Ch 12
Lord Vegeta, the voice said from the doorway.
Vegeta sat up, the heavy velvet coverlet falling from his bare chest as he sat upright, glaring at the intruder from underneath his unruly tower of hair. What is it? he snapped, annoyed that he hadn't awakened up at the attendant's approach. What sort of warrior was he if the loud footsteps of exoskeleton against marble didn't wake him up?
Sir, there's been reports of foreign objects in the upper atmosphere. The readings are supposedly similar to those you and Master Zarbon registered upon your initial descent to the planet, the attendant continued, blinking its red eyes anxiously.
Vegeta cursed under his breath as he threw the covers off of him, scanning the room for some clothing. Remembering that his old bodysuit had been discarded, he scanned the room for something suitable to wear, only to realize that the Arlians had no real need for clothing. He grabbed the sheet off the bed and wrapped it around his naked body hastily, striding out of the room past the attendant and into the antechamber. Where's Zarbon? he shouted, his voice echoing off the tall marble walls. Arlians turned and looked at him in astonishment, a few females dressed in a gauzy material scurrying to and fro at his appearance. Are you all deaf? Vegeta screeched. Fetch Zarbon NOW! He stood in the center of the room and scowled as several Arlians scurried to do his bidding. Was everyone in the universe a total idiot? Just because he was allowing them their own system of government didn't mean he was going to be a gentle ruler.
He had been standing there for a few minutes when Zarbon dashed into the room, dressed in his old clothes, which looked to be freshly laundered, and hastily braiding his hair. What is it, Vegeta? he said anxiously as he entered. What's the matter?
Vegeta scowled. Where in the hell were you? he spat, arms crossed over his bare chest.
Zarbon stopped in front of the Saiyan. I was in my quarters, sleeping. What's the matter?
I expect you to be accessible to me at all times, Vegeta snarled, and Zarbon opened his mouth to protest. Vegeta's scowl deepened and he interrupted Zarbon's thoughts. As my man you would do well to remember that I may end your life whenever I please, Vegeta continued, eyes ablaze with anger. And that goes for the rest of you, as well! he spat at the Arlians that were still running around frantically.
Zarbon felt blood rise to his cheeks in indignation, but didn't reply in anger, merely lowering himself on one knee and bowing his head. Vegeta, tell me what has happened to put you in such a mood so I may assist you.
I don't need your stupid help, Vegeta snapped without thinking. Zarbon raised an eyebrow in response. Vegeta swallowed, trying to hide his embarrassment. I merely wanted to inform you that we have Freeza's scouts landing in fifteen minutes, if they keep their rate of descent the same that ours was.
And that's all? Zarbon asked, raising his head to look at Vegeta.
Vegeta's black eyes shot around the room. Oh yes, and find me some clothes to wear. I can't dispose of Freeza's men naked, you know. I might get blood on me, he said arrogantly.
Zarbon looked around at the gaping Arlians. Clothes may be difficult to come by, sir, he muttered.
I don't care, Vegeta replied peevishly. Just get them to me in fifteen minutes.
Zarbon stood and bowed. As you wish, he said from between clenched teeth, and strode out of the room.
He returned fifteen minutes later with a set of loose clothes, sauntering into Vegeta's chambers unannounced and placing them on the bed next to the seething prince. Vegeta turned and fingered the lightweight fabric with distaste. What in the hell is this? he said, looking up at Zarbon's irritated expression.
The Arlians don't really wear clothing, if you didn't notice, Zarbon said testily. I had to borrow one of the maid's costumes. Apparently she's in some sort of rudimentary theater group.
Vegeta picked up the clothes, examining them. There was a pair of loose, baggy trousers and a fairly close-fitting tunic, all of the same black, stretchy fabric. You expect me to wear some female bug's clothing? he said, obviously offended.
Zarbon shrugged, smiling sardonically. If you don't want to go naked, then yes, I do, he replied coolly. Vegeta snarled up into his face and stood, dropping the sheet and stepping into the clothing. Zarbon cocked his head to the side, examining the figure the prince cut in the new clothes. Vegeta actually looked quite good in them, the tight black shirt elongating his stocky frame and the baggy pants slimming down his bulky musculature. You actually look almost regal, Zarbon commented out loud, earning a hostile stare as he held out the red cloak. Now put this on so we can get going. We don't want the scouts finding anything out to report to Freeza.
