Ch 3 Red Faction - Opening Act
Planet Arcose.
On the desolate original home world of the Arcosian race or Frost Demons as some call them, laid a massive underground base.
On a planet void of life, long since abandoned by her people. Few would suspect that underneath the frozen wastelands and barely supportive atmosphere hid thee most powerful fighter in the entire Northern Galaxy and the known universe.
The true leader of the Planet Trade Organization: King Cold.
The massive Arcosian sat on his well crafted throne, utterly annoyed.
Moments ago, he received a call from his eldest son Cooler. The latter informed him that his youngest son Frieza was alive and under his care.
That wasn't the end however, as the ambitious brat not only threaten him not to make any moves against this rising rebellion now spreading across the Planet Trade like a rabid plague or inform any of Frieza's survival otherwise his live would be terminated but also had the audacity to declare his own sort of rebellion claiming that he would take everything with his own hands.
King Cold felt some pride in this bold move by Cooler. He somewhat underestimated the boy for concocting such a scheme.
It would bring him great joy to end his ambitious son's life.
The commander of King Cold's personal royal guard -a 30 man elite force known as Winter Stream- approached this master from the left.
"Captain Steuben." King Cold spoke the man's name as he heard him approach.
He was a mostly human, with white thinning hair, dull black lifeless eyes and a grey life support mask that cover his lower face. The captain was dressed in dull ice blue Battle Armor,(the usual color scheme for members of Winter Stream) white gloves, black boots, and a red Scouter.
His mechanical like breathing echoed through the massive, mostly empty room.
"My lord." Capt. Steuben started, his voice filtered though the mask. "What is your will?"
Despite the man's advanced age, his was strong though elderly. If it wasn't for the mobile life support system connected from his mask to the unit attached to his lower back one would believe he was in moderate health.
King Cold closed his eyes. 'What indeed?' He thought.
He could ignore his son's threats, rally the Planet Trade forces loyal to him and Frieza and quell this rebellion along with this so called Super Saiyan.
Cooler showed no proof that he had Frieza, but his eldest son wasn't one to bluff. Especially given how much he was risking with this little gamble.
If he did have Frieza, the Cold's first priority should be to free him at the first opportunity.
Yes, he had to focus on that.
Frieza was his prized hair to the throw of his empire. He were to perish now, it would be a major blow to Cold's large scale plans for this universe.
"We'll play along with Cooler's game for now." King Cold replied, opening his eyes. "There's no way to be sure if he has Frieza or not. Until that is confirmed, we won't engaged these ungrateful upstarts in their little rebellion."
"Very good my lord." Captain Steuben said. "I shall see that our spies are tasked with confirming Lord Frieza's whereabouts immediately."
King Cold smirked. His subordinate was one in a million.
Like Captain Ginyu and his relationship with Frieza, Steuben was one of the best and possessed an undying loyalty towards King Cold.
In fact, so long ago when he first stole this empire from Blizzard, Steuben was right there with him. The man played a major role in the uprising, betraying the former emperor at a critical moment that guarantied Cold's ascension.
"See to it captain." King Cold replied.
Captain Steuben gave his lord a firm salute, spun around on the heel of his boot, and walked off to assign their wide spread spy network the task of find out if Cooler truly had Frieza or if this was one bold and idiotic bluff aimed to keep King Cold inactive for the time being.
In either case, the Arcoisan knew the once this was all over he would have one less son in the land of the living.
3 hours after Blizzard's speech. Aboard Frieza's space ship, New Arcose...
Malaka's four digit hands pressed various buttons before him at a brisk pace. Off a few dozen paces to his left was the Saiayn Bardock, currently encased inside a healing pod.
Bardock had arrived several hours ago, held between the shoulders of two other Saiyans.
At first Malaka thought Bardock threw himself into the thick of battle only to miraculously survive once again.
However, upon noticing the lack of wounds or blood save that which dripped down the elite's face the scientist knew this wasn't the case.
Once placed in the pod, the reptilian humanoid scanned his patient's brain for any abnormalities.
