rest afterwards."
"By all means, you have tolerated my stubbornness until now, so it is time for me to listen to you, since you are a lot more experienced in healing."
. . . . .
Returning back to Wanasa Prime and the maximum security facility, Nosirp was talking to HQ via the secure communication channel. These calls were standard, but this one seems to be special since she was contacted late at night.
"I'm sorry to wake you up, warden, but this is of utmost importance," an official said.
"I understand, sir. It is not my first middle-of-the-night comm."
"Glad to hear that. I wanted to inform you that we are moving up the schedule and will be performing the live specimen test at your facility."
"By "live specimen", we are talking about the altered DNA soldiers?"
"Indeed, 3 subjects to be precise, the most promising ones."
"What kind of traits do they possess? What kind of tests? Indoor or outdoor?"
"Your curiosity has always been a virtue I admired in you, warden. I cannot say much, since this is higher than your security clearance, but I can say that we were extremely fortunate and were already able to integrate the DNA of our latest asset."
"I understand, but this sounds too good to be true, if I am being honest."
"Understandable, and it was the same surprise for us, but this has been achieved only on the mentioned 3 subjects with this specific DNA. According to our lead scientists, it seems that some Wanasans possess an unusual high compatibility factor, which, in combination with the DNA integration method, makes the whole process quite fast and successful. Same has been found with other subjects, but with different DNA, but looking at this generally, only around 1 % or less of tested subjects have this capability. For most of them, the DNA integration either failed, produced no meaningful results or caused mild to moderate body transformation with no benefits, except for aesthetics."
"Interesting, so how far these 3 have went with their tests, training and so on? If the super soldiers are to be topped, I am expecting some serious dedication and tests."
"None of them have used the serum, since it is too unpredictable at this stage, since we still don't have enough reliable data. Their physiology did change, for one quite dramatically, so he resembles our latest asset very much. Strength-wise, he has made really good progress in such a short time, but still far from the super soldiers. Imagine the result in a few dozen revolutions and once we perfect the DNA integration, we could have super soldier-like warriors with a lot more potential to go even higher."
"I admire the Wanasan technology and intelligence, but aren't we moving too fast? Have all possible scenarios been tested or simulated? I don't want my people to be in danger if something goes wrong," the warden commented.
"Nothing to worry about, they have been implanted with the same chips that you use, so each and everyone one can be incapacitated. We have run plenty of simulations and scenarios, so we are confident."
"Very well, when can I expect your visit to conduct tests? I assume you will want to conduct part of them in the absorption chamber?"
"Indeed we do, warden. Can't pass up on such marvelous engineering from your people. You can expect our arrival within several revolutions. More exact information will be transmitted at the appropriate time. For now, that is all, so go back to bed and get some sleep. HQ out."
The warden leaned back on her comfortable chair, "This sounds too good to be true. Either they are rushing or something smells fishy. How could have they already used his DNA and successfully integrated it? Either way, we need to be extra cautious."
Saying that, she switched off the screen and went back to bed, being mildly concerned.
The next day she asked Tset to visit her in the office, since important matters need to be discussed. As soon as he entered the room, closed the door and sat down, Nosirp started the debriefing.
"Thank you for coming so quickly, I have some important news to share. I know our relationship hasn't been the same since that incident with Gohan and Zorgho. With this, I am hoping to somehow remedy that. If anyone finds out I am telling you this, we will both be in serious trouble."
"I understand, warden. I have been doing a lot of thinking myself, and can't say that I blame you for being in this position. The Wanasan hierarchy can be unforgiving, especially in our line of business, so to speak. I would rather you not disclose any classified information to me, unless I have been authorized for it."
"Let's just say I am keeping you up-to-date with what will be happening around here. You are, of course, our lead scientist and should be informed about any experiments and tests that will be conducted here."
This got Tset's attention, "Interesting, go on…"
"Well, HQ wants to perform live specimen tests in this facility. Partially in the absorption chamber, and I assume out in the open as well. The subjects have been fused with obtained DNA already and, according to HQ, it has yielded great results. 3 subjects will be taking part in the test, since it seems these are the most promising ones."
