Chapter 3: Red Faction - Game Changing Theory
Planet B25 several minutes after the conclusion to The Battle of Two Supers...
Riddic and his party arrived at their space craft, each staring up their vessels and proceeding up to the atmosphere. As part of the new standard procedure, each Attack Pod had a Scouter in a specific compartment for the sole purpose of communication. It was the only real use for these devices anymore, least in the hands of Red Faction.
"Needless to say, the details of the events that happened here are classified." Riddic said through his Scouter. "I rather not let the entire galaxy know that more then one Super Saiyan can exist at any time."
"A wise decision." Paragus replied. "It could spread terror across the galaxy. Perhaps even start a Saiyan hunt..."
Now that was a disturbing thought.
"Heh, like these fools can hold a candle to the might of the Saiyan race." Nappa chimed in. "They wanna pick a fight against us Saiyans? I say, let them come!"
"Really? You truly think that Nappa?" Surprisingly, Prince Vegeta intervened.
"Well, yeah...Don't you?"
"I know you don't think to often, so I'll spell it out for you." The prince answered with a sigh. "If news of two or more Super Saiyans can exist at the same time, then there will be those who fear the possibility of an entire army of Super Saiyans being unleashed on the galaxy."
"That sounds amazing-"
"-Don't interrupt me Nappa!" The young prince snapped. "If the galaxy imagines such a thing, then they could rally against us and either try to enslave or exterminate our entire race. Of course, we Saiyans -especially elites such as myself-will make them greatly regret their choice. However, only a fool thinks that we can take out the entire galaxy at once."
"Well said prince." Bardock added. "Though you forgot that the members of Red Faction would side with us."
"Ha. We shall see."
Riddic allowed himself to smile. It was always amusing with the prince around, regardless of how much a pain in the ass he can be.
"Lea." Riddic called out. "You're strangely quiet."
"Sorry love. Just trying to sleep." Lea replied without delay.
"Of course." Riddic replied without a second thought.
This was a lie however. The second lie Lea had spoken today. The second lie she had ever dared give her lover.
In truth, she was suffering. The burns upon her flesh still pulsed with pain as it felt like her skin was set on fire. She grew to tolerate it...for a time and now that limit had been reached.
Lea didn't want her voice to betray her, so she kept quiet. She was too prideful to admit her suffering and didn't wish to add onto her lover's current troubles. Thus she suffered in solitude, though there is some relief for the proud warrior. Every Attack Pod came equip with some basic healing equipment. It'll ease her suffering through these weeks of travel.
"When you get back home prince, merely say that you assisted in defeating the renegade and his followers." Riddic stated, just to sell the point of how important keeping these details on the down low. "You can't tell anyone about what really happened here, not even your father."
"I don't like keeping my mouth shut on such an impressive feat, but I do see your point." Prince Vegeta replied. "You owe me for this Super Saiyan."
Riddic chuckled but said nothing in reply. In truth, the young prince owed him for all the times he invited himself along. There was no need to bring it up however, so he let the kid have his way.
No one else spoke as most settled into a hibernated sleep for the duration of their return trip.
Eventually, the pods containing Nappa and Vegeta shifted in a different direction, soon fading from scanner range. It would take a few days shorter to reach Planet Vegeta than it would Planet Hope and so Riddic hoped the galaxy wouldn't be in a frenzy when he and his party landed.
Not that he didn't trust Prince Vegeta to keep his word.
The silver-haired Saiyan leaned forward, holding off on his own short hibernation as he finally had a moment to sort his thoughts.
This fight with Turles opened new possibilities...a Super Saiyan isn't as exclusive as the legends say. If, and that's a big if, any Saiyan can become Supers...
Riddic stopped himself there. That line of thought would only create the fear the entire galaxy would gain should news of this arise.
But...What made Turles turn into a Super Saiyan? What made him turn into a Super Saiyan?
He thought his immortality played a part in it but apparently that isn't the case. So what did he and Turles have in common? What was the key that enabled both of them to transform?
Riddic thought for a long while, remembering every repressed memory of his own transformation. His twin, his betrayal, his best friend dying in his arms, all these emotions attached to each event flooded to the surface.
He briefly transformed into a Super Saiyan as a result, taking a few deep breaths in a effort to calm down. That's when the answer hit him.
Rage.
Raw, uncontrollable rage.
Like a dam bursting forth.
That was the key to unlocking Super Saiyan, or so it appeared.
It made sense to him. His rage after his friend died in his arms. Turles rage at being unable to win after he was assured of it.
So it appears the reasons do not matter as long as the rage is sufficient.
Riddic could test this theory. It wouldn't be too hard to find Saiyans with rage in their hearts. However it couldn't be ordinary rage, it had to be overwhelming enough to break the seal. Who did he know that could possibly meet that requirement?
Roy would be the ideal choice. He was a close friend and trustworthy. Though it didn't seem like he has enough rage to trigger the transformation. Yes there was the death of his lover May, but if that was enough he most likely lost himself in it.
Paragus had enough motivation to be sure, however it wasn't in his best interest to try with that one. Riddic knew exactly what that Saiyan would do should he obtain such a power.
Bardock...seemed to be worth considering. His entire crew died as a part of Frieza's betrayal. While it's true Bardock was the calm sort, if he let his anger run wild...perhaps it would be enough.
Thus Riddic, determined to see if his theory is correct, decided that once he returned home he would do what he could to set time aside and see if any Saiyan can become a Super with the right motivation.
Two clocked figures stood upon the desolate wasteland of this once beautifully green world.
