QUEST FOR POWER:

THE WARLORD

By Konrad

PART 5

While many of them were picking the bodies of their fallen comrades, a few Jubian soldiers mobbed the Z Squad warriors, congratulating them for their victory and thanking them for their timely help. In the midst of it all, Piccolo pulled Vegeta by the elbow.

"What do you want?" the Prince asked.

"I need to show you something."

Flying, Piccolo led Vegeta to where he had killed Djoukien. As they approached, he merely had to point to the body and the look on Vegeta's face was one of total shock. Djoukien laid face down to the ground, his tail plainly visible for all to see.

"WHAT!" Vegeta cursed. "A Saiyan? But that's impossible!"

"Well if you know of another race whose people has fuzzy little tails, please do tell." Piccolo replied. "Besides, he told me so just before he died."

"I don't understand how this could be... Anyways, what do you want me to do about it?" Piccolo raised an eye ridge at the Prince.

"Well, aren't you a bit concerned? You're the Prince of Saiyans after all, I thought you might be a bit interested in what happens to your people."

"So you killed another Saiyan and this time I truly am the only pure Saiyan left for sure…"

"Oh, somehow I wouldn't be so sure, Princeling! We may have thought that the odds of finding any remaining Saiyans were against us…or rather in favour of us considering Earth's previous experiences with your kind…" Piccolo couldn't help but sneer slightly at Vegeta. "But I think if we had found one Saiyan all the way over here and by accident too, then maybe there could be more." Vegeta sighed in exasperation. Somehow he didn't want to think about it much.

"Well, what can we do for now?" he added. "He's dead thanks to you so we can't ask him anything, now can we? Let's get down to the business we came here for, we'll go hunting for Saiyans once this all over with."

"As you say. I just thought I'd let you know, Princey boy." Piccolo grinned. Vegeta groaned, causing the Namek to frown. "What is it?"

"Saiyans alive... All this time, I thought I'd never have to live with that responsibility, and now I might have to live up to this as the Prince. I was prepared for anything... but even this will be beyond anything I've ever done. Even beating Kakalotto wouldn't be the same level of challenge as leading my people if there's any more left." Vegeta reflected out loud. Piccolo didn't fully understand but he figured the weight of a entire race on your shoulders could be a lot for one to bare, even for the proud Prince.

"Whatever happens, you'll do fine." Vegeta humphed in acknowledgment.

At that moment, a familiar ki struck their senses. They quickly rejoined the rest of the group just before Trunks arrived along with another young man. The new arrival quickly proceeded to salute the Jubian troops and introduce himself to the Z Squad.

"Hi everyone, I'm glad you've all arrived. I couldn't come sooner to help. I've explained a bit to Trunks about what's going on. I'm Chen and I'm the commander of all Jubian forces..."

"You're young." Tenshinhan exclaimed.

"26 to be exact." Chen responded. "But I've undergone some thorough training since I was young, I'm also the strongest Jubian. And I spearheaded our efforts to bring you here. Thanks by the way, Yoshuro." Yoshuro nodded. "So yeah, I got a lot to tell you. To put it shortly, we found out a few years ago about something called the Power Stone. It's some sort of artefact that can grant tremendous power to its user. Well, this scroll was written a long time ago..." He lifted his left hand so the warriors took notice for the first time that in it he was holding a scroll. "It contains information on the location of a Power Stone supposedly in Jubian space and it also supposedly contains spells to unlock and use it."

"Let me guess." Piccolo interjected. "This is what this Dudan is after, right?"

"Yup. And as it happens we didn't give much importance to this Power Stone story until this war started. So up until now we haven't researched the scroll thoroughly. We then quickly placed it in a lab on this planet... which Trunks defended... in order to translate them with advanced equipment. Dudan will apparently go through us in order to acquire this Power Stone and the scroll. I can only imagine what he would do with it. But I can't stop him alone, so I sent after you because you're the only ones who might be able to help us on time."

"How did you know of us by the way?" Android 18 asked.

"Well we have a great number of explorers who go to any planet to trade, even those that don't know about space travel. Stories were reported to us about your numerous fights in the past and when the war began, we were reminded of you. I know I'm bringing you into something that wasn't your fight to begin with... I don't know what my people can do otherwise if we're threatened with slavery... or worse. We can barely defend ourselves as it is..."

"That's not a problem." Trunks said.

"Yeah, we could never stand by while innocent people get hurt. Helping is the right thing to do." Gohan assured.

"We'll do our best." Tenshinhan said.

"I'm definitely in." added 18.

