And the new chapter for guardians. it was supposed to be longer but i don't think i have enough time to complete so i just cut it in half since it was getting so long. i hope you enjoy. this takes place a day before the first chapter. the first time these are song lyrics. then it becomes an alien languge that some people can understand. hopefully ill have the next chapter done soon. I own nothing and enjoy!
24 hours earlier
The sunlight poured into the darkened, large, well furbished apartment, bypassing through the ineffective blinds and quietly basking the slumbering man in a healthy glow. His eyes flinched at the disturbance, pulling him out from his amazing dream. He let out an annoyed grunt, angry at the idea of waking up early as he scratched his bare chest groggily.
"Maaaaarco, Marco wake up" A playful, seductive voice called to him from the doorway of his room.
Marco cracked open a single eye to see his girlfriend Jackie Lynn Thomas, leaning against the door frame suggestively, her platinum blonde hair with a blue streak looking lovely as ever. She was wearing a white tank top and blue shorts that really lived up to the clothing name
"Why do I have to get up?" Marco complained, closing his eyes once more knowing full well what was going to happen next.
"Well we got things to do" Jackie's voice told him, each syllable sounding closer and closer than the previous one "Like kissing, robbing those gangsters, telling me how pretty I am"
Marco laughed, resisting the urge to wake up when he felt Jackie climb onto the bed with him "I've been saying it a lot these past 3 months, might need to slow down, don't want you getting a big head"
Marco could feel his heart stop, Jackie climbing ontop of him. He tried to will the blush away from his face caused by how intimate his girlfriend was currently being.
"Come on Marco, one more time...please?" Marco could imagine her bright blue eyes tearing up a bit, the slight curve of her lips while she put on her best pouty face.
"Alright, alright" Marco gave in "You are very pretty Jackie, very..." Marco opened his eyes just in time to see Jackie drive a knife into his shoulder blade.
Marco let out a pained grunt, his body twisting in agony. Jackie's face was blank, her eyes showing no warmth or kindness, just a grim determination.
"Jackie!?" Marco wheezed out, trying to prevent his body from going into shock as Jackie drew the knife out of his shoulder, the sickening sound of squishy skin parting from cold steel. Marco could feel the blood dripping out of his wound and down his arm, covering the bed sheets with the precious liquid.
"Sorry Marco" Jackie said neutrally, lifting the blade high into the air once more "I really am but afraid it's just business."
"Jackie, JACKIE NO!" Marco shouted, weakly lifting his hand to try to stop Jackie from plunging the knife into his face, the sunlight glimmering off the ruby red blade and blinding Marco for a moment.
"JACKIE!" Marco shouted, rising from his bed in a cold sweat. The magnificent apartment transformed into a hole in a wall, a tiny, barely liveable space for one person with peeling, rotting walls with a stink that implied something had recently died in there.
Marco rubbed his eyes tiredly, wiping the cold sweat away as he tried his hardest to forget his nightmare.
It had been a month since Jackie attempted to kill him, a month since he fought her off and went underground, drifting to the furthest corners of the galaxy to try to forget the woman who stole his heart and then proceed to try and impale it. The heartache was still real, still painful as his recovering shoulder wound.
It all had been some con, some game to try to get him to lower his guard. And while normally girls trying to kill him was something Marco was experienced to, this was the one he fell for. This was the one that worked, the one he was completely unprepared for.
Marco shook his head, rubbing his shoulder when the phantom pains began tingling once more.
He weighed the risk of catching some more sleep. He wasn't feeling very rested and tiredness bit at his eyes, begging them to close and just sleep the day away but he knew that was just the depression talking, something that had been plaguing him for days now mixed with the fear that Jackie would track him down and finish the job. The knowledge that he wouldn't be able to fight her off once again loomed over his head. He couldn't and they both knew it.
Marco let out a heavy sigh, wondering what was the best course of action.
Marco jumped when the alarm clock trudged, switching from 5:59 to 6 in the morning before loudly blaring out the twinge of a rock guitar as someone sang "There ain't no rest for the wicked, money don't grew on trees. I got bills to pay, I got mouths to feed."
