(See part 1 for disclaimers and other stuff)

******************


The young prince stormed into his father's chambers and stood before his father glowering, arms folded across his chest.

Why are you sending me to that no-account planet? Send some low-level warriors to handle it. The planet has four moons! One of them is bound to be full.

King Vejita raised some food to his lips, placed it into his mouth and chewed slowly. He looked up at his son's defiant face, carefully wiped his mouth, and ran his hand over his beard, flicking out some crumbs.

On the contrary. This situation takes a special...touch. The ruler of this world is getting powerful. Too powerful. We're not just adding this planet to our territory.

Prince Vejita dropped his arms but the scowl remained. You mean...

I mean you must assassinate King Cold, his entire house and his generals.

Slowly a smile pulled at the left corner of the prince's mouth.
King Vejita drained his goblet and rose to stand beside his son. He put a hand on his shoulder.

Someday you will be the ruler of our planet. Prove to me your worth as a leader. This campaign is more important than you can possibly realize.

The prince pulled himself up, his back ramrod straight. I will conquer this planet and kill the entire house of King Cold, father. They'll die by my own hand.

King Vejita smiled at his impetuous son.

You'll be taking as your generals Zarbon, Dodoria and Bardock. They will be allowed to assemble their own teams. They won't fail you.

Prince Vejita placed a fist over his heart and bowed.

And I won't fail you, either, father. The prince spun on his heel and strode from the room, the door sighing shut behind him.

The monarch frowned and went to the sprawling window that looked out over the teeming city. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath and let the sounds and smells invade his senses, his mind touching theirs. Pain, anger, defeat, triumph, dreams, joy — he felt them all, smelled them, tasted them. His people. Nothing else mattered. They will not even know how close they were to destruction. They must not know.

A soft chime announced visitors.



Dodoria, Zarbon and Bardock entered the room at once placing their fists over their hearts and bowing.

Dodoria said. You asked to see us.

Yes. Please come with me to the battle room. I have a problem for you to solve.

******

This is an easy task, sire, said Dodoria. With the royal household dead, taking the planet will be a simple matter.

Bardock was standing at ease, watching the holographic image of Planet Freezer spin slowly in the air. He had closed off his mind, but now around the edges, he felt a tickle. He squeezed his eyes shut for just a moment and sealed up the open spaces. Not now. Not when they were firming battle plans. This was his chance to prove himself. He opened his eyes to see all three men staring at him.

Your thoughts, Bardock, said the king.

Bardock hesitated a fraction too long and caught the look that passed between Dodoria and Zarbon. He frowned, remembering what the topic had been.

They won't go down without a fight and...

Dodoria snorted and Bardock wanted to hit the fat toad in his warty pink face.

...and it won't be such a simple mat—

The vision hit him like lightning, staggering him backwards. He flung out his arms.

Time and space flees, searing pain behind his eyes goes to white, knives in his skull. A face, purple and cold; another white, ruthless; mouths open in maniacal laughter, maws like caves, black and full of death. Colors blinding white purple pink green laughter hate anger black white white white. Death. Darkness. A tiny voice crying crying crying...

It lasted only a moment. He blinked. Sweat rolled down his face, splashed on his armor.

I...I'm sorry, sire.

If you're not well, general, perhaps you should spend some time in rejuve, and I'll give this assignment to another.

No, sire. I'm fine. Bardock bowed to the king. The monarch looked at him with
narrowed eyes.

Very well, he said. You have your assignments. Assemble your teams and meet tomorrow at sunrise. You'll leave immediately. Be ready.

As the men left, Bardock lingered behind, his steps somewhat shaky. For a moment he leaned against the wall, putting a hand to his head.

What's the matter, Bardock? Getting cold feet? Dodoria's face rose before him, the fat blue lips pulled back in a sneer. Or did that little trouble you had on Meet cause you some...alarm?

Bardock's head shot up and his black eyes snapped in anger.

Stay out of my way, Dodoria, he hissed. Or we can end this right here.

Behind Dodoria, Zarbon gave his delicate laugh. I think we can wait to settle this
after our mission is completed.

Yeah, after the mission, Dodoria said with a sneer. Then we'll see how high our little low-level has risen. The two men left, their laughter echoing off the walls.

*****

Bardock charged into their home.

Bardock! Shhh! What's the matter? Fasha came out of the kitchen, drying her hands on a towel. She took one look at Bardock's ashen face and then pulled him to a chair. She knelt before him placing her hands on his knees.

Was it a bad one? she said quietly.

He nodded miserably. Right in front of the king and his henchmen. Bardock put his face in his hands and rubbed. You need to take Kakarot and leave.



I said you have to leave! he roared, balling up his fists.

Bardock, stop that screaming this instant! Fasha cried. You're scaring me. She held her breath as a whimper came from the nursery. Then it was still again.

I'm sorry, he whispered. This vision...something is going to happen to Kakarot. You have to take him and hide. There's this place by the Maize Sea. An old camp that's not used anymore. Take plenty of food and clothing and go tomorrow right after I leave. You must be careful not to be seen. Can you do this?

Bardock, how many campaigns have we fought together?

Of course. You must get ready. I need to assemble my team, Torah and Borgos and Shugesh. We leave at sunrise. Once we're in the air, you must go.

Fasha put her head on his knees. When she looked up at him again he was gazing at her with an anguished look. I love you, she said.

He took her hands and leaned down to press his lips against hers. I love you, too, Fasha, he whispered. Tell Kakarot when he's older that I loved him.

(more parts!)