"That's another planet under our control. Today was a good day." Dore said as we got back onto the ship. We had just finished taking control of another planet in the name of Cooler and were preparing to head back to the HQ. Neiz started laughing as we finished up the preparations.
"Yeah, those people were complete jokes. How could they think that they could stand up to the Cooler Force?" He said, laughing again.
"If Orion didn't stop us, we probably would have killed every one of them for insulting Cooler's name." Salza said while turning to him. "Why did you stop us from killing a lot of them?"
"They may not seem useful, but I believe we could find some use for them. While they weren't as strong as us, they could have other uses for us to take advantage of." I told them while looking out one of the windows at the ruined city we were leaving. It had been 24 years since I had joined the Cooler Force, and I would say it felt more like 100 years. I had grown older, now at 31 years old, and much stronger, perhaps a little stronger than Nappa is at this time. I had also grown in my position, becoming one of Cooler's right hand men and being given the rank of captain like Salza. He seems to trust me with the same level of trust he gives to his other men, as well as accepting my advice from time to time, though I feel as though he expects something from me, though I can't imagine what.
Cooler was a lot different than I originally thought he would be like. If I were to compare him to Frieza, I would say he is a lot more level headed and treats his men with a lot more respect than Frieza ever did. Not only that, but he seems to have an eye for seeing worth in anything, even the planets he conquers and the people living there. I have had to step in to make sure some people didn't die, but Cooler hasn't blown a planet to hell due to the people being 'unfavorable' or 'barbaric'. Instead, he would either bring them into slavery or strike a sort of 'partnership' with the people, giving them technology, weapons, and 'protection' in exchange for resources and control of the planet.
Some people aren't willing to give up their freedom, but others accept the deal, and so far those planets, despite technically being under Cooler's rule, are doing quite well. I was honestly impressed watching everything go done. Cooler actually seems more like a proper ruler. Of course, he does have the same cruel streak that his brother has. I've seen him mow down an entire city when they continuously refused his rule and kept rebelling. The point was made, but it wasn't a pleasant sight. There were other times where Cooler...set examples for others, but I'd rather not recall those times.
Honestly, it's possible that if I didn't stop him when I could during these few years, hundreds of thousands of people might have lost their lives on a whim. I'm glad I was able to convince Cooler and his men as much as I have. I hate the act of murder. To shorten someone else's life is despicable. Maybe that's why I was never sent on missions when I was a kid. Perhaps they knew I wasn't 'Saiyan material' if I wouldn't kill, but why do we even have to kill? Killing is unforgivable. I'll never kill someone for as long as I live. I won't ever accept that sort of act as a solution for something, so I'm grateful Cooler has at least the understanding to hear me out before he goes on slaughtering people. I'm also lucky that I haven't gotten in trouble for not killing anyone during these missions. I'll fight whoever I have to, but I never kill, despite the other's anger at that. Cooler seems to hate that 'weak' side of mine, but as long as I get the job done, he doesn't bother to lecture me about it.
Despite the couple of massacres I've had to witness and planetary conquest, working for Cooler was surprisingly nice. I had thought I would be treated like a lower race, but I've been treated as well as I work. Of course, my no killing policy elicited some... anger at first, but once I had proven myself by helping claim a few planets, it was fine. It was a nice change of pace, though I would have preferred doing something else. If Cooler was more aligned with good, I think I would enjoy working for him more.
"Whatever you say. I trust your judgement, as does Cooler. We could always use more workers anyway." Salza said as he sat down. The ship then flew off, leaving the planet's atmosphere and heading back 'home'. It took a few days, but we eventually made it. A person might get sick of being stuck with a group of people constantly during travel, but for me and the others, we sort of bonded over time. I wouldn't call us friends, but we didn't hate each other. I was in the back of the ship with Dore, who was trying to beat me in an arm wrestling match, which I was holding my own in. Neiz was watching in amazement as the match became more intense, while Salza, who was piloting the ship, sighed at our antics, though I noticed he couldn't help but smile at it. Once we had landed, we emptied the ship of the supplies we had received and went over to Cooler, who was sitting on a throne. "Lord Cooler, we have returned. We have successfully conquered another planet."
"Well done. I assume Orion kept the people alive so that we can obtain more workers?" Cooler asked.
"Yes sir. While they aren't as strong as us, I believe there might be some uses they could bring us. I noticed that they had some interesting technology that could help advance our weapons and scouters. They were able to detect us while we were still a few hours away from landing on the planet." I explained.
"I see. That technology would be useful. Thank you for the report." Cooler said as he put his chin in his hand, looking a bit bored, but happy things are working out in his favor. "You all are dismissed."
"Thank you Lord Cooler." The four of us said as we began to leave. Before I could though, I got a message on my scouter. I quickly checked it, causing my eyes to widen.
"What is it, Orion?" Cooler asked me once he noticed my expression.
