Grammar Error - I know, I have a lot, but I just wanted to point out that Bardock meant "it never scared him enough to be left behind."
*************Episode 24**************
**Doear Or Bust; Zucina is a Legend!?!**
The door closed with a hiss. The pod rumbled slightly as it prepped and launched itself into space. Bardock held the sides of his seat, and his stomach, praying to the goddess that he could get a visual on Zucina afterwards. He had survived worse takeoffs in simulation at STPHQ, so he never worried about the ship.
Once the rumble stopped, he checked outside the red-tinted window. The dark vastness of space lay ahead of him, and he marveled at the wonder. Suddenly, he felt small and isolated, insecure that no amount of ground was between him and total oblivion, just a bit of metal. The fact never struck him before.
He lay back, forgetting temporarily about his friend, and tried to relax. Cole was going to kill him for taking off like that. Hopefully he wouldn't get fired from being lieutenant. Or worse: Sent back alone to STP!
"Dammit, Zucina," he muttered to himself.
"My name isn't that!"
Bardock's eyes nearly popped from their sockets. "Na-na-na-nani!?!"
A small, spherical, blinking piece of metal lowered down to Bardock's eye-level. If it had a head, the two blinking lights would be the eyes, but that was the only living composite about it. Except for the mechanical voice emanating from its 'head.'
"Only me, lieutenant," responded the machine. "I apologize if I startled you."
"Ya coulda reminded me first," snapped Bardock. "I fergot officers get talkin' pods."
"I am not simply a 'pod.' I am a Space Travel Intelligence, Navigational, and Killing Computer, at your disposal, Lieutenant Bardock."
"Ya gotta name?"
"No sir. I am a simply machine to be given orders."
Bardock sat back, thumb and forefinger spread on his chin. "I can't order ya if ya don't have a name, can? I'll call you . . . Stinky."
"STINKY," cried the computer, lights flashing. "WHATEVER FOR?? Have I offended you?"
"No, its just how your designation goes. *S*pace *T*ravel *I*ntelli-"
"I understand, sir. I only wish you chose a more Sayin-like name; more proper."
"Third class Sayins ain't proper, an neither am I! And no more 'sir' stuff. Its 'Bardock,' just 'Bardock.' I want respect, but I'm still just a guy!"
"Understood. Now, why have we left early?"
"Nanda?"
"One moment please." There was some beeping and lights blinking on the control panel. "I detect only one other ship in the vicinity. Where is Captain Cole?"
"You tell me! He never showed up!"
"One moment please." More beeping and blinking. "Reason found: His mate had a miscarriage this morning, and he is staying with her for the day."
"Oh." Bardock remained silent for a minute. "They must've really wanted it, or it wouldn't've mattered so much. Why does he want one, anyway? I don't like kids myself."
"Sayin logic is beyond my skill to comprehend."
"I'm thinking aloud," Bardock growled. "That wasn't a question for you." He stared out into space. "And to have lost three teammates too. Man, he must be pissed!! Wonder what happened to them."
"One moment pl-"
"I'M THINKIN' ALOUD AGAIN!!!!"
Too late. The answer popped up on the screen. Information on the planet Doear; forest covered planet, inhabited by deer-like people called the Heinz, whose blood is rumored to react to flesh in a similar fashion as acid and can kill gods.
"Great," Bardock grumbled sarcastically.
"Not really, s-uh-Bardock. Some Heinz survived."
"Its called sarcasum, baka." Bardock threw his arms up in frustration. "Man! I'm arguing with a robot!" He sighed. "Stinky, transport this information to my comrade, Zucina, in the neighboring pod. She don't know about this. Hopefully, she'll change he mind about scouting the planet."
"One moment please." A long period of silence followed as the newly deemed 'Stinky' acted as ordered. Finally, his electronic eyes flashed again. "I do not comprehend her response."
"What was it?"
"Well, she smiled and uttered the word 'Wicked!'. What does that insinuate?"
"That I'm is deep trouble!"
The two spacepods landed on top of the forest planet. Dusk had fallen, giving the area a serene quality. The foliage was so thick, the pods landed safely on the branches of the trees. Bardock rushed out first, and grabbed the front of Zucina's suit.
"What the HELL were you thinking?!"
"My, aren't you tense!"
Bardock pointed to the moon, just visable above the trees. "Look, the moon will be full in a couple of days. We can lay waste to this planet then!"
"No one gets away with killing Sayins," stated Zucina. "Any enemy of Cole's is an enemy of me!"
"If Cole couldn't beat 'em, what makes you think we can?!"
"Afraid, Low Level?"
Bardock's old nic name continued to be a sore spot; he closed his mouth and seethed with anger. "No," he growled.
