The journey was growing darker with each prison vessel, as was Oom'Bagu's visage. In Prison Ship 5, there were very few prisoners allowed out of their cells. In Prison Ship 6, they weren't allowed use of their hands, pairs meandering about in large cells with their forearms bound together. Goku felt an uneasiness growing in his chest as at last they approached Prison Ship 7, where the galaxy's worst criminals were held, murders who had slaughtered millions, some who had blown up entire worlds. It honestly wasn't a place he much wanted to be, but it was where Vegeta was, so it was exactly where he wanted to be.

Conversation between Oom'Bagu and Goku had all but ceased as they crossed the transit tube and passed through what seemed like an endless amount of blast doors. Goku looked around as the computer gradually let them through, wondering if Vegeta had passed this same way and what sort of things he must have been feeling. It had to have been frightening for someone as independent and proud as Vegeta, listening to those many thick doors closing behind him. As usual, they were greeted by a group of guards.

But this time it was a little different. "Good, I heard you were headed this way," purred the low, pretty voice of Justiciar Nettelish, standing with the group of guards.

Goku blinked. "Oh, hey there."

Oom'Bagu hummed. "Yes. What brings you here, Nettelish? I had assumed you'd be meditating about now."

"Hm…" Nettelish gracefully folded her arms, her black robes rippling, "I need to have a word with you. Something's come up." She looked at Goku. "But…once again I stand in the presence of the Legendary Super Saiyan. Greetings, champion…I would ask what brings you here but I think that's fairly obvious."

Goku nodded. "I'm here to see Vegeta."

"Of course." She swept about him and held her hands on either side of his head, her glowing violet eyes squinting thoughtfully. "Interesting…if you don't mind me saying so, you are startlingly weaker in your normal state…" She chuckled and pressed a hand to her chest just below her fusion band. "But then, who am I to talk? My manipulation of ki and suntra is pathetic compared to the levels I achieve under quantum fusion."

Goku studied her with a serious expression. He hadn't forgotten what she'd said about Bulma's baby back on Earth. So this one was the monk, the mysterious one, the one that studied the ki. Goku got a strange sense about her. While she seemed gentle mannered and fought for justice like the others, there was something…cold and cruel about her. Something that didn't seem to make sense. Because of this, despite his reasoning, it was against Goku's good sense to try to befriend her as he intended to the others…but maybe it was just the negative energy in the ship that was affecting him.

"But that aside…Oom'Bagu, may we speak in private?" she looked to her fellow justiciar.

Oom'Bagu sighed heavily and glanced at Goku. "Forgive me, honored Goku, I'm afraid I must leave you for now." He gestured to one of the gathered guards, who stood apart from the rest with shoulder guards. "This is Hameus, head of security on Prison Ship 7 and standing warden whenever I am unavailable. I'm certain he will be more than happy to continue to guide you from here."

Hameus – who much resembled a blue-ish human – gave Goku a terse smile and held out his hand. "Welcome to the most secure vessel in the galaxy, Son Goku. It will be my privilege to help you in any way I can."

Goku nodded to him with a polite smile. "Thanks." He looked at Oom'Bagu. "We'll catch up later, right?"

Oom'Bagu paused in walking away and looked back over his shoulder, favoring Goku with a warm smile. "Assuredly. Good luck, Goku."

Goku smiled softly back and gave another nod as Oom'Bagu left with Nettelish, looking seriously at Hameus a moment later. "If it's okay with you, I'd like to go straight to Vegeta. It's been a long trip getting here."

Hameus folded his hands behind his back and sighed. "But of course." He lifted his head. "Computer, open route to Prisoner Compound Prime."

"Setting blast doors to unlock," chimed the computer. The guards looked at their gemmed bracelets as they blinked as the first of the doors opened.

"This way please, sir," Hameus held out a hand.

Goku squared his shoulders and moved forward with them, feeling fully prepared to talk to Vegeta. As they entered the grand chamber where the many, many cells stacked up high and beyond, Goku gave a serious look around, taking little time to marvel unlike the previous ships. Some of the prisoners in their cells stood up and looked at him curiously but he looked back little, marching forward with power and confidence.

Though it was a long walk, Goku didn't count the steps. He could sense Vegeta's energy, weaker and fainter than it had ever felt before. It worried him. Was Vegeta okay? Surely he was fine, from all that he'd seen, even among the worst criminals, The Justice treated their prisoners well. But that aside, something already didn't feel right. Hameus walked ahead of him, glancing at his bracelet occasionally.

