Diplomacy

Vegeta awoke with a start. He found himself panting, his sheets sticking to his chest and soaked through with sweat. Though it was the next morning, there was no sunrise on Frieza Planet 79. Only the small section of the planet with Frieza's headquarters even had breathable air. In the darkness, Vegeta got up from his bed and walked out onto the balcony. The stars shone brightly as he gazed up in silent contemplation.

The dream had seemed so real. "Why does Kakarott continue to haunt me even though I have surpassed him?" In the vision, Vegeta had seen himself die at the hands of Frieza without ever becoming a Super Saiyan. Worse, after his death, Goku had fought and eventually defeated the tyrant, ultimately becoming a Super Saiyan himself.

"Preposterous!" Vegeta murmured. "There is no way a low class warrior like Kakarott could ever achieve the legendary power that I have obtained." His subconscious had somehow presented him with a scenario in which he continued to be second-best. The warning was clear, though he didn't want to see the truth in it. "Even if Kakarott managed to become a Super Saiyan, he couldn't possibly rival me. I know I have surpassed him once and for all!"

As he spoke, Vegeta felt doubt begin to enter his mind. That fool called "Goku" had somehow always managed to stay one step ahead of him until now. Despite the fact that Kakarott had never actually defeated him in battle, he had surpassed him in power on several occasions. In fact, he had even proven to be a decent opponent without even needing the power of the Super Saiyan transformation. "The last thing I need is to be surpassed again, especially by Kakarott." Vegeta continued to gaze off his balcony, feeling renewed motivation to resume training. First, however, he had some business to take care of.

Vegeta donned his new suit of clean white battle armor, adorned with a flowing red cape. He always took pride in how he presented himself. Being on the battlefield and having worn out or damaged armor was one thing, but he was compulsive about keeping his attire flawless when he was off duty. He had class even when others didn't, and he was proud of it.

"My lord Vegeta?" Malaka said, his face appearing on a small screen by the door.

"Report," the Saiyan demanded.

"Of course, my lord. We have several schematics for you to take a look at for your new vessel. Our engineers want to be certain it is built up to your specifications."

Vegeta stared down at the new scouter that had been left for him. It looked much the same as any other scouter, except that its lens as bright and yellow as a Namekian sun. He reached down, picking it up.

"Fine, Malaka. I will visit the shipyards soon. In the meantime, make sure everything is still on schedule for the conference this evening."

"Yes, lord," came the reply as the screen blinked off.

Vegeta had never again intended to wear a scouter, but he did find value in the communication abilities they afforded. It was also something of a status symbol. For low-ranking warriors, differently-colored scouters only indicated whether the model was a new one or an old one. However, Vegeta's scouter was a special model designed for him alone. It had even been uniquely configured to display power levels in units of one million; a built-in damping circuit allowed it to handle up to two hundred times this without overloading. Had it not been for this advantage, he would have crushed the scouter immediately, considering it nothing but a remnant of his past and those years of service to Frieza.

"He is right I suppose. I need to make sure those idiots don't mess up my gravity chamber somehow." Vegeta swept out of his quarters and down the hall, leaving the guards outside paralyzed with fear at his mere presence.

Vegeta followed Malaka into a luxurious meeting room where a cluster of alien scientists and engineers huddled around a display table. Four holographic models hovered above the surface.

The lead scientist, a slender, greyish female alien with light green horns and long, spidery fingers stepped forward. "My lord, welcome. I'm Oniya. We've worked through the night to prepare these models for your approval. Before you, you'll see a standard flagship yacht, two heavy corvettes, and a light frigate. Each of the models can be expanded for closer examination. We're prepared to outfit whichever ship you choose within two weeks."

The Saiyan's brow narrowed as he stepped toward them, scanning the displays. His eyes fell on the round yacht, nearly an exact copy of Frieza's signature ship. "What fool included Frieza's ship?" he snarled. One of the engineers, a chubby purple humanoid about four feet tall, waddled forward. "It's not the same as Frieza's ship, Vegeta; we've made modifications. The engines - HURGH!" His voice cut off in a choked squeak as Vegeta lifted a single finger, telekinetically hoisting him off the ground by his throat.

"I gave specific instructions about my ship: that I did NOT desire a hunk of trash like Frieza's. This looks like a piece of deformed fruit! This looks like an over-sized muffin-top!" The rest of the scientists backed away, terrified by his fury. "And how DARE you address me by my first name alone? I find your lack of respect disturbing." Vegeta clenched his fist for an instant, and the chubby scientist fell to the ground, clutching his bruised throat. "Do not try my patience, fool."

Smiling pleasantly, Vegeta turned back to the table. One of the quick-thinking scientists had already removed the offending yacht from the display. Vegeta looked closely at the three remaining models.

"These corvettes look hideous, and I don't need something as big as the frigate. I need a fast ship with strong shields and space for a small crew; nothing more. What else do you have?" Oniya swallowed. "My apologies; that's - that's all we had prepared, my Lord," she replied.

"Well, what other designs do you have?" Vegeta demanded.

One of the engineers pulled up a second display on the wall. "I can show you the designs of several ships from outside the Planet Trade Organization, sir; it's possible we could use one of those."

