Chapter 6
Eye of the Tiger
"So you're telling me that Gamora has just now got a great idea on how to make us rich?" Peter leaned back to the wall his face set in his best "are you seriously kidding me?" kind of look. "Because last time she was trying to steal that said item away from us instead of you know cutting a deal with us."
"I am well aware of that," the War Doctor replied. "That's why we're going to finalize the deal tonight. Just to be sure that she's being truthful at the very least or if not then we can shanghai her into helping us get out."
"Good idea…better you then," Peter trailed off. "Wait why do I have to come along for negotiations and why now?"
"Because she knows where I stand with this and if she thinks you a hindrance she'll cut you out," he retorted. "Therefore you must show her that you mean business and so you need to speak with her. I'm not going to be there to do the talking for you all the time you know."
"Fine," Peter grunted. "I'll do it, but you owe me for this."
"What a fascinating thing to say coming from the man whose own hubris got us into this situation in the first place."
"Stop sounding like a thesaurus!"
"Not a chance," the War Doctor grinned as he got up and began to head out of his cell. Looking at Quill expectantly he raised his eyebrows. Groaning the man got up and soon followed him from the cell. It was dark night, well darker than normal with most of the lights off.
The prison itself was built like an industrial complex with all the trapping such as gangplanks and pipes and a very conveyor belt sort of feel to the place. In fact it made him wonder if it used to a mining operation before it had been converted to a prison. He allowed his thoughts to drift slightly as they made their way to Gamora…who was being dragged by an inmate in a rather open area that seemed to be the showers. So he was planning on killing her. Well that figures.
"Whoa buddy you best leave her alone," Peter said as he stepped into area with the War Doctor following behind. "I mean she's an assassin dude best not to piss her off."
"Oh yeah so just who are you then?" The inmate sneered holding a shiv to her neck. Her face indicated that she was just bidding her time till she killed him. After all she had to be good if she hadn't been caught before and so some no one like this was more of a nuisance then an actual threat to her.
"I'm the Star Lord," Peter replied with a smirk puffing out his chest. The War Doctor gave him an amused smile as he walked around him facing the rather dumbfounded inmate.
"Who?"
"Oh for the love of…I'm the Star Lord, the legendary outlaw! I'm from Earth home to great many legendary outlaws like Jesse James and Billy the Kid. Come on man, seriously?" Peter flailed his arms frustrated at the lack of recognition. The War Doctor valiantly held in his laughter.
"Not working," the War Doctor muttered giggling slightly as he glanced at the crestfallen man. "How about I try?"
"I don't think giving a brow beating him to death is going to work." Peter commented dryly crossing his arms.
"Most certainly not," the War Doctor scoffed as he settled into a classic Venusian aikido opening pose. "I was thinking of something more sophisticated."
"Are you thinking of fighting me old man?" The inmate snared sadistically as turned his attention away from Gamora who looked annoyed at the situation and yet curious. Ignoring Peter for second he waited for the inmate to take a swipe at him.
"I'm gonna gut ya," the being growled gleefully as he lunged towards him. The War Doctor held his ground for a long time until he could practically feel the tip touching his face. He then took a breath and suddenly time just slowed or rather his perception of time sped up while the rest of world slowed to him. He could see minute movement that the being was making in his thrust and casually stepped to the side. Then turning he grabbed the inmates arm and stepping behind him he twisted arm behind the inmate's back forcing him to kneel down least he break his arm. True he could have done it without using his time senses but with this rather old body it was best not to take chances. After all a nick from that knife would hurt like the dickens and just slow him down.
Releasing his breath he allowed his time sense to relax and soon the world went back to normal. The inmate snarled with surprise as he found himself trapped by a supposedly frail old man. The War Doctor allowed himself a smirk as the being squirmed slightly before squeaking in pain.
"Impressive," another voice commented causing him to look up to see previous being that threatened him before stepping into the light. In the dim light his red markings looked even more intimidating and bloodthirsty than usual. "But that trick will not save you from me."
"Drax," the inmate whispered. "I…"
"They were my prey," Drax answered before the inmate could complete his sentence. He looked briefly at him before his gaze returned to the War Doctor. "I am the only one that kills them. Not you."
"You could try," the War Doctor leered. "Many have and I have yet to keel over. Not so sure the girl will go down quietly either."
Drax stiffened while Gamora gave him a "what do you think are you doing?" look that was mirrored by Peter who was standing in the entrance right beside Drax. Drax on the other hand looked…excited. Oh dear, this could become complicated.
"Whoa, whoa," Peter soothed stepping in front Drax before he could lunge towards the War Doctor. "Who's saying that we have to fight? Look Gamora isn't with…"
"My quarrel is with Ronan the Accuser and she's his known associate. I kill allies of Ronan."
