.
15.
New business
A scream rises in the small room, bouncing off the walls and returning to my ears several times.
I point out to Zarbon one of the planets on the map.
«How about this? It seems decent.»
«It is. However, I advise you to arrive there well equipped with men. Apparently, its inhabitants are capable of mutating into dangerous creatures.»
«Mh.»
I nod. He told me he had studied a lot on his planet of origin and in fact he proves a profound knowledge of the known Universe; an excellent quality, considering that studying has never been my thing and I have always had someone to do it for me. This being has proven to be a great buy on all fronts.
«I was in doubt about the next move» I reveal. «These planets no longer offer me anything interesting and I fear I'm drifting too far away. I think it's time to go back and expand the Frieza System around the main hub.»
«If I may ask, what is the center of the System, Lord Frieza?»
I point out on the space map what was once called Netiko, now planet Frieza Number One. He looks surprised.
«Netiko. A great planet to settle on.»
A new scream, a new thrill of pleasure. I turn to Dodoria, who is stretching his fingers before throwing yet another punch straight into the traitor's stomach.
«Dodoria, these screams seem a little weak to me. How about picking up the pace a little?»
«I'm going slow on purpose. I don't want to kill him» he shrugs as if to justify himself, but behind his words there is a poorly concealed pride.
«And you better don't, but remember that we have healing tanks. Have fun with him as much as you want... the important thing is that the heart beats.»
I look away and imagine what that Granium worm looks like. The last time my eyes met him by mistake, his face was so swollen as to make him unrecognizable. Now, however, I have no intention of even giving him a glance. He doesn't deserve that much consideration. The only reason I had him chained to the wall in this room is to allow Dodoria to torture him in front of me, so that he has every motivation to make him scream.
«We were saying, Zarbon.»
«Yes, Lord Frieza. Returning to Netiko, you could settle in your palace and let the troops travel alone. Now that you have almost ten thousand men, it might be worth it."
«I don't know... after all, it might be more fun to be personally in charge of my own expeditions. However, I think it's time to give it a try. What do we have on the way back?»
«It depends on the path you choose to take. On the one you have already traveled, there are no planets that do not belong to you... except one.»
He points out a very small planet that is located between two stars. It immediately appears inhospitable to me and I don't think I have any intention of setting foot there; after all, it's the same reason why I ignored him before.
«The name?»
«Diara, Lord Frieza. The inhabitants are rebellious and not very hospitable. Some time ago they tried to conquer Ortika with poor results and they still try to take possession, in desperation, of any celestial body near them. The sources say that their planet does not have long to live due to the two suns that are continuously approaching, squeezing it in a deadly grip.»
I look at Diara, then at Ortika, a planet that turned out to be quite easy to take. It is at this moment that an incredible idea crosses my mind.
«Tell me, Zarbon, how many planets do I own?»
«Currently thirteen, Lord Frieza.»
«I have an idea that might prove useful. Call me Sorbet and his messengers.»
«Right away, Lord Frieza.»
He bows, then heads out of my throne room. While waiting, I turn to enjoy the spectacle of my personal circus: Dodoria is pressing Granium's throat against the metal wall as he tries to free himself, scratching Dodoria's arms with his hands. I shake my head disapprovingly.
«What's the point of torturing him if I can't hear him scream?»
«This bastard is hurting me.»
I watch the nails penetrate the flesh of Dodoria's arm, making him bleeding. I don't like this rebellious attitude at all, especially not now that he should be thanking me because I allow him to still breathe.
«Make him understand that it is better if he accepts his fate. We need his right arm attached to the body… do what you want with the left.»
«With pleasure.»
Dodoria lets him go and he falls back to the ground, massaging his throat with his hands. The last thing he will do with both, I suppose; Dodoria grabs his arm at the left shoulder and his grip is so wide that he can close his fingertips perfectly around the deltoid muscle. I imagine that tearing it away must be a matter of a moment given that premise, but I don't have time to look: Sorbet enters the door followed by Zarbon.
The most heartbreaking of the screams rises in the room. I don't move and so does Zarbon, but I notice the bewilderment on Sorbet's face, which suddenly turns pale at the sight of the body swollen with bruises of the one who, until recently, was his élite teammate. He bows awkwardly.
«Lo…Lord Frieza.»
«I need your men to go to a planet and propose a deal. Do you have any available?»
«As many as you like, Lord Frieza. They'll finish their daily training in less than an hour.»
«Good, prepare them for departure. Feel free to use the Attack Balls. The destination is planet Diara.»
«What is the deal, if I may?»
I cross my arms behind the control panel of my throne. The idea is so brilliant that as I explain it I feel pleased with myself.
«I want you to propose to those people to purchase the planet Ortika. They tried to get it a while ago, from what I understand… well, now they can have it effortlessly.»
«Purchase?» Zarbon repeats, but there is no doubt or denial on his face, only curiosity.
«Purchase.»
«At what price, if I may dare ask?»
I cup my chin in my hands as I let out a laugh.
«At the price of their lives, of course. After all, I'm going to save them from inevitable doom... so it feels right for them to worship me as their god.»
Zarbon smiles, Sorbet doesn't move and I know he won't until I give him permission. The temptation to leave him bent over until his legs give out is strong, but I don't want to waste time.
«Now go. I await your updates.»
«Yes, Lord Frieza.»
He's out of the room at the speed of light and Zarbon crosses his arms and approaches me. He hides well his fear of me and I don't mind; at least he doesn't tremble every time I open my mouth like his unfortunate predecessor.
«An excellent idea, if my opinion counts» he smiles at me. «This way you obtain a double advantage: you use a useless planet and subjugate a population and their planet of origin without effort. Two results without lifting a finger.»
«Exactly what I hope for. After all, there's little advantage in having all these planets if you can't exploit them... this selling game could be interesting and could give me some new good reasons to conquest.»
I go back to looking at the map without missing anything anymore. From this moment on, I see everything on a different perspective.
«I have twelve planets that I'm willing to sell. They are few, for now, but they'll be enough. I want messengers to be sent to all the planets around the Frieza System, to make them an offer to purchase one. Anyone who expresses interest should contact me immediately.»
«A great plan, Lord Frieza.»
«I know. Meanwhile, on the way back, we will conquer something else.»
I turn around. Dodoria opens the chains trapping the prisoner, then lifts him up and places him on his shoulder.
«The show is over for today» he says.
«Good job» I nod as he leaves the room with the lifeless body of his prey on his shoulder, ready to take him to a healing tank so that, as soon as possible, the performance can start again.
«Then I'll give the order to continue on the new route, Lord Frieza.» confirms Zarbon. «The report of the day to your father?»
I stop to think about it, but I already have in mind what to do.
«Let him know that I have decided to settle on Netiko, and warn the Neticians to keep an eye on the skies. If he wants to look for me, at least I'll know it in advance.»
Zarbon bows and, without another word, follows Dodoria. They leave me alone with the space map before my eyes and I see them all as mine: planets and stars and satellites and every single meteorite that orbits around my celestial bodies. I rub my hands. I never thought I'd say it, but conquest is definitely more stimulating when it has a purpose beyond that of possessing.
Next chapter:
The Prince and the Emperor
24.01