"If I understand, Dudan will probably use the Power Stone to conquer and destroy other planets too. No matter what, something would have to be done." Piccolo mused. "Of course, we'll help."

"I'm just here for the challenge, as long as this character can give me a good fight!" Vegeta put his own 'approval'. Chen couldn't help but smile broadly as his newfound allies all gave him his support.

"Thank you so much. I am forever in your debt..."

- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

The next day, the Z Squad got their first real glimpse of Jubian civilization. While Yoshuro ferried everyone in his craft, Chen was explaining them the many sights of Heder, the capital city on Jubisei, as they toured the metropolis. Vegeta couldn't care less and sat apart from the others, Piccolo was only as curious as he could intake and process anything that might be useful battle wise such as Jubian temperament. Gohan, Trunks, Tenshinhan and even Android 18 listened to Chen intently and crowded the windows as they looked at the majestic city.

The Jubian civilization being far more advanced technologically than that of the Earthlings, their buildings easily dwarfed those of Earth. Heder was a massive urban complex stretching a hundred of miles or so in each direction. Its skyscrapers, usually going beyond three thousand feet in height, stood out as sleek towers almost entirely made of metal, both on the interior as on the exterior, contrasting with Earth's typically rectangular buildings. More often than not, they would be seemingly shaped in incongruous manners but it was always for functional purposes. They accommodated all sorts of other structures on them, such as landing pads for the small air vehicles Jubians used for transportation, hospitals and restaurants literally in the highest reaches of the sky. The most unusual building though, at least to the Earth warriors, was probably the giant spaceport near the outer portion of the city. From almost anywhere in the vicinity it couldn't be missed as it was both gigantic and floating in mid-air.

"That's where most commercial interplanetary flights are handled, especially for large crafts." Chen explained.

"Wow! That's awesome!" Gohan exclaimed. "We definitely have nothing like THAT on Earth. Your people are really rich!" Chen chuckled as Gohan quickly etched notes on all that he was seeing and learning.

"It's the only one of its kind actually. Most other cities and planets just have regular big spaceports."

"Well we have none of those either! So you guys are like the merchants of the galaxy?"

"Yup! We traditionally have always been a trader nation, we're very open to the other civilizations in the galaxy and most of our technology reflects that. We logically grew from our beginnings as space explorers into space commerce thanks to our more advanced ships. Then, basically, we extended ourselves into buying resource spots, like planets and asteroids rich in minerals. The Jubian population outside of Jubisei and a couple of other places is actually pretty small."

"What are your other important planets? What kinds of stuff do you guys make and export? What other races do you trade with? Can I get a spaceship too?" Gohan kept asking excitedly. Chen laughed out loud, visibly enchanted by the young boy's curiosity.

"Tell you what, Gohan!" he replied smiling. "I have full access to all sorts of information and I may be even able to help you getting it and explaining it. Anything you feel like asking, we can cover at my home!"

"Wow, okay! I'd love to learn more, please." Gohan beamed.

Chen wasn't the only one admiring the Saiyan's appetite for knowledge as Tenshinhan, Trunks and Piccolo looked at him. They were all amazed at Gohan's curiosity and each secretly wondered what they'd be like if they were as intellectually inclined as him. As hard as she tried, there was only so much Trunks' mother could teach him in the midst of the chaos of the future but he was determined to get things back to normal for his world and himself and fully use his mind. Piccolo thought proudly of Gohan and how he'll hopefully learn to apply his intellect to something practical. Tenshinhan on the other hand felt more useless than ever. He has at most been only a small contributor in the squad's recent fights. Fighting is all I know to do. I have nothing else to give to Lunch... He thought glumly.

The group finally arrived in view of the seat of the Jubian government, the Federal Assembly. Over two thousand feet across, from the sky it was mostly rectangular with star shaped extensions at its corners. The Federal Assembly building had thousands of windows but, on what Tenshinhan assumed to be the front, there was a very large section without windows. Instead, there was a logo that went all across that area. It looked like two red crescents joined together to form an X with a blue dot in the middle. Too bad they don't know how to make good looking buildings to match their technology. They need better taste. Tenshinhan reflected. Yoshuro made for the small spaceport on the roof of the building. As they approached, they saw a few hundred people waiting for them already. Chen groaned in mild annoyance.

"I kinda wish the rest of the high command and the President were with me on this. I wanted to keep the mission to retrieve you guys as much a secret as possible. But the President and almost everyone else thought that with the war on the balance, it might be better to let at least all of the military and the politicians know of your coming as a sort of morale booster. I guess I understand a bit but I still think it would've been better to wait a bit after your arrival to avoid making it such a big government deal."

