Mark tried to hold back as the first wave of Saiyans reached him, he swung a punch at one who lunged with a glowing fist, the impact sending the attacker tumbling across the deck. "We don't have to do this," he shouted, dodging a sweeping kick from another Saiyan whose tail whipped through the air where his head had been a second earlier, then he planted his foot into a third one's chest, kicking him backward into a cluster of his comrades who scattered to avoid the collision. "We're on the same side here," Mark continued, his words aimed at the entire group as he grabbed a fourth Saiyan by the arm mid-punch and twisted it to force him to drop to one knee without breaking anything.
The Saiyans kept coming, their laughter mixing with grunts of effort as one of them fired a blast of yellow energy from his palm that caught Mark square in the chest, scorching the fabric of his uniform and leaving a red welt on his skin. "Look at the Viltrumite talk," one Saiyan jeered from the front lines, his voice carrying over the scuffle while he wiped blood from his lip after Mark's earlier punch. "Weak words from a weak fighter," another added, pointing at Mark with a smirk as the group circled closer, their energy auras flaring brighter.
Anissa dove into the fray then, her body slamming into one Saiyan's side with a kick that propelled him into the hangar wall where he crumpled against the metal panels, and she snatched another's outstretched hand just as blue energy gathered in his palm for a blast. She spun in place with him gripped tightly, using the momentum to hurl him across the bay into a stack of crates that shattered under the impact, then she turned to Mark with exasperation in her eyes. "Stop holding back, they'll just think you're weak," she told him, as she tackled a Saiyan who flew at her from above, wrapping her arms around his waist and driving him down to the deck with a thud that echoed through the space.
Lucan joined the fight with a grin, his fists connecting with a Saiyan's jaw in a solid hit that spun the warrior around, he glanced at Mark while dodging an energy wave that singed the air past his ear. "The half-breed begs for peace, try not to hit him too hard," Lucan mocked, his words drawing chuckles from a few Saiyans nearby who paused their attacks to listen. "Pathetic, isn't it?" he added, laughing as he grabbed one Saiyan by the throat and tossed him aside, which made even more of the group snort in amusement while they pressed their assault.
Mark felt anger build in his chest at the taunts, his jaw clenching as he decided to stop pulling his punches so much, he surged forward into a group of four Saiyans who flew at him simultaneously with energy blasts charging in their hands. He caught the first one's wrist and yanked him downward while kneeing the second in the gut, the force folding the Saiyan in half and sending him flying across the floor, then he spun to block a kick from the third with his forearm before countering with an elbow to the chest that cracked ribs audibly. The fourth Saiyan fired a point-blank energy wave that Mark deflected with a sweep of his hand, the blast redirecting into the ceiling where it left a smoking hole, and Mark grabbed that Saiyan by the leg, using him as a makeshift club to swing into the recovering first one, the collision knocking both unconscious as bones snapped from the impact.
Mark tossed the limp Saiyan aside then, his speed carrying him into another cluster where he weaved through energy blasts that exploded against the walls behind him, and he delivered rapid punches to three mid-class warriors who tried to surround him mid-air. One punch caved in a Saiyan's armor plating over his abdomen, another shattered a jaw with a spray of teeth, and the third hit a shoulder that dislocated with a pop, all while Mark dodged a sweeping energy beam from a fourth who hovered nearby. He grabbed that beam-shooter by the tail next, yanking him forward into a headbutt that split the Saiyan's forehead open, blood streaming down his face as he dropped, and Mark followed up by flying low to tackle two more who charged at him.
The Saiyans adapted quickly, several others joining the press with coordinated energy waves that forced Mark to evade in tight spirals, but his greater speed let him close the distance in bursts that overwhelmed them. He tackled one through the air, his arms locking around the Saiyan's torso while they crashed into a support beam that bent under the force, and then he punched downward into the fallen warrior's chest until armor cracked and the Saiyan coughed blood. Another group of four low-class Saiyans flew at him from different angles, their blasts converging on his position, but Mark accelerated past the barrage and grabbed two by their necks, slamming their heads together with a crack, before using one as a shield against the third's blast and then hurling the dazed Saiyan into the fourth, the pair tumbling into a heap against the far wall.
