"Zarbon, how long will it take you to come back?" Frieza's voice asked.
"About four hours, I think." Zarbon told him.
"Then I'll see you in four hours."
"Roger."

Zarbon looked around. This planet was like any other. Full of inhabitants that were so easy to kill. He was on his own this time. That was unusual. Normally he wouldn't go anywhere without Lord Frieza. Unless he'd been sent to look for the saiyans, of course. Vegeta was usually pretty good. He'd go, purge a planet, and come back within the given time. But Raditz and Nappa sometimes slagged off a little - especially when they were together. Those two were way too cocky. Their attitude irritated Zarbon almost as much as it did Frieza. Well, it could be worse, I suppose. They still did a good job at purging planets. Zarbon shook his head. Anyway, better get back to Lord Frieza. He climbed into his space pod, and headed back to Frieza's ship.

~~~

Zarbon stepped into the room, and saw Frieza sitting down in his chair. Frieza turned his head to look at him.
"Ah, good. You're on time as always." he smiled.
"Of course, my lord." Zarbon nodded, trying hard not to blush. Even the tiniest compliment from Frieza made him feel so happy.
"We'll be landing on my home planet soon. I need to sort out a few things with my father. You can come if you like, but it isn't necessary." Frieza told him.
"I'll come if that's alright, sir." Zarbon replied. Frieza nodded.
"Suit yourself. But I'll be there a while, it'll be pretty boring for you."
"My work is never boring." Zarbon regretted saying that instantly. Ever thought of applying for a job as an ass kisser? But that was as close as he always got without telling the truth...
"Mm hm..." Frieza seemed to think he was just sucking up, too.
"Anyway. Zarbon, go check on the saiyans. I don't want them getting in my way."
"Yes sir." Zarbon left the room.

~~~

Raditz opened his eyes, and yawned.
"Hey, can't you two keep the noise down?!" he moaned. Nappa and the teenage Vegeta stopped sparring, and looked at him.
"What's the matter with you?" Nappa asked.
"I'm just tired, that's all." Raditz replied.
"So you might want to try sleeping in your bedroom instead of the training room." Vegeta suggested cockily. "Quit complaining."
"I can't leave this room. If Lord Frieza sees me he'll send me off to do some more work. I really need to sleep..." Raditz mumbled.
"When was the last time you slept, anyway?" Nappa questioned. Raditz shrugged.
"Two, three days. Ever since those guys got killed on their mission, I've been rushed off my feet."
"Those guys were weak. Nappa and I cleared that planet in just a few hours." Vegeta said.

Zarbon entered the room. All three saiyans seemed displeased to see him.
"Another mission?" Vegeta assumed.
"No." Zarbon shook his head. "Not this time. I came to tell you that we'll soon be arriving on Lord Frieza's home planet - so I want all of you to be on your best behavior. Don't do anything to embarrass Frieza in front of his family. Understood?"
"Don't worry, Zarbon," Vegeta said with a smirk. "We couldn't possibly do anything to embarrass HIM."
"Enough of that!" Zarbon snapped. He looked at Raditz.
"Oh, and Lord Frieza has another mission set up for you."
"Wha?!" Raditz gasped. Vegeta and Nappa sniggered.
"Problem?" Zarbon looked at Raditz.
"Yes!" Raditz growled. "I can't do any more. Seriously, Zarbon, I haven't slept for three days and I've been working non - stop for seventy two hours!"
"And I thought saiyans were a tough race." Zarbon challenged.
"Saiyans are." Vegeta said. "Raditz isn't."
"Sir, at least give me some assistance!" Raditz protested. Zarbon sighed.
"Fine. I guess Frieza won't mind if Nappa goes with you."
"So where does that leave me? I need a sparring partner!" Vegeta complained.
"Find someone else. There are other people besides you three, you know." Zarbon said nastily. He glanced between Nappa and Raditz.
"Go on, then. There's a ship ready for you, get going - and be back within a day."
"You can do most of the work, Nappa." Raditz said, getting up.
"Thanks, Raditz." Nappa replied sarcastically as they both left the room.

Vegeta decided to continue training. As if Zarbon weren't there, he walked over to a punch bag and started beating the stuffing out of it.
Zarbon didn't like being ignored by anyone lower than himself - well, lower in Frieza's eyes, anyway. But Vegeta did this often. Usually when Zarbon had deprived him of a sparring partner or made some snide remark about him taking too long to do a mission or something. Zarbon turned around to face the door and was about to leave the room, when he stopped. He turned to look at Vegeta. Maybe... nah. Stupid idea. What would Vegeta know?
But on the other hand... ah, it couldn't hurt to try, right?

"Vegeta..." he began.
"What?" Vegeta didn't stop punching.
"You've had girlfriends, right?"
Vegeta slowed down.
"What makes you think that?" he asked innocently. "You know I always keep my mind on the job..."
"Vegeta, a girl named Tracy called the other day and asked for you. You're lucky Lord Frieza didn't greet her." Zarbon warned.
"Tracy?!" Vegeta froze. He turned his head and looked at Zarbon. "You told her I was dead, right?"
"Well, I told her she'd be killed if she ever tried calling again. I think that scared her off."
"Phew..." Vegeta sighed. "I don't wanna see HER again."
"Anyway, I know she's not your only girlfriend." Zarbon tried to continue.
"I don't have girlfriends, Zarbon." Vegeta told him. He got back to punching. "Just one - night - stands."
"Oh, forget it!" Zarbon frowned. "You clearly don't understand."
"Understand what?" Vegeta stopped again, and looked at him. "What are you talking about?"
"Nothing. Just forget about it, okay?"
Zarbon left the room.

Vegeta frowned in confusion. What was wrong with Zarbon? Maybe he had a girlfriend...? Zarbon with a girlfriend? Weird.
But it seemed the simplest explanation. Zarbon and his girlfriend weren't getting on lately, and he wanted Vegeta's advice. Vegeta chuckled. Zarbon? Asking for HIS advice? That was something you didn't see every day.
Vegeta got back to his training.