The next morning Bulma wakes secure in Vegeta’s arms. He is watching her proprietarily, a half smile on his lips his tail twined about her waist. *“Morning my Saiyanna.”*
She smiles at him then suddenly her eyes widen as her stomach rebels. Moaning, “Oh Kami’!” she claps her hand over her mouth. She plucks frantically at his tail with her free hand and as soon as he releases her, she jumps out of bed and runs for the bathroom.
Vegeta follows her worried and curious, over her actions.
When Bulma’s done, she smiles wanly, “Morning sickness, already. This is gonna be tougher than I thought.”
“Morning sickness, what’s that?” He asks in concern.
“Something that happens sometimes when human women get pregnant.” She wipes her mouth with a washcloth, and shrugs, “I was hoping I’d be one of the lucky ones, guess not.”
She sips a little water rinses it around and spits it out, cleansing her mouth. Seeing his look of concern, “It’s nothing to be worried about.”
His stomach growls, the upset of hers has empathically stimulated his hunger pangs in response.
She gives him a sickly smile, “Give me a couple of minutes to settle my stomach and I’ll fix you something to eat.”
She puts a robe on and hands him a towel to wrap around his waist. Then leads the way to the kitchen, opens the fridge and pulls out a jug of milk. Opening the cabinet she gets out box of cereal, then fills a big bowl and pours milk on it, “Here start with this while I fix you some bacon, eggs and toast.”
Vegeta starts eating, as Bulma begins to cook, gulping from time to time to keep her stomach under control. She nibbles on some dry toast and starts to feel a bit better. After filling several platters, she watches him eat for a few minutes. Before going to get dressed, she asks, “Can you tell others there’s breakfast over here, I don’t think there’s any food the other two apartments yet.”
The Prince nods and sends the message to the other two Saiyans, *“Food here.”*
As expected Kakarot responds first, *“Food! We‘ll be there soon.”*
Then Raditz answers *“Thank you my Prince. We will join you.”*
*“Thank your Saiyanna, she cooked it.”* Is the Phoenix’s preoccupied reply.
Bulma returns before the others arrive. “You better go get dressed.”
“Why?”
“Because Serera and Chi are coming, and it’s not polite to greet guests in a state of undress.”
He glances down and realizes his near nudity. Quickly he retires and dresses then comes back out and starts eating again. Bulma begins to cook more food, making French toast, sausage and hash browns.
Soon the other four appear. With grateful murmurs of thanks the two Saiyan warriors sit down and join Vegeta, who continues eating with out a word. But the other Saiyans, intimately aware of their Prince’s moods from such long association, also notice there’s an extra smugness about their liege lord. The Black Phoenix glances up from his eggs and smirks at them before returning his attention to eating.
Bulma glances at the dark haired girl beseechingly, looking slightly nauseated, “Chi can you take over the cooking, the smell is really getting to me.”
ChiChi takes Bulma’s place at the stove, gazing at her in puzzlement.
Bulma moves as far way from the aroma of the food as she can, the smells are doing nothing to help settle her still roiling stomach. She grabs some saltine crackers and retreats to the far end of the table. One of the reasons she had never eaten breakfast was she’d always had a problem with smells of cooking in the morning. Her nose takes a bit of time to wake up properly. Coffee always smells good but nothing much else does not until her appetite awakes around tennish. Now with her new delicate condition, her distaste of breakfast smells has worsened drastically.
Serera suddenly suspects what Bulma‘s problem may be, but before she can say anything aloud, the blue haired beauty notices her older friend’s dawning of comprehension and shakes her head slightly no. Stopping the other woman's question with a penetrating look.
It’s her mate’s place to announce the news to his men.
Vegeta finishes eating his breakfast and leans back in his chair crossing his arms as he watches the other twos Saiyans eating. His self satisfaction growing. When their consumption finally starts to slow, his smirk grows into a grin.
Raditz notices Vegeta’s demeanor first, and asks “What is it my lord?”
Vegeta glances over at his truemate, the grin turning into a smile of triumph. “The Saiyanna is breeding.”
Kakarot actually drops his fork in shock.
ChiChi turns from the stove to stare at Bulma.
The light shining from the two Saiyans’ faces says it all, they’re ecstatic. With the conception of the Heir, Saiyan Honor is assured, their race shall survive.
