Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Nossoreg's Revenge ❯ Chapter 18

Chapter Eighteen

"Clones?" Goku asked. When they reached the lab, Nossoreg explained their part in his plan as he showed them exact replicas of Goku and Gohan. "Are they like androids?"

"They're completely alive," he explained. "They are exactly like you, with your exact DNA, except I modified their brain structure to suit my needs. It makes them easier to control."

"So they have our power, too?" Gohan asked, looking at his clone floating in what resembled a rejuvenation tank.

"Once you charge them up, they will," Nossoreg agreed. "It's really a simple procedure. Much like when Goku transferred a little energy to power up the women's cell."

Goku looked over at Vegeta, but his face was impassive. He had not spoken a word to them since leaving their living quarters. And when Goku had tried to contact him telepathically, he had blocked him out. Nossoreg mistook Goku's stare.

"Vegeta has already powered up his clone and, as you can see, he is perfectly fine," he told them. "I am not out to drain your energy permanently, only enough to get your clones up and running. I will allow you to rest and recharge between sessions until all the clones are fully functional."

"So you kidnapped and threatened our wives and put our families and friends in danger just so we would agree to be battery chargers?" Gohan asked, giving Nossoreg a disgusted glare.

"To put it crudely. . .yes," Nossoreg agreed. "But I was hoping you would agree to join me willingly as Vegeta has done. With the most powerful fighting force in the universe, I will also need the most powerful leaders. Your heroic endeavors are commendable, but you never really got credit for all your hard work. Even when you saved Earth from Buu, Hercule got all the accolades. Isn't it about time you left those ungrateful humans behind and became the true Saiyan warriors you were meant to be? The fighter that is deep down in your blood?"

Vegeta silently congratulated Goku and Gohan for looking as if they really were considering Nossoreg's proposal. He knew them better than Nossoreg. They would never intentionally harm any innocent creature.

Vegeta had hoped that they wouldn't follow him this far, but now that they were here, he was glad they hadn't blown his cover. He knew that Kakarot had tried to talk to him with his mind, but he was not ready to explain his plan yet. He would have to wait until he knew how much Nossoreg was going to tell them first. None of them could afford to make any mistakes if they were going to keep up the charade and keep their families safe.

"So just what do we get out of this deal?" Goku asked. "I mean, it sounds like we're doing all the work. We're giving up our energy, our identities. . .for what?"

"Once I have built up my army of Saiyan clones, we will be unstoppable!" Nossoreg said with sheer excitement. "Then each of you will be able to take your own forces to the farthest reaches of the universe, conquering everything in your path. Once I have taken my share of the spoils, the rest will be yours. You may even want to go back to selling planets to the highest bidder. The possibilities are astounding!"

"They sure are," Gohan mumbled. Then he caught himself and added, "You're right, there are endless possibilities to what we could do! But what are you going to be doing while our lives are on the line?"

"I will be keeping my promise to you that your families will be safe," Nossoreg reminded them, suddenly serious. "The way I look at it, you will be killing people no matter what you decide. If I were you, I would choose to keep my loved ones alive. So, what do you say?"

Vegeta held his breath as Goku walked over and stood in front of Nossoreg. The Vegeta clone stood close behind his master to protect him. Slowly, Goku put out his hand and said, "We promise that we will do whatever it takes to keep the people who are important to us safe."

Nossoreg broke out into a wide smile and eagerly shook Goku's hand. Vegeta had to work hard to stifle a laugh. He had to hand it to Kakarot. He had managed to make an honest promise, even though it wasn't what Nossoreg believed it to be.

Now that Nossoreg thought they were all on the same side, he was eager to proceed with his plan. He showed them to the energizing chambers and set to work getting everything ready.

The chambers were clear, enclosed tubes with panels on either side. At Nossoreg's instruction, Goku and Gohan entered, put their hands on the panels, and powered up their energy. The computer then took over and sucked the energy from then, transferring it to their clones. They both cried out as their energy raised to dangerous heights as it left their bodies.

Vegeta felt a tinge of sympathy for them. He knew how it felt. When his energy was drained, his first instinct had been to fight it and pull his hands from the panels. That only made the computer draw harder, and his muscles still burned from the effort. He knew he should have warned the others not to fight, but he didn't want to risk it. As far as Nossoreg was concerned, Vegeta had feelings for no one but his family.

The chambers glowed with energy and Vegeta watched as the clones began to twitch with life. It didn't take long for them to become fully animated with the strong power levels of the Saiyan and his half-breed son. Finally, Nossoreg pressed a button and the computer shut down the chambers. Both doors opened and they dropped weakly to their hands and knees on the floor. Vegeta glided over, sensing very little energy left in them.

"Are you sure you took enough? I think they may have a bit more power left to give," Vegeta lied.

"Now, now, Vegeta," Nossoreg said. "I don't think we should be too greedy their first time in the chamber."

"I guess I should have warned you not to fight the computer, Kakarot," Vegeta smirked. "It only makes it worse."

"Now. . .you. . .tell. . .me!" Goku managed through his labored breathing.

"I. . .can't. . .move," Gohan whispered and let himself fall flat before Vegeta's chair.

"Get these pathetic things up," Vegeta ordered his clone.

The Vegeta clone easily picked up the two weak Saiyans by the back of their shirts. He then followed Vegeta out of the lab, dragging them along, into another room. There, a large table was near to overflowing with food. The clone unceremoniously deposited Goku in one chair and Gohan in another.

"Well, that was embarrassing," Gohan complained.

"At least you got a hoverchair, Vegeta," Goku said. "Why can't I have one?"

"I don't trust your driving," he shot back. "Now shut up, I'm starving! Nossoreg wasn't going to let anyone eat until you decided to join him."

They began to eat, shoveling the food into their mouths and barely chewing before they swallowed. Vegeta's clone stood passively near the door, watching them as they ate in apparent silence.

'Don't let on how much energy you've regained,' Vegeta thought to Goku. 'Let him think we've been drained for the entire day.'

'That won't be too hard,' Goku agreed telepathically as he reached for another bowl of potatoes. 'So what's your plan?'

'After Trunks arrives, you are going to get the women out of here. Then we will be able to handle Nossoreg without interference.'

'But how am I supposed to leave without being detected?' Goku asked. 'We can't just walk out the front door. Besides, Nossoreg has cameras everywhere. Where would we go?'

'Use instant transmission to take them to Korin. As far as I could tell, that's the only place Nossoreg hasn't been able to reach because that hermit cat never goes anywhere,' Vegeta thought.

'What about the tracking devices we still have in our bodies? He'll know if I leave, even for a minute. And I'm sure he would have some sort of device on them, too.'

'It's their bracelets.' Vegeta finished the last drop from his glass and motioned to his clone for more. The clone obeyed.

"Well trained, aren't they?" Goku said aloud, holding out his glass as well.

"Maybe, if you're good, Nossoreg will make one just for you," Vegeta answered, then finished telling Goku his plan telepathically.

Gohan could feel something was going on between the two older Saiyans, but knew better than to say anything. He waited patiently until they were finished eating, then Goku relayed Vegeta's plan to his mind. Gohan nodded his approval and added a yawn for the benefit of anyone watching.

They all felt nearly one hundred percent rejuvenated, but acted sluggish and sleepy as they made their way back to their rooms. They each quietly whispered the plan to their wives and settled back to wait for the right moment.