At last, they approached a single cell. As the contents came into view, Goku and the guards all froze in shock. Vegeta was a horrid shirtless wreck. His hair was greasy with sweat, dried blood touched the corners of his mouth, and he couldn't seem to either sit up or lay down, wavering back and forth on his metal slab.

"Oh the hell has he been doing?" Hameus scowled, "Open it up."

One of the guards went to a panel and entered a long code, scanning their palm. The transparent wall lifted and Vegeta stirred slightly. The guard stepped forward, freezing as there was a faint splash under his boot. He looked down. "What the…"

"He peed himself?!" Goku gaped, seeing the yellow puddle on the cell floor.

Vegeta stirred again at the sound of Goku's voice, grunting softly before letting his head fall again. The guards snarled, holding their noses against the putrid smell.

"Oh what is this?" Hameus continued to scowl, "Some feeble attempt at rebellion?" He looked at Goku. "I'm afraid you'll have to wait back here a moment, sir."

"But…but I don't understand," Goku stuttered, still staring, "Vegeta wouldn't do something like that!"

"Well clearly he did," Hameus growled. He motioned to the other guards. "Get the cell clean and the prisoner scrubbed…and get him in uniform, he's completely soiled himself."

"Yes, sir," they answered, entering the cell. The one by the panel pressed a button and the cell floor turned into a grate, draining out the urine.

Vegeta's eyes cracked open as he felt hands on him, beginning to removed his torn and soiled pants. "What the…" He realized what they were doing and thrashed, his eyes livid with anger, "Don't you touch me!"

"Hold him!" shouted one as a couple more grabbed him from the sides. Vegeta roared and snapped his head to the right, sinking his teeth into an arm.

"Vegeta, don't!" Goku shouted, reaching out a hand, wanting to go to him.

Vegeta paused, a little blood from the bite on his teeth. What…I could have sworn that was Kakarot's voice.

The guard cried out and recoiled, holding his arm as it started to bleed. "Damn Saiyan…ah…"

"Back," Hameus ordered and then sighed, glaring at Vegeta sternly, "Computer, pacify Prisoner 0001."

Goku tried to protest, but the energy ripped through Vegeta, jostling him harshly, his head falling forward again as the torment ended. Hameus signaled his men again and this time Vegeta didn't resist as they stripped him completely, leaving him naked as the day he was born.

"Incinerate those garments, no use in saving them," Hameus continued to command. He went to the panel outside the cell and got a hose, the guards dosing him in some kind of white powder before Hameus hit him with a jet of water.

"Gak!" Vegeta snarled, jerking back as he was hit with the cold spray. His teeth clenched and he shuddered with useless anger and humiliation as he was unceremoniously hosed down, left dripping a moment later. Vegeta raised his head, glaring intensely…until he saw the spiky haired Saiyan in orange standing behind the guards. He gasped in disbelief and his jaw hung, clenching his knees together in an attempt to hide his nudity. "Kakarot?" he breathed.

Goku gave him an assuring smile and nod.

Hameus reached into his belt and pulled out what looked like a red gumball. Stepping forward, he pressed it to Vegeta's chest, it turning into a gummy liquid that spread over Vegeta's body. It wrapped around him and transformed into fabric, forming a red shirt, pants, and boots. Hameus stepped back, putting away the hose and nodding to Goku. "All right, sir, you may go in now. I should warn you, you've got visitor privileges but regulation requires me to lock you in with him for the duration of your visit."

"That's fine," Goku assured, stepping into the cell, "Thanks for all your help. I think I'll be okay from here."

"We won't be far," Hameus assured. He touched the panel and the transparent wall lowered again.

Vegeta's face twitched and he growled as they left, looking at Goku with shock once more, standing before him in the cell. "Kakarot…what are you…how did you even…?"

Goku didn't answer, approaching the fellow Saiyan with his brow lowered in concern. Before he could protest, Goku gently took Vegeta's jaw and looked in his mouth. "You bit your tongue," he stated, then looked at him, "Why would you bite your tongue?"

Vegeta jerked his head with a growl. "I don't know, maybe it happened during the battle, it's not like you've never bitten your tongue in a fight!"

"You'd be right about that," Goku agreed, peeking inside his mouth again, "But that was days ago, this was more recent than that. Besides, Oom'Bagu told me they healed you."

"Who?" Vegeta scowled.

