Chapter 3: Red Faction - How to Pick a Fight
Age 739. Planet New Arcose.
"This view is breathtaking." Gine, a Saiyan female said glancing at the Arcosian built city below.
She wore a set of dull purple battle armor with an armored skirt, black stockings, white boots with those three yellow lines across the front and red arm sleeves similar to what Bardock has.
She had short bushy, messy black hair and a soft looking face.
Vast, towering buildings reach out to touch the sky as various small craft and even smaller figures flew amongst them.
The sun fully set in the purple lit sky blanked the planet with it's warmth.
Gine arrived on this planet not too long after her kind liberated this world from the Planet Trade as such she had seen this same view time and time again, still it never ceased to take her breath away.
"I'm surprise you're not tired of the view." Lea replied without glancing at her friend for she was occupied watching the 2 year old Broly exploring the corridor.
Broly wore a red scarf like robe that covered half his chest. The only thing his father gave him during one of his "visits".
Watching the young Saiyan became her duty as Paragus became more and more obsessed with gaining strength as quickly as he could.
Which meet being sent on near suicide missions when he wasn't recuperating, attending meetings that required his attendance or preforming some task Riddic assigned to him specifically.
Mostly the forward though.
At least Paragus had the decency to ask someone to look after his kid before neglecting his duty as a father, and after some convincing that someone turned out to be Lea.
Besides, babysitting is something like training for raising your own kids one day. Least that's what she figured.
All in all, watching Broly hasn't been to stressful as of yet. In fact it's been rather...nice.
Lea had witness many firsts for the little Saiyan; his first steps, his first words, and so on. Being around him so much it's little wonder why Broly thinks Lea's his mother.
"Not at all." Gine said with a smile. "I find it beautiful."
Lea smiled, chuckling a bit.
"You really are a romantic, aren't you Gine?"
The two Saiyans meet about a year after the fall of New Arcose, and would meet to talk like this when their mates were busy maintaining the new empire.
The first time they meet was a shock for both of them.
Lea never would've guessed Gine, a kind hearted and rather weak Saiyan with little sense for battle would manage to win the heart of the low-born turned elite warrior Bardock.
And Gine never knew that the mate of the easy going yet strong, kind and caring Legendary Super Saiyan would be such a...bossy, straight forward woman.
Stranger things have happened though.
A few moments passed as Broly continued to wonder about. Gine turned to look at the little one, smiling as she watched him go.
"You know, Broly's the same age as my youngest son."
"Youngest?" Lea casually asked. "I thought Raditz was your only kid?"
"Oh no, we have two. Radtiz and his brother Kakarot."
Lea raised her eyebrow. "Where is Kakarot? You're not hiding him for some reason are you?"
"No, nothing like that." Gine replied with a sad smile. "Kakarot was sent away on the day Frieza attack our planet. I have no idea where he is or what he's doing."
"He could be dead." Lea bluntly replied, realizing too late what she said. "Uh sorry, that's not what I-. I mean I have a habit of assuming the worst so I just..."
"Its fine Lea." Gine said, forcing herself to cheer up. "I know that could be true, but I try not to think of it."
Lea frowned, mentally cursing at herself for saying something so stupid.
A few awkward minutes passed before either spoke again.
"So...how is it?" Lea casually asked.
Gine looked at her friend, utterly confused. "How is what?"
"You know, babymaking." Lea said with a smirk.
"Oh well, it's uh...H-how do I put this..."
Gine blushed, partially turning away as she tried to find the right words.
Lea did her best to hold back her laughter. Gine's reaction is adorable, and hard to believe since she's a mother of two.
"My experience is like, well doing it with the one you love is...It's incredible. More so than when others do it for the sake of reproduction."
Gine turned to face Lea, her hands balled up as she held them up to her cheeks looking at the latter with determination.
"Doing it with the one you love is the best feeling in the world! You feel like you're flying and there's butterflies in your stomach and-and everything around you is melting but you don't care and-"
"-Alright, alight I get the picture!" Lea cut in, closing her eyes while casually waving of her hand. "It's the best feeling in the world, no need to give me such a detailed explanation."
Gine let her hands drop, looking at Lea with a "let down" confused face mixed with a hint of disappointment
"Isn't that what you wanted me to do?" She asked bluntly.
