Post by Lute on Jan 21, 2017 19:01:54 GMT -5
Aboard the Queen's Resolve
Three Days After the Battle of Frieza #79
Radia strode into the main hangar, her furskin cloak swaying behind her. Each of her powerful strides followed with her heels clicking on the grime covered metal floors of her cruiser. Saiyan and xeno crewmen scattered about, trying to make themselves look busy, as the Queen herself was present. They all had hid looks of terror on their faces. In fact, the past few days had been embarrassingly long and filled with pathetic looks. She wondered just when they would all grow a backbone.
They were fearful of her, because they had not won the battle. Despite the fact that they were able to lower the planetary shield, they hadn't swept their way to glory. It was a silly notion. Battles weren't won in a day, nor were they won immediately. Too many of these hardened fighters in her ranks had spent too much time in the Frieza Force. Failure was death to them. She tried to assure them otherwise. She valued all of her subjects.
A shuttle entered the bay and set down on the platform. She folded her arms and waited. Two of her guards rushed forward to escort the visitor down the ramp. It took them a few minutes, but the man emerged, walking down the steps.
He was an Earthling dressed in a three-piece suit. He had dark hair with a hit of silver in flecks and flakes. He too was used to the burden of power, as he strode forth with all the reality of someone who was royalty. Even though he was just merchant.
"I see your beauty and strength proceeds you. Your Grace, it is wonderful to meet you finally. I am Director Stone of Capsule Corporation."
"I know who you are, Director. My time is precious. Follow me."
She led him through the corridors of the Queen's Resolve into her personal quarters. Stone walked like a man who knew his way around her ship. That made sense, as her ship and been designed and manufactured by his corporation.
"I love what you've done with the place. It's far more rustic than I imagined. Very--Saiyan," Stone said as then entered her personal quarters.
She walked over to her holo-table and sat down, motioning for him to sit across from her.
"I have a present for you. It is only customary to present royalty with a gift, on Earth," Director Stone said.
"A gift?" Radia said. "You Earthlings live in a culture of decadence. What possibly could you offer me?"
Director Stone reached into his jacket and produced a small data-drive and set it on the table in front of her. She stared at it and back at him for a long moment. He merely had a smug look on his face--typical of men in power. She wondered if he knew she could pop his head like a grape without even exerting herself.
"What is contained on that disk?"
"Data. Specifically, research on Saiyans--those of which that were native to our universe. As you know, Capsule Corp has always had close ties with the Saiyan people. Bulma Briefs was once married to Prince Vegeta himself, the most powerful Saiyan to ever exist. You will find information on his DNA and on the tails that Saiyans possessed as well. I imagine iftcould be of use to you in the future."
Radia picked it up and then slipped it into her pocket. "A very strange gift. But, I will acknowledge it. I thank you for your contribution on that regard. But, I have an even more important request for you."
Stone nodded. He kept glancing around, as if he expected something. She had worked with Earthlings before, in a few mercenary missions and she remembered it was custom to talk over beverages. She snapped her fingers. Her servant, a xeno of Appule's race with yellow-green skin entered the room.
"Fetch us some wine."
A few minutes later he returned with a platter. Not only was there glasses of wine, but there were snacks as well. Some golden cheeses and tiny sausages. She grabbed a large chunk of cheese and plopped it in her mouth. He went for the wine, taking a long drink, before relaxing a bit.
"What sort of request, Your Grace?"
"I need war ships, Director. As many as you can muster for me."
He seemed to consider that a moment, staring into the dark burgundy of his drink. There was something strange in his expression. It was a combination of excitement and hesitation. Radia wondered what he was hiding. Just what could the problem be? Capusle Corp was always trying to sell their war ships. Many planetary navies still preferred the Arcosian models. But, she liked the Earthling design. Sleek and fast--much like herself.
"I am honored for such a request. And, I would love to fulfill it. However, we have run into a bit of a snag with our production and are on back order."
She picked up a sausage and placed between her lips, taking a small nibble. "A snag? Of what sort. Money is not an option, I can assure you that."
Director Stone dismissed her with a wave. "As I said before, the Capsule Corp has always had a strong relationship with Saiyans. I admire your resolve to build an empire out of dust. That takes gall and intelligence. It's not a matter of willpower, trust me. There are physical limitations. Our shipyards were destroyed by a terrorist. We simply cannot provide and we have our other clients to consider--"
"Your other clients can wait. I will pay you twenty-five percent more if you give me their ships."
He was sipping his wine when she said that and choked a bit, putting the back of his hand to his mouth in a manner of etiquette. "A generous offer, my queen. That will hurt our business, and is a big risk to take. Stiffing clients in favor of another is not good practice. But, if you're willing to pay more and... do a favor for me, we can call it even."
Things were never simple. Radia had a strong feeling that a favor would be called. She was still getting used to politics. They were a battleground of their own. Neither side wanted to sacrifice in favor of the other.
"Name this favor."
"The Capsule Corporation needs protection. Remember the terrorist I mentioned? Well, they're still at large--a being known as Orion. He is quite powerful, and I fear he may strike again. If you can ensure my personal saftey, as well as the saftey of the Capsule Corp--we will have a deal."
"I can assign you personal guards, if you need them. But, I think you mean in a larger sense. What do you suggest?"
Director Stone sported a mischievous grin, one she wasn't sure she liked. "Allow us to build our next production facility on New Salda."
Radia narrowed both her eyes. Just what was this Earthling playing at.
"Fine."
"Then we have a deal."