They watched as the Attack Pods containing the victors of this recent conflict burst through the smoke and flaming greenery of the Tree of Might that filled much of the sky. The pair remained stationary long after these space craft faded from view however, and the sky grew ever more animated with red.
"We gonna move before it rains literal fire, my lady?" The taller of the two asked, watching the growing flames that would soon cover all they could see.
"Please forgive my over indulgence in partaking the simply pleasure of view of a tree created for the very purpose of creating Kais burn as an testament to numerous, insufferable hypocrisies created by these very same gods." The Lady replied, taking in a deep breath as to savor the smell of decay and flaming death.
"This is something that satisfies me deep down to my very core...Alas, your point is well seen Marcus." She turned a full 90 degrees. "We should hurry, before any flames damage that which we've come to recruit."
With The Lady leading, the two flew over to one of several battlefields created this day. They landed near a small impact crater filled with the tall corpse of Amond. The Lady gracefully walked over, bent down, and placed her hand on the still body's chest.
A green pulsing aura surrounded Amond's body, vanished a minute after and, like when it was used years ago, turned the targets hair snow white. The big brute opened his eyes, quickly rising his upper body with a loud gasp.
"Where is that bastard?!" Amond shouted, his eyes wide in shock as his brain suddenly reawakened to the last thoughts he had before Bardock quickly finished him off.
"If you are talking about you're opponent, Bardock, he left sometime ago with his allies." Marcus soundly replied, drawing the big man's attention.
"Wait, you guys are-"
"The pair that gave you the seeds, yes." The Lady cut in, placing a hand on Amond's arm. "Do you feel any discomfort with your body? Any gaps in your memory? Please do tell if anything troubles you."
The now white haired humanoid glanced down to his legs, then took his gaze towards his free arm as he moved it about.
"Everything feels fine." Amond answered after a few minutes, looking back at The Lady. "What happened? Why are you here?"
"Both of these are very good questions." The Lady replied with a smile, rising to her feet as she turned to Marcus. "Care to explain?" She asked the white-haired Saiyan.
Marcus let out a huff, but complied with her wishes.
"Long story short, Turles bit the dust. Same with most your other allies."
"Impossible..." Amond immediately replied, shacking his head. "Master Turles grown extremely strong, how could he-"
"I'm gonna stop you right there big guy." Marcus raised his hand. "Turles is dead, that's a fact. Super Saiyan Riddic, along with his allies combined their strength and overpowered him. Impressive power or not, strength in numbers does count in some cases."
"You are free to deny this, as is your given rights." The Lady chimed in. "However, you're former master is indeed in Otherworld. There are no means available to change this. None present before you in any case."
Amond frowned. "But I was dead! Surely you can do the same with Master Tu-"
"My technique requires a mostly undisturbed body." The Lady interrupted with a firm tone. "Turles's body has been erased. Even if part of his body survived the massive ki attack that ended his life, finding it in the void of space would be rather problematic if not pointless."
Amond lowered his head. "...I see." Were the only words he spoke for a long while.
Marcus looked down at The Lady after a few long minutes passed. The Lady's hooded face tilted up to meet his gaze, or at least appear that way. She shrugged her shoulders, them took two steps to her right.
"I realize this is much to take in all at once." The Lady said as she looked off into the distance. "We shall give you sometime to think things through before presenting you with your two choices."
That caught Amond's attention. He raised his head. "Two choices? Is that what you came here for?"
"In part, my dear Amond." The Lady turned her head back. "We shall return once completing our other business on this planet. Until then."
With those words, The Lady rose off the ground and flew towards the other point of interest on this planet. Marcus followed, landing but a moment after The Lady settled upon the next chosen ground.
Before the pair was a massive crater, least massive by many individuals standards. In truth, it was more of the medium size crater but deep enough to seem larger than it was.
A faint energy could be felt from the deepest point of the crater. Easily unnoticed by all but the most sensitive in detecting powers."
"I am honestly surprised that this next one survived." The Lady said, raising her hand out towards the crater. "He is far more clever than I originally thought."
As she spoke, a whitish blue aura surrounded her hands. Moments after, rocks of all shapes and sizes slowly levitated out of the deep crater at a steady pace. Each was placed aside in a careful manner. It wasn't long before a different item levitated up along the stream of rocks.
"There you are." The mysterious figure said, pulling said item forward before releasing her hold on the remaining airborne rocks. These crashed and rolled back into the crater from whence they came as The Lady carefully placed the human form between herself and Marcus.
The mostly broken, beaten, and bloody Daiz laid face up, barely a breath could be hear from his mouth as he -by some miracle- kept himself alive by a thread.
Marcus let out a low whistle. "Damn, that Lea chick did a number on him huh?"
"As expected from a Saiyan Elite, I suppose." The Lady answered, kneeling over the nearly dead man. She held a hand out, a white aura surrounded her hand, then placed it on the man's chest.
The same white aura expanded outward, completely enveloping the man's whole figure in a few short moments.
"What's impressive is whatever form of miracle that's keeping him alive." The Lady continued. "Be it a last minute move we failed to see or a some measure of cosmic luck, I believe he could be a useful ally."
"If he's not the blindly loyal type." Marcus added, eyes looking to the side.
"Indeed, however I doubt this man is that type of person. He's a survivor."
Little by little, every single wound inflicted upon Daiz's body faded as if they never occurred. Within 5 minutes of first using this healing technique, The Lady pulled her hand away as her work had been completed.
"It is done." She simply stated, standing to her feet.
Daiz's face twitched, his eyes blinked slowly open. He looked up at the mostly burning sky. "I'm...alive?"
"Very much so." The Lady replied.