Before the Saiyan race officially revolted against the Planet Trade, Malaka and his fellow colleague Planthorr had Bardock under their care and, just like in this case, showed an abnormal change in his brain waves.
Those readings paled in comparison to those that the scan picked up now.
They were chaotic, as if the Saiyan's brain was undergoing some sort of dramatic change or possibly being ripped apart for the inside.
Such readings were never witnessed before, at least in the recorded history of the Planet Trade Organization.
The automated doors opened, revealing the silver haired Saiyan Riddic.
He walked into the room, glancing at Malaka before turning his gaze to the unconscious Bardock.
"How is he?" Riddic asked as moved forward.
"Physically, he's perfectly healthy." Malaka replied. "Mentally, I am uncertain."
Riddic turned his head towards the latter. "How so?"
Malaka turned around to face his new lord. "His brain waves are acting in a way I never seen before. It's seems like there are two completely different patterns trying to overlap one another. How such a phenomenon happened in the first place, let alone what will happen to him now, eludes me."
The Saiyan turned his head back towards the healing pod containing his friend. He stared at Bardock, floating in the bluish green healing juices.
"How long do you think it will be before he wakes up?" Riddic asked after several long moments of silence.
Malaka let out a sigh. In all honesty, he hadn't the slightest idea when. He half turned, facing in the direction of the healing pod.
"It could be days, weeks, months, even years." He replied, turning his head towards Riddic before continuing. "I can't say for certain."
The automated doors opened once more, this time Captain Drake occupied the space before it.
"My lord, here you are." The demon said before taking two steps into the room.
Riddic turned to face the man. "Captain." He said, acknowledging the man.
"Open channels are active with much talk about you my lord." Captain Drake continued.
"Oh?" Riddic replied as his eyebrow raised with curiosity. "And what are they saying?"
"Some shout their undying loyalty to the upstart Frieza regardless if he's alive or dead, and shout empty treats of how they will destroy this planet or attempt to kill you my lord." Drake bluntly replied.
"Many proclaim their allegiance to our cause and wish to be incorporated into the ranks of Red Faction."
"Well that's good news." Riddic replied with a smile. "Looks like the revolution we wanted is quickly becoming a reality."
Drake nodded in agreement. "They wish to speak with you, my lord. The necessary preparations are finished, you can broadcast at any time."
Riddic turned his head to Malaka. "Inform me if anything changes." He said, waiting for the latter to reply before following Captain Drake out of the Recovery Room.
Malaka turned back to his terminal, mentally preparing himself for a grueling night of trying to figure out what exactly was wrong with his current patient.
In the debts of his subconscious, Bardock stood alone in the darkness.
He moved forward in the seemingly endless void. Something was calling out to him, urging the Saiyan onward.
After what seemed to be an eternity, Bardock saw a figure standing ahead of him.
The Saiyan moved closer and closer, the darkness surrounding the figure gradually lifting with each step he took.
Once the dark fog lifted enough for Bardock to make out the being's face, he stopped in his tracks. The Saiyan's eyes widened as he stared into the familiar face of the man before him.
The last survivor of the Kanassan race. The same one who pasted on his physic power to Bardock before the Saiyan ended his life.
"Hello Bardock." The fish-like humanoid said with a grin.
Bardock opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Yet the words he wished to say we conveyed, not through his lips but through his mind.
How are you-? I killed you!
The Kanassan closed his eyes. "Yes you did. My physical body anyway." He said before reopening his eyes.
"You see, when I bequeathed my physic powers unto you I transferred a part of my mental being as well."
Bardock frowned.
And who gave you permission to move inside my head?
"You are the one who wanted physic powers Bardock, my moving into your subconscious was merely part of the deal."
Bardock rolled his eyes, crossing his arms in disappointment.
Well that's just wonderful. I have a miniature fish man inside my head.
"Indeed." The Kanassan took a step to the side. He stared up into the darkness. "Joking aside, it seems your brain has finally reacted to my presence here and seems to be adapting."
What does that mean?
"I'm uncertain." The Kanassan turned his gaze back to Bardock.