Vegeta fastened the cloak around his shoulders and smiled. Don't worry. You're staying here, he said.
Zarbon cried, eyes wide and a hand rising to his collarbones. Are you insane?
Vegeta turned to Zarbon, his cape snapping with the sudden movement. If you go there's a possibility that Freeza would find out, and that would be contrary to everything I've worked for. If you don't go there's no way that Freeza would think you're still alive, and he won't come after your skin. Now are you satisfied, you fool? Vegeta said impatiently.
Zarbon scowled at the insult but nodded anyway. I suppose you're right, but what do you plan to do?
Vegeta smiled, but the expression held no humor. I'm going to destroy their scouters, kill them, steal their spaceships, and take their clothing. Then I'll return, and tomorrow we can get off this damnable dust ball.
Zarbon swallowed his misgivings. Vegeta was a trained warrior and more than able to handle himself. Very well, Vegeta, I shall see you when you return, he said, and watched the Prince stride barefoot through the door.
Vegeta was still barefoot when he stood in the rocks, waiting for the pods to land. The Arlians didn't have much in the way of technology, but what they did have was highly developed, such as the ki-piercing weaponry and their systems of communication. They possessed land-based surveillance that could penetrate the atmosphere and monitor the immediate outer space while also being connected to a wide-range system of radio communication for the planet's surface. It was in this manner that the pods had been detected and the information relayed to Vegeta almost instantaneously, and he smiled to himself as he heard the tearing of the air as the pods crashed to the earth. He had the feeling that the scouts were in for an even more unpleasant surprise than Vegeta, Zarbon, and the two other Saiyans had encountered some time before. Aim for the devices on their heads, Vegeta whispered to the commander next to him, and the message was relayed through the entire squad hidden in the rocks. The sound of the pods came ever closer, and Vegeta found himself anticipating the confrontation with pleasure.
The pods touched down mere moments later, the doors opening slowly as the scouts got out. Vegeta held up a hand to signal his troops to hold their fire while he watched the scouts move around cautiously. There were five of them, and Vegeta smirked at Freeza's caution, although he couldn't really blame him. After all, Rihon 8 had already swallowed up several crews, including, supposedly, three Saiyans and Freeza's best officer. Freeza had very good reasons to be cautious, although Vegeta was willing to wager that these scouts were merely sacrifices for any information they might obtain. He watched the scouts peer around for a few moments longer, and when the first one reached up to his scouter to see if anything registered Vegeta dropped his hand. Five beams materialized from the rocks and vaporized the scouters, Vegeta silently applauding the Arlians' flawless aim. He watched the expressions of horror and shock play over the scouts' faces and began to laugh out loud. Freeza's men immediately honed in on his position, and he decided it was time to show himself.
He floated up slowly from the crevice he was in, his red cape billowing in the wind, and glided over to stand in front of the scouts. His bare feet gently made contact with the soil and he stood before them, arms crossed defiantly over his chest. What's the matter, boys? he mocked. You look like you've seen a ghost.
one of the soldiers croaked. We'd heard you perished!
Vegeta laughed, the sound as cold and humorless as an arctic wind. Still believing rumors at your age! he chortled, turning over his hand as if to examine his fingernails. No matter, he continued. What are you doing here?
The leader swallowed, the sound hollow in his throat. Freeza wanted us to see exactly why you all perished. We were supposed to bring back any remains we could find, he replied.
Vegeta's perpetual scowl deepened. That's all he said? he demanded, voice becoming quiet.
the leader stammered, his hands beginning to shake.
Then you've just outlived your usefulness to everyone, Vegeta replied, and darted forward, catching the soldier's face in his hand. The man screamed and tried to twist away, but Vegeta bared his teeth and squeezed as hard as he could. Bone began to give way beneath his grip, and he let loose a beam of energy, completely vaporizing the soldier's head. The body dropped to the ground, the skin of the neck cauterized, and the other scouts backed away in horror. Shoot them in the head, Vegeta said loudly, and the scouts gasped as more than thirty Arlians came out of the rocks. I don't want you ruining any of their equipment, understand? The remaining scouts screamed in terror and scattered, trying to flee, but were each gunned down by the expert Arlian marksmanship.