Serera and ChiChi rush over and hug Bulma gleefully.
“Happened faster than I thought it would.” Grins the blue haired woman shakily, “But I’d appreciate it more if you watched that food,” she gulps again, “morning sickness.”
ChiChi’s eyes widen in understanding and she goes back to make sure nothing burns.
Soon the Saiyans and everyone else that is eating are full.
Bulma had retreated to the living room with her coffee and crackers, now the rest join her.
Vegeta sits down beside her, ChiChi cuddles next to Kakarot and Serera is sitting on the arm of Raditz’ chair his arm around her waist.
*“This is wonderful.”* says ChiChi.
Serera chuckles, *“Saiyans must be pretty virile.”*
Vegeta is all smugness, *“Naturally!”*
Bulma nods,*“Yeah, but I just thought it might take a little longer.”*
*“But how did you know?”* asks Serera.
Raditz lifts her hand and sniffs her palm, *“A male learns his mate’s scent intimately when they bond, he can separate hers from all others. He can read its subtlest nuances.”*
*“’Geta was able to smell the change in her chemistry almost immediately.”* sends Kakarot.
ChiChi eyes Kakarot, *“So you can smell me?”*
He nods, then grins, *“You’re scent is spicy and warm, you smell absolutely delicious.”*
Serera laughs, *“Better watch it Chi you’ve seen him eat!”* Even dour Raditz chuckles at the quip. She turns to him, *“And how do I smell?”*
*“Earthy, fertile and wild.”* Is his answer as his eyes glow ferally up at her.
Serera smiles, *“I like that.”*
The phone rings.
Bulma goes over to answer it. Listening she frowns. *”Okay.”* She hangs up the phone and looks at her mate, “How long before this extra strength enhancement kicks in?”
Vegeta looks at her in concern, “It’s building right now, we can feel it growing.”
“Good, you may need it, another onslaught on the shield has started. Stronger than ever before.” Bulma looks worried. “Computer models predict multiple breakthroughs, more making more fronts than we’ve ever faced. It almost looks like they want to try and overwhelm us this time around.”
“Sounds like something’s stirred the fleet up.” Says Kakarot aloud.
“Could be the Fleet Commander has found out that the Ginyu’s are on the way and is upset about it.” Adds Raditz speculatively.
“But why would learning that reinforcements are coming upset him?” Asks ChiChi.
“It’s the way the chain of command works in Frieza's forces.” answers Kakarot, “The Frigid Tyrant's military is set it up like the law of the jungle, the strongest warrior always commands. If you can’t accomplish a mission, you’re deemed not strong enough and you’re command goes up for grabs. If A commander in question has to fight to retain his command, if you lose, your rank goes to whoever it was that defeated you.”
“And sometimes that loss includes death in the bargain.” adds Raditz grimly.
Bulma purse her lips, “Sounds like Frieza's a real bastard.”
Vegeta nods, “And the rest of his family isn’t much better.”
Commander Azure looks grim, “We’ll need your to help repel them.” The Phoenix nods, but then frowns. “But I will not leave you unprotected.” He looks at her then at her midsection proprietarily.
“I’ve got a whole army to protect me.” Protests Bulma.
He shakes his head, “Not while you’re moving the base.”
“What do you want, for us to leave it here where it could be found and destroyed?”
“No. But I do want to know you’re completely safe and secure.” Insists the Phoenix. “You are doubly precious now. I want you to return to the retreat.”
“Now wait just one min...” Starts the Blue Ribbon Army’s Commander, her eyes flashing angrily.
Vegeta watches her, the fighting spirit of her defiance making her even more beautiful in his eyes.
But before Bulma can get all wound up and unleash her well known hot temper, Serera interrupts agreeing with the Saiyan Prince, “Vegeta’s right, Bulma.”
Bulma stares at her top assistant in shock.
Then ChiChi adds, “I agree too and it’s not like you can’t still command the defense forces from there, and if you’re in the refuge, you won’t be exposed needlessly during bug out’s.” Says the younger girl softly. “The rest of us can handle the basic mechanics of base relocation.”
Raditz and Kakarot start shaking their heads in denial.
Raditz tells them, “The Saiyanna must not be left alone. She must have attendants, from now on. Her and the heir’s safety is paramount. You must go with her too.”
