I wish I owned DBZ, but I don't. I own DVD's and tapes, but it just isn't the same. I also don't own the rights to any of the music pieces you see selected, just copies of merchandise, such a shame. The artists that created them are geniuses and we all must bow to them.
Chapter 43: Pendulum 2
"Planet Auir? As in the Protoss home world?" Kibito Kai asked in surprise.
"The one and only. If Leira was here, then I'd say she's been around for more than a single month," Verto replied.
"How is this possible? This is a different dimension and well out of my jurisdiction! We should not have been able to come here!" Kibito stammered.
"Relax, I won't tell. Not that they would know or care at this point, this room can't affect history remember? Besides, the dimensions are connected right? And this event might have altered history for Earth anyway, so you have every right to check it out," Verto reasoned.
Kibito nodded nervously before glancing to his right, "Look, I see some of their soldiers over there at the base of the temple." Verto noticed the Protoss warriors, but locked on to a different target that was heading straight for them, Leira. He immediately walked in that direction before Kibito held him back.
"Hey, wait a moment!"
Verto shrugged him off as he stopped, "What?"
"You're not focusing on staying out of the way like Popo suggested. They'll stop you from following!" Kibito claimed.
Verto glanced at them for a very brief moment before flashing his smirk, "They can try."
"That's not very constructive Verto!" Kibito scolded.
"Look, focus on whatever you want. I want answers and I don't really care how I get them. Being in this room allows me that courtesy now doesn't it?" Verto countered.
"Then maybe you should be a little more covert if you really want to get all of the answers without interfering. May I suggest using that invisibility technique of yours?" Kibito asked.
"That'll work as long as they have no means of detecting me nearby. However, I won't be able to maintain it over both of us and move around here at the same time. It'll be hard enough with Protoss here instead of humans. It gets even more difficult if I'm in the middle of a crowd," Verto explained.
"Go on ahead then, you can share the details with me back at the lookout when you are done," Kibito said.
"In a rush to get back are we?" Verto sneered.
"In case you forgot already, it's outside my realm of oversight," Kibito scowled as he vanished. Verto shook his head in disgust and slowly faded from view. Once he was invisible, he quickly proceeded to the base of the temple, where a small crowd had gathered. Seeing Leira and the two Protoss Zealot guards didn't bother him, seeing the would-be Protoss officer did. Verto gritted his teeth together and ignored the urge to get within striking range.
"I told you already; I wish to speak to your commander, not a toadie that dresses in robes!" Leira stated sharply.
The Judicator snorted, "And what business would a pathetic Terran female have with the Executor?"
"That is our business until it's decided to involve a worm like you Aldaris!" Leira retorted.
"So you know my name, should I be honored or insulted?" Aldaris asked.
"If it were up to me, you'd be dead already. Feel lucky that it is not," Leira warned.
"Hmph, you are no threat. Why don't I just have you detained and tortured instead? I'll get my answers a little more effectively," Aldaris claimed.
"You're welcome to try, but I wouldn't advise it," Leira growled.
"Seize her!" The two zealots moved in just as Leira phased out. She reappeared behind Aldaris and put the point of her dagger right at the back of his head. Verto could see that she actually drew blood, though the dagger didn't penetrate any further. Come to think of it, I did see that scar. Guess I just thought of it as his wrinkled old head. Leira moved the dagger a bit and completed the cut while Aldaris didn't dare to move.
"Now listen up, Templar. You will take me to your commander now, and if you ever get in my way again, you will die long before your time. That is already much later than it should be. Do we understand each other?" Leira asked.
Aldaris promptly waved off the guards, "Perfectly." Leira pulled her dagger off and put it away as she proceeded inside. Verto quickly followed, carefully readjusting his energy as he did. Aldaris maintained silence as he led her to the Command sector in the middle of the Nexus temple. Verto kept following even though he knew the ends and outs of a Protoss base; he didn't want to chance anything. Instead of actually going to where the Executor probably was, Aldaris dumped her off at a briefing room.
"The Executor Tassadar will see you shortly," Aldaris said in a disgusted tone. He left right away and Leira stood silently while she waited, though her eyes were scanning every detail of the room. More than once she looked right at where Verto was, but nothing appeared to come of it. Only a few minutes passed before Verto heard familiar voices approaching and he stepped out to listen. He recognized both figures immediately and carefully stood aside so not to get in their way entering the room.