Vegeta snorted in disgust as he nudged one of the bodies with his toe. Things were all starting to fall into place. He now had equipment, and soon he could conquer other planets as well. Freeza was also unlikely to waste more scouts on Arlia after this unhappy incident. Yes, everything was working out quite well. Get the pods and the carcasses back to the palace, he ordered, and began his flight back to the capital.
How did it go? Zarbon asked Vegeta as he stormed through the front gate of the palace, his cape whipping behind him. Vegeta looked to the side as he walked past him, his mouth touched with the slightest of smiles. Zarbon sighed and turned to follow the Saiyan. What did you do, Vegeta? he asked tiredly.
Vegeta snorted as he strode into the main hallway of his new palace. He stopped in the center of the marble floor, looking around proudly at his new surroundings. The ceilings were high and vaulted, made of a strange golden yellow stone. He turned in a circle as he observed the hall, his bare feet making no noise on the cool floor. I just destroyed them, Zarbon, as easily as breathing. It was my first taste of the destruction of Freeza's empire, he said wickedly, flashing a black, hungry stare at Zarbon.
Did you say anything? Zarbon asked, his nerves jangling as he remembered how rash Vegeta could be when angered.
Vegeta raised and eyebrow. Of course, he replied coolly, but not until after their scouters were destroyed.
Zarbon let out a deep breath of relief. Thank goodness. All you need now is for Freeza to know what you're up to, he said.
Vegeta turned to him, the cold smile creeping across his face again. And I killed all of them cleanly. That mean's we'll have fresh armor and ships. We can begin our conquests, he said with evil glee. Freeza sent five. He was serious, he added, and turned away from Zarbon.
Zarbon watched the prince walk out of the room, knowing that Vegeta would fully expect to leave for the next planet for conquest upon the morrow. Zarbon scowled as he thought that it was far too early to leave a newly-conquered planet, especially one that had never known extraterrestrial domination before. He knew that Atlia would be a great help, since the vast majority seemed to want him for a leader anyway, but he also understood that Vegeta's control was tenuous at best. He scowled to himself, his fine green eyebrows plunging in his worry, and looked about to see what sort of personnel the hall was staffed with. He saw several Arlians wearing sashes that marked them as pages, and so he held up a newly-manicured hand and gestured one to come to his side. The page rushed over eagerly, and Zarbon managed a warm smile, even though every time he looked at an Arlian it disgusted him. He absolutely hated bugs. My good fellow, would you be so kind as to inform Atlia that I wish to see him in my office at his earliest convenience? he asked the bug. The Arlian nodded and began to scurry away, but Zarbon reached out and snatched its arm, stifling a grimace as he did so. And let me know when the defeated scouts' supplies arrive as well, he added, pressing a coin into the page's hand. The page made a noise that Zarbon assumed was a phrase of thanks and hurried off. Zarbon sighed, fingering his scuffed breastplate, and wandered off to his office, wondering if any of the dead scouts were wearing armor in his size.
Zarbon was sitting at the desk with his heels resting up on the surface when Atlia walked in, dressed regally in a black and silver cloak with a silver and red sash draped across his chest. You wished to see me? Atlia said, gravelly voice businesslike.
Zarbon motioned for him to sit and repositioned himself in a more dignified manner. You look far different than when I first saw you in the dungeon, Zarbon mused, tapping a green-nailed finger on his cheek.
You appear better yourself, sir, Atlia replied. Seeing as how I am anxious to return to my duties to the Arlian people, I request that your lordship make this brief.
Zarbon shifted in his chair, liking the Arlian's directness. It seemed that Atlia would make an honest and just leader, which would help Vegeta's cause greatly if Atlia stayed loyal. Very well, Atlia, Zarbon replied. We owe you much, so I will do what's in my power to grant your request. As you well know, Lord Vegeta has just defeated five scouts Freeza sent to check on the status of this planet. This is good for several reasons. Firstly, it saves your planet from Freeza's onslaught. It has sent Freeza the message that Vegeta and myself are dead, and that Arlia is far too dangerous to interfere with at the moment. So it would seem that Vegeta has done right by you, he said, lifting his eyebrow as his amber eyes studied Atlia.