The two girls stare at their mates in consternation.
“Someone has to stay with the Saiyanna whenever the Prince cannot be there to protect her and the heir. Normally in times of jeopardy, the duty would fall to Raditz as Chief of the Sibling Guard, he would then appoint others to attend the Prince during battle. Since there are no others available to serve beside Vegeta, he cannot abandon his primary duty. When entering into battle the Prince must always have two Siblings at his side, less would tarnish his honor as our liege. I or Nappa have served all these years as a Sibling Guards by proxy, but can only that because we are related to Raditz. Making us only a half step away from a true Siblings. But Nappa is not here, so we must both fight beside Vegeta as his Guard of Honor.” Kakarot looks at his mate searchingly, “But you two, as our Truemates can take our place at the Saiyanna’s side as her protectors.”
“She needs to be safeguarded.” Says Raditz, “She holds our future and carries Saiyan Honor in her womb.”
The three girls are dumbfounded, “Saiyan Honor?”
Vegeta nods, “The heir is the physical embodiment of Saiyan Honor. The child of the Saiyanna is more than just the Royal Prince and Heir. That’s why I was smuggled away, to prevent Frieza from capturing me and besmirching Saiyan Honor. As long as the heir is safe and intact, the Saiyan Race can never truly be defeated.”
Bulma’s truemate’s face turns grim, “If the Frigid Tyrants ever found out that a new heir exists, they’d move heaven and earth to get their claws on you.”
Bulma had calmed as she listened, “This is getting more and more complicated.”
She looks at her two assistants, “What do you think?”
“It might be a good idea, General White and Colonel Mai know how to run the base.” Says Serera slowly , “And ChiChi has a point, it’s not like we’d be completely incommunicado.”
“The retreat is definitely more secure than the base, with it being set into the roots of a mountain.” Adds ChiChi.
Serera suggests, “We could even relocate all the Z fighters there make that their central base and if it doesn’t bother the twins too much, you could even have them come join us too. With their strength they’d make an extra buffer of protection for us when everyone else is off fighting, and I know how much you’ve been missing them.”
ChiChi grins, mischievously, “Besides then Krillian and Jenny could spend ore time together. You know how fond they are of each other.”
Bulma chuckles, “Playing matchmaker again are you, Chi?”
The dark haired girl, who was known for throwing Launch and Tien together as often as possible, puts on a wide eyed innocent look. “Who me?” then she giggles.
Bulma glances around at the group, “Seems like I’m out numbered. Okay I’ll do it,” She glares at Vegeta, “but it’s still under protest! I’m not that fragile. I suppose we’d better go down and inform the others.” Says the Earth’s Defense Commander resignedly, “But no need to mention the real reason why just yet. We’ll go with making it the Z-fighters base. We still haven’t plugged that information leak. Agreed?”
Everyone nods. Then they all head downstairs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Overhead in space Qui makes final preparations of his invasion forces, he’s going to lead this attack personally. When Dr. Gero had the temerity to try and stop him, Qui had thrown the annoying Earth monkey into the brig.
Qui is determined, he’ll show Frieza and those rotten effeminate Ginyus that he’s no weakling. Once he subdues this planet and sends the Ginyus back to Frieza with their tails between their legs. Qui will hand the mudball over to Cooler, change his identity and retire somewhere safe. On one of Cooler’s pleasure planets. One that caters to the style of perversions he prefers, with delicious young playmates and intriguingly cruel toys.
And once he’s captured the pesky female that’s been running this fiasco he’ll take her with him, as a personal plaything. One of the few scouting recons that had managed to send back data before being inexplicably destroyed during the last incursion, had captured a hologram of her on the ground. She’s absolutely luscious looking, although not quite as young and tender as he likes. But being who she is, he’s certain her screams will still be quite amusing. She will make a perfectly delightful distraction for him while he’s waiting until it’s safe to establish a new identity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After briefing the staff, and packing a few essentials the Saiyans, their mates and the Z fighters along with the rest of the gang depart for the mountain retreat.
Captain Blue had tried to weasel his way into the group that was moving to the refuge. Insisting that he should come along as Commander Azure’s personal secretary, but Bulma had coolly informed him that General White had more need of Blue on staff since he would now be the base’s on site commander.
