Chapter 3: Red Faction - Cause and Effect
Age 738, Frieza Planet 28
Deep within the heart of Frieza's formerly sound faction of the Planet Trade lays a world rebuilt from the ground up.
Frieza Planet 28; a massive artificially constructed prison world.
Designed to house thousands upon thousands of prisoners with layers built up from the planet's surface and garrisoned by several elite corp, it is the most impressive prison world the PTO has to offer.
However, due to the civil war currently raging across Frieza's territory, the majority of the garrison troops have been reassigned to help quell the uprising.
With the drastic decrease in the prison guard, one man and his followers strike at this most opportune time to free some of their fellow comrades as well as sow the seeds of chaos throughout the galaxy...
Several dozen PTO troopers stood ready in formation, eyes fixated upon the triple layered blast shields before them.
Hours earlier, a band of criminals infiltrated the maximum security prison most likely to free a number of the convicts held within these walls.
Under normal circumstances, these intruders would've been swiftly dealt with. However, over 70% of the prison guard have been transferred to neighboring systems in the hopes of quelling the growing unrest throughout Frieza's territory.
With the limited guardsmen remaining, they could barely delay the intruders momentum as they smashed through each and every defensive layer placed before them.
And now here they are, the last several dozen guardsmen on the planet preparing to make their last stand against this unstoppable force.
BOOOOOMMMM!
The blast shields blew open, energy blast filled through the gap a moment after.
Several found their mark, killing a good chunk of the defenders.
The remaining troops returned fire, wildly shooting through the darkness beyond. Each passing blast briefly illuminated the passage and yet the defenders failed to see the intruders currently assaulting them.
Minutes passed before the volume of energy blast rushing towards the defenders decreased.
Gradually, the PTO troopers ceased their return volley. Eyes peering down the corridor, waiting for the attack to pick up once again.
It never came however, at least not from the hallway each of them focused their attention on.
A scream from a dying guardsmen snapped the others out of their focus and towards the source.
The victim, gushing blood from his fatal wound, swiftly collapsed to the ground.
Standing before the corpse was none other than the leader of the intruders: the mass murderer Surge.
The soldiers gasped in shock.
"When did he-!?"
Surge rushed forward, grasping the solder who dared to speak and holding him high up off the ground.
The killer looked his squirming victim in the eyes as he chocked the life out of him.
The other guardsmen moved to aid their comrade, some running towards the towering Surge while others raised their arms preparing to fire energy blasts.
Before any had the chance to act, energy blasts came raining down the hallway once more.
With most out of cover, the defenders feel to the onslaught one by one.
While energy blasts swooshed to his left and right, Surge, staring unemotional into the eyes of the soldier propelled in the air, swiftly crushed the latter's neck like a bag of chips.
The force of which made the soldier's head explode upward, briefly causing a light rain of blood.
The bombardment of energy blasts came to a stop, Surge threw the corpse aside.
Slowly he scanned the now dead guardsmen laying around, but assessing the fruits of his and his crew's labor and searching for any 'fakers' laying among the dead.
Satisfied with his search, Surge whistled for his crew to join him.
One by one the various humanoids making up his band of followers emerged from the shadows, most chuckling with smug looks on their faces as the assessed the carnage themselves.
"Looks like this was the last batch boss." One of Surge's more 'human looking' followers said. "Ain't no more living trash to stand in our way."
"Aside from the scum we're about to free anyway." A criminal with blue skin and one big eye cut in. "Don't know why we're helping out that Red Faction lot like you say we were boss."
"Those guys go on like there some sort of heroic force or some other." A third follower -this one a female with dirty blond hair, one massive unicorn horn and pointy ears- added.
She shrugged her arms before shaking her head from side to side. "I didn't think you'd like helping those types boss."
Surge glared at the latter. Eyes striking with blood curing intimidation.
"I'm a man who always fulfills his debts ." He answered. Surge turned his gaze to his crew as a whole, signifying this next bit was for all of them to hear.
"Besides, we free our other comrades imprisoned here by raiding this PTO held prison world. Two birds, one stone."
Surge's motley crew grunted in a collective acceptance.
