Mother Leviatán

Following the machine's instructions, Bardock departed the headquarters with a new objective in mind: To collect samples of creatures from the planet to shorten the work time in stabilizing the reactor.

Flying across the planet was a simple task for a Saiyan like him. He even allowed himself to fly over the Galactic Patrol base, without them pursuing him. Bardock reflected on the situation:

"It's not like I'm a threat either... Since I entered that structure, I can't concentrate on the damn war anymore. There are no voices in my head, except for the machine's. Will the planet really explode? I could escape, but my ticket to a peaceful life on Planet Vegeta would disappear. Besides, what will happen to that bacteria? We Saiyans have conquered some scientifically advanced planets. I myself participated in one of those, and what they can do with genetics and a few gadgets is incredible. I can't imagine surviving a bacterium that not even Guldo could fight. If I escape, I won't find a cure. I'll die on Planet Vegeta or on other planets, spreading Kharaa throughout the cosmos. Terrible! I don't want to die from disease!"

"Saiyans don't succumb to disease! What a disgrace!"

The trip to the other lab and the transport of the samples were simple thanks to Bardock's strength and flight ability. He left the bag full of creatures inside the structure of the headquarters, away from the other space pirates.

His next target was underwater: the Leviathans and Warpers.

"I don't think these will pose a threat. According to the AI, the Warper can teleport and the Leviathan is just immense in size. Both are hostile. The best plan to find them is to submerge myself in the water and move around the planet."

Bardock didn't hesitate and dived into the depths of the ocean, protected by his life support suit. It wasn't long before he was attacked by a creature: a ghostly white Leviathan with an eel-like head and a long, thin tail. The creature only had a combat power of 49.9, nothing special. Or so he thought before receiving an electric shock as he was pushed down by a tackle from below. The suit wasn't pushed, but it was damaged by the incoming charge.

"What?! How is this happening?"

With a water-muffled punch, Bardock split the Leviathan in two.

With several malfunctions in his suit, Bardock returned to the surface with an angry face. No more sweet words. Using the scanner, he detected the most powerful life forms submerged in the water and, with consecutive energy blasts, destroyed the ecosystem around him. Luckily, the planet was large and the war hadn't affected the animals too much thanks to the protective layer made of space junk.

He parked in an abandoned ship.

While Bardock was repairing his suit, the combat detector flickered and glowed on the table.

"Hmmm?"

Bardock frowned. Another task to add to his list. He headed towards the location indicated by the device.

Bardock ventured into the depths of the ocean, chasing the flickering combat level. The sunlight gradually faded as he descended, and the water grew colder and denser. The suit emitted a constant hum as it struggled to maintain the proper pressure and temperature.

It wasn't a common Leviathan, it was a colossal creature, much larger than anything he had ever seen before. Its elongated, undulating body was covered in bioluminescent bone plates that emitted a faint light. It was the Leviathan Mother.

Though he didn't know that, he only knew he had found a hidden boss.

They tend to be able to mask their Ki.

Bardock approached cautiously, intrigued and eager for another fight. The creature didn't move, but its immense presence filled the water with a palpable pressure. It's strange, obviously not as strong, but its abilities are more strange. The unknown voice echoed in his mind again.

"Help me."

"Are you?" Bardock asked with curiosity.

Bardock examined the Leviathan Mother. It didn't seem hostile at the moment. He looked for a way to access the energy source without disturbing the creature. Then, he noticed an opening in the lower part of its enormous body, apparently a cave or tunnel. It was a risk, but the potential reward was worth it.

He activated his thruster and headed towards the opening. The Leviathan Mother opened a gigantic eye, watching him with curiosity. Bardock swallowed hard, his hand on the energy blast control panel, ready to defend himself if necessary.

The cure could be a few meters away.

He entered the cave with a jet of water. The tunnel was bioluminescent, illuminated by the

## "While the Kharaa bacteria isn't that dangerous on its own, it attacks and feeds on other bacteria. Coming from space, there are so many bacteria out there that become a delicacy for Kharaa upon entering the planet."

Bardock stared at the giant fish in disbelief.

"Isn't that a good thing? If there are no bacteria, there are no diseases."

The Leviathan Mother could only stare at Bardock with scrutiny.

"You can talk, I thought you were intelligent.

Most living beings usually carry bacteria and viruses in their bodies all their lives."

Bardock looked up in surprise.

'No! Did she call me stupid? Am I? No, I'm not, or maybe...'

"So... isn't that better? You would be cured of all other diseases."

...

"That means the bacteria would kill part of your entire operating system. If you don't have a special physique or something compatible with the Kharaa bacteria, you'll be killed by a body and energy fever." She explained slowly to make Bardock understand.

'I thought you were a fish, how long have fish been so intelligent? Should I kill the fish family to acquire the cure for artificial intelligence?'

"I can read your mind..." The Leviathan complained.