"Do so immediately, if you value your life," Vegeta ordered. The group quickly scrolled through a series of images showing vessels in various states of disrepair, from tiny shuttles to space stations.

"Wait, let me see that one," Vegeta demanded. It was a small golden ship with a sleek, thin fuselage. Two wings on either side gave it balance; it seemed that they could be folded back during high-speed flight. Large twin engines just in front of the main cabin and slender runners protruding forward from under the fuselage gave it a refined appearance.

Oniya quickly stepped forward. "That's just an airship, sir, from the world of Ivalice. Pay it no mind." She reached out to continue scrolling forward, but Vegeta caught her hand. "No, I like it. You will build me a ship using that design. Try it in black, for the Saiyans, with gold trim, signifying my status as a Super Saiyan. I want the prow lengthened, the engines moved to the back, and those runners shortened. It needs to be large enough to dock a half-dozen Attack pods and hold a large training room with adjustable gravity - up to one hundred times the gravity of Planet Vegeta. Do I make myself clear?"

Vegeta smiled to himself. "Kakarott trained in 100x normal gravity on his way to Namek. I'm sure I can handle ten times that," he thought.

The group of engineers nodded silently, careful to not make eye contact with Vegeta. "Oh, one more thing," Vegeta added as he turned to leave. "I want a pool. Heated. Preferably with a view of the stars. And you'll only have one week to finish construction. Do not disappoint me." With that, he was gone.

Goku yawned and stretched, blinking his eyes in the glare of the Namek suns. It was annoying, the way the Namekians never slept. He had spent nearly three days - in earth time - training near Dende's village and helping the Namekians repair the damages from the past few weeks.

Although the wish to Porunga had protected the planet during the fight between Goku and Vegeta, the damage already done to the planet's surface was extensive. Craters littered the landscape, and lava was flowing freely where stray energy blasts had broken through to the mantle. In several places, the lava was flowing into the lakes that dotted Namek, forming grotesque igneous rock formations. Goku's great strength had been invaluable in closing fissures and filling craters; most of the Namekians had some form of telekinesis, but they had difficulty moving large portions of earth at once. The Saiyan had done his best to correct the most significant damages to the planet's surface. In time, Namek would be returned to its full beauty.

But for now, Goku knew he had to leave. He had one year to train - one year to challenge himself - one year to become a Super Saiyan. He had done everything he could to help his new friends on Namek, but there was something more important in front of him now. He remembered Vegeta's incredible strength and furious wrath. The Super Saiyan had brutalized Frieza, effortlessly. If he, too, became a Super Saiyan, would he become as ruthless and violent as Vegeta had been? He didn't know, but he had to find a way to rise above his current limitations. If the Super Saiyan transformation was the only way, then he would have to risk whatever changes it might bring about.

Frieza's ship was irreparably damaged; he had blown a massive breach in the hull when he left the healing chamber. Even if that breach could be repaired, the ship would never fly; Vegeta had destroyed the main power core when he stole the dragon balls from Frieza and Zarbon.

"That won't work," Goku thought. He rose to a few thousand feet above the ground and flew slowly, scanning his surroundings for any sign of additional ships. Those Ginyus had arrived after Frieza and his men - maybe one of their ships was still intact!

Sure enough, he spotted a collection of five pods a few hundred yards from where Frieza's ship lay shattered. Descending quickly, he landed in front of the first one.

How to open it? Goku looked for a latch or button on the outside, but he didn't see one. "Maybe I just...open it," he thought. Gripping the top of the hatch, he gave it a tug. Nothing happened. He tugged again.

"SCREEGG!" The metal ripped like foil in his hand. "Oops, I guess I don't know my own strength," he thought. Grimacing, he pulled the hatch the rest of the way open and looked inside. "I hope this still works! I wonder if I can fly it."

Climbing in, he pulled the hatch shut. It didn't quite close, so he carefully crimped the hatch shut at the top with his fingers. "That should hold it. Now to figure out how this thing flies." Goku smiled as he looked at the control panel, bewildered. "Alright! Destination, Earth!"

But the pod apparently had a mind of its own. As soon as he pressed the large green power button under the view-screen, lights began flashing all around him and the pod's engine roared to life. The screen showed a small planet with three moons.

"Programming initiated. Destination: Yardrat," a computerized voice intoned.

Vegeta walked through a narrow corridor spotted with circular windows. He was accustomed to space and typically wouldn't have paid a second thought to the view, but he was deep in thought. In a few moments he would proclaim himself the new ruler of Frieza's empire. The mental preparation required for dealing with political concerns hadn't been enjoyable. Already, Vegeta found himself weary of handling the authorization of planet takeovers and other daily minutiae. The prince quickly decided that as soon as he was proclaimed the new ruler, he would designate subordinates to handle such mind-numbing daily drudgeries. He could care less about the sale price of a planet or how many reinforcement squads would be sent to help with world takeovers. He was a warrior, thirsty for battle, and he was not content to sit back and watch his minions do the dirty work as Frieza had been.

