Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z, Akira Toriyama does and created it. My fan character Tomic, and any others not part of the series belong to me. This story means no harm to the anime or manga
Second Chances for Bardock's Sons Chapter 2
By Trynia Merin
A/N: Thanks to the email of one of my readers I realized this part and the chapter before were unclear. So I broke this into two separate chapters.
As events unfolded on Chikyuu, something far more sinister than even the Red Ribbon Army and King Piccolo was taking form. Hurtling towards the small system from the depths of space was an even greater threat that none had anticipated. It took the form of four warriors suspended in the depths of cryogenic sleep. Four space pods drifted in the vast star studded nothingness.
A beeping noise in each pod caused the occupants to blink awake, followed by a hiss of suspension gas. In all four of the pods, the computer grated in Saiyan to rouse whoever was there to listen. Slowly, the third class scout named Raditz blinked, peering into the clearing mists. Just in his right ear, he heard a harsh voice grating.
"You awake, Whelp?" asked the bald one, named Nappa, from his pod. A four way voicelink was established among the four pods so all four Saiyans could talk amongst themselves.
"Yes, I hear you. Are we in proximity?" asked the long-haired occupant, named Raditz from his pod.
"Not too long now before we meet up with the Androni. Turles said they'd be on the major gas planet Xanax orbiting that red giant," echoed a female voice, that of Cabernet, Nappa's mate.
"Are you quite certain that this information will be worth losing four viable worlds?" inquired Raditz, frowning at his display.
"We'll be landing to regroup, and stretch our legs. Then we'll see what's what," Nappa said. "In about two hours."
"What's going on," put in another voice fuzzily, that of Tomic.
"Tomic, are you all right?" Raditz asked.
"I feel dizzy… I guess it's the suspension gas," said Tomic.
"You get used to it, girl," spoke Nappa's mate, Cabernet. "Relax, we'll be landing soon, and you can get some training in."
"XANAX's moon is class D, with a viable atmosphere but low gravity," commented Tomic. "Raditz, how far till…"
"We're at ten light years distance. We've come a good portion of the way across the spiral arm of Sagittarius," Raditz answered. "And I know you hate enclosed spaces. But it won't be long."
"Thank the Legendary," Tomic mumbled.
Sighing, Raditz prepared himself for the inevitable crashing of entry. He curled his hands around the large handles of the pod's framework. The gravity well of the large gaseous giant exerted its pull. Raditz saw the red, dreary radiation of what the locals called Barnard's star coming into view. At least that is what Tomic would call it.
"I hope you're all right," Raditz mumbled, glancing at Tomic's pod gleaming only a parsec away from his. Together, they raced over the rings of the giant, hurtling towards their predetermined course on a large icy body blowing into view. Reddish rays gleamed on the pale luminescent surface, twinkling with lights here and there.
Raditz peered at the computer file on the screen of the control panel in front of him, realizing that what he was seeing was an Androni research base. A schematic of the solar system blinked onto his computer screen. Apparently, the marker positioned the gas giant, and their planet of interest was a small greenish blue world that was further into the system. Energy readings amounted to at least one billion life forms. From the blinking light, he read the name "Coadama." Another press of the keys showed various life forms, of which the dominant was a felinoid creature not unlike an Idsarjin.
"This should prove interesting," Raditz said.
"Take a good look. That planet there has a reptile dysfunction," joked Cabernet. "That's my task."
"You just like the fact that they have some technology to blow up," Nappa laughed harshly. "It's up to you to exterminate a few lizards while I get to eat some calamari on Oceanus."
"That world which is predominantly 90 percent ocean?" asked Raditz. "You were ALWAYS frigging wet. What's my task?"
"The next system over in Alpha Centauri has a habitable world… you'll see the file there," stated Cabernet. Raditz tracked down the report and found out they were bipedal lizard creatures, who called their world Aztec.
