Sorry about the slow update. There are several good excuses, but I will not bore you with them here. I hope this chapter does not bore you either. Have fun.
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball Z.
Chapter 52
The ship that Kuriza had summoned to transport Gohan and company to the Big Gete Star was unusual to say the least. The outside reminded Gohan of a mix between a giant oblong Saiyan pod and an old school hot rod. The inside was bare, and chrome plated, without furniture or even a control center. The group found this odd, since even the basic vessels that they were used to at least had a chair or a way to navigate.
"Um, Mister Kuriza?" Pearl raised her hand. "Your ship is very… Shiny, but where are we supposed to sit?"
Kuriza sneered. "I forget how far behind the technology of primitive beings can be." With a wave of his hand, the metallic floor began to warp and shift. In an instant, enough chairs for everyone appeared near the front of the ship, in addition to a large, thronelike chair at the front. Kuriza walked to the throne, sat down, and several robotic limbs came down from the ceiling to start work on replacing his missing tail and arm. "It will not take long to reach our destination, but by all means, be seated."
Zangya raced to the front seat. "Shotgun!"
"Shotgu- Aw, dangit!" Gohan snapped his fingers while Zangya stuck her tongue out in triumph. She sat down and Gohan smiled when he noticed there were two front seats. He was about to sit next to his girlfriend when the seat was suddenly occupied by Turk.
"Heh, seat's taken punk. First come, first served." The protective brother jeered.
Gohan looked to Zangya for support, but she shrugged with a smile. "Sorry Riceball. Rules of seating are absolute."
The teen grumbled as he sulked his way to the back of the ship, followed by an equally disgruntled Esmerelda. They were both muttering about 'lousy sis-cons' as they sat down. He looked to the side to see that Pearl was smiling in the seat next to him. Zangya looked back and growled, but the smaller girl just repeated her own words.
"Rules of seating are absolute."
Zangya faced forward and folded her arms in a huff while the remainder of the group took their own seats. As soon as the last person was situated, the ship took off.
Everyone was silent at first. None of the empire's warriors were quite sure of how to act in this situation. They were on an enemy ship, but were they diplomats, or prisoners of war? It felt a little like both to most of them. Some were even starting to have second thoughts about volunteering to come. In contrast, Zangya and Gohan didn't seem especially bothered or nervous by the current developments. Gohan was sure that things would work out one way or the other, and confident in his abilities to make it happen. For her part, Zangya was studying the ship's sparce interior with an almost confused expression.
"What's up sis?" Turk asked.
"Nothing, I guess." Zangya replied. "This place just seems familiar is all."
Turk looked around. "Well, there's not much to be familiar with. Although now that you mention it, the outer design did give me sense of DeJa'Vu."
"Maybe it reminds you of the ships on Hera?" Esmerelda guessed out loud, but Turk and Zangya shook their heads.
"No, Hera didn't have any ships." Turk replied. "Our people didn't need them for space travel."
"That's right." Zangya nodded in agreement, then looked thoughtful. "Actually, one person did have a ship of sorts. Everyone said he was a loon, but I thought it was pretty cool." Then her eyes lit up as realization dawned.
"Hey chestnut?" She called Kuriza, whose limbs had already been re-synthesized.
"The name is Kuriza." The cyborg said coldly. He stood up and looked down at her.
"Right, right." She nodded before pressing on. "Where did you say we were going again?"
"Heh. What? Were you too awed by my power to hear me the first time?" Kuriza bragged, possibly forgetting the beating he was subjected to. "Very well. I shall say it once more for the lower lifeforms. We are going to the most advanced space station ever to be created. The Big Gete star."
"Oh." Zangya thought for a moment. "Are you sure you don't mean the Spaghetti star?"
Kuriza was puzzled. "Er… No. I mean the Big Gete Star."
"It's just that it sounds like Spaghetti star." Zangya looked at him suspiciously.
"Aw, no way!?" Turk looked excited. "Are we going to the Spaghetti star!?"
"No." Kuriza said, trying to keep his tone level despite his annoyance. "I very clearly stated that we are going to the Big Gete Star. It is a space station so advanced that despite its ancient origins, its capabilities have remained unsurpassed."
"Right, because it runs on an AI system that records and incorporates any new and useful technology it comes across." Zangya finished her explanation with a smile.
Kuriza was stunned, "H-how did you know that?"
"Ha! It is the Spaghetti star!" Zangya pumped her fist.
"For the last time, it's called the Big Gete Star!" Kuriza shouted, having finally lost his patience. "It was developed by the greatest mind in history as a war machine, used to bend whole galaxies to the will of him who created it! There is no way that an engine of death would be named something so stupid!"
"Actually, it was developed by a goofy old man on Hera for scientific exploration and used to 'score with the space honeys.' It's how Great Uncle Spaghetti met our great aunt." Zangya explained.
"I always wondered what happened to it. It was kind of a bummer when Aunt Kapreze made him get rid of it. All because it was taking up too much room in the garage." Turk shook his head. "The joyrides he took us on were awesome. And the sandwiches were great too."
"They were pretty good." The Hera twins smiled at the memory. "Hey, if this ship is part of the Spaghetti star, it should have the same functions. Computer!" She ordered, and a hologram keyboard and screen appeared in front of her.
"Nice!" Turk hopped in front of the screen and started typing. "Make. Me. A. Sandwich. Enter." The Hera man sat back down and looked around expectantly for a sandwich to appear. When none did, Turk looked very disappointed.
