Disclaimer: DB/DBZ/DBGT belong to Toriyama and other rich Japanese guys, not me.
Chikyuu: Black Hole for Evil
Book One: Into the Rising Sun
Author: Cka3ka
Chapter 14: Where to now?
A number of days after take off…
The ship that hurled through space at many times the speed of light was of a familiar design to many of the denizens of the northern galaxy. It was of a saucer shape with white paint on the upper and bottom portions and black on the center ring. Less than two decades before it had inspired such terror that the mere sight of it would send planetary governments into capitulation to whatever demands were given. After all, this had been the flagship of King Cold.
However, if an observer took a closer look, they would realize that this was not the same ship. To begin with it was five times as fast and much more maneuverable. Where, on the original Cold Flagship, there were hundreds of openings that were designed to allow a quick exit for warriors, this ship had only two exits. The most incredulous difference, however, was that there was no longer an emblem for the Cold Family to be seen anywhere. In fact, there were no longer any signs that the ship once had belonged to the Cold family besides its unique design. Rather, the observer would have seen an unfamiliar emblem, that of Capsule Corporation.
The internal makeup of the vessel was also dramatically different. The original ship had been designed to house a few hundred warriors in relatively cramped spaces, except for the luxurious cabins specifically designated for the Cold family and their guests. The current configuration was nothing like the previous one. Instead of barrack like conditions, there were only five private quarters. Each of these was of medium size, the size of a master bedroom or so. These were arranged on one side of the ship with their entrances faces inwards towards a common living area with a kitchen. On the opposite side there were two gravity rooms each able to simulate one thousand times standard gravity. There was a removable partition between these two rooms so that they could be combined to give a larger fighting area if needed. Indeed, the ship's interior would have been completely unrecognizable by anyone who had stepped aboard it. As to the current occupants, the sight of them would have caused any former hooligan of the Cold's to go into a seizure.
"Trunks! Goten! When I get my hands on those kids…" muttered Eighteen. She had gone to make breakfast when she found that the fridge had been raided in the middle of the night. Not only had it been emptied out, that would have been tolerable, but the mess that was left behind was appalling. There were packages, yogurt cartons, and small pieces of leftovers left everywhere. Small, kid like Jam prints leading to the bathroom gave away the culprits instantly. At least they washed up before going to back to bed thought Eighteen as she started to clean up. Finishing that, she started breakfast for everyone.
A few moments later, Trunks, Goten and Krillan came out to the living area lured by the smell of freshly cooked eggs, ham, and bacon. They were quickly served by Eighteen and when they finished, they even helped clear the table. The death glare that Eighteen was giving them helped entice them to be helpful.
"Trunks, after our morning briefing you will train with me first. Then after we are done Goten will get his turn," said Eighteen in an even tone. Trunks and Goten gulped as they knew they were in for it.
"Krillan go get Juuroku-gou from the control room please," ordered Eighteen, "I'm going to see if I can establish the link with Bulma right now. We'll have our meeting right when you get back."
"Yes, dear" replied Krillan automatically, as he got up to fetch his wife's mechanical brother.
Moving to a small table in the center of the living area where the main computer console was located, Eighteen quickly began working. She ran a maintenance check first, and then entered the commands that would notify Bulma that they wanted to speak to her.
"Boys come here and sit down. I expect you to sit and listen to what is going on. It maybe important information for you guys to remember, understand?"
"Yes, Juuhachi-san," replied both of the terrors in extremely obedient voices. They knew that she was mad about the mess they had made earlier, and were trying to figure out some way to mollify her anger, or failing that, getting to spar her at the same time. That way they wouldn't get hurt too bad.
As Krillan and Sixteen walked in, a holographic image of Bulma flickered to life in the center of the room. "Good morning everyone," said Bulma cheerfully. It was obvious that she had finally got some rest. She was looking like she was only half in her grave, instead of like a dead corpse. Her morning cup of coffee was held in her right hand, and a new silver watch was strapped around her wrist. She wore a simple white blouse and brown slacks.
"Hi mom!" cried Trunks excitedly, "This is a really cool ship you made and thanks for all the stuff of mine you put here!" Trunks had found his video games and comics in his and Goten's room. They had had a blast playing the games deep into the night.
Bulma chuckled, "I thought you guys might like that." Putting on a more serious face she said, "I hope you two haven't been causing trouble already."
"Of course not mom, you know Goten and I," replied Trunks just a little too quickly. Goten just laughed, put his hand behind his head and nodded. Krillan broke out laughing and quickly walked over to the boys, putting his hands on their shoulders.
