The Encore of Batch 89
Chapter 4: The First "Mission"?
The commandeered spaceship that was now under the ownership of Lylla, Teefs, and Floor was a marvel of sleek, advanced design.
The spaceship's exterior was a striking blend of deep metallic gray and midnight black, giving it a stealthy and enigmatic appearance. The streamlined design was marked by its elongated fuselage, designed for minimizing air resistance in planetary atmospheres and enhancing speed in the vacuum of space. It was longer than it was wide, which accentuated its sleekness and gave it the aerodynamic look of a predator on the hunt.
The spaceship boasted graceful, curved wings that extended from either side of its hull. These wings, equipped with mounted guns, held the promise of both offensive capability and precision steering, making the ship fit for slipping through obstacles with ease. The gun barrels gleamed with a subtle metallic sheen, hinting at their formidable power.
The interior of the spaceship was a testament to both comfort and functionality, as it was meant for long-term habitation in the vastness of space. The spaceship's layout was well-organized and equipped with a range of amenities to ensure the well-being of its occupants.
The cockpit of the spaceship was a marvel of technology and ergonomic design. Its entrance was marked by a sliding, glass-like door that hissed open with a futuristic flourish. Once inside, the control console dominated the space, with holographic displays and touch-sensitive screens, allowing for a seamless integration of the ship's systems and navigation. The three seats in the cockpit were sleek and cushioned, designed for long hours of operation without discomfort. The forward-facing windows offered a breathtaking view of the cosmos, and the chairs could recline to provide a comfortable position for extended journeys. The entire area was bathed in a soft, cool light, casting an aura of focus and anticipation.
The ship's four cabins were thoughtfully designed to provide both privacy and comfort for its passengers. Each cabin had a large, round window that allowed occupants to gaze out into the starlit void of space. The walls were adorned with dimmable ambient lighting, which could be adjusted to suit personal preferences. The sleeping arrangements included simple yet soft mattresses that cradled occupants in comfort. There were also storage compartments for personal belongings. Nova Corps had already cleaned these out, removing all traces of the criminal raiders that the trio had stolen the ship from. The decor was a blend of high-tech minimalism and cozy hominess, offering a sense of respite during the long journeys through the cosmos.
The workshop was a versatile space that catered to both mechanical and technological endeavors. It featured workbenches, storage for tools and spare parts, and advanced equipment for repairs and modifications. As none of them were as technologically gifted as Rocket, this space was left well enough alone by the trio.
The spaceship's galley was a compact yet efficient space, equipped with sleek stainless steel countertops and appliances. The area featured a stovetop with induction burners, a compact refrigerator, and a plethora of storage cabinets. Teefs, who had retained his passion for cooking from his forgotten time in the afterlife, found this space particularly inviting for his culinary experiments.
The dining area was located between the galley and the workshop. It was a minimalist round table and cushioned stools, providing a decent space for meals, conversation, or planning. The lighting above the table could be adjusted to create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for sharing stories and dreams.
The spaceship's bathroom was designed for functionality and ease of use. It included a sleek, automated sanitation system with all the modern amenities one would expect. The shower was equipped with water-recycling technology, and the walls were covered in a soft, neutral color scheme, providing a sense of cleanliness. This room hadn't been very clean under the ownership of the raiders, but the Nova Corps took the liberty of deep cleaning it.
Positioned at the heart of the ship, the medical bay was a crucial and well-equipped space designed to attend to the health and well-being of the ship's occupants during their interstellar journeys. Its location made it easily accessible from any part of the vessel, ensuring a swift response to medical emergencies. The medical bay featured a bright, sterile environment with white, easily sanitized surfaces and soft, indirect lighting to create a soothing and professional atmosphere. Its centerpiece was an advanced medical table equipped with several scanners, capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of injuries and ailments.
A row of medical cabinets lined one wall, well-organized with an array of medications, medpacks, and medical equipment. Everything was carefully labeled and easily accessible, ensuring that the crew could swiftly address any medical needs that might arise during their journeys.
With their shopping done, and their bank account nearly drained, the trio loaded their provisions onto the ship and took their seats. Teefs' chair was just big enough for him, and Floor had plenty of room in her chair.
As they readied the ship for departure, Teefs said, "So. . . what should we name our ship?"
The trio sat inside their spaceship, pondering possible names for their newly acquired vessel as they prepared for take-off. Floor was the first to suggest, "How about 'Sky Fly'?"
Lylla, considering the suggestion, replied, "It's a nice name, but it doesn't quite capture the essence of our mission. . . What about 'Stellar Odyssey'?"
Teefs nodded, intrigued. "Aye, that sounds grand, it does, but does it really say 'Rocket' to you?"
Lylla furrowed her brow in thought, a touch of frustration evident. "We need a name that embodies Rocket's spirit, something that reminds us of our friend."
They continued to brainstorm, suggesting names like 'Starship Explorer' and 'Cosmic Voyager,' but each name seemed to fall flat, lacking the personal connection they desired.