"Executor, I should remain on Auir until the location of the Zerg is confirmed. I don't trust the Conclave's rule when it comes to our forces. Relying on a single fleet to strike an offensive is foolhardy! I have difficulty believing that you would have suggested it!" Fenix stated.
"It wasn't an easy decision Praetor. Risking any ships for this mission isn't something I wish to do, but we must find the Zerg and exterminate them. Know that I requested your presence for more than one reason, it isn't just your battle prowess that I need. Unlike the hierarchy of the Conclave, I put very little faith in the honesty of the Judicator cast. Aldaris is incredibly motivated by the pursuit of power and I fear he may attempt a coup if the situation changes to his liking. Ousting me and taking over the leadership of the mission would benefit him greatly. I want you to keep a watchful eye on him," Tassadar explained.
"I have never doubted the Judicator's desire for your position, but he won't draw support from our soldiers without very convincing evidence. They remain loyal to you; he is nothing more than an unproven and cowardly assistant in their eyes. I'm sure many of them despise him as much as you and I do," Fenix claimed.
"Never underestimate the ambitious, for they are masters of deception. One careless step and the flooring is unearthed from under your very feet. Remember that Praetor, for it is a lesson we all must take to heart," Tassadar suggested.
"Yes Executor. I have one other concern to address, what of Artanis?" Fenix asked.
"He is to remain on Auir and command our second fleet in case we fail. He will likely be charged with any rescue operations or engaging the Zerg should they emerge nearby," Tassadar said.
"Understood," Fenix said with a nod. Both of them then entered the room and stood across from Leira, unsure of what to make of her at first. Verto cautiously came back in and stepped just to the side of the doorway in case someone else came in.
"Who may I ask are you, and what is your business on Auir?" Tassadar asked first.
"My name isn't as important as the information I bring regarding the whereabouts of the Zerg," Leira replied. Both Tassadar and Fenix shifted as they tensed up, but did well to hide it.
Tassadar took her words in stride though, "Please continue."
"You last encountered them on a planet known as Tarsonis, correct?" Leira asked.
"Yes, though it has been quite some time. Afterwards they vanished into deep space. We anticipated this since the Terran Regions are now under the control of the Dominion Armada, but we also expected they would return at some point. Due to the Dominion's interference, we have not been able to locate them. Tearing through that section of space and advancing would not be beneficial at this time," Tassadar explained.
"Their disappearance was the result of a different kind of interference. A powerful calling if you will. When the Zerg began moving through this sector, they were drawn to a small but powerful group. One with the ability to challenge the Zerg openly despite lacking numbers or technology. This group eventually fled and left a straggler behind to stall the Zerg progress. That plan worked to an extent, thus why you were able to engage them openly in the Terran Regions. The group I'm speaking of continued their journey, hoping to draw more recruits like them before the Zerg could catch up," Leira said cryptically.
"I understand, the Zerg must be in pursuit then. Where did they go?" Tassadar asked. Leira handed him a Protoss data pad, drawing an eye from Fenix though he said nothing to it.
"This will lead you to their path. It leads to a dimensional rift far away that is stable enough for your ships to get through without a problem. This is where the Zerg entered another galaxy and continued the chase. The group they were chasing is most likely dead by now, but nonetheless they continue the hunt. Follow the course I have entered on the pad and it will lead you right to the Zerg. Leave soon enough and you should get there within a week or two of their own arrival. They will be attacking another Terran world, though these Terrans are not technologically advanced like the ones you are used to," Leira continued.
"How do we know what you're saying is true?" Fenix asked.
"You don't. But it is imperative that you pursue them!" Leira urged.
"We know they must be dealt with, but there are other threats here to be taken care of. If the Zerg have fled that far beyond our reach, then we should remain and wait for them to resurface. We will build up our forces until that time," Tassadar stated.
"That is a bad idea. The Overmind is going there for a new weapon or sorts. Once integrated into the swarm, your mighty fleets will fall quickly," Leira warned.
"A new weapon? But the Zerg do not use technology," Fenix pointed out.
"Correct. It is a species they are after, similar enough to the group I mentioned. They are highly resistant and difficult to kill. Given your own situation with your political issues, the Zerg could strike here now and do a decent amount of damage. Should they get a hold of this particular species, your people will be wiped out. Exterminating this species first is also something you don't want to do; they will be able to kill large numbers of both Zerg and Protoss relatively easily. Thus the appeal for the Overmind," Leira finished.