Most of them were too stupid to question things that simply made sense while others too smart to argue with a man who wouldn't hesitate to kill them brutally.
"Now quit wasting time and unlock the prison cells." Surge turned to the side. "It's time we free our brothers and sisters."
Thirty minutes later...
Unlocking the prison cells on a planet wide scale proved to be a little more of a challenge than Surge's gang thought, (mainly because most of them are idiotic) but they've accomplished what they came here to achieve.
Their numbers swarmed with old comrades and new recruits who received Surge's approval.
Now they were as powerful if not more so then when they were at the height of their power all those years ago.
A new criminal empire was on the rise, one that will be forged in blood and broken bodies. Just like old times.
Surge sat on a simple wooden crate staring at the floor.
Several members of his crew were active around him, some talking among themselves, others opening containers and plundering what items lay within.
After a few minutes, a handful of his gang approached their bald headed leader.
"Hey boss," The one leading the group said. "This old man wants to have a word with yea. He was among the other lot kept here and says he want's to thank you or some such business."
Surge removed his gaze from the floor and turned it towards the man whom just spoke.
"Fine." He replied bluntly.
Surge's men moved aside, clearing the way for this supposed old man.
The guy certainly looked elderly, and incredibly short barely passing Surge's knees.
He had pinkish red skin, long white hair, long pointy ears that framed the sides of his face and two long tendril like appendages sticking out from each side of his cheeks.
The old man wore a dark purple hooded robe with a light purple shirt underneath, a solid purple scarf, a necklace beneath his scarf that looked like a stringed together collection of sharp teeth and black shoes.
This guy's appearance screamed cultist or perhaps mad monk. Not a surprising find in the largest prison complex the Planet Trade has. Or rather, had.
"Greetings." The old man said with a wide smile. "I am told you are the leader of this band of brave and courageous warriors."
Surge let out a sight sigh, but the old man simply mistook it as a simple exhale of breath and continued without another thought.
"I wished to meet you in person so I can offer my ever so grateful thanks for freeing myself and the many other poor souls trapped within this establishment."
Surge rolled his neck once before looking at the old man standing before him. "If that's all then get on with it. I have other matters that need my attention."
The short humanoid let out a slight chuckle. "As you wish." He replied, rubbing his two hand together like some greedy businessman trying swindle someone into another profitable deal.
"I would like to thank you ever so much from the bottom of my heart. As a token of how grateful I am to you good sir, I happily offer myself and all the skills I possess to you as repayment for this kind gesture. Ask me anything and I shall happy fulfill your request, as long as it is possible for me to do so in the first place."
Surge glared at the old man for a few lingering moments. This guy was a kiss ass, plain as day.
Usually these kinds of people have something to gain from acting all chummy like this, but Surge couldn't see any sort of angle this old man could possibly gain aside from traveling with a large group of strong individuals.
Perhaps he wanted to blend in with the crowd to work some plot behind the scenes.
Surge never like these 'puppeteer' types. Always pulling the strings in their favor by ruining the lives of those they deem pawns. He never wanted anything to do with people like that and that wasn't about to change now.
"No need for that. You're free." Surge replied. "Do as you wish from now on, so long as it's as far away from us as possible."
"We might have just meet, but I have a feeling that you and I won't get along. So I think it's in both our interests to avoid one another for as long as possible. Do that, and consider our debt repaid."
The old man's face portrayed shock for but a moment than turned back into his all to sincere smile. "I thank you my friend." He happily replied. "I shall comply with your wishes, but at least do be the honor of learning my savor's name?"
"Surge..." The latter replied after a slight pause.
"A very strong name for an equally strong fighter!" The old man said, briefly closing his eyes while lowering his hands. "You have my thanks Surge, as well as your loyal band of warriors."
"Before I leave, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Hoi, and once again I must express how eternally thankful for the rescue."
Surge shot the old man his famous 'stone cold' look. The criminal's patience had grown thin and he had no problem adding one more corpse to the pile.
"Keep in mind we didn't do this for you. Now go before I decide to kill you as well."