"Congrads, you're still in the land of the living." Marcus added.
Daiz tilted his head up, focusing his gaze on the two unknown figures before you. He looked at the pair for awhile before speaking up.
"I take it that I should thank the two of you for my recovery?"
"You are correct." The Lady answered with a nod.
Daiz smiled. "I'm in your debt then." He slowly rose to his feet. The humanoid placed his hands on his waists, smirking.
"I guess the fight's all over now?"
"Yeah, and your side lost." Marcus bluntly answered. "Not that the massive fire above our heads is a big hint."
"Heh, that right?" Daiz replied with a sly smirk. "So Turles lost it all..."
The white-haired Saiyan was taken aback from the casual reply from this minion. I mean, what grunt would take the death of their boss so easily?
"I knew I was right about your character." The Lady rejoined the conversation. "You side with whomever has the best chances of your own survival. Loyalty towards one is a fickle means to an end with you."
Daiz blinked a few times, amusingly surprised that he was figured out so easily.
"Well you got me there. Turles destroyed my homeworld. He killed everyone I know, only leaving me alive at the end cause I showed the most potential out of everyone else. At that point it was either join him or die on a dead world."
"And today we present you with the same choice." The Lady smiled, extending her hand. "Daiz, fallen prince of a dead dynasty and proud warrior, will you join me on my grand quest to shape this universe as I see fit?"
"Its that or sit here waiting to see what kills me first, the falling flames or endless wondering on another dead world right?" Daiz smirked, chuckling as he raised his own arm. "Then count me in, as long as my survival is guarantied with you lot."
"Oh it shall, for a long time going forward." The Lady waited till the warrior prince took her hand in his before squeezing it at an appropriate level of strength.
Daiz matched it, which was surprisingly curious of him, before returning his arm to his side.
"Come now Daiz." The Lady said with the wave of her hand. "Let us see if our other recruit has made his own decision by now."
The trio headed off, with Daiz smirking at Marcus while the latter wasn't having any of it. They reached Amond's location shortly after, the big guy hadn't moved much since they last departed.
"Damn, I figure you of all us Crushers would be dead right now Amond!" Daiz said as a greeting to his comrade. "I'm really surprised...and why is your hair white now?"
"Simple." The Lady answered, turning to her newest recruit. "He was dead, I revived him with a forbidden technique originated from a long forgotten race. I believe I am the only living being in this universe that knows of it now, let alone preform said ability."
"You really are a woman full of mysteries huh?" Daiz let out a laugh before returning his attention to his former superior.
Amond didn't acknowledge the trio, as he was deep in thought.
"I don't think I've ever seen the big guy like this..." Daiz stated, walking up to the big guy shouting his name with every other step.
"I suppose some input from a friend might help convince Amond to join us, don't you think?" The Lady asked Marcus, whom was standing behind her right side as usual. The Saiyan leaned his head forward before offering his reply.
"My Lady, you can't be serious about all this." Marcus whispered in the forward's ear. "Amond might be a loyal man, but Daiz is too fickle to serve our needs. Besides, I am much more useful than these two grunts." The Saiyan paused before finishing with: "Please tell me you aren't planning on using them for important tasks."
"Of course I am." The Lady replied as if he just asked her why most beings drink water.
"In order for my plan to come to ahead in a timely manner, I need more pieces to deploy in simultaneous motions. Even a being like myself cannot be everywhere at once my dear Marcus."
"As such, grunts or no, as long as they act according to my wishes I couldn't care less about their personality defects. We need bodies Marcus, bodies with minds competent enough to understand what I want from them and willing enough to carry out their assigned role."
The Lady moved her hand up to the Saiyan's cheek, rubbing it affectionately as she tilted her head towards the man.
"Do not fret my dear Marcus, for you have one of the most important roles in my current revision of my universal scale plans. As such, you need not worry about any of these ruffians we recruit here and there. Simply act as my bodyguard until the time comes to fulfil your role, then watch as your actions helped usher in the dawn of a new age."
"An age where the gods have preformed their damn duties instead of watching everything unravel at the seems."
Several days later, within Cooler's territory of the Planet Trade Organization...
Drifting through space at a moderate speed was the personal flagship of Cooler, traveling from one frontier base after a surprise inspection to another base assigned to support all the frontier positions within three sectors.
Cooler wanted to make absolutely sure his boarders with his foolish brother's territory, along with those secretly under his father's direct rule, were tightly secured. He didn't want the remnants of the pompously named Frieza Force to run into his territory seeking safe haven, nor did he want to give King Cold a chance to slip spies or other agents in defiance of his terms to keep Frieza alive.
Aboard the ship, aside from its master, were two of the three members of Cooler's Armored Squadron were present. Their leader, Salza, sometimes arrives to drop off various items he has been tasked to retrieve every so often.
These parts were mostly various metals, raw materials for Frieza's new body.
So with their leader away, it was up to Dore and Neiz to run the ship for their lord. That and watch his spoiled brother.
Which is the task Dore was currently assigned. It took much of his will power just to stay awake standing over the monitors as everything read as normal as they could for a nearly dead guy.
After two years most would show at least some signs of regaining consciousness by now. The fact that Frieza hadn't by now is the precise settings Cooler ordered the healing pod set at, which keep him at the slowest healing rate.
This was mostly to buy to allow Salza to gather the parts needed to build Frieza's new body and a little personal as Cooler simply wanted to deal with his little brother as briefly as possible.
As Dore's head dipped for the twentieth time this hour, the green brute silently wished he could be doing anything else right now.