Mark pressed the advantage, his fists blurring as he engaged six at once now, dodging a volley of energy blasts that scorched the deck where he had stood and countering with uppercuts that lifted Saiyans off their feet. He caught one mid-fall and swung him like a battering ram into three others who tried to flank him, the impact scattering them with broken limbs and dazed expressions, then he threw the makeshift weapon across the hangar where he collided with a control panel that sparked and shorted out. Energy waves lanced toward him from all sides, but Mark's speed carried him through the gaps, his punches landing on jaws and torsos that gave way under the force, ribs fracturing and blood spitting from mouths as Saiyans dropped one after another.
The brawl ended abruptly when a sharp voice rang out over the chaos. "Stop," the female Saiyan commanded from the upper walkway. She wore a simple tube top that left her midriff exposed and loose trousers that billowed slightly as she leaped down, her black hair spiked in different direction and her eyes locked on Mark with a fierce grin. "He's mine," she declared, her body launching toward him at a velocity that outpaced the others by a wide margin, her fist already cocked for a strike that whistled through the air.
Mark met her charge dead-on, his right arm snapping up to block the incoming fist. The impact rang out like a cannon shot through the hangar, the shockwave rippling the air and forcing nearby Saiyans to brace themselves. The moment Mark felt Caulifla's knuckles slammed against his forearm, he knew the difference immediately, this woman carried some real power behind her strikes, far more than the dozens who had come before her. Her grin widened as their arms locked, muscles straining against each other while they hovered inches above the deck.
"Not bad for a pretty boy," she taunted as she pushed harder trying to drive him backward. "Most of you lot freak out the moment I make them bleed."
Mark held his ground, his feet sliding only a fraction before he stopped completely. "You're stronger than the others," he admitted while he tested her grip. "But not strong enough."
Caulifla's eyes flashed with anger and thrill at the same time. "Big words! Now prove it!" She yanked one arm free and swung an uppercut toward his jaw, but Mark leaned back just enough for it to graze his cheek, drawing a thin line of blood. He countered instantly with a headbutt, his forehead smashing into hers with a crack that echoed off the walls. Blood burst from her nose, spraying across both their faces, yet she only laughed louder.
"You hit like a saibaman!" she shouted, staggering for half a second before lunging again. Mark grabbed both her wrists mid-swing, twisted his body in a full flip over her head, and used the momentum to hurl her downward. She crashed toward the deck, but twisted at the last moment and landed on her feet, boots screeching across the metal as she absorbed the impact.
Caulifla wiped the blood from her upper lip with the back of her hand and glared up at him. "That all you got?" she snarled, energy crackling around her palms in bright pink orbs. "Try this!" She thrust both hands forward and unleashed a barrage of rapid-fire blasts that streaked toward Mark.
Mark slapped the first two aside with open palms, the deflected orbs exploding against the hangar walls in bursts of pink light that scorched the plating. He dodged the next three by weaving side to side, then caught the fourth between his hands and crushed it, the energy dissipating harmlessly. The barrage kept coming, dozens at a time, and the sheer volume created a wall of flashing light that forced him to focus entirely on defense.
"You're fast," Caulifla yelled over the roar of explosions, "but you've left yourself open!!!" She darted forward behind the final wave, using the distraction to close the gap, and snapped a vicious roundhouse kick toward the side of his head.
The boot connected solidly, heel slamming into Mark's temple with enough force to send him rocketing sideways across the hangar. He tumbled through the air, crashing through a stack of supply crates that splintered into debris, and skidded along the deck until he caught himself with one hand, grinding to a halt amid the twisted metal.
Caulifla floated above him with her fists glowing again. "How's the view from down there?" she mocked, her grin feral as blood still dripped from her nose. "You might as well give up, I'm the Princess of all Saiyans."
Mark pushed himself up slowly, rubbing the side of his head where a bruise already formed. "Not on your life," he replied. He raised one hand and focused, a faint blue glow forming in his palm. A small blue sphere materialized in front of him and built as he condensed it more and more. "Let's go."
He flicked his wrist, and the blue sphere shot toward Caulifla like a bullet. She crossed her arms to block it, but the instant it came close, an immense attractive force yanked her forward off-balance, and her guard was pulled open. Mark blurred into motion, closing the distance in a heartbeat, and drove a gravity-enhanced fist into her midriff. He poured extra weight into the punch, making his arm feel like it carried a ships mass, and the impact folded her around his knuckles with a sickening thud that expelled all the air from her lungs in a pained gasp.