"Ain't that the truth" Marco muttered to himself as he slammed his fist on the snooze button, the alarm clock groaning before shattering apart at the sheer force.
Marco rose onto his bed, trying to ignore why some would build a room around the length and width of his queen size bed. It was a good thing he wasn't claustrophobic.
"Time to get to work" Marco nodded before tripping over his sheets and falling face first onto the floor, pain shooting through out his body as he weakly cried "oww..."
The sun was barely rising into the sky, the cold air chilling everyone who wasn't Marco who was walking down the streets in his standard outfit: a light gray, crisp clean undershirt, freshly pressed black slacks, his well loved red jacket and his olive green converses (the only item from Earth he still owned).
Marco looked straight ahead, ignoring the citizens trying to catch his gaze and wish him a good morning. He was a fledgling outlaw and a reputation could make or break him at this point. Everything was about appearances in the underworld and Marco Diaz refined his bad boy image: striding down the street like he owned it, giving cocky, sly grins to anyone he met, lightly flirting with anyone from the opposite sex and the occasional flexing of the muscles with a hint of distaste in his eyes
The distaste wasn't too hard given where he was.
He was currently hiding on the planet Rem, a major hub of the corporations and corporate espionage. On paper the world itself was split into many sectors but in reality there were only two: the rich and the criminals. If you weren't stealing your company's money, business plans, concepts, technology or assassinating its members, you were paying someone to do it for you. Everyone looked out for number 1 out here and it was the perfect place to get your start since there was always a nice list of jobs from running goods to bodyguarding.
Marco glared at the sun as it steadily climbed into the green tinted sky. All the rich sectors were on the surface but criminal sectors were buried deep underground and Marco was frankly surprised how many of the citizens on the upper surface sectors failed to realize that the poor appearance and shifty characters were for appearances. That "those poor souls below" were really crooks and thugs.
But that was people for you, only saw what they want to fit into their reality.
Marco's eyes burned at the sleek, polished whiteness of the sector 12: White polished floors, white polished walls, white polished rails, white polished buildings. White polished everything and it was annoying. It made everything looked like some sort of child's brand new playset, something that hadn't been touched or played with. That hadn't lived.
Marco supposed that's why he preferred the old Star Wars movie to anything other sci fi media back when he lived on Earth. It was the first time humanity was shown living in space: not visiting, not getting lost, not exploring but living. True it was basically the little guy vs the big guy but the details made it come alive. The empire had these sleek, well kept machines but everyone else had faded, weathered ships, blasters, outfits, everything. Humanity took to the stars and decided to stay there. That's what made Star Wars so great, so real. That and magic space wizards but you know that's something else.
Marco guessed that's why he hated anything that was kept too clean, like the rich sectors. There was no sign of life, of individuality. Just polished, lifeless places for polished, lifeless people.
The peacekeepers eyed him carefully but Marco waved cheerfully at them and went on his merry way. The best disguise was being happy. People were a lot less suspicious of a happy person than someone that wore any other emotion on his face. Not that Marco was happy but pretending really did help.
"Here we go Diaz" Marco told himself once he finally reached his destination, a small little knick knack store with a dozen or more downtrodden people waiting outside, eagerly perking up at the sound of Marco's approaching footsteps.
"No, no. Not looking for hired guns today" Marco told them calmly, wading through the crowd who refused to leave him be "Maybe next time but for now shoo"
The people let out a disappointed groan before finally allowing him access to the store.
The doors wooshed and parted sideways for him, the bright sun now vanishing under the dim, blue tinted walls of the interior as he took a step in. Dozen of varying sized clear see through cases filled the room, small trinkets and items locked safely in what appeared to be glass but Marco knew to be a high density steel capable of within standing heavy laser and plasma fire.
Marco peered carefully at each case, not really finding anything of interest until he spotted a small, red thing tucked away between a replica blaster from Galaxy Wars part 2: the Echoing (subpar film, decent action though) and a rock that was supposedly from Earth's moon (given that Earth's moon was not bright yellow with green spots, Marco was safe to bet it wasn't from his native Earth.)