After a few moments, the door to the medical chamber opened up. Dore jumped awake, turning around to the sight of Lord Cooler.
The Arcosian took two steps in, gaze solely focused on the healing pod before him.
"Status?" He asked without so much as looking at Dore.
"Same as always my lord." Dore quickly answered, thankful his master didn't catch him dozing off. "Everything seems steady as far as I can tell."
"No changes then." Cooler walked in till he was near face to face with his brother. "My baby brother enjoys his sleep doesn't he?"
"He does, my lord." Dore said, a bit more behaved than he normally would.
Cooler stared intensely at his brother as if the two of them were the only beings in the whole world in a lasting silence that left even the dim headed Dore feeling like a third wheel.
"Leave us." The Arcosian finally said. Dore soundly complied, as he had been all to eager to leave anyway.
Time passed as Cooler continued to gaze into the half faced Frieza.
Salza's progress was steady with acquiring the material for Frieza's new body. It shouldn't be too long before all but the hardest to obtain parts were gathered, then construction could begin.
And then, hopefully with everything gathered at that point, he can begin his plan to take what is rightfully his.
"Soon brother." Cooler said, placing his hand over the pod's glass view port. "Soon."
3 days later...
While his exile had come to an end, Sub Zero couldn't help but return to this automated mining station. The Arcosian felt a sort of longing to this place.
It was his home away from home.
A special place of solace.
And for now, his isolated HQ.
Two other souls were aboard the station with him; his best friend Avalanche and his trusted aid Salazar. The latter was finalizing a report of recent events that occurred in their newly acquired territory while the forward was gathering the last of his things before fully transferring to his new command.
Sub Zero went out of his way to meet his friend, finding him stacking several crates on top of an automated service drone. Avalanche turned around once he heard the footsteps.
"Is that the last of it?" Sub Zero asked, nodding to the tower of sealed crates.
"Just about." Avalanche answered, patting the tower. A moment after, several of the crates fell over much to the disappointment of the cowardly man. Sub Zero could help but chuckle before moving to assist his friend with restacking the crates.
"How goes the new business venture?" The tall Arcosian asked as he placed the last crate upon the tower.
"Honestly, its a bit more mentally exhausting than I thought." Avalanche answered, pausing to punch in commands to the service drone. It hovered up and ever so slow and gentle like, moved off to the waiting shuttle parked in one of the few hanger bays.
"Ordering actual people around is a lot different than I thought it be. I actually think I enjoy automated machines more, hahaha." The nervous Arcosian let out a forced laugh.
"So I see." Sub Zero chuckled with an honest, warm smile. "Being out here for so long does have an affect on social skills. Think of it as a test to gain what you never had a chance to develop."
"I talk just fine with others I think..." Avalanche glanced at the ground.
"To me, indeed. Yet I am only one individual, my dear friend." Sub Zero paused long enough to gently place his hand upon his friend's shoulder.
"You must grow accustomed to larger crowds. There will come a day when we are surrounded by loyal men and other servants for our grand cause. When that day comes, it would be best if you could hold a conversation without freezing up. Wouldn't you agree?"
Avalanche mumbled something under his breath before properly replying. "F-fine, if that's what you what from me. I'll do my best."
Sub Zero patted Avalanche's shoulder a few times with a smile. "Tis all I ask." He said before pulling back his hand. "I will be sure to visit when the time allows. We have come to a very important stage my friend. All parts are in constant motion, and we must do our best to get them to move in our favor."
"Right." Avalanche quickly said, though much of what his friend said was lost on him. "You can count on me to do my part!"
"Of course." Sub Zero extended his hand out. "And a very important part you play. Never forget that, my friend."
Avalanche grabbed the extended hand with his own. "I won't." The two shook hands, slowly took some steps away from each other. The gazed at each other with smiles on their faces, taking in what would probably be the last time they see each other directly for quite some awhile.
After a few minutes, these friends turned away toward their respected paths. They would meet again. This was only a temporary parting, but this would be the first time for the two. It would be quite strange, for a pair whom have been together for so many years.
Eventually, Avalanche would board his shuttle, check to make sure everything was in order, then headed off to the Iris System to run his new territory directly.
Sub Zero gracefully walked the halls towards his destination, occasionally touching the far walls as memories filled his mind as he passed by every location they took place. There were mostly trivial memories of conversation, occasional moments of joy and laughter, and other times most souls take for granted.
If the nostalgia was already setting in, he would miss his friend dearly indeed.
The Arcosian found his way toward his destination; the control center to this facility.
The door slid open, revealing Salazar looking over the holographic star map. Specifically the system containing the shipyards of Kotus II.
"Salazar." Sub Zero called out to his aid as he walked into the room. The green-skinned humanoid turned to face his master, bowing his head before replying.
"The shipyards at Kotus II were attacked the other day." He said, skipping all pleasantries and getting right to business. An act his master disapproved of unless time was of the essence as it seemed to be the case here.
"Did our garrison hold?" Sub Zero asked as he walked towards the table.
Like the Iris system, when the shipyards fell their original garrison remained stationed to maintain the critical station. Unlike many facilities across the territory, these shipyards kept most of their garrison as the civil war raged as this was one of the few stations necessary to maintain at as close to full capacity as possible to maintain the war effort.
It was only a matter of time before the sudden stop of shipments prompted an investigation, and in turn an attempt to retake the station.
No matter what sort of response Frieza's loyalists sent however the station was defended by the very same officer Sub Zero trusted with taking the station over in the first place.
The officer whom acted as his second in the field, as well as the one whom took the shipyards without a single loss of life on both sides.