Caulifla flew backward, smashing into the far wall hard enough to break the reinforced plating, but she pushed off immediately, coughing blood while her eyes burned brighter. "What the hell was that?" she demanded, excitement overriding the pain. "Do it again!"
She charged straight at him, palms together this time as purple energy gathered between them. "Take my Blaster Wave!" she roared, unleashing a wide, horizontal beam of violet energy that swept across the hangar like a tidal wave, carving a molten trench in the floor as it came.
Mark planted his feet and raised both hands, forming a large red sphere between his palms. The instant the wave reached him, he thrust the red forward. It collided with the purple beam and detonated in a repulsive explosion that shattered the Blaster Wave, the backlash sending shockwaves that rattled the entire bay. Caulifla emerged from the dispersing energy unscathed, already in his face with a knee aimed at his chin. Mark blocked with his forearm, but she followed with an elbow, then a palm strike, each blow faster and heavier than the last. He gave ground for the first time, blocking and parrying while she pressed the attack.
"You're holding back again!" she accused between strikes, frustration mixing with exhilaration. "Fight me for real, damn it!"
Mark caught her next punch in his hand, fingers closing around her fist like a vice. "Fine," he said quietly. He activated another blue sphere beneath her feet this time, the sudden downward pull slamming her boots to the deck and locking her in place. While she struggled against the increased gravity, he spun and delivered a backhand across her cheek that snapped her head sideways, blood and spit flying.
Caulifla ripped free with raw effort, her aura flaring brighter as she wiped her mouth. "Yes! That's more like it!" She cupped her hands at her side, pink energy swirling into a tight sphere. "Galactic Buster!" she shouted, hurling the condensed orb straight at his chest.
Mark met it head-on, forming a red sphere in one palm and slamming it into the attack. The collision erupted in a massive repulsive blast that pushed both of them apart, Caulifla skidding backward while Mark held his position. She laughed through the pain as she advanced towards him.
"You're tough," she admitted, breathing hard as she moved up from her knees. "But I'm just getting started." Caulifla wiped fresh blood from her split lip and charged straight at Mark again, her boots kicking off the deck with a boom that dented the metal. She led with a straight right punch aimed at his sternum, but Mark shifted his weight to the side and let it whistle past his ribs. She followed instantly with a spinning back kick, her heel coming around in a wide arc toward his head. Mark ducked under it, feeling the wind from the strike ruffle his hair, and as she landed she flipped forward over his crouched form, palms slamming against his shoulders for leverage while she pointed both feet downward and unleashed a concentrated burst of crimson energy from her soles.
The blast caught Mark in the back and shoulders, the force hurling him backward through the air, pain flared across his torso, but he twisted mid-flight and planted his feet against a pillar, pushing off to rocket straight back at her with twice the speed.
Caulifla met him halfway, grinning through the blood. "Come on!" she yelled, throwing a quick jab-cross combo that Mark blocked with crossed forearms. He countered by grabbing her extended wrist, yanking her forward off-balance, and driving a knee up toward her gut, but she twisted her hips and absorbed it on her thigh before hooking her free arm around his neck in a clinch. They grappled close, foreheads nearly touching, her breath hot against his face as she snarled, "You're not shaking me off that easy!"
Mark wrapped one arm around her waist and lifted, trying to suplex her downward, but she planted her feet against his hips and pushed back, turning the move into a mutual stall where they hovered and traded short, vicious hooks; her elbow clipping his cheek, drawing blood, while his fist grazed her ribs with a thud that made her grunt. She broke free first by headbutting him again, then spun into a sweep kick aimed at his legs. Mark flew over it, before slamming down with a stomp that she rolled away from, as she came up she launched a palm strike to his throat that he parried with his forearm before countering with a ridge-hand chop toward her neck.
Caulifla blocked that with her opposite arm, grabbed his sleeve, and pulled him into a knee strike to his solar plexus that doubled him over for a split second. He recovered by clinching again, locking her arms at the elbows while she hammered short punches into his sides, each one landing with meaty thuds that bruised muscle. "Feel that?" she laughed between breaths, sweat flying off her as she twisted. "I'm just warming up!"