"Then shut up and listen to me. Why would Cole forward us the money to buy gear before we were to leave on a mission? I'll tell you why: An invitation! This is part of Cole's training! We, you and I, are to learn from his mistakes and scout ahead!"
Her friend froze, contemplating this bit of information. Of course! It was so simple, yet subtle. "You sure?"
"Positive! Remember, baka, I've known Cole far longer then you have." She pried his fingers from her armor. "I appreciate the concern, but there is no need for you to join me. You can go back to Vegetasei if you are not sure."
Bardock shook his head. "I'm yer lieutenant. You are my responsibility."
"And who said I was going to take orders from the likes of you?" She started walking away. "I am only tolerating Cole's orders because he is my mentor and friend. Yours on the other hand- you may be my friend, but I still look upon you as a rival, certainly NOT my superior!"
"Have it your way," said Bardock shrugging.
===========================================================
[Commercial Break]
===========================================================
Zucina had bought their old uniforms to wear as a disguise. She intended to pretend they were ship-wrecked explorers.
The two wandered through the forests, searching for a sign of civilization. Their plan was to observe, not attack. But so far, after hours, there was not so much as a building.
Once, a large creature attacked them, but Bardock destroyed it with a single ki blast. Zucina hid in a tree. She wasn't over her hatred of animals. Bardock teased her about this for the next two hours as they continued their search.
At last, Zucina spotted what appeared to be a stone temple of sorts. Curious, they crept inside, trying not to make any noise in case any Heinz lurked about. As the light diminished, Zucina held up a Ki Katana. The purple light shone over hieroglyphics, casting eerie shadows. She read them aloud to herself, in a strange language, then translated to Bardock that they told the story of a princess destined to arrive from a different world and claim the legendary Idsa Sword.
"It says that the sword was forged from purified Heinz blood, and then sealed away with magic. Apparently only this so called 'Princess' can touch it, for hers is the blood of magic shadow."
"Ain't that somethin'," said Bardock sarcastically. "Why're we studyin' their religion?"
"In case we can exploit it." But something interrupted Zucina's train of thought. A white woman, glowing and dressed in black, could be seen in a doorway. She turned away and disappeared into the darkness. Zucina sped towards her. "What was that!?!"
"What," asked Bardock, running to catch her. "I didn't see nothin'."
Zucina followed the passage the woman had taken. When she came to a fork in the tunnel, she paused, panting. "Where'd she get off to?"
Bardock crashed into her. "Gomen. Now, what're we chasin'?"
"You'll think I've gone mental."
"No I won't. Somethin' wrong?"
"I saw this woman, dressed in a long black dress, with gold eyes and silver skin. She ran off as soon as I saw her."
"You're right."
"About the woman?"
"No. I think you've gone crazy."
Zucina spotted the woman again. "THERE!! WAIT!!!" She ran off.
Bardock stared after he, dumbfounded. "Where?"
Zucina ended up in a large room, decorated in elaborate, chiseled pictures, encrusted in jewels and curtained lightly in velvet. Torches were lit, and golden centaur Heinz kneeled on velvet cushions around the room in silent prayer. A broken gold pillar stood in the center of the room, with the legendary sword sticking out of it.
Zucina, following me, entered the room. Every Heinz recognized her as a Sayin from the armor and tail, and were shocked that she strode right into their midst. Bardock, who caught up again, jumped when he saw his friend do something so stupid. He believed she really had lost her mind. You see, I only appeared to Zucina, not him.
I placed my hand on the sword hilt, then disappeared. Zucina, bewildered about my sudden departure, ran forward.
"Mornië utúlië,*" cried the Heinz. They reacted quickly by grabbing spears and weapons. Bardock darted forward, ready to protect his ailing friend. But Zucina continued to step forward, drawn by a force she had no comprehension of, and imitated my touching the sword.
A rush of purple light illuminated the hall. All life forms stopped dead to gaze upon Zucina. Her hair flew wildly above her, eyes fixed on the sword. With one mighty tug, she pulled it out and held it above her head. The fire on the torch danced. The pictures seemed to applaud. Hearts skipped. Energy of a far greater magnitude then previously experience emitted from her body.
Bardock stared at his friend. "Okay," he whispered nodding, "now I'm a believer!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
* - "Mornië utúlië!!" means "Darkness/Plague has come!!"
Hey guys! Bardock here!
I don't believe this! The Heinz now think Zucina is their long-awaited princess who will protect them from all danger. Does that make sense to anyone else?! HELLOOOO!!!!! She's a Sayin!! She's here to destroy you!!!! I'm not about to spill the beans. I guess I feel kinda sorry for them. Too bad Zuni-chan doesn't.