Lea opened her eyes. "Well yeah but not in such detail." She crossed her arms. "Like leave something for the imagination you know? It's fun that way for someone who's never done it before."
"Huh." Gine tilted her head before realizing something. "What so you and Riddic never-? And you still a-?"
"Yes!" Lea said proud yet embarrassingly. Her face slightly turning red. "Up till my darling came into my life, every Saiyan that tried to 'win my heart' were pig-headed muscle heads! I couldn't stand them!"
"As for why we didn't do it so far, well he's too busy running Red Faction! Besides I don't know if I want kids of my own yet." Lea lowered her arms, glancing at Broly.
"That's why I agreed to watch Broly. To get an idea of what it's like to raise a kid."
Gine smiled. "I see."
At that moment, Broly squealed in excitement.
Lea and Gine looked up in time to catch none other than Riddic bending down on his knees before the toddler.
"Hey there little guy, tell me is you're mother around?"
Broly wrapped his little fingers around the silver-haired Saiyan. "This way, this way daddy! Come follow me!"
Riddic rose up enough to walk yet low enough so Broly could still hold his hand as the two walked toward Lea.
"Hey mommy! I brought daddy!" The 2 year old said once he stopped before his imprinted mother.
Lea smiled, she light rubbed her hand through Broly's hair. The latter giggled as she did this.
"Good job Broly. Now go off an play, but don't go too far."
"Ok!" Broly cheerfully said before walking off. Riddic and Lea watched as the little one went.
"Daddy and mommy huh?" Riddic said with a slight chuckle. "Given how much we're around, Broly might as well be ours."
"Heh, yeah well if Paragus wasn't running off every 5 minutes and spent some time with his son." Lea replied, crossing her arms. "He really should get to know his real father."
"What I'm not good enough?"
Lea squinted her eyes, glaring at her mate. "You're no better than Paragus, barely spending time with Broly or me for that fact."
Riddic rubbed the back of his head.
"Hehe, sorry. Never knew establishing an empire took this much work. Drak's taking on the bulk of the tasks now but I'm still needed for approving important decisions and such along with meeting important people. It'll get better when things stabilize a bit, I promise."
"I've heard that one before."
Riddic chuckled in response. He turned his head to Gine.
"Hello Gine, enjoying the sights?"
"Hey, and yes I am." She replied, turning her gaze once again to the city below. "The Arcosians certainly are something."
"Indeed." Riddic stepped beside her. "To think that they came from a desolate world and managed to build all this. If we Saiyans take pride in our combat abilities then the Arcosians must take pride in their ability to understand science and construct creations such as this city or their massive spaceships."
Gine nodded in response. She turned her head to the silver-haired Saiyan.
"So tell me, where has the glorious commander gone off to this time?"
Riddic laughed. "You think promoting him to Legion Commander was a mistake?"
"No, not at all," Gine said with the shake of her head. "If anything he's happy that his being rewarded for his hard work."
Riddic nodded in agreement.
"This time he's off to liberate the planet Todocama with Raditz." He replied with a half smile. "I finally convinced him to spend some quality time with his son. All while still carrying out his duty."
"Oh that's good." Gine said, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Bardock's always been harsh towards Raditz. He says he's trying to encourage our son to become stronger. I keep telling him the only thing that would do is cause Raditz to despise him but he's stubborn when it comes to these kinds of things. I hope those two can get along on this trip."
Riddic blinked a few moments before responding. He didn't know Bardock and Raditz had such an uneasy situation.
"Well they'll be fighting more than talking, but combat tends to form bonds so here's hoping for the best."
Gine smiled, closing her eyes. "Right. Thank you Riddic."
Lea asserted herself in at that moment, forcefully squeezing herself by her mate.
She smirked, showing her teeth as she pointed her finger at Gine occasionally extending her arm from her chest and back again.
"Don't get too friendly with my darling Gine, if you think your kindness can win you another man you have another thing coming!"
Gine waved her arms around rapidly all around. "W-w-what?! I would NEVER cheat on my Bardock with anyone no matter who they are! Why would you think I would steal Riddic from you Lea?!"
Lea gave her friend an amusing, smug look "Ah I see~ Sorry, I'm just testing your devotion is all. No hard feelings, k?"
Gine's face turned red from embarrassment. "Geez Lea, why do you need to mess with me like this?"
Lea let out a shout laugh. "I can't help it, your responses are so adorable! It's little wonder why Bardock fell for you."