Lylla sighed, leaning back in her chair. "None of these names feel right. We need something special, something that carries the memory of Rocket with us on this journey. . ." suddenly, Lylla's eyes sparkled with inspiration. She looked at her friends and smiled brightly. "How about 'The Raccoon'? It's a name that keeps Rocket with us every step of the way."
Teefs and Floor beamed with approval, and there was a sense of certainty that washed over them. It was a name that held sentimental value, a reminder of the bond they shared with Rocket and the adventures they had embarked on together. The Raccoon was the perfect name for their ship, and they knew their friend would appreciate the gesture.
"Well then," Lylla said, and she confidently took hold of the controls and said, "Let's take off into the forever sky!"
The Raccoon's engines came to life, and the ship took off from the surface of Xandar and quickly ascended, breaking through the atmosphere and zooming off into the galaxy.
As the ship gracefully soared through the cosmos, Floor's nervousness grew, and she couldn't help but ask the burning question, "How are we going to find Rocket?"
Lylla contemplated the query, her mind racing to come up with a solution. She recalled their friend's clever and resourceful nature and said, "We need to think like Rocket. Where would he want to go?"
Teefs added, "He's a smart one, that's for sure. Always thinking ahead."
Floor chimed in, "And he loved shiny things, remember?"
Lylla's eyes lit up with realization. "That's it! Rocket was a collector, and he could make something out of nothing. He'd be drawn to places where he could find useful parts and shiny treasures."
With newfound determination, Lylla activated the ship's navigation system, deftly typing in a search for a planet that matched their friend's preferences. A result appeared on the screen, a planet known for its vast junkyards and abandoned technology.
"A junkyard planet," Lylla said with conviction. "Rocket would head there, no doubt about it."
She activated the ship's hyperdrive, directing their course toward the junkyard planet. The trio felt a renewed sense of purpose as they sped through the stars, on a mission to find their clever and resourceful friend, Rocket.
The spaceship touched down on the junkyard planet, a vast expanse of discarded technology and debris. A neon sign designated the area as a properly owned junkyard, as opposed to a debris field where everything was up for grabs. A nearby prefabricated building stood nearby, where junk could be bought and sold by the pound.
The trio disembarked and began to explore the cluttered landscape, and they soon came across a grizzled junk dealer who was hunched over a pile of discarded metal parts. Lylla approached the dealer, her eyes filled with hope, and asked, "Excuse me. Have you seen our friend, Rocket Raccoon? He's only slightly taller than I am. He also has fur, and he's dark brown, and a darker band across his sharp, clever eyes. And a big bushy brown and white striped tail"
The dealer looked up from his work, his face etched with years of toil and exposure to the elements. He scratched his head thoughtfully and replied, "Rocket, you say? Yeah, I've met a Rocket that fits that description, but it's been a long while, about 15 years or so."
The trio's excitement deflated, and disappointment washed over them.
Lylla sighed, "Fifteen years is a long time. Surely, he would've stopped by here at least once more?"
The dealer nodded in understanding and added, "This planet is huge, and there are plenty of junk dealers scattered around. Maybe he's been trading with someone on the other side."
Hope still flickered in their hearts as they thanked the junk dealer for the information and decided to head in the direction he had suggested. They were determined to leave no stone unturned in their quest to find Rocket, even on this vast and cluttered planet.
The trio landed on the other side of the planet, and it was already nighttime. As they approached a large, darkened building, Floor's voice quivered, "Floor feels bad feeling . . ."
Teefs nodded in agreement as he looked around, "Yeah, it's quiet. Too quiet."
Lylla surveyed their surroundings, noticing the unusual holes scattered across the ground and the jumbled piles of discarded junk strewn about. It was as if the planet itself had become a disorganized labyrinth of remnants. "You're right," she said with a hint of concern, "and those holes and this mess...something doesn't seem right." The building loomed ahead, casting eerie shadows in the night. Lylla took a deep breath and told her friends, "Stay close. Let's check out this building carefully. Rocket might be in there."
The trio moved cautiously towards the entrance, their senses alert, and their hearts filled with both anticipation and a growing unease. As the trio entered the building, they were surprised to find the door unlocked. Their footsteps echoed down the dimly lit hallway, and the place seemed eerily deserted, as if it had been vacated in a hurry. Lylla and her friends ventured further, glancing at the dust-free surfaces and the lack of any signs of decay. It did indeed appear that the place had been recently abandoned, and their concern deepened.
They came to a room with an open door, and inside, their horror deepened as they saw cages. The trio couldn't help but draw parallels between these enclosures and the ones they had endured during their time under the High Evolutionary's experiments. Teefs was the first to comment, his voice quivering with a mix of dread and recognition.
"These cages," Teefs began, his deep British accent laden with unease, "they remind me of the ones we were kept in..."
Lylla and Floor exchanged somber glances, their shared memories of the painful past rushing back. But then, the sight of a torn-open cage in the room sent a chilling shiver through the trio.
