Definition of Pride
By Moonraker One
Chapter Five - An Empire Reborn
Once the ship had exited hyperspace, Teneko ordered the ship be put into emergency mode; this meant the ship was to be landed as fast as possible, all crew were to be analyzed for possible infection, and all able-bodied warriors were to help the highest ranking officer on the ship. Outside, on the deck where the medical operatives were positioned, ready to retrieve the patient, there was much ado about what the patient was truly suffering from. Could she truly be suffering from an infection of the Bebi virus? A patient with that type of a physical infection hadn't shown itself around this planet in close to twelve thousand years. It had been widely held that the Bebi virus died with planet Tuffle, but no one knew for sure. For all they knew, the patient could just have something else. Or, as they hoped wasn't the case, Commander Teneko could be right about what was ailing that Saiyan female they had aboard.
Goku had close to a billion thoughts running through his mind; most of them were related to whether or not his wife would be fine or not. He'd never seen such a thing before where a being could possess people like a demon, then spread from person to person like a virus. He figured it was something to do with the rest of the species like this Bebi creature, but what exactly was the history of the Tsurufu? He turned to Kelietya.
"The Tsurufu?" she replied. "What do you want to know about them?"
"Their history," Goku said. "Also why they'd create something like Bebi just to hurt Saiyans."
Kelietya let out a big sigh; this was not a piece of the past that she'd want to remember. However, she felt obligated to explain it. "The Tsurufu were the species that we Saiyans shared planet Plant with long before it was ours to control. Even with our immense power, we could only equal their immense technologies, until the full moon came out. Once that happened, we were able to exterminate the lot of them," she explained, not leaving out a single detail. "Unfortunately, we could not have anticipated their secret project. They created a genetically-altered Tsurufu from their king's DNA. This creature became stronger with each slave that it infected. Until we defeated it with the help from the Kaioshins."
Goku blinked. "It…got so bad it brought the higher kais into this?" he inquired, amazed by such a fact.
Kelietya didn't say anything, she merely nodded. This indicated she was not in the mood to continue this explanation. Inside the tank, Chakuri's body was shaking left and right slightly, closely monitored by Goku and Kelietya. Her ki was at its normal level; now, it was a matter of how long she could fight the infection by her own will before she was taken into the medical center and treated. Kelietya reassured Goku that they would give her the best possible antidote to Bebi's infection, one that was sure to take a long time. After all, this was not a typical infection; ninety percent of her cells had traces of Bebi DNA in them. Chakuri had to, by the force of will alone, prevent all her body from being taken over.
The emergency door at the back of the medical room of the ship slid open rapidly, and a few dozen medical workers-clad in air-tight suits-came in to carefully extract the Saiyan female from the chamber. The opening at the top of the regeneration chamber slid open, and the water drained from the pipes hooked up near the bottom. Two workers reached in and pulled Chakuri from the chamber by her armpits, holding her tight despite the struggling. Their serious faces seemed to indicate a feeling of doubt amongst the personnel. Goku, however, could tell that they'd handled this type of problem before; even if it was quite a bit of time ago.
Kelietya and Goku exited the ship, walking up to the main doctor who was going to treat the infection endured by Chakuri. They both had serious questions to ask him, and he was more than ready to provide answers.
"Is my wife going to be okay?" asked Goku. The doctor couldn't help but smile at a question like this.
"She's in the finest hands in the universe," was the reply. "Also, I noted that only ninety percent of her cells were infected. It's only beyond ninety-five that it becomes a problem. She'll be put at ultra-urgent need level, so that way she'll be seen first."
Kelietya turned to Goku. "See?" she said. "I'm sure she'll be fine." She then faced the doctor. "Doc, if there's any issues about repayment, bill the Saiyan government, financial division."
Goku noticed Kelietya turning back in the direction of the ship. "Don't you want to stay here with your sister?" inquired Goku, confused about her lack of interest in her sister's well-being.
Kelietya smiled. "Tell you the truth, the last case twelve thousand or so years ago was our father," she replied. "I'm more than sure she can survive. After all, we still have to get you back to planet Saiya for your coronation."
"But…" he replied. "I think my wife and your sister is more important than my coronation!"
Kelietya rolled her eyes. "If you're so concerned," Kelietya said, "I'll stay here and you go with Teneko back to home planet, but you must be there by this midnight or the coronation committee will automatically give the throne to the next royal-blooded Saiyan."
"Vegeta," Goku said, quickly realizing.
"Yes, Kakarot," she agreed, reminding him with her tone that he was not ready. "And we both know he's unworthy, and what he'll do with that kind of authority. He is unworthy and will bring much shame and bloodshed to our new empire. I will NOT allow it. Either you go, or we both go. End of story, my friend."