Riddic, thinking it best to intervene now before his mate did something they would all regret, decided to change topics.
"I'm thinking of renaming New Arcose." Riddic said, drawing attention from his lover. "As a sign of rebirth for this planet and her people."
Lea turned to face her mate. "Oh? What would you name it darling?" She asked with peaked curiosity.
Riddic turned to face the city before him, taking in every detail he could.
"Well, seeing as our revolution started on this planet we've become something of a role model for those who resented Freiza and his organization."
"We became a symbol of liberty against those under the tyrannic rule of the Planet Trade."
"A beacon of light in a sea of darkness. The answer to those who cry out for freedom."
"Take all that into account and there's only one possible name I can think of."
He stopped, turning his head to Lea and Gine.
"Hope."
Several days later. Planet Todocama
Bardock and the 36th Legion landed on this planet some time ago. Up till now they've been gathering intelligence on the enemy opposition, their defenses and a bit about the history of this world.
On this planet resided two intelligent species: The Tomakachi and the Dodo, the latter being the dominate race.
The Tomakachi lived in the dense forests that covers two thirds of the planet, living in large villages built into and around the large trees. The Tomakachi live in a massive clan based society, each run by a village chief, a shaman and a war band leader.
They are a rather primitive species, yet far more intelligent than their neighbors.
The Dodo lived in walled off stone made cities. They life in a pre-Industrial age society, and since they discovered gunpowder two decades ago always had an edge on their rivaling neighbors.
The Dodo rarely leave their homes with the exception of hunting parties or war bands. Despite being the more advance species, the Dodo have an unfortunate habit of quickly forget things.
As such progress along with much else struggles to flow forward in their society.
These two are in a constant state of war, one fought for survival of their species. You see, the Dodo are predators. They, quite literally, rip into the Tomakachi with each engagement.
The fighting has been in a perpetual stalemate until the Planet Trade stumbled onto the planet. Recognizing the Dodo as ideal puppets, they supplied them with weapons and technology rapidly bringing the Dodo up to par with most any client species within the Planet Trade.
Thus the conflict between the Dodo and Tomakachi turned into a slaughter for the latter species now that they fight not only better equip Dodo but also a small force of PTO troopers.
At one point the Tomakchi outnumbered the Dodo 5 to 1, now if someone were to count it would be 2 to 1 at best.
Through a stroke of good fortune, Red Faction drones tasked with searching out planets with Planet Trade activity found this planet and sent its findings back to RF Command.
Thus here they are, fighting in a civil war admits a larger galaxy wide civil war.
Bardock frowned as he looked out towards the Dodo's city through a break in the forest skylight.
They -the 36th Legion and the surviving Todokachi- plan on launching an all out offensive against the Dodo and their Planet Trade allies.
He told his men that they were free to wipe out this species to the last if need be and given what he was told about the Dodo it just might come to that.
"Commmander Bardock!"
The Saiyan turned his head at the mention of his name. A trooper wearing a new RF variation of the Battle Armor stood saluting him.
This new variation was issued to all soldiers aside from Saiyans and any other race that has fully pledged they're selves to Red Faction as a whole.
The new variation wasn't that different from the old versions only with a large red right angled triangle outlined with silver lining portrayed on the front and back of the Battle Armor.
The triangles were set so the right angle is closer to the wearer's right shoulder.
Overlapping the triangles was two silver letters: RF. Meaning Red Faction.
It's a temporary solution for their uniform problem. One that, for the time being, seems to be working.
"The village chief wishes to speak to you." The soldier said, lowing his arm.
"Got it. Be there in a moment." Bardock took one last look at the city beyond the trees before following the soldier into the heart of the village.
Members of his legion were spread throughout the village build in the trees, either talking to one another, playing card games to pass the time or readying themselves for the assault that shall happen any day now.
The local Tomakachi were nowhere to be seen, most likely in their homes doing...whatever these people did in their free time.
They reached the village center within the next few minutes. A number of officers along with Bardock's son Raditz stood outside the village chief's home.
The wooden house was large cottage as it doubled as a meeting hall for the majority of the village populace. It had a large rounded door with a low place handle, nearly heart shaped windows and several carved flutes and charms hanging from the overlapping roof.
"Hey dad!" Raditz cheerfully shouted when he noticed his father approaching.