"Bulma, the boys have been great. They haven't been any trouble at all," he said while giving the boys a look that said 'You owe me big'. For some reason men always conspired with the children against the Ultimate Authorities to be obeyed at all times. That last term, of course, applied to the women of the house.
"See mom." Trunks quickly added. . Bulma cocked a single eyebrow upwards in response at this, and Eighteen just rolled her eyes.
"Bulma, did you get the trace analysis of the material of that alien ship done?" asked Eighteen. Prior to their departure Bulma had gone to the site where the alien vessel had landed. She had collected samples of the dirt where the ship had been in hopes that she could trace whatever materials the ship was built out of. Armed with that and the ships trajectory as it exited the Sol system the chances of tracking the intruder would be better.
"Yes, I did. I'm uploading that information into your database right now. Hopefully, with this information you will be able to track down the makers of the ship and then the kidnappers," replied Bulma in an anger laced tone. Taking in a breath, she then asked, "Will you still resupply in the Galicia system?" During the night before expedition had left, there had been a small meeting about the best course that should be taken. The trajectory of the alien ship was known, so it was decided it was best to follow that until they had to refuel. The system that was in the best position for this was Galicia. There was one inhabited planet there, and they had a relatively sophisticated technology base. Ten years before they had been a subject world of the Cold Empire. Its current status was unknown.
Before Eighteen could reply, another holographic image appeared in the room. "Move aside woman," a gruff and utterly masculine voice commanded. Vegeta, dressed in a black shirt and brown pants, sat in his wheel chair staring at them. "Stop at the planet trade command center," he advised in a tone that sounded more like a command, "It has the most extensive database on habitable planets in this part of the galaxy. It's on your way, and you can make it there a week after you refuel at Galicia."
"You won't have to worry about any defenders. I crushed them already," he sneered. In his search for Goku after the defeat of Freeza he had hit the major bases in Freeza's portion of the Cold Empire. All of them had been left in ruin.
"Alright, we'll stop there too. So the plan now is to stop at Galicia and refuel, collect whatever information we can. Then we'll proceed to the Planet Trade headquarters, Freeza's old capitol," recapped Eighteen, "Any other suggestions anyone?"
"After PTHQ I suggest you stop at Trabazon," added Vegeta, "It is a center of trade in that portion of the galaxy and there is quite a lot of information flowing through it. You may find something useful there."
"Alright, we'll contact you later then."
"Ok everyone, take care. Trunks you had better behave," finished Bulma. With that the holograms disappeared.
"Now then, Trunks why don't you join me in the gravity chamber," Eighteen said in a voice sprinkled with anticipation. She opened the chamber door and stepped in. Laughing the others followed her in. They all knew Trunks would get a very heavy work out for what he and Goten had done the night before.
***
On another ship in space…
"Lord Bezal," said a demon officer reverently, "We have reached Trabazon. Do you have any orders sir?"
"Yes land in the courtyard of the Lord Imzawan. Be prepared to leave on my immediate return," replied the Demon Lord, "Anyone who approaches the ship is to be destroyed, no exceptions."
"Your will m'lord," came the immediate response.
The black ship requested permission to land from the port authorities, and was immediately granted it when the name of Imzawan was mentioned. It slowly descended onto a private landing area on a massive estate located some two hundred miles outside the capitol city of Sinope.
As Bezal descended from his ship a man dressed in a sleek brown jacket wearing a black undershirt greeted him. He wore black pants, and was cleanly shaven, with black hair. His skin had a slight green color to it and his ears were pointed. Though not the only Trabazonian lord, Imzawan was arguably the most powerful. He possessed a far-flung trade empire and a power level that had once rivaled Freeza's. He was one of several reasons that the Colds had never subjugated this part of the Northern Galaxy.
"Greetings Beza…" greeted Imzawan. He never got to finish before the demon lord cuffed him to the ground.
"You dare address me in such a manner?" the demon lord questioned in a mild, but dangerous voice. He contemplated killing the pathetic creature now groveling before him, but decided it wouldn't be worth the hassle or the lecture that he would get.
"Forgivv…" started Imzawan in a shaken voice. Again he never got to finish his sentence before the demon lord cuffed him.
"Silence, do not waste my time with your groveling. Tell me where thy master is, dog."
"Through the archway, down the first hallway to your right. The, the steps there will lead you down to his chambers m'lord," answered Imzawan in a broken voice laced with fear.
Not sparing the nobleman another look, Bezal strode through the archway towards the chamber of Imzawan's master, his brother demon. As he descended the steps into a darkened chamber lit by only candlelight, he noticed the chamber was decorated in a rather tasteful fashion with relics. Some of which were ancient and quite artistic… He caught this line of thought within himself, and boggled. When did they, the demon lords, begin to care about taste? Frowning, he knew the answer to that.