"This is the first time I've done this to someone who isn't a member of my species. From what I can tell, your brain is trying to compensate for two different wave patterns inside one mind. This has been done before, in a way. I believe they call it 'multi-personality disorder.'"
Bardock unfolded his arms, making a tisk motion though no sound came out of his mouth.
So there's no telling what can happen? Isn't that just perfect.
"Do not fret Bardock." The Kanassan said, crossing his arms. "For the unexpected is what gives life such a thrill. We Kanassans were robbed of that pleasure when the gods granted us physic powers, but now that I am here I can experience this feeling to my hearts content."
Funny coming from the guy without a physical form.
The Kanassan smirked. "And here I thought you were lacking a sense of humor." He lowered his arms, placing one hand on his waist.
"My name is Toolo, in case you were wondering. Seeing as we'll be living together it's best to get the formalities out of the way."
Not that I agreed to us sharing the same brain in the first place.
"Such is the way of the universe. All things move forward regardless of our support or content."
Toolo turned around, facing his back towards the Saiyan. He started to walk off into the dark void that surrounded them without as much as a word.
Bardock crossed his arms once more, frowning as he watched the Kanassan march off.
So what? You're leaving?
Toolo turned his head back, but kept his steady pace. "We'll meet again Bardock. If you managed to stay in one piece that is. Hahahaha."
The Kanassan disappeared into the darkness of the Saiyan's subconscious, leaving Bardock all to his lonesome.
1 hour later...
King Vegeta stood all alone on an outer balcony connected to New Arcose's CC complex. He looked out to the half ruined city before him and beyond towards the towering buildings looming on the horizon.
With the capital of the Planet Trade Organization under their occupation and the majority of the might empire engulfed in civil war, the Saiyan King wondered: What exactly would their next step be?
Both on a personal level and on behalf of his warrior race, the proud king thought about what the future might hold.
"So this is where you've been hiding."
King Vegeta turned his head towards the source, glaring at the friendly face of the approaching Riddic.
"And what do you want?" The Saiyan King said in less agitated tone that usual.
"Oh nothing much." Riddic replied. He walked up to the guard rail on the balcony, leaning forward and pressing his arms against it. "Just wanted to have a chat is all."
King Vegeta let out a humph, closing his eyes as he crossed his arms. "Do as you wish."
Riddic smirked. He stared out towards the vast buildings on the horizon. The two remained silent for the next few moments.
"You know, the Arcoisans agreed to help us out with technological development and other scientific fields." Riddic said, breaking the lasting silence.
"At first they offered their help in exchange for their freedom, like they though we were going to enslave them as retribution over Frieza and his family's years of crudity."
The silver-haired Saiyan let a laugh before continuing. "It took some time to convince them that we would never do such a thing. We're liberators, not conquers."
King Vegeta opened his eyes and let out a short, unamused laugh. "You should've enslaved them for letting tyrants rule over this galaxy for so long."
"They couldn't help that even if they tried." Riddic replied with a smile. "Most of these people are scientists who barely know how to defend themselves. Any rebellion they try on their own would only end in a one-sided slaughter."
The proud Saiyan King shook his head in disappointment. "How could someone as soft-hearted as you turn into the Legendary Super Saiyan?" He said with some distaste. "Your father would hang his head in shame if he was alive to see you now."
"Actually, I think he'd be proud of me." Riddic replied. He pushed up from the guard rail, still holding onto it with his hands. "Father always told my brother and I that our bloodline was blessed. That we were destined to achieve greatness, like our ancestors before us."
The silver-haired Saiyan turned his head towards King Vegeta. "I think I'm living up to his expectations, don't you?"
The latter let out another humph.
While it was true Miasma always went on about how the gods seemed to have some grand design for he and his bloodline, and most couldn't argue with that assumption given the numerous accomplishments their bloodline had contributed to the Saiyan race.
His boasting along with the deeds Miasma achieved during the Saiyan-Tuffle War was something that attracted both hate and respect to friends and foes alike.