"Justiciar Oom'Bagu," Goku explained, letting go of Vegeta's jaw, "He's been great, helping me learn about the fleet. You don't remember him? Pretty tall, looks like a bear—"

"Oh you're buddies with him now are you?" Vegeta snapped, turning his head away, "Why am I not surprised?" His eyes followed Goku as he walked around him, carefully inspecting him with that gentle hand he recognized – the same care and attention he always gave his wounded friends.

Goku touched Vegeta's collar. Welded on, just like Oom'Bagu said. He turned and started a little as he saw Vegeta's tail clamped viciously in the wall. Goku knelt down and touched it, seeing the small blood stain on the metal teeth. "Does it hurt?"

Vegeta ground his teeth. "The hell do you think?"

"Mm," Goku nodded in admittance, standing up again. He looked around the cell, his brow lowered. I still can't believe Vegeta would pee himself…that just doesn't seem like him. Not sure if I should ask him about it, though…I don't want to embarrass him. He felt along the wall until he found the panel Oom'Bagu had told him about, a toilet folding out of the wall. Goku looked it over. Maybe it's broken…I guess there's only one way to find out.

Vegeta groaned softly, falling into a bit of a daze again…until he heard tinkling. "What the…" He looked over his shoulder. "Ah! Goddamn it, Kakarot, what the hell?!"

"Huh?" Goku blinked as he tested out the toilet, "Oh, I'm sorry…are only you allowed to use this?"

"No! Go right ahead!" Vegeta yelled and scowled, rattling his chains, "Because I was just hoping you'd show up and pee in here with me!"

Goku finished and the toilet flushed, folding back up into the wall, furrowing his brow. It didn't make sense, even in a place like this Vegeta would hold onto his pride…so why would he make such a mess of himself? The guards didn't have anything to do with it, they had been just as shocked as him. So what was going on?

He looked at Vegeta and the prince looked back. Vegeta's eyes narrowed, growling in frustration as he looked away. So…Kakarot had followed him here. He really shouldn't be surprised – wherever there was trouble, Kakarot was sure to show up. He didn't know how he managed it…and he couldn't decide how he felt about it either. Annoying as he was…he, in a way, was happy to see him. His shoulders shifted.

Goku watched him. "So how have you been doing?"

Vegeta hissed. "Other than being more humiliated than ever before in my life?" His expression drifted and his voice soften. "…Well enough." His eyes shifted. "Bulma. Trunks."

"Don't worry, they're safe," Goku assured, coming around to the front of the cell again, "They're really worried about you mostly. Chi-Chi's staying with Bulma, she said she'd help Bulma get ready for the baby."

Vegeta's teeth clenched and his face shuddered. "The baby…" he said with realization, "The damn baby! Damn them, if I'm not there when it's born…crr, I'll never hear the end of it."

Goku's eyes softened, sad at the prospect but happy to hear Vegeta still had thoughts of returning home. He touched Vegeta's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Vegeta. This shouldn't have happened. But it's okay. We're going to get through this. Together."

Vegeta looked up, lifting the corner of his mouth in a cynical smile. "Oh really?"

The other Saiyan's brow lowered. "Mm. I made a promise."

"Bulma," Vegeta determined, looking down again. His jaw tightened. "And what exactly do you intend to do?"

"Well that's just the thing," Goku said, taking both his shoulders now, "It's not really up to me…I can only do so much. As much as I hate to say it, it's your mistakes that got you here, Vegeta, and it's up to you to make it right. I'll help in any way I can, but this is just something I can't do on my own." Vegeta eyed him and grunted, shrugging him off. The chains on his collar clinked as he growled, clenching as he tried to rise. "Got you," Goku said, putting an arm under him to help him up.

Vegeta snarled and shrugged against him again. "I'm fine, I can stand on my own."

"Just let me help you," Goku protested, "Here, what are you trying to get to?"

"Just get…" Vegeta growled and finally wriggled him off, stumbling over to the cell wall as a chain lost its slack and he smacked his shoulder against the wall. A panel glowed and opened up, extending a metal tube with a mouth piece on it. Vegeta sighed and hummed as he began to suck on it, his throat rippling as he downed several gulps of water. Goku watched, unable to stop himself from thinking that this made Vegeta look an awful lot like a gerbil. Something in his expression must have betrayed him because the prince shot him a deadly glare. "What are you looking at?"

