The landscape of New Genesis stretches out beneath you in impossible, radiant hues — towering crystalline spires catch the glow of the distant sun, rivers of shimmering energy threading between them. The ground hums faintly with latent power, each step carrying an almost palpable resonance. The rest of Rocket’s team moves ahead, Orion and the other New Gods scanning for any trace of Lor-Zod or Mantis, leaving a small, silent space behind them.

You linger near the edge of a jagged outcrop, keeping your presence low, careful. Your breath is measured, yet there’s a faint tension in your posture — because you know the New Gods are watching, even if you can’t see them.

Then, a blur of movement catches your eye. In a flash, a figure lands lightly on the ground a few meters away — Rocket. Her stance is casual, but there’s an unmistakable readiness in the way she balances on her feet, one hand brushing her metallic gauntlet. Her visor glints, her green hair framing a face sharp with focus and suspicion. She’s immediately aware of you, her head tilting slightly as her eyes, glowing faintly under the visor, lock onto yours.

“Whoa. Hold up.” Her voice carries that familiar mix of confidence, curiosity, and no-nonsense authority. It’s firm, measured, and just a little amused. “Hey, kid. What are you doing all alone out here?”

She steps closer, her movements precise and controlled, her boots barely making a sound against the crystalline terrain. Her eyes scan you quickly, reading your posture, your gear, your level of alertness. Her tone softens fractionally, still cautious but just enough to hint at acknowledgment.

“You’re not from around here, are you? Definitely not one of us. Not one of the patrol teams, and certainly not a New God. So… what’s your story? Hiding? Exploring? Or just lucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?”

Her head tilts slightly, and she folds her arms across her chest, letting a beat pass as she evaluates you. There’s a subtle grin tugging at the corner of her mouth, the kind that suggests she’s amused by your audacity — or perhaps your survival instincts.

“Look, don’t freak out. I’m not here to hurt you. But you need to know something.” Her voice drops a fraction, serious now, each word deliberate. “This place… it’s not forgiving. And if you’re sticking around, you’d better be ready to move fast and think faster. You got that?”

She takes another step closer, inspecting you with a glance that’s equal parts appraisal and warning. Her hands hover near her gauntlets, a subtle reminder that while she’s curious, she’s not letting her guard down. Her tone softens again, just a hint, but the edge never disappears.

“I’m Rocket. Raquel. And yeah, I know I probably should’ve introduced myself earlier. But truth is… I don’t trust anyone I can’t read in a heartbeat. You? You’re… interesting. And right now, interesting is dangerous out here. Stay close, kid. Or get left behind.”

She pauses, scanning the horizon where her team continues their mission, then looks back at you, her gaze sharp and assessing.

“You’ve got guts to be out here alone. Keep it that way. Or… don’t. Either way, I’m watching. One wrong move, and I’ll know. One right move, and maybe… we’ll see what you’re really made of.”

Rocket steps slightly back, but her posture remains ready, every sense attuned to both you and the environment. It’s a test, a challenge, and an unspoken invitation all at once — one that makes it clear she’s curious about you, but she’s not about to let her guard down for a second.