"Ha!" Kuriza gloated. "See? It's not your ridiculous 'Spaghetti' star after all! Now you must call it by its correct name."
"Hold on." Zangya looked at the screen. "You forgot the run code. My. Honey. Kapreze." The cyborg's smug expression transformed to stunned disbelief as soon as she pressed enter. A little robot zoomed out of the wall and presented a platter to the Hera siblings.
"Oh boy!" Turk rubbed his hands together. "I can't remember the last time I had a good gyro."
"And it's all synthesized, so the lamb is cruelty free." Zangya took a large bite before smiling with stuffed cheeks at the metal man.
Kuriza picked his jaw off the floor and clenched his fists. "It's the Big Gete Star." He spoke through gritted teeth.
"Shpaghetti shtar." Zangya corrected cheerfully and with a full mouth.
"Big Gete Star."
"Spaghetti star."
"Big Gete Star."
"Spaghetti star."
"Big Gete Star."
"Big Gete Star."
"Spaghetti star."
"HA! Gotcha!" Zangya pointed at her adversary in delight. Clearly there was no end to the wisdom that Earth cartoons provided.
"Gah! No, I didn't mean…" Kuriza fumbled over his words and despite his semi metallic face, it almost looked like his cheeks were growing red. He opened his mouth, but something flashed in his eyes, and he turned around with forced calmness. "Well, you'll soon see the error of your assumptions. We have arrived."
As the ship dropped out of warp speed, the passengers looked through the windshield to get a glimpse of the enemy base.
"I don't see a space station anywhere." Alex commented. "Unless it's behind that giant moon."
Kuriza looked at the girl smugly. He opened his mouth, but Gohan cut him off.
"Don't say it."
"Say what?" Kuriza asked.
"You know what you were gonna say." The teen replied firmly.
"Wow!" Zangya exclaimed while she and Turk pressed their faces against the window. "It's gotten so much bigger. I guess it's been a while."
"Wait, you don't mean?" Alex's eyes went wide.
"Yes." Kuriza nodded. "Welcome to the Big Gete Star."
"Spaghetti star."
"GRAH!"
Break
The ship entered the planet sized space station and landed in a large docking bay. Led by Kuriza, the crew disembarked and followed the cyborg into a passageway.
"Interesting." Esmerelda was observing the structure. "The outside is like a giant meatball, while the insides must have billions of wires running through it like noodles. No wonder it's called the Spaghetti star."
"For the last time!" Kuriza shouted. "It's the Big Gete Star! And if you know what's good for you, don't you dare call it otherwise in front of the master." The cyborg warned with a very grave tone. "My lord does not take well to insults."
"Or failures. Which means you won't be around much longer. Will you, Kuriza?"
The group stopped at the intrusion of this new voice. Leaning against the wall with a condescending expression was another cyborg. This one was obviously from a different race. He was a tall and gangly creature. The parts of his body that were still skin were a lilac color and he had no hair. His squinty eyes made his smug face all the more unbearable to Kuriza.
"Who are you calling a failure, Tagoma." The chestnut head growled. "I've accomplished the mission my uncle gave me."
"I doubt that he will see it that way." The insufferable smile widened. "Lord Cooler knows all, Kuriza. Did you really think we didn't see your pathetic display against the filthy macaque?"
Kuriza gulped. Was his uncle really observing him the whole time? The thought made him nervous. He shook his head and reminded himself that the course he took was the only one available. Son Gohan was so powerful that he doubted if any of his fellow elites, including the lieutenant, would have been able to beat him. He made the best decision available to him and even his uncle wouldn't be able to fault him for his conduct in this regard. He hoped.
Kuriza adopted a cold expression and pushed past Tagoma. "Get boiled. I have more important people to talk to than some squinty egg boy."
The taller cyborg frowned as the group passed him. "Aw, I understand. You're just ashamed. I would be too if I were you. How could the son of Frieza be so weak?"
Kuriza growled and quickened his pace. Now was not the time for a petty squabble. Not when he had a report to make. Tagoma saw that Kuriza was determined to ignore him, and his frown deepened. Then Gohan passed by, his tail waving freely. His smug smile returned as he reached down to pull on the Saiyan's appendage. Before he could close his grip, the tail wrapped around his wrist and pulled him forward and off balance. With Tagoma still caught off guard, another swish of the tail sent him flying into a wall and sliding to the ground. He shook his head, then looked up in anger and embarrassment.
"Why you!" he started, but the look he got from Gohan and Zangya seemed to freeze his whole body. His mouth went dry, and his frame shuddered at the cold superiority in Gohan's eyes, coupled with the anger in Zangya's.
"Looks like this macaque just made a monkey out of you." Gohan chuckled, while Pearl, Zangya, and even Turk started laughing at the way Gohan handled the foolish cyborg. Tagoma stood up and ran down the corridor.
"Just wait till Lord Cooler hears about this!" He called back.
"Yeah, go ahead and tell your boss about your pathetic display against a filthy monkey!" Gohan taunted. It wasn't so much the monkey comment that got to him, but he was always glad of the opportunity to put a bully in his place. Even if the victim was technically an enemy. Besides, only Zangya was allowed to touch the tail. He turned to Kuriza who was staring at him with something akin to admiration. "Let's hurry this up."
"R-right. It's not too far now." The cyborg replied.
It only took a few minutes for the group to reach a large double door which slid open automatically when Kuriza approached. They made their way into a tall circular room with several caged doors at the floor level. Three quarters of the way up was a ledge that ran around the entire circumference of the room. Just above that ledge was a platform, though this was only wide enough for a single person. The design of the room reminded Gohan of gladiatorial arenas that he had studied in history class. Maybe he was naïve to think that they would actually be negotiating. Perhaps this room was meant to be their final battle ground.