Mark released one arm and swung an overhand right that she ducked under, coming up inside his guard with an uppercut that snapped his head back, blood spraying from his nose. He retaliated by grabbing her by the tube top and hurling her sideways, but she flipped mid-air and kicked off a nearby crate, ricocheting back at him with a flying knee. Mark caught her leg under his arm, twisted to throw her off-balance, and followed with a backfist that connected across her jaw, spinning her around. She used the spin to build momentum for a reverse elbow that he blocked, then a hook kick that grazed his shoulder.
They separated for a breath, circling each other mid-air, both breathing hard with bruises blooming and small cuts leaking blood. Caulifla wiped her mouth again and rushed back in, feinting high with a punch before dropping low for a kick that Mark flipped over, countering with a downward axe kick she blocked with crossed arms. The block left her open, and he grabbed her by the hair spikes, yanking her head down into a rising knee that bloodied her lip further. She roared and broke free with a point-blank energy-infused palm to his chest that pushed him back several feet, then followed with a flurry of alternating punches that he weaved through before catching her rhythm and countering with a hook to her liver that made her stagger.
"You're pissing me off now!" Caulifla shouted, eyes wild as she grabbed his counterpunch wrist and flipped him over her shoulder, but Mark twisted mid-throw and landed on his feet behind her, locking his arm around her neck in a rear choke. She elbowed backward into his ribs twice, before prying his arm loose and spinning into a roundhouse that he blocked but still felt through his guard.
Finally, Caulifla shoved him away with both palms, creating distance while her aura flared violently purple. "Enough playing around," she growled, planting her feet wide and cupping her hands at her hip, energy condensing into a swirling violet beam. "Galick Gun!"
The Saiyans around them scattered instantly, elites and low-class alike flying toward the exits or upper levels as the attack charged. "She's gonna blow the damn ship!" one mid-class warrior yelled in panic while boosting away. "Get clear!" another shouted, the hangar emptying fast as alarms blared from the power buildup.
Caulifla fired, the massive purple beam lancing forward with a roar that shook the entire vessel, aimed to vaporize Mark where he hovered.
Mark stayed calm, raising both hands as large red and blue spheres formed in each palm. He brought them together in front of his chest, the energies merging with a crackle into a single swirling purple orb that pulsed and sparked. He flicked it forward casually, like tossing a coin.
The purple sphere met the Galick Gun head-on and simply erased it, the beam dissolving section by section as the orb advanced, swallowing the energy whole without explosion or resistance. Caulifla's eyes widened as she poured more power in, veins bulging on her forehead while she screamed and pushed more energy into sustaining the attack, but the sphere kept coming, unraveling her beam inch by inch until it hovered inches from her face.
She braced for impact, but the orb stopped completely, hovering motionless before disbursing harmlessly into sparks that faded away.
Mark lowered his hands, wiping blood from his chin. "Are we done now?" he asked.
Caulifla floated there for a second, chest heaving, her face seemingly pissed as she stared at the spot where her attack had vanished. Then a huge grin broke across her bloodied features, and she burst out laughing, flying straight over to him and slugging him hard in the shoulder. "Holy shit, that was awesome!" she crowed, slinging an arm around his shoulders like they were old buddies. "You just ate my best attack! Damn, Viltrumite, you're a monster, I like it!"
She ruffled his hair roughly with her free hand, still chuckling. "Good fight, real good. Haven't been pushed like that in forever. We gotta do this again sometime, yeah? Next round, but I could still tell you were holding back so you better not next time."
Anissa and Lucan flew down from where they had watched, landing nearby with Anissa looking mildly impressed and Lucan scowling deeper than usual. Mark rubbed his shoulder where she hit him and nodded toward the command area. "Can we go talk about the plan now?" he asked, ready to shift focus.
Caulifla waved that off with a dismissive hand, still gripping his arm. "Pfft, boring strategy crap can wait," she said, tugging him toward a side corridor. "Right now we eat, I'm starving after that scrap, and you look like you could use some grub too. Come on, mess hall's this way!"
Caulifla kept her arm slung around Mark's shoulders as she marched him through the corridors of the Saiyan ship, her grip firm enough that he didn't bother trying to pull away. She talked the whole way. "Those weird spheres you had? Sneaky as hell, but badass—I gotta admit, flicking that sphere like it was nothing? Teach me that sometime, yeah? We trade tips next spar, deal?"
"It's not exactly something you can teach..." he replied, figuring the food stop wouldn't take long and might even help build some trust before the mission. Anissa trailed a few steps behind with a quiet sigh, arms crossed as she observed the princess, while Lucan brought up the rear, muttering curses under his breath about "barbarian rituals" and "wasted time."
