Princes of the Universe

Chapter 4

Story by Leland Hogan

Original Characters by Leland Hogan and Bryon Payne

Original Story by Naoko Takeuchi

Theme song "Princes of the Universe" by Queen.

"Princes of the Universe"

Here we are, Born to be kings,
We're the princes of the universe,
Here we belong, Fighting to survive,
In a world with the darkest powers,
And here we are, We're the princes of the universe,
Here we belong, Fightinf for survival,
We've come to be the rulers of your world,
I am immortal, I have inside me blood of kings,
I have no rival, No man can be my equal,
Take me to the future of your world,
Born to be kings, Princes of the universe,
Fighting and free, Got your world in my hand,
I'm here for your love and I'll make my stand,
We were born to be princes of the universe,
No man could understand. My power is in my own hand,
Ooh, Ooh, Ooh, People talk about you,
People say you've had your day,
I'm a man that will go far,
Fly the moon and reach for the stars,
With my sword and head held high,
Got to pass the test, first time - yeah,
I know that people talk about me I hear it every day,
But I can prove you worng cause I'm right first time,
Yeah. Yeah. Alright, Watch this man fly,
Bring on the girls,
Here We are. Born to be kings. We're the princes of
the universe. Here we belong. Born to be kings,
Princes of the universe. Fighting and free,
Got the world in my hands. I'm here for your love,
And I'll make my stand,
We were born to be princes of the universe.

And now on with chapter 4.

For the next day or two nobody saw or even heard from Prince Vega, as he had locked himself away in his quarters Seeing no one except for Cephius.

"Lord Cephius is the Prince felling alright"

"Admiral Ares, Yes and No. He is well in health but as you know, seeing the bodys of your family and friends can do horrible things to your mind. He is trying to deal with it as best he can so he may be able to take the role that has been put before him."

"I understand my lord. Please give him my condolances. Also would you let him know that the fleet is assembled, whats left of it that is."

"Of course Admiral, I am sure he will be pleased. Now take us to Alpha Centari, there we will make our case to King Orbon for more ships and crews."

"As you wish my lord." Admiral Ares bows to Cephius as Cephius walks away.

Ares walks into the control tower of the ship. "Okay everyone, set course to Alpha Centari, were going to be paying King Orbon a visit."

3 days later.

Cephius knocks on Vegas door.

"Enter Cephius, how many times do I have to tell you, you dont have to knock at my door."

"Sorry Vega, you know me, old habits die hard. Anyways we have exited the outer ring of the sol system and will be entering Alpha Centari space in about 2 hours."

"Thats good news. Tell me Ceph, do you think King Orbon will help us?"

"I dont know Vega, I hope so but it is to early to tell. Relations between the silver millenium and the Centari systems have always been on rocky ground."

"I know that Ceph, but we dont have a choice right now. Emporer Tempus is holding the cards right now and we need to build our hand before we take action. You know I would like nothing more then to tear that Asshole and his empire apart but I myself dont have the power to do so at this time. We need to do this the smart way or it wont just be you and I and the silver millenium that dies it will be every living thing in the universe. So we must gain allies and support if we are to do this right."

Mean while two men sit in a chamber talking.

"Are you sure they are headed here general Fire?"

"Yes Orbon they are. My sources tell me that they have kill General Ice and have now assembled what little they have left and are headed for this planet. They think to ask you for help, but what a surprise they will get. Your majesty, I have an idea. Greet them as if they were friends and allies, invite them in. Make them think they are getting what they want. Then when the time is right I will crush the punny princes and there quaint armada. Ha ha Ha ha HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA."

"As you wish general, as long as it pleases the emporer.

"Oh it does Orbon, it does.

Mean while Vega and Cephius are standing in the communication room with Admiral Ares. They are speaking to the other ships in the fleet and getting Ideas for what is to be done.

"Captain Richards what do you think our chances are with King Orbon?"

"Not good you majesties, King Orbon broke off nogotiations with Queen Serentiy about 8 months ago for no other reason then to spite her majesty. He is a very uncareing man and will stab a knife into your back givin the chance. I would be very carfull of treachery Prince Vega and Lord Cephius."

"Thank you captain, that information might just keep us alive if he is siding with the enemy." Vega thinks for a minute. "Admiral please leave half the fleet on the dark side of the moon. Im sure that they know we are coming and how many. We can not afford to take anymore losses this early in the war. Captain Richards you will lead the fleet that is staying on the dark side of the moon. if it starts getting hairy for what ever reason, I want you to come from theflank of the fighting. That should throw them off a little."

Vega looks at Cephius and he looks at Vega. Suddenly it dons on Cephius what Vega is thinking. "NO WAY VEGA, I AM NOT STAYING BEHIND."