"Hmm, pre industrial technology, no spaceflight. Have knowledge of astronomy and rudimentary space flight. Their specialties are gathering ki for mental blasts, and knowledge of manipulating geological faults with their science. Interesting, but I should find it fun. Do the Mantissans want it cleared?" asked Raditz.
"No, they want the inhabitants' wealth of Aurites," said Nappa.
"So it's a plunder and strip job. What about the natives?" questioned Raditz.
"They want them as a labor force. I say it's a waste of time," Nappa told them.
"One billion lizards could be a good slave base," spoke Tomic.
"Getting ready to land," said Cabernet, interrupting the four-way dialogue. "I've got clearance from First Minister Petra of the Androni Council."
"Hope she's better looking than that dried out husk Brecchus. He's absolutely disgusting looking," Nappa grunted.
"We aren't here to screw them, we're here to perform hostile takeovers for them," Raditz grumbled.
"I know," Tomic answered quietly.
Four pods streaked down with long white smoke tails trailing behind them. They curved over the vast fields of ice, approaching a large complex of domes and pyramidal structures. Already their customers were tracking the four pod's movements with their survelance cameras, and had assembled a party to come out to meet them. In the main landing complex the party consisting of two Androni, tall fair beings with perfect features and dressed in foil robes were flanked by cybernetic guards.
A redheaded humanoid wrapped her veil skirt around her, and turned to the tall humanoid male next to her, who had silvery gray hair and long blue robes. "Do try and be less impetuous, Petra. You are only new to this after all. You must comport yourself with dignity."
"Minister Brecchus, must we use these… apes to do this job? The Mechnateck are more than equal to the task!"
"We don't' want to lose our bargaining chip. Let the Saiyans do the work they are so good at. They have sent four of their best operatives. It won't be long before we have the laboratory space we so desperately need…"
"Very well, sir," she nodded. "Maagnyl, Marchyl, accompany me. You will be security detail. You'll show the Saiyan guests to their quarters."
"They're landing now," said a small droid unit.
"I'm counting on you ladies. Petra, Vargas. Mind your superior Fiona," said Brecchus.
"I'm sure there won't be a problem," said Fiona Dharlynn, a middle-aged Androni with gold, gleaming eyes and blue and white streaked hair.
"Understood. As soon as I meet with them, I will hand authority of the project over to Fiona. You'll be our Councils' representation," said Brecchus.
"Shall we?" Fiona asked her counterpart. She was chief research scientist on the Barnard system, ready and eager to clear Aztec and claim its jungles as well as its inhabitants for the genetics research she craved.
Within minutes, the four pods landed on the large bowl shaped spaceport. Steam hissed off the round metallic surface of each craft. Not too far away, the two Androni watched the landing flanked their Cybernetic security guards. Metallic silver glistened over dark AE spandex, as the large massive figures impassively watched over their artificial android bosses. Graced with high battle mental powers, the Androni were brains encased in perfect artificial bodies that knew no pain or fatigue of flesh. That was for the Cybernam, the third class to ponder. The Mechnateck were the droids that scurried about, building the research base that would soon welcome its cargoes of raw materials.
Out of the two closest pods, crawled armored figures. The most imposing was bald, his mustache curving over his sneering lips. Petra recognized him as the one called Nappa. Next to him, a tall statuesque female with broad shoulders exited her pod, having bent over double to get in. This was Cabernet. Herlong black braid hung behind the spiky Mohawk, sticking up like a rooster's comb on her otherwise baldhead. White armor gleamed in the pink sunlight filtering through the thin atmosphere.
Then, two other figures came out of their pods; obviously the ones Nappa had said were Raditz and the fourth member of their team, Tomic. Raditz long hair trailed down his massive shoulders and gleaming gold and black armor as he straightened up, then moved over to the other pod. He tapped on it, until it opened its semicircular hatch. Reaching in, he grasped the hand of the fourth Saiyan, a female who was barely half Nappa's height.