They burst into the mess hall, a massive chamber packed with long tables and benches already filled with Saiyans shoveling food into their mouths. The air smelled of roasted meat and spices. Caulifla released Mark and spread her arms wide, grinning at the room. "Best food in the galaxy right here," she boasted, pointing at various platters being carried out. "We've got Sournose Death Dragon steaks, roasted Thrag beast ribs, spiced Grakkor wings, and pterodactyl-style haunches from that planet we cleared last cycle. Way better than whatever recycled protein trash you Viltrumites choke down on your ships."
Mark glanced at the spreading tables, his stomach rumbling despite himself, but he tried to steer things back. "Food looks good, but we should probably eat quick and get to planning, the base isn't going to attack itself."
Caulifla snorted and waved him off, already pulling him toward a central table. "Nah, we're eating proper first. You don't charge into a fight half-starved."
Mark opened his mouth to argue again. "We can eat properly later—"
"No chance," she cut him off, plopping down on a bench and yanking him down beside her. "Food now, boring stuff later."
Anissa sat across from them, while Lucan dropped heavily onto the end seat, still scowling. "Do not waste effort arguing," Anissa advised Mark quietly. "Consuming calories is essential to Saiyan physiology—they require at least ten thousand per day to maintain peak combat efficiency, more after exertion like the greeting ritual."
Caulifla overheard and laughed, slapping the table. "I don't know all that brainiac calorie crap, but yeah, we gotta eat or we get cranky, and you don't want a ship full of cranky Saiyans."
Mark glanced around as more warriors crowded in. "What about the military base? We're supposed to hit it soon."
Caulifla waved that off again, leaning back with her arms behind her head. "It'll be fine we ain't storming anything on empty stomachs. That's just asking to get your ass handed to you."
The Saiyans at nearby tables heard her and erupted in cheers, fists pounding on metal surfaces while they shouted agreements like "Hell yeah!" and "Food! Food! Food!" The noise rolled through the hall like thunder.
Caulifla grinned wider and stood up on her bench, cupping her hands around her mouth. "Hey, cooks! Pile it on, bring everything and keep it coming till we say stop!"
Mark noticed then that the figures hustling from the kitchens weren't Saiyans, they moved with the same deferential postures as the slaves on his ship, various alien species in aprons hauling massive trays without meeting anyone's eyes. Caulifla dropped back down as the first wave of food arrived, platters slamming onto the table in heaps. She gestured to a quiet Saiyan girl already seated nearby, slender with messy black hair tied back and a shy posture that contrasted sharply with the rowdiness around her. "This here's my second. Kale, my little sis. She's quiet but packs a punch when it counts."
Kale glanced up, cheeks flushing as she offered a small wave and a mumbled greeting. "H-hello... nice to meet you."
Mark smiled back genuinely, leaning forward a bit. "Hey, Kale. Good to meet you too."
Anissa tilted her head, slight annoyance creeping into her voice. "I was unaware you had a younger sister by that name," she said, addressing Caulifla directly. "I make it a point to remain current on the Saiyan royal bloodline."
Caulifla shrugged casually, already reaching for a rib. "Half-sister, technically. Dad banged some low-class back in the day, she ain't an official princess or nothing, but she's family, so I look out for her. Blood's blood, right?"
Mark nodded approvingly. "That's nice of you, looking out for—"
"Where's my damn food?" Lucan interrupted loudly from his end of the table, slamming a fist down impatiently.
Mark didn't even look at him fully, he just flicked a subtle pulse of gravity manipulation downward, increasing the pull on Lucan's seat enough to slam him back into place with a thud that rattled the bench. Lucan grunted in surprise, glaring daggers, but stayed put.
Caulifla burst out laughing, pointing at Lucan. "Ha!"
She turned back to the table as more elites gathered around, waving them over. "These are my top crew—the ones who clear planets wherever I point. Fasha over there. Gine next to her. Relish opposite her. Zucci next to her. And Parla, tall one with the braided ponytail."
The elites puffed up as she talked, flexing or nodding confidently. "Nothing gets in our way when we're rolling," Caulifla finished, pounding her fist on the table. "We're unstoppable!" The group cheered again, voices booming through the hall as more Saiyans joined in from surrounding tables.