Well, Gohan was more than happy to wreak a little havoc if that's what it took to make these people see reason. He looked up when he noticed that several new figures had arrived, all of them seemed to have the same cyborg enhancements as Kuriza. To his right, there was an ape like cyborg, a red guy with bull horns, and Tagoma. On the left, were two identical creatures with a spike on their heads, one was blue, the other was red. Nearest to the center was a blue humanoid with blond hair. Finally, sitting on a throne atop the higher platform was a cyborg that appeared to be the same race as Kuriza.
His body contained more metal than the rest of the cyborgs, with the only part of him that was flesh being his left eye and the upper portion of his head. The cybernetics that made up the rest of him were sleek and had a natural appearance. Unlike the others, his enhancements looked as if they were always a part of him. With a cheek resting on his fist, and one leg crossed over the other, the master of the space station looked down at the group with a cold, calculating stare. He may have born a resemblance to Kuriza, but the manner and bearing were completely different in the larger, stronger looking frost demon. Even Frieza didn't possess such a commanding presence as this. Though the others felt intimidated by the pressure he was emitting, Gohan sent the same hard gaze right back at Cooler.
When Kuriza mentioned a boss, Gohan half expected it to somehow be Frieza. Unfortunately, even after he discovered the head cyborg wasn't the old tyrant, it didn't set him at ease. This man resembled Frieza in some ways, yet even discounting strength, he seemed far more dangerous. The teen tried to feel out the cyborg's power but was unable to do so. Unlike with 18, he could feel the energy, but it was obscured. Almost like there was static that kept him from interpreting the energy. One thing he could determine was that this frost demon was far stronger than Kuriza.
The stare down lasted for several seconds, each person studying the other. Finally, their attention was drawn from their private battle when Kuriza dropped to a knee and greeted his master.
"Hail Lord Cooler! I beg to report that I have completed my mission on the planet Cereal. I present to you, the legendary super Saiyan, Son Gohan."
Silence prevailed in the throne room as Kuriza kept his head bowed under his uncle's scrutinizing eyes. Finally, he spoke. "The legendary super Saiyan, Son Gohan?"
"Yes master."
"I see." Cooler's eyes swept over the group, pausing for a moment on the Hera siblings, then finally resting on Broly. The Saiyan furrowed his brow, and Cooler smiled coldly at his old foe. "Tell me Kuriza," Cooler continued without taking his eyes off Broly. "Is incompetence hereditary, or should I attribute your bumbling to you alone?"
Kuriza's blood ran cold. "Uncle, I-"
*SLAM*
Coolers metal tail hit the floor, cutting off his nephew's response. He glared at what was technically his relation. "I don't recall allowing you to address me by that moniker."
"Yes sire, please forgive me for my insolence." The smaller frost demon bit back any excuse he was about to give.
Cooler continued. "Incompetent as you are, I suppose I can show mercy this once. You did bring me what I wanted." He turned his attention back to Broly. "Based on our last encounter, I would never have thought you were the type to cower while others fought your battles. I thought you were more honorable than that. I suppose I misjudged the 'legendary' super Saiyan. Eh, Broly?"
For the first time since entering the chamber, Kuriza raised his head with a look of confusion. He looked at Gohan, then turned to the one called Broly, then back to Gohan. "But I thought… Aren't you the legendary super Saiyan of the Jade empire?"
"Nope." Gohan replied. "I'm from Earth. I think that's what Broly was called while he fought for them. I was just helping out my friends."
"A gesture which I will never forget. But one I never should have let you give." Broly thanked his friend while stepping to the front. He moved in front of Gohan and stared at Cooler with a determined expression. "I'm not hiding, Cooler. I'm right here."
Gohan stepped back while keeping his eyes on both parties. He wasn't certain what Broly was planning, but he decided to let him take over for now. Perhaps these two could reach a peaceful resolution, however unlikely that may be. Nevertheless, he kept his guard up, knowing that if it came to violence, his friend didn't stand a chance.
"I'm glad to see you again Broly. How long has it been since you and your master came to take what was rightfully mine?" Cooler asked casually but the Saiyan remained silent. "You wouldn't believe the amount of chaos your actions have caused for my empire. Still, I suppose I should thank you. Without you, I would never have acquired the all-mighty power of the Big Gete Star."
"Spaghetti Star."
Cooler turned a cold stare to the blue girl who had uttered the comment. "I beg your pardon?"
Kuriza furiously motioned for her to stay quiet, but Zangya ignored the chestnut head.
"This space station. It's called the Spaghetti star. It was made on Hera by my great uncle Spaghetti." She explained.
Cooler adopted a thoughtful face before responding. "Indeed." He acknowledged with a nod. "My database matches your statement. However, that was a long time ago. What you call it makes little difference to me. Regardless of its original name and owner, I am its master now. And as I said earlier, I have Broly to thank for it." He turned once more to the full blooded Saiyan. "How shall I thank my dear friend and benefactor?" His words dripped with sarcasm, and the minions of Cooler chuckled with eagerness. They couldn't wait to see what their master had in store for Broly.
Broly's next move shocked everyone. Even Cooler was thrown by the unexpected behavior. The Saiyan dropped to his knee and bowed his head.
"Lord Cooler." Broly's asked in his most respectful tone. "If it is vengeance you seek for the wrongs done to you by the Jade empire, I humbly surrender myself to you as a peace offering. Do with me what you will."