"Do you even need ask?" Salazar answered with a rare smirk. "Report says that our forces routed a force three times their strength. Additionally, the enemy was lead by someone with sufficient knowledge of the station's layout as they moved their forces similarly to ours sometime ago."
"They tried to partially scuttle the station like we threatened too?" Sub Zero concluded, as it was indeed the same trick they used to force a surrender.
"Correct, my lord." Salazar answered. "As such, they managed to render 13% of the station significantly damaged. Rest assured that most of this damage shall be repaired within a week or two."
"For the enemy to use the same ignored weakness we discovered..." Sub Zero place a hand on his chin. "Could it be this Commander Ledgic I've heard about as of late?"
"It is as likely as one of his personally trained officer staff that lead the assault." Salazar answered.
"Our spies have informed me that Ledgic has trained himself several officers of relevant intelligence to help even the odds in this civil war. We have no confirmation in either case of who lead the attack, however I am certain that even Commander Ledgic will find himself outmatched by our esteemed Captain Dogma."
"Ah yes, our diamond in the rough." Sub Zero replied with a sly smile. He found the "diamond" in question many years ago. She was but a young officer fresh on the scene when their paths first crossed. Fortunately, this Arcosian has an eye for hidden talents and recruited her as soon as he was able.
It would've been a tremendous loss for such an extraordinarily individual to be thrown to the wayside as the Cold Family's aggressive tactics tend to with many would be gems whom only needed to be groomed enough to truly shine.
"I must personally reward our talented Captain Dogma." Sub Zero moved one hand up to his chest. "It is thanks to officers like her that I can breath easy handling matters without constantly watching my back."
"Indeed. She was a most fortunate find." Salazar commended before moving onto the next part of his status report. "We have established a solid connection with the Galactic Mafia. For the right price, we can count on them for any job that needs doing."
"Good. These gangsters will be most useful in the eventual proxy war we must conduct with Red Faction." Sub Zero stated. "Even if the most optimist predictions of how long this civil war may last, we will still need years for everything to be set to establish our base of power and sweep control of the galaxy in one swift series of motions."
"Which brings us to my lord's next step." Salazar punched in a few keys on the holotable.
The star map shifted rapidly to a completely different star system. This time focusing on a completely different facility owned by a smaller, but somewhat powerful and important faction within the Northern Galaxy.
"Recruitment." Sub Zero stated, crossing his arms. "Surge is our handler on the task, but his reluctance to carry out such a task for someone other than himself is apparent."
"Indeed, which is why I have formulated a plant to gain some high quality troops." Salazar continued, zooming in on the station in question. "This is a high security facility, the largest one in fact, run by the Galactic Patrol."
"So you aim to have us tangle with the Galactic Patrol?" Sub Zero smirked. "How bold of you Salazar."
"It will not be direct, my lord." The resourceful aid answered. "We will order Surge to be the overseer of this plan and bring in those whom are selected as worthy soldiers to our cause."
"This facility will be the stomping ground for criminals currently imprisoner by the Galactic Patrol, culled so only the strong are brought to us to be mold or broken to our cause."
"How ruthless." Sub Zero added with a laugh, allowing Salazar to continue after.
"As you know, the Galactic Patrol is a policing force under the Galactic King that covers much of this galaxy. The are strong, but most of their members are barely of true elite standard going by the Planet Trade's model."
Salazar pressed another button, zooming out enough to take in various solar systems, each with at least one highlighted facility. "The organization is equal to a small army, this number including their logistical staff. Most of their members are stationed at various prison and other privately owned facilities throughout the Northern Galaxy."
"Each of these prisons contain several noteworthy individuals that would prove to be ideal canadines to join our ranks. As such, arrangements much be made to slowly transfer as many of these criminals to the chosen facility here." As he spoke, the holomap zoomed back in to the large station from before.
"Once the transfers are complete, we have the prisoners fight one another until their numbers have been reduced to an ideal amount. At this point, Surge will guide them to a predesignated location to await your personal review."
"You put much thought into this Salazar." Sub Zero stated, placing a hand under his chin. "Indeed, recruiting from these cells could produce some new assets. You never were one to disappoint."
The Arcosian lowered his hand, turning his head toward the humanoid. "However, how exactly do you plan on authorizing this string of transfers? In fact, how to you intend to use this prison for your plans without rising suspicion from the Galactic Patrol in the first place?"
"While the members of this police force are universally bound together by the ideals of justice, jealousy between the ranks can still fester." Salazar removed the star map, replacing it with an image of a certain individual of the Galactic Patrol.
"The man before you is the former number one ranking Patrolmen, recently replaced on the list by a mysterious genius appearing out of seemingly nowhere. Due to a rather spirited disagreement with this lost of ranking, he has been reassigned as this facility's warden."
"Ahh, so a traitor." Sub Zero concluded.
"Of a sort." Salazar stated. "I have contacted this man, he is willing to aid us if he can play a part in culling the prisoners. He believes that many of our scouted individuals deserve the death penalty and wished to carry out this personal vendetta. Also I should mention that he is willing to let those that survive the trial go, but will aim to capture or kill them again to reclaim his title as Top Patrolmen."
"Ally of circumstance then." Sub Zero nodded. "We use him, he uses us. In this case, I can ask for no better."
The Arcosian smiled, looking away from the hologram of the Patrolmen. "If the rest of the Galactic Patrol learns about this, he will make the perfect scapegoat. Alas, I do blame myself for not noticing it sooner."
Sub Zero returned his gaze to the hologram. "Does our ally have a name?"