Marco couldn't stop the childlike wonder from filling his eyes as he crouched down to get a closer look at the small item.
"No...way..." he whispered, reaching to place his hand on the case.
What lay within was a small, brand new pin of the rebel starbird, the official name for the rebellion's symbol from Star Wars.
Nostalgia filled Marco's mind, taking him to a time where everything wasn't so cloaked with adult responsibilities, assassin ex-girlfriends and lies.
"That is a wonderful item, belonged to a late king" a voice called from the back "I am willing to part with it for...a thousand credits."
Marco scoffed, rising to his feet as he turned to face the man "Seriously? You're better as a middle man than a con man Bookkeeper. You forget who you are lying to. I'm from Earth. I recognize Earth stuff."
The older man frowned, apparently not realizing it was Marco who had walked into his store.
"Ah, Marco" he said with a toothy smile, his pale green hair well kept and combed "I didn't see you there."
"Sure buddy, how much for the starbird?"
"Starbird?" Bookkeeper glanced, surprised before muttering under his breath "That's a hel lot better than my stupid back story"
Marco whistled loudly, catching the attention of the man once more "how much"
Bookkeeper paused, greed dancing happily in his gray eyes "for you good buddy, 500 credits."
Marco rolled his eyes "200"
The Bookkeeper let out a strangled yelp, his features twisting into an angry expression "200? seriously you have to be frakking joking me!"
"Language" Marco warned "We're civilized adults here."
Bookkeeper rolled his eyes "You mean a petty outlaw and a respected member of the community."
Marco clicked his tongue "Harsh words buddy. You are so much more than a petty outlaw."
"Why you..."
"200" Marco said with a hint of finality "It's more than fair. It'd cost me less to travel back to Earth and pick up one for 7 dollars."
"Like you would ever go back to Earth" Bookkeeper muttered angrily under his breath "Fine, 200. up front."
As Marco fished out his wallet, Bookkeeper bent over and put the item on the counter "Please tell me that's all you want."
"I want a job" Marco told him, handing over the money and holding the pin in his palm, his eyes gleaming with pure joy.
"Marco, we've been over this..."
"I am good and you know it!"
Bookkeeper shook his head "That's not the problem, the problem is that you stole a federation ship..."
"To sell"
"Which we couldn't because someone got a decent I.D on you."
"It's not my fault somebody was wearing rubber sole insulation!"
"And you stashed it away and refuse to tell anyone where it is!"
"Well" Marco began, leaning back nonchalantly "I stole it, I think I should keep it until I could move it. Tony c'mon..."
"It's Bookkeeper to anyone wanting a job. The point is" Bookkeeper glared at him "You are a high profile target right now. You can't be subtle."
Marco shrugged, twisting the pin in his palm "Sure I can, just walked by a few peacekeepers, not a single one stopped me."
"Because they're being paid off." Bookkeeper rubbed his eyes, trying his hardest not to lose it because of this up and coming idiot "Look, you are good but..."
"Come on, please."
Bookkeeper stared at Marco, startled by the change in his voice.
"I need something to do" Marco told him, a weary look in his eyes "I...I've been laying around for days. I...I need something."
Bookkeeper frowned before sighing in defeat "There is a job. A highly dangerous job."
"Awesome" Marco replied cheerfully, leaning against the counter.
"One of my runners didn't show up today. I need something delivered to sector 32. Red Dust turf. Take this directly to Scum. He's hanging out at this address."
"I'm unaffiliated, perfect run for me." Marco took the address, memorizing it in case he somehow lost the paper "What's the pay?"
"40,000"
Marco glanced at the simple, birthday present feel of the box before lifting a curious eyebrow to Bookkeeper "40 for a box?"
"Don't be stupid, no one would pay 40 for a box. It's what's inside the box that matters."
"And what's in the box?" Marco asked curiously, making a motion to open the package before being slapped away by Bookkeeper
"You know the rules: No peeking."
"Right, right" Marco murmured, flexing his hand before pocketing the box and the pin "I'm collecting?"