"WHAT!?" The warriors of the Jade empire gave a collective shout.
Gohan looked at his friend in confusion. "Broly, what are you-"
He was cut off by the Saiyans large hand. Broly looked at Gohan with a pleading stare before he lifted his head and looked Cooler in the eyes.
"The Jade emperor has been defeated, and as the one who defeated you, Lord Cooler, I am the one who bears responsibility for what has occurred. You sent Kuriza to collect me, and here I am. I subject myself to whatever punishment you deem fit to atone for my actions against you and your empire. In return, I ask that the lives of my comrades, and the well-being of the citizens of the Jade Empire not be threatened. I offer no resistance, so please," Broly begged. "Please let them go in peace."
"Broly! This wasn't the plan! Who the hell asked you to sacrifice yourself!?" Adamantia yelled in fury. "You think I'll let you go through with this!?"
When Broly didn't respond, Adamantia was about to keep shouting, but she was stopped by Zangya's firm hand on her shoulder. She was about to round on the Hera but something in her eyes made her stop. Zangya didn't like this situation one bit, but there was one thing she trusted in, and that was Gohan. She knew that Gohan wouldn't let any harm happen to one of their friends. She knew that Broly would be alright. She didn't know how, but that faith somehow made its way to the diamond fighter, and she fell quiet, watching Broly in silent anxiety.
Cooler stared silently at the kneeling Saiyan, contemplating his words. After what felt like eternity, a cold chuckle escaped his metallic mouth.
"Heheheh. How amusing. To think that someone so far beneath me would value themselves so highly as to think they could bargain with me. Comedic though it is, your offer of peace has once again, been denied."
Broly looked up in shock at the blatant rejection. "But… Why!? The emperor is dead, and I am offering a chance at revenge without a fight. Wreak your vengeance on me, but please, just let my comrades go. They pose no threat to you."
"Being weaker than me is no reason to not kill them. I don't stop my foot from crushing bugs merely because they are no threat." Cooler laughed. "You are also mistaken in why I sent Kuriza to capture you. Vengeance on you doesn't interest me at the moment but thought I could use you for a project of mine. As it turns out, my servant returned with a better prize." His gaze shifted to Gohan. "Like the machine that we are standing in, I keep what is of value and dispose of the useless trash." He explained to the teen, then he raised his arm and his soldiers snapped to attention. "Gentlemen, dispose of the trash."
"YES SIR!" The six warriors on the ledge replied and launched themselves at the enemy below with wicked glee. Before they reached their targets, gold and red light burst forth and halted their advance. Before they could resume their attack, the transformed Gohan and Zangya were on the six in an instant.
Garana the gorilla man launched a fist at Gohan, which the Saiyan slipped past and countered with a fist in the ape cyborgs face, then followed up with a roundhouse kick to his body. The gorilla was sent flying and Gohan turned just in time to catch the charging bull cyborg Shisami by his horns. With a smile, the teen brought his head back before slamming it with such force on his opponent's face that the horns broke off in Gohan's hand and the bull man sunk to the ground in a heap.
"You caught me off guard last time Saiyan!" Tagoma yelled from behind. "Let's see how you handle me at OOF!" The egg man's threat, along with his assault, was stopped as the super Saiyan turned to sink a knee in to his attacker's gut. He drove it deep and continued to charge forward until he slammed Tagoma into a wall, shaking the space station. His victim was about to sink to the floor, but the teen drove both of Shisami's horns into the egg man's shoulders, pinning him to the wall.
While Gohan was handling his trio, Zangya was faring just as well. The twin cyborgs, Abo and Cado, came first, but were caught in a web of psycho thread that Zangya had been weaving since they entered the room. They struggled against her binding technique, only to be wrapped up further in the wires and pulled toward their captor, then pummeled over and over like a couple of paddle balls. Zangya ended their punishment when she saw Salza coming at her with a purple energy blade and punched her captives at him with the force of a cannon. Cooler's lieutenant dodged both cannonballs and they sped past him, lodging themselves into the wall. He slashed his blade at Zangya, but he hit air and his robotic arm was sliced off by the Z sword. She kneed him in the stomach then brought the sword pommel down on his back, slamming him to the floor. He made to push himself up, but her boot forced him back down and he sensed a cold point on the fleshy part of his neck.
"Let's not lose our heads here." She said menacingly and turned to Cooler. "Betcha wish your girlfriends were tough like me."
"I'm glad mine is." Gohan complimented his girlfriend. "I'd give you a hand, but you already took his." Then he also looked at Cooler. Despite the apparent ease with which the duo dealt with his elite cyborgs, the boss didn't even seem phased by their display. On the contrary, he seemed pleased.
"Very well done Kuriza." Cooler smiled and praised his nephew who was in a state of shock at the ease with which Gohan and Zangya thrashed his fellow elites. "Accident though it may have been, it seems that you brought me exactly what I need. This Saiyan is perfect. He even has a tail."
Kuriza shook himself from his stupor and turned to his master before bowing. "Th-thank you my lord. I live to serve you."
"Quite." He responded. "You may take everyone but Son Gohan and the Hera girl away. Treat them well. I wouldn't want to upset a potential business partner."
Before Kuriza could reply, Gohan and Zangya stepped in front of him as a means of warning.
"You may be at ease." Cooler told the couple. "No harm will come to them. Not until our business is complete."
Gohan and Zangya looked at each other, then eyed Cooler suspiciously.
