"So Bulma," says Krillin finally breaking the tense drone of the engines, "what are you going to do with all this alien technology?"
He looks over his shoulder from his position next to her as she flies her cargo plane. Master Roshi and Chichi sit in the row of seats behind them. Chichi stares absently out the side window. Yamcha lies on a side bench in the cargo area. Next to him the back of the vehicle is loaded with parts of the spaceship Gohan destroyed in his rage. Before leaving the battle site, Bulma asked everyone to pick up what pieces they could including the ki reading device on the alien's face.
"I'm going to study it of course and see what I can learn from it," she says in a less than conversational tone. "We're going to need all the information we can get to prepare for the Saiyans."
"Oh yeah, right. That sounds like a good idea," says Krillin.
They had agreed to wish Goku back and go along with Kami's plan to handle the Saiyans whenever they arrived. Memories of his fallen friend play through Krillin's mind but so do worrying thoughts. Were they not endangering the whole world now? His mind feels heavy from the weight of the implications and importance of such a decision as Bulma flies them to Korin Tower.
His stomach seizes with anxiety at the thought of actually sharing these contemplations aloud. What would Bulma, Yamcha and Master Roshi think if he dared consider not reviving someone they cared so deeply for? Or even worse, how could he mention it to Chichi when she had lost so much already? And yet, he could not shake the feeling that they now risked losing everything by not using the Dragon Balls to intervene in their problem. Despite these agonizing thoughts, he bit his tongue and kept his mouth shut about them.
"So where do you think Kami took Goku's body when they both disappeared after he met with us?" asks Krillin trying to fill the uncomfortable silence.
"It's hard to say Krillin," offers Master Roshi. "But hopefully, Goku's ready for whatever he has planned."
And with that, they all return to their silent ruminations.
…
"I want to go home to my mom and dad," wails Gohan.
"Yeah well your dad's gone now and you're stuck with me," says Piccolo grumpily. His mood is sour from the boy's constant crying during their flight to the training grounds he picked out to prepare for the arrival of the Saiyans.
"What do you mean he's gone?" yells Gohan working himself into a nervous breathing.
"I mean he's dead. That purple man who kidnapped you killed him," Piccolo says. The corners of his mouth curl up a bit gleefully at the expense of his old rival.
"No. No. No, No!" screams Gohan. "I want my daddy here now!"
His blood begins to boil, and his power level begins to rise. Piccolo realizes how dangerous training the boy could be if he ever becomes the target of Gohan's rage. He quickly tries to calm the child down.
"It's okay. Your mother is going to gather the Dragon Balls and wish him back to life," he says hastily.
She, she is?" says Gohan processing the information. "So why did you take me away from her?"
"Unfortunately for the both of us, we have to clean up the mess Goku left us. So I'm going to train you into a martial artist," explains Piccolo.
"But I don't want to be a fighter. I don't want to fight anyone," says Gohan tearfully.
"I'm afraid fate doesn't always work out the way we want. Sometimes our fathers leave us with their dirty work and there's nothing we can do about it," says Piccolo scornfully. "So you're going to suck it up and work through it just like the rest of us have to do. But at least you have the luxury of a mentor rather than being left alone to figure it out. Besides, if you don't fight, then the entire Earth will be destroyed, and you may be the only one who can stop it from happening."
"Why me?" sobs Gohan.
"Because unbeknownst to you, you have a fearsome hidden power. I'm going to train you to harness that strength to use it against the Saiyans."
"Hidden power? What do you mean?"
"I mean that you're the one who defeated the alien who kidnapped you."
"But, but he was so powerful. I couldn't have."
"Not the way you are now, scared and self-doubting. You need to find your fighting spirit to harness your true potential. And nothing brings that out better than a need for survival. So I'm going to leave you in the wilderness for a while. When your back is to the wall and you have nowhere to run, you'll fight whether you want to or not. And that's how it'll be when the Saiyans arrive."
"But how long?"
Piccolo just smiles snidely as he levitates away to start his own training.
"Try not to die before I get back."
