His father's empire was on fully display before him. Romulus thought as he looked out of window. Nearly the entirety of the Imperial war machine. It had come for the military review that came with the latest Ribbon party meeting.

Romulus knew the numbers. Over three billion soldiers and sailors. 15 supercarriers. Over 3,000 carriers. 1,000,000 destroyers and light cruisers. 10,000,000 suits of power armor capable of taking on Ki users 10,000 plus depending on the model

His father had told him of what the Earth was like before him. Now Earth had gone from galactic backwater conquerable by a Saiyan infant to a massive empire. He right now had enough ships to block out the light of the sun from reaching the Earth.

There was nothing in those dust old history books to compare this to. It was the largest army in Human history or Saiyan or Mandalorian or any other tribe of the genus hominid history.

Less than a fourth of them were human. Most were fanatically loyal former slaves and the children of former slaves.

They were loyal under paid, underequipped and with mostly given bad leadership. The plans of how to use them was as cannon fodder as the commandos do the actual job.

The room of the political monsters were bad enough, but he knew he would be forced to address this vast army afterwards. He turned on his heels to leave his viewing area. He knew the weight of the universe was now before him.

The shuttle felt quite cramped compare to the ship. On the other side of it was Cobalt who was grinning. Rarely did this man show emotion around him. Romulus knew the man was scared of him. He was sure of that but the excitement of all of this must have gotten to him.

"Ah my Prince you must be excited. Your finally get a taste of that power. All of this will be yours."

"One would think… I used to dream about sitting in his chair and of all it would entail. Me and Remus would talk about justice and change. Remus wanted to be some sort of crusader ending all the suffering in the universe. Me, I wanted to join him. He was too good for all of this. I found out I wasn't. I sat in that chair and I felt nothing. I still feel nothing. My father warned me it was never going to enough, and he was right. I sometimes wonder if I had nothing, I would not be better off. No. That would give me hope."

"Sir?" He was simply shocked that his Prince had said more then sentence to him and being so frank.

"Happiness is an illusion soldier. A mirage that never sticks around. There really is only sadness and anger, anger being the most useful of the two. Father said that I was going to like this, and he was right. This suit is me. I'm the son of the man of steel and my skin should be metal. It's all just empty. I will feel really good when I'm talking to them and they are screaming 'Heil Romulus'. It will trick me for but a second but then I'll remember who I am, and it will all be ash."

"That sounds quite depressing my Prince."

"Happiness is an enemy. Hate, rage and pain are my only real friends. My… Emperor, my father taught me that sad truth."

"…Heil Kakarrot, Heil the Empire, Heil the human race the new master race!"

Romulus speech concluded as the many in the hall stood up and cheered and heiled. They were all here Presidents, Kings etc. of planets that had become protectorates of the Empire. Governors of Earth colonies, former Moffs such as Green, Black, Copper. Current Moff as such as Teal, Violet and Grand Moff Grey was here. The Mandalore of Mandalore having gained his title with their help in a coup was also present.

Romulus knew that this flicker of pride and hope was going to extinguish the moment he left the stage. He did not wave as his father might have. His father's speeches ended with him talking laughing and conversing with his favorites.

Instead, he merely turned from them and slowly walked off the stage. He came off it to find his 'closest' brothers and sister waiting with their Grand Admirals.

Livy like always looked like a snake about to strike. She dressed like she was Marie Antoinette, with her garish colored oversized dress. She had on her enough gold and jewels to buy a super carrier with the Hope diamond around her neck. Next to her was Cyan in addition to his uniform he seemed to think it was also the 1700's France with his ridiculous puffy collar. They were both models of why revolutions happen as far as Romulus was concerned.

Gracchus was in his battle armor having apparently ignored that this was an important show of Imperial strength not a battlefield. His suit showed signs of wear and tear. He had used it battle many times. He looked unwashed like he had just come from battle. It was a disgrace as far as Romulus was concerned. Crimson in his dress uniform was however looked actually dressed for this occasion.