Yet despite this seeming overconfidence in his bloodline's potential, Miasma respected the men that fought along side him, treating each as an equal regardless of strength or will.
Such a thing was odd amongst Saiyans, whom usually were bound by pride and regarded everyone weaker than them as scum.
The old silver fox was one of the few Saiyans King Vegeta called friend. The two would converse about various matters, usually relating to the betterment of their race.
How the proud king missed those conversations.
Miasma was a true patriot of the Saiyan ways of old and so when Frieza and his empire incorporated them into the fold, drastically changing their ways of life the silver-haired Saiyan resisted with every fiber of his being.
That is until Frieza executed him.
And here he was, conversing with the son of his friend whom not only freed them from their six year long enslavement but was on the verge of a revolution that would change the fate of this galaxy forever.
Living up to his father's expectations was a laughable understatement.
A few seconds of passed between the two Saiyans.
King Vegeta let out a sigh, seeing as it was his turn to pick up the conversation.
"So I assume you want to incorporate the Saiyans into this 'Red Faction' of yours?" He asked.
Riddic turned his head, looking at the horizon with a smile.
"Only those who are interested in joining." He replied, letting go of the guard rail. "I won't force anyone to sign up, that would be enslavement and we just won a war to free ourselves from one tyrant. No need to replace him with another."
King Vegeta chuckled. "I suppose your right." He turned his head, looking at Riddic for the first time since this conversation began.
"So where does that leave the Saiyans that don't join you?"
"Well they'll go home and after that depends on your decision."
"That's not what I'm asking."
Riddic smiled, he turned to face the Saiyan King. "Ah, you mean in what regard would Red Faction see the Saiyan race?"
King Vegeta replied with silence.
Riddic chuckled, shaking his head back and forth. "Well, if you really want to know..." He said, placing his hands on his waist.
"I would like Red Faction and the Saiyans to be allies. Partners even."
King Vegeta moved his head forward. He closed his eyes, a half smile formed on his face.
"You always find a way to annoy me every time you open your mouth." He said with some amusement.
Riddic laughed. "Sorry about that." He extended his hand out before the Saiyan King. "So, what do you say?"
King Vegeta turned his head back, staring at the Saiyan's hand for a few moments. He turned to face the silver-haired Saiyan.
"Fine." King Vegeta said, taking the silver-haired Saiyan's hand. "You have yourself a deal."
Riddic smiled. "I promise, this partnership will be much more beneficial to both are parties."
"I hope so," King Vegeta replied as he withdrew his hand. "Otherwise I'll be the one leading a rebellion against you."
Riddic let out a single laugh. "I'll be careful then."
The silver-haired Saiyan bowed slightly, saying his goodbyes to the proud Saiyan King before heading back the way he came.
King Vegeta watched the man go for a few moments before returning his attention to the scenic view he was glaring at beforehand.
'Miasma. I wish you were alive to see this day.' The Saiyan King thought as the sun began to set, casting the long shadows of the distant buildings across the land.
'To see your son as the man who will fulfill this so called destiny you believed in.'
Several days later...
Avalanche tailed behind his fact paced friend. The two were heading off to meet a contact the latter was expecting for sometime.
For someone who Avalanche though was a drifter, his friend had a number of resources at his disposal.
Makes you wonder why he choose to come here in a remote end of the galaxy.
The two arrived at one of the port docks within the next few minutes. Standing outside the airlock and apparently waiting for them was a large, green skinned humanoid dressed in a variant of the PTO Battle Armor Avalanche never seen before.
The armor was colored in dark green with one shoulder pad on the right side. On the chest was a sort of crest or symbol that Avalanche didn't recognized: It was a white 4 pointed star like figure; two pointed to the south and north while the other two tilted in a downward slant. The center of the start contained a black dot that occupied a third of the space.
He also wore a brighter purple spandex shorts and had a helmet variant of a Scouter. (The helmet is white with a yellow strip down the center and the Scouter is green.)
"Salazar, good of you to come." Avalanche's friend said, basically confirming that this man as his contact.