Goku had no choice but to give in. After all, he could practically envision the endless blood that Vegeta would shed in the name of the new Royal Saiyan Empire. Goku could not allow him to massacre that many innocents. He did feel that his own family was more than important at the moment, but once again, he let his emotions rule his decision. She didn't give him enough time to properly decide whether to stay or go; that's they way she'd planned it.
Once back on the ship, commander Teneko took his position at his post near the captain. Kelietya ascended the five-step mini staircase to her seat—naturally the highest position in the room—and motioned for the lieutenant to move the ship. By this point, Goku was pondering whether or not this was a wise decision. I really should've stayed behind with Chi-Chi, he thought. He slapped himself; he probably was never going to remember to say "Chakuri" instead of "Chi-Chi."
All the people in the ship braced themselves for when the lieutenant at he main control panel threw the lever to its max position, sending them all into hyperspace. The eternal instant came and went, and there before them was their beautiful home planet. Sky red as can be and scenery as green as the water of Namek. Ah, Namek; just the thought brought memories of years of training young green kids how to fight back to Kelietya's mind. She wished she could return there someday, possibly to thank the great elder for the glory he allowed her to have. At the same time, however, she knew what her mission was, and how to do it.
The ramp slid open a few minutes after landing; out strolled Goku, eager to get what he had to get done done so that he could go about talking with his friends. What he wasn't expecting, though, was all of the z-fighters to be awaiting him the instant he stepped off the ship. Vegeta walked up to him, and despite all odds, shook his hand.
"I'm glad the throne of the mightiest empire in the universe be given to its mightiest warrior," Vegeta said, causing Goku to question if this was Vegeta or not. When Vegeta pulled Goku closer, however, he was assured it was him. "But if any devastation befalls us," he added, "I'll be the first to kill you."
Krillin noticed something no one else was noticing. "There's Kelietya, you're here, Teneko's there," Krillin explained. "But where's Chi-Chi? Didn't she come back?"
Goku scratched the back of his head. "She's being treated on planet Kemorda," Goku said. "She got hurt on some planet. Don't worry, guys, she'll be fine." He was surprised that he was so sure of his own words. He really wasn't; he simply let Kelietya talk him into it. He wasn't really here to get back on track with his friends. He was here to prevent Vegeta from causing problems, then immediately return to Kemorda. He couldn't handle it any longer; he had to leave NOW.
"Kelietya," he explained. "I have to leave. I simply must know of my wife's condition!"
She rolled her eyes. "Don't worry, Kakarot," she replied. "The doc's got my scouter data so he can contact me."
"I thought you could sense ki!" Goku said, surprised she'd need one.
"I can, you putz," she fired back. "I use it to communicate with troops!"
Goku thought a minute; perhaps he did have a way. "This…coronation thing; it means I'll be king, right?"
Kelietya raised an eyebrow; did she hear the retarded question she'd just heard?
"Yes," she said, tilting her head to the side, as if to imply his stupidity.
"Well," Goku added. "As my first order as King of the Saiyans, I command you to check on my wife's condition."
Kelietya rolled her eyes; Goku was jumping the gun just a little bit. "Don't worry, idiot," she replied. "I'll be on my way just as soon as this is over."
Goku looked at her expectantly. "Why…can't you go now?"
"Because you're not king until you get crowned," she replied. "That means you can't give me orders until after the coronation!"
Goku nodded in agreement. "Ah. I wasn't aware of that."
Vegeta knew that he was permanently surrendering his chances of ever becoming king of his people, but it didn't matter to him. He had been around Goku long enough to realize that if anyone was suitable to rule the mightiest empire in the cosmos, it was Goku alone. Vegeta knew that he was not worthy of ruling the Saiyan empire, because more than likely, he'd cause wars and death; many of the things that Goku tried so hard to prevent. He didn't want to get seduced by his own power that he'd get from being crowned.
Kelietya had served kings before, but none of the people that she served ruled in the same way that this Saiyan was going to rule; King Vegeta, the one that she served under, was a endless warmonger. On Namek, the senior elder despised combat of any kind, believing only in peace. If it wasn't for the threatening of their existence, the Namekian Civil War might never have taken place. She could sense that Goku would do whatever he could to protect this new Saiyan Empire that she'd rebuilt. After all, she would not have turned control over to anyone who she felt would cause its premature demise. This was good; two people with differing opinions had the same belief about his ability to rule the Saiyan Empire.
Walking towards the Main Palace of the Saiyan King, he pondered what this new role of his would mean for him. He had never had experience ruling anyone, so this was a task he'd just have to get used to. He shook his head; he just couldn't continue this without his wife's presence.
"Kelietya?" he asked, trying to get her attention.