"Hey son." Bardock replied without much emotion.
Riddic talked him into bringing his weakling son along. At first he fully rejected the idea until it dawned on him that this could be a good opportunity to jump start Raditz's power level.
Of course he'd have to keep an eye on his son, it would be a shame for his eldest child to die on a planet with such unique species.
And by unique he meant damn strange and abnormal.
"I'll fetch the village chief." The soldier whom led Bardock here said, walking inside the large wooden home.
Raditz approached his father once the soldier closed the door behind him.
"So are we going to fight soon?" He asked.
Bardock glanced at his son for a moment before returning his gaze toward the door in front of him.
"When we gather our fighting strength, yes." The Saiyan commander answered. "And before you ask, it should take only a few days."
Raditz gave his father a sad smile. "Ok, so a few days from now. Can't wait."
"...Yeah..."
The door opened at that time, the village chief along with the village shaman and the war band leader exited the cottage.
Once again, Bardock had to do his best to avoid commenting on their ridiculous appearance.
The Tomakachi were a race of sentient tomatoes.
I'm not kidding.
They had faces and thankfully each one looked different so you could tell them apart.
The Tomakachi universally had mostly red skin (as the ARE TOMATO PEOPLE), black eyes and green hair. Least it looks like and it's shaped like hair.
They had long thin pale arms and legs which again emphasized the whole tomato people thing and, strangely had small white wings growing out of their backs.
The Village Chief wore a long necklace with a stone carving of the village's symbol; a swirly circle inside a box of some sort.
The Shaman wore a decorated cloth over his hair and held a walking stick with several stones carved into it.
The War Band Leader had a large scar over his right eye and lower lip. He held a spear, probably crafted by his own hands.
"Hello. Commader. Bardock." The Shaman said with some difficulty.
Neither the Tomakachi nor the Dodo seemed to know the Common Tongue. Not surprising since neither were a space fairing race.
In order to fully understand and aid these people, Bardock had a few of his more patient men teach a few of these people were willing to learn the Common Tongue.
Of course they didn't need to learn the whole language, just enough of it to have somewhat of a conversation.
"Hello Village Shaman." Bardock replied. "Why does the Village Chief request my presence?"
"The. Village. Chief. Wishes. To. Know. When. Do. Our. Warriors. Attack. The. Dodo?"
"How long will it take for you're people to position themselves like how we explained before?"
The Shaman turned to the Chief, speaking in their native language.
Their speech consisted of various sounds and clicks. A unique way of speaking unlike any Bardock or many of the RF soldiers have witnessed before.
The War Band Leader joined in at one point, adding to the chorus of clicks and sounds.
"14. Rotations. Earliest." The Shaman said, turning back to Bardock.
Bardock crossed his arms. "Then that's when we will attack." He said.
The Shaman translated this to the Chief. The man nodded in response.
The War Band Leader took a step forward. "Joined. We. Crush. Dodo. Soon. Dodo. Die. We. Glad. For. Help."
Bardock nodded at the warrior, though this one had a poorer grasp of the Common Tongue than the Shaman he understood what he meant.
"I will begin preparations on our end." The Saiyan said, looking back at the Shaman. "In 14 days the Dodo and their allies will fall to our combine might."
"Commander. Bardock. This. Will. Be. A. Day. To. Remember." The Shaman replied. "The. Day. We. Tomakachi. No. Longer. Fear. The. Dodo. When. We. Are. At. Last. Free. And. We. Are. Thankful. For. It."
2 days later... The Iris System, near the asteroid mining feels
Sub Zero looked out the view port on his ship's observation deck, taking in as much of the asteroid belt before him as he could.
He, along with the task force he assembled, came to take over the mining feels located within.
Originally, Sub Zero considered utilizing the 500 loyal soldiers he had under his command.
Instead, he asked his subordinate Salazar to gather a force of 1,000 mercenaries to carry it out in their stead.
It would be a waste to use those loyal to him in a simple corporate takeover such as this.
The Arcosian turned around and began to move to the ship's bridge.
When he entered, the Arcosian returned the gaze of several elected leaders of the mercenary units he employed gathered around the single holotable in the room.
Most were humanoid, among their ranks a Serpentine and a rather tall creature that look part bull dog, part cat fish
"Gentlemen." He said, pacing toward them. "I trust each of you are feeling well today."