"Look Cephius, if it is a trap then at least one of us has a chance to make it. Sides you are a better stratagest then me. I on the other hand could talk Jupiter out of her Fuku if i wanted to and you know i could."

"Carefull Vega, you are treading on thin ice talking about Mako chan like that."

"I didnt mean anything by it except that I can talk my way out of almost anything. Besides we will have plenty of time for fighting together later. If everythings ok then you will join me for a drink while we wait for our supplies and crews.

"Fine, but I dont like it. Now get out of here. We will be passing the moon in about 30 minutes, and you have to prepare. Oh, and Vega?"

"Yeah, what is it Ceph?"

"Good luck down there."

"Thanks Ceph. And good luck to you."

"We're gonna need it."

A few minutes later, the fleet broke into two parts, one heading for the planet, with Vega. The other, under the command of Cephius waited behind the moon in preparations of what was about to start. Once Vega's fleet reached orbit, a shuttle launched from the main ship and headed for the capital city. There, upon landing, Vega, along with General Ares, were greeted by the king.

"Welcome to the Centaurus capital, your highness," the king said

"Thank you for inviting me. It is a pleasure to meet you, your majesty."

"Thank you. If you will follow me, I have a nice room picked out for us so we may discuss your proposal."

Vega simply nodded and followed the king and his guards into the castle. Inside, they were given the tour of the castle, the king taking great pride in his throne room. Once the tour was finished, they were escorted into a side room next to the throne room. Once inside, the king took his seat at the head of the table, Vega and Admiral Ares sitting at the other end.

"So, your higness, what can I do for you."

"As you well know, my kingdom has suffered severe losses in our space fleet. The recent attack has diminished our defense capabilities by quite a bit. What I am asking is for your help by giving us supplies and ships to help protect from another attack that is believed to happen soon."

"I see. My sincerest apologizes. I have just been recently informed of the attack and I would like to help you in any way I can."

"Thank you, your majesty. Your help is most appreciated."

"I am glad that I can help. The Moon Kingdom has always helped us in our times of need. It is the least we can do. So, let's get down to particulars, shall we."

"Agreed."

Elsewhere. . .

"He's been down there an hour. What is taking him so long?"

"Negotiations are never that quick, your highness," Captain Richards answered. "Besides, he has to get through all the political bull that seems to go on in the royal courts. No offense, your highness."

Cephius just smirks.

"Of course, captain. And you are quite correct. Ettiquitte demands it."

The conversation is cut short as the captain and Cephius are called over to the sensor station.

"Sir, sensors has just picked up a fleet at the edge of the system, heading directly for the planet."

"Can you identify them," the captain asked.

"Negative sir. There's nothing in the computer databases. They are an unknown."

"Well, it seems that Orbon is not wasting any time."

"So it seems, captain. Have the other part of the fleet detected them yet?"

"Negative sir."

"Then inform them on a secure short-range burst. We don't want them to know we are here."

"Aye sir."

"Captain, prepare the fleet for battle."

As the sirens and alarms blared throughout the ship, Cephius could not help but worry about Vega.

Back on the planet. . .

"Then it is agreed, Prince Vega. I shall send a portion of my fleet with you to help in the defense of your homeworld. And, I will send what supplies I can with you as well."

"Thank you, your majesty."

The three men rose, and walked from the table. As they exited the room. . .

"Oh, and one more thing, your higness."

"Yes?"

As they stepped out, Vega felt his powered diminish, as if his powers were weakening. As Vega looked around, there were guards everywhere, completely filling this part of the throne room.

"What have you done," Vega asked the king angrily.

"Simply allied myself to the side who will win. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have important matters to attend to."

Vega knew that he could no longer use his powers. But that didn't mean he couldn't fight. As the guards enclosed around him, he engaged the first one with an uppercut that lifted the guard off the ground and into the air. The next guard, watching the other guard lift into the air, discovered Vega's foot in his stomach, then collapsed. Vega fought with all the energy and skill he could muster. Within a few seconds, he was out of the circle of guards and heading straight for the king. But, just before he got to him, a dark-cloaked figure slammed into him, knocking him off-balance, giving the guards enough time to react and dog pile Vega. It took the guards a few minutes to subdue Prince Vega, some paying a high price for it. Just before losing consciousness, Vega could see out of the corner of his eye a man in black robes with red trim, wearing a general's uniform of the Dark Empire, with flaming red hair and red, pupilless eyes.

"Thank you," the king said to the dark-cloaked man. The man simply snorted.

"Take him to the dungeons. And attach some nullifying bracers on him."

The guards bowed and drug the unconscious prince into the dungeons.