Petra and the others turned their attention to the two younger warriors. A smile crossed Petra's face when she saw that the female wore armor almost identical in design to her mate's. Although she was much shorter, she was well muscled and stocky, but not overly fat as some Saiyans she had seen. Large breasts and large hips curved under the massive black and brown armored breastplate. On her left upper arm and left upper thigh, gleamed a copper-hued ring, identical in position to that of Raditz's. Her own spiky hair fluffed out in a riotous cloud around the top of her head, while further spikes hung straight down her back, ending between her shoulders blades. Brown eyes darted back and forth, taking in all the surroundings with trepidation.
"Are you all right, Private?" whispered her mate Raditz, resting a hand on her shoulder.
"I will be. The air is so thin," Tomic panted.
"Come let's meet our employers. We'll be staying her a few days till we recuperate and train a bit," Raditz rumbled, his dark eyes gleaming with pride, as they always did when he regarded his mate.
"Lieutenant Commander Nappa, and Lieutenant Cabernet at your service," Nappa said, dropping into a crouch with one hand over his breast, the other outstretched.
"Indeed, it's good to see you again. Petra has been briefed on your identities," Brecchus nodded, folding his arms across the metallic blue brocade of his clothes. His skin was a pale orange, while Petra's was golden. Silver eyes beheld Nappa, his metallic silver hair ghostlike while his perfectly proportioned body would put most Saiyan males to shame.
"You've been good customers in the past. Do you have the requested information?" asked Nappa.
"May I mention them in front of your two partners?" inquired Petra.
"This is Sergeant Raditz, and his mate Private Tomic," replied Cabernet.
"A pleasure to meet you, milady," said Raditz, kissing the hand that Petra extended. Tomic nodded with a somber frown, bumping her forehead under Fiona, then Petra's outstretched hands.
"You've grown since I last saw you? And your new mate?" Brecchus said.
"Indeed," he nodded.
"She's quite lovely, for a Saiyan. Congratulations my dear," said Brecchus.
"I am anxious to complete this new assignment," Tomic voiced. Raditz nodded, putting his hand on the small of her back. She kept close to him, warily eyeing the Cybernam with her liquid brown eyes.
"You'll be quite interested to find that one of the worlds we desire in trade happens to be a place where you sent one of your other associates, Sergeant," said Petra brightly.
"Kakkarot I believe was his name," Brecchus spoke, handing the electronic slate to Raditz.
"My thanks. Is he alive?"
"We don't dare explore to find out. That planet is teaming with six billion life traces. Their technology is such that they have rudimentary space flight. But their weakness is that there are several warring factions that prevent unification, unlike Aztec, Oceanus, or Coadama," said Fiona Dahrlyn.
"You would be well suited for Oceanus, Lieutenant Commander Nappa. The object of interest is located there, if you have the wherewithal to claim it, and deliver the planet free of clutter," said Brecchus.
"I want Oceanus cleared. Do what you want with the inhabitants," Brecchus said to Nappa. "Considering they are a palpable threat. They have the power to bend ki."
"All the more reason to eliminate them," Nappa nodded.
"And your lovely mate will see to Coadama, as we discussed?" asked Brecchus.
"Yes," she nodded. "This would do well for planting a new tree for our Commander. He needs rich soil for the Shinseiju fruit to grow to their full potential."
"Then you should leave a few of the life forms alive. Clear the weak ones and leave enough for critical mass," said Nappa.
"We are aware of your Commander's energy needs. That particular world is rich in mineral stocks so it could be a mining colony one you're done," voiced Brecchus. "If you take my suggestion with consideration to your particular talents."
"You'll also see that one of the Saiyan scouts was seen alive there, in captivity," said Fiona. "He is known to you?"
"He was my nephew, named Romaine . My brother Merlot will be glad to know if he's alive or dead," Cabernet mumbled.
"Unfortunately, we don't know if that's the case. However, a Saiyan life form was detected. Every unit sent there was decimated by the fierceness of the inhabitants. A radiation belt around the planet makes communication difficult," explained Brecchus.