Yes, sir, I understand your meaning, the Arlian said, and nodded to Zarbon to continue.
Zarbon smiled a little and cleared his throat. Good. The second reason that the scouts' arrival and defeat was beneficial is that now Vegeta and I have the means to leave this planet and begin expansion of the empire. We would like to leave the rest of the supplies in your personal care and supervision. Don't worry about manufacturing vessels for space travel at the moment. What I need you to think about is how to ensure Vegeta's control of this planet while we're gone. I personally feel that it is far too soon to leave Arlia, for Vegeta hasn't really made his presence felt yet, and I don't know how many of your people understand that he is the reason for your liberation from tyranny, past and future. Now, how can you assure me that when we return we will still find the Arlians loyal, and therefore not be forced to destroy you? Zarbon said, licking the corner of his mouth.
Atlia sat still for a moment, seeming to consider Zarbon's question. I want you to know that I will forever be in debt to Vegeta, he said frankly. He has given me freedom, standing, and returned to me my wife. There is no reason to doubt my loyalty to Vegeta. He has also shown great understanding in letting us rule ourselves, in essence. I am perfectly aware that he will always hold the final say, but he has done us a great honor by his actions. Whatever you suggest to reinforce this sentiment among my people I will take into consideration and do my best to act upon it, Atlia replied.
Zarbon nodded, putting his elbows on the desk and making a steeple with his long fingers. He hated such formal speeches. It felt so abnormal to be speaking so stiffly, but such was the nature of negotiation. He was certain that Atlia knew he was really in no situation to negotiate, but if he could tell the rest of his people that he was it would help Vegeta's image of compassion, no matter how erroneous it may be. Well, honestly, Atlia, I was hoping you might have an idea as to how to make Vegeta's presence and sovereignty constantly felt, Zarbon said, blinking. Vegeta might be above asking for help, but he was not.
Atlia's red eyes blinked as they focused on the table's surface. They sat there in silence for some minutes as the Arlian seemed to consider the situation. There is one thing that the previous emperor had in all the cities to make his presence felt, the Arlian offered, but I'm not sure if you'll appreciate being associated with the old emperor.
Zarbon shook his head, little tendrils of green hair working their way loose from his braid. No, please, continue. We're only brainstorming, after all, he replied, smoothing back his hair.
Atlia looked around. Well, I thought we could take down the statues of the old emperor and replace them with sculptures of Vegeta, he said.
Zarbon blinked. he said blankly.
Atlia nodded. Yes. They're in every city, from the largest metropolis, of which Arlia has few, to the smallest town. If we replaced the old statues with new ones of Vegeta, it would be a constant reminder of who was in charge, he said, folding his segmented hands in his lap.
Zarbon leaned back in his chair and crossed his right leg over his left, knuckles pressed to his lips as he considered it. Very well, he replied after a while. I think we should do as you say. It may be strange, but there's no reason it shouldn't work, especially if the people erecting the statues are spouting propaganda at the same time. So, what do you require of me? Is there anything I can do to make this easier?
Atlia's red eyes closed for a moment, apparently in thought. I suppose you would best be able to convince Vegeta to let a hologram be taken of him, so our sculptors have something to work with. Aside from that, everything should be fine, he said slowly.
Zarbon smiled and nodded. Excellent. I expect, as I may have mentioned, to be leaving tomorrow. I need you to arrange a meeting for me with whoever has knowledge of other systems with the sort of life required to build an empire, and you, I, and Vegeta will need to convene later on this evening to discuss our final plan of action. Is this agreeable? Zarbon asked, acting concerned. After all, I don't want to rob you of time with your wife, he added smoothly.
Atlia blinked rapidly. Oh, no, this evening should be fine. Lemlia will understand, and it isn't as if we'll be out all night, he replied, standing.
Thank you, Zarbon, he said, and extended his hand.
Zarbon took the offered hand, schooling his features into a false smile so as not to reveal his disgust. You're welcome, Atlia, he said. See you this evening.