"You have my word." He assured them. "You did not kill my men, and so I shall reciprocate this courtesy. You have both impressed me, and I find myself willing to negotiate. But only with you, Son Gohan. Isn't that why you came here?"
Gohan thought about this. True, he could just fight Cooler now and tear the space station apart in the process. Then again, he wasn't certain how strong the cyborg actually was. Judging by his lack of reaction at their performance, he likely didn't see them as a threat even in their transformed states. The thought of someone that powerful made him feel a tug of excitement at the back of his mind. Maybe he could even let loose his super Saiyan demon form. Of course, there was the others' safety to consider. A fight of that magnitude in the middle of space would definitely cause some casualties. Fighting was always an option, but in the name of helping his friends, he decided to at least hear Cooler out.
"If any harm comes to them, you and this space station are history." Gohan warned.
The frost demon nodded casually. "Noted." Then he signaled his nephew with a nod to follow his orders. Before moving, the warriors of the Jade empire looked at Broly and Adamantia for guidance, while Broly was looking at Gohan.
"Don't worry." Gohan assured them. "We'll take care of this."
Broly let out a sigh of regret. "This isn't your responsibility."
"Hey, what are friends for." Zangya winked. "You just keep the others safe. We'll make sure he sees reason."
With a final sigh, Broly nodded and turned to follow Kuriza. Adamantia looked in frustration at her friend. She was seasoned enough to know exactly how outclassed they all were. It galled her that she had to rely on the earth brat, but that's how things stood. She finally growled. "I guess we don't have a choice." With that comment, Kuriza took his cue to lead them out of the throne room.
Zangya watched them go, her smile shifting to a slightly worried expressions. She was especially concerned about her little brother. "Maybe I should go with them."
"You need not be concerned." Cooler replied and the pair spun around to see that he was now standing right behind them. "I do not claim to be a man of virtue, but I always keep my word. I am a businessman after all."
The speed that Cooler had just displayed to get behind them undetected put Gohan on edge.
"You conquer and trade planets. What kind of business is that?" The teen asked with disdain.
"A lucrative one, if done properly." Cooler replied without feeling. "I must admit, I am surprised that you would condemn me for conquering planets. After all, isn't that what your friends of the jade empire have done?"
"Yeah, until I stopped them." Gohan said with an underlying tone that suggested the same could happen to Cooler. "They changed their ways, and now they're my friends. Their emperor wasn't so smart. The ones who followed his lead are dead. I don't approve of anyone who harms the innocent for their own selfish gain."
"Interesting." Cooler mused. The threat didn't seem to move him. "Doesn't that strike you as hypocritical for a Saiyan to say? Your people were genocidal monsters. They were gifted killers, and more than happy to assist in my father and brother's destructive tendencies. Or do you hold them exempt from your sense of justice because they share your blood?"
Gohan wasn't dumb enough to think that just because his father and Broly were good hearted that the other Saiyan's were also that way. He thought back to his first encounters with Raditz, and later Nappa. "A Saiyan who harms the innocent for fun or profit is no different than Frieza in my eyes. Of course, both parties paid for their crimes in the end." Gohan said simply.
"So, you would even fight your own kind in the name of protecting the 'innocent'?"
"Gohan's a hero. Of course, he'd protect the innocent." Zangya said, impatient with Coolers scrutiny. "You should have seen what he did to Broly and Vegeta when they got out of line."
Cooler smiled. It seemed that this was exactly what he wanted to hear. "That is encouraging. Now I'm sure you would be inclined to accept my proposal."
"That depends on the terms." Gohan replied coolly. He still couldn't guess what Cooler's game was.
"Then let us begin the negotiations." Cooler said simply. "If you would not mind releasing my lieutenant, he will escort my men to a repair bay." He said to Zangya, who had her blade on Salza's neck this whole time.
"Oh. Right." Zangya sheepishly got off the Brenchman and Salza calmly got up and after a scathing look at the woman, wordlessly executed his master's orders.
As soon as the room was clear of all but the three of them, Cooler waved a hand to produce three chairs and a table.
"Now, to business." Cooler sat down. "I have a little problem, and I think you are just the 'hero' for the job."
Break
Kuriza was deep in thought as he led his charges down the corridor. His uncle had always had a cold superiority of manner. He was above everything and everyone. His power was enough to back up his attitude, and he had no doubt that he could accomplish any ambition he took into his mind. It was one of the things Kuriza admired about him, and he always tried to emulate Cooler, even more than his own father. He hadn't believed it when he was told that his uncle was defeated at first, and even tried to seek vengeance on the Jade empire. Of course, before he could even make the attempt, there were other enemies to concern himself with. Then, Cooler suddenly returned, and was in control of the most powerful weapon imaginable. Having fused with the Spaghetti, er, Big Gete Star, his coldness only increased, and his power was now unfathomable. He took in his most loyal followers and granted them a portion of that power if they served him. Even with their boost in strength, they were nothing compared to their master. He was their emperor before, but now? Now, he was a god.
That was why his actions toward Gohan were so astonishing to the young frost demon. He knew firsthand that the Saiyan was powerful, and his uncle respected power. Even so, to treat the warrior so well was absurd. A god descending to negotiate with a boy was beyond his comprehension. It almost seemed like Cooler was treating Gohan like an equal. Was his uncle merely playing with Gohan, or was there more to the Saiyan than he realized?
He stopped just outside of a door on his right-hand side and turned to face Broly, who was at the front of the crowd. "I have been instructed to treat you well. While Lord Cooler and Son Gohan negotiate, all your needs will be met. You may think of yourselves as my Lord's guests."