"No need for formalities boss." One of the mercs replied. "Just tell us the job, how you want it done, and have our payment ready at the end."
Sub Zero smirked, finding the reply humorous.
"Forgive me, I've been taught to act politely with those I interact with." He replied with the wave of his hand. "As you desire, we shall skip the pleasantries."
With that, a hologram of the main mining station sprung up for all to see. The mercs began to study the plans of the station, as they knew this will be were they will carry out whatever job they were hired to preform.
"As you can see before you, this is the Iris System's mining facility currently owned by the Planet Trade Organization." Sub Zero began.
"Under normal circumstances, the station would be defended by a small garrison of 5,000 troops. However, in thanks to the newly risen Red Faction the garrison has drastically dwindled to a mere 300 troops."
"With their focus on subduing the civil war ragging across the stars, the Planet Trade has devoted many of their resources to the task of quelling this rebellion leaving instillation such as this greatly deprived of any suitable fighting strength."
"This will be the first of many targets I hope on taking with all of your assistance."
Sub Zero paused for a moment, pressing a button to highlight a particular spot on the station.
"We will land here, under the guise of a supply shuttle courtesy of my associate Salazar whom provided us with this transport, and proceed into the station's interior."
"With the element of surprise, we shall overwhelm the defenders in a single move. As we progress further into the station, I along with my friend Avalanche shall make a beeline for the command center. The rest of you shall continue at a fast pace acting in a sort of 'moving battle' to draw the defenders away."
"Once the two of us have reach the source of their command structure, we shall force whatever leadership this station has into surrendering."
Sub Zero glanced from his left to right, looking at the faces of the mercenaries surrounding him.
"The plan is to strike them quick and clean. No needless destruction. I want this station intact, do I make myself clear?"
"Understood." Another of the mercenary leaders replied. "Eliminate the personal but not the interior."
"I'll advise my men to be careful with their blasters." The Serpentine added. "If they scorch the station in anyway, I have those at fault clean it up free of charge."
"Very well." Sub Zero said with a nod. "The operation begins as soon as we land. Unless any of you have any questions I suggest you make any necessary preparations you need for the task at hand. Dismissed."
A few hours later...
Sub Zero's plan worked flawlessly. The mercenary army pushed through the limited defenders in timely order, plowing through deeper and deeper into the faculty while the commanding officers struggled to understand what was happened.
Now a tad earlier than expected, Sub Zero and Avalanche stood before a sealed door. The only barrier between them and the commander center of this station.
Sub Zero looked at his fellow Arcosian, the latter tapping his index and middle fingers together. Obviously nervous as usual.
"Ready?" He said with a smile.
Avalanche glanced up, nodding slightly in response.
Sub Zero chuckled. "I'll do all the talking, so there's no need to be nervous."
"I-if you say so..."
Sub Zero blew open the door, walking into the room with Avalanche in toe treating the whole matter like an everyday ordeal.
Various officers and personal turned to face the approaching Arcosians, many raising from their simple spinning chairs with looks of terror and surprise.
"No need to get up, please stay seated." Sub Zero said with the raise of a hand, stopping once he reached the center of the room. "There's no reason to be alarmed, I only aim to negotiate with the commanding officer in charge of this mining facility."
Several moments passed whom the Arcosian assumed was the officer he'd been looking for spoke up.
This man had thinning gray hair and a mid length beard with dull green eyes and pointy ears.
The Planet Trade often station their elder officers on remote yet vital stations such as this before their inevitable retirement.
After all, many never expect stations such as this to come under such an organized surprise attack.
Then again these past few years have been nothing short of surprising.
"What is this? Who are you?" The elderly humanoid asked.
Sub Zero smiled at the man. "My name is unimportant. However, the news I bring you is very much so."
The Arcosian paused before continuing.
"I've come to inform you that as of this day forward you are all under new management." He said, gesturing a hand towards Avalanche. "As of this moment, you and everyone under your command work for my friend standing beside me."
The elderly officer glared at Avalanche, the latter flinched briefly before putting on a brave face.
"He might seem timid but I can assure you he knows several much more efficient ways on how to maintain and increase production on facilities such as these."
Sub Zero added. "I'm sure that each one of you will serve him faithfully from this point forward."
The officer returned his gaze to the large Arcosian. "We're faithful to the Planet Trade."