He entered Vegeta's chambers and bowed deeply, not rising until Vegeta turned around to acknowledge his presence. The Saiyan turned around and greeted him with a snort and a nod of his head, turning again to readjust the heavy red cape that flowed from his shoulders. When he was finished he sighed and moved to face Zarbon. The purple circles under his eyes had become deeper-looking, as if they had always been embedded beneath his burning black gaze. Vegeta gazed past him to look at the door, and Zarbon heard the light scratching of exoskeleton upon marble, evidence of Atlia's approach. He noticed that the bones in Vegeta's angular face stood out sharply beneath his lightly sun-darkened skin, although the rest of him didn't look as emaciated. He scowled as his eyes roved critically over the rest of Vegeta's body, searching for potential problems, but a design on Vegeta's left breastplate caught his gaze. He squinted a little to rid himself of the distraction of Vegeta's fluttering cape, and realized that the symbol emblazoned in red on the breastplate was none other than the royal crest of Vejiitasei. Where did you get that? Zarbon blurted, forgetting for the moment how alarming Vegeta's health was.
Vegeta's black gaze slid to him from the doorway, coating Zarbon with barely-contained anxiety. I've always kept a chip of my old armor. I merely had the Arlians reproduce it on the armor I plundered, he replied coolly, returning his eyes to Atlia, who by this time and entered the room completely. Welcome, Atlia, he said, and gestured to some chairs set before him. Have a seat, both of you, he commanded.
Pleasant as ever, Zarbon grumbled, giving Vegeta a resentful look as he sat.
Vegeta shot him an angry glance. Silence, Zarbon, he snapped. I don't have time for your bitching right now. Zarbon sighed and rolled his eyes, which only made Vegeta angrier. Atlia seemed to swallow and stared straight ahead. At any rate, I need to discuss with you my plans for tomorrow. Firstly, I suppose, I should inform you that Zarbon and I will leave shortly after sunrise. We will return in several months. During that time I expect you to retain my control of this planet, Atlia. What do you propose to do? Vegeta said, leaning against his desk and crossing his arms across his chest.
Atlia blinked, red eyes glittering. Statues of you will be erected planetwide, sir, and an event including a speech will be added, proclaiming you master of Arlia, while I am only its governor in your absence. Is this satisfactory, my lord? he answered.
Vegeta inclined his head. As you wish. You know your people better than I. Just be certain to include Freeza, especially my victory over his scouts in the interest of protecting you people, he replied.
Very well, sir, Atlia responded, and folded his segmented hands in his lap, over his sash of office.
Zarbon cleared his throat, feeling that his turn to speak had come. he began, but was cut short by the deadly gleam in Vegeta's fevered eyes.
Lord Vegeta to you, Zarbon, he hissed between clenched teeth.
Zarbon swallowed. Vegeta was getting worse. He had to find out how to cure him, and soon. Lord Vegeta, he began again, I was wondering what your plan of action is for tomorrow. I'm aware that we'll be setting out, but I didn't know for where, or how many people we're brining along.
Vegeta scowled. We'll let Atlia tell us about the other planets in this galaxy in a moment. But we will not be bringing any troops, Zarbon, he replied coldly.
Uh, sir, don't you think that sort of arrogance will repel the planets we're attempting to conquer? Zarbon asked, disbelieving.
Vegeta smiled his small, mocking smile. That's the point, Zarbon, he said. They'll see that we don't need any support. If they repel us, we'll simply destroy them. That should prompt other planets into joining us. Do you have any other stupid questions?
Zarbon frowned at the epitaph. he growled, thinking Vegeta's psychological perspective was strange indeed. Now all we need to know is which planets are ripe for the taking, he said after a moment, looking pointedly at Atlia.
I believe that our reports have found one other planet in our system that might be worth the trouble, but there are also other systems in this galaxy that may be of interest. About forty in all, Atlia replied. I'll give you a printout immediately following this meeting, he added. I would advise staying away from the Rigel system, however. You recall their weaponry, which was similar to ours, but they would never swear allegiance to anyone. That was partly why they were such a problem for Freeza.
Vegeta put a gloved hand to his mouth, dressed as he was in the laundered outfit taken from one of the scouts. They may have to be eliminated as an example, he said. Perhaps we should take care of that first. Offer them a radio transmission of surrender, and if they don't just simply obliterate them. That would serve as an impetus for others to join without much fighting, he concluded, still staring at the floor in thought.