Lylla's voice was filled with a mix of wonder and fear as she whispered, "Look at this, guys... It's like someone... or something... managed to break free... But not like how Rocket did."
Floor, her childlike wonder now laced with an edge of apprehension, chimed in, "But who? What? Where? Are they here?"
Teefs, the most jovial of the trio, had an uncharacteristic seriousness in his voice, "I don't think. . .I want to know. . ."
Pushing forward, they entered another room where a lone working computer sat on a dusty desk. Lylla hesitated for a moment, then approached the device, her eyes scanning the screen. A shiver ran down her spine as she noticed an audio log open.
Gathering her courage, Lylla took a deep breath and clicked on the audio file. The trio gathered around the working computer, their hearts pounding with a mixture of curiosity and dread, as Lylla prepared to play the audio log. When the voice on the recording began, it was cold and calculating.
"This is it, my friends! Our little operation right under Nova Corps' nose is a resounding success. We've bred a bioweapon that'll make us filthy rich, and they'll never even think to look here, on this junkyard planet."
The voice oozed confidence as it continued to detail their sinister activities, the sense of pride unmistakable in its tone.
"Selling living weapons to the highest bidder... Nova Corps and all the other so-called authorities will be at our mercy. The galaxy will-"
But then, a sudden, terrifying interruption cut through the arrogance of the voice. The trio listened in horrified silence as the sound of metal being torn asunder, along with the agonized cries and the ferocious roar of some unknown entity, filled the room. The voice of the speaker could be now heard screaming in terror and pain. Then, the audio log came to an abrupt, chilling end.
"Floor, Lylla, Teefs, go now! Floor, Lylla, Teefs, go now!" Floor screamed, unable to contain her fear. She turned and fled from the room, her shouts echoing through the hallways.
Lylla, her voice strained with concern, called out desperately, "Floor, wait! Come back! It's going to be alright!"
But Floor's terror had gripped her tightly, and she continued to run. The frantic chase through the dark corridors of the abandoned facility was a blur of chaos and fear. Lylla and Teefs ran after Floor, who sprinted all the way to the exit, her many insect-like legs skittering in desperation. She burst out into the eerie, junkyard darkness, only to be confronted by a nightmare. A monstrous creature, twisted and grotesque, burst from the ground before her, letting out a bone-chilling roar.
The nightmarish creature moved with a sinister grace on its four long, sinewy legs, each limb ending in jagged, razor-sharp claws. Its movements were both swift and unnaturally silent as it navigated the dark and twisted landscape of the junkyard. The creature's presence was a grotesque anomaly, an alien horror in this desolate place.
Its torso, covered in sleek, dark fur, contorted with each powerful stride, revealing the underlying strength and flexibility of its unnerving form. The creature's head was a gruesome spectacle, shaped like a sleek torpedo, emphasizing its predatory nature. Three compound eyes, each a piercing beacon in the darkness, gleamed with an otherworldly intelligence, seemingly capable of seeing through the shadows.
The elongated mouth was filled with long, dagger-like teeth, giving the impression of a gruesome set of blades waiting to rend flesh. As it roared, the teeth were illuminated, creating a chilling sight that sent shivers down the spines of those unfortunate enough to witness it. The sound itself was a mix of anguish and primal fury, echoing through the metallic canyons of the junkyard.
Every detail of the creature, from the sinuous movement of its legs to the grotesque features of its head, spoke of an entity born of nightmares and engineered for terror. It was an aberration, an alien force that had disrupted the eerie calm of the junkyard with its predatory hunger and a thirst for violence. Its presence was an abomination of nature, and its gaze was fixated right on Floor.
With a scream of terror, Floor turned and dashed back toward the building, her legs working furiously. Lylla realized the danger and shouted to Teefs, "Use your new mechanical arms, Teefs! Grab her!"
Teefs swiftly extended his newly reinforced mechanical arms, reaching out to snatch Floor just before she reentered the building. The trio raced back inside, but the relentless creature pursued them, its monstrous form close on their heels. As they fled, panic-stricken words flew between them in a torrent of fear.
Lylla cried out, "Keep moving! We need to find a way to get out of here!"
Floor was still trembling as she screams, "Floor be dead! Friends be dead! We all be dead!"
Teefs, his voice strained with desperation, shouted, "How can something like that even exist? Why does it exist? That's just wrong!"
"That way! Go THAT WAY!" Lylla shouted as she pointed to a door up ahead to their left.
As the trio sprinted through the dimly lit corridor and made a sharp turn to head through the door, the echoes of the pursuing creature's roars reverberated behind them, amplifying the urgency of their flight. The air was thick with tension as they reached a cluttered room with towering shelves packed with discarded relics from countless worlds. The shelves, precarious and unstable, seemed like an improvised defense against their relentless pursuer.
Teefs, ever resourceful with his newly acquired mechanical arms, assessed the surroundings and saw an opportunity to slow down the pursuing horror. With a determined look on his face, he extended his mechanical appendages. Teefs expertly targeted the nearest shelf, his arms forcefully knocking it sideways, sending