Mark watched the display with a small, amused smile tugging at his lips.
Then the food really started arriving.
Trays piled high with slabs of roasted meat, whole haunches dripping juices, racks of ribs glazed in thick sauces, wings stacked in towers, organs and hearts presented on platters like trophies. Bowls of steaming vegetables and grains flanked the proteins, but the meats dominated everything. Saiyans dove in immediately, hands grabbing chunks and tearing into them with teeth, sauce splattering faces and tables as they ate at blinding speed.
It turned chaotic fast, one low-class warrior reached across for a prime rib only for an mid-class to snatch it first, sparking a quick scuffle where they wrestled over the bone until the loser got elbowed in the face and backed off. Another pair argued over a botha heart, plates flipping as they shoved each other, food flying until one submitted and took a different cut. Fights broke out everywhere all while everyone kept eating whatever they could grab.
Mark reached for a modest portion and started cutting into it, but Caulifla's hand shot out and yoinked it right off his plate. "You can't just take the heart of a Sournose Death Dragon like that," she said through a mouthful, grinning as she bit into it. "Gotta fight for the good stuff!"
Mark blinked, then shrugged civilly. "It's fine, take it."
He grabbed another piece and lifted it to his mouth, only for her to swipe that too, laughing as she waved it. "Again? Come on, defend your plate!"
He tried a third time with some ribs, and she nabbed those as well, stacking them on her growing pile. "You're too slow, Viltrumite!"
"Come on... this is childish," Mark said as he reached for a fourth item and predictably, her hand darted in again.
Anissa, already tearing into a massive roasted haunch she'd claimed by elbowing a low-class Saiyan aside, glanced over with sauce on her chin. "Fighting is integral to their daily lives, Mark," she explained matter-of-factly between bites. "If you cannot defend your food, you do not deserve it."
Mark sighed and looked at the empty spot on his plate where several pieces of meat had been moments earlier.
"Come on, Viltrumite," she teased, leaning in close enough that her elbow bumped his arm. "You gonna let me take your food every time? Fight for it or starve."
Mark set his fork down and turned toward her, a small smile creeping onto his face despite the frustration. "Fine," he said, reaching out to grab the rib back. She yanked it away at the last second, laughing as she held it high over her head.
"That's the spirit!" she shouted, jumping up onto the bench so she stood taller. Mark stood too, swiping for it again, but she twisted aside and tossed the rib lightly to her other hand. He lunged forward, grabbing her wrist this time, and pulled her arm down while she resisted with a playful shove to his chest that pushed him back a step.
The shove turned into a full push, her palms flat against his shoulders as she tried to create space, but Mark caught her forearms and spun her around in a quick circle, trying to dislodge the rib from her grip. She kicked out at his shin to break his hold, and he hopped back while laughing for the first time since arriving on the ship. "You're really committed to this," he said, dodging another swipe as she tried to stuff the rib into her mouth.
"Damn right, food is a battlefield like any other!" Caulifla replied, dodging his grab and countering with a quick jab to his side that he blocked with his elbow. The block turned into a grapple, both of them locking arms while they twisted and pulled, the rib still clutched in her fist. She hooked a leg behind his knee to trip him, but he lifted her slightly off the ground instead, spinning her again until she let out a whoop of laughter.
Nearby Saiyans noticed the scuffle and started cheering, some banging on tables while others leaned in to watch. Mark released one arm and reached for the rib again, fingers brushing it, but Caulifla twisted free and tossed it upward, catching it in her teeth for a second before he tackled her around the waist. They tumbled sideways off the bench, landing on the floor in a heap with her on top, still holding the rib triumphantly.
"Gotcha!" she crowed, waving it above his face. Mark bucked his hips to flip her over, reversing positions so he pinned her shoulders, and snatched the rib away at last. He took a big bite right in front of her, chewing with exaggerated satisfaction.
Caulifla's eyes widened in outrage. "Oh, it's on now!" She bridged her hips and rolled them again, kicking up to her feet while he scrambled after her. The fight spilled outward as she grabbed a handful of wings from a passing tray and pelted him with them, the food splattering across his uniform. Mark ducked most but caught one mid-air and threw it back, hitting her shoulder.
