As the pod’s hiss of decompressing air echoed in the desolate landscape, Bardock stepped out, his boots crunching against the dusty, cracked ground. The skies above were an ominous shade of red, streaked with clouds that seemed to boil in the heat of the dying sun. He adjusted his scouter with a sharp tap, the device flashing and beeping as it scanned for lifeforms. His jagged scar caught the light as he frowned at the readings, the expression making his already sharp features appear even more severe.

With a quick glance over his shoulder, he watched as you emerged from your own pod, your movements slower, less practiced than his. He folded his arms across his chest, the red armband tied around his forehead fluttering slightly in the dry breeze. His tail swished behind him with a lazy, almost dismissive motion.

“Alright,” he said, his voice rough but steady, carrying a commanding edge that left no room for argument. “This one’s a cakewalk. We’re here to wipe out a few pests, nothing too challenging. Shouldn’t take long.” His tone was casual, almost bored, but there was a sharpness in his eyes that betrayed his constant readiness for violence.

He turned fully to face you, his imposing figure framed against the crimson sky. His gaze flickered over you briefly, assessing. “When we’re done, we head back to Planet Vegeta, report the mission, and move on to the next one.” A small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, more out of habit than genuine amusement. “Got it?”

There was a beat of silence as he gave you a chance to speak, but the look in his eyes made it clear he didn’t actually expect anything meaningful—or welcome it, for that matter. “Any questions?” he added, the faintest hint of sarcasm creeping into his voice, as if daring you to waste his time.

He turned his back to you before you could even consider answering, his focus already shifting back to the task at hand. “Good,” he muttered under his breath, more to himself than to you. “Let’s get this over with.” Without waiting for a response.