"Hmmmm, can't say that I am surprised. To be honest, I have been expecting something like this, sooner or later. Have been in this business for a long time, so I know a lot of research is being done off record, only a few people knowing about it. What kind of DNA have these subjects been infused with?"
"From our latest prisoner," the warden was short and direct.
"What?! That's impossible. Far too soon!" the scientist was shocked, almost jumping out of the chair.
"I am thinking the same thing. Despite not being an expert in this field, like yourself, I believe HQ is hiding something or this has been rushed incredibly."
Tset took a few steps around the office, being very worried, "Or not."
"What do you mean?"
"There is a rumor, quite an old one, that there are one or two facilities which have achieved a breakthrough in the DNA integration process. This was never confirmed nor explained. Lots of my colleagues have heard about this, but no one could deny nor confirm it. If this rumor turns out to be true, than we could be witnessing a near final stage of this process. I assume they weren't satisfied with the serum research progress and invested more in DNA sequencing. Combining this with the serum, it can yield potent, or even very potent results, depending how well the serum reacts with the host's DNA and body."
"So you're saying we might be seeing a new generation of super soldiers?"
"Kind of, yes. Our super soldiers are really strong, but don't possess any special skills, except flying and some basic energy blasts. Comparing this to other races, which have practically perfected energy manipulation, it is basically nothing but brute force. These new subjects will most probably have other abilities. It is impossible to say how the DNA was integrated and to what extent the subjects will inherit the racial abilities."
"Whatever the case, I don't want to be caught off guard. Make sure we are ready and prepared for any possible scenario. Having those things in the facility is making me a bit uncomfortable. Luckily, according to HQ, they have been fitted with our chips, so they can be neutralized if anything unplanned happens."
"I share the same concern, warden. Will start preparing any contingency plans and informing my closest colleagues. This will be hard to hide from everyone."
"Understood. Just tell them we are preparing for a special test and HQ will be supervising it. I should have more information in a couple of revolutions, so we will be able to disclose more then."
As it was discussed, certain preparations were underway to prepare for any unexpected events during the upcoming test. Nobody knew about this except Tset and Nosirp. Everyone else was just told about a test, supervised by HQ. The whole thing was on a need-to-know basis. No questions asked and certainly no answers provided. The staff in this facility has always had the utmost trust in Nosirp. She didn't demand or force it from them, but it was earned through time. Her predecessor was more of an army person, wanting everything by the rules, strictly enforcing chain of command. Obey or be punished, was the motto. The staff was not motivated and they were afraid, so the quality of work and research here were at unsatisfactory levels, to say the least. Finally, the warden was removed from service and she was appointed. There was no other way but to start from scratch and lay a new, healthy foundation on which to build success, trust and cooperation. It took a while for Nosirp to establish this process and to make a name for herself. Chain of command is followed strictly, as her predecessor did, but good deeds and results are awarded. Opposite is not exactly tolerated and everyone is given a second chance, unless it is a big screw up. Anyone who is not suited to work here is immediately transferred, no questions asked, no second chances and no negotiations. As time went on, all the personnel began trusting Nosirp, started working better and producing high quality research and results. The facility was quickly known in the Wanasan Empire as one of the most efficient, advanced and with most potential. Needless to say, Nosirp started meeting interesting people, the "officials" as they are known – one of the highest positions in the Wanasan military and scientific departments. Her security clearance was increased, giving her access to other top-secret data and whatever else came with it.
Just like that, a couple of revolutions later, the facility's staff produced some contingency plans and made all the needed preparation for the upcoming tests. Security was tightened, prisoners were monitored more closely, especially the reders. External defenses have been optimized and additional staff allocated to the security department. And just as the official said, he contacted Nosirp in the evening, providing last-minute briefing.
"Nice to see you again, warden. As proposed, the subjects will be arriving tomorrow with some of our security forces and scientific personnel. Is everything prepared on your side?"
"Yes, sir. We have allocated more staff to these tests, tightened security and prepared a few contingency plans as well."
"Contingency plans? May I ask what for?" the official was a bit surprised.
"With all due respect, sir, this is my institution and my people. Important test or not, their safety is my top priority. I don't want to be caught off-guard by anything," Nosirp explained with a decisive tone.
