Romulus was led into the old training room were his 'father' had fought Chi-Chi and had spent a great deal of his childhood. It had been modified and updated but rarely used by his father since the Palace was built. It stood mostly abandoned with dust on the floors.

It was an echo of the past of the Ribbon pre-empire. A time that very few could remember that he wasn't alive for. That had past into the history books if mentioned at all.

His great grandfather had asked him to come here and he saw him in the center of room. He walked in as he saw that on the ground there was rectangular metal box.

"You asked to see me Lord Grandfather?"

"Why yes my boy. I've heard that all our ships are in place and that soon you will be heir to a galactic empire rather than just the Earth. I also heard my boy that you have been having problems keeping up with you siblings."

Romulus looked away from him. He was ashamed of the truth. He didn't nod his head to admit it. He planned to just ignore him.

"Good my Crown Prince. Never admit your weaknesses too anyone but always look to address them. One day this will be all yours. I will die and so will your father. This is the way of things but through you the name Gero will continue. When your father was young, if his tail was grabbed meant that he would collapse. When I saw this, I made sure it was dealt with, but it did take some pain on his part. It took hours of squeezing and pulling that made him scream and shout. It was like removing a limp to him, but he endured it and it made him stronger."

The box opened, and it revealed a suit in it. It was far thinner than the armors he was familiar with. It looked painful to say the least. The completely deep dark black armor seemed to be made to dig into his skin.

"What is this?"

"Progress my boy. This suit with amplify your natural strength and make it so that you will have their endurance and their power. It will of course take some pain…"

He interrupted him to say, "I'll do it."

Gero nodded and then picked up the helmet to the new suit. He had made it to sweeten the deal as he knew the boy seemed to be uncomfortable with his face. The helmet was a full cover. It was black without visible eye openings. It was smooth and round lacking many angles. But it did have a nose and empty pits for the eyes. In many ways it looked like a skull without teeth. It wasn't flashy. It was stark and miserable looking like a death mask, but it was his.

Romulus place the helmet on his head. On his arm Dr. Gero place the gantlet on his hand. On its wrist was an opening that he could channel his power into. The gantlet dug into his flesh, but Romulus choked down his whimper but with it he felt a surge of power.

The boy's prepubescent voice was replaced by the suits voice changer. It was cold and robotic "Put the rest of the armor on." Romulus pour his power into the gantlet and it shot out a ki blade that glowed red from the amplification process. It highlighted his black mask as the 'good' doctor began to put more of the armor on the boy as the pain increased. The tendril of it digging into him.

Namek

Chi-Chi and the boys arrived at Guru's. It was an all-white bubble-like building with two horns and a big purple dome of a window. It was on a plateau that seemed to have no reason to be standing. It was far too tall and looked like it should have toppled over.

They landed as Gohan and Trunks continued to chit-chat with Dende. Gohan had been peppering the young Namekian with question since they had left the village. He wanted to know all about what they were growing, what they ate and why they didn't have any technology.

The answers were interesting to say the least. They were growing trees like the ones before some sort of major catastrophe that deforested the planet. They apparently didn't eat anything, and civilization fell leaving only Guru. He didn't know how to repair or make any of the old tech.

Out of the building came a quite strong looking Namekian. He looked more like Piccolo than anyone else. He only had on a vest and some baggy pants. Chi-Chi was on guard after all his grim face gave the impression he wasn't as friendly as the other Namekians. He was also a lot stronger than them too.

Dende smiling however walked right up to him "Nail it's good to see you Moori sent me along with these strangers to see Guru so they can help us deal with these invaders."

Nail was stoic as he suspiciously eyed her and then said, "I sense them they are strong, and I can sense more monsters coming a lot more."

"More of them?"

"Five of them are getting close then two much larger powers after."

"Is one of them Saiyan."

"Yes, the very last one on the way to this planet."

"Kakarrot."

"I don't who that is."

"I do." She paused then nodded. "We need to meet Guru."

They followed Nail into the building to see Guru. Guru was far different from the other Namekian's. He was massive in size. His chair was made for someone that was size of T-rex. His skin was a deep dark green. It was surprising considering that they only drank water. He didn't seem to be able to move. His eyes were closed.

Guru spoke slowly but with great wisdom behind his words "Welcome my children." Everybody but Nail bowed. "Now come forward so that I can see your thoughts and know why you have come here."

Chi-Chi walked over to him and he laid his massive hand over her head and suddenly she was bombarded by her memories both painful ones and good ones. The images stopped, and Guru coughed.

Guru sad sounding "My child, my heart weeps for you and your people. A great wrong has been done to all of you. This evil that has conquered your world which now comes to my world. It is disappointing to know that the son of Katas has fallen. Truly this is the end of my world."

Nail and Dende together "End of our world?"

"It's true. Namek has seen its last. My station allows me a glimpse into the future. Namek should not be my people's end. Young warrior I must ask you to help my people leave this planet. I will help you if you do that."