"Of course sire." Salazar replied with a nod. Avalanche's eyes widened as he referred to his friend as sire.
"It's been too long." The latter replied. "I trust you're in good health."
"I am sire, I see you've been taking care of yourself as well."
Salazar eyed Avalanche. The latter flinched. He scooted behind his friend's leg. Avalanche was a bit of a nervous wreck when it came to meeting new people.
"And in good company it seems." The green humanoid finished.
"Ah yes." The Arcosian looked down at Avalanche. "This is my friend, Avalanche, whom has been kind enough to let me say at this isolated facility for the past dozen years."
Avalanche popped his head out slowly from the cover of his friend's leg. "I-it's n-n-n-nice to me-meet you..."
Salazar stared at the Arcosian for a few long moments, only adding on to the overwhelming nervousness plaguing Avalanche's mind.
All of a sudden, Salazar bowed his head. "The pleasure is mine." He said, bowing his head further. "I thank you for offering shelter to my lord for all this time."
Avalanche rushed out from behind his friend. "Th-th-there's n-no need fo-for that!" He said, waving his arms sporadically. "I-I only did what was-what was the right thing to-to do!"
"Still, you have my deepest gratitude." Salazar replied, bowing his head even further. "Thank for you taking care of my lord."
"N-no I just-"
Avalanche's friend placed his hand on the the nervous Arcosian's shoulder. Avalanche looked up into his friend's smiling face.
"He won't stop, no matter what you say. So you might as well accept his praise."
"Eh...I-if you say so..." Avalanche replied.
His friend removed his hand and glanced at Salazar.
"Now then, let's get down to it shall we?"
Salazar stood straight up. "Yes sire."
The three of them headed back down the way the two Arcoisans came from, pacing down long hallways and sharp turns while avoiding the various drones occasionally flying every which way.
"What can you tell me of the current situation of the Planet Trade Organization?" The so far nameless Arcosian asked.
"Sire, over 60 percent of Frieza's territory is embroiled in civil war caused from troopers inspired by Lord Blizzard's speech or native inhabitants enslaved by the Planet Trade who decided this was the best time to rebel. Their current alliance is unknown at this time since there's no sign of the conflict ending anytime soon." Salazar humbly replied.
"Out the remaining percentage; 20 percent have already pledged their allegiance to this 'Red Faction' while 6 percent declare their steadfast loyalty to their late master."
The nameless Arcosian let out a laugh. "Not much good loyalty would do for a corpse."
Salazar nodded in agreement before continuing his report. "The remaining 14 percent have yet to show any favor over either faction and are currently remaining neutral."
"Ha, they are opportunists and individuals with cleaver schemes who'll side with whomever they benefit from the most. We can ignore those self-righteous imbeciles for now."
The three of them passed through a set of doors leading into the control center of the facility. They gathered around the large holo-table in the center of the room.
The nameless Arcosian placed his hands on the table, glaring at the star map currently on display.
"Are the asteroid mines in the Iris System as messily defended as the last time I ask?" He asked as his eyes settled on the region in question.
"Even more so, given this state of affairs." Salazar replied. "They deployed over two thirds of their force to assist in suppressing nearby rebellions."
"Perfect. I'll head over there sometime soon and discuss an extension on their contract. Along with whom they will be working for from now on." He glanced at his friend standing beside him.
"Avalanche, my friend. Looks like we'll be expanding your enterprise with some new subordinates and territories, given if the negotiations end in our favor."
Avalanche blinked a few times before responding. "Th-that sounds nice..." He replied with a awkward chuckle.
"Sire, what about the ally factions not apart of the Planet Trade?" Salazar asked. "Given the state of affairs, shouldn't we try to gain favor with them?"
"You mean the Serpentine?" The nameless Arcoisan crossed his arms.
"I have no issues employing some of their more free roaming mercenary clans. As for the Pure Breads and their detestable slaver empire, I'll gather see this galaxy enveloped in flames before I ally myself with those kind."
"Of course sire." Salazar replied.