"For all intensive purposes, he wishes to be referred to as The Warden." Salazar answered. "However, his true name isn't hard to find. I can bring up the Galactic Patrol's databank to provide you with a profile."
"No need." Sub Zero stated. "It would be rude to go against our ally's wishes, although temporary he maybe." He smirked once more before continuing.
"The Warden is a sufficient name for the time being. For now, instruct him to set about transferring all the criminals that have caught your eye to this faculty."
"Already done." Salazar stated. "It will take sometime as not to arouse prying eyes however. A few years at least are necessary to set everything up without risk of detection."
"By all means, what is a few years compared to the hundreds I have waited?" Sub Zero chuckled to himself. "Inform Surge of his new mission once the pieces have been put in place. If he chooses to drag his feet once more however, do warn him that our next face to face under these circumstances will be quite...unpleasant."
Salazar bowed his head. "As you command, my lord."
14 days since the departure from Planet B25...
Riddic and his party returned to Planet Hope without further incident. Everyone climbed out of their respected Attack Pods as deck crewmen moved to attend the single occupant assault craft.
Paragus, being the one most sensible to handle such as task, went off to file the "official" report. Bardock went off without saying a word of where he was going. The look on his face however was a mix of disappointment and quiet rage.
Riddic and Lea went together to find a certain set of individuals. Of course, the silver-haired Saiyan urged his mate to head to medical as soon as they landed, but the stubborn Saiyan brushed it off as she stormed off to find their more pressing concern.
"Once we find out how our baby is doing, and make sure that Rouge didn't do anything that would make me wanna kill him, then I will go to medical." Lea stated as she headed inside and headed towards Broly's room.
Riddic couldn't help at noticing how she called Paragus's son their baby. True, given how they are the ones raising him they might as well call him their son at this point.
The silver hair Saiyan let out a laugh as they passed by several Red Faction troopers, all of whom saluted as they passed by.
It was mostly silent for the rest of the way to their destination, only sounds being made through the halls were the sounds of their footsteps, the humming of the lights overhead, and the slightly heavy breathing Lea that made Riddic a bit concerned.
Lea placed her hand on the scanner door, the room inside revealing a wrecked mess of chaos.
"What the hell?" Lea half muttered, quickly stepping inside. "Rouge?! Broly?!"
Riddic stepped to Lea's side, taking in what looked like the aftermath of a devastating battle. Cracks were in the walls, floors, and ceiling. Debris everywhere.
"Rouge?" He added. "What happened?"
They could feel the two in the room, no doubt about that. But were-
CRASH!
The sound came from the right of Lea and Riddic. The two ran towards the source, passing a corner before coming face to face with the two they were looking for.
Rouge held Broly by the backside of his red robe. Laughing with such glee, the 2 year old Saiyan was pulling the grown man's cheek with his right hand.
"Hahaha, hey that hurts you little devil!" Rouge said, turning his gaze towards Riddic and Lea. "Ah look Broly, Mommy and Daddy are home."
Broly turned his head, waving with his freehand. "Hi Dada. Hi Mama."
"I see you two are having fun." Riddic stated, shacking his head.
"Ha, aren't we ever!" Rouge replied with his typical kid like demeaner. "Why didn't you tell me the kid had a power level of 10,000?"
"We didn't think that mattered." Lea said, showing she was mentally exhausted by letting her arms hand before her.
"Didn't matter?" Rouge laughed. "OF COURSE IT MATTERS!" He paused, removing Broly's hand from his mouth. "Do you think someone like me can babysit any normal child?"
Rouge walked towards the pair, handing Broly out within arms length once he neared them. "If this boy was an ordinary child, Saiyan or no, I would've probably killed him on accident. Honestly, I'm surprised you trusted me with the task in the first place."
Riddic took Broly in his arms while Rouge was talking, replying only once he was finished. "To tell you the truth, you were the only one available."
Rouge smirked. "Seems legit. All's well and good though." He turned to the side, ready to move around Lea and Riddic and off to do whatever he wanted to do next.
"If you ever need me to babysit again, feel free to call. It was fun playing with this little guy! Just don't expect the room to remain intact ok?" Rouge smiled, waving goodbye to the young Broly.
"I cannot wait till he's fun grown! If he's this strong now, just imagine how powerful a warrior he can be! Hell, Broly here might even give you a run for your money Super Saiyan!"
Riddic let out a forced chuckle. 'You have no idea how worrying that might be.' He mentally spoke.
"Fight me soon as payment for this job, ok boss?" Rouge said, keeping with his typical child demeaner before heading off. "Take care Broly! See you again sometime."
"OK! Bye bye!" Broly replied with glee. "See you Uncle Rou!"
"Uncle Rou?" Lea raised an eyebrow, breathing heavily. Her stamina was being eaten away by the constant pain.
"Hahaha, don't mind that." Rouge dismissed it with a wave as he continued on his way out.
Only when the door close behind, leaving this family to themselves, did Lea show the first sign of weakness on her current condition. She leaned heavily on Riddic's shoulder.
"Lea?" Riddic didn't know if this was a show of affection or her condition was worse than she let on.
"Just...let me use your shoulder for a bit." She answered, closing her eyes. "I'll head to the med bay after. Just let me rest for a short while."
A short smile formed on Riddic's face. He moved his free hand around Lea, pulling her gently closer. Broly smiled, closing his eyes too and falling to sleep in the silver-haired Saiyan's arms.
Riddic chuckled. It was these simple moments that many kept close to their heart, and to this Saiyan it was no different.
While many of his own race would shake their head in shame at such sentiments, he was unlike all of them.
Just as his father always said they were.
After all, how many of them can compare to a Super Saiyan?