Seeing the adjutant’s unusual distress, raises Mai’s suspicions. She decides to watch the aide a little more carefully from now on.
The Saiyans, their mates and the rest of the Z fighters along with Roshi, Chaotze, Launch, Oolong and Puar make the move rapidly. They quickly arrive at the retreat, settle in swiftly, knowing that they have very little time before the attacking ships break through.
Before leaving Serera had contacted Capsule and talked to the twins, who agreed to come at once, even thought the refuge holds bad memories for them. They have missed Bulma and their friends, both have be chaffing at the bit for the chance to help in the fight against the invaders. She also hints that Mrs. Briefs should come as well.
Once the three alien warriors are certain their truemates and the Saiyanna are safe and protected, they and the three strongest Z Fighters, Tien, Yamcha and Krillian prepare to depart for the battlefield.
The twins arrive soon along with Bulma’s mother. Jenny and Mrs. Briefs hug her when they arrive but when Jimmy moves as if to do so too, Vegeta growls warningly and steps between the youth and his mate.
Vegeta glares angrily at the young male twin, until Bulma scowls at him and tries to push him aside, “Stop it ‘Geta, Jimmy’s not a threat, he’s like a son to me. Just like Jenny is a daughter.”
“He’s still an unrelated male.” Grumbles the Prince, scowling fiercely at the boy.
“So’s Kakarot technically, but you trust him!” She snaps back.
“Not to touch you!” Scowls Vegeta.
“But you don’t growl at him!” She waves her arms in frustration.
“That’s different he’s a blood bonded brother to me.” Growls the Prince.
“Well, then look at it like that, with Jimmy, Jenny and me!” She retorts.
Vegeta still grumps, frowning, muttering, “He’s still an unrelated male!”
“Well so’s Chaotze and Roshi for that matter but you haven’t threatened them!” She’s practically shouting.
Vegeta looks away muttering. “But I know them.”
“Are you gonna start acting like this around everyone else comes around me that isn’t related too?” She asks just as crossly putting her hands on her hips.
Kakarot starts to grin in the background, he whispers in ChiChi’s ear, “She’s certainly a match for ‘Geta, not too many would dare to stand up to him this way.”
ChiChi whispers, “Bulma’s always been feisty, if she hadn’t been we wouldn’t have been prepared for the first attack.”
Bulma shoots a glance in their direction, “We can hear you, you know!”
ChiChi reddens and Kakarot just chuckles.
Bulma’s eyes soften, “’Geta I gave in to you and came here, can’t you give in just a little too? I know Jimmy and trust him implicitly. He’ll be a big help protecting us. Can’t you trust me to know who my friends are?”
He looks at her pleading eyes and finally relents, “Alright but no touching.” Shooting a warning glare at the boy.
Bulma glances at her male ward, “Sorry Jimmy, maybe once he gets used to you, it’ll be better.”
Jimmy nods, he’s always been the more standoffish of the twins anyway. Not much for displays of affection but he’s getting better. He had endured far more of Gero's tinkering than his sister had and subsequently doesn’t like to be touched much anyway. He had only complied because he knew that Bulma was a touchy feely type of personality.
Vegeta embraces his mate as the other two Saiyans hug theirs in farewell also.
*“Stay inside, we’ll be back as soon as we can.”* Admonishes the Black Phoenix once more firmly.
The three woman kiss their mates goodbye. Krillian glances at Jenny and blushes, and the demure brunette Launch stares longingly at Tien as the three eyed warrior pats Chaotze on the head in farewell. Puar flies over and hugs Yamcha quickly. Then after exiting the refuge, the Saiyan warriors assure themselves that the door is secured shut, before they and the Z fighters depart.
Securely inside the retreat, Bulma’s mother looks over at her daughter. The blue haired girl grins sheepishly. “Apparently the shot worked.”
Mrs. Briefs is astonished, “Already?”
“That’s what ‘Geta claims.” Says her daughter, “He’s positive and I believe him, but I want you to run the test to confirm it anyway.”
“What test?” asks Launch, the transformer is still in her demure form.
“Me, for pregnancy.” Smiles Bulma.
Puar’s eyes brighten, “Pregnant!”
