Crossroads

Chapter 6

Goku was up early again, unable to contain the many emotions fluttering inside of him. He didn't know what to expect. After getting some juice and doing a little stretching he found that his nerves were getting to him and so he grabbed a cigarette out of his pack and snuck outside to smoke. The air was brisk, and every day it was a little colder on Planet Vegeta. He took a few hits, enjoying the cool breeze, but the pastime didn't do much for his anxiety and he found that after a few days without one, it didn't taste quite as good either, so he put it out after a few puffs.

Once back inside he headed for the showers. Bardock could be heard in the kitchen making coffee, at least he assumed it was him, but he stealthily avoided him for now, still not quite sure what to say for himself on any account.

A stray thought hit him about how quickly everything was happening. He had just left the army, what, a month ago? Two months, maybe? He found part time work when he got back, most places were eager to hire veterans, but now he's a part of the Royal Guard. He'll have to formally quit his previous work, but he still wasn't sure about where this is going, and he didn't know what to feel about it.

The shower was relaxing but he made it quick, too anxious to get on with the day. It was fast approaching the time that he needed to be at the castle and for once he really didn't want to be late, so he dried and dressed quickly before heading out to speak with his family.

Both Raditz and Bardock were drinking coffee in silence when he came into the kitchen. Upon looking at him, Raditz grunted, "Where's your uniform?"

"Huh?"

Raditz huffed and said, "You can't wear that. Go put your uniform on! And grab an empty bag to take with you!"

Goku sighed and went back to his room to change and found a small tote, though he didn't know why he would need one. Once he returned, he ignored his brother's side-eyeing and Bardock offered to make him something to eat before he left. Goku smiled and nodded and Bardock whipped up a small breakfast in about 5 minutes. It took less time than that for Goku to eat and then Raditz practically shooed him out the door, telling him to mind his manners the whole way.

By the time Goku got to the castle and found out where he was supposed to go from the guards, who seemed to know him before he even asked them a question, he was ten minutes early and he stood outside of the door wearily. It's such a big door. This is such a big step. He shook it off and entered anyways.

There were only a few Saiyans inside, and he suddenly realized he wasn't sure who he was supposed to talk to, but they all turned to him as he entered and one man said, "Come in! Sit down! You're early! Good!"

He did as he was told and the four Saiyans continued to gather their paperwork together as he waited for further instruction.

They gave him a little bag, like a welcome starter-pack, which Goku didn't have the time to look through, and handed him a stack of papers to sign, explaining briefly what each one stood for; one for second-class, one for Royal Guard, one for a little prize money, which he hadn't given any thought to before, one for his new pay rate including a pay card, which he was also surprised to hear, one for his new room, including a room key, which he was very pleased to get, and then several more, but by that time it was too early in the morning for him to really understand what they were talking about and he was briefly reminded of what it was like entering into his first training camp in the army over a decade ago,

Finally, someone asked him if he had any questions to which he responded, "Um, what do I do now?"

They all laughed. The man who had first spoken to him when he entered said, "There are several guards who work directly for his Highness, they'll be able to explain the job in more detail."