Remus was wearing his puppy dog eyes like he was begging for something. He was dressed fine, but Romulus knew he wasn't at all sober. He had been stumbling earlier forcing Byzantium to carry him. It was a disgrace. He could blow up planets, yet he was content with drinking until he couldn't see or stand straight. It happened before every kind of gathering like this. He was fond of saying he was 'sorry', but he'd always do it anyways.

They were a broken lot his family and his other brothers and sisters were not much better.

Livy curtseyed and with a smile said, "Husband it was a wonderful speech." And just like that she had managed to ruin the moment and made Romulus wanted to strangle someone. He was unsure how she managed it, but she did, and she knew it.

Gracchus stepped forwarded and looked like he was about to go into some speech when Remus stumbled forward drunk. He started crying a bit and incoherent rambled about loving him. Remus grabbed hold of him and hugged him very hard.

Romulus tried to push him off but even in this state his brother was a league above him in strength. His grip was iron clad. Remus continued to mumble until he threw up on him forcing Gracchus, Byzantium and Crimson to help pull him off while Livy nor Cyan even bother to move an inch. The two just stood there staring while smiling. They looked like if vultures could smile.

They got Remus off him. Gracchus stared bloody daggers at Byzantium who squeaked out in his defensive "I can't control him or tell him what to do. Hell, his mother Yurin can't stop him, how can I?"

Gracchus growl out to him "Get him out of here. Now!"

Byzantium started to help him away as Remus moaned out some more.

Gracchus came back towards Romulus "Melancholy always seems to have overtaking him… Now get back to the matter. I have a list."

Romulus sighed at that "I'm sorry brother but it will have to wait. I have vomit on my cape and a room full of Moff's I need to meet. I'm sure you list of party members that you wish killed can wait. Perhaps our sister can help you. She enjoys killing things. I'm sure she knows how to skin puppies to make a coat. I'm sure that she will be most helpful in your endeavor." All said as he walked away.

He violently ripped off his black cape and tossed it onto the ground. He made his way down the hallways to the meeting room. He flung open the doors to find the round table with the Moff's and their staffs entering the room.

They heiled him and he heiled them back. Romulus could see that his uncles and aunt were as he always knew them. Grey was showing little as his predecessor did. He was not someone to play poker against. The Grand Moff had continued to build the universe's biggest and most powerful military. All done with the brutal efficiency of a master accountant. They had yet to lose a battle with him in charge.

Teal had his grin. He always reminded him of his father even if there was no actual connect. His hair was turning white in certain spots. Green had really rubbed off on the two of them.

Violet looked bored. She wanted to go back to her estates. If Livy took after anyone it was Violet. Violet always made sure she was earning, and she was in control of the finances.

The three came around to shake his hand. Teal smacked him on the back and called him "Nephew".

All four then sat down. He knew the three of them had more contact with his father then he did so this was almost the reverse of how this should work.

"So, my father wishes to end the war?"

"He had me draw up the plans. The bean counters tell us that are debt situation is dire. Continued war is bad for business. Now next month is the day your father came Earth it will be the start date of the offensive."

"Well good then we can finish up our planet building program. We have a long list of planets that we have pledged to develop. Since my father has seeded me some control. I want you three of you to being planning for the aftermath. Many of ally's worlds were damaged by the general uprising and many worlds that have sided with us are in some cases preindustrial. Since Father has instructed the MO to make contact with these worlds, I think it will be only right that we uplift them."

Teal chuckled at this "So a bit of the old green haired boy is still around."

"Uncle we have built a new galaxy. A galaxy that we have promised to freer and equaler. That makes this an obligation. The hominids of the galaxy need an Earth that not just break their chains but helps them build a city. If war is all we have then it means not a whole lot has changed. Earth is going to be in charge and its friends should not just be starving peasants."

Grey injected "I agree but we have more pressing concerns."

Teal contributed "Indeed, the failure of your hunting party."

He sighed "I know they have failed to find…"

Teal shook his head "No, you misunderstand. My agent just gave me the news they found them, but failed to catch them." It was like a bomb had gone off.