Serera nods, “That’s the real reason we came here. It seems Bulma and Vegeta’s baby is more than just another child. She, and now it, are some sort of living symbols for the Saiyans. Just their existence increases their strength.”
Bulma nods, looking at Serera and ChiChi, “And if it confirms that I am pregnant, like Vegeta claims, it’s means it’s you two’s turn.”
“Why is that.” Asks Jenny curiously as her brother watches silently.
“Because that will increase their strength again.” Replies ChiChi. “I think it’s a lot like increasing the strength of a lion pride, more offspring means more confidence in the males, more confidence - more strength.”
“Besides I think they need the reassurance of a full family unit.” Says Bulma quietly, “They’ve been all alone, fighting for a long time, just a few lone men with no real source of inspiration. Spurred only by their thirst for revenge, without any hope or prospects for a future after they accomplish it. They’ve a bit been like a pride of bachelor lions, a force to be reckoned with but with no really permanent impact. I think that a prospect of a future is what they’ve lacked all along. With truemates and prospective offspring they now have that hope as a spur. It could be just the boost that they need, enabling them to attain their potential to become the force that can stop Frieza.”
“What makes you think that dear ?” Inquires her mother.
“Something Baba told me when she first came looking for me.” Replies Bulma softly, “She said I was the key.”
Her mother nods in sudden comprehension, “I remember that. Didn’t she say something about some sort of a new beginning too.”
Bulma nods in confirmation. “Yeah, she said it was more than just one planet’s future.”
“So it certainly sounds like it refers to the Saiyans.” Says Roshi thoughtfully, “These children are new beginning for an almost extinct race.”
Chaotze looks at her with interest, “So are you happy about it?”
Bulma beams, “Yeah,” then pauses and chuckles, “As long as I’m not being morning sick.”
Puar floats over, an asks curiously. “When will your kittens be born?”
Bulma laughs at the little cat‘s misconception, “In about nine months I think and there should be only one, hopefully. But we call it a baby, or maybe a cub, not a kitten.”
“Why?’ Asks the little she cat.
“The Saiyans use references like sires and dams, so they may call their babies, cubs.” Says Serera.
“That’s strange.” Says Oolong, “you think they’d call them something sensible like Saiyanets. “ Then he chuckles, “Guess not, sounds kinda silly. Like a bunch of nightclub dancers.”
“Well dear lets go run that rabbit test.” Says Bulma’s mother, “Then I’ll give you something to take for the nausea too.”
“Good,” she grins, “it worried ‘Geta and he was looking a little green about the gills, even though it didn’t seem to affect his appetite.”
Serera smiles “Probably because of that empathy thing.”
“Mrs. Briefs thanks for the wedding supper.” Says ChiChi.
“Your welcome dear, but don’t worry, we’re still gonna have a big party later.” Says the older woman. Then she grins, “And baby showers!!! Oh I do love planning parties!”
“I don’t know how the guys will feel about stuff like that,” Serera smirks, “not unless we tell them there will be there’s lots of food.” Then adds, “But if we do get them to come, you’d better make plenty, they eat an awful lot all by themselves. One can eat as much as a small army.”
Bulma’s mother smiles indulgently, “Sometimes it can seem like that to a newlywed bride.”
Her daughter turns to her, “Serera’s not exaggerating mom, Kakarot alone could clean up one of your dinners all by himself and then start looking for more!”
Mrs. Briefs was famous for having hundred dinner guest parties and calling it a little affair, and she always did all the cooking herself.
The other two girls nod, “We ate what you had fixed for us last night and then they ate all the extra stuff we had sent up.”
ChiChi smiles, “In fact we’d better start cooking now, they’ll be famished when they do get back.”
Serera nods. “You go run that test and we’ll start getting things going.”
Bulma and her mother head for the medical room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The six warriors return to the base, ready to repel the attack. Soon they’re off again streaking along side the main body of supersonic jet fighters, towards the initial breakthrough point. They arrive and can just glimpse the massed vessels on the other side of the field. The big battle cruisers are concentrating their firepower on one spot, energy raving furiously. While the smaller attack fighters are poised to dive through once the field is pierced.
Suddenly the shield gives way and the enemy ships starts streaming in.
“Man, I haven’t seen this many ships since the first attack.” Exclaims Yamcha.
Krillian nods, “Something’s really got them riled.”