…
Goku and Kami stand before a giant mahogany desk three times their height. And behind that desk sits an enormous oni wearing a fine purple suit and orange tie. His red skinned face grimaces through a well kept but burly beard. Kami stands on wobbly legs while Goku smiles at the wondrous new situation he finds himself in. He is especially enamored with the golden halo glowing above his head that follows him everywhere no matter how he tries to outrun it.
"Why does the Guardian of Earth feel the need to interrupt my judgments," booms the massive ogre.
"Pardon my intrusion King Yemma," says Kami bowing profusely. "I know how busy you are, but I must testify on the behalf of the recently deceased Goku who now stands before you."
"Oh really," chuckles King Yemma. "I suppose I can spare some time for a brief break from my duties. But make it quick, I'm close to breaking my record number of judgments this century."
"Of course, of course. Thank you, thank you," says Kami giving his deepest bow.
"Hey Kami," whispers Goku. "Why are you so nervous? Is this guy really that much stronger than you?'
"Not now Goku," says Kami below his breath still hunched over. "Now show some respect and bow to King Yemma. If he doesn't approve of you, my plan won't work."
As Goku ducks into a bent over position, he notices a commotion far down a large hall. A young teenager in a green school uniform wrestles with several other human sized onis who staff the check-in station for the Other World. With enough help, the ogres finally drag the kid away from sight so Goku returns his attention to the conversation at hand.
"King Yemma, I request that Goku be allowed to meet King Kai to be trained in preparation for the Saiyans coming to Earth," says Kami.
A moment of silence greets his request.
"Bwahahaha," laughs King Yemma. "Yuhoohoo—you want me to let this fighting obsessed bumpkin meet with one of the gods of the universe. I'd be a laughing stock for granting such a high honor to someone who would waste their precious time. Hahaha."
"Please sir, I don't understand what is so funny," pleads Kami. "Earth will be destroyed if we don't train our defenders, and Goku has surpassed everyone there. He needs a higher being to train him to become stronger. And Goku has more than proven himself a noble warrior worthy of such an opportunity."
"Yes, yes. I know of his deeds," says King Yemma. He looks at his fingernails as if there is something more interesting stuck under them than the perils of Earth. "Defeating the Red Ribbon Army and King Piccolo are certainly impressive feats that benefited a lot of people. Merit enough to grant him access to Heaven rather than Hell. But according to my reading of those accomplishments they were done for selfish reasons of wanting to revive a fallen ally and avenge a close friend.
"And Goku can't hide his true intentions from me here. I know he's restless and desires a new master and stronger opponents even at the cost of Earth's safety. Isn't that right Goku?"
Before he can respond, Kami interjects.
"But sir, it's Goku's love of his family and friends that leads him to take action against evil forces like the alien who kidnapped his son," says Kami. "Surely that proves his worthiness."
"Kami, if I could say something," whispers Goku from behind. Kami looks at him nervously before nodding consent.
"Yo King Yemma," blurts out Goku.
Kami immediately seizes at the casual address.
"You're right. I do want more powerful masters and opponents," says Goku. "But Kami is also right. I've learned the value of other people and wish to protect them when possible. And maybe you're right. Maybe I'm not worthy of this King Kai guy, but is there anyone else who might be able to train me. Heck, you seem really strong. Maybe you could?"
Kami trembles in anticipation for the judge of the dead's response. A cold sweat chills the back of his neck. Goku could very well be sent to Hell if he angers the giant oni. And no one there would want to help him train.
"Hm," ponders King Yemma. "Maybe I was wrong about you. Maybe you're more pure of heart than I gave you credit for. Alright then. I'll grant you an audience with King Kai, but only on one condition. Currently I judge you worthy of entering Heaven. But if King Kai reports back to me that he is in any way displeased with your behavior while staying at his residence, I'm banishing you straight to Hell. So the choice is yours."
"That's a chance I'm willing to take," says Goku confidently.
…
Three spherical spaceships like Cui's hurtle towards the surface of a planet. Instead of driving a crater into the ground upon impact, they hit landing pads twenty feet in diameter designed to absorb and diffuse the force of the collision. The spongy, elastic pads stretch and depress under the meteoric stress. Once the pods stabilize on their trampoline-like surfaces, they open with a hiss, and the occupants step out.
