32 Discovered (2/2)

By the time the rest of the group made it to Krillin's location, Tien was already back on his feet, thanks to Krillin's timely action.

”What happened?” Raditz questioned Tien.

”It was the cyborgs. They were quick enough to sneak up behind me. What's more, there were three of them.” Tien explained. He was still a bit shaken from his inability to retaliate against the enemy.

”From their conversation their names are: Dr. Gero, Dr. Wheelo, and Dr. Kochin. It seems they are targeting Kakarot, and you secondarily.” he further explained.

When Raditz heard the names of the enemies he realized he should have followed up on what happened years ago in the Arctic Wasteland. After all, he and Bulma almost died due to Dr. Kochin and his Bio-man Kishime.

”It seems our patience was rewarded, both of the targets are here.” Dr. Gero said to his companions as they approached the group from an alleyway.

”Judging by the assembled group, they were indeed expecting us.” the pinstriped Dr. Wheelo said.

”How did you know we would be here?” Dr. Gero asked.

”Why don't we relocate before having a chat?” Raditz asked. ”The wasteland south of here would be a more fitting place”

Dr. Gero thought about the suggestion to relocate to the wasteland. Though he was confident in his group's chances of victory, the wasteland would offer an added advantage. If things went wrong, they would be closer to their secret lab.

The cyborgs agreed to moving the discussion to the wasteland, and the two groups raced south over a group of islands towards their destination. Small bits of dust whirled across the wasteland carried on a cool breeze. The area they landed at was barren and surrounded by tall rock formations. Any collateral damage caused wouldn't be a problem in the barren wasteland.

”So what exactly do you want?” Raditz asked, ”Revenge, world domination, some other cliche?”

”Yes, it's just as you said. I want revenge against Kakarot for taking everything from me. So I will take everything from him.” Gero laughed.

”I want to make you suffer, Raditz, the way my Kishime suffered!” the large framed Kochin spat.

”As for me, now that I have completed a fitting body to match my mind, I would like to test it.” Dr. Wheelo added, ”So I chose to help my partner Dr. Kochin resolve his issues with you. Plus, Dr. Gero's research was invaluable to me regaining a body.”

”Now explain how you knew about us.” Dr. Gero demanded.

”Well... I changed my mind about telling you. After hearing all the talk about revenge, I'm curious as to whether you can accomplish it or not.” Raditz taunted. ”I mean your research didn't amount to anything when you used it for the Red Ribbon Army, or so I heard.”

Vegeta was impressed by Raditz's cocky attitude towards the cyborgs. He had a similar mindset about asserting a dominant position by unnerving his opponents. The scientist's creations also got under the former prince's skin, because their strength was gained artificially.

Beside his father, Reiss smirked at the comments his father made. He knew Raditz had a knack for biting insults that cut deep. It was almost like the quips were a special technique of his father's. The boy had heard plenty enough of them over the last three years. He almost felt sorry for Dr. Gero, but after being subjected to the taunts himself he was enjoying the feeling of schadenfreude. The young Saiyan really hated it when his father called him ”boy.”

Gero felt a cold fury rising within what was left of his organic components. He didn't ever have anything personally against Emperor Raditz, but now he felt the Saiyan had to die at all costs. He quickly reviewed all of the data collected on Raditz over the years in preparation of his attack.

Krillin was surprised by the cyborgs lack of Ki signals. It wasn't even that the Ki signal was low, it was completely nonexistent. Fighting against opponents like them would probably be a tricky endeavor. He was pleased he trained as relentlessly as he did over the last three years.

Kakarot approached Dr. Gero, brimming with confidence. He was ready to fight against the people he was told stood unrivaled in the future.

”Here I am! I'm ready to fight anytime you are!” Kakarot shouted.

”Oh no you don't, Kakarot! If anyone fights first, it will be me!” Vegeta quickly moved in front of the other Saiyan.

”There are three of them we can both fight!” Kakarot said.

”You think one will be enough? No mechanical creation can match a Super Saiyan.” Vegeta replied, charging his Ki.

Kakarot followed Vegeta's lead and his Ki erupted around him, causing the Earth to shake violently. Both men transformed into the Super Saiyan state, ready to take on the cyborgs. The gathered fighters were shocked by Vegeta's transformation. They couldn't believe the short, ill tempered Saiyan had achieved something so spectacular.

”How was Vegeta able to do it?” Krillin asked.

”Well to be fair, it isn't too hard.” Raditz said.

Vegeta heard the comment made by Raditz, and the vein on his forehead started to throb with annoyance. Both Kakarot and Vegeta adopted their fighting stances, while the cyborgs stood by watching. Still feeling slighted by Raditz's comment, Vegeta made the first move against the cyborgs.