"More like hostages." Alex glared at the cyborg.
"If you prefer." Kuriza shrugged and the door slid open to reveal an enormous room with all the amenities that could be imagined.
"Wow!" Pearl looked in awe at the luxurious room. "Maybe we should have tried being hostages a while ago." This comment earned her a swift smack from her sister, followed by a harder thump from Adamantia.
"Fool." Was all their leader said.
"What?" Pearl asked while rubbing her goose egg. "It's not like we're really hostages. You guys saw what Gohan can do. If negotiations go south, he can just flip the table, so to speak. With him on our side, we have nothing to worry about."
"The kids ok." Turk admitted grudgingly. "But did you see what my big sis can do!?" He asked in excitement. "She was all like, Boom! Powpowpow! Shashiza!" His actions were as animated as his words.
"Gohan was better." Pearl insisted.
"No way! Zangya was!" Turk shot back.
Kuriza was observing this scene with the same interest a nature lover might observe two ducks squaring off. It was amusing and fascinating all at once. Just as Pearl and Turk were starting to compare 'feats' of their preferred hero, he realized that something, or someone, was missing. A quick scan for power levels quickly told him where the missing person was. He disappeared from the room.
Break
Just outside the room with the station's central core, Granolah was stealthily looking for the structure's weak point. He would be damned if he trusted a Saiyan monster to 'negotiate'. He'd take down this 2nd Frieza even if he died in the process.
Suddenly, a metal hand appeared and seized the green haired man by the throat.
"I have heard tell of the legendary eyesight of the Cerealians." Kuriza held the struggling Granolah aloft. "It truly must be something if you're able to navigate this station with it. Unfortunately for you, that will not be enough to accomplish what you have in mind."
The cyborg warped back to the other guests with his captive in tow and tossed Granolah none too gently in the middle of the surprised group. The sniper sat up and rubbed his throat while glaring at Kuriza.
"In case the rest of you are as foolish as this one, allow me to make something clear. If you have any plans of sabotage in mind, you can forget it. It would take more power than even the elite guard combined possesses in order to damage the energy core. I suggest that you wait patiently while your friend sorts things out. He strikes me as the sort who might even get a favorable outcome for you lot. If that is not to your liking," he stared at Granolah with glowing red eyes. "I will not hesitate to kill you. Consider that your only warning."
While Granolah was still glaring, the other warriors were at least experienced enough in diplomacy to not antagonize the really powerful robot guy. Even Adamantia was compliant. As much as she hated it, she was a military leader, and she knew it was the only chance to keep her subordinates alive.
"Glad that's settled." Kuriza said. "Now, since my lord has said that we won't kill you, I'd rather not have any of you force my hand. Since you all, quite frankly, annoy me, I have called someone to keep an eye on you in my stead."
As if on cue, the group heard the pounding of footsteps running up the hall. In a moment, a petite, yet curvy, green alien girl with short white hair slid to a stop at the doorway. She bent over with her hands on her knees to catch her breath. When she had done so, she stood up straight and saluted Kuriza.
"You called for me boss?"
Break
Cooler looked at Gohan, rather like a chess master who had found an advantageous move that his adversary wouldn't see till it was already checkmate. Gohan represented the winning piece, but he had to be moved carefully, or the gambit would fail.
"Tell me, Son Gohan." He began. "What do you know of the Elysia Crispata?"
Gohan was thrown off by this random question. He had never negotiated with the enemy before. Was this how these things usually went? If that was the case, he wasn't opposed to it. "Well, the lettuce slug is a type of sea mollusk that is mostly found in tropical shores. It gets its name from its leafy appearance."
Cooler blinked. "That is not the Elysia Crispata that I was asking about. Though they are both disgusting in their own way. No, the Elysia Crispata is a confederacy of pirates that has been plaguing my empire for many years. For much of the time that I ruled, I was able to put a check on their activities. In a few short years I would have wiped them out completely, even with their cowardly tactics. Unfortunately, the prosperity of my empire was disrupted by the Jade fool and his lackey." Despite his neutral expression, Gohan was sure that he heard the bitterness in his tone.
"The super Saiyan Broly defeated me, and my rule was overthrown. While I did survive, I was powerless. Barely a fragment of myself, I floated through space. I was unable to protect my empire from the ravages of the Elysia Crispata. They grew in number and in power, while the old relic who usurped me couldn't even be bothered to look after what he had stolen. My subordinates who had survived the Jade invasion were attempting to fend the pirates off, but they were no match, and I was helpless as the empire I had built from nothing was slowly being consumed."
"Then, fortune smiled upon me. I became one with the Big Gete Star and was reborn. Not only that, but I gained access to power and knowledge I could only ever have dreamed of before. I now had the power to destroy my enemies." Cooler Looked at his hand and made a fist. "Of course, when I realized the Jade army was all but wiped out, my most pressing debt was to the parasites who were leeching off my empire. With the resources now at my disposal thanks to the star, I was able to fortify my planets against their attacks. Unfortunately, in the time that I was absent, they had grown powerful themselves. The rank and file are nothing to me, but the leaders of this confederacy are almost as strong as I am. I have prevented them from taking more planets, but they are persistent, and continue to harass me in the hopes I will slip up. Each time I confront them, they flee back to their hole, and some veil shrouds them from even my sensors. It is a never-ending game of cat and mouse. A game which I have long since grown tired of playing."