"Very well, thank you for this information. We will quickly consider how we proceed," Tassadar bowed as he stepped towards the door.
Leira turned in that direction as well, nearly brushing Verto in the process, "Fair enough. One more thing before I depart. Going through that region will cause you to cross an area of space that is held by the Kold Empire. Try not to come into much conflict with them, it will not end well!" The room suddenly shifted and warped in various ways before turning back into the darkened pendulum room. He found Kibito waiting for him.
"Learn anything?" Kibito asked. Verto glared hard at the ground as he let everything go through his head one more time before answering.
"Yeah, she led them to Earth alright, or at the very least convinced them to come. Still, I feel like I didn't get the entire story," Verto said, not looking at Kibito.
"So, is that all we need to know?" Kibito asked once more.
"That was the main detail, but now I think there might be more, a lot more. I'm gonna stick around here and investigate some more. I have this feeling that some of my confusion in the past might get cleared up if I do," Verto suggested.
"Very well. I will report this disturbing news to my elder immediately. We will also conduct an investigation." Kibito promptly teleported away, leaving Verto alone in the enchanted room. Verto became slightly flustered at what should come next.
Well, the only other real lead I have about the Zerg involvement at the moment is that Dabura was supposedly Kerrigan's father. That still doesn't make a lick of sense though, she didn't feel anything like him, Zerg or not. Maybe I can focus on Dabura's involvement in that dimension, specifically with Kerrigan. Then again…maybe I shouldn't think that. Before Verto could reorganize that thought, the room reacted and sent him to the partially desired place. Where he appeared though was not where he might have expected. Almost immediately he found himself staring at the back of Dabura's white cape, and someone even less desirable was standing next to him. Verto was able to go back into stealth before Babidi noticed, but he felt that it was a little close.
"I still don't see the point of having this little brat on board! She's nothing but a pain to my ears!" Babidi groaned as he held up his viewing ball. There, it showed the image of a small redheaded human girl of barely five years old, wandering about one of his fighting stages.
"Take heart Master, this girl has hidden potential. You just need to give her time to develop it," Dabura said.
"I'd rather feed her to Yakon! I fail to see how she is going to help us in our quest to find and revive Majin Buu!" Babidi screeched.
"Hmph, you have no patience Master," Dabura scolded.
"I really should kill you someday," Babidi grumbled.
"It's unfortunate that I can spot talent for you, otherwise I would just be a foolish grunt. Never mind the strongest one you have," Dabura reminded.
"Argh! Don't remind me of that ever again! Go tend to the runt, you found her after all! I don't want to be here should those cursed Zerg decide to drop in again!" Babidi shouted. Dabura bowed lightly and departed the area, leaving only Babidi and his crystal ball for Verto to monitor. There, Dabura appeared in the chamber with the child.
"You there, child. Give me your name," Dabura ordered. Verto's eyes narrowed when he saw Dabura's head, and saw that it didn't have Babidi's stamp. Wait a second; she told us that it was before Babidi ever got a hold of Dabura…
"Sa-Sarah. Who are you? Are you my daddy? Mommy always said that my Daddy didn't look like anyone else in the world!" Kerrigan said. Dabura was more than taken aback at this, but simply closed his eyes for a moment and let his head sink low.
Kerrigan didn't take it as a sign of critical thinking though, "Yay, Daddy!" Verto grimaced even though it could not be seen. Dabura attempted to shake his head vigorously, but the child didn't appear to even acknowledge it. I should have known, it was a lie.
"Do you know why you're here?" Dabura asked her once Kerrigan stopped hugging his leg.
"To be with you Daddy?" she asked.
"I am the Demon King, not a mortal like you. But you have special talents I might be able to make use of," Dabura explained.
"Oh, so you're a demon, what is that? I need to know since I am one too!" Kerrigan claimed.
"But you're not…" Dabura tried to say.
"Don't try to fight out of answers Daddy. Mommy says you should always be honest with your family!" Kerrigan scolded him. Verto's eyes shot open in amazement along with Babidi's, but at least Verto could contain his laughter.