Hoi chuckled, keeping his friendly composure. "We wouldn't want that, now would we? I bid you farewell." With a slight bow, the old man turned and walked off.
Once he was out of sight, Surge spit across the room. He hated people like him. Honestly, if he didn't feel like he'd killed enough today he would've strangled the annoying twit ages ago.
He turned his attention to the men still standing before him. "Go do something useful." He said, giving them all a clear message.
As his men scattered off in various directions, Surge knew one thing for certain: If he and this Hoi would ever meet again, Surge would slowly drain what little life remained in that old man's body out from under him.
What the mass murder failed to realize however was the galactic sized threat he and his men had unleashed that day.
As the legacy of the Kashvar is unleashed once more onto a universe that has all but forgotten the atrocities they've committed so long ago...
Age 738. New Arcose. Several months after the raid on Frieza Planet 28...
Riddic sat upon Frieza's throne, decorated with various jewels and crafted in the tyrants twisted image. To his right sat his mate Lea, doing her best not to look dreadfully bored.
Gathered around a large holographic table before him sat various high ranking officers and other officials of the newfound Red Faction and their allies including Captain Drak, Daizu, Roy, Paragus, and Bardock. (The latter opting to lean against a far wall as he dreaded these sorts of "meetings")
Zorn sat in attendance as a representative of the Saiyan race along with several other representatives of numerous warlords and governors whom pledge their allegiance to their organization.
This wasn't the first such meeting held within these halls, but its thus far the largest.
Riddic moved one of his hands up to his mouth, letting out a few coughs to clear his throat.
"Ladies, gentlemen and everyone else in between. I know you have all taken precious time out of your busy schedules to be in attendance here, and while I assure you we will make this meeting as fast as possible I'm afraid we have much to discuss."
"To start things off, my trusted aide and Commander of the 1st Legion; Captain Drak will discuss his findings."
"Thank you my lord." Drak humbly replied. "Aside from our forces action reports -which I'm confident everyone in attendance has review in full- detailing our victories across Frieza's territories, there are a few matters that have come to our attention."
"First, it seems that a number of the criminals our forces freed during the operation to seize New Arcose have been engaging other PTO prison worlds. Most have been successful in their efforts of freeing their fellow criminals and now run loose among the galaxy."
"Isn't that an issue for the Galactic Patrol to handle?" Zorn interrupted.
"Normally yes," Drak replied, turning his gaze to the Saiyan Royal Guard.
"However they may hold us responsible since it was our actions that have lead to this chain of events and might pressure us into apprehending these criminals ourselves. At least the one's with power levels they cannot handle."
"Bah. Bunch of weaklings." Another unnamed Saiyan replied, crossing his arms. "What nerve to call themselves super elite. They barely rival the Ginyu Force, and we all know how easily those guys fell."
"Though not by your hands Saiyan." One of the representatives -a pale skinned man who looked alarmingly scrawny- added with a smirk. "Remember that."
"Continuing were I left off." Drak cut in, knowing it best to intervene before the previous two started bickering at one another.
"Though they might not have directed their attention towards us as of yet, these criminals were certainly become a problem for our goal of establishing a grand organization of peace for the Northern Galaxy."
Riddic along with a handful of others in the room nodded in agreement.
"We can deal with these criminals once things have calmed down a bit." Daizu chimed in. "For now these raids are helping us tie down some of the PTO's limited manpower."
"Agreed." Roy added. "Though it would be better if we leave these guys along as long as they leave us alone."
"It's simply a question of whether you guys want to deal with them now or later." Bardock cut in, drawing a few gazes from those seated at the table. "Not that it matters to me, I'm always down for a good fight."
"Typical Saiyan." The same representative that spoke a few moments ago said with a chuckle. "Always thinking with their fists."
The Saiyan officer from before shot up from his chair. He slammed both hands on the table, glaring angrily at the representative.
"You dare speak to us Saiyans like that?!" He shouted. "In case you haven't noticed, a number of the officers here including the man leading this organization are Saiyans!"
"Indeed. Thanks for pointing out the obvious." The representative said, adding fuel to the Saiyan's burning anger.
