Talia's POV

Gamora raises her hand and a holographic image flashes. The man is about six foot tall, with short blonde curls and soft blue eyes. He's handsome . . . in a playboy sort of way. He reminds me a bit of Steve (Captain America).

"This is Peter Quill," Gamora explains. He voice is slightly shaky and it occurs to me that I may have unnerved her with my questions. "He calls himself Starlord. I will engage him. If he attempts to run, deal with him."

"Understood."

"Thalia?"

"You are a good person. You have merely gotten swept up in this. But if anyone asks where you have come from, do not tell them Ronan sent you."

She pauses, clearly expecting me to ask why, but I merely nod. Ronan doesn't like Zandar. Zandar doesn't like Ronan. Simple enough.

The ship enters the upper atmosphere of Zandar and as we begin to descend, I can't help but gasp.

Zandar is beautiful.

Marble paths ways lace around pools of crystal water. The buildings stand tall and strong, glowing with royal blues and vibrant reds, while flowing banners glisten from the balconies. I'd almost say it's paradise. Pity I don't believe in paradise.

We land and prepare to obtain the orb.

I only have to wait about a half hour. Peter Quill comes racing through the crowd, with Gamora hot on his heels. My sharp eyes widen as I detect two other life forms behind them.

Is that . . . a raccoon? The creature stands about two feet tall but it's steady flow of cursing can easily be heard.

The second is even more disturbing. Eight feet tall, easy. It appears to be some sort of tree with dark eyes and long spindly hands. This is going to get interesting.

"In here!" I hiss to Quill as he darts past me.

He stops for a moment, clearly analysing, but as the shouts get louder, he follows me into the tent.

The tent is a pale sort if yellow. It blends so easily into the soft background, that you would not see it if you weren't looking. Perfect camouflage.

Now I see Quill in the flesh, I conclude he really is very handsome. He has a very mischievous face that glows with bright humour. I like him immediately. A shame he has something I want.

"Well hello beautiful," he laughs, throwing the orb up into the air and juggling it. I notice immediately.

"Hello handsome," I giggle softly, trying to get him to let his guard down. "What you got there?"

"Well, this here is my ticket . . ."

With every word, the orb gets a little closer as he shows it to me. My action is immediate.

My leg lashes our, driving into the side of his head. I expect him to go down but he merely looks unsteady. Still, it is all the time I need.

I rip the orb from his hands and dash out the tent.

"Nothing personal!" I shout as my legs begin to sprint.

I scan the crowd, eagerly searching for my green companion. She finds me in seconds.

I raise my hand and show her the orb. She nods. "Let's get out of here."

"I don't think so."

I recognise the voice of Quill and I curse.

"I want my orb back!" he demands, tearing a weapon from his thigh. "Now!"

"Now now lover boy."

I turn to the side and see the raccoon has spoken. His tall bodyguard stands to his right. This is getting stranger and stranger.

"You're coming with us," the raccoon snarls.

"I am Groot!" the tree says, raising a thin hand.

"Sorry Quill, finders keepers."

With those words, I lunge at Peter Quill.

Before I can even get there, I am knocked to the side. I come up on my feet.

My hands search frantically for the orb and I snarl when I realise it is gone. And so is Peter Quill.

Suddenly, I see him. No one steals from me. I retract the taser bar from my thigh. I narrow in on the target. And I throw.

Perfect shot. Peter Quill goes down in seconds.

I am just about to pursue when a loud voice echoes in the centre.

"Criminals! By command of the NOVA core, stand down! You are under arrest! You have five seconds to comply!"

Hell no.

I move to run. My limbs freeze in place and showers of yellow light engulf me. Then the world goes black.