Anissa watched with a raised eyebrow while tearing into her own food, but Lucan grumbled louder from his seat. The scuffle drew in more Saiyans, one low-class warrior reached for a stray wing that landed near him only for Caulifla to kick it away mid-grab, sending him sprawling into another table. That started a chain reaction, warriors shoving each other over scattered pieces, punches thrown as food flew everywhere.
Mark found himself enjoying the chaos more than he expected, dodging a flying drumstick before grabbing Caulifla around the waist again and lifting her off her feet in a bear hug. She elbowed his ribs a few times, laughing the whole way, until he set her down and stole another piece from her plate while she recovered. "You're getting better," she admitted between breaths, lunging to tackle him back toward the table.
They wrestled there for a minute, her trying to pin his arms while he twisted free and threw her lightly over his shoulder onto a clear spot on the bench. She bounced up immediately, sweeping his legs with a low kick that he jumped over, landing with a punch to her shoulder that she absorbed and countered with a kick that sent him stumbling into Kale, who squeaked and moved aside.
The entire mess hall devolved into controlled pandemonium, Saiyans grappling over platters while keeping it lighthearted. Food smeared faces and uniforms, trays tipping as warriors climbed over tables to claim portions.
It all changed when one of the cooks emerged from the kitchen then, a burly alien slave carrying a massive covered platter on both shoulders with help from two others. He set it carefully in the exact center of the main table, uncovering it to reveal a single enormous cut of glistening meat, marbled with fat and roasted to perfection, steam rising in waves. Caulifla paused mid-grapple with Mark, her arm still locked around his neck, and whistled low. "That's the last piece of star whale we killed a month ago," she announced to the hall, eyes lighting up. "Best flavor in the whole secto."
The room went quiet for half a second before erupting. Saiyans surged toward the table from all sides, elbows flying as they reached for the prize. Mark saw his chance and broke free from Caulifla, flying low over the bench to grab it first. His fingers closed around the edge of the platter, but Caulifla tackled him from the side, wrapping her arms around his waist and driving him backward into a group of elites.
Relish and Zucci joined immediately, Relish grabbing his arm while Zucci kicked at his legs to trip him. Mark twisted free, elbowing Relish lightly in the ribs before throwing Zucci over his shoulder into Parla, who caught her but stumbled. Anissa surprised everyone by standing up calmly and delivering a precise chop to a Saiyan's wrist who reached past her.
The star whale piece got yanked from the platter by Fasha, who tried to bite into it only for Gine to sweep her legs and steal it mid-fall. Gine took a quick chomp but got tackled by three low-class warriors at once, the meat flying from her hands into the air where Caulifla leaped and caught it. She landed grinning, but Mark blurred forward and punched her in the stomach to make her double over, snatching it away.
Saiyans swarmed him then; Parla throwing a kick he blocked, Relish grabbing his shoulder to spin him, Zucci firing a small energy burst that he dodged that singed a table instead. Anissa joined the fray properly now, blocking Mark's path with a palm strike he parried before she flipped over him and tried to intercept the meat. He tossed it high to avoid her, and it arced toward Kale, who caught it shyly and took a tentative bite.
Fasha charged Kale immediately, tackling her to the ground and prying it away, but Gine followed up with a chop to Fasha's neck that dropped her, claiming the prize again. Caulifla recovered and flew in, kicking Gine's hand to send the meat spinning upward once more, catching it herself with a triumphant yell.
Mark intercepted her mid-celebration, grabbing her ankle and yanking her down before headbutting lightly to daze her, the star whale falling from her grip. It tumbled end over end, Saiyans leaping from all directions, punches and kicks flying in a massive tangle around the falling prize.
Mark realized the chaos would never end at this rate. He blurred into super speed, becoming a streak that snatched the meat mid-air, and devoured it in seconds, swallowing the entire piece before landing back in his seat with a satisfied chew.
The hall went silent as Saiyans processed what happened, faces falling in disappointment while a few pouted openly. Caulifla stared at him with mouth open before bursting into laughter again, slapping his back hard enough to jolt him forward. "You sneaky bastard!" she exclaimed, wiping tears from her eyes. "Ate the whole damn thing before we could blink. Fine, you win this round."
The others grumbled good-naturedly but returned to their own piles of food, scooping up what remained on tables and floors while the cooks hurried out with replacements. Fights simmered down to occasional shoves over regular portions, the energy shifting back to eating.
Caulifla dropped beside Mark again, elbowing him playfully. "Had a blast though, this was the best meal in ages. You're alright, Viltrumite."
