cat and mouse; Zarbon.

[Bulma Briefs]

This was stupid.

Really, really stupid.

But then again, Bulma couldn't be a genius all the time.

There were certain parts she needed that would likely only be found in South City, and even then, it was still proving immensely difficult to find them. Huffing to herself as she exited yet another shop, Bulma growled in frustration. "All I'm asking for is a hyperion delta muffler and a phototonic beam recepticle - IS THAT SO FUCKING HARD?!?" She hissed under her breath, blue eyes narrowed as she prowled the streets, looking for a shop she hadn't tried yet.

She was starting to wonder if the shop owners were duping her, because they thought she was building some weapon of mass destruction for Frieza. Well, even if she was, they wouldn't be making life any easier for anyone! Resisting the urge to throw one of her famous tantrums, Bulma instead leaned against the wall of a shop she was considering trying, taking a moment to cool down her volatile temper. Dressed in a red tank top and black shorts, she was without her usual pearls, and she was pretty sure she had grease still smeared on her top. As per usual, she hadn't slept in days and her hair was a little mussed, but the light in her eyes was reminiscent of her determined, temperamental teenage self.

She was looking for parts, and she was going to get them.

Even if she had to resort to blackmail.

A smirk tilted her mouth as she turned to enter the store, but instead of going into the shop, she successfully bumped into a large, sturdy frame.

"Excuse me.." she said somewhat irritatedly, before glancing at the person.

She froze.

Uh-oh... she thought.

[Zarbon]

Zarbon had been scouring the skies of the city all day. The slaves weren't in an uprising and it seemed that their authority wasn't being rebelled against. He was hoping that they could soon move on to the next planet so they could continue their conquest of the galaxy. They had stayed on this planet long enough in his opinion, so why drag it out any further.

He landed on the streets of South City and began to walk around. The citizens were moving out of his way as he looked back and forth, looking for one that would look at him wrong. That's when a beautiful woman bumped into him. He couldn't believe this, but that's when he realized who it was.

Bulma Briefs. He had been eying the woman for sometime now. Though, she worked for the WTO, he still didn't want to leave her here when and if they destroyed the planet. Her genius was well to needed for their cause. He grinned at her and spoke. "Hey, there isn't a need to have a look of fear in your eye when you see me."

[Bulma Briefs]

"Fear? I'm not looking at you with fear."

Bulma sniffed, lightly offended by his comment, even though for a split second, it was true. Zarbon was not someone she was overly familiar with - she tried to keep as much distance between Frieza's people and herself as was possible, but she knew a great many of them by reputation and name. And suffice it to say that Zarbon was one of the more prominent players in their little game...

Stiffening her shoulders and raising her chin, she resumed a casual position against the wall.

"Apologies all the same, however. I've been distracted, trying to find a shop with the part I need. I think you'll like my newest addition to your line," she shot a grin at him, "but it's a secret, so don't ask!" she said, almost in a friendly way, as if she was teasing him. Sarcasm, anger, and humor were her defense mechanisms for when she was hurt and scared, and while not entirely scared at the moment, she was a bit nervous - so she opted for humor. It seemed the one least likely to invoke his wrath.

"What brings you to South City, if I may ask? Can I be of assistance?" she questioned, tilting her head in what many had called a cute way - she was curious, and felt obligated to offer her help, only because that's what was expected of her.

She was either helpful, or suffered the consequences.

[Zarbon]

Zarbon laughed as she got better composure of herself. This woman was known through at this planet as one of the brightest. He to was known for his intellect amongst Frieza's army. His came more of battle strategy and information, not engineering. So he could truly admire her for who she was but he was to shallow to do such a thing. His admiration for her was really cause of her looks.

He smiled when she mentioned that she was adding more to what she already gave them. He honestly didn't find it pathetic, but only those willing to help wanted to survive. "Well, I came to South City to check in on the Army and give out orders. As General I can't really slack in that department. This part you are looking for, think I can help procure it for you?"

[Bulma Briefs]

Bulma blinked up at Zarbon, before nodding, thinking she might be able to use the alien's help after all. Taking a moment to think, Bulma waved Zarbon into the interior of the shop. "Thank you for offering, I'm afraid despite the fact that I indeed know what I'm talking about, the shop-keeps might still need a bit of persuasion, if you know what I mean," she said lightly, feeling a bit of guilt stab at her, as she hoped nothing serious resulted from this.

But it was obvious the store owners were holding out on her out of spite, because of the rumors that she was now under Frieza's control. Well, the fact that that was all true - despite the fact that she was most definitely UNWILLING - meant nothing to them. From the slightly shifty, panicked look in their eyes she could tell that they knew what she was speaking of, and had an idea of what that sort of thing was capable of.

Now, the only problem with having Zarbon along was now that he knew what parts she was buying, she had to buy more later, and figure out how to build a less devastating tool or weapon for Frieza's men, lest they get suspicious. Oh, hell monkeys!

"We're looking for a phototonic beam recepticle, and a hyperion delta muffler," she stated quietly as she followed into the shop behind him, blue eyes surveying the store owner's wares as she approached the counter, smiling kindly at the older man, who was too busy staring at Zarbon in obvious horror to notice her. "Don't kill me! They made me agree to not sell, but it's not worth dying for! Take what you want, free of charge, just please, leave me and my store in peace..."

Oh.

Well, that was easy.

Maybe Zarbon did have his perks after all..

WAIT. AH. NO.

WHY was she attracted to bad boys? Besides, Zarbon wasn't just bad, he was evil, her enemy. And yes, he might be handy during 'negotiations,' and nice to look at, but still!

Ugh, going on so little sleep was surely addling her brains!

Picking through the shelves as the shop keep cowered in the corner, Bulma gathered the two bulky, rather heavy parts, pleased to note they were two among many other replicas. Coming back here by herself later should be relatively easy....

Smiling at Zarbon in a triumphant way, she hoisted the parts up, and hestured him to go out first.

"Thank you for coming along, Zarbon. Pleased to see there are some true gentlemen in the world left, after all."

She was laying it on thick, but eh.

As long as it got the job done....

[Zarbon]

Zarbon could only laugh at the pathetic human as he coward back and didn't even try to put up a fight. He was glad that the weakling knew his place but he was still wanting to take someone out, he just couldn't do it without reason really. For the time he would not even say a word to the peasant, he was far beneath him anyway.

He walked out before Bulma and turned around looking at the part that she had picked up. He wondered what it was that she was going to make. How would she put it all together, that's what he is also interested in. Nodding at her comment to him, he would look her into her eyes. "Though I may be ruthless, I am still noble and a gentlemen. A beautiful being as yourself needs respect."