"Oh," Goku started, rubbing his head, "Nothing." He shoved his hands into his tunic and turned away, giving Vegeta some privacy as he continued to drink. As he waited, he noticed in the corner of the cell was half eaten remains of one of those protein trays, splattered slightly against the wall like it had been thrown. Goku picked it up and inspected it. "Something happened in here last night, didn't it?" he asked, his tone slightly dark. Vegeta's eyes shifted. "And you don't want to talk about it for some reason." Goku sniffed the mush and then scooped up a bit on his finger, tasting it. He held his finger in his mouth for a long moment. "Huh…tastes like that one time Chi-Chi bought that really bad tofu…" Goku shrugged and shoved the whole thing into his mouth in three bites.

"What the—?!" Vegeta coughed, choking on his water and spitting, "Why would you eat that?! Grrr, besides, that was mine!"

Goku blushed and laughed. "Oh, sorry, I'm just really hungry right now and you didn't seem to want it, so I thought—"

"You didn't think, that's the problem with you! Eat your own damn food, that trash is all I'm getting!"

Goku paused and blinked. "Oh…yeah, you're right, that was pretty thoughtless of me. Hmm…" He thought for a moment and then smiled. "Hey wait, I know!" He reached into his tunic and pulled out his case of dino-caps. "Chi-Chi made this for me, but I want you to have it. I think you could use it more right now." He pressed the button with his thumb and out popped into his hand a chicken and dumplings rice bowl, complete with chopsticks. "It's just a travel snack, but it's really good. Don't worry, I got plenty. Have as many you want."

Vegeta looked at the food as the tube was pulled back into the wall…and actually smiled a little. "Well…I can't say that's an offer I'd be in my right mind to refuse." He shuffled back to the metal slab, groaning softly as he took a seat.

Goku frowned at Vegeta's shackled arms and then smiled, pinching a dumpling and some rice in the chopsticks and offering it to him. "Here, eat up, it's good!"

Vegeta scowled at him, turning his mouth aside. "As if I'd let you feed me like some feeble invalid. I still have some dignity left, Kakarot."

"Uh," Goku's jaw hung a little, "But…how else are you going to eat?"

Vegeta's eyes shifted sharply back to him and he snorted. "Just put the bowl in my lap."

"Oh, okay." Goku did as asked, sitting the bowl down. Vegeta bared his teeth a little and clenched it between his knees, bringing it up to his face. He seemed to gather a breath and then nosedived into it, his face disappearing as he devoured the food with a vengeance. Goku's mouth opened a little. "Wow, you really were hungry," he said as bits of rice bounced against Vegeta's hair. He continued to watch, finally taking a seat on the floor and folding his legs under him, waiting silently, patiently, and attentively as Vegeta ate.

Vegeta came up for a breath, licking his lips and feeling immensely satisfied by this small pleasure. Kakarot definitely had his moments when he was good for something. He was about to plant his face back into rice when he noticed something startling, his brow rising and flattening. Kakarot…in the position he was currently in…was actually kneeling before him. For the first time ever, he sat bent below him, just waiting to serve him in whatever way he could.

Vegeta's brow twitched. After all this time…this is it. I wanted this from you for so long, Kakarot. Why now? Why only now when I've sunk to my lowest to do you acknowledge me?

Goku smiled at him. "Don't worry, I'll eat later. They're letting me stay on The Hammer, that's their main ship." His brow furrowed. "Gonna have to keep your strength up, but I'm not really sure how. There isn't really a lot of room to train in here."

"Train?" Vegeta scowled, filling his mouth with food, "Don't be ridiculous, Kakarot, I can barely move, let alone train in here."

"Maybe we can get them to transfer you to Prison Ship 6," Goku offered.

Vegeta swallowed a dumpling. "What?" he continued to scoff.

Goku held up a finger. "Well if you behave and follow the rules, they might let you move to another ship. You see, the other ships have less security. In number six, you'd be in a bigger cell and could move around."

"As if I'd submit myself to their demands like some trained animal!" Vegeta snapped at him, enraged by the very idea, "I am Prince Vegeta and I will let no one forget that!"

"Hey, hey, calm down," Goku gently waved his hands, "It was just a suggestion." His eyes lifted to the words engraved in red in the wall behind Vegeta's head. "Besides…I don't think anyone's forgetting that, Vegeta." Vegeta hissed and snarled, jerking his gaze away before putting his face into the bowl again. Goku looked at the numbers glowing in Vegeta's skin against his muscular shoulder. "This is really serious. I'm afraid if we don't do something, things are just gonna get even worse."

"And what," Vegeta said between mouthfuls, "Are we supposed to do exactly? Hm?"

Goku's brow lowered. "It's simple really. We gotta make them realize that you regret hurting all the people you did."

Vegeta paused and smirked a little. "And what makes you think I do?"