"Mark, my name is Mark," he said.
Caulifla grinned fiercely. "Alright... Mark," she said looking at him intensely.
After that the hall settled into satisfied chewing and stories swapped over remaining food. When plates finally emptied, Caulifla stood and stretched. "Alright that was a decent lunch," she declared. "Time for that plan you keep yapping about."
Mark nodded, standing with the others as they headed toward the command center at last. The sooner he got this done the sooner he could head back to his family.
_____________________________________
Thaddeus sat at his wide desk in the office on Talescria, his fingers moving across the holographic display while he reviewed reports from various sectors that detailed ongoing conflicts with the Viltrumite Empire. He focused on a particular file about resource allocations when his comm panel chimed with an incoming alert.
He tapped the acceptance key, and the voice of his assistant came through clearly. "Sir, your guests have arrived and await entry."
Thaddeus leaned back in his chair for a moment before responding. "Send them in."
The doors slid open smoothly, and four figures entered the office one after another. Allen led the group,m, followed by Hal Jordan. Crush, strode in next with her arms crossed loosely, while Divenq brought up the rear.
They all stopped a respectful distance from the desk and offered nods or salutes that acknowledged Thaddeus's position as the leader of the Coalition. Allen spoke first. "Sir, we came as soon as we received the summons."
Hal stood straight beside him, hands at his sides. Crush gave a casual nod without much flourish, and Divenq inclined her head slightly deeper than the others.
Thaddeus waved a hand toward the chairs arranged in front of his desk. "Relax, all of you, take seats if you want. No need for formality here."
They settled into the chairs after a brief hesitation, with Allen lowering his bulk carefully into one that creaked under his weight, Hal sitting with his ring hand resting on the armrest, Crush slouching back with her legs extended, and Divenq perching on the edge as if ready to stand at any moment.
Thaddeus leaned forward slightly as he addressed them. "How have you all been since the last time we spoke?"
Allen responded first, his hands shifting as he spoke. "I've been holding the line in the front, plenty of action, but nothing we couldn't handle."
Hal nodded along before adding his part. "Same here patrolling with the Corps keeps things busy, though I've been itching to get back to the main front against the Viltrumites."
Crush shrugged one shoulder. "Been breaking skulls where they send me. It's all the same."
Divenq offered a brief summary. "My forces have reinforced several key points, and I have contributed where needed."
Hal leaned forward then, his curiosity winning out. "Not to cut the catch-up short, but why pull us here? We need to get back to the front as soon as possible, especially with the Viltrumites getting ready to push." Allen nodded in agreement beside him, his expression showing the same eagerness, while Crush just glanced around without much interest, and Divenq waited silently.
Thaddeus held up a hand to acknowledge their impatience before he spoke again. "I apologize for diverting you from your duties and the active fronts, but I have a task for you to complete before you return."
Allen waved off the apology. "we're here for whatever you require."
Hal and Divenq echoed similar sentiments, ready to accept any assignment, while Crush cracked her knuckles idly. Thaddeus shook his head slightly, his tone turning more serious as he interrupted their enthusiasm. "I do not think you fully understand yet. This task stands apart from anything you have faced before, it carries more danger than any mission any of you have undertaken, and likely more than any you ever will."
The room quieted further at his words, with Hal's brow furrowing in interest, Allen leaning in closer, Crush finally sitting up straighter, and Divenq fixing her gaze intently on Thaddeus.
Divenq spoke up first among them. "What exactly is the task?"
Thaddeus reached under his desk and pressed a concealed button that engaged the room's security protocols; shields activated around the walls, scrambling fields hummed to life to block any surveillance, and the doors locked with an audible click. He then activated the central holoprojector, which displayed a rotating image of a planet with silver spires and floating structures that dominated its surface.
The projection stabilized on Viltrum itself, the core world of the empire they all fought against.
Thaddeus met each of their eyes in turn before he delivered the details. "Your mission requires you to infiltrate this Viltrum and secure three specific targets: the children of Mark Grayson. You must extract them and bring them back here, to Talescria."
(AN: Mark has met the Saiyans. They're a little different than canon Saiyans. Most Saiyans are pretty individualistic and uncaring but I changed that. They're more like bardock and his squad now, I also added in a bit more of a warrior culture similar to the Klingons I thought that fit well. Anyway hope you enjoyed.)
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