"Now before you go jumping to conclusions, I am not suggesting Lord Riddic nor many of the other Saiyan officers here are what many would refer to as the 'typical' Saiyan. Rather, Lord Riddic along with Commander Roy and Captain Paragus have proven to be far superior than those expectations."
"While Bardock, Commander of the elite 36th Legion, typically carries on like what we expect from you Saiyans despite proving to be far more intelligent than he lets on. Do you see my point?"
"All I see is that your asking for an ass kicking!" The Saiyan shouted, though not helping in the slightest as to disprove the representative's point.
The representative let out a slight sigh, holding his head with one hand while slowly shaking it back and forth.
"You see, this is exactly what I am talking about."
"Are you two done or do we need to continue wasting our time instead of discussing something important?" Paragus said, crossing his arms. "We have better things to do than listen to you two barking back and forth."
"What was that?!" The (other) Saiyan shouted, turning his gaze to Paragus.
'This is starting to get out of hand.' Riddic thought. The silver-haired Saiyan opened his mouth to speak, but was beaten to the punch before he could even offer a word.
"Just shut up all of you!" Lea suddenly shouted, springing up from her set and drawing the surprised gazes of many gathered before her. "All of you shouting at one another, enough already! You're not helping at all!"
She glared at the pale skinned representative. "You! You would be wise to tread carefully when speaking ill towards Saiyans, especially since our leader is THEE legendary Super Saiyan! Not that you need to worry about him, cause if you keep it up I'll be the one knocking that stupidity out of your head!"
The representative only replied with a nervous nodded.
She turned her head toward the Saiyan officer. "And you! How can you let him get to you like that? You're a Saiyan for Kais sake! Words should mean little to a proud warrior race!"
The Saiyan officer looked down at the table. Realizing Lea was correct, the officer openly admitted she was right, stated how idiotic he had been for getting riled up and sat back down.
Lea glanced at Paragus. "And you, Mr. Smug and Cranky. Quit making the situation worse that it already is."
Paragus closed his eyes. "I simply spoke the truth."
Lea frowned, placing her hands on her hips. "Oh? You got some nerve speaking back like that. Maybe I should give you a private lesson as to why that's a bad idea..."
"That's enough Lea." Riddic cut in. "You've made your point. Now please let Captain Drak continue."
Lea tilted her head back. "Eh? I was only having some fun. This is far too boring dear."
"I know, I know." Riddic agreed with a slight smile. "We'll have some time for fun after this, so please be patient for a little longer."
"Alright." Lea replied with a sigh. "But you better keep your promise this time."
"When do I not?" Riddic said before turning his gaze to Captain Drak. "If you would please continue Captain."
Drak nodded. "Thank you." The demon stood up. A moment later, the holotable hummed to life. After a few more seconds, an image of a dull and lightly colored brown world appeared.
"The planet you see before you is known as Shicorous. One week ago it was a lush green world teeming with wild life, now -as I will soon show you- is nothing but a barren wasteland devoid of anything living even on the smallest scale."
Several of the representatives and officers whispered among themselves. Captain Drak waited for the whispers to die down before continuing.
"One of our legions had been sent to this planet to take over the small PTO supply base established on the surface, only to find death and decay were there should've been lush forests and overwhelming life energy."
As Drak spoke, the image of Shicorous morphed. Now it projected the surface of the world. As said before, it was nothing but wastelands and black husks of trees. Additionally, a black dot of sorts popped out on one side of the planet's atmosphere.
"Upon arrival, the legion sent out several search teams hoping to find anything that might hint as to why the planet is a hollow shell of what it used to be."
"All that our teams have found out of the ordinary was the husk of a massive decaying tree."
The image of the surface quickly shifted to the aforementioned tree husk, zooming in on what was once an unidentified black pimple of sorts. The husk was massive, about a third of the size of the planet.
Such a tree was unheard of in the known universe.
A few moments of silence passed as those gathered there studied the holographic projection.
Riddic shifted in his chair. He glanced at Captain Drak, the demon meet his gaze.
"You think this tree has something to do with the planet's rapid decrease?" The silver-haired Saiyan asked.