"Bezal, it has been a while. You did not kill my servant did you?" came a whisper, though spoken softly it was clearly audible. The voice came from a man dressed in a deep black cloak. His skin was wrinkled with age, yet his muscles were clearly toned. He was completely human in appearance, except for the fact that his eyes had no pupils and seemed to glow red. Underneath the cloak, Bezal knew, were six long, thick tentacles that were attached to the spine right between the shoulder blades.
"No, Azazel I did not. I did not want to hear one of your lectures of how good help is so hard to find," snarled Bezal. Azazel always irritated him with his condescending mannerisms. "I have obtained the catalysts," finished Bezal in a more reasonable tone.
Azazel said nothing for a moment. He was quite surprised that bumbling Bezal would be the one to obtain them. He too had received the orders from the master, and had ordered his minions to search for them. However, they had yet to return with any relevant information and here Bezal was already claiming to have found them. Something was not right, Bezal was known for his sheer brutality and direct approach, not guile.
Bezal, knowing that Azazel would doubt him, waved his hand and an image of the two girls sleeping peacefully in his ship appeared. "Look, Azazel, and judge for yourself," he said solemnly.
Azazel looked and nodded. Turning a questioning gaze onto Bezal, he waited for an explanation.
"I was given the location of where they were located and when I arrived they were handed to me," explained Bezal, "I was approached with the offer by a woman who had piercing blue eyes."
Azazel immediately knew to whom he was referring to. "There must be another explanation. I am quite sure she is dead," he stated.
"It was not a being of Hell and it was able to hide its Ki from me. As is, very few living creatures know what I am, let alone have the courage to approach me," said Bezel, "and I do not think a creature of heaven would deliver the catalysts up to me willingly.
"Agreed. Though it would be a bold move, it is one that courts disaster. The archangels have always been conservative. I cannot conceive of them playing in such a fashion." Azazel conceded. A moment later he continued, "I see why you think it is her, it is something she would do. The motives, however, still elude me, unless she seeks to regain our favor."
"You understand then."
Azazel nodded. "There are no Cherubim on the physical plane any longer. Nothing to keep our powers or even those of our more powerful minions in check, save the Chikyuu warriors and a single Kaio-shin. I must admit the turning of the Saiya-jin and Majin Buu to the light was a masterstroke. I had thought we would enter this Event unopposed. Whomever masterminded it may be a problem."
"The new Celestial Warden perhaps, though it only has a mere eight hundred years of experience. I could hardly imagine such a rookie unraveling one of Laskar's schemes so easily," supplied Bezal. He too had been shocked at the introduction of Gojita onto the playing field.
"Beginner's luck perhaps. Regardless, we shall take precautions. We still hold the upper hand by a large margin. How long will it take you to prepare the sacrifice?" inquired Azazel. They were so close to scoring a major victory, perhaps one that the light would not be able to recover from that he did not want to leave anything to chance.
"Six months to a year. It depends on the tainting process," answered Bezal.
"Excellent, it is too short of a time period for anything that is time traveling to make a difference. Nevertheless precautions shall be taken."
Bezal nodded, turned and began to return to his ship. He was pleased with Azazel's response to his message. Chuckling to himself, he could not ponder how events would have turned out if not for Lilith. She had brought them together and had taught them to cooperate, if not work as a team. Ten thousand years ago Azazel would have simply attacked him for daring to even trespass onto his territory. Now, so close to the Event period, nothing could stand before the combined might of the demons that inhabited the physical plane.
As Bezal's ship took to the skies to return to his planet where the sacrifices would take place and the EVENT period initiated, Azazel sat silently in his chambers pondering Bezal's words. He also knew that there was nothing on the physical plane that could challenge their might. Gojita was the only living entity that could even harm them, and he was sure that he was much more powerful. Yet, something gnawed at him. They were missing something, something important. What could it be? As soon as the Event period began the Archangels and other heavenly beings would be locked out of the physical, just as any archfiends or demons that were not there already would be. If the archangels sent an agent closer to the event period they would merely cause Sateon to send a minion of equal power. He doubted that the archangels would enter themselves, for that would mean full-scale war. That would destroy most of the universe and no one wanted that. No, it was five demon lords against versus Gojita and any allies he could find. So why with odds so heavily stacked in their favor was he so worried? It was preposterous.
Disappearing from his room and appearing in the courtyard where Bezal's ship had just been, he turned and found Imzawan.
"Prepare a ship for me. I will be leaving for a short while," he commanded. Imzawan immediately scuttled away and went to do his master's bidding.
He would go to the Abyss and consult with Abaadan. He would make sure that they would be prepared for whatever they weren't seeing.