"Hmmm, I guess I can't deny that. After all, your facility is one of the best in our Empire. Very well, do as you see fit, just don't forget who is running this show. A few officials will be coming as well to monitor and lead these experiments, along with our best scientists. No offense, of course."
"None taken, sir, I understand fully. We are prepared to welcome you on the docking port 2, which has been isolated from the others, to minimize any interactions and unexpected events. Once you land, you will have command."
"Speaking like a true Wanasan, warden. I sometimes envy your position."
"I am not sure I understand, sir," she was caught by surprise.
"Your people love and trust you. They see a leader in you, a person they can fully trust, no matter what. Unity is the integral part of your command in this facility, which is far from what I have on my position - absolute command and control, distrust, competing colleagues and much more. If everyone at HQ would learn something from you, we would prosper in such a different way. No politics, no personal interests, no backstabbing, just pure determination and improvement of the Wanasan Empire."
"I appreciate that, sir, but your position is a lot more demanding and not just running a facility. I can't imagine how I would deal with everything on that level."
"I think you would do just fine, warden, probably even better than most people, to be honest. But let us leave this discussion for another time. As agreed, will see you tomorrow early in the morning. Am looking forward to see you again. HQ out."
At the same time, it was the 3rd nutrition period at the canteen, where Gohan and Soropo were enjoying their food.
"Did you notice there are more guards everywhere?" Soropo asked, sitting next to Gohan.
"Yeah, I did, but I wonder why. Maybe we are getting a new reder or something?"
"Could be," Soropo replied and ate a few more spoons of his dinner, "but usually this is not the case. Even when you arrived, nothing changed, basically. Either this person must be stronger than you, or it is something else."
"Kinda hard to image they would capture somebody stronger than me," the boy replied.
"How did they catch you anyway? Surely if you can blow up a planet, you can get away from anyone," Soropo continued.
"Now that you mention it, I don't even know. One moment I am with the Kaioshins, and the other I wake up here, so something must have happened in between."
"Sounds like to me, these Kaioshins, or whatever, ditched you and sent you here."
"The Kaioshins are the Gods of creation and live on a special planet, just for them. They don't interfere with anything. Trust me, I am talking from experience."
"Ok, sure, but how do you explain waking up here? One period you are there and another here. Are you sure they didn't just send you here? I mean, how did they catch you anyway?"
"Hmmm, not sure either. The last thing I remember is Kibito mocking my dad, making me angry a lot. I powered up and that was it, nothing after that. Just blank memory until I woke up here. It wasn't Kibito or the East Kaioshin, I know that and there was nobody else around. I wouldn't be surprised if it were Kyuuri, or even Endou."
"Who's that?"
"Never mind, too much to explain. In short, some people that don't like me, and vice versa, especially Kyuuri."
"What's not to like about you? You are friendly, kind, warm-hearted and help people."
"I wish it were that simple, Soropo," the boy smiled, "Anyway, time to get back, it will be lockdown soon. See ya tomorrow as usual."
As the half-Saiyan made his way towards his cell, he was thinking about what Soropo had said earlier.
Is it possible that the Kaioshins actually DID send me here? Why did I even pass out? I remember having a bit of pain in my chest when I woke up here. Did something happen to me? Did someone knock me unconscious? If yes, who? I know I am on the same level as the Kaioshins, if not slightly above, so they couldn't have taken me out in one shot. Was it some secret technique or even magic? One thing's for sure, I need to find out the truth.
He didn't spend too much thinking about it in bed, since his first concern was getting out of here, somehow. That being said, he managed to fall asleep relatively easy and didn't wake up until the very next day when the security guards started switching their shifts, noisier than usual. Feeling a bit grumpy, he looked at the time and it was still quite a bit until the 1st nutrition period.
"Oh boy, it was a good sleep for a change, but still have some time to spare to stretch a bit," he said to himself while looking at the time.
He jumped out of his bed, used the toilet and refreshed himself with some water. After that, he started his usual morning stretch to get the body prepared for the day. Tset stopped conducting tests on him more than a few days ago, since he was too busy with some other scientific stuff, which made Gohan happy. The boy had enough of those since the very first one and didn't feel comfortable doing them. One the other hand, the tests were the only proper chance to actually train and exert himself, something he wasn't able to do with the regular training equipment in the recreational area. Out of nowhere, he sensed a familiar energy; very faint but no doubt it is near.