"I just got a message from my brother. He, a Saiyan general named Nappa, and Prince Vegeta are about to conquer a planet and they want to recruit me and my other brother Kakarot to help them. My brother Raditz just asked me if I wanted to come to where Kakarot was sent to pick him up." I explained.
"I see. You are family, not to mention strong. Of course your brother would want your help." Cooler said. He then thought for a bit before he spoke up again. "If you wish to go, I will allow it."
"Really?" I asked.
"Yes. You've been doing great work for the Cooler Force, so it's only fair to let you help out your family when they ask for your help. Your familial relations are much better than mine after all. I imagine you would want to see your younger brothers and help them out." Cooler explained. I gave a grateful smile to Cooler and nodded.
"Thank you, Lord Cooler. I shouldn't be too long unless something dire happens." I told him.
"Yes yes. Take one of the cruisers. I trust you'll be well on during this venture." Cooler said with a dismissive wave of his hand. I nodded to him and left for the area where the ships and pods are located. Salza saw me and I told him the situation. He understood and used the monitor to bring a cruiser out of the station. Once it was out, I got inside and programmed it to head for the coordinates Raditz gave me. The coordinates for planet Earth.
"You're all set to go Orion." Salza told me, giving me the thumbs up. I returned the gesture before punching the launch sequence into the cruiser, causing it to float into the air before flying off at incredible speeds into space. I turned off the scouter to prevent anyone from listening in on any conversations I would have at this point. I sighed. I can't believe it's finally time. This marks the start of the Saiyan Saga, meaning The story of Dragon Ball Z is finally starting. It's still a little hard to believe, even after all this time. I take out the galaxy necklace I still wear under my uniform. Just watch me. I'll make sure everything is ok. I'll do my absolute best.
I can probably use this opportunity to get away from the Cooler Force completely, though that might be risky with Cooler being how he is. He probably wouldn't take too kindly if I just disappeared on him. If I do completely abandon the squadron, Cooler will probably send the others to hunt me down. I thought about the possibility of what might happen if Cooler and the other's attacked Earth. Depending on when they show up, it could be extremely bad. I sighed as I laid back in my chair. It's best if I put that aside for now. I can worry about that once the Saiyan Saga is done.
I had originally thought that I would take a nap while I traveled, but then I felt an enormous energy. It immediately made me tense up. It was even stronger than Cooler's and Frieza's combined! I immediately activated the cruiser's terminal and saw that there was an extremely old signal that I was picking up. It was on an old Frieza Force frequency, causing my eyes to widen. This could only be...! I immediately changed my course briefly and left for signal. I eventually found its source on a planet named Vampa. If I recall, this planet is completely uninhabitable by anything other than monsters, well, for all except two people. The cruiser landed safely, thankfully, and I exited the cruiser and looked around.
What an ugly planet was the first thing that came to mind. I had been to many planets that have ranged from beautiful to horrific, and this was definitely near the top of my least favorite planets. It was hot, barren, and everything was either the same horrible shade of yellow or green spots, those spots actually being creatures instead of grass. God I'd rather be on that shitty desert planet again than here. What was that place called? Tato? Too bad Cooler made sure that wasn't an option. I tried to sense the energy I felt before but it was gone. Either that or it had grown much smaller. I noticed one particularly strong energy source heading towards me and I turned to see an old Saiyan. "Wait! Don't go!" He shouted. I smiled when I saw him. This person wasn't just some random Saiyan. He was Paragus, father of Broly. Holy Crap.
"Hey, you're a Saiyan too!" I exclaimed when I saw him. "I got your distress signal when I was traveling. How long were you trapped here?" I asked him. He stopped in his tracks when I spoke and looked at me.
"You're a Saiyan as well? Not just that, but that uniform is that of the Cooler Force." He pointed out.
"Yes, I do work for Cooler, but I'm currently going about doing personal business that I was allowed to do. While traveling I got your distress signal. I also felt an enormous energy source here, and since that isn't you, I imagine there is another trapped here, correct?"
"Yes, that is right. My name is Paragus, and me and my son Broly have been trapped here for well over 30 years." Paragus explained.
"Don't worry, I'll get you both out of here." I told him. "Could you call your son over here?"
"Yes... Broly! Come here!" I then felt a tremor as a large Saiyan man flew over here at incredible speeds. He landed, and I was able to feel just how incredibly strong he was in person.
"Holy Crap Baskets! His power is... it's overflowing!" I exclaimed, not able to help myself from saying the original Broly's iconic line. It was true though. His energy was...overwhelming to say the least. It wasn't as big as it was when I felt it in space, but it still was enough to make me shudder at the thought of fighting the big guy.
"Yes. I've been training him myself for the past few years. It's thanks to him that we've survived for so long." Paragus said. "Broly, say hello." Broly turned to look at me with a soft gaze and bowed.
"Hello. My name...is Broly." He said with a tender voice. Always a gentle giant, huh?
"No need for formalities. I'm not that important. Let me introduce myself. I'm Orion, son of the late Bardock and Gine, and one of Lord Cooler's captains. It's great to meet some other Saiyan survivors."