The Saiyan entered the large chamber, filled with holographic projections of each of Frieza's regents. The center of the room was a lowered circular platform, surrounded on all sides by the officials. Vegeta walked briskly to the center.

He planned to deliver his news bluntly, expecting to invoke shock and fear in his audience. "I have called this assembly to inform you all of a certain change in leadership that has taken place. Frieza is dead. I slaughtered him myself." The prince held up his gruesome trophy, enjoying the stunned faces of silence he received. "As your new leader, I will give you the opportunity of swearing complete and utter fealty to me right now, or being disposed of at my first convenience. You have no say in the matter: none whatsoever."

Vegeta sternly glanced through the faces of the crowd, never making eye contact but coming close enough to inspire fear. As he did, a single pair of hands began applauding slowly from the back of the auditorium. A voice calmly spoke out.

"Well done, Vegeta! It seems I was right about you all along." The holographic projection did not need to announce who he was. "I had begun to hear rumors, but I didn't quite believe them until now. My baby brother was a pest, one I would have eventually disposed of myself. Congratulations; I'm pleased to hear you've taken care of this problem."

"Viceroy Cooler," Vegeta smiled warmly as he addressed the projection. "It's SO nice to have your support." The two spoke directly to each other, ignoring every other face in the room. Both were clearly on edge, yet conversed calmly, their tones conveying more than their words. Vegeta was excited that the frost demon had been bold enough to make first contact; Cooler had always been more straightforward than Frieza.

On his side, sitting comfortably in his ship a few dozen parsecs away, Cooler was also excited. He was eager to eliminate the lucky Saiyan, who had so clearly destroyed Frieza as a result of the Frost Lord's own carelessness. Both Vegeta and Cooler smiled, inwardly exulting in their schemes to destroy one another.

"I'd be delighted if we could meet in person, Vegeta. We should really...discuss...the recent changes in the empire." Cooler took a holographic sip from his glass of holographic wine, giving Vegeta a pause in which to respond.

Vegeta thought to himself. "It couldn't be any more perfect. He obviously plans to do away with me at this meeting, but he has no idea what he is up against."

In his ship, Cooler also reflected. "Poor, foolish, Vegeta. He has always been so overconfident. I'm sure he thinks he will be the one to destroy me at this little meeting, the fool. And he won't possibly refuse my offer; it would go against his Saiyan pride. Besides, it would look bad if he appeared timid in front of his new 'servants'. Hah! Just when he defeated Frieza and thought he finally had it all, I'll snatch it right out of his cold dead hands."

Vegeta contained his cunning well, finally responding in a casual tone. "I would consider it a privilege, my dear Viceroy. We should meet soon, perhaps as soon as my new ship is constructed."

Both chuckled inwardly as they smiled at one another. As Cooler's form vanished in static, the meeting concluded. Each regent swore their total allegiance to Vegeta, though most had detected the challenge issued by Cooler. They fully expected to be transferred over to his lordship soon. The frost demons were unquestioned and invincible, never having been overthrown by anyone. No one knew how Vegeta could have possibly defeated Frieza, for they had not yet seen the power of the Super Saiyan.

On a dark and icy world over a thousand parsecs distant, a single figure sat brooding. This throne was cut out of the same glacier as the room he was in. At well over three meters tall, the figure was terrifyingly large. Light purple skin and hideous horns, barely visible in the darkness of the room, marked him as a Frost Demon.

His spies among the former regents of Frieza had provided him with a live feed of the meeting. He had watched in silence until the transmission ended, not moving or even blinking. As the screen blinked off, returning the room to its former darkness, he stood.

"It is unthinkable that Cooler will meet the same end as Frieza. Yet it seems that this miserable Saiyan defeated my son in his final form. If there really is such a thing as a Super Saiyan, I will have to learn more of this," King Cold thought.

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Hope you enjoyed the various references to some of our favorite films and parodies. We took a little liberty here, more than we would during an important battle scene, so I hope it wasn't too terribly cheesy. I'm as eager as everyone to get to the next fight though, and I think Vegeta is even more anxious than we are!

I've been seeing some questions in the review section regarding Cooler, his power level, his 5th transformation, as well as some about King Cold. I can't talk about Frost Demon transformations without giving away major upcoming plot points, but I will say this: David and I both love Dragonball Multiverse. That's all I can say.

A couple of comments I can answer:

Q. Will Gohan become a Super Saiyan?

A. I can't say what's going to happen, but, as I've hinted at before, BoD will strive to intersect the events of canon without straying too far. As a Saiyan hybrid whose life is about to be made significantly more difficult by Prince Vegeta being a Super Saiyan, Gohan has a high chance of achieving the transformation, although the how and when are still unknown. :-)

Q. For some reason I imagine Vegeta with his TFS voice when he's talking to Frieza's men xD. I usually picture him with Chris Sabat's voice(FUNimation), and his thoughts on Krillin really made me laugh here.

A. I thought the same thing when writing him. Both voices are great, although Sabat is obviously a professional – he's the best. I didn't want the adventures of Vegeta in space to be boring though, so I thought, why not add a little TFS spunk to him? So yes, he was totally based off of TFS Vegeta during this. Glad you enjoyed it!