What is this? Three unusual Ki signatures, not too far from here. Very, very faint, and barely noticeable. Can't pinpoint them, but they feel familiar. They are unlike anything I have felt since I am here.
Several dozen levels above Gohan, the VIP visitors had started arriving. As agreed, docking port 2 was the landing zone, designated for the special project, involving the DNA altered Wanasans. After all the formalities had been done with, the officials presented their DNA research culmination.
"As you can see, Warden, all three of them resemble the Saiyan race, including their racial trait – the tail."
"Not sure if I should be shocked or surprised. What else is different on them?"
"As you can see, their bodies have more muscle mass, two of them having black hair, whereas one retained his original white color. Of course behavioral changes have occurred as well, but won't bore you with that. Apart from that, nothing else changed, they are still the same Wanasans, just augmented with this gift."
"Let's see what they can do in the absorption chamber, then we will perform some outdoor tests, as discussed," the warden replied.
"Agreed," answered the official and extended his arm, "please, lead the way, warden."
Everyone followed the warden into the facility, and after navigating through complex mazes of corridors and checkpoints, they made it to the famous absorption chamber.
"Get the subjects dressed into proper testing gear and prepare for the test," the warden ordered the staff.
When all the preparations were made, only the three test subjects remained in the chamber. The entrance gate was closed and sealed and the absorption field was activated.
"You will see how much progress we have made, warden. As already said, given more time, these hybrids could probably already transform like Gohan," the official said.
"I will believe it, when I see it, sir. Super Saiyan is not something that you can just learn easily, according to data about Gohan. Only three people with Saiyan genes from Earth can do it."
"But imagine how much stronger they could become. Super soldiers would become almost obsolete. Don't forget about the experimental E-4 serum as well, it could significantly boost their power, even if for a short period of time."
Warden crossed her arms on her chest, "All in due time, sir. Now, let's begin."
Tset nodded and grabbed the microphone, "Let's start by powering up. Each one will do it sequentially, so we can measure your power output. Subject 1, please begin."
That being said, the first DNA altered Wanasan tensed his muscles and started increasing his power. It took a few moments, but eventually he reached full power and a blue aura surrounded his body. The energy scanner started reading the output 20… 30… 40 and stopped at 41 revounits.
"Well, that was a bit… not sure how to put it," Tset scratched his head.
"Underwhelming, I know," Nosirp said, "but we need to know they have no ability to go Super Saiyan."
"Yet," the official added, "According to our prediction models, based on Gohan's data, Super Saiyan would boost his power to between 1600 and 2000 revounits. Let's see the other one."
Subject 2 did the same, no differently, except that the aura was more of light blue color. The scanner stopped at 46 revounits.
"This was better, so potentially between the 2000 and 2500 mark," Tset added.
Last one was Subject 3, supposedly the most promising of them all. As he powered up, his body was engulfed by a black aura, which was bigger and better defined, compared to other two subjects. Energy scanner increased to 55, but kept rising steadily, until it finally stopped at flat 60 revounits.
"That is most impressive," Tset smiled a bit, "so theoretically, Super Saiyan could boost his power between 2400 and 3000 revounits."
"Do we even have any scientific proof that they could transform?" Nosirp was thinking out loud.
"According to our top scientists in this field, they, in theory, should be able to, as long as there is sufficient number of Saiyan genes with this information in the DNA. What I have been told is that the compatibility between our and his DNA is extremely well in those three subjects, reaching nearly 138 compats."
"Just to clarify, warden," Tset jumped in, "anything above 130 is very good."
"Precisely, doctor. Furthermore, he attained it much sooner than his father, obviously, so we assume a Saiyan, or half-Saiyan, in this case, can pass the potential on to their offspring. Taking that into consideration, since Gohan can go Super Saiyan and beyond, it is assumed that his genes have this potential encoded now."
"So basically you are saying that it should be easier to reach Super Saiyan with each generation? As long as the genes have this potential encoded?" the warden was confused.
"We assume, yes. The only question now is, how to properly trigger this. Doctor?"