"Exactly, which is why I've come here before you today." Sub Zero said with a smile.
"By serving my friend, you will in extension be serving the Planet Trade Organization. The true Planet Trade Organization, the one stolen from Lord Blizzard by the hands of the Cold family."
"Now such loyal and patriotic men such as yourselves wouldn't dare pass up an opportunity to restore the organization to its rightful glory, would you?"
10 days later... Aboard an undisclosed and abandoned Space Station...
Surge watched from a high platform as his growing followers paced about the mostly open hanger floor.
In time, this and the neighboring hangers will be filled with various stolen craft for which they would use to raid, pillage and any other purpose he deemed their use for.
Rebuilding an criminal empire while enveloped by a galactic civil war proved fruitful thus far, stealing a few dozen starcraft should be easy amidst the chaos.
Surge turned his gaze towards the sound of footsteps. One of his minions was running right at him, stopping within arms reach.
"Message for you boss." The lackey said, holding out a handheld holographic communicator. Surge grabbed it with one hand and pulled it closer.
He activated the device, an image of a green haired humanoid dressed in a dark blue tux with matching pants, shoes and a fedora appeared.
"How is the taste of freedom after all this time?" The man said, revealing that he defiantly knew or assumed to know Surge. "Bet it feels good after all those decades huh Surge?"
Surge smirked. There was only one man in the galaxy who would talk to him in this manner and wasn't 6 foot under in some unmarked grave.
"Incognito." He said the name of his old...well "friend" was a stretch, more like friendly criminal rival/business partner.
"To what do I owe this unexpected call?"
"Can't I say hello and congratulate my dear old friend on obtaining his new found freedom?"
"We both know that you would never contact me unless you had some hidden motive behind it." Surge bluntly replied. "So why don't you stop wasting my time and get on with it? I have an empire to rebuild."
"You were never one for small talk." Incognito said with a laugh. "Alighty then, I'll cut to the chase."
The hologram took of his fedora, revealing the criminal overload's spiky hairstyle.
"The reason I called you, aside from saying hi after several decades, is to give you a little heads up. Seems there's a new player in the underground and he's making some big waves."
"Oh?" Surge replied with the raise of his eyebrow.
"Yeah, don't know too much about him I'm afraid. What I do know is he's been gathering together mercenary bands from across the sector, forming an army to take over key, poorly defended Planet Trade resource facilities. He's already taken control of the mining facility in the Iris system, the shipyards at Kotus II, and is moving to take the PTO's supply dumps near Cabrocus."
"He's forming an empire while preparing for war." Surge concluded. "This man knows what he's doing."
"Aye, I only learned about him cause an agent of his recently contacted me. Seems they want to employ the Galaxtic Mafia for some diplomatic jobs."
"And do these jobs have to do with me?"
"Yeah, in fact they do." Incognito paused for a moment before continuing. "I don't know how, but he knows I can get into contact with you. Seems he'd like to meet you for some reason."
Surge's eyes widen for a moment. What could a no named upstart appearing out of nowhere want with him?
Assessing the competition, perhaps even eliminating some of the more threatening elements was his first guess.
After all, it's what he done when he first formed his criminal empire.
"It seems this no name has a better spy network than you do, old friend."
"So it would seem." Incognito replied with a shrug before placing his fedora back upon his head. "What me to arrange the meeting?"
Surge stood in silence for the next few moments. He had more reason than not to ignore this man's summons.
However he was curious. Curious of such a man with great talent and excellent resources at his disposal.
If nothing else this would be a chance to determine if this no name could become a useful ally or hated enemy.
"Fine." Surge answered. "Arrange this meeting with the no name."
"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you his name didn't I?"
Surge glared at the hologram.
Incognito always seemed to "forget" basic yet important information until it's been brought up but after spending decades dealing with the man Surge came to expect it by now.
Though it didn't make him any less angry with him.
After letting out a quick chuckle, Incognito told Surge of the man he would soon meet face to face.
"This guy's name is Sub Zero, and he's an Arcosian."
2 days later..Planet New Arcose now renamed Planet Hope.
Riddic, Lea and Broly where inside one of the many open meeting room within Freiza's palace.
Riddic held Broly on his shoulders, taking big steps while making some exaggerated roars. The silver-haired Saiyan pretended he was a giant and Broly was riding him.