Grey spoke up again "Nephew I didn't want this little mission to happen, but it did and I afraid this casts a lot of shadows."

Violet then included "Evidently my daughter when they had nearly won ordered a retreat. Which cost us a lot. A lot more than first imaged."

Grey then said "Tarble happened. He was there indicating that he has made direct contact with them. Meaning that the wider galaxy is about to have another wayward Prince join the war on the wrong side."

Teal was stone faced for a change "Along with the one woman that can claim in single combat to have beaten your father and the smartest human in the galaxy is with them."

Violet the added "It was my and his daughter but your operation. The fact that we had it inform you of this is also not comforting. Your underlining seemed unconcerned with informing you."

Teal gave a huff "You're a good kid but perhaps a greater role for you is a little premature in light of this. Policy is well, our business. You best keep to your objectives instead."

Romulus felt like he had just been ripped apart. He wants to scream but merely sat there as the Moffs left him.

Arnold found himself slammed up against the wall his laughing skull pin falling off as Videl shook him. They were in the CIC with the staff all round looking puzzled and confused.

Videl yelled in his face "What did you tell them!?"

Arnold gasping for air as Videl choked him "Only the truth…That you abandoned the field and that Tarble was there."

"What about the fog damn it!"

"There was enough time. Your father needed to know."

"I should snap your neck right now!"

"But that still wouldn't give you this Gohan."

Videl let him go. She knew killing him would accomplish nothing. She looked at Erasa. "Do you agree with him."

Erasa shook her head "No, but I don't agree with you either. We had them Captain. Dead to rights. We had surprise and numbers. You survived the fog, right? You're here on our side. We could have survived it."

Videl had never seen what she was seeing now in Erasa's eyes suspicion. Videl felt like the truth was written on her face and that they knew. Erasa was her damn blood sister. She had been there since the beginning.

Videl not able to look her in the eyes "You don't what's in that fog."

Her Yeoman came up to her "Captain! The Prince wishes to discuss the situation with you."

Videl stiffened up her back and nodded he knew her cousin had a temper. This was going to be painful.

Bill jumped up to find himself in the med bay. Mai was sitting right next to him. She looked relieved at first but then gave him a sour face.

"Is everyone okay?"

"Yes despite your best efforts. I'm sorry but your chance to become a martyr was interrupted."

Bill looked at her sadly "Mai…"

"I get that you don't really value your life. I however do and it hard sometimes…" She didn't bother to finish.

"It would have been the right call."

Mai shook her head "How you figure? You would have been dead, and we might have lost a chance at an ally."

He spat out "We have no allies."

"My point exactly. We've made no progress. Earth is just a distant memory. It's like you take every opportunity to avoid trying to advance our cause."

"We are our own cause at this point."

"Are you that scared? You'd rather die than face it?"

His eye said it all. He thought himself already dead.

Mai sighed at him "We survived and so did Tarble. He's a Super Saiyan. When he wakes up, we're going to decide what to do maybe give him I arm to replace the broken one. Bulma says our ship is slower than theirs. But the fog is keeping them away for now, but it won't keep them away forever." She got up and walked out leaving him alone.

He looked out the window only to see fog and his reflection in it.

"Explain it to me again wouldn't you Mom." They were in the living space of the ship. Trunks was there but not Bulma she was still monitoring Tarble.

She looked to the ground in shame "It was as I said. I was young and stupid. He was charming, and I saw what he wanted me to see. Even after I knew who he was I couldn't shake the image, so I fell into the devil's bed." There was a pause Gohan still seemed angry.

s "Gohan buddy. I know this might be none of my business, but my mom and the others already have accepted it. I mean your dad killed mine but you're not really that assholes kid, you're Bill's. He's your real dad man. Your mom may have lied but it wasn't a complete one."

"I don't like being lied to by two people that taught me that lying was wrong and that honesty was the best policy."