"Now the Mrago, those are the kind of allies we need." The Arcosian continued. "Granted their species is, well to put it frankly odd, they specialize in every field those masked tribesmen developed an interest in."
Salazar nodded. "Assassination, espionage, several scientific fields and practice of the arts; war or otherwise to name a few. They would make a ideal asset to anyone."
"Which is why I would love to get them on our side." The nameless Arcosian let out a sigh. "Problem is, their home system is located in Cooler's territory. Which is stable despite the chaos sweeping over Frieza's territory. So we'll need to wait before trying to bargain with them."
"Perhaps we can gain Cooler as an ally?" Salazar suggested. "He is fairly different then the rest of his family. He even idolizes Lord Blizzard."
"That's a fair point." The nameless Arcoisan replied. He placed one hand over his chin.
"I'll have to consider that after we've establish a stronger military force. That man won't want a part of our plan unless he though we were capable of pulling it off."
"Our current fighting force consists of 500 soldiers loyal to only you sire." Salazar added. "In order to make your goal a reality, a larger force is certainly necessary."
"Um...E-excuse me..." Avalanche spoke up. "Pardon my asking b-but I was wondering...What exactly are you trying to accomplish?"
The nameless Arcosian smiled. He turned his head to his friend.
"What I want is the installment of a strong military system like the Planet Trade Organization of old." He started.
"One that governs as both a policing and a peacekeeping force. One that will act in any way necessary for the betterment of the galaxy as a whole. Just like what my old man used to be apart of before King Cold twisted the Planet Trade into his own image."
"Ah..I see.." Avalanche replied. "In that case, I'll do everything I can to support you! We are friends after all!"
Avalanche's friend smile widened. "I'll be counting on you then." He turned his head back to Salazar.
"As for our numbers problem, we could always unite the criminal syndicates spread throughout this galaxy employing them as mercenaries. Who knows, maybe we can convince some of them to change their ways and fight for a just cause instead of profit."
Salazar eyebrow raised. "Are you sure you wish to use such scum for your noble ideal sire?"
The nameless Arcoisan shrugged his shoulders. "We'll have to deal with them sooner or later. Might as well get it done with now. Besides, everyone deserves a chance at redemption."
"As you wish sire." Salazar said with a bow of his head.
"As the years go by we could take in remnants of Frieza's faction into our ranks and mold them into something useful." The Arcosian continued. "Other than that, we might have to explore into the neighboring galaxy and try recruiting soldiers from there."
"We'll make it work sire." Salazar said.
"Yeah, I'm sure things will work out for us!" Avalanche added. "Between the three of us, there's nothing we can't do!"
The nameless Arcosian smiled. "I truly am bless for having friends like you."
Salazar bowed in response. "Sire."
Avalanche chuckled, blushing from the embarrassment of being praised.
The nameless Arcosian returned his attention to the star map, his eyes fixated on the vast about of stars and other glamorous phenomenons portrayed in the holographic image.
"Let us take the first step." He said.
"While my name shall remain unknown to the masses of this galaxy, the underground networks and criminal syndicates shall soon be abuzz with the name of the man who rallies them under one banner."
"The Arcoisan simply known as Sub Zero."
3 months later...
Frieza's spaceship hovered in the void of space. Ahead of the flying-saucer was a massive labyrinth of asteroids, various lights and explosions could be seen coming from various locations across the belt of large space rocks.
Indications of a battle raging within.
Riddic stood on the bridge of the ship, watching what little of the battle that the outside cameras could pick up.
Beside him was Daizu.
The red-skinned humanoid had been promoted to company commander of the 1st division of Red Faction, nicknamed 'Hydra' for the symbol on the upper right corner of their Battle Armor.
They came to this place responding to a distress call from a convoy of vessels that belonged to one of the various other rebel factions that pledged their services to Red Faction.
What they found was a work of ingenuity on the enemy's part.
Inside this labyrinth of an asteroid belt where hollowed out asteroids connected together to form a massive complex.
While this was impressive in its own right, the asteroids could disconnect at any time should a section of the complex fall into enemy hands giving ample time to reorganize while their own forces fell into disorder.