The 2 year old laughed, grabbing onto Riddic's hair.
Lea laughed at the sight, placing her hands under her chin.
Seems their talk the other day motivated Riddic to spend more time with the two of them, that or his work load was lightening up.
Either way, she's glad her mate is here.
"Alright Broly! Where do you want to go now?!" Riddic shouted in his so called giant voice.
"That way! That way!" Broly shouted in glee, pointing toward the far side of the room.
"You got it!" Riddic said, turning toward that direction. "Better hold on!"
The silver-haired Saiyan half jogged to the far side of the room, all the while Broly laughed with joy.
When they reached the other side of the room, Riddic turned around and jogged back the way he came from.
Paragus walked into the room moments before Riddic reach the other side of the room. He watched as the Super Saiyan slowly jogged back towards him.
"Well, well, look who's here!" Lea said, rolling her eyes. "Let me guess, here to get your next assignment?"
Paragus glanced at the woman for a moment before returning his gaze to Riddic. "Of course."
Lea let out a tisk. At that point Riddic approached.
"Hello Paragus, how are you doing today?" He said, still in his "giant" voice.
"What are you doing?" Paragus asked, raising his eyebrow.
"Playing with Broly." Riddic simply replied, dropping his play voice.
"I see." Paragus crossed his arms. "You do know he's a Saiyan child with a power level of 10,000? Should you be training him instead of playing?"
"He might have a power level of 10,000, but he's still 2 years old." Riddic said with a smile.
"I think we should wait till he's 4 or 5 before we start training him. Give him some time to learn some more words, maybe some writing and other important things that require his mind rather than his fists."
Paragus closed his eyes. "Very well. It wouldn't do to make him a thoughtless brute now would it?"
Lea shot up and walked over to the Saiyan Elite. "Is that all you're gonna say?" She shouted. "Do you even care about Broly?"
"Of course I care!" Paragus shot back, opening his eyes as he lowered his arms. "Why do you think I entrusted him to the two of you?"
Lea shook her head. "Is that what you're telling yourself? That you abandoned Broly for his own good?"
"I didn't abandon him!"
"Then why don't you hold him for once?"
Paragus blinked a few times. "Fine." He said, holding back his anger. He extended his hands toward his son, Riddic helping him hold Broly in his arms.
Paragus smiled at his son, the latter blinked a few times before breaking into a fit of tears.
The Saiyan Elite flinched, shocked by his son's reaction.
Lea quickly snatched Broly from his arms, gently rocking the 2 year old back and forth while trying to calm him down by repeatedly saying "It's ok" and "Now, now, no need to be upset."
Riddic crossed his arms behind his head. "Guess that's what happens when you don't spend time with your kid as he's growing up."
Paragus glared at Riddic then let out a sigh. "Maybe you're right. It's too late to change it now."
"Maybe, but you can try to spend more time with him when he's older." Riddic said, lowering his arms. "We'll keep raising him like our own if you want, but I still want you to try to connect with him when he gets older. He is your son after all."
"...We'll see."
Before Riddic could reply, Captain Drak walked into the room.
"Sorry to interrupt." The demon said, clearly reading the mood. He focused on his lord. "Lord Riddic, there is a call specifically for you."
"Who is it?" Riddic asked as Paragus and Lea turned their attention to the demon.
"No idea." Drak replied. "He appears to be a Saiyan, resembling Commander Bardock."
"Like Bardock?" Riddic repeated.
"Probably a low born." Paragus added. "It's not uncommon for low born warriors to share a similar face."
"Did he say what he wanted?" Riddic asked.
Captain Drak shook his head "All he said is he must speak with you."
"Fine." Riddic said reluctantly. "I don't mind talking to him. Who knows, this could be good news."
Riddic, Paragus, Captain Drak and Lea with Broly in hand walked into the communication room.
Portrayed on the large monitor was the aforementioned Saiyan. Indeed, he looked a lot like Bardock. The only notable differences were his tanner skin tone and lack of scars across his face.
Though it mostly showed a head shot of this Saiyan, Riddic saw could make out the familiar black and dull purple of PTO Battle Armor the man clearly wore.
"Hello. Are you the famous Super Saiyan Riddic?" The mysterious Saiyan asked.
"And if I am?" Riddic replied, crossing his arms.
The unnamed Saiyan smirked. "Then I have information you'd like to hear. Information on the planet killing tree you are so worried about."