"I'm not working for him anymore," Gamora replied quickly seemingly to try calming him down even as she stiffened readying herself for a fight. "I'm trying to stop him. I'm trying to sell the Orb to a being known as the Collector."
"See," Peter pointed at Gamora happily. "She want's nothing to do with him."
"What about him?" Drax pointed towards him. "What is his stake in this?"
"Me?" The War Doctor pointed to himself nonchalantly. "As for me, well I can't be bothered."
"Which translated means he doesn't give a crap," Peter rolled his eyes before looking at Drax again. "Look, if you help us get out of here we'll let you into our scam."
"What?"
"We will?"
"Yes we will," Peter glared at Gamora and the War Doctor respectively. "We'll cut you in…"
"No," Drax shook his head as he pulled his shiv from his boot. "I won't have any of your money. I want to kill Ronan for the death of my wife and daughter."
"Fine," Peter nodded. "Then…"
"Wait," Peter said and then suddenly he smiled. "Look here's the deal. We get most of the money for the Orb…A small percentage will go to you for your help and also since Ronan's looking for this then you get dibs on fighting him and killing him." He smiled as he pulled his pointer across this throat which seemed to confuse Drax. The War Doctor on the other hand readied himself in case Peter's admitted rather brilliant scheme fell through.
"What are you doing?" Drax asked staring at Quill like he'd lost his mind. As he spoke he lowered his shiv down much to the War Doctor's relief and if the ceased squirming was any indication inmate too was relieved.
"It's the kill gesture," Peter stared at the being with a very confused look. "You don't know what the kill gesture is? You know finger across the neck means death? It's a metaphor for when you slice his throat."
"I believe the entire concept is lost to his species," the War Doctor commented dryly. "I'd say you'd do well to leave it at that my boy and just let him have his vendetta."
"Stop sounding like a thesaurus!"
"You do realize," the War Doctor continued as if he hadn't heard Peter's very old gripe. "That the Vermin is going want to be in on this if we're still trusting him on getting us out?"
"Who says we have to," Peter shrugged. "We can find our own way out Gramps."
"Oh? And I suppose you have experience breaking out these kinds of facilities then?"
"Um, no but I can…"
"Well then," the War Doctor concluded interrupting Quill. "There's your answer. No, much as I hate the little beast we're stuck with him and his Groot friend for now."
"Good," Gamora grunted annoyed at their slight banter. "Now are we done here? We need our rest and I'm not thrilled about standing around here late for more ambushes to come."
"Fine by me," the War Doctor agreed. "Lead the way Gamora."
"What about that guy?" Peter gestured to the still pinned inmate. "He's a liability."
"Quite," the War Doctor nodded. Turning towards the being he leaned into his face and said: "Now then, what do we do with you?"
"Let me go," the inmate whispered desperately. "Please, I just wanted to off her for the deaths of my family."
"Is that only reason you went after her?" The War Doctor snorted. "That's all?"
"Well in that case I say take a card in get in the queue." He growled at the now cowering man. "And get out she's not your victim anymore."
"Yeah," the inmate spat ignoring everyone else. "Cause you said?"
"Correct," the War Doctor said his voice glacial. "She's under my protection which means if I see you again then you're life is forfeit."
"And do you know what? I've killed Daleks, Ogrons, Zygons, Autons, Rutans, Sontarans and a myriad of creatures that you wouldn't believe. Now would you like to be added to the rather prestigious list? Or perhaps you if you like, would you rather deal with Drax here?"
Drax taking his cue from him glared at the now still and sweating man. The man shook his head frantically or at least as best as he could since he was pinned. Satisfied the War Doctor allowed him up and sure enough the being ran off as fast as his legs could carry him.
"Daleks?" Drax stared at him with a disbelieving glance once the inmate was far off. "I always thought those were just legends told to frighten children."
"I know, who do you think made it that way?" The War Doctor smiled sadly as he turned and slowly walked back to his dark cell where sleep awaited him. It was sad to think that all of his work and sacrifice was just now legendary exploits only fit for a fairy tales after all he'd lost. Still if the rest of the universe was safe then perhaps it was a small price to pay. If only the grief from his hearts would let him think of that comfort though then perhaps he could...He shook his head violently.
No he wasn't the Doctor anymore, no amount of wishing and begging and do-gooding would change that. He'd made his choice; he was the warrior not the healer. And now, he thought as he settled into a clear spot that he found. I'm a smuggler, a pirate and a thief...the Renegade. That's what I am and perhaps that isn't so bad...provided I get paid and out this trash hole. He smiled into the dark as he tried to quiet his mind and get at least a good solid four hours of sleep.