Gohan and Zangya listened to this story patiently. If Gohan didn't know better, he'd have actually felt sorry for Cooler. But just as with Frieza and King Cold before, Gohan could see the pattern of justice taking its course in this situation.
"Sorry for not being more sympathetic, but I can't exactly feel bad for someone having planets taken from him when they were never his to begin with. What's the difference if the planet is ruled by you or some pirates? If you're anything like Frieza, then those planets are better off with the Elysia Crispata."
"You are mistaken on several counts, Son Gohan." Cooler corrected the young warrior. "You assume that I am like my brother. In fact, he was a fool who wasted the potential of his planets with senseless destruction. I, on the other hand, have built my empire from the ground up. I have enriched my subjects, along with myself, and while I am not a benevolent ruler, I am a fair one. So long as my people obey me, they have nothing to fear."
"Riiight." Gohan rolled his eyes. "I'm sure they're very happy living under your heel."
"There are some who would likely wish to rebel." Cooler admitted. "But living under my heel is better than the alternative. Which brings me to your second mistake. The pirates are far worse than me."
Cooler leaned back in his chair and a very lifelike hologram was projected from the table. It depicted a planet with blue oceans and green land masses.
"This is Keno-sha. A prosperous and peaceful planet."
The hologram zoomed in to show the locals of the planet going about their daily lives. They were milking animals, trading in markets, and enjoying the luxuries of their planet.
"Their main export was dairy. As I said, they were peaceful. They didn't even have a warrior class. They thrived under my rule. Until this happened."
The image zoomed out slightly, and Gohan and Zangya watched as tendril like vines started to constrict the planet. Interest turned to anger as they saw the vines destroying cities and killing innocent people as they grew out of control. The roots originated from a tree, large enough to be visible from space. In a matter of moments, the planet's life withered and was absorbed into the tree. Even the energy of the planets animals was taken from them, leaving them weak and emaciated.
"How awful." Zangya said sadly. "What is that thing?"
"That is the greatest weapon of the Elysia Crispata." Cooler explained. "They call it 'The Tree of Might.' It is a monstrous plant that absorbs the lifeforce of the planet it is planted on. At first, it could only absorb the nutrients of the planet itself, but not long ago, it adapted and started absorbing the energy of the citizens as well. The worlds it consumes are left as nothing more than a desolate rock, and the people who are not killed by the tree are doomed to perish by hunger. I saved who I could, and I have been able to relocate many refugees, but the Keno-shans were not so lucky."
"You saved them?" Gohan asked skeptically. "Don't tell me the tin man has a heart after all."
For the first time, Cooler became visibly angry and slammed his hand on the table. "They are mine!" He snarled. "My planets! My resources! My subjects! I am a god and these heretics dare to defile what is mine!" the cyborg forced himself to calm down. "No. There is no heart in what I do. But I will keep what belongs to me."
Gohan looked at Cooler and contemplated the cyborg. It was a selfish sentiment that he had just expressed, but deep down, the teen had to admit that he could almost relate to it. His home, his family, his friends. If anyone laid a hand on them, he would protect them with animal ferocity.
"So," Zangya cut through his reverie. "Why do they use this tree? I mean, it doesn't take much energy to destroy a planet. If they are almost as strong as you, why bother with the plant?"
"Destruction of the planet is merely a byproduct." Cooler explained. "Their main goal is to partake of the fruit that the tree produces. Grown from the energy of entire planets, just one piece of this demonic fruit can permanently multiply a fighter's strength by many times. If I had come back any later than I did, if they had succeeded in harvesting even a few more trees, then even I could not stop them."
Gohan nodded. "So, you needed some extra manpower to help you fight these guys." After witnessing firsthand what the tree caused, he was more inclined to fight the pirates. Cooler could wait for now.
"Not exactly." The cyborg corrected. "As I said, I would have no problem crushing these worms if I could just catch them. However, I cannot track them. They have some way of hiding themselves from any means of detection I possess. I therefore developed a plan to infiltrate their base and destroy them from within. I had initially thought that Broly would serve as the perfect candidate. I sent Kuriza to draw him out. I was willing to overlook my revenge for the time being in the name of my more pressing goal and enlist him in my mission to eradicate these filthy vermin for good. After witnessing your power, I have determined that you are the superior Saiyan, and as such, you will suit my plan even better."
Gohan thought this over. The idea of sending a spy to locate the enemy base made sense, but there were a few other things that did not add up to him. "But why use an outsider like me or Broly? You make it sound like it has to be a Saiyan."
"Unfortunately, yes." Cooler nodded. "Using a Saiyan is the quickest and surest way that they will accept you into their ranks."
"And why is that?"
"Because one of the leaders of the Elysia Crispate, is a Saiyan."
"What!?" Gohan was not expecting that. There was another Saiyan?
"But how is that possible?" Zangya asked Gohan in confusion. "I thought that you said all but a handful of Saiyans were wiped out by Frieza."
"Yes." Cooler answered. "However, my brother never knew how to finish the job. This Saiyan has been a thorn in the cold empire's side since before the destruction of planet Vegeta. There were others who survived the extinction as well. Mainly, the infants who were off world at the time. He has been collecting them and adding them to his army. This is troublesome, as it seems Saiyans respond to the fruit with greater results. As such, they grow stronger much faster, and have already outstripped my elites."
"So, because he is so keen on building a Saiyan army, you thought you could slip a Saiyan into their ranks and bring them down."
"Yes. Of course, Broly was the only Saiyan I knew. He would not have been hard to manipulate. I'm sure threatening the Jade empire would have sufficed for him to obey me. Now that you're here, a 'hero' with a strong sense of justice, I doubt even that sort of motivation will be necessary."