"Hahahahaha! Oh my, this is rich! There is no way I'm letting him off the hook for this! Be a good boy and play along Dabura!" Babidi laughed. Are you kidding me? It was all a misunderstanding? But then why would he tell me to avenge her? Unless… Verto didn't have time to continue his thought before the room changed again, but the only thing that appeared to change was Babidi's position around the viewing ball. Dabura was now in one of the fighting stages with a pre-adolescent Kerrigan of about five years older. She was dressed in a dark jumpsuit and was practicing basic combat moves while he observed. Now I get it, he was in the process of training her. That means he formed a connection similar to a father-daughter relationship, and that's why she mistook him for her father.
One of Babidi's grunts then ran into the room and saluted, "Master, we are about to cross into the human colonial lands. A capsule is waiting to drop the child per your instructions!"
"Good, give me the position of the nearest Zerg immediately. I want them to take their sweet time going through this sector while we continue our search for Buu. I now suspect that he may have been on Earth all along when we checked things out a few hundred years ago. If only the damned Overmind hadn't drawn my attention with its energy. We will finish our sweep through this galaxy and then head back through the rift," Babidi said as he scowled as he stared at the viewing ball, "And Dabura's wasting his time with that child. She won't be capable of anything except being a magnet for the Zerg! Dabura! It's time to leave the bait behind!" Dabura looked up immediately, though Kerrigan didn't appear to have heard Babidi's words. Dabura barely reacted until he ordered Kerrigan to stop practicing.
"What's wrong father?" she asked.
"I have to leave you with your people now, take what I could teach you to heart," Dabura said as he bent his head in obvious frustration.
"But why father? You haven't taught me how to control energy yet!" Kerrigan begged.
"I'm sure you will develop your skills in time," Dabura said as he phased out. Kerrigan was knocked out immediately by his knife-hand and Dabura knelt down and pressed his glowing palm to her head. He mumbled something inaudible before leaving the room and returning to Babidi. This time, his Majin stamp had reappeared, making Verto wonder if it was just an illusion to keep Kerrigan unaware.
"I take it you erased the child's memory? I wouldn't want the Zerg to get a hold of her and go chasing after us before we find Buu. After all, I would hate to rely on you alone to hold them off forever," Babidi grinned.
"The Demon King fears nothing. I will do your bidding Master. As for the child, you needn't concern yourself with her ever again. You were correct in your assumption, she is still far too young to control her latent powers, and she will likely die before she ever becomes useful to anyone!" Dabura growled.
"I'm glad you feel that way. I was beginning to think you had actually melted and there was some other demon king in there, being manipulated like a pet!" Babidi cackled. Babidi turned his head to watch a few of his minions retrieve Kerrigan and put her into an escape pod. As soon as he did, Dabura flashed him a glare that Verto had only seen once. Specifically when Babidi had betrayed him to Majin Buu. He might have erased her memory, but he had to have implanted that telepathic connection he spoke of. Just like with Vegeta, Babidi's spell releases many of a person's emotions. Evil is just the most prominent. The room immediately changed once Verto saw Kerrigan's escape pod leave Babidi's ship, and he returned to the pendulum room.
Verto stepped out of the circle before pondering his next move. Back to Leira I guess, getting sidetracked will probably lead me to more things that are unnecessary to know. She mentioned the Kold Empire, meaning Frost. Maybe I should picture any possible involvement those two might have had. I need to investigate him anyway, straight from the beginning. The room displaced again once Verto stepped into the circle and spun around before settling into a long, white corridor. Verto had barely gotten his bearings before a loud, gruff voice filled the hallway, and it was getting closer. Verto carefully peered around the nearest corner and saw a taller version of Vegeta sporting a goatee. Walking side by side with him was the slowly balding brute Nappa. Great, when the hell am I to be seeing King Vegita alive? Verto quickly slipped back into the shadows just as the larger pair rounded the corner, both of them wearing all scowls.
Nappa appeared to be hesitating with a question, "Um, sire, Lord Frieza wants an update on the queen. When is she due to give birth?"
King Vegita's scowl intensified, "Why in the hell does he care? He might be running the empire, but he doesn't need to be poking his nose in where it clearly doesn't belong!" Wow, I'm way back before Vegeta was even born. But what the hell does this have to do with Frost and Leira? Verto continued following the two Saiyans, carefully avoiding King Vegita's tail when it suddenly lashed out angrily.
"What should I tell Lord Frieza, sire?" Nappa asked carefully.
"I'll deal with it, go handle our generals. I think the troops need some inspiration; I've been receiving poor performance reports again. Tell those slackers that if they don't shape up their men, it will be their remains that I drop into the nearest black hole!" Vegita ordered.