Nail seemed mighty frustrated as Chi-Chi said, "I will help your people."

"Thank you. Now I have two boons to give you." He reaches above his head and removed the dragon ball from its spot above and behind him. He handed to Chi-Chi then placed his hand above her head. "My apologies. This may sting a bit."

A light came from him that seem to make Chi-Chi's aura visible. Chi-Chi seemed stunned as she looked at her body feeling her suddenly increased power.

Chi-Chi bowed to him "Thank you. Can you do this to my son and Trunks?"

"If they have hidden power then yes."

First Trunks, Dende and then Gohan where given their hidden potential unlocked. All seemed mighty please, but Guru had lament that he wasn't able to unlock even a quarter of Gohan's real power. When a call came to Chi-Chi earpiece from Bill.

The Fraternity

Vegeta holding Bulma arrived on the bridge of the Fraternity. The Admiral Blanco and the other officers waiting in attention. They had been told over the radio, but they were still a little surprised to see Briefs daughter here.

"It appears to have been a good hunting my Prince."

"Indeed, Admiral what is the status of my men?"

"Raditz is returning with one ball and Nappa is returning with two. It would seem we're only two balls away from victory. However, it appears that the Ginyu force is only an hour or two out."

"Good I always wanted to kill that buffoon. Tell Nappa and Raditz to get back here double time. All three of us will deal with the last two. I'll be locking this one in my quarters don't let her out. If you wish to keep breathing."

Vegeta pick Bulma up, much to her annoyance. She hissed and kick as the two left. Only a few of the officers seemed at all perturbed by this mainly the female ones. But they all knew the score and didn't mutter the slightest objection. Imperial knew the saiyans were the ones in charge and probably suspected the worst.

The two entered the grand quarters of the Fraternity. It was made to look less like a anything that should be on a starship and more like a Renaissance era nobleman's study. It was a combination of old-world glory and new-world luxury. It had a king-sized bed, chandeliers made of crystal and floors made of marble.

In all honesty it was nothing that Bulma hadn't seen before having been an heiress, but it was still bizarre to see in this context. He put her down on her feet.

"Neat isn't it."

"Out of place. Doesn't really go with the grey lifeless corridors and the even lighting."

"It even has a day and night cycle unlike the rest of the ship."

"Why did you bring me here?"

He turned her to face him and he got closer "I was wondering if you were willing to pick up were, we left of last time for starters."

He kissed her and Bulma froze as he put his tongue into her mouth. His hands were rubbing her sensually and in all the right places. His mouth tasted and felt good. Her mind was everywhere, and it seemed like she was about to join in, but she felt his tail encircling her leg and she remember how wrong this all was.

Gathering all the strength in her she pushed him away or more accurately pushed herself away from. She looked at him with tears in her eyes and said, "Please stop."

Vegeta pulled his tail away he looked beyond frustrated as he turned then left leaving her alone in the chamber.

The Freedom's bridge

Kakarrot is sitting in his big chair as the ship was cruising along. He was sing softly to himself "Come gather 'round people. Wherever you roam. And admit that the waters. Around you have grown. And accept it that soon, you'll be drenched to the bone. If your time to you is worth saving. Then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone. For the times they are a-changin'."All sung as he stared at a map of the Galaxy.

He was about to continue singing the song when he was prevented to when Captain Blonde cleared his throat and said to him "My Lord you told me to inform you of when we got information from the war."

"Go on."

"My Lord it would appear that everything is in place for our invasion of PTO everyone is where they need to be. Vegeta has recovered five of the balls. Frieza will land soon and we will shortly afterwards."

"Spectacular."

"Project Prometheus has found pay dirt. Doctor Amber has found what you had him look for. Vegeta had some pieces left."

"I like all this good news you have for me. Sounds like everything is in hand."

"But there is one other thing. Grand Admiral Grey has sent this along for you he calls it 'The Code Kakarrot'. It merely needs your approval as he already has support from the Moff's and other A It the guidelines of how the Empire will rule these new territories." He handed a pad with it on it.

Kakarrot seemed miffed by the fact that his men had come up with this behind his back but as he began to read, he looked delighted and only more so by the time he was finish.

Kakarrot smiling in his wolfish grin "I have to say that I'm impressed. Yet again my fellows prove to me their truth and loyalty. Do you want to hear the highlights?"

Blonde nodded.

"The Emperor can have mistress that are not of humanity but no wives. Human are therefore considered a class that only has rights over the Imperial family in matters of breeding and marriage. As Gero is a human last name and should only be reserved for humans of Saiyan blood others are not to have that last name. Human will be a distinct new class in New Saiyan Empire in that way as the species that was never enslaved. Mandalorian can also make this claim but even if they join the Empire, they with be a part of the Human class but no wives of them will be made. A distinction will be made between Humans and Mandalorians to the wider pure Hominid race as they will have been still slaves or sons and daughters of slaves who will be known as Spacers. This will disqualify them from higher positions success as Moff and System Governors. Those of an eight or less of impure blood will be known as by the lawful distinction Axillaries. They will be disallowed from marrying or breeding with human race or members of the Mandalorian race. They in the navy will be allow to captain ship's not lead fleets and allow Major in the army and no father. A distinction shall be made that more than one eight to one fourth of impure blood will be known as Quarter breeds. Their highest grade shall be Lieutenant they will be disallowed to marrying or breeding with Axillaries… It goes on like that. The new words Spacers, Axillaries, Quarters, Halves and Waste's. It's all so familiar to something I read once. It even goes into how much land and wealth they can possess."