Bookkeeper shook his head "From him yes, from me no. I'll transfer the money to your account once you come back in one piece or else I'll be adding a runner fatality fee from Scum."
"Swell"
Marco turned to leave before Bookkeeper coughed loudly "what?"
"Remember, take the green line to..."
"Nah" Marco waved him off "I'll fly over in the JLT and..."
"That hunk of junk?" Bookkeeper interrupted "Why did you even buy that piece of crap? It's a cargo ship. You know smuggling things, meant to be flown by a crew of 2 or more people, not whiny little kids laying about doing not..." he slowed to a stop, a faraway gleam in Marco's eyes "thing...right...sorry man I..."
"No, no, no" Marco waved him off, angrily turning on his heel "no please, go ahead and remind me that I paid an arm, a leg and someone's kidney to buy a ship so I could get into the smuggling business with my ex-girlfriend who tried to kill me. I really want to hear it again."
"Sorry man, I didn't mean to..."
"It's fine" Marco's tone made it clear it wasn't, not really "It's just another mistake I have to live with."
and like that, the younger man was gone.
Marco was quiet, flipping buttons and switches as he began skimming above the buildings of sector 12, following the air traffic mindlessly.
He took a deep breath, carefully eying the interior of the ship with a mix of disappointment and pride. The outside of the ship was perfect, well kept and with a clean if faded paint job. The inside? Not so much. Some torn fabric of the seats, the wiring was exposed, couple of the hall lights were burnt out. All in all couple of wear and tears but it still looked good, nothing that couldn't be buffed out with time and effort. A lot of time and even more effort.
"Just like me" Marco muttered softly "Perfect on the outside, broken on the inside."
"Approaching exit 23" the robotic GPS told him, the screen showing him where to go.
"Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go!" Marco sang, unnecessarily rolling left and right before plummeting into the man made tunnel.
Marco took a deep breath as he stepped onto the landing pad, the cavernous smell sending a calming feeling over Marco's body. Smelled like wet Earth.
Sector 32 was nothing like sector 12. Varying colors and metals made up all buildings giving everything a mixed match vibe. There was no sense of order with some stores and buildings being stacked ontop of each other like an apartment structure or rising skyward like gigantic steps. There were countless sounds echoing from everywhere and signs that pointed every which way as the paths took you down, deeper into the ground or spiraling towards the ceiling of the cave.
Marco took a step onto the 'street' his twin pistols easily within reach in case anyone tried anything. He had never been to sector 32 before but he knew full well how much his previous associates liked to travel.
Marco walked for a few minutes before finally reaching his destination, a 3 story building that could loosely be called a house though it was more like a hideout.
Marco walked up to the bright orange door, knocking confidently while keeping an eye out on the others on the street with him.
The door opened revealing a thin man, various pieces of disjointed armor covering his leather jacket covered body and a scatterblaster (known as a shotgun on Earth) hanging lazily in his grip "S'up?"
"Yeah, got a delivery for Scum from the Bookkeeper."
The man eyed him carefully, his mouth twitching in discomfort.
"kay, come in" the man opened the door wide open, his grasp tightening on his blaster.
Marco nodded, cheerfully strolling in, his footing sure even spotting everyone else in the room "I really like this lair feel you got going on."
"It's not a lair."
The vast room was smoky though no one was smoking. A dozen or so men hung around the room in a loose circle, happily chatting and talking but keeping their various weapons within reach. Each wore the same leather jacket armor combo as the man who opened the door. To the left of Marco was a staircase that obviously went upstairs. Directly positioned in the middle of the room was a table set up like you would find at an interview complete with a little sign that said "Mr. Scum" as said Mr. Scum sat on the other side of the table.
"Frakk" Marco muttered, realizing Mr. Scum was a Czarion.
Imagine a dark, forest green human sized raptor with a shorter tail and straight limbs like Marco's arms wearing a blast vest and pants and you now know what a Czarion looks like.
Scum peered carefully at Marco, his yellow eyes staring at him like he was a piece of meat.