Gohan frowned. He didn't appreciate being used by someone like Cooler. But there were other lives to consider. "Then what about Broly and the others?" Gohan asked. "Now that you don't need them, what do you plan to do?"
"That will largely depend on you." Cooler replied coolly. "If you agree to assist me, I will be willing to grant amnesty on this one occasion. They will be free to leave. Provided you are successful of course."
Gohan folded his arms and thought about this. If what Cooler was saying was true, then these lettuce slug pirates had to be stopped. He also wanted to make sure that Broly, Turk, and the others wouldn't be bothered in the future. It seemed like there were only good things to come if he helped the Cyborg. The only problem was that he didn't trust Cooler as far as he could throw him. What if he was lying? What if he went back on his word? What if these Saiyan's weren't actually the bad guys? Part of him wanted to jump right into the action and let whatever happened happen. The other part, the part that was trained by Piccolo, told him that he needed to wait until he had a clear picture of all the factors. He let out a frustrated sigh.
"I'm going to need to think about this."
Cooler nodded. "Very well. You have until tomorrow to make your decision." he turned to walk towards the exit. The cyborg knew that patience was important, but he couldn't give the opposition too much time.
"What if I say no?" Gohan asked.
The cyborg looked over his shoulder without stopping. "You won't." Came the confident reply.
Break.
After Cooler had left, a robot came to lead Gohan and Zangya to their room for the night. Ignoring the robot, Gohan turned to his girlfriend.
"So, what do you think?"
Zangya put a finger to her chin. "I think you're pretty hot when you're serious about stuff."
Gohan smiled despite himself. "Come on Zangya, you know what I mean."
"Alright, fine. Just trying to lighten the mood is all." She sighed. "I know you don't trust this guy, and I don't think you should. Anyone who claims to be a businessman is bound to be a shady character. Plus, he seems to care about his empire, but only because he thinks of his subjects as things."
"So, you're saying I should reject his offer?"
"I'm saying we should be careful. But aside from my brother and his friends, there's also the innocent civilians to consider. This tree seems like some serious evil business. We can't just let people suffer because we don't like Mr. Roboto."
This was the main point of Gohan's dilemma. "That's true. What do you suggest?"
Zangya put her hands behind her head. "The way I see it, we have a few options. First, we could go along with the infiltration plan. You could demand not only the safety of our friends, but also some other conditions if you wanted. Another option is we could just beat Cooler up." Zangya smiled. "I doubt that he could match you if you really let loose. You show him who's boss and he'll leave Koti and his friends alone. Then we can all go home."
"Beep!" the robot leading them seemed scandalized by the idea.
"You heard me you over grown appliance."
"Then what about the pirates?" Gohan asked before his girlfriend got in an argument with a toaster. "And what if these Saiyans are like Broly? Just misguided or forced into the situation."
"Well, the third option is you could just go crazy and fight everyone. Beat sense into the good pirates, kill the bad ones, free the planets from Cooler, and save everyone in the process. You know. That thing you do. All in a day's work for the Z fighters!" Zangya finished by raising a fist in the air triumphantly.
Gohan laughed and Zangya continued more seriously. "Whatever you decide Gohan, I'll follow your lead. Whatever the right thing is, I know you'll do it."
The teen Saiyan felt a warmth spread through his chest at her words. She always knew what to say, and he loved her for it. "Thanks, Zangya. That means a lot."
"Anytime." She waved his thanks away with a blush. "We got some time before you decide. You want to get some food?"
"Yeah! Those sandwiches looked delicious." Gohan licked his lips.
"Yeah, they are pretty good." Zangya stated cheerfully. Just then, the duo passed a large window in the wall that looked into a room with rows of beds.
"Huh. This must be the repair room that Coolio was talking about." The Hera guessed.
"Yeah." Gohan nodded. "Looks like those guys are still out cold. See, there's Tagoma at the front." He pointed to the unconscious purple man.
"Oh, I see him alright." Zangya chuckled darkly while pulling out a permanent marker. "Come on. I don't think he's learned his lesson."
Gohan rolled his eyes with a smile and walked away. "Come on babe. I already smacked him around. Any more harassment and I think it'd just be bullying."
"Gohan." Zangya called after him.
"It really wasn't even that big a deal anyway."
"Gohan!" She shouted, and the Saiyan hybrid turned to look at her. She was still looking through the window, but distress was now evident on her face. He hurried back to her side.
"What's the matter?"
Without turning her head, she pointed a finger at what caused the alarm. Gohan looked, and shock adorned his features as well when he saw what she was pointing at.
"No way." He uttered.
Rising from a bed on the far end of the infirmary was a human girl with blonde hair and a steely expression. Zangya and Gohan couldn't fathom how she had come to be here of all places, but here she was.
"18." Zangya whispered.
End Chapter.
Well, what do you think? I know that the Big Gete Star was not based off of spaghetti as a pun, but I thought it was when I was a kid. The fact that you have a Spaghetti star in one movie, and la-Zangya in another just added up so perfectly to me. It's more of a gag than anything, but I might do something with it later. The point is, don't take it too seriously and hopefully you can laugh with me.
I was trying to make Kuriza someone who was trying to be calm and cold, like his uncle, but the traits don't come naturally to him. I like him as a gag character in Neko Majin Z, but I also think he has a lot of potential as a character. I like the idea that he looks up to his uncle rather than his father. Review if you want to let me know what you think. Follow and favorite if you like the story.