Drak paused a moment before offering his reply. "I'm almost positive that whatever this tree is had something to do with it. Especially considering there is no sign of such a tree growing on the surface one week prior."
Riddic moved his hand to his chin. This was quite the mystery and possibly a great threat to the galaxy. If this wasn't some natural phenomena and someone or something caused this...
"I trust this case to you Captain." Riddic said, lowering his hand. "Use whatever resources you need to find whatever created this massive tree."
"It's just a tree. A massive tree to be sure but a tree none the less!" A reptilian like humanoid, a representative of one clan of Serpentine mercenaries, cut in. "Are you sure you should be diverting resources to something so meager?"
"Meager?" Bardock spoke up. "This tree killed a planet and you call in meager?"
"I'm just saying." The Serpentine replied, barely turning toward the Saiyan. "It seems to be a waste of time to me."
"Then you're missing the point." Zorn cut in, closing his eyes as he replied.
"Let's say this tree was deliberately planet on Shicorous. If so, by whom and why would they carry out such a deed in the first place? What is the purpose of such a tree the requires the sacrifice of a lush world for it to grow? These are question we need to know, for they could effect us in troublesome ways."
The Serpentine hissed in annoyance, crossing his scaly arms as he looked off towards the ceiling. "Fine. Go search for your tree then. Not that I care, unless you want to employ us for such a task."
"No need." Captain Drak said. "We have more qualified men whom will be assigned to this task." He turned his head forward. "And with that, all the matters I wish to address."
The rest of the meeting mainly covered current issues facing certain Red Faction held worlds and the efforts to fix said problems, the statuses of various active legions engaged in combat, the aid allied warlords and governors are willing to commit to Red Faction.
The only thing remarkably notable was a statement read by Zorn from King Vegeta himself stating that once the Saiyan homeworld has undergone some reforms that the full might of the Saiyan Army will be at Red Faction's disposal to aid in crushing any remaining resistance from "those foolishly remaining loyal to a long dead tyrant whom treated them less than dogs".
After the meeting and addressing any lingering concerns or statements from those in attendance, the rest of Riddic's day settled into its usual route.
Meetings with dignitaries from planets no one really remembers 5 seconds after hearing the names.
Discussing trade deals.
Reviewing and approving military actions.
Etc, etc, etc.
On the up side, the silver-haired Saiyan kept his promise to Lea only a bit later than the forward had intended.
His mate made sure he payed for it, if you know what I mean. (Wink, wink.)
Age 739. Two years after the Fall of New Arcose.
On a distant planet deep within the territory held by Freiza's loyalists, a particularly odd egg shaped spaceship discreetly landed on the surface.
From this odd vessel came six powerful individuals.
These 6 proceeded with ruthlessly assaulting the Planet Trade soldiers stationed on this lush world. While a few of the defenders could but up a decent fight with five of their aggressors, the six and seeming leader of this band proved to be in a whole other liege.
This man brushed aside dozens upon dozens of soldiers with relative ease, perhaps as powerful if not more so than the mighty Ginyu Force.
Within an hour after their arrival, these six invaders wiped out the entire PTO garrison. Now with any possible resistance removed, they moved to carry out their true objective: Raising the Tree of Might.
The Tree of Might expanded up and out from the canyon Amond threw the seed into. In a few hours time, this massive tree will feed upon the planet's life energy killing it in exchange for growing its red power granting fruit.
As the woman whom gave them the seeds to the tree had stated, each of the fruit sprung from the Tree of Might increases the power of those that consume it.
Already each of the Crusher Corps (Turles's small personal army) have eaten one of the glorious fruit. Of what remained from that harvest, their master had devoured, increasing his powers far beyond any known fighter the Planet Trade has to offer.
Once this harvest has been consumed, Turles and his Crusher Corps shall finally be ready for their new goal: Punishing the man who robbed them of their chance at revenge.
Turles smiled. His chance to rule the galaxy was close at hand, he could feel it. All he need do is use the powers obtained from the fruits of the gods and crush a Super Saiyan with his own hands.
So which is greater, powers bestowed by the gods or a living legend?