"Raditz comes recommended for this task," Petra said, handing him two slates. "And you said your mate would take the other?"
"She will search for Kakarot on the third planet of the yellow dwarf. Studying civilizations is her interest and she has experience in such matters. We can sell Tomic's information that she gathers to the Library at Archalisei. She can assess to see if there is any wealth. Then she will convince Kakkarot to come and join us," Raditz said.
"Excuse me I have a question," Tomic cut in.
"Yes?" asked Petra.
"Do you wish the planets cleared of all life forms? I have the desire to study them first," said Tomic.
"A scientist?" questioned Fiona, smiling at Tomic who was standing beside her.
"Yes," she nodded. "I don't like killing… exterminating without a good reason…"
"You value raw material for research. I like your attitude. We should have more like her, Brecchus," Fiona voiced.
"If you find the inhabitants of your assigned world are capable of being trained, you could derive additional profit by delivering at least one million units for processing," said Brecchus. "Was that what you had in mind, Private?"
"I saw the humanoid creatures. Surely they are servants?" expressed Tomic. "If the world I'm assigned to has a large population, they would make good slaves."
"You're correct. I think you chose your mate well, Sergeant," Petra licked her lips. "I like this one. She's quite logical."
"Very well, you have the contracts. Do you accept? In return, it is guaranteed that your special request will be fulfilled. Pending the delivery of three of the four worlds," said Brecchus.
"Be sure to send any artifacts, minerals, and technology to us for processing. And the strongest beings for a labor force," said Petra. "Like your mate here said."
"We prefer those that look like us," explained Fiona.
"I'm sure you're hungry and tired after your long trip. Rest a while and then take what you need for your trips," said Brecchus. "Our servants will show you to a place you can train and eat…Marchyl, escort Nappa and his mate. Maagnyl, you direct these two. We will meet tomorrow morning," said Petra.
"You won't be disappointed," Nappa spoke as he grinned. He curled his arm around Cabernet, and guided her after their Cybernam guard. Tomic clung to Raditz's hand, her face stern. Petra nodded to her as Fiona moved close.
"You might want to stop by my laboratory and see my research, if your mate allows it later," Fiona told Tomic.
"I'd like that," replied Tomic with a nod.
"You may do so soon. After we spar," Raditz purred, leaning down to nip her ear. Quietly, Tomic let him lead her away.
"She's different then I'd expect that one to pick," Petra mumbled.
"You noticed it too? Her mental energy isn't completely Saiyan. I surmise she must be a half blood," said Fiona.
"Perhaps she was the daughter of an Idsarjin and a Saiyan. A Hybrid. There are a few of those considering their lack of females. But as long as they do their job," said Petra.
"It will be good to not sully our hands dealing with the splinter group on Oceanus. Nappa will obliterate them. And in turn he'll take away an even greater threat."
"You mean to say he really IS there?" Petra whispered.
"He is. A very high life reading, though dormant. And whatever of the three planets they don't destroy and deliver to us will be his own playground," said Fiona.
"You must admit that we could turn this situation to our advantage. Since we helped their Prince, mayhap he could prove a valuable ally against those that oppose us. Think, with them working for us we could add many more planes to Mantissan control," Petra enthused.
"We must be careful. If their ruler finds out about this little contract, our whole empire could be in peril," Petra was about to speak but Fiona hissed for silence. "You know as well as I do that the hulking mindless brute who claims to be Master of all Saiyans is a threat to Andron supremacy."
"That's why it's so beautiful. Their Prince of All Saiyans will need a mate. And if one of us should chose to unite with him…"
"Mating with a monkey? They are powerful, but they're disgusting to think of… and you're an artificial life form!"
"So? They gestate their young in tanks like we do. All I need is a suitable donor cell, and we can combine our prime Cybernam genes with his. And we'd have all the power we need, plus blood sworn alliance," said Petra.
"True. You are clever when you aren't thinking of low class sexual satisfaction," Fiona snorted, watching the Saiyans entering the training complex.