This along with the various asteroids around it made for an impressive defense.
"I didn't think Frieza or any of his officers were smart enough to hide a stronghold in the middle of an asteroid belt." Riddic said, crossing his hands.
"This is new actually, courtesy of one Commander Ledgic." Daizu replied. "Captain Drake's done some digging on the man. We know that he was the same officer who commanded the defense of New Arcose."
"So this is the same guy that cause us some problems on our first day huh?" Riddic said. "Well this makes it interesting."
"The man knows what he's doing, that's for sure." Daizu added. "This location make it perfect to hit any vessels traveling along the nearby space route to New Arcose, let alone the fact that he turned this pile of rocks into a fortress."
"Aye, his talent is wasted as a member of the Planet Trade." Riddic said with a sigh. "It someone like him would join us, we'd be unstoppable right now."
Daizu smirked. "This coming from the man that defeated Frieza?"
"Well yeah, I can't have you guy relying only on me. I might be immortal but that doesn't mean something might happen down the road." The Saiyan replied.
"In order to create the peaceful galaxy we all desire, we need to have several outstanding individuals to help forge the path."
He turned his head back to his friend. "People like Captain Drake, Roy, and yourself are only some of the individuals we need. If we can find more people like you then Red Faction would turn out just like Blizzard hoped it would be."
"Well I don't find it assuring you're searching for people like Roy." Daizu teased.
Riddic let out a laugh. "I know he underestimates himself a lot, but when it comes down to it there's no one you could trust more."
Daizu nodded in agreement.
"My lord!" The comms officer shouted, half turning in his chair to face the silver-haired Saiyan. "Paragus wishes to speak with you. He says it's urgent."
Paragus lead a small strike team into the heart of the complex. Their task was to locate the asteroid being used as the enemy's HQ, infiltrate and capture the commanding officers.
With that move, Riddic hoped they could force the rest into surrendering.
Casualties were high, on both side. With these numerous obstacles not only couldn't you see the enemy until they were right on top of you, it made it hard to determine friend from foe.
Especially when both sides used the same uniforms. He'd have to address that issue after this battle.
"Put him on." The latter replied.
Paragus's face appeared on the monitor. The Saiyan, along with that various Red Faction soldiers behind him were encased in a vacuumed sealed variations of Battle Armor. The lights of exploding energy attacks occasionally shined in the background.
"We've discovered an unguarded side passage into what we suspect is the target location." The Saiyan Elite said. "We're ready to go at anytime, but we lost over half our squad. Can you send some reinforcement to our location?"
"I'll see who I can send." Riddic said, crossing his arms. "But I can't promise much at this point. Things are getting crazy out there. I already sent most of our reserves in. You might have to risk going in with what you have Paragus."
"I understa-"
"Let me go back them up." A familiar voice cut in.
Riddic and Daizu turned around. Stand in the doorway was one of the last people they expected.
"Bardock!" Riddic said, eyes wide in surprise.
"Are you alright?" Daizu added. "Should you even be moving?"
"I'm fine," Bardock replied with a smug smile. "Besides I've been out of the fight for too long. It's about time I threw myself back into it."
"Are you absolutely sure?" Riddic asked in a serious tone. "You've been in a coma for 3 months. I'm a little hesitant to throw someone into the grinder who just snapped out of it."
"I've never been so sure of something in my life." Bardock replied. "The doc gave me the all green, you can ask him yourself if you want."
Riddic crossed his arms. He stared into the Saiyan's eyes for a few long moments. Finally, he smiled at Bardock.
"Alright. If you think your up to it." The silver-haired Saiyan replied, uncrossing his arms. "Suit up and head out. We'll send you the location when you're on the move."
Bardock smiled, nodding at the man before running down the hall.
"He seems eager." Daizu said.
"I agree. Must be from the built up urge to punch something after all this time." Riddic replied.
Daizu let out a laugh. "Maybe, given how you Saiyans love your battles."
Riddic turned back to main monitor. "As you heard, Bardock's on his way."