"What?" Goku blinked.

The saiyan prince closed his eyes. "Let me ask you something, Kakarot…do you regret that head injury you received as a child?"

Goku blinked again, rubbing his head as if searching for the bump. "Huh? Not really, I guess."

"Even though it nearly cost you your life and possibly – and very likely – dulled your wits?"

Goku's brow lowered again. "No."

"Why not?" he pressed, eyes still closed in unquiet meditation.

"That's simple," Goku answered, "If I hadn't, I probably would have killed everyone on Earth like I was supposed to."

"In other words…it made you who you are today." Vegeta's eyes opened, looking directly at him. "So how can you expect me to regret my own past? True, it is quite different from your own, but just like yours, it made me the warrior I am today. Why would I want it to be any different?" Again he gave a tiny, dry smile, and moved to finish the rice bowl.

"You're wrong, Vegeta."

"Huh?" Vegeta's head lifted with surprise.

Goku held his gaze, still kneeling on the floor. "Serving Frieza and hurting people didn't make you who you are. You've always been exactly who you choose to be. You choose to be a bad person. And then you choose to be better. It's as simple as that."

Vegeta gave him a long, hard look. "…Even if you're right," he finally said, "It won't make a difference. Nevrrest won't stop until she has what she wants. She'll do everything in her power to destroy me. And, sad to say? She's already gotten off to a good start."

Goku gave one of his rarer smiles – the wily, confident one. "Don't worry about her for now. If we can get the other Justiciars on our side, what she wants won't matter. They have to agree on their decisions as a group. Oom'Bagu told me so."

"No, Kakarot," said Vegeta, his gravity obliterating Goku's smile, "Even if that is the case, I know the rage that drives her. There is nothing that will stop it. Not even you."

The smile came again. "Well, we'll have to see about that."

Vegeta grunted, dipping down to chew the last of the rice and then flicking his head. "Another."

The low-class Saiyan warrior obeyed, getting out the dino-caps. "Right."

(**Scene Break**)

Oom'Bagu was struggling – fighting to hold back the rage he was feeling inside – looking severely at Nettelish. His face twitched as he looked at the mysterious monk, his teeth bared. "Perhaps…" he got out, "It would have be best to go elsewhere to discuss this…the negative empathy of this vessel has always had…poor effects on my disposition."

Nettelish shut her glowing violet eyes and chuckled, shaking her head. "Don't try to be coy, Oom'Bagu…I can tell when something upsets you."

"To say…" he hissed, resisting the urge to shout, "That I am upset would be a grave understatement, Nettelish. What you are proposing could be deadly to the stability of this fleet."

She snorted softly and the back of her robes rippled – a movement that had often lead him to suspect she had a tail somewhere under there. "Because you always know what's best for the fleet, right?"

"I have by no means implied that."

"Haven't you?" she eyed him, half-looping around the Gregorik, "Always playing the moderate, always acting as the self-righteous voice of reason…don't look at me like that, I'm not the only one who's noticed."

Oom'Bagu's jaw tightened, looking at her gravely. "If that is my role, so be it. What role are you playing in this, monk?"

"This isn't personal for me. Everyone knows it is for Nevrrest…" Her glowing eyes squinted. "But I think only I have noticed it's also personal for you."

His brow lowered. "I have no grievance against Prince Vegeta."

"No, but you certainly have a personal interest in Nevrrest." She ran the back of her hand slowly down the side of her covered face. "The unlikely friends, the self-imposed exile and the raging champion. Two lonely souls." She held his gaze. "I know how terrified you are of losing one of the few beings you still share a bond with. Terrified of how the changes in her may change you as well—"

"Careful," Oom'Bagu snapped, freezing her in his gaze, "Do not mistake my patience for calm."

"Oh how foolish of me…" Her eyes narrowed. "Does the truth hurt?"

"Truth? No. The mockery of it? Yes."

"I don't care about quarrels and old wounds," she bluntedly stated. She held up a finger. "I care about sending a message."

"And what message would you send?"

"That horror comes to those who do horrible things," she darkly purred, "That when we have a true monster on our hands that we make an example of him. Swiftly."

Oom'Bagu turned away from her, his eyes closing and rumbling deeply. His eyes opened again, calmer now and thickly glazed with sadness. "What has become of you, Nettelish? Is this our fate? To be twisted by the very evil we seek to eradicate?"

She snorted, folding her arms again. "I don't see your point."