"I really like your gang outfits" Marco nodded, looking at around in approval "a real Mad Max in space type feel."
No one said a thing though a few of them smiled happily.
"You Scum?" Marco motioned to the Czarion.
The raptor nodded, putting his claw hand on the desk. His other hand remained out of view but Marco could see the hint of a metal casing covering it.
"Ask if he has the package" the raptor hissed to the nearest man.
"I do. No worries" Marco answered, pulling out the box carefully and slowly so he did not get shot.
The raptor peered at him curiously, his yellow eyes gaining a greenish tint "interesting. You can understand me?"
Marco turned his head, pointing to a little metal jack just under his ear "Universal translator. Had it installed so I can hear every horrible thing all beings are saying about me."
"How useful. Please have a seat."
"Don't mind if I do" Marco took a deep breath, sitting into the chair opposite the dinosaur and reaching into his pocket once more.
The sounds of weapons being drawn was always music to Marco's ears.
"Guys. Just pulling out a stress ball" Marco told them carefully, showing them the pink rubber ball he just pulled out
"and why are you stressed Mr...?"
"Ramirez, Julio Ramirez. Well I am in a room full of blasters, sitting directly in front of a Czarion who could probably eat me in one gulp."
Scum chuckled, a clicking noise coming from the back of his throat "Reason enough I suppose."
"Agreed" Marco began squeezing the ball, calming his racing heart.
"The box Mr. Ramirez"
Marco slowly placed the box onto the desk, nearly flinching when Scum's claws held the package gingerly.
Scum ripped the box to shreds, smiling evilly before his features took on an angry form.
"THIS IS NOT WHAT WE BOUGHT!" Scum roared, slamming a majestic looking, baseball sized, red and blue orb with the letters S and M painstakingly engraved into it on the desk, it slowly rolling towards Marco.
"I..I..."
"This is not the key to the Orion company, this is some stupid orb. WHERE IS THE KEY!?"
Marco placed the rubber ball onto the desk, his eyes wide with fear despite the calm look plastered on his face.
"Look that's what Bookkeeper gave me! It must've been a mix up! I'm sure if I go back..."
"NO!" Scum shouted, rising to full height "You were a spy, sent to discover my lair's secrets"
Marco clapped his hands together "I knew it was a lair!"
Scum pointed his metal covered hand towards Marco, a large and menacing barrel sliding out just inches from his face.
"I am not joking meatbag! WHO SENT YOU!?"
Marco rose his hands in surrender "Nobody sent me! It was just a mix up! Wait...aren't you a meat bag too...anyway, I swear if I could just..."
"I'll be taking that" A voice called from the doorway.
Everyone turned to see this new figure stride into the room, a long black cloak covering its figure but Marco could tell the person was female given how it held out a purple wand with wings and star on it without getting embarrassed.
"Who the hell are you?" Scum asked, his men drawing their weapons towards the girl.
She gave a little smirk, bright blue eyes twinkling with mischievousness and the thrill of adventure.
Marco kept his eyes on the orb, his fingers flexing in anticipation while he silent counted down from 5...4...3...2...
The rubber ball shifted colors, turning from a peaceful pink to a raging, violently shaking red.
Scum noticed this and for a moment Marco found himself staring eye to eye with the raptor.
"What is..."
Scum never finished his sentence as the rubber ball exploded with a force of a bomb, knocking into everyone with a powerful gust, spreading a thick, billowing white smoke throughout the entire room and scattering every loose item in every direction.
Marco grabbed for the orb, his fingers wrapping around it tightly while his free hand reached behind his ear, clicking the button on the small device around his neck. A mask with glowing red optics constructed itself around his face before the rubber ball went off and knocked him backwards.
Marco rolled onto his back, rising to his feet using the momentum of the bomb. While everyone coughed and cursed, trying to see their way past the obscuring smoke, Marco's mask allowed him to see through everything.
"Right" Marco told himself, sliding the orb into his pocket while drawing out his pistol "Time to go"
Marco ran towards the stairs, his pace frantic and frightened as the smoke below slowly evaporated and the shouts of men giving chase rang in his ears.