'But for how much longer will that last?'
Meanwhile...
Slap!
The loud noise echoed in this section of open corridor.
Bardock stood, face tilted up and left with a red mark upon his cheek. Even though he was slapped, Bardock kept his usual no-nonsense look as he turned his face back to look at the one whom delivered the blow.
His own wife Gine.
The female Saiyan, rubbing the hand she struck with, glared into the face of her husband with such ferocity that could easily have killed the faint of heart.
"How dare you show your face to me after what you did." Her voice filled with such anger she herself didn't know she could muster.
"How DARE YOU!" She screamed, waving her hand aside.
Observing from a few feet away was their eldest son Raditz, eyes on the floor as his mother unleashed her full wrath upon his father.
"You and your stubborn warrior mind!" Gine continued to shout. "What sort of father yells at their son for being afraid of death huh?! He's just a boy! Of course he's afraid to die! Ahh I knew I shouldn't have let Raditz go with you on such a dangerous mission!"
"Mom, I was the one that wanted to go." Raditz dared to reply.
Gine turned her head around, smiling slightly at her child. "Oh I know Raditz. I'm not blaming you or your father for that." She turned her head back towards Bardock. "I blame him for how he treated you. Apologize to our son Bardock."
"I will not." Bardock replied, uttering the first words he contributed to this conversation.
Gine turned her head slightly. "What? Why won't you?!"
Bardock turned his eyes toward his eldest son. Raditz meet his gaze, however hesitant he was before maybe.
His father flashed a small smile for a brief moment, glad his son showed some backbone for once.
"He needs to learn."
Gine waited a few moments before asking. "Learn what exactly?"
Bardock returned his focus to his wife, pausing for a few moments before offering his answer.
"He needs to learn that the world is cruel. That hesitation on the battlefield often ends up getting you or those next to you killed."
Those words struck deep inside Raditz, for he learned the hard way.
"Bardock that doesn't exsu-"
The low-born turned elite Saiyan rose his hand, cutting Gine off. "I wasn't finished." He said calmly, looking at his son once more.
"Being afraid to die is normal, but growing past that fear is what makes you a true Saiyan. That's all I want from any son of mine."
Raditz felt his heart sank, his mind go blank, as his father said those words to him. 'Does that mean...he doesn't see me as his son?' The young Saiyan concluded his own interpretation.
Gine shook her head in disappointing disgust. "Bardock...I understand you have high expectations for our son but-"
"I don't want to hear it Gine." Bardock cut in, turning his back on his wife and son. "If you want to baby him, fine. If you want to encourage his cowardly behavior, fine. I don't care anymore. I tried it my way and neither of you approve, so I guess I'm simply not cut out for being a father."
Gine rose her left hand up to her chest. "Oh Bardock..." She muttered to herself.
"I'm done with all this. However," Bardock tilted his head in the direction of Raditz. "If he changes his mind and wants to become a warrior. To muster the courage to learn all that I can offer and more, you can find me on the battlefield."
With that, Bardock headed off to seek solitude.
It was the start of isolating himself from his family for the next several years to come.
While he would never admit, or even show a hint of it, he felt a hole open up in his chest that would plague him for the days to come.
A self inflicted wound he knew that he would come to regret.
Several weeks later...
The capital city of Planet Hope grew ever more prosperous ever since the Fall of New Arcose. The local Arcosians were free to improve the local lifestyle without the aggressively unnecessary restrictions Frieza had placed on them to conserve resources and wealth.
Resources and wealth the empire could afford to spend ten times over.
Typical tyrannical greed.
Riddic was walking the streets of the new and improved city, inspecting the daily lives of his subjects with some rare free time he somehow managed to get out of his normally packed schedule.
Out of formality, Captain Drake wanted to attach a bodyguard detail. Pointless, but a precaution in case of an assassination attempt.
Riddic laughed it off, saying that any assassin who dared to strike at a Super Saiyan was either foolishly brave or too stupid to be a real assassin.
Besides, most people avoided walking near the legendary warrior. Be it out of fear or respect he didn't know. If anyone tired anything, they would be easy to spot.
After wondering around aimlessly, the silver-haired Saiyan found himself at a park. A wide open park that spanned a good mile or two.
It was one of those scenic areas that people went to forget that they were living in a metal, concrete, or otherwise artificially made word.
Riddic walked through the part, comparing it to the indoor one he saw on Earth. There were less animals to be found of course, especially bigger kinds.
He sense few people in the park, something he focus on when he grew a tad bored. However, there was one that felt familiar.
Out of curiosity, Riddic walked toward that familiar power. After a few steps, he knew who this ki belonged to. It took a few minutes to reach where this man was.
"Hey there." Riddic save with a wave. Laying down in the grass on top of a hill a few feet from the silver-haired Saiyan was Commander Bardock.
The Saiyan turned his head, eyes glancing at Riddic. "Hey." He answered. "Surprised to see they let you out."
"You know, I said the exact same thing." Riddic replied with a laugh. "Good timing though, I've actually wanted to talk with you for awhile now. Would've been sooner, but being gone those 14 days left more of a gap than I thought. Stupid of me to think-"
"If this is about Gine, I don't want to hear about it." Bardock cut in to get to the point.
"Oh that, I heard about it from Lea." Riddic stated. "This was something before that, when we left Planet B25. You're not assigned to any missions right?"
"My whole legion is on leave after that last mess they fought through." Bardock answered. "I was told that they need time to reorganize and replenish the ranks, so here I am head in the clouds."
"So your free, great!" Riddic stated. "In that case, this is the perfect time to see if my theory is right."
