Bringer of Death

Chapter 108: A Calculated Deception

World Championships Saga, Part 8: A Calculated Deception

Deep in space, just outside Imperial Outpost 79...

Commander Oniya was busy on her feet, swiping through star charts, checking a hologram display for the arrival of straggler warships, and calmly handing out orders to ship captains. Vegeta's sleek, black, gold-trimmed flagship stood apart from the rest of the armada even years after its commissioning. Thanks to Android 16's immense artificial intelligence, the Bringer of Death remained by far the fastest frigate in the Imperial fleet, even though Oniya had rolled out double reinforced shielding and improved slipstream travel to everything larger than a single-occupant capsule.

Despite these improvements, amassing a fleet that had previously been scattered across the quadrant took several days. No one could remember a recall order like this, not during Vegeta's tenure as Emperor. What circumstances would require the entire Imperial fleet to gather in a single place, let alone a planet that was known to be strictly off-limits? While no ship captain dared question their orders, many wondered whether Earth might in fact be the Emperor's new homeworld. But if their invincible ruler was already there, what need would he have for the fleet?

Chief Enforcer Broly sat behind Oniya on the bridge of the Bringer of Death, his legs crossed in the massive captain's chair. He was annoyed. Oniya's order had recalled him from a mission in the Therian system, where he had been excitedly planning a hunt of the Sturgerolepis, Theria's planet's rarest game. According to legend, the gigantic, reptilian fish guarded mountains of delicious eggs, a tempting treat for any Saiyan. He had been looking forward to the exotic excursion, and though he didn't know why it had been canceled, he hoped it wasn't another wild goose chase for a wizard that no one but Vegeta had ever seen

A nasally voice interrupted his pout.

"Statement: Chief Enforcer, my scanners are detecting higher levels of frustration from you than I've seen in years. If they are due to our previously planned excursion, I too feel a great sense of loss that I will not be able to end the life of such a renowned creature.
"Addendum: Although it has been some time since I have been on assignment with the Master, it will be quite exciting to see him once again. If prior experience is to be any indication, it is likely we will find even greater entertainment and opportunities for bloodshed once we arrive at Planet Earth."

Broly laughed coarsely, slapping C47 on the shoulder hard enough to make the droid recalibrate its balance sensors. "Leave it to you to see the bright side. Nobody can attract a good fight like Prince Vegeta."

"Conjecture: Commander Oniya's demeanor certainly seems to suggest that is the case."

The slim Asari officer turned towards them with one of those looks. "My Lord's instructions were that you were to report to him personally, Enforcer Broly. As for myself and the fleet, we are to remain as eyes and ears. I have received no further information."

The tall Saiyan cracked his neck from side to side. "Report directly, eh? I like the sound of that."

"Query: Perhaps my audio receptors malfunctioned. Was there no mention of any assasination protocols in the Master's transmission? Nothing requiring my particular expertise?"

"Afraid not, C47," Oniya said with practiced indifference. "But you may go with Broly if you'd like."

The android's eyes glowed a deeper red than normal. "Statement: I would very much like to."

Outside the ship, a final few cruisers floated into formation with the rest of the combined Imperial force. Oniya had made the call above and beyond Vegeta's request, and nearly every vessel in the navy had withdrawn from current missions to join them. All in all, there were a dozen assault ships, three interdictors, one executive Dreadnaught that Broly usually commanded, and several hundred cruisers, warships, and gunships — many of which were still the fat-bodied disc style that Frieza had preferred, only refitted with improved weaponry, shields, and hyperdrives. The skyspace was decorated with vessels, to the point that it made outer space look like a crowded freeway.