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11.
The graceful flatterer
The days passed quickly, dragging a trail of glorious victories and conquests.
The name of the Great Frieza begins to echo as it should in the immensity of the cosmos. Thanks to Netiko's shuttles I was able to send my messengers to the various planets I had in mind to conquer, bringing my warning of what awaited them. They all came back unharmed, luckily for them; not that I cared about them as much as the response of the people I was about to subject.
With some it worked without problems but the majority, obviously, refused to directly submit. I can't deny I was pleased: this way I was able to stretch my legs a bit, as well as teach them good manners, even if, unfortunately, I had to disfigure some pretty faces to do so.
I discovered that, although the inhabitants of the Universe are all different for a thousand reasons, there is one thing in which they are all alike: all have an incredible fear of dying. I will make good use of this information.
I'm traveling to a new destination. I have already instructed Sorbet to lead the third division to conquer a small distant planet. By now my men are almost nine thousand and we need new ships to build a fleet that follows my spaceship: Donadia, the planet that Granium told me is closest, has a fair amount of technology. What we find there may not be the best, but I'm sure that Gichamu and his men will be able to work on it.
When I have a proper fleet I'll start aiming for something bigger: maybe one of my dear father's planets, for a start. Or Cooler's, assuming he didn't feel the need to conquer something else when he knew I was doing it.
I signal to Granium to cross Donadia off the space map: I don't think there is the slightest doubt that we will take it. I float on my throne overlooking the map: from this height I can have a much broader and more satisfying view of my possessions.
«I think when I get a decent fleet I'll go back to Planet Frieza Number One» I say, but I'm actually thinking out loud. «I hope those slackers are building my palace or I'll make them regret every minute they stopped working.»
Granium has just finished circling my new planet with the laser pointer when the sliding door swings open.
«Lord Frieza, I'm sorry to bother you. I bring two pieces of news.»
I rotate the throne, turning towards the entrance of the room: Kyui bows.
«Go on.»
«We spotted troops coming from the west. They're eight or nine days away and headed in this direction.»
«Those troops?»
«We have reason to believe so, Lord Frieza.»
I don't reply. I knew that this moment would come sooner or later; however, I will need to think about how to proceed. My father won't have me easily.
«The second piece of news?»
«The nemanian would like to speak to you, Lord Frieza.»
I didn't expect this. Since Nemanan fell, surrendering in a rather cowardly way, his warrior has never dared to approach me, limiting himself to training day and night together with the troops. The fact that he now wants to talk to me makes me think of some claim that those scoundrels want to make to their new sovereign.
I nod anyway and Kyui leaves the room. I remain alone with my advisor and I would also be interested in his opinion, but I don't have time to ask it: Kyui returns a moment later, followed by that being of extraordinary beauty. A nemanian, in fact.
From what I have observed in the short time I have spent on their planet, all of the nemanians are well looking. This one in particular, besides the massive physique that granted him access to my army, possesses an elegance that fascinates me. His long green braid falls along his shoulder when he bows.
«Mighty Frieza, I am honored to be received» he says. I sit better on the throne.
«I remember you. What's your name, again?»
«Zarbon, Your Highness» he tells me. He doesn't continue: he waits for me to give him permission to do so.
«Tell me what you have to, Zarbon.»
He raises his golden eyes looking straight into mine. This young man is not here to threaten me or challenge me, I soon realize.
«Lord Frieza, you and your people are in great danger going back to Nemanan. The ones that swore loyalty to you are plotting behind your back. They did not surrender so suddenly out of cowardice: in reality, awaiting your return, an incredible power of warriors is gathering on the planet. The army will become so large that, although it cannot hope to destroy you, it could cause you to lose a large part of your troops.»
My eyes widen, more incredulous with every word. Is this nemanian really in front of me telling me that his people are thinking of betraying me?
«Where would you have heard these things?»
I watch him move, sliding a hand in the pocket of his uniform. He takes out a device so small that it can easily be hidden in the palm of a hand, and shows it to me by stretching his arm towards me.
«It was all a lie,» he says. «I was sent here as a hostage, but to spy on you. The plan was to keep an eye on you to observe your moves and be ready in case of your return. My job was to communicate with them through this: the Council expects me to report on your every move.»
I'm more surprised than I should be. In fact, the nemanians' proposal was strange enough: to retain the best men on the planet, so that they could train in the gravitational rooms with which it is well equipped, and then move them on board at a second moment well-reinvigorated. I agreed only because I had new planets to take and new men to embark and I was certain that I would return to collect them with my new fleet... but now everything takes on a different perspective.