Zarbon had been watching the hollow shadows in Vegeta's face move as he spoke, finally recalling his worries from earlier. I'm surprised, Vegeta, he said as the Saiyan's words sunk in. I thought you wanted to fight everyone.
Vegeta shook his head, the small smile once again on his lips. I would like to fight everyone, he said. You should not presume to know what I want, however. You'd do well to recall that we have forty planets to conquer in a very short span of time, and fighting is not very time-effective, no matter how enjoyable it may be. Remember Radditz, he warned.
Zarbon's amber gaze focused on the purple circles beneath Vegeta's eyes. I remember, he mumbled. Will that be all?
Vegeta nodded. Yes, I think so. Atlia, bring me those printouts posthaste, he said, and waved his hand in dismissal. Both the other men rose from their chairs and headed towards the door, Zarbon following Atlia, but when Atlia exited the room Zarbon shut the door and turned on Vegeta.
What in the hell are you thinking? he spat. You want to conquer forty planets? In your condition?
Shut up, Zarbon, you have no idea what you're talking about, Vegeta hissed in reply.
Zarbon crossed his arms over his chest angrily. No, Vegeta, you shut up. You look like dirt. Those circles under your eyes haven't gotten any smaller, you know, and you seem like you haven't eaten since we were in the dungeons last! he shouted, throwing an arm towards the ceiling.
Quit mothering me, Vegeta snarled, turning his back on the other alien.
Zarbon sighed, his shoulders slumping. Listen, Vegeta, you're not as strong as you could be. Why don't we just go to Earth now and get Radditz, and then the three of us can conquer the rest of the planets. We won't have to leave it at just forty then, and it's stupid of you to continue on like this, he said in exasperation.
Listen yourself, Zarbon, Vegeta said, voice sounding tired as he rubbed his eyes. A Saiyan knows when his time has come. Provided we don't have to do much battle I'll last a few more months. I may not look pretty at the end of it, but I'll survive. It's imperative we get this thing started before we go. Who knows what we'll encounter on Earth, he said, closing his eyes.
Then eat something, Vegeta, Zarbon implored, holding out his hands. Vegeta snarled and batted them away. Zarbon frowned and dropped his arms. Who in the hell are you trying to impress? he asked.
Vegeta bared his teeth and shook his head, his gloved hand over his eyes to block out the light. Radditz's voice had returned, and the clear, blue eyes were boring their way into his skull once again.
Zarbon leaned against the cool material of the door, letting out a breath. Vegeta was in horrible shape, and he still didn't like the idea of him traipsing all over the universe like that, but at least for now the Prince was in his bed, sleeping. He heard the clatter of exoskeleton and looked up to see Atlia walking across the marble towards him. The Prince is indisposed, he said before the Arlian could get too close.
Atlia bowed his head. Understood. Please extend my regards, he replied, then stepped closer, holding out a disk. These are the records of the other planets I and my advisors felt were good candidates. The idea of dealing with Rigel first is a sound one, I believe, Master Zarbon, he said as Zarbon took the disk from him gingerly.
Yes, I'd have to concur, Zarbon murmured, turning the disk over in his hands. Thank you for all your help and support, Atlia, he said with heartfelt gratitude. Atlia nodded once, bowed, and walked away. Zarbon sighed and gripped the disk, walking down the hall a little way before he found a servant, directing it to meet him at his private quarters before heading to the kitchens for a quick bite.
He entered his room to find the servant awaiting his instruction. He stepped behind a screen and removed his clothing, donning a large piece of fabric that would serve as a robe. Launder these, then reproduce them as precisely as you can. I want at least one new pair by dawn, he said, holding out his arm sheaths, boots, leggings, and groinwear. The servant nodded and left quickly. Zarbon smiled to himself. The Arlians may be grotesque, but they were certainly efficient. Vegeta had conquered the right planet first. He roamed over to his bed and removed his robe, sliding underneath the covers and feeling his muscles unwind themselves. How glad he was that the day of formal meetings was over! He despised the long-winded speeches with the flowery, formal vocabulary, and the constant schooling of one's tongue and features. He had never enjoyed such days, and now this one was over as well. He stretched one last time and curled the blankets around himself, feeling the stress of the day melt away as he faded off into the realm of slumber.