"Survivors?" Paragus asked.
"Yes. Planet Vegeta and everyone who was on the planet have been destroyed." I told him, causing him to freeze up.
"What!? How did that happen?" He asked, his voice full of surprise, but not remorse or mourning.
"Lord Frieza destroyed the planet after calling as many Saiyans back to the planet. He then killed them all by blowing the planet up. He then spread the rumor that a meteor destroyed the planet." Paragus nodded.
"Figures Frieza would destroy the Saiyans. No offense to you, but after what has happened to us, I couldn't care less about the Saiyan's fate. Although it is infuriating to know what happened." Paragus stated. When I asked what happened to him and Broly, he told me how King Vegeta was both scared of Broly's potential and most likely jealous of it, so he sent Broly away to this planet. Paragus, after hearing the news, stole a ship and followed his son and found him, but the ship was damaged, preventing escape. They've been here ever since. I nodded in understanding. Paragus then looked at me with a curious look. "You said that most of the Saiyans were destroyed. If I may ask, who survived?"
"Well, there are three of us here. Then my two brothers Kakarot and Raditz, and right now, I think there are also 2 other full blooded Saiyans who work with my brother. General Nappa and..." I stopped myself from continuing. Should I tell him?
"And?" Paragus questioned with a raised eyebrow. I sighed, concluding that I should tell him.
"...And Prince Vegeta, sir."
"What!? The prince survived!?"
"Yes, but he isn't the king. He didn't do anything to you, but I know that kind of hatred that you have for the king. I wasn't sure it was smart to tell you about the prince since I wouldn't know if you would go off and try to kill him, which I don't think would be a smart thing to do." Paragus gave me an angry look before taking a deep breath.
"You're right. The prince didn't do anything to me, although that doesn't change the resentment I have for his father and, by extension, him."
"I understand. Just don't let that anger consume you." Paragus nodded, although I could tell he still wanted his vengeance. "I can take you off this planet and drop you off on a better one if you want. I could even take you to the planet I'm going to if you want."
"I consider it. But for now, let's get off this rock. Come on, Broly." Broly nodded and followed me and Paragus onto the ship. I gave them a lot of food, since I bet they were starving for something that actually tastes good. 50 empty food containers later said that they were. I laughed as I saw them chow down, forgetting how ridiculous Saiyans look when they eat, even though I'm the same way. I'm glad I always packed an overflow of food onto the ships just in case. After they ate, I started the ship and left Vampa's atmosphere. "So, where were you heading before this?" Paragus asked me.
"I was headed to a planet called Earth. My brother Raditz asked me to come help pick up Kakarot to help him on his team of planet conquers, though I doubt the reunion will be a good one. I'm heading there to prevent chaos and work out any problems that may arise, and of course see my brothers again after 24 years. I've missed them a lot. As for Earth, it's a beautiful planet. Plenty of water and food, and the people there are nice enough, mostly. Most of the inhabitants aren't strong, but the planet does have a few strong warriors who are capable of getting even stronger than some Saiyans."
"Really? Sounds like a nice place." Paragus said while thinking about what to do.
"You know, I can totally bring you to earth with me. You could continue training Broly there. It would be a lot better than Vampa, and once I get done with everything I'm doing, maybe I can help you train him."
"You would do that?"
"Of course! I don't see why not. Your son is incredible and has a lot of potential, but it won't do any good if he can't control it. I mean, I saw he doesn't have his tail, meaning his Great Ape form was far too dangerous and uncontrollable, right?" Paragus nodded at that. "Well, I happen to have some of the best ki control in the entire Frieza Force, apparently from what Salza told me, and I'd like to think I'm pretty strong. I could totally help you out, even if you choose to not go to earth." Paragus thought for a bit longer before giving his answer.
"I appreciate the offer, but I don't think we should go to earth. You said your brother lives there. I'm not sure what might happen if I train Broly there and he loses control. I hate to admit it, but after living with Broly and training him, it's entirely possible that King Vegeta was right about Broly being a threat to the universe. Even so I won't abandon him."
"That's very admirable of you. Very well. I'll drop you off at the closest planet with a nice environment. Any specific choices?"
"I'll punch in the coordinates." Paragus entered the coordinates and we headed off. The planet of choice was lucky still there in good condition. We landed and Paragus and Broly exited the cruiser. "Thank you again Orion. We'll forever be grateful. You're one of, if not the kindest Saiyan I've ever met."
"Thank you, Paragus. Once I get done with my business, I promise you'll see me again to help you train Broly. It might take, hmm... maybe a year or so, but I'll be back." I told them.
"I look forward to it." Broly said, giving me a smile. I smiled back and waved as I flew off the planet. I'm glad about these new changes. This might change the Broly Saga events, even if only slightly, and it could be for the better. Besides, I'll keep that promise. If Broly gets the proper training, then he'll be less likely to lose control and go on a rampage. But enough on that, I have a couple of brothers to meet.