Next time on DragonballBC: The Princess and the Sword; Zucina's Relentless Heart
*************Episode 24**************
**Doear Or Bust; Zucina is a Legend!?!**
The door closed with a hiss. The pod rumbled slightly as it prepped and launched itself into space. Bardock held the sides of his seat, and his stomach, praying to the goddess that he could get a visual on Zucina afterwards. He had survived worse takeoffs in simulation at STPHQ, so he never worried about the ship.
Once the rumble stopped, he checked outside the red-tinted window. The dark vastness of space lay ahead of him, and he marveled at the wonder. Suddenly, he felt small and isolated, insecure that no amount of ground was between him and total oblivion, just a bit of metal. The fact never struck him before.
He lay back, forgetting temporarily about his friend, and tried to relax. Cole was going to kill him for taking off like that. Hopefully he wouldn't get fired from being lieutenant. Or worse: Sent back alone to STP!
"Dammit, Zucina," he muttered to himself.
"My name isn't that!"
Bardock's eyes nearly popped from their sockets. "Na-na-na-nani!?!"
A small, spherical, blinking piece of metal lowered down to Bardock's eye-level. If it had a head, the two blinking lights would be the eyes, but that was the only living composite about it. Except for the mechanical voice emanating from its 'head.'
"Only me, lieutenant," responded the machine. "I apologize if I startled you."
"Ya coulda reminded me first," snapped Bardock. "I fergot officers get talkin' pods."
"I am not simply a 'pod.' I am a Space Travel Intelligence, Navigational, and Killing Computer, at your disposal, Lieutenant Bardock."
"Ya gotta name?"
"No sir. I am a simply machine to be given orders."
Bardock sat back, thumb and forefinger spread on his chin. "I can't order ya if ya don't have a name, can? I'll call you . . . Stinky."
"STINKY," cried the computer, lights flashing. "WHATEVER FOR?? Have I offended you?"
"No, its just how your designation goes. *S*pace *T*ravel *I*ntelli-"
"I understand, sir. I only wish you chose a more Sayin-like name; more proper."
"Third class Sayins ain't proper, an neither am I! And no more 'sir' stuff. Its 'Bardock,' just 'Bardock.' I want respect, but I'm still just a guy!"
"Understood. Now, why have we left early?"
"Nanda?"
"One moment please." There was some beeping and lights blinking on the control panel. "I detect only one other ship in the vicinity. Where is Captain Cole?"
"You tell me! He never showed up!"
"One moment please." More beeping and blinking. "Reason found: His mate had a miscarriage this morning, and he is staying with her for the day."
"Oh." Bardock remained silent for a minute. "They must've really wanted it, or it wouldn't've mattered so much. Why does he want one, anyway? I don't like kids myself."
"Sayin logic is beyond my skill to comprehend."
"I'm thinking aloud," Bardock growled. "That wasn't a question for you." He stared out into space. "And to have lost three teammates too. Man, he must be pissed!! Wonder what happened to them."
"One moment pl-"
"I'M THINKIN' ALOUD AGAIN!!!!"
Too late. The answer popped up on the screen. Information on the planet Doear; forest covered planet, inhabited by deer-like people called the Heinz, whose blood is rumored to react to flesh in a similar fashion as acid and can kill gods.
"Great," Bardock grumbled sarcastically.
"Not really, s-uh-Bardock. Some Heinz survived."
"Its called sarcasum, baka." Bardock threw his arms up in frustration. "Man! I'm arguing with a robot!" He sighed. "Stinky, transport this information to my comrade, Zucina, in the neighboring pod. She don't know about this. Hopefully, she'll change he mind about scouting the planet."
"One moment please." A long period of silence followed as the newly deemed 'Stinky' acted as ordered. Finally, his electronic eyes flashed again. "I do not comprehend her response."
"What was it?"
"Well, she smiled and uttered the word 'Wicked!'. What does that insinuate?"
"That I'm is deep trouble!"
The two spacepods landed on top of the forest planet. Dusk had fallen, giving the area a serene quality. The foliage was so thick, the pods landed safely on the branches of the trees. Bardock rushed out first, and grabbed the front of Zucina's suit.
"What the HELL were you thinking?!"
"My, aren't you tense!"
Bardock pointed to the moon, just visable above the trees. "Look, the moon will be full in a couple of days. We can lay waste to this planet then!"
"No one gets away with killing Sayins," stated Zucina. "Any enemy of Cole's is an enemy of me!"
"If Cole couldn't beat 'em, what makes you think we can?!"
"Afraid, Low Level?"
Bardock's old nic name continued to be a sore spot; he closed his mouth and seethed with anger. "No," he growled.
