Originally Posted by
Sub-Zero MKA
It was a nightmare. Pois was standing next to Botarega when reports started rolling in. Massive ships numbering in the dozens were descending on the worlds in the Empire. It was as she feared when she found out the portals were going to remain closed. Tundra’s army could simply fly to the different worlds. It would take them a little longer, but they would get there.
She realized that it wouldn’t be long before an army showed up for Langal. With three royal children there, including the heir, she absolutely could not waste time lamenting Sarada’s poor timing. She needed a plan and needed one five minutes ago. “How many councilmembers are on Langal?”
Botarega took a moment to think. As the seconds ticked by, his already grim countenance grew grimmer. “Just me.”
“Shit.” She gnawed on the thumbnail as she tried to think of something. Tasure and Avoca were there, as were Pinach. They only needed one Super Saiyan to protect Langal. The other worlds were vulnerable. The only problem was that there were over a dozen worlds in the Empire and only six Super Saiyans; seven, if she counted that Lantro traitor. Either way, he and three other SSJs were unavailable, leaving only Tasure, Avoca, and Pinach.
She quickly pulled up the colonies on the screen in front of her and looked them over. As far as she knew, Callion was by far the weakest still and would need the most help. Besides them, the newer colonies needed the most help.
She sat down to write down the coordinates for three of six new colonies for Tasure; her instant transmission technique would make traveling to each world a snap. She intended on sending Pinach to Callion, then give him the rest of the new colonies. Avoca could stay on Langal; she didn’t foresee any attempt to get her to leave her children behind going well. Pepa would have to fend for itself. Becbaga was there, so there was hope. Hopefully, the soldiers wouldn’t be that strong. They were practically foot soldiers from what she heard from Senerg’s report. Unless they had stronger Lieutenants, there shouldn’t have been any problems.
“I’m going to hand out these reinforcements assignments,” she said as she started to walk out.
Botarega was right behind her. “I’ll rally whatever troops we have left here. I suggest you barricade yourself with those kids. They’re top priority.”
She didn’t know why he was entrusting her with their lives, rather than someone stronger. Still, she nodded. “Okay. I’ll do my best.”
She quickly hurried out of the war room and quickly zeroed in on where Pinach was located. Predictably, he was with his nieces and nephew. Avoca and Tasure were both there, too, which meant she could kill two birds with one stone. She stepped inside. Garnish was climbing over Pinach, laughing and giggling as she yanked on his spiky blonde hair. Avoca was sitting quietly in the corner, her son sleeping soundly in her arms. Pois stepping inside caught her attention.
“I hate to interrupt, but we have a serious problem. Tundra’s army has started to invade several of the other worlds in the Empire. Seven, so far. It won’t be long before they reach the other worlds, including here. Pinach, I need you to head to Callion first to clear the invasion out; they won't last long. Avoca, stay here. Tasure, head to these colonies. They're a ways out, but you can teleport, right?” She had no idea how it worked, but hopefully giving her coordinates would help somehow.
There wasn't a lot of time for her to gauge their reactions or to answer any questions. Not that she was expecting any from those three. It was pretty straightforward. There was fighting to be done, and she told them where to find it. The main and most important thing was making sure Langal was kept secure. The race's future was literally in that room. If it was breached, it wouldn't matter if they survived. "I...I'll keep guard over these three. I'll barricade us in here."
Avoca gently placed Mais in the chair after she stood up. "Okay. Do you know how far the army is out?"
"No. Botarega will make sure we have plenty of warning." She turned on her heels and walked out. "I'm going to gather some supplies. I'll be back."
She walked swiftly to the kitchen for food. After that, she needed to head to the armory for weapons and armor. The white dress and half breastplate she was wearing suited her for her role as palace coordinator, but a soldier needed more. Using weapons wasn't necessarily Saiyan-like - though the Princess had that ax, so who really knew what was Saiyan-like anymore - but necessity called for it.
It was up to her. Everyone else was going to be fighting.
She gathered up enough food and snacks for two hungry toddlers, and some formula for the Princess and placed it all in a cart. Then, she went to suit up. It had been forever since she wore a soldier's armor. It felt weird, but oddly nostalgic. Oddly, because she was never a soldier and only wore it during her stint in the CTC.
A pair of footsteps behind her attracted her attention from the wall of laser rifles she was looking over. "The soldiers are on high alert and I have the watchtower scanning the atmosphere. The moment the invaders come within a hundred miles of the planet, we'll know," Botarega said.
She swallowed, but couldn't bring herself to give any kind of sign of relief. "Okay, good." She turned back around and plucked a rifle, a handgun, and several cartridges from the wall and dropped them in the cart.
As if sensing her unease, Botarega took his leave. "Good luck."
"Yeah, you too," she muttered to his fleeing form. She sighed heavily and wheeled her supplies down the hall. It was empty. Most everyone was already outside and waiting. The other worlds were caught off-guard. They on Langal had a real chance with advanced warning and a Super Saiyan. Chances were she wouldn't even need to fight. The odds of anyone slipping by thousands of soldiers and Avoca were slim. Pois dared not get her hopes up, but... that was all she had.
Hope.
She could only hope the invaders weren't that strong, hope they didn't get past Avoca and the army, and hope she was strong enough to fight them all off if they did. And as the warning klaxon started blaring, accompanied by a flashing red light, she realized that wasn't any time to find anything else to base her confidence on.
"THIS IS NOT A DRILL! ALL AVAILABLE SOLDIERS REPORT TO THE BATTLEFIELD IMMEDIATELY. I REPEAT, THIS IS NOT A DRILL! THE PLANET IS UNDER INVASION!"
She neared the room and heard all three children crying. Her inner strength wilted. Strong face, Pois. For their sake, put on a strong face. She burst into the room, rolled the cart into the center, and then immediately closed the door behind her. She flipped open a case covering a red button and slammed her fist on it. A foot-thick steel door slid up from the floor and in front of the door. The windows were also sealed shut. "It'll be okay, children. We'll be just fine." She turned to face them and gave them the most confident smile she could muster. "I promise."