Paragus nodded. "We'll wait for him to show then move in."
"Give it your best." Riddic replied. A moment after, Paragus's image snapped off the monitor returning it to the previous poorly angled images of fighting.
"Bardock and Paragus," Daizu started. "They're some of the individuals you're looking for as well, aren't they?"
"Bardock is a good man. He has heart and a strong sense of duty." Riddic replied. "As for Paragus...He strives hard to achieve his goals. Determined to do what is necessary to carry out anything he sets his mind to do."
"That's a good trait to have." Daizu said.
Riddic closed his eyes. "Well, that all depends."
The red humanoid raised his eyebrow. "Depends on what?"
The Saiyan reopened his eyes. "On what sort of goals you wish to achieve."
Commander Ledgic glanced at each monitor before him. The situation was deteriorating exactly as the greenish-blue alien predicted.
Casualties were high on both sides, yet the enemy still held a the advantage in numbers.
While it was true that their was confusion on the battlefield as who was friend and who foe thanks to the fact that they all wore the same uniform, it was only a matter of time before they find this place.
No matter. This base has served it's purpose. Now all that's left was to see to the evacuation and total destruction of this facility.
He turned around, taking a few steps towards a figure sitting on a pile of crates off in the corner.
Ledgic glared at the man. He was a humanoid with short scruffy aqua green hair and dull blue eyes. He wore a white and beige colored set of PTO Battle Armor with black pants underneath, white gloves and matching boots.
"It's almost time for your appearance Rouge." Ledgic said to the man.
"About damn time. I was getting bored." Rouge hoped to his feet. He shoved past Commander Ledgic, stretching his arms our. "Let me show you weaklings how everyone's least favorite pain in the ass fights."
Rouge was, just that; a renegade, a degenerate, one of those people that got on pretty much everyone's nerves but could get away with cause he's strong.
Rouge wasn't his real name, just an atlas everyone referred to him by cause he refused to tell anyone his real name.
"I expect much from Lord Frieza's second strongest soldier." Commander Ledgic replied, ignoring the man's rudeness.
Rouge frowned, lowing his arms. He turned to face the latter. "Commander. Do yourself a favor and never mention that scumbag in front of me again." He said before letting a smile form on his face. "If he wasn't already dead, I would've kill him myself."
Commander Ledgic closed his eyes. "As you wish."
"Now then. That one guy's out there right?" Rouge said, turning his head to the monitors. "Ah what you call him, oh a Super Saiyan. He's out there right?"
Commander Ledgic turned around, pacing to the humanoid's side. "Should be, yes. Most likely aboard that ship."
Rouge focused his gaze on the stolen ship. He smiled widely, showing his teeth. "I can't wait. Not everyday you fight a living legend."
Ledgic eyed Rouge in the corner of his eye, the back at the monitor. "Indeed." He agreed. "You can fight to your heart's content."
Rouge let out a laugh. "I don't need someone like you to tell me that." He took a step forward, smirking.
"Just you wait Super Saiyan. I give you a fight you'll never forget."
And here ends the first entry to Ch 3 Red Faction!
Lots of things going on in this one. Setting the stage for things to come.
Introduced to a few new characters too, each with major rolls in the story.
Revealed the name of the nameless Arcocian at the end of the last entry as well.
As he stated in this entry, he plans on recreating a system like Blizzard's PTO.(And they seem to know him) Sub Zero's plan is similar to Riddic's. Will the two work together or will a conflict of interests raise from the ambition of these two?
Commander Ledgic's still around, basically carrying out a guerrilla war with Red Faction. Given the current state of Frieza's faction of the Planet Trade, it's the only option the intelligent officer has.
How will Rouge, a soldier that seems to be out for himself, fit into Ledgic plans? Will the renegade even follow the plan? And does he even know what he's getting into challenging Riddic, the (Legendary) Super Saiyan? (cough cough nope.)
With Bardock back in commission, will he be able to handle this chaotic battle fresh from walking up after a 3 month coma?
Find out what happens and more on the next installment of Double S!