"Hmm?" she uttered, taking her attention off of Teneko carrying on a discussion with Piccolo to face Goku. "What do you want, Kakarot?"
"I'm sorry, but if I don't know what my wife's situation is, I just can't let this go on," he explained. Kelietya rolled her eyes again; didn't he ever have any faith in doctors? She quickly shook off that notion; she knew that he hated doctors for the fact that they gave injections.
"Fine," she fired back. "I'll call immediately." Goku stopped in mid-step, and waited for her to press the button on her scouter. It beeped and clicked, and then, white noise was heard as the communication line was opened.
"Doctor?" she said. "This is General Kelietya, Saiyan Supreme Commander. How is the physical condition of my sister, Chakuri?"
She waited a few seconds, and Goku tried in vain to make out the doc's words to Kelietya, and then she clicked off her scouter. "Don't worry, Kakarot," she uttered. "Your wife is fine. She's been given a medicine to remove the infection, and is now regaining her strength in the recovery room."
"Can we continue?" Kelietya asked, frustrated as to this Saiyan's lack of faith in medicine.
"Yup," Goku gleefully responded. "I'm ready."
And so, the coronation was back on. Kelietya was happy; this was probably the first time in ages that a plan of hers was working properly. Her brand new Saiyan empire was going well, and it had thus found a new ruler, and he was one that would never allow bad things to happen to it or its people. Goku was happy, despite the fact that he'd been uprooted from his nice little life and put in this new one, and he was about to assume his new role. He even knew of what he'd do once he became king. He'd try to make peace with the race that destroyed the previous home planet of the Saiyan Empire; the Cardarians, which were Frieza's race. After all, how hard could it be?
The ceremony was not a long one. Goku kneeled before Kelietya, who tapped the golden sword on his shoulders, then recited the ancient writings. Almost as quickly as it started, the coronation was complete and he was deemed king of the new Saiyan Empire. Yet, it seemed blank without his wife. Not a problem; he'd be with her very quickly. In fact, he was out of there before the crowd gathering in the front could hound him with questions. For some strange reason, the crowd seemed to know the plight he was in mentally, with his worrying over seeing his wife. He didn't know it, but this was the "Saiyan brotherhood" that Kelietya was talking about earlier. Walking towards the ship, he was going to leave immediately for Kemorda.
Kelietya stopped him. "You must stay here, Kakarot," she assured him. "As the new king, no evil must become you. To prevent harm, you must stay here."
"I have to see my wife," he objected. "If I don't see her soon I won't feel right."
She rolled her eyes. "Don't worry!" she said, raising her voice. "I'll bring her right back! There's just something else I've gotta do!"
Walking back onto the ship, Kelietya quickly got the ship back in gear, and took off. Goku looked on, wondering to himself what the task was that she had to do that couldn't involve him. It didn't matter; as long as his wife was brought back to him safely and carefully, he didn't care what she had to do. A Saiyan commander came walking up to Goku, eagerly trying to get his attention.
"Your excellency!" he yelled, dashing up. "I've been ordered to get you acquainted with the technology you'll be using. If you'd be so kind as to come with me, I'd much appreciate it, sir!"
He had nothing better to do, so he went with the commander. He was led into the castle, and into the main chambers of the king where he'd conduct the main of his business. The commander got him acquainted with his royal scouter, which was modified especially for the king alone.
"This is your scouter, sir," explained the commander. "This has been modified especially for you. Because you mentioned earlier you can read power levels, yours has been modified not to measure exact power levels. Instead, the main focus of the technology is to communicate with any of your forces which are active in the area."
Goku attached the device to his ear. The commander then picked up a pair of wristbands, which looked exactly like Goku's old ones. "These," he continued, "have been modified to constantly monitor your heart rate and ki level. If your health drops below a certain point, our people are alerted instantly, and secretly, due to sub-level radiation transmission."
The commander then pulled from a box a uniform that looked extremely royal. It was typical Saiyan armor, except it had a bright orange cape attached to the normal shoulder wings. On it was—like he'd always worn—the north Kai's symbol, little and on the top of the left chest plate. Along with it was the dark blue undersuit; just like all Saiyan elite-class warriors wore under their armor. It was the exact same type King Vegeta had worn, only modified.
"This," the commander explained with pride in his voice, "is your uniform. It has been modified to repair itself instantly and the tissue directly below it. Except in extreme cases, it will also absorb ki from an energy wave."
Goku took the uniform, then told the commander he could leave. The commander gave the Saiyan salute—a closed fist over the heart—then exited the royal chamber. Goku quietly and rapidly slipped off his GI and put on the undersuit. Once it was on, he slipped the armor on over it. He was amazed by how well it fit him; he had always worn clothing that was slightly too loose to prevent the impediment on speed. This, however, was tight enough AND flexible. It was unlike anything he'd worn before. Perhaps he'd get used to wearing it.