Chi-Chi shook her head "Bill only did what I told him to do. He never wanted to start this, but I told him to. The reason why is simple. It was mine job to tell you not him. Please don't be cross with him."

"Mom I don't know what to think. I don't think you trust me which hurts."

"Don't trust…?"

"That's reason why you didn't tell me. It's because you though I would become like him. Dad looks at my tail sometimes and freezes. I think I understand where he is coming from but you. Would have you ever willingly told me? Maybe I understand not telling me when I was younger, but you still thought that I could become like him now?"

Chi-Chi teared up and could say nothing in her defense.

Gohan shook his head and left the room with Trunks soon following after him.

"Please don't try to defend my mom right now Trunks. I don't want to hear it right now."

"No, it's not that. We kind of have a problem right now with the Empire. That's not going to be solved by this. Billions of people are still being hurt by them and they probably are coming to take us all away."

"This has been well established."

"Well, that Tarble guy is a Saiyan right? And you're a Saiyan right. Maybe he can teach you how to go blonde like he did back there. He was like stronger than all of us put together in that moment."

"He was still beaten by that cyborg."

"He was making the cyborg work for it more. Gohan we need to do something. Those people that came with Tarble got slaughtered like they were animals. They are doing this everywhere. We have been hiding for far too long. Your dad and mom might have given up, but we shouldn't."

Gohan nodded at his logic "Your right. That does sound a lot better than running. Maybe if we do this, I can have more time to get through to Videl."

"Bro I know she ordered a retreat but that does mean she's on our side."

"You don't get it. They lied to her they used her. She a victim of them just like us. They killed her father. There is an army of people like her brainwashed to be loyal."

Trunks sarcastically asked, "So were going to do this for every stormtrooper?"

"No. Just for everyone that we know can see the light."

Tarble's eyes slammed opened as he heard humming. He looked hoping to see Gure only to see Bulma dressing his wounds.

Tarble signed and said, "I was for a second there hoping angels had blue hair."

Bulma looked at him with a smile "Go to know cowboy. I look like an angel to you."

"Well, I was hoping that I was waking up elsewhere."

"You thought I was angel and that you were going to wake up in heaven and find Gure."

Tarble a little shooked "How did you…?"

"You were talking a little while ago."

"I was?"

"It did sound very fun you ended up breaking a lot of your bandages in your trashing. Maybe it's better you don't remember it."

Tarble deflated "Sorry didn't mean to make your job harder. My dreams are too real and loud sometimes."

"Well aren't you singing a different tune from earlier. Well don't worry my dreams about Yamcha aren't always super fun either. Us widows got to stick together. He was killed by that monster too."

Tarble nodded "Sorry to hear that happen to you. Don't worry one day I get revenge for all of them."

"So, you back to steel huh?"

"Anger is a lot more useful. They don't need to be wept for they need vengeance."

"The dead don't need anything, they're dead. Nor would I think Gure would be very happy with you too eager to join her."

"Revenge is all I live for sad as it is Lady…."

"Its Bulma"

"Bulma. I don't know what you live for but it's what I live for."

"Well since these wounds are going anywhere anytime soon, I'd say that I'm going have some time to change your mind."

"I can't say I'm a fan of that doctor. I'd prefer it if you just kept it to the physical instead of trying to get into my head."

Bulma chuckled "Hey I can do both. I can make spaceships honey. I can give you a new arm staple you together and try and fix that wounded heart of yours. I'm a genius after all."

Tarble snorted "Fine. Whatever, just give me a new arm damnit."

Bulma smiled "So there is more than just looks in the family resemblance."

Tarble spit out "Just fix me up."

Videl had been on her knee for what felt like an hour in silence as she was glared at by Romulus's hologram. She could feel his rage through the projector. It was like he was imaging how he was going to cut her up.

He needn't have said a word. She knew the score. She had made him look really stupid to her father and his. Image was everything to him she knew. He was trying to use his mind to strangle her but failing.

Romulus robotic voice hissed "My father has ordered me to Yardrat. Expected me promptly Captain." The transmission terminated.

Sorry this took so long.