"In a few hours time, we shall finally be ready to take the fight to this so called Super Saiyan." Turles said, practically speaking what was on his mind.
"Hehe, can't wait to see this guy." Daiz -a male with dark teal hair wrapped in a ponytail, long marble white earrings, and a jewelry necklace with a ruby as its center piece- said in a smug tone.
This man looked like something from the punk-rock age and once upon a time was a prince of the Punkinpa Dynasty. This was all before Turles pay his home planet Kabocha a visit and murdered the entire population save him.
With his only other option being starvation and isolation on the ruins of his homeworld, Daiz happily took Turles's offer to join him.
"We'll be doing more than seeing him Daiz." Cacao -a red skinned cyborg with silver colored armor- replied.
Cacao comes from the planet Ikonda, built to fight in an interstellar war ravaging several systems. When the conflict ended, he traveled the galaxy working as a bounty hunter.
One day, he meet Turles and his men and volunteered to join him though his reasons for doing so is something he rather not share.
Daiz let out a single laugh. "I know that Cacao. All I'm saying is it's not everyday you see a living legend."
"Yes, it should prove to be a most interesting encounter." Lakasei -a small purple skinned humanoid with a ovular shaped head- cut in.
"Indeed. It will be fasinating to see what this Super Saiyan is capable of." Rasin -Lakasei's brother/for all we know twin- added.
Lakasei and Rasin are the last survivors of the Beenz race. Most were wiped out when Frieza conquered their planet. Traveling between worlds, the brother by chance encountered Turles and his growing crew.
Seeing as they both shared a desire for revenge against the genocidal Arcosian, Lakasei and Rasin agreed to aid the Saiyan in their shared goal.
The brothers crafted the space ship they use today and even went as far as to construct perfect replicas of the PTO's Battle Armor and Scouter units.
"Master Turles," Amond, commander of the Crusher Corps spoke up. "Once the Tree of Might has fully grown and we feast upon the fruit in bares, how do you propose we go about drawing out this Super Saiyan?"
Turles turned to face his second-in-command. "Why, we're going to do what we Saiyans do best." He replied with a smug smirk. "We're gonna go pick a fight."
The Saiyan turned back around, watching as the Tree of Might grew larger and larger by the second.
Soon he will obtain the power necessary to defeat the legendary Super Saiyan his race feared and respected. Then in his moment of victory, his name will go down in legend.
Turles couldn't help but laugh at the thought.
Soon his own story will be told across the galaxy. The Saiyan granted the power of the gods defeating the most fear, legendary warrior in all of history.
He couldn't wait for the moment this become reality.
And here ends another entry to Double S.
Now I know this is rather shorter compared to the last few entries. However this is was about as far as I wished to take this one, plus my recent job's been occupying most of my time nowadays. Hell it took me 2 months to get this much out (to which I only finished cause I had two days off in a row which is unheard of).
Anyway, in this entry we start to see the rippling effects caused by Riddic and Blizzard's revolution (thus the title of this entry.)
With every action comes a reaction, and with a galaxy wide civil war raging you better believe there gonna be a shit ton of reactions.
Surge enjoying his newfound freedom, liberating other criminals into this chaotic mess and Red Faction noticing the aftermath of growing the Tree of Might things are starting to come to ahead as Riddic will start to face the consequences of the actions leading him here.
Turles now confident in his newfound power gain through the Tree of Might, his sight are now set on Red Faction. Will the fruit of the Kais grant Turles power beyond that of a Super Saiyan?
With Surge freeing and reforming his old gang, his goal shifts to crafting a new criminal empire during the flames of war.
And Sub Zero, secretly forming his own fighting force from mercenaries, criminals, PTO remnants and other beings willing to fight under his banner, these two seem to be destined to cross paths.
Let's not forget The Lady and Marcus, pulling strings in the shadows. As they sit back and watch the conflict they've crafted begin, what will be this mysterious woman's next scheme to carry out her equally as mysterious goal?
And finally Cooler, whom prepares his ploy to craft his younger brother into a tool to take what he believes is rightfully his?
How will these events play out in the fate of the universe? Find out as the start of the Turles saga begins, next time on Double S!