"Well, this is not the the only parameter without proper data," Tset scratched his head. "We don't know if the combination of our and his DNA can actually trigger this transformation, despite being very compatible. Also, it is not exactly known how the transformation is triggered. According to the boy, strong emotions are the trigger, but this is unique to each individual, but triggering them is the problematic part. They have to be genuine and powerful, like an outburst or exploding rage. Saiyans are known to be temperamental, but Gohan can have much more powerful outbursts, something we as Wanasans don't have by nature, at least far from that magnitude."
"We are this close to have the perfect soldiers, so failure is NOT an option, doctor. Do whatever it takes to reach the objective. My superiors demand results as soon as possible. Extract every bit of information from Gohan, metaphorically or physically. Once we have our own Super Saiyan soldiers, we won't need him anyway."
"Sir," Tset responded immediately, "isn't this going a bit too far? Gohan is here for his crimes against our people, but we have laws and regulations to abide by."
"I have my orders, doctor, and you have yours. Same goes for you, warden. This goes way above our laws. One sacrifice to keep billions of Wanasans across the Empire safe from invaders. Need I remind you of the war on our borders?"
"I agree, Tset, we need to be vigilant. We have been fighting on the west and north border for several rotations and it doesn't seem the war will end soon. We cannot afford to open new front lines anywhere else, otherwise our forces will be spread thin. We have almost been wiped out once, and it is just a matter of time before we relive the history again. We need the upper hand, and if Gohan can provide it, so be it. Lots of Wanasans lost their loved ones when the complex was blown up by him."
"It was restored back, warden. We still don't know how, but everyone is alive and well," Tset replied a bit angry."
"It doesn't change what he did, Tset. Nothing will change that."
"The warden is right, doctor. We CANNOT be caught off-guard. If the war ends badly for us, it will just be a matter of time before the Empire either collapses or is fragmented. For now, we need to proceed with the sparring test. Tell them to power down completely and wait for further instructions," the official explained.
At the same time, on the other side of the facility, Gohan' senses were going crazy.
"There's no doubt these energy signatures resemble mine, literally. This makes no sense. These persons, whoever they are, can control their Ki at will. First two are reasonably strong, but the last one seems to be the strongest. Are they doing tests with them? Is this why more guards have been posted in the hallways?"
Just when he was done talking to himself, the last energy signature vanished. He lost track of all three completely now.
"Great, now all of them just disappeared, one after another. This can't be some ordinary Saiyans; something doesn't feel right."
After sitting a few minutes on the bed and thinking, the energy signatures reappeared again on his senses, but this time, they were a lot more erratic.
"They are so erratic, it can only mean they are fighting. One definitely has the upper hand and the other two seem to be even."
He continued monitoring the situation for quite some time, trying to figure out what exactly is happening and who are these mysterious fighters. Several minutes later, he still had no answers, but a lot more questions. Not only that, but the energy signatures vanished from his senses and never returned, signaling that the fight was most probably over and the fighters powered down completely.
Back in the absorption chamber, the test was indeed over and the DNA altered Wanasans were escorted to another level in the complex. All the data has been properly recorded and already handed over to Tset's team of a thorough analysis. The official and the warden also made their way to the warden's office, to prepare for the next phase of testing.
"I think we can conclude that the tests were successful. The doctor will have a lot of data to analyze," the official said with a smile on his face.
"I agree, sir. If there is anyone who can solve this enigma, it is Tset. He is the best of the best."
"I really do hope so, warden. He seems to be have some issue with how we are handling this. It looks like he cares for the boy and wants to protect him."
"He is just fascinated by him and wants to learn as much as possible about him, just in his own way."
"Whatever the case, we need to move to the live fire exercise outside of the complex."
"Live fire, sir?" the warden asked surprised.
"If the subjects are indeed as strong as the instruments measure, then we need to test that properly. Correct me if I am wrong, but Gohan never had any issues with this facility's defenses."
"As far as I know, no, sir."
"Then going by that assumption, neither should the test subjects. We can't keep them doing these synthetic tests forever. We need to test them in action, in real situation."
"I am sure we can sacrifice a few ion cannons, missile launchers and a few other things for the good of our research," Nosirp replied.
"I am grateful for that, warden, but I didn't have that in mind, to be honest."