"You were once such a gentle soul," he grievously continued, "A being who I could always sense had a ferocious nature but choose to deny it for the sake of something greater. There was a time you loved mercy over retribution. The Nettelish of days past would never had made the suggestions you did on Earth…nor would she force a prisoner still in the trauma phase to undergo a public trial." He pointed. "And, she would see how such an action will thrust Nevrrest even deeper into a tomb of hate."

"Melodramatic!" Nettelish admonished, upholding her hands, "Execute the ape and be done with it I say. Nevrrest can forget about him, the fleet will have one less scum to care for, and, most importantly, we'll truly establish ourselves as the ultimate force of justice in the galaxy."

"Oh it's decided already, is it?" he challenged, "Prince Vegeta is to be executed? Pardon me, I was under the impression that was to be determined after the conviction."

"Oh wake up to reality, Oom'Bagu," she scoffed, the glow in her eyes turning intense, "I'll be blunt since I don't speak poetry. This isn't an ordinary prisoner, this is the one that our founder originally sought to take down. He is the symbolic representation of a species that was a terror to us all." She leaned back. "What if this 'Goku' accomplishes what he came here to do? What if he manages to paint Vegeta as this…model earth citizen?"

Oom'Bagu's head bowed with a sigh. "If what he believes is true I wish him all the success in the worlds."

"And that is what is wrong with you, Oom'Bagu," she accused, "We need him punished. We need him made an example of. And before you ask, Nevrrest has already made it clear to me this is what she wants. She too is afraid of the disease Son Goku carries in his head."

"Disease?" he frowned, "I wasn't aware our guest was mentally unsound."

"Clinically or not, by allowing him here you have endangered us all." She drew close and her voice softened. "This very well could be our greatest moment. And when events come to a crest, you had better hope you're on the right side, as I will be, or you may find yourself very alone in the universe once again."

Oom'Bagu's brow slowly lowered. "Is that a threat?"

"A warning…unless you're so sure in the soundness of your and Nevrrest's friendship." She chuckled and turned away. "If so, go right ahead…but first, ask yourself this…which you care about more? The good people of the galaxy…or a criminal?" She walked away. "I'm going to announce my decision to the others…be a good warden and begin preparing Triple-Zero-One for his trial."

Oom'Bagu hung his shoulders heavily, his expression grim as the other justiciar departed. Truly, ill-fated was Prince Vegeta's discovery. Though he did not wish to deny him justice…but was that truly their goal? Or was a dark deed about? A vengeance to be fulfilled? A message of terror to be sent? Or, the fates forbid…a grab for power?

He shut his eyes again and sighed. "Do not go, my friends, where I cannot follow…you are not alone in battling this darkness inside your hearts."

(**Scene Break**)

It was with great glee that Nevrrest received the news of Nettelish's decision. Finally, someone actually working in her favor. Though she once would have preferred to let Vegeta rot in his cell for a few months, with the arrival of Goku things would have to be advanced. Though she doubted his ability for persuasion, his reputation proceeded him. The man was a legend, the one who had thrown down Frieza. No one was going to turn their nose up at that. And what in the end would move public more? Their love for a savior or hatred for a murderer? It wasn't a gamble she was willing to risk. So best to get the matter dealt with before her opponent had a chance to make a difference.

So, the trial would be soon…well that certainly busied her schedule. Not only would she have to prepare all the evidence as immediately as possible, she would have to step up her campaign against Vegeta's soul as well. Which reminded her…

Nevrrest touched her fusion band. "Sepis, report."

Sepis's image was projected before her, tightening the cloak he always wore around him. "You…want a report on Son Goku?" he asked nervously, "Isn't it a little soon? I only set up the taps an hour ago."

"Well then Sepis," she stated patiently, "Tell me what little you have."

His antennae twitched. "Well…he's with Vegeta now. None of the things you asked me to listen for have been mentioned by either of them…mostly they've just been discussing Vegeta's well being and Goku's plans to subvert us…or lack thereof really. His intentions remain a bit vague I'm afraid."

Nevrrest listened carefully, watching Sepis's expression, eventually raising a brow. "There is something else?" she pressed.

Sepis's eyes shifted. "Well…Son Goku noted certain…Nevrrest, did you…torture him?"

Nevrrest's brow lowered slightly. "What if I did?"

"I don't object," he hurriedly assured, "It's just…if the others find out—"

"They will be forced to keep their silence, I will let no one question me on this," she darkly assured, "But on that note…there is certain security footage I will need destroyed. And possibly more in the future."

Sepis looked down. "But…that…" He gave an even longer pause. "…I understand."

