Vegeta hated the way he felt when leaving the tank. It always made him feel helpless and uncoordinated for a while. Even the soft tap of high polished white boots was nerve-wracking.

Anger was boiling hot in his belly but that was always there nowadays. But today it was coupled with the crippling humiliation of being beaten within an inch of he life without recompense. Saiyans were mighty warriors not errant, low class losers to be roughed up and discarded like trash.

He hid all of his shame and hatred well, however, as he carefully walked with Nappa and Raditz to their quarters. Grim faces greeted him as he entered the abode.

"God Damn It! Fuck that-" Vegeta immediately raised his hand for silence. He understood Nappa's rage all too well, but subterfuge was more important than their individual anger right now.

Vegeta held up 2 fingers, in a very simple "V" configuration. Both Radiz and Nappa understood the signal. Almost as one, they adjusted their scouters to a very specific frequency, and immediately were treated to a conversation on a private channel.

"Why is he not dead yet?!" thundered the speaker. Instantly their eyes were wide. This wasn't just Frieza speaking, it was an intense voice they had never heard on this channel before.

"Can you not do the simplest task. HE IS A FUCKING WEAKLING!" he continued angrily. The eavesdropping Saiyans flinched at the screeching voice, it was so full of rage.

Calmly, Frieza began to speak. "Prince Vegeta seems to have an impressive run of luck lately. We have sent him on the most dangerous missions-"

"Just kill him!" the angry speaker interrupted.

"But his father...we need him. His hold on the Saiyan Empire is critical to our success. We need to be patient." In the silence, deep calming breaths could be faintly heard.

"Very well, Frieza. But be warned, my patience is in short supply. What of Earth? What is the progress in that quarter?"

"Still out of our reach" Frieza answered as evenly as he could. One could almost feel the Ice-Jin struggling to keep his voice from breaking.

"How is the possible?" growled the other man. This seemed to be a flame that instantly ignited his very short temper.

Frieza cleared his throat. "We are engaging in very delicate negotiations" he said crisply. The Saiyans could hear that underlying tremor. They knew it was a lie, they could smell it. For a moment Frieza relived his awful decision to try to take the Earthlings by force. The fiasco ended in half the Ginyu Force being decimated (Jeice, Burter, and Guido all dead). During the skirmish, which took place at the Earthling base on Mars, it was clear that Frieza had no idea what his force was up against. Zarbon would never be the same and it was doubtful that he would emerge from his coma.

A shiver went down Frieza's spine. It was even rumored that they had a legendary warrior with an unbeatable power level nearing 150,000,000.

"When will this business conclude? We need them to fall in line, Frieza. It is a backwater, slightly influential planet. This intrigue and political maneuvering is tedious" the voice said moodily.

Frieza took a moment to gather himself before answering. If one listened very closely, a gulp could be heard. The unintentional audience imagined a bead of sweat running down the diminutive lord's face.

At first there was low mumble in the form of response.

"What was that?" the voice snapped"

"Briefs is against us. Unless we get him on our side, no agreement will be made."

A bone cracking blow rained upon Frieza's smooth face breaking his jaw instantly. A loud impact, followed by static was all the Saiyans heard however.

They stared at each other. Each man was trying to control his anger. They had been betrayed and repeatedly sent on missions to kill them-now with full realization that they were just collateral damage. Frieza and his mystery partner were going to trick the King and forge ahead with their mission to dominate the universe.

Raditz was first to speak. "Prince Vegeta, we must protect you. Let us go to Vegeta-sei. No one can touch us there" he finished smugly.

Vegeta slid his eyes over to send a disgusted look at Raditz. "We will not engage in this very obvious and cowardly endeavor You know my father. He would be more apt to send me back into Frieza's embrace before allowing me to 'hide out' as they say."

Raditz bowed his head chasened. He had allowed his fear to rule his actions. He felt like a fool.

"Also," Vegeta continued, "we must consider that another party is working to bring about our downfall. Notice Frieza admitted to sending us on the mission not necessarily arming the planet against us."

"What do you suggest, Your Highness?" asked Nappa.

Vegeta pondered the question. Begrudgingly he had to admit that he was not strong enough to engage Frieza in battle. Gods how he hated his weakness! He needed to buy time in a safe, undetectable location. The shame of actually asking for help surged in is breast. Was it time?

"We are going to execute plan Alpha."

Each man nodded and understood. "Are you sure, my Prince?" Nappa asked.

"I must be as I just said it" Vegeta snapped. "Get ready!" Each Saiyan executed bows and left to prepare themselves to execute his wishes.

"Raditz!" Vegeta called out.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"Make contact. You know what to do." Raditz nodded sagely and left the room.

Vegeta turned to stare into the abyss of space. Today was the first of many steps to be sure.