"You don't mean…"
"Of course, Gohan would be the perfect opponent. Let the test subjects fight him without restrictions and taste the real deal. We move them outside to the remote barren mountains, far from any settlements and inhabitants. We keep the boy suppressed to a certain limit, but give him the opportunity to fight back."
"With all due respect, sir, I agree we need new powerful soldiers, but letting them fight Gohan outside of this complex, is a very dangerous idea. Open environment significantly reduces our ability to control events and keeping the boy under tight security. The only insurance we have is the chip, which is still not 100 % guarantee. I'm afraid I cannot allow this test to take place, orders or not."
"You drive a hard bargain warden, even defying orders that were given by my superiors, but I am glad you think with your own head, unlike most people who take orders blindly. What do you propose then?"
"I propose a sparring match with our three super soldiers on the base, who would be willing for some serious training regime. I do agree the test subjects need to demonstrate their true power and abilities, so this is the best option we have without risking of anyone escaping or any unforeseen events. Also, the super soldiers are still stronger than them, so they will be more than a match."
"Very well, make all the needed preparations and as soon as possible while I contact HQ and inform of the changes," the official smiled and left the office.
About 40 periods later, everything had been set up and test subjects and three super soldiers were outside the complex, not far from it. A few squadrons of security guards were dispatched as well as a contingency plan, just in case. Once everything was prepared and properly secured, the warden signaled from inside the force field, which is protecting the complex, for the intense sparring session to begin. Tset and the official were also standing next to her, eagerly awaiting for this interesting matchup. All the test subjects powered up immediately and each engaged his own super soldier opponent. As the warden said, the super soldiers had no problems defending, on the contrary, they became more aggressive, forcing their opponents to step up their game.
"Their fighting style seems to be very specific and unlike anything I have ever seen during our tests," the official noticed.
"It appears it is a combination of their style and instinctive fighting. Now that they are against a really strong opponent, it seems they are adapting and trying new tactics. Number 3 is the strongest and is fending his opponent's attacks very well while others are struggling a bit," the warden added.
"Good, the more they struggle the more they will improve. Saiyans don't become strong without receiving countless injuries and overcoming their limits," the official replied.
It didn't take long until energy projectiles started flying all over the place. The battle was heating up as super soldiers increased the intensity in their never-ending assault, but the test subjects did the same. The high intensity battle continued for quite some time, all participants attacking, defending, fighting in air, on ground with no rest or pause. The altered Wanasans were becoming injured more and more and exhaustion was starting to show already.
"The test is over, all of you stand down! Super soldiers, you are needed on the northern border at the moment, so take the transport from docking port 1," the official commanded from afar.
"Why are we stopping the test?" Tset was baffled.
"There is no use of severely injuring them already on the first real test and our best soldiers are needed on the battlefront," the official answered and signaled the others to return to the facility.
"We have just received information that our enemy has launched another assault on the northern border, so we need the super soldiers to assist in defending," the warden confirmed.
"These wars are so senseless. Why do we keep pushing there? Why even start an expansion in that direction? We have plenty of space, literally, for our Empire," was Tset's response.
"That sector is rich in rare minerals which we desperately need for technology advancements. We can't let the Tauri grab it all for themselves. They have been expanding in that sector long before us. Had we known about those minerals before them, we would have taken the entire sector for ourselves," the official explained in depth.
"We should move indoors, sir, it is getting dark and soon it will get cold as well. This season is unusually colder than the last," the warden said.
"True, warden, even the weather is not what it used to be," the official smiled and looked at the test subjects, "You three join us as well, we need to patch you up."
There was no response from any of them. They seem to be looking at something in the far distance.
"Hey! I gave you an order. What are you looking at?" the official got angry.
None of them moved or said anything and just continued staring at something in the sky.
Notes:
Managed to finish another chapter which I am happy about. I know it can go a bit too deep and complicated with the Wanasan high tech stuff, but I really want to portray them as technologically advanced and compensating for the lack of their physical strength and power. Also, am a hard believer that Super Saiyan can only be attained by hard training and strong emotions, like it was in DBZ, unlike in DB Super, the famous tingle sensation. No a fan of that at all. Hope you enjoy the reading =).