"That's ok." Gohan assured. "It kinda feels good to be recognized as heroes for once, even if it's away from home."

"So long as some clown doesn't come to claim victory afterwards, we don't mind." Trunks added, referring to Mr Satan's current streak of popularity. Almost everyone chuckled a bit at the thought.

A few minutes later, the Z Squad were greeted by the President of the Jubian Federation as well by various government and military officials, most of them Jubian but a lot also of other alien races. One of them stood out however in their eyes. Trunks especially looked at a girl who looked his age. She was slender, with bright green eyes and long orange hair going down to the middle of her back. She wore a suit which covered her whole body except her hands, her head and neck. It was black underneath with an orange piece above it that went from each of her shoulders, in the form of a V, down to her waist. There, the two strips joined both each other and what looked like a short piece on top of the black suit. The orange garment seemed loose, while the black suit was tight. As Chen introduced some of the most important dignitaries on hand, he didn't miss to point out the young woman too.

"...And this is Lulu, my sister. She's only 18 years old but she's the strongest Jubian fighter after me and she also serves in the high command." Lulu smiled politely and bowed slightly, keeping on the most serious face possible. Trunks kept staring at her as her face reddened a bit.

"On behalf of all the people of the Jubian Federation, I thank you all for accepting to aid us in our time of need!" The President started in an official monotone, much to the disgust of the all the warriors. "This is truly a dark hour for all Jubians and also for all the galaxy. The threat of Dudan is a grave danger that must be dealt with! You are the best hopes for billions of people; your courage is admirable. Your success is a must. If there's anything we can do for you..."

"How much are you paying us?" 18 bluntly asked. Everyone looked at her in astonishment.

"Uh... pardon?" The President stammered.

"You heard me! Heroism doesn't come cheap, you know. If our butts are at the front lines, we better be paid good!" 18 reiterated, half mockingly. The President blushed deeply while Chen and the Z Squad tried their best not to chuckle. Vegeta on the other did not even try to hide his amusement and laughed out loud. Chen then remembered he had a duty as an official himself.

"Ah, those Earthlings, so full of humour!" he said quickly. "Well, that's all for today folks, we have some harsh training to undertake for the war. Why don't you all go back inside while I take care of briefing our Earthly friends? I promise to keep you all up to date on the latest developments. Good day, gentlemen!"

The assembled crowd, including the humiliated President, was ushered back inside except Lulu. Finally, when the warriors were alone on the rooftop, Lulu exploded in laughter.

"Oh my, that was priceless! You saw the look on his face? It was hilarious!" she exclaimed loudly. Trunks was surprised at how well she had hidden her true, more vivacious nature.

"Yeah, I just felt like shutting him up a bit." 18 smiled back. "I hope you didn't mind too much."

"Nah, not at all! His speech was kinda boring, but I guess it is his job as a politician and stuff." Lulu replied. "Well at least I don't have to pretend to be a stiff anymore!" Vegeta humphed.

"One should still behave in a dignified manner."

"Oh, you're too serious... Vegetable, right?" Everyone laughed loudly while Vegeta gritted his teeth. "Anyhoo, nice of you to bring the Earthlings, big brother! They're pretty funny..." Just then, she locked eyes with Trunks and her joyous face beamed even more. "Funny and good looking!"

"Huh? Oh, thank you!" Trunks replied with a deep blush.

Piccolo silently observed the two of them interact and mentally sighed as he realized how quickly an attraction was made. Are all humanoids so emotional?

"So what are we gonna do exactly?" spoke up Android 18.

"Well, there's nothing much we can do right now.", Chen spoke. "The scroll will be put in another, more secure lab. Our scientists will continue in their efforts to decipher it. In the meantime, all we can do is prepare ourselves and wait for Dudan to make his next move."

"I don't see what's the point in waiting. I'll find this character and take care of him myself without any of your help!" Vegeta snarled.

"And as usual, you'll end up needing our help eventually." Gohan mocked.

"Dudan is not to be underestimated in any way. He used to work alongside Cooler in the insidious planet trade operations, in case you didn't know." Chen added.

"Freezer's brother?" Vegeta frowned. "Well, that's more reason to get rid of him. I can wait."

"Good. Ok, listen people." Chen said again. "This is going to be the toughest fight of our lives yet. We need to be ready, so we'll go to my house and train day-in, day-out. Ok?" Everyone except Vegeta nodded. "Good, so let's go!"

END OF PART FIVE