"Then shut up and listen to me. Why would Cole forward us the money to buy gear before we were to leave on a mission? I'll tell you why: An invitation! This is part of Cole's training! We, you and I, are to learn from his mistakes and scout ahead!"
Her friend froze, contemplating this bit of information. Of course! It was so simple, yet subtle. "You sure?"
"Positive! Remember, baka, I've known Cole far longer then you have." She pried his fingers from her armor. "I appreciate the concern, but there is no need for you to join me. You can go back to Vegetasei if you are not sure."
Bardock shook his head. "I'm yer lieutenant. You are my responsibility."
"And who said I was going to take orders from the likes of you?" She started walking away. "I am only tolerating Cole's orders because he is my mentor and friend. Yours on the other hand- you may be my friend, but I still look upon you as a rival, certainly NOT my superior!"
"Have it your way," said Bardock shrugging.
===========================================================
[Commercial Break]
===========================================================
Zucina had bought their old uniforms to wear as a disguise. She intended to pretend they were ship-wrecked explorers.
The two wandered through the forests, searching for a sign of civilization. Their plan was to observe, not attack. But so far, after hours, there was not so much as a building.
Once, a large creature attacked them, but Bardock destroyed it with a single ki blast. Zucina hid in a tree. She wasn't over her hatred of animals. Bardock teased her about this for the next two hours as they continued their search.
At last, Zucina spotted what appeared to be a stone temple of sorts. Curious, they crept inside, trying not to make any noise in case any Heinz lurked about. As the light diminished, Zucina held up a Ki Katana. The purple light shone over hieroglyphics, casting eerie shadows. She read them aloud to herself, in a strange language, then translated to Bardock that they told the story of a princess destined to arrive from a different world and claim the legendary Idsa Sword.
"It says that the sword was forged from purified Heinz blood, and then sealed away with magic. Apparently only this so called 'Princess' can touch it, for hers is the blood of magic shadow."
"Ain't that somethin'," said Bardock sarcastically. "Why're we studyin' their religion?"
"In case we can exploit it." But something interrupted Zucina's train of thought. A white woman, glowing and dressed in black, could be seen in a doorway. She turned away and disappeared into the darkness. Zucina sped towards her. "What was that!?!"
"What," asked Bardock, running to catch her. "I didn't see nothin'."
Zucina followed the passage the woman had taken. When she came to a fork in the tunnel, she paused, panting. "Where'd she get off to?"
Bardock crashed into her. "Gomen. Now, what're we chasin'?"
"You'll think I've gone mental."
"No I won't. Somethin' wrong?"
"I saw this woman, dressed in a long black dress, with gold eyes and silver skin. She ran off as soon as I saw her."
"You're right."
"About the woman?"
"No. I think you've gone crazy."
Zucina spotted the woman again. "THERE!! WAIT!!!" She ran off.
Bardock stared after he, dumbfounded. "Where?"
Zucina ended up in a large room, decorated in elaborate, chiseled pictures, encrusted in jewels and curtained lightly in velvet. Torches were lit, and golden centaur Heinz kneeled on velvet cushions around the room in silent prayer. A broken gold pillar stood in the center of the room, with the legendary sword sticking out of it.
Zucina, following me, entered the room. Every Heinz recognized her as a Sayin from the armor and tail, and were shocked that she strode right into their midst. Bardock, who caught up again, jumped when he saw his friend do something so stupid. He believed she really had lost her mind. You see, I only appeared to Zucina, not him.
I placed my hand on the sword hilt, then disappeared. Zucina, bewildered about my sudden departure, ran forward.
"Mornië utúlië,*" cried the Heinz. They reacted quickly by grabbing spears and weapons. Bardock darted forward, ready to protect his ailing friend. But Zucina continued to step forward, drawn by a force she had no comprehension of, and imitated my touching the sword.
A rush of purple light illuminated the hall. All life forms stopped dead to gaze upon Zucina. Her hair flew wildly above her, eyes fixed on the sword. With one mighty tug, she pulled it out and held it above her head. The fire on the torch danced. The pictures seemed to applaud. Hearts skipped. Energy of a far greater magnitude then previously experience emitted from her body.
Bardock stared at his friend. "Okay," he whispered nodding, "now I'm a believer!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
* - "Mornië utúlië!!" means "Darkness/Plague has come!!"
Hey guys! Bardock here!
I don't believe this! The Heinz now think Zucina is their long-awaited princess who will protect them from all danger. Does that make sense to anyone else?! HELLOOOO!!!!! She's a Sayin!! She's here to destroy you!!!! I'm not about to spill the beans. I guess I feel kinda sorry for them. Too bad Zuni-chan doesn't.
Next time on DragonballBC: The Princess and the Sword; Zucina's Relentless Heart