Nappa bowed as he stopped to leave, "Yes sire!"
"Oh and Nappa!" the king bellowed. Nappa turned back in question to the King's next order.
"Tell Commander Paragus that if another one of his teams fails a mission, I will personally see to it that he and his future kin suffer the consequences for zurals to come!" Vegita said with a deep frown. Verto shook his invisible head slightly, Ruthless as always. Nappa nodded nervously and ran off as the King proceeded onward. Verto elected to shadow the King as he marched alone towards some sort of meeting. Once he scanned ahead, Verto detected Frieza aboard the ship along with his minions. Verto quickly readjusted his energy output so his stealth wouldn't break, though it was much easier to do with Frieza's men rather than with Babidi's. Vegita reached a large door and opened it, leading directly to a private chamber. There sat Frieza in his hover chair, flanked by Dodoria and Zarbon as always.
"King Vegita, what do you want?" Zarbon asked first.
Vegita ignored him completely, "Lord Frieza, you asked for an update on my queen?"
Frieza barely tilted his head, "Merely curious. A simple messenger would have been fine; you certainly did not have to grace us with your presence."
"I was already on my way to address troop assignments with you. The queen is due to give birth to my heir within the week. I am hoping for a son, one worthy of royal elite status," Vegita explained.
Frieza snorted loudly, "Knowing you, that might be a lot to ask for." Vegita kept his growl to a nearly inaudible minimum and let the insult slide.
"Since you brought it up Vegita, I noticed that Planet Armagosa is still not conquered. Just how long are you going to take before wiping out its inhabitants? Surely one team of Saiyan elites would be enough to take care of them, or am I overrating your forces?" Frieza asked snidely.
"My apologies Lord Frieza. Armagosa's full moon doesn't occur for another four months. And I've had to divert my elite squadrons for handling the Veridi system, as per your orders," Vegita pointed out.
"Oh? Yes I do remember now, the Veridi system has five populated planets and no moons. It's a pity that your people have yet to find a way to transform without one. I guess I'll have to send in some muscle to finish that job!" Frieza chuckled. King Vegita swallowed hard, but still managed to say nothing to it. No one said anything for nearly half a minute before Frieza broke the silence.
"Is that all Vegita?"
Vegita quickly bowed, "Yes Lord!"
As soon as King Vegita was gone, Zarbon opened his mouth, "Pitiful monkeys. I really don't understand what you see in them Lord Frieza."
"For now they are nothing more then the hired help. See to it they remain that way! I believe our new ally on Veridi Two is about to be attacked, you two should go defend it!" Frieza said with a grin. Both Dodoria and Zarbon bowed pleasantly and left the room. This saw Frieza alone for several minutes while Verto contemplated killing him right then and there, just for the hell of it. Before he could decide on it, the doors opened again, and Leira walked in. About damn time, now we're getting somewhere.
"Who are you?" Frieza asked, "How dare you just stroll into my chambers. You obviously don't realize who I am."
"The all powerful coward, last I checked," Leira replied. Frieza's finger lit up as he lifted it towards Leira, his Death Beam ready to fire.
"I don't advise that Frieza. Besides, you have no reason to attack me. I came here to help you with a certain problem," she offered.
"And just what would that be?" Frieza asked, though his attack was still ready.
"Your infant son Frost is dying. One would think that you would present a little more concern," Leira scolded.
"It's a genetic disease, though he clearly didn't get it from me. There is very little I can do about it now that it's in the final stages. The worthless brat obviously won't make it!" Frieza said in distaste.
"Your scientists are knowledgeable about gene-splicing aren't they?" Leira asked.
"Yes, they identified the exact DNA sequence that is unstable. It's not uncommon among my people, but there is no known cure for it," Frieza replied.
"There is a compatible source of DNA that can be introduced into his bloodstream over a long period of time. This will slowly repair the damage caused by the illness, and considering the source, likely make him immune to its affects," Leira suggested.
"And what exactly is this miracle cure, and where can I find it?" Frieza scoffed.
"Saiyan blood."
Frieza laughed aloud, "Don't be absurd! Monkey blood isn't compatible with ours!"
"He wouldn't need a complete transfusion. But your medics should be able to synthesize just what Frost needs to survive until the disease begins to subside. Otherwise your empire has no heir," Leira reminded him.
"You expect me to buy into this garbage?" Frieza growled.
"Believe what you want to. Take my advice though, you might find the results surprising!"