"What theory?" Bardock ask, rising the upper half of his body up.
"Follow me and find out." Riddic replied with a grin. "If it's true, it'll be well worth while."
Curious, and with nothing better to do, Bardock hopped to his feet. "As long as it kills the boredom."
It took about a half hour to travel to the area Riddic wished to try out his theory and make absolutely sure that no soul was in as close to a 2 mile radius as could be enforced for a set amount of time.
Captain Drak handpicked those whom watched the perimeter. All men sworn to secrecy should the event the demon was informed upon happens.
"OK, now we have about 3hrs today to test this out." Riddic stated, sticking out three fingers to help sell the point.
"Test what out exactly?" Bardock asked as his boss hasn't explained what they would doing.
"You remember how that renegade Turles became a Super Saiyan?" Riddic said, cutting straight to the point.
"How could I forget?" Bardock replied, crossing his arms. "Who would have ever thought that there could be two in the same era?"
"Actually, I think there can be more than that." Riddic said with a frown.
Bardock's eyes widened for a bit, however he saw the possibility in a vision. Perhaps now was the time to-
"If I'm right, I believe that any Saiyan can become a Super." Riddic cut in, breaking Bardock's trail of thought.
"What?" Bardock took a step forward, lowering his arms. "What makes you think that?"
"It was the moments leading up to Turles's transformation." Riddic answered. "He was furious, at me perhaps, but a fury similar to what I felt when I first transformed. Only he didn't let it consume him, he harness that rage. He took that rage and funneled it to unleash a power hidden deep within. A power I think hides in all of us."
"And you want me to help you see if you're right." Bardock concluded, nodding his head. "What makes you think I can pull this off?"
"Motivation." Riddic answered with a grin. "You seen your old crew dead by Frieza's betrayal. Been played like a fool during the mission on Planet Todocama. More recently, this em...family squabble?"
"I see..." Bardock closed his eyes. "So I just need to get myself angry but picturing these events over and over in my head till I transform? Is that the idea?"
"Basically." Riddic replied with a smile. "Thought if you need to imagine everyone you care about dying at the hands of Frieza or someone else before you eyes that might help too."
Bardock let out an amused huff. "Fine. If this makes me a Super Saiyan like you think it will then I'll give it a shot."
The Saiyan spread his feet out, raising his arms to his waist as if preparing to power up. He started easy, picturing the images of his old crew bloody, broken and dead on Planet Meat by Dodoria's Elite Troop. The memory of Tora dying in his very arms.
He felt anger raise within him. Normally, Bardock would keep his anger under control, use it to focus his strength. Now, he fought the almost natural urge and let it fester.
The rage he felt showed on his face, but it wasn't nearly enough.
Riddic frowned. "That's not even close Bardock. You need to be furious, so furious that you are nearly lost in the rage."
Bardock bright the next image up; the shapeshifter. The bastard that forced him to fight all his old crew, playing mind games with him as his men died while he was distracted.
Still raw, repressed but very much alive anger rushed to the surface within Bardock. His face twisted as his aura flashed in response.
"Good! Almost there!" Riddic said, clenching his fist in joy. "Just a bit more Bardock!"
And so Bardock's mind brought forth the final piece that would make him go over the edge.
It wasn't of friends or family dying before his eyes.
Nor was it of any instance of him being made a fool off.
It was of his eldest son.
The memory of Raditz on Planet Todocama. Of him explaining what his first battlefield was like.
Of him explaining that he was afraid of death.
Like Gine said, Bardock couldn't blame the kid for thinking this way. It was only natural.
However, something inside of him, something deep, deep inside simply could not let it go.
Raditz was his eldest born! He should've been a great warrior in the making! Not such a disappointment!
He could forgive him being weak at his point! The right amount of training and experience could fix that with ease!
He couldn't accept that his son turned out this way! He could never accept it!
Not a...
Coward.
Bardock roared in rage, aura pulsing in kind as it expanded in size with his power raising to its highest point.
Riddic smiled. This was it! This was the amount of rage needeed!
"Great Bardock!" The silver-haired Saiyan shouted in joy! "That's it! Now take control of that anger! Use it as a tool!"
And so Bardock did as he asked. He took the anger within and wrestled for control.
To Riddic and Bardock these events lasted for a breath taking eternity.
In reality, it was but a fleeting moment.
One easily missed with the blink of an eye.
The silver-hair Saiyan saw what proof he needed to confirm both his audacious hope and greatest fear.
However short lived it was before the man fell to his knees, Bardock's hair color changed from black to gold.
And here ends another entry to Double S!
As many of you whom have followed me thus far may know, normally, I wouldn't have written up another entry so soon after the last given how I alternate between my other stories. However, since this was more of an epilogue to the Turles Saga and fresh in my mind I figured it would make sense to write this one up now before I forget most of what I wanted.
That said, it also means that the next entry will be awhile to release as it's gonna be the start of a new saga.
Our first tournament saga!
As such, I will need time to go over the 30 plus fighters I'll be bringing in for this specific arc. Let alone working on my other stories hahaha.
As always, I wish to thank you all for reading this and hopefully you will all be patient with me as I work on these stories whenever I can with whatever time I can spare.
If anyone has any question relating to this or any other entry thus far feel free to ask them in a review.
PS: If anyone feels like letting me know whenever you see Captain Drake instead of Drak that would help. I'm putting Drake instead of Drak due to old habits hehe.
What awaits the galaxy now with all these pieces in motion? How will the Northern Galaxy without the fearsome presence of Frieza form in the years to come? Find out next time on Dragon Ball Double S!