Riddic raised his eyebrow. "What do you know about that?"
The Saiyan laughed. "Let's not be hasty now. If you want this information then you need to do something for me first."
"And why should I believe you?" Riddic said, lowering his arms.
"You have to admit, a complete stranger who doesn't even give me his name claiming he has information on a tree killing planet we may or may not be looking into asking me for a favor is a bit suspicious."
He didn't like this Saiyan per say. He was smug, though that was expected from most Saiyans.
This guy with his casual, playful demeanor gives the impression he's some sort of manipulator and manipulators always desired more than they already have.
"Perhaps if I give you a taste of the information I possess it might wave some of your suspicions away." The nameless Saiyan said with a smile. "I would prefer it if the two of us could come to a mutual understanding after all."
"The tree I know you are looking for is called the Tree of Might. It is a tree said to come from the Kais themselves."
"Why does this tree drain the life from the planet it grows on?" Riddic asked, deciding to go along with the Saiyan for now. "What purpose does it serve?"
"Obviously a tree of that size would require the life force of a planet to grow." The Saiyan replied, closing his eyes. "As for it's purpose...Well that's something I choose to withhold for now. Until you give me something in return that is."
Riddic frowned.
Given how this Saiyan knew about this Tree of Might -assuming he wasn't lying about it- it's pretty save to say he's involved with this whole ordeal. Perhaps the one behind the tree's sudden appearance.
The Saiyan opened his eyes, smirking at the silver-haired Saiyan.
"My name is Turles. I think you and I should meet face to face, oh Legendary Super Sayian."
And here concludes the start of the Turles Saga!
So much plot development in this one and a few comic scenes as DBZ is known for it's occasionally gag jokes.
The Tomakachi are a tribute to that, as they are winged tomato people. So will be the Dodo once they premier in the next entry.
Now Broly acting as he is in this entry is based upon my own experience watching my sister's kids growing up. I think we can all agree that most kids are bundles of joy until the hit a certain age. (It varies as each child is unique)
True Broly had a traumatic 1st day alive, but for whatever reason the only thing he remembers is Kakarot crying his eyes out.
So other than being reminded of Kakarot, Broly would grow up like a normal child until he is old enough to undergo proper training and well till his rage filled insanity fits kick in.
I've decided to add in Gine awhile ago as she's a very unique individual when it comes to Saiyans, as well as a useful item to help portray a side of Bardock few have ever seen before.
Now it's sort of an assumption that any Saiyan that develops the illness known as "kindness", they either die rather pathetic deaths by Saiyan standards or are banished to far of planets. Mostly the forward as the latter seems to be saved as an option for those of royal blood.
It is because of her kindness and apparent lack of strength that Gine fell in love with Bardock and him in turn with her as the low born turned elite would constantly save her in battle until the moment she was reassigned to what is basically a butcher/cafeteria worker.
As such, I feel the kind hearted Gine can show us another side to the cool and utterly badass Bardock.
Speaking of, it's pretty much all but established that Bardock never truly accepted Radtiz for whatever reason. Probably because he's so weak but we never really know.
I believe Radtiz turned out the way he did in DBZ due to two reasons.
1. Being neglected by his father and the harsh treatment he received growing up with Vegeta and Nappa along with everyone who looked down on Saiyans.
2. Being the only father figure he could possibly have would be Frieza himself. Of course the Arcosian would focus on molding Vegeta into something like the son he never had, so Raditz would watch from the shadows of how the two interacted trying to become like what Frieza turned Vegeta into but never obtaining what he desired: Someone to love and acknowledge him.
With the course of history flowing on a completely different path, how will the likes of Raditz and Vegeta grow up to become? Only time will tell...
Getting back to Gine, from what limited we know from her all we really know is she's someone who really cares for those she loves along with doing whatever possible to protect them.
Basically the ideal mother.
So I believe the way I characterized her as pretty rational if not ideal for someone of her character.
Also having Lea and Gine as friends is pretty entertaining wouldn't you say? Hahaha.
We see Sub Zero starting his own crusade and will soon encounter the former criminal overlord Surge. What will happen when these two meet?
Turles and Riddic come into contact for the first time, with their seemingly predetermined meeting will things happen as The Lady hoped or will something unpredictable happen?
Find out these answers next time on Dragon Ball Double S!