Chapter N

Gorath, 2014

"These Guardians are a most interesting group," one man said.

"They are," another said. "Killing the Accuser? A spectacular feat!"

"Indeed. Perhaps we can use them to our advantage."

"Pray tell."

"They wish to resume a lifestyle of mercenary work. Perhaps we can have them work for us a few times, then we have them take something of great value from our enemies."

"Ooh, I like it!"

"Or, we can do something else."

"Like what?"

"I'll tell you when it's time."

The Milano, 2014

"Take me home tonight," Peter Quill sang along, "I don't wanna let you go 'til we see the light."

"Ah, Quill, for God's sake!" Rocket shouted from the engineering bay. "You've been singing that song for the past fifteen minutes! That's excessive, even for me!"

"Put a sock in it, stupid raccoon!" Quill replied.

"I'm not a goddamn raccoon!"

Quill returned to his piloting with a smug grin on his face.

"I do think it's time for another song, Peter," Gamora said. "At least, once this one is over."

"I suppose," Quill sighed. "What would you like to hear?"

Gamora scrolled through the songs that were on the tape. She found one that she and Rocket both liked.

"'Southern Nights,'" she answered.

"Ooh, that's a classic!" Rocket said.

"I am Groot," they heard the sentient sprout say in agreement.

"How about you, Drax?" Quill asked. "You good with this song?"

"I don't care," the hard-skinned warrior replied.

"OK, then!"

'Southern Nights' started to play on the speakers. Rocket was humming and singing along surprisingly well, and Quill could hear Gamora's foot tapping.

A chirping noise was heard on the communicator, under the category 'Job Requests.'

"Another job offer?" Gamora asked.

"Yep," Quill answered, "from the Dark Nebula. They're asking us to go on an espionage mission."

"Sounds like fun!" Rocket said.

"Sounds boring," Drax groaned.

"They'll pay us one hundred thousand units each," Quill noted.

"Holy shit!" Rocket yelled. "I'm in!"