"I knew I could count on you," Nevrrest smiled, "Tell me, what is our unfortunate guest up to at this very moment?"

"…You're not going to like it."

She frowned. "Pardon?"

Sepis hesitated. "Well he's…he's feeding him. Apparently he brought food on board with him and he's sharing it with him right now." All was silent…except for the sound of the floor panels cracking under talons. "…Nevrrest?"

She ended the transmission, her face covered in darkness as her body shook. She hissed and clenched her beak, her hands twitching as her feathers puffed viciously around her. She lifted her head, her pupiless eyes like slits. Energy exploded around her as she screeched, taking off flying through the halls, nearly knocking over several personnel, who ran crying out from the living missile.

"Computer!" she screamed, "Recognition Nevrrest! Open a route from my position directly to Prisoner 0001!"

Both Goku and Vegeta sensed it coming – a high power level entering Prison Ship 7. And moving fast. Goku stood up, his fists clenched in an immediate defensive instinct. "What is that?!" he cried.

Vegeta rubbed his face against his shoulder, cleaning off the bits of rice from his fourth bowl, and clenched his teeth. "Who do you think it is? There's only one free-moving being in this fleet who even has that kind of power."

Goku stuttered, feeling frozen and confused. "But…why would she—"

She was there. Vegeta's brow lowered and Goku turned around, seeing the towering Blecha, blazing with white energy in her first form. Her feathers had risen so tensely they couldn't even see her face as she reached out and touched the panel next to the cell. The energy faded around her as the transparent wall rose. Her head slowly lifted, revealing rows of teeth within her beak neither of them even knew she had, previously hidden in her pallet.

Goku's foot slid back, his brow lowered. "What do you want, Nevrrest?"

Her irises had shrunk so that it seemed she hadn't those either, not answering Goku. Instead, her tail slipped out from behind her, already charged with energy. Goku's jaw flew open as a bolt slammed into Vegeta, making him grunt as the bowl in his lap exploded, sending a burnt mess everywhere. Goku relaxed, though angrily, glad that she hadn't been targeting Vegeta himself but highly disapproving of her actions nonetheless. But before he could say anything, she marched into the cell. Vegeta watched her coldly, grunting as she lifted him up by the shirt, his feet dangling in the air and his chains harshly pulling his collar against his neck.

She opened her fist, displaying shiny talons. "My game. My rules," she hissed, drooling and disoriented, "I'm afraid I'm going to have empty you of whatever sweetness you ate." She growled a deadly cackle. "Brace yourself…this is going to really hurt."

Vegeta's brow lowered further. "What are you—" He choked, his eyes widening as she carved almost surgically into his abs.

But she got no further. Moving faster than she had imagined possible, Goku grabbed both her arms from behind and wrenched them backward, forcing her to drop Vegeta. "Are you crazy?!" Goku screamed at her as she struggled against the hold, "Grrnnrr…you can't cut his stomach open, that's insane!" He gagged as her tail snapped up and wrapped around his neck, but didn't let go. "No!" he grunted and choked, "I won't let you do this, you're not thinking straight! Nevrrest!"

Nevrrest screeched, jabbing her sharp beak into Goku's arm. He cried out, letting go as she threw him off her. She spun around and ripped her talons across his face, hissing and panting. Goku stumbled back from the blow but then was still, head locked to the side. There was something in this stillness that seemed to awaken Nevrrest from her feverish rage, her jaw dropping and losing her breath in a look of horror. A droplet of blood ran from the three cuts across Goku's cheek and he slowly turned his head back to look at her, his eyes burning but calm.

"So…that's it," he said in a stern, knowing tone. He raised his fist and ran it across his chin, wiping off the run of blood. "I thought I had you figured out, Nevrrest…but I was wrong. This isn't going to be as easy as I thought. Still…I think I understand what you are now."

She took a step back from him, the Saiyan positioned like a tower between her and Vegeta, the prince looking sweaty and a little shaken – and too bewildered to hide it. Nevrrest raised a hand, as if to shield herself from Goku's gaze. "What are you?!" she demanded, "Don't look at me like that!"

Goku stepped forward, a small, toothless smile under serious eyes. "That feeling you're feeling right now, Nevrrest? It's called regret. And you're not used to it, are you?" He smiled a little more. "If I were you, though, I'd get used to it. Cause chances are from now on I'm going to be making you feel it a lot more often. If that's what it takes for me to save you."

Nevrrest's eyes twitched furiously, her heart racing and plume falling. "Save me?" she gaped, "You're…you're mad!"