«You have any idea what you're telling me entails, don't you, Zarbon?»
«Of course I know, my lord.»
«I'm afraid I don't understand your reasons.»
I see him smile as his eyes close.
«Not everyone is blind, Lord Frieza. Most of the inhabitants of the Universe see in you the one who can subjugate them; I see in you the one who will give me glory, and there is no greater gratification than glory. I hope that, thanks to this proof of loyalty, you can consider taking me at your side, among your men.»
He places the communicator in front of him and awaits my response with his head down. I like this young man. For a moment he reminds me of Dodoria and I think about how their unscrupulousness is very similar; the bold but submissive way in which he's asking me to make him my trusted man is truly surprising. In the same way as the Madorian, this Zarbon managed to intrigue me.
Something, however, still doesn't convince me. I hope this doesn't turn out to be a clumsy attempt to deceive me. I don't know if I can trust this being or not, even if it wouldn't make sense to lie so shamelessly when he knows full well that now I won't be able to spare the Council, and probably not even the planet from ruin. It is much more plausible that he is telling the truth, and if he is willing to sacrifice his people to earn my approval he must be really hungry for power... a power that I will certainly give him, if I receive such a service in return.
«Congratulations» I say. «I like you, Zarbon.»
He smiles, satisfied by my praise, and he bends his head towards me, letting his long hair almost touch the ground. I smile too. Then I give a quick nod to my men, who sprint towards him without hesitation.
Zarbon didn't expect it; he tries to free himself, but they hold him in a grip that he won't be able to escape.
«Wha…» he whispers, looking desperately for me with his eyes. I don't know what he sees in mine, but in his I see confusion, fear, desperation. He does not understand. He's probably wondering where he went wrong.
«I don't like people who try to make fun of me. In fact, you could say that feeling deceived is the best way to make me angry.» I turn to my men. «Take him to a cell and tell Dodoria to watch him. Then send me Sorbet, and quickly.»
«Lord Frieza!» Zarbon shouts, but his trembling voice fades as he is dragged towards the door. «Lord Frieza, I'm not lying! I'm not deceiving you!»
«I hope so» I reply, but the automatic door is already shut and he can't hear me.
I must admit that he gave me a good impression but unfortunately it wasn't enough to secure my trust. I'll have to check it out myself.
Sorbet arrives, out of breath. He was probably leaving with the third division as I had ordered, but this matter proved to be a priority.
«I need the three quietest and most discreet ones you have. Send them on the shuttles to Nemanan's orbit as soon as possible and have them observe all the movements around the planet. If they notice any foreign spaceships wandering around, let me know as soon as possible.»
«At your orders, Lord Frieza!»
He runs away and, once again, only Granium and I remain.
«If I may, Lord Frieza, what do you intend to do with the prisoner?»
«First, investigate. If what he said turns out to be the truth, he will be let free.»
«What if he's lying?»
I pretend to think about it.
«He'll find out it wasn't a good idea.»
The communication from Nemanan comes immediately after that of the taking of Donadia. Two reasons for joy at the same time, and not even two days have passed since both groups left.
«Lord Frieza, I have news» Sorbet croaks through the communicator. «My men reported seeing an incredible influx of small ships docking on Nemanan. More than a hundred, they say, and each of those could contain a hundred soldiers, but more are arriving. They ask if it is necessary to continue the observation or if they can return.»
«Make them join the third legion on Donadia in selecting new arrivals. We will return to pick you up in a few days, as soon as I have resolved the Nemanan issue. If in the meantime you can reach us with the new Donadian spaceships, go ahead.»
«At your orders, Lord Frieza.»
I turn off the communicator and put it aside. I thought I'd be angrier if I caught those traitors red-handed, but all I feel is the relief that Zarbon was telling the truth. This only means one thing: that boy will be another one of my pawns on the front line.
«Granium, tell the pilot to turn around. We will return to Nemanan.»
«Of course, Lord Frieza, but… I must point out that, in this way, we will waste precious time. It takes six or seven days to reach it. Your father's troops may catch up sooner than expected...»
I hadn't thought about it, but it's actually true. However, I cannot show any hesitation in front of my men, not even the most trusted ones, and deep down I don't like the idea of running away like a coward: if my father wants to challenge me, he shall have what he wants.
«Do as I say and shut up.»
Next chapter:
Silent watcher
6.01