“Get ready, here they come!” shouts Kakarot.
The Earth Defense ships begin firing at the invading vessels.
The Saiyans and Z fighters dive into the fray, blasting away at the enemy. The three Saiyans working in one team while the Z fighters work as another.
Even as they fight the Black Phoenix watches the Z fighters, with a critically measuring eye. His Saiyanna was right, the smallest one is definitely the strongest fighter! He smirks just like us, size doesn’t always indicate over all power potential.
Suddenly a ki ball shoots past his face, Vegeta turns to face a purplely pink warrior with a wide toad like face. He’s floating in front of a small contingent of other fighters.
Vegeta a bristles, “Who are you to dare to challenge me?” The Prince reaches out with his new ability and senses that this warrior is much stronger than the ones behind him. Someone worthy of his individual attention, if only barely.
“I’m Admiral Qui, Commander of Lord Frieza's Seventh Fleet, and you’re executioner Terran monkey.” Replies the repulsive being arrogantly.
*“Kakarot, Raditz, take care of the others, I’ll handle this one.”* Sends the Prince.
Now is his chance to test his newly increased strength. Vegeta concentrates his energy into his right hand honing it and shaping it into his ki saber.
Qui’s s eyes widen, only one being wields that weapon!
“BLACK PHOENIX!”
The Prince smirks, “So you’ve heard of me.”
“What are you doing here!” Spits the Fleet Commander.
“This planet is now under my personal protection.” Says the Scourge of the Spaceways.
“B- but how did you get here?” splutters Vegeta’s dumbfounded opponent, “No ships have arrived or even attempted to break through our blockade. The last report we had of you was at the from the other edge of the universe! And that was only six days ago. You couldn’t have gotten here that fast!”
“But I did, because I’m facing you right now. Are we going to fight or do you still want to flap your jaws.”
Qui fires at the Phoenix and Vegeta dodges, sending a bolt of energy from his sword back at his foe. Qui darts aside barely in time, he fires another blast at the Phoenix, who parries it aside easily with his energy blade.
The Saiyan Prince smirks, he’s been aching for a fight ever since he bonded to his Saiyanna. Impelled by his mating he needs to vent his suppressed violence. Resisting his imperative had left him on edge, that was why he had been so testy about his mate’s friends. Once he can relieve his thirst for battle he’ll be much less belligerent, and closer to his normal self. Or as close as he can get to it with her breeding.
That thought brings on a new surge of strength, Vegeta laughs with his burgeoning battle glee and attacks Qui furiously. The force backing Qui move to aid their commander but Raditz and Kakarot quickly dispose of them.
Overhead the defense shield is quickly restored to full strength.
Earth’s military jets start chasing down the now trapped alien fighter craft.
The other battles slow and stop as the rest of the enemy is quickly vanquished and destroyed. The mechanical fighters return to base, but the five individual ones remain to watch.
The Prince could have subdued Qui quite quickly but he needed this battle to help clear his blood of the imperative hormones, so he draws it out playing with Qui, like a cat plays with a mouse.
Vegeta and Qui continue their contest, dodging and deflecting blasts and blade across the sky until Vegeta swoops in and with a single swipe of his ki blade splits the Fleet commander in twain from stem to stern.
As Qui’s body plummets to the ground far below, Vegeta roars his victory and dominance to the sky. As his fabled ki blade dissipates, Kakarot and Raditz echo his victory cry. The Z fighters stare at them in amazement.
“Wow!” Whispers Krillian in awe. “Boy am I glad he’s on our side. Can you imagine having to face him in battle?”
Yamcha shakes his head, “No way Jose’, he’s almost too incredible for words. His power is almost outta sight.”
Tien nods, “All three of them are astonishing fighters. Once they fully master their power level control they’ll be unstoppable.”
Vegeta rejoins his comrades. Grinning wolfishly now that his blood lust is sated.
Krillian’s comm beeps, he listens then yells. “There’s another breakthrough near West City! Let’s go!”
The new Z fighter team zooms off again!