"Don't worry…I won't tell anyone what you just tried to do," he continued confidently, seeming to grow in stature, "We all make mistakes and you weren't thinking straight, were you? Oom'Bagu and the others have a lot of respect for you for all the good you've done. And I respect that too." His brow lowered and the smile fell. "But I won't be so easy on you next time if I catch you hurting Vegeta. So remember that."

Nevrrest shakily stepped to the side as Goku walk past her out of the cell, not looking back. He paused. "I'll come see you again soon, Vegeta. Hang in there." Vegeta watched with shock as she just let him go, the warrior bearing the cuts on his face like a badge of honor.

Nevrrest puffed and seethed for a long moment as Goku left, her eyes shifting back to Vegeta. Her feathers settled and her expression at last calmed. "What a trickster of an ape. I forgot that you Saiyans can be talented in mind games."

Vegeta panted, glaring at her and setting his teeth. "You're a fool," he accused, "Who allows the actions of another to control them so easily? If I hold my breath for long enough, will you also faint? If you really want your revenge so badly, then stop suckling on my existence like an infant."

She looked at him for a long moment before finally smiling and chuckling warmly with a sigh. "Ah…alas, you are right. You have always taught me well, Vegeta. Hm." She lifted up his shirt and looked at the cut she'd made. "A minor injury, you'll heal before anyone even notices. It would be inconvenient if they did."

Vegeta cracked a smile. "Why? Are you afraid of what might happen if they did? Now I'm curious…"

She held up a hand like she might slap him, but instead stroked his thickly haired head, patting a couple times like one might a pet. "Don't fret about me, Vegeta. I can get by just fine. After all…I'm a survivor." She wrapped her fingers around a clump of his hair and held his head up. "Still, that was very naughty of you, Vegeta, enjoying yourself behind my back." She flicked his nose with her tail. "Naughty, naughty, bad little monkey. Cutting you open was a little drastic, but still, I'll have to punish you somehow."

Vegeta's brow lowered, eyes unmoving as he looked at his captor. "Since you are so keen on taking my advice, I'll warn you now – don't take Kakarot lightly, he is not an enemy you want to make."

"Yes…but there's one problem with that…" She pressed a talon under his chin. "Poor little Prince Vegeta would be stuck hugging Kakarot's leg for protection." She cackled. "By all means, go ahead, tell him the truth about what I'm doing to you and let him stop me. Squeal and cry for help…if you can stomach it." She grabbed his arms and forced them above his head, his teeth clenched and eyes burning against her. "Now anyhow, about your punishment…" She wrapped her hand over his side. "Three ribs should do it." There was an audible cracking sound and Vegeta trembled and clamped his jaw hard, barely resisting the urge to cry out. "One…" Her hand moved down slightly and another cracking sounded. "Two…" Vegeta growled and hissed, choking down the pain. "Three." He coughed, panted, and groaned. "There you go." She let go of his arms and he fell forward, seething at her. "What a troublesome prisoner, bashed himself against the wall in rage and broke his ribs – not an uncommon occurrence for the rebellious sort. The computer will detect this and order healing supplement in your next meal, but just enjoy it for now."

Vegeta hissed, the veins on his forehead puffing out. "Fool. I'm a warrior, you think I've never felt pain before?"

"Oh certainly," she assured, stepping back and folding her arms, "But that was different. This is helpless pain. There is nothing worse in the world for you. I would know…I watched you grow up."

"Yes, skulking in my tracks like carrion after a lion," he spat, "Face it, Nevrrest, you're nothing but a coward."

She smiled softly. "You would think that. You never did appreciate subtle tactics." She held up a fist and looked at it. "But you were right about one thing – strength is the only thing in this world that matters. If you want to live a life free of the monsters and parasites, you have get stronger. And keep getting stronger. I lived in the nightmare of your shadow, knowing that when I woke up, the monsters would seem so…incredibly…small." She turned away from him, taller, thicker, and stronger than any Blecha before her and as she stepped out of the cell, all the pantheon of demons seemed quiver before her. "Oh…and I thought you should know… you'll be placed on trial soon. A trial that I will ensure ends in your slow…agonizing…helpless …death."

Vegeta said nothing as she left, eyes burning with rage as the cell wall lowered once more. She walked past the rows of cells, the inmates ducking back into their narrow hovels, her powerful toes spreading with each step. Saiyans be damned. Mutants and warrior races and thugs be damned. She was the only thing in the universe worth fearing now – let Lord Frieza chew over that in his grave.