Back on the ship, Kelietya had gone to Kemorda and picked up Chakuri—she was fine—and had left for another planet on which she'd gotten a strange interstellar signal. Obviously, someone on this planet had heard of Kelietya's ship and wanted her to come to their planet. Obviously, she was cautious, but she did not sense any problem from going there; she was good at sensing danger on the horizon. It was strange that she'd get such a signal from a planet so far away.
"King Kakarot has told me he wants to be with his wife shortly," said Kelietya to her lieutenant. "In order for us to be there and back quickly we must go through hyperspace. Make the jump!"
The lieutenant nodded, and threw forth the lever to its farthest point. Instantly, the typical time freeze came and went. Afterwards, she looked questioningly at the planet she saw onscreen; it looked to her like she'd seen it before. She ordered the lieutenant to land the ship without cloaking. She was certain that she'd seen the planet before, and that it was not an enemy planet. In fact, it seemed to her—she sensed it because of an energy signal coming from the planet—like the planet was Saiyan controlled.
Upon landing, Kelietya sensed an incredibly familiar ki signal from a powerful being. She was the most eager to exit the ship; only Commander Teneko was in front of her. As soon as the ramp descended, the commander and the general stepped out of the ship, and saw before them, a thousand Saiyan soldiers strong. The one at front's eyes grew big when he saw who was standing before him, next to the Namekian.
"It…can't be!" he cried. "I…must inform the general at once!"
He tried to run, but Kelietya grabbed the back of his armor. "Tell who what, soldier?" she inquired.
"I…I must tell general Kelt his daughter is here!"
Her mouth dropped open, and she whirled the soldier around to face her.
"D…Did you say General Kelt!?" she screeched, at a loss for words. "Kelt!? I thought my father had been killed by Vegeta the first!"
"Commander Teneko!" she said to her commander. "Come with me. I must see if this Saiyan is telling the truth. If he is lying, I want you to remove his lying tongue for such a profound lie."
Teneko popped his knuckles. "As you wish, ma'am general," he said, smiling.
She walked with the soldier up a hillside until they got to a Saiyan military base. As the door was slid open, the soldier bowed immediately. Kelietya was partially masked by darkness, so he couldn't see her, but indeed it was her father.
"Saiyan woman!" Kelt called out. "Why aren't you bowing? What is your name and rank?"
"Name: Kelietya," she replied. "Rank: General, supreme commander of Saiyan allied forces."
Kelt stood up, pushing four Saiyans out of the way. "YOU L…" he started to shout, until she stepped out of the shadow of the doorway. "K…Ke…KELIETYA!?"
She draped her arms around him. "I thought I'd lost you forever, father," she tearfully said. "How'd you ever escape!?"
"How'd YOU escape?!" he asked. "As I was tortured, I was told they'd killed you! Were you sent off?"
"To Namek," she replied. "It's where I met my loyal commander. Teneko! Introduce yourself to my father!"
The large Namekian stepped forth, standing a whole foot taller than Kelt. Kelt shook hands with the huge Namekian, noting his incredibly firm handshake. "Anyone who's my daughter's friend is mine too," he said to the Namekian warrior.
"I have some news that you might like to know," Kelietya told her father. "The son of the previous king Vegeta is not the king this time. We've found planet Saiya and started a new empire with Kakarot as king."
"So, you found our holy planet," he said with pride. "I always knew someone in my family would. This Kakarot…isn't he the legendary 'Saiyan Savior'? The child of a third-class warrior who breaks out of his birth class?"
Kelietya nodded. "Also," she replied, "he's trying to make peace with the Cardarians."
Kelt seemed to suddenly become scared, as if he'd seen a ghost. "That…is impossible!" he yelled.
Kelietya tilted her head, confusedly. "Why?"
"The Cardarians have betrayed us!" Kelt screeched. "Just last week, an attempt was made on seven different colonies across the galaxy! It all goes back to old planet Vegeta's space!"
She thought a minute. He explained his thoughts. "Because they own the space our OLD empire was in, they can attack all the different colonies at once! There's far too many openings! In a second, they could launch a full-scale assault!"
Kelietya's mouth dropped open. "Good god in heaven," she whispered, shocked over this revelation. "We must get this news back to King Kakarot!"
"Impossible," Kelt said, shaking his head. "We do not have the technology to get to Saiya in time."
Kelietya smiled; she could still get back!
"We've got hyperspace technology!" she yelled. "In a few seconds, we can be there!"
Kelt nodded. "We must go immediately."
As they tore off towards the ship, they were eager to get the news back, yet apprehensive over the dangers.