"I figured that you wouldn't be happy about some of this."

"On the contrary inform Cousin Grey of my approval and tell him that he need not worry Human hegemony will be preserved and that this will be the way the Empire shall rule."

Blonde left to send the message as Kakarrot mussed out loud to himself "Meet the new boss same as the old boss." As he laid back into his chair.

Back on Namek

Bill and Hudson were outside the 'Faternity' watching as Nappa and Raditz arrived. They were in their active camo on a cliff overlooking the ship. An eye that knew what it was looking for might see them, but they weren't looking for them.

Hudson in a whisper "What are we going to do?"

The two watched as Vegeta came out.

"For starters we wait for those three to leave."

The three Saiyan left without their squads as they left them to guard the balls. The two crawled down from the grassy top to behind a depression where they could stand and were not in visual range.

"How we going to gets those balls."

"Where not Bulma is the only objective."

"Okay, so how we going to get her?"

Bill coldly stated "We need a distraction. Their hunting Namekian's if only we could send a group of them out, they would go hunt them down."

Hudson horrified by the suggestion "Sir they're civilians that would mean their deaths. We're supposed to protect them too."

"They're not ours while Bulma is family."

"Sir I trust you will not be ordering anything so criminal. I will tell the others and find out what they think."

Bill shrugged "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. Go call Mai. We can come up with another place."

Hudson put his back to Bill as he when to call he was interrupted as a ki blade ripped through his armor and came up through his mouth. Bill cradled him as he fell.

"I'm sorry soldier you gave me no choice."

Bill watch him die then called Mai "Mai it looks like the Empire is spooked by the Ginyu's. Their ship is leaving soon while Saiyan's are going after the Cheech. I think the Namekian are clear. Send them along to Guru's. Me and Hudson will try and rescue Bulma hopefully it'll go smoothly… I understand but they'll be safer with their leader and its better this way. They already want to get off this planet. I think Chi-Chi said something about them having a ship."

"Roger. I send them along right away."

He took his hand off his ear and soon two whole squads left. "Two birds one stone."

He looked down at the dead body in his lap. Took off his helmet and closed his eyes. "You died for the right reasons. I know it was wrong but what can I do. All they'll do is betray us or slow us down. I care about my family, sentimentality does nothing for me anymore."

He laid his head on the ground as he got out a knife as the cloak came back on. "Time to go hunting."

Inside the ship

Bulma was a little astounded by the number of dresses in the second closet. It had been acouple of years since last time she had access to this level of a wardrobe. She decided to treat herself using some of the things at her disposal like the makeup and such. It was also giving her time to think.

Bulma was thinking to herself 'Okay so you got the hots for him but he's a murderer and is on that bastard Kakarrot's side. He's is going to try and kill Chi-Chi.'

'Is it betraying everyone if I sleep with him? Cause it sure a shit feels like it. Now remember how depressing it was when she slept with him.'

'It was like a punch in the gut.'

'Okay so yah it's betraying them. But what if he like gives us intel or we get him to switch side or something.'

'Are you stupid I don't care how hot we are for this guy! I don't think he will change.'

'Well I mean he was nice enough to give us this room and you know not force the issue.'

'Are you seriously giving him points for that?'

'Well come on how long has it been?'

'Yamcha is coming back if we get the balls.'

'Well he's dead so we can deal with that later. What if we seduce him, then clock him on the head and escape?'

'Now how would that work he can level planets?'

'It does in movies.'

'So that's our plan?'

'Yeah.'

'Terrific this is a great plan and I'm exciting to be a part of it. Quite you! We'll just get all sexy then he'll be putty and wham!"

She got up and went to the closet. She quickly got in the nicest blue dress she could find. Somehow, she got the impression he liked blue. She got on red lipstick while looking in the mirror to make sure it was prefect. She got on the bed and prop herself up like she was Cleopatra. She was lying on her side her arm propping up her head and faced the door. Her heart was racing, and she wasn't sure it wasn't out of fear or excitement perhaps it was both.

She waited but soon she heard the door unlock. Her smile fell when she saw who it was. It was Bill, his hands were covered in blood. He did a double take when seeing Bulma.

"So, what happened here?"

Bulma quickly said to him "Nothing!"

"Why did… Never mind get up we're going."

Bulma got up and was going to him "You came here by yourself?"

"No Hudson is… he was here. Come on I think they're about to take off let's get moving."