The three men are wearing standard armor for the galactic empire they serve which show varying degrees of use and damage. They are smeared with dirt and blood accompanied by crumpled and missing patches of their armor. Wrapped around their wastes are furry monkey tails signifying their racial ancestry. As they make their way across the landing sight, they encounter a beautiful man in similar armor to them.
"What brings you down here, Zarbon?" says the shortest of the three Saiyans. "I didn't think you would risk soiling that pretty appearance of yours among the grunts."
"Now, now Prince Vegeta," replies Zarbon coolly. He brushes a few strands of his long green hair from in front of his turquoise face. A jewel hanging from a beaded forehead chain bounces from the gesture. Two earrings with matching jewels jangle about as well. "I understand you're frustrated about losing a few more of your monkey brethren on this last mission, but there's no need to take it out on meee."
Zarbon holds the last syllable in a sassy tone. Vegeta furrows his brow in anger.
"Now there's only three of you Saiyans left. Such a pity," continues Zarbon. "Perhaps you're not the Prince you thought you were Vegeta. I mean how can you be a leader with only two followers."
"Take that back," says the tallest of the Saiyans stepping forward. His huge muscular physique alone would intimidate almost anyone.
"Easy Nappa," says Vegeta through gritted teeth. "What do you want Zarbon?"
"I've come to give you your next mission," Zarbon says.
"Why, you don't give out orders personally unless…" trails off Vegeta realizing what is going on. His eyes widen from slits of fury to open astonishment.
"That's right," says Zarbon. "I have a special assignment from Lord Freeza himself. But I think you'll be quite pleased with this one. You see, one of your monkey friends is causing us some trouble on a planet that is possibly more profitable than originally thought.
"Now obviously Lord Freeza is a busy man and can't be bothered with chasing mere rumors across the whole universe. So he wants you to investigate and interrogate this Saiyan and his friends. Find out what we want to know and then use the planet's full moon to prepare it for colonization as soon as possible."
"If it's so important," questions Vegeta, "why wait for us to get back and finish our days off between missions?"
"I'm afraid you misunderstand me," says Zarbon. "You'll be given no rest between missions this time. One of your own is responsible for this mess, so you Saiyans are going to clean it up."
"That's not fair!" shouts Nappa. "Freeza has been pushing us harder and harder every mission with less and less time off between them. And now we get none? What kind of bullshit is that?"
"Silence Nappa," says Vegeta without turning to his comrade. His piercing gaze has returned in its full furious blaze. "We'll take the mission."
"Wonderful," says Zarbon. "I'm so glad there is at least one agreeable Saiyan among the lot of you. Honestly none of your kind would have been allowed into Freeza's army after what happened to your home world if it weren't for you Prince Vegeta. Now clean yourselves up before a debriefing meeting."
And with that, Zarbon swung his cape and walked away. When enough distance was between them, Nappa spoke again.
"I don't mean to question you my prince, but why do you continue to let Lord Freeza push us around like pack animals?"
"Haven't you figured it out yet Nappa?" asks Vegeta of his bald compatriot. "Freeza is afraid of us. We get stronger with every battle that pushes us to our limits. You and I have increased our power levels substantially since the passing of my father and joining Freeza's army proper.
"Even the low class warriors like you Raditz," continues Vegeta addressing the third member of their group, "were making at least some incremental increases in strength. Unfortunately they couldn't tough it out like we elites can. But that's how it is. The strong survive and the weak die. And if we keep pushing ourselves to the brink of death, then one day no one will challenge us. We can become what we once were before Freeza. The mightiest warriors in the universe."
Nappa smiles at the prospect of regaining the former glory of his once feared race. Raditz merely watches them with a grudging frown. His wild waist length hair flutters in the wind.
"Why so glum Raditz?" asks Nappa. "You should be happy. You won't be the weakest Saiyan anymore after we find that low class Kakarot."
Raditz remains in place for a moment as he watches the other two Saiyans head towards the barracks for the soldiers, then follows. Vegeta and Nappa laugh as they recount moments of their most recent conquest and boast of their merits. Raditz does not participate.