Six hours later the last of the attackers have been pretty much disposed of, what remnants are left are in in utter disarray. General White sends his thanks to the Z warriors and assures them that his forces can finishing mopping up the last of this wave of invaders. The Planetary Shield has been repaired and completely reinforced. So now the weary fighters can return to the secluded peace of the retreat, filthy and hungry. To the waiting arms of their mates and friends.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Up in space, the Seventh fleet is in total chaos. With Qui dead and gone the command is up for grabs. Fights start to break out among the various contenders for leadership and no one can seem to get enough control to establish their dominance.
That was the one problem with Frieza’s command structure and actually the entire Frigid Empire. But the Tyrants parlayed that usually fatal defect into a strength at least for them. It was one of the reasons they could keep so much of the universe under their control. By keeping their subjects constantly at each others throats they were less likely to try join together to overthrow the Tyrants.
There was so much rivalry among the subject worlds and races, that they couldn’t and wouldn't work together in any kind of cooperation, even in an effort to overthrow their oppressors.
During one of the free for all’s in the command ship, the brig’s prisoners were released. Gero saw his chance, not being able to fight himself, he managed to gather together several bully boys that are all strength and virtually no brains. With their help the devious if traitorous human finally manages to take over the reins of command, and begins to reorganize the fleet, molding it into an efficient force. Modeling on the organization of his old the Red Ribbon Army.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Within the week both ChiChi and Serera have also caught. Their pregnancies strengthen the Saiyans once again. The six grasp at their happiness tightly, clutching it to them.
Bulma and her assistants work hard, assisted by the twins and the others. Reconfiguring the shield settings, further strengthening it‘s resistance to the invading fleet’s energy beams. The Saiyans their strength already enhanced by their impending fatherhood, train all day long increasing it even further, while their mates work on the more technological aspects of defense.
Mornings are spend integrating and improving their techniques and those of the Z force under Master Roshi’s wise watchful eyes. Afternoons the Saiyan's train in the old modified ZeroG chamber, increasing the gravity level every few days. In the evenings the Terran Z fighters take their place, while the Saiyans bask in bosoms of their families.
Romance blooms all around them, much to ChiChi’s delighted maneuverings. Jenny and Krillian grow ever closer. While a completely bemused Tien even starts paying more attention to Launch.
Vegeta and his two comrades keep their telepathic senses open waiting for any hint of Nappa and their fleet’s arrival.
Piccolo soon joins them, and he now trains with the Saiyans, having increased his strength in a special room that extends time in Kami’s Palace where he trained for several months in just a few hours, increasing his power level to match the Saiyans.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In another part of the universe Cooler is petulantly confronting his parent, King Cold on their capital planet, an icy world well suited to the tastes of the Frigid Tyrants.
“Father, Frieza has flubbed everything. He’s still hasn’t exterminated the last four of those despicable Saiyan monkeys.” Gripes his eldest offspring, “Now his troops are in revolt and he can’t even subdue once measly little planet. I deserve a chance to prove to you that I’m better suited to succeed to the crown.” He makes a fist and tightens it, “Let me go to Earth, I’ll show Frieza how to handle these rotten mammalian pests.”
King Cold lolls indolently in his throne, regarding his eldest child. Cooler has never been his favorite, true his host had attracted him at first, but then the creature had grow tediously demanding. King Cold had wearied of it’s demands so much, that he’d done the unthinkable and consigned the host to a breeding capsule even before implanting his egg.
Unfortunately it seemed that Cooler had inherited his host’s annoying trait, but he is ruthless and strong. Perhaps he should allow his eldest a chance to prove himself after all. If nothing else it may spur his favorite youngest child into greater efforts.
The Frigid Emperor straightens, “Perhaps we shall go and visit this troublesome little planet. I understand that Frieza is headed there right now.”
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It has taken sometime and persuasion but instead of eliminating his opponents Gero had managed to convert them over to his cause. This process had ended up taking quite a while. But once he’d gained control of the Seventh Fleet, Gero had reinitiated contact with Frieza.
He and the youngest of the Frigid Tyrant’s had reached an amicable agreement. Frieza has promised that if Gero can conquer Earth and capture Azure. Then in return Frieza will make him the head scientist of his empire and give him unlimited resources to continue his researches. So for now the Seventh Fleet Command belongs in the hands of the traitorous Dr. Gero. The sinister scientist readies his fleet to attack Earth, as soon as the Ginyu Force arrives.
To be continued...
Go to Chapter Six -
THE GINYUS