"Oh? Enlighten me," Frieza said as he folded his arms.
"Your son will be able to grow stronger and surpass your race's limitations. A new stage of evolution will occur," Leira claimed as Verto stared at her from the shadows, stunned. That's why he's so strong, and why he even exists? Because of her actions? There's got to be more to this.
Frieza still didn't appear to be buying it, "Hahaha! You're a regular comedian. My people don't have limits!"
"Yes, as demonstrated by the fact that you remain in your base form most of the time to conserve energy. Trust me when I say this Frieza, you will become very aware of your limitations soon enough!" Leira turned and left just as the room faded out and returned Verto to the lookout, more than a little troubled over what he had just heard.
I have to go further with this angle she has with Frost some more. She wouldn't have given Frieza that kind of information unless she had another purpose in mind, and I'll bet whatever it is has to do more with Frost than it does Frieza. After all, Frieza is in Hell like he should be. Just as Verto finished his thought process, the room changed again. He quickly found himself in another hallway just like the last one, and didn't waste a moment in going into stealth before daring to move. He quickly sensed that he wasn't actually on a ship this time, but the hallways were similar. He detected Frieza and another power just like his up ahead. The door was conveniently open and Verto quickly slipped inside, finding Frieza and what looked like Cooler in his fourth form. Verto quickly realized that it was not Frieza's brother.
"Father, you wanted to see me?" Frost asked. So that's what he looks like, spitting image of his uncle. At least in this form, and Gohan mentioned the next level that he has as well.
"Yes, when were you going to inform me about what you've been doing on planet Rotaria?" Frieza asked.
Frost's eyes widened just a bit before he calmed himself, "Scientific research, nothing you would be particularly interested in."
"Oh really? I think I would be very interested in your projects there. Is there anything specific you want to tell me regarding a new species? You see, I won't tolerate any insubordination, and seeing as you decided to play savior to the Saiyans, I decided to take precautions," Frieza explained.
"What are you talking about? Rotaria is nothing more than a slave breeding ground, and I use their planet for scientific testing, as I've said many times before!" Frost stammered.
"It is no secret that the Rotarians all possess special abilities despite their lack of power. And I will not have monkey scum running around with something like that!" Frieza said as he raised his voice. Special abilities? Lenz never mentioned anything about those.
Frost bit his lip, "How long have you known?"
"I've always known son. And I've done what I can to keep Vegeta from knowing! That's all it would take for him to completely betray us! He's already been defying me occasionally by searching for any and all surviving Saiyans. And here you're keeping an entire planet full of them!" Frieza shouted in anger.
"Father, relax. None of these new Saiyan hybrids even come close to Vegeta's level. They barely come up to an average Saiyan's power level. You could probably deploy an armada made entirely of Saibamen and beat them if you felt the need," Frost assured him.
"I don't share your confidence. You see son, I researched a few of them, or more accurately, their family trees. Low class is their ranking, but not due to power. It was due to some sort of disgrace with previous generations, and there was a mysterious vanishing act performed by some of those ancestors. There may not be any significant power rating with these newer descendents, but it was a stupid move nonetheless!" Frieza scolded.
"Look, you charged me with rejuvenating the number of slaves that were kept in the empire, I followed your orders. Does it matter how I accomplished this?" Frost asked.
"You fool! There is a reason I blew up Planet Vegita! I saw what was coming on the horizon and I didn't like the result. The Saiyans are more or less nothing individually; I'll give you that. But together they are an impressive force, one that would have rivaled our own had I not taken action. We are fortunate that the hundred Saiyans you took off the planet the day I destroyed it were all considered low class trash. I do not wish to deal with millions of monkeys on par with Vegeta and in possession of special abilities. The potential there is far too much," Frieza stated.
"You're too paranoid father; you have been ever since before you destroyed Planet Vegeta. You just let me rule my own dark corner of the galaxy in my own way. I happen to think that Saiyans are this empire's greatest asset, aside from us of course," Frost claimed.
Frieza grinned, "Not anymore."
Frost's demeanor changed quickly, "What do you mean?"
"I just returned from Rotaria yesterday. The planet has been cleansed," Frieza replied coolly.
"You did what?" Frost asked.
"I'll use simpler words; all your pet monkeys are dead!" Frieza said sternly. Verto eyed Frost's shaking fists, but he made no movement towards Frieza.
"Why did you do that father? Even in numbers they were no threat!" Frost argued.
"I told you son, I don't tolerate insubordination. I want you to think about that while I take a little vacation. Don't worry, I left you the planet to do with as you wish. I wouldn't want you to slack off on anymore scientific research!" Frieza laughed. He moved towards the door, grinning wider as Frost stepped aside.
"So, where are you off to in such a good mood?" Frost asked in a low tone. It was clearly obvious to Verto that Frost was not happy about what Frieza had done, but it did seem a little off key.
"Oh, a little place called Namek. I have some business with the local inhabitants. You should return to your dark little corner. I look forward to any technological achievements you might be able to manage," Frieza said before leaving. Frost shook his head in slight anger before the room faded out, and Verto found himself back on the lookout.
Well that confirms that whole story, but where was Leira? Never mind that, someone in Frieza's family that was actually concerned about Saiyan welfare? Too strange. I wonder when that changed? Verto promptly appeared in another Kold Empire base, almost directly behind Frost as he sat in his chair. Verto didn't detect any significant change in his power level, just their location. Loud alarms blared just as Verto suppressed his energy and faded into the shadows. Frost pressed a small button on his chair and a video display came to life in front of him, showing a light blue alien with pale yellow horns and a beard.
"Report, whatever your name is," Frost growled.
"It's Burotsuno sire, message coming in from your grandfather King Kold! It seems that your father was defeated and left for dead on Planet Namek! There's also word that the Ginyu Force was destroyed along with the planet itself!" the soldier claimed. Frost took a moment to react, but eventually his jaw slipped open.
"Any news on who is responsible for this?" Frost asked calmly. Verto sensed that his demeanor might have been calm, but he clearly wasn't anything except angry.
The soldier, Burotsuno, could see this as well and nervously answered, "They're saying it was a Saiyan!"
Frost's fist shattered the armrest of his chair, "Nonsense!"
"This came from Lord Frieza himself sire!"
Frost rubbed his chin in annoyance, "Then father might have been right. Perhaps the Saiyans are a threat."
"If I may sire, there were multiple sightings of Prince Vegeta. He was attacking our forces and actually managed to strand them all on Namek. Despite this, Lord Frieza said it was another Saiyan that defeated him. Something called a Super Saiyan!" Burotsuno added.
"Keep me informed as to what he wants us to do. We're too far away to do much about it. And if this, Super Saiyan, defeated my father, there's no need to go marching to our deaths. Especially if there's more than one of them out there!" Frost said. Burotsuno nodded and saluted him, but did not cut the connection.
"Was there something else?" Frost asked.
"Yes sire, but I don't see how it's possible! Lord Frieza wiped out every living thing on Rotaria, did he not?"
Frost frowned, "Yes, that planet is now uninhabited, and thank you very much on reminding me about that. I have yet to decide on what we're going to do with it now that my projects have been dismantled."
"There must be some mistake then my lord. We're getting life form readings coming from there, Saiyan life forms!" Burotsuno claimed in astonishment.
Frost shrugged, "It's possible that he missed a few that were hiding underground, how many survived?"
"That's just it sire, I'm showing easily ten thousand Saiyan hybrids on the surface. Far more than what should be there if Lord Frieza visited the planet as he said!"
"There were nearly ten thousand left over from our project, after we killed the pure bloods that is. But how did they come back to life? I want an explanation!" Frost demanded.
Burotsuno gulped slightly, "I don't know sire. But if it helps, they reappeared shortly before I received the report about Lord Frieza!"
"Launch an investigation of Rotaria. Check every possible scenario extending out around their entire star system! Report any significant findings to me immediately!" Frost ordered.
"Yes sire! Shall I pass this information along to Lord Frieza as well, or would you like that honor?"
Frost paused noticeably, "I'll handle it."
"Yes sire! Good day!" Frost sighed and leaned back in his chair in silence. The silence didn't last as the door behind Verto opened up, startling them both. Frost turned in the remains of his chair as Verto did the same, and they both spotted Leira standing there with a guard.
"Sorry to interrupt you my lord. This female demanded to speak to you directly!" the guard said. As he was speaking, Leira's eyes darted towards Verto's invisible position almost immediately, but she didn't appear to have detected him.
Frost waved off the guard, "Leave us then!" Once the guard was gone, the tension level in the room multiplied itself, especially from Frost.
"So, what do you want?" he asked.
"Don't act so happy to see me Frost," she replied coolly.
"The last time I spoke to you, you placed me into an ordeal that resulted in my father stepping between myself and Vegeta's friendship. I had plans to eventually allow Vegeta to rule his own planet with his own people once my father was out of the way. You ruined it and I had to swallow what pride I had left when I betrayed him to get back under my father's good graces!" Frost shouted. Verto's eyes lit up in surprise when he heard this, but remained as calm as he could to maintain his position in the shadows.
"Frieza would have forced you two apart eventually and you know it. He may not have known about your plan, but he probably had his suspicions since he bargained with Vegeta to kill you. The only reason you lived was because Vegeta saved you at the last minute, and that wouldn't have been the case if I didn't point him in the right direction. In fact, that's why I'm here in a sense," Leira explained.
"Oh? Enlighten me," Frost said, unimpressed.
"If you're planning to parlay with Vegeta and the remaining Saiyans for peace after so long, I strongly suggest you don't. Vegeta will likely reach Super Saiyan status soon, and you don't want to be anywhere near him when that happens!" Leira warned.
"It's just a silly legend," Frost claimed.
"No it isn't. A Super Saiyan's power can grow beyond even their expanded limits. And considering the group involved, killing one will only give rise to another one. If your father calls for assistance, do not answer; it is better if you don't. Perhaps someday you will be able to make peace with Vegeta and the other remaining Saiyans, but not yet," Leira said.
Frost sighed deeply, "In a numerical sense, how powerful is a Super Saiyan?"
"I am unfamiliar with your number system in regards to measuring power levels. But if Frieza is a ten, then a low level Super Saiyan is probably a twelve," Leira pointed out.
Frost's eyes widened for a moment, "And there are more Saiyans capable of this power?"
Leira nodded, "Yes, both your father and grandfather will be killed by just one of them should they decide to pursue revenge."
This prompted Frost to rise up out of his chair, "So, the empire is about to crumble. Without my father or grandfather to control everything, small factions will come out of the woodwork and lay claim to its many assets. I doubt Cooler will do much to stop it. More likely that he'll lead a foolish crusade to avenge them both!"
"What will you do then?" Leira asked.
Frost glared at her, but glanced away, "I agree with your assessment. If they want to throw their lives away, let them! In the meantime, I will put our so-called limitations to the test!"
"I take that to mean that you're not entirely confident of your abilities?"
Frost grumbled, "I never was. You don't spend the first ten years of your life taking blood transfusions without learning a few things. All those around my father fear his maximum power, except for me. I can surpass him and go further, much further than he could ever dream!" Frost declared.
"Then I suggest you make use of artificial gravity. It's what Saiyans often do after all," Leira suggested.
Frost's head snapped back to her, "I'm not a Saiyan, witch!"
Leira brushed off the insult, "No, but your potential has been augmented by their DNA, make use of it."
"Rest assured, I will! Now when were you going to tell me of this mission you spoke to me about before? What menial task would you have me perform in exchange for saving my life twice?" Frost asked.
"You're still a few years away from having to worry about that. If you can wait that long, you might have some redemption for your doomed family as well," Leira replied.
"Vengeance for them being killed as a result of their own stupid mistakes? They've had it coming for a long time! The fact that a Saiyan is responsible is just incredibly ironic," Frost said with a grin.
"So, will you let the Rotarian-Saiyan hybrids live then?" Leira asked.
"I don't harbor them any ill will, and as you probably know, I intended for them to carry on the Saiyan bloodline. So as long as they don't decide to resist my generosity, they will be protected," Frost claimed.
"Well, they are part Saiyan, I doubt I need to tell you about their rebellious instincts should you press them down too much," Leira pointed out.
"No, but you can at least tell me what you want me to do and not dodge the question like you usually do," Frost growled.
"Very well, maybe it will motivate you for training. You're going to kill someone for me," Leira stated.
"Does this someone have a name and a general description?" Frost asked.
"Like I said, you'll have to wait a few years, probably a dozen or so. That should give you ample time to prepare for an opponent far beyond your current power and ability," Leira replied.
"I see, and what happens if I don't?" Frost added.
Leira's face turned incredibly serious, "Then this galaxy may be destroyed, and you along with it!"
A/n: I hope ya'll are enjoying revelation hour, because there's another one on the way.
*Burotsuno is a combined Japanese word for blue-horn. It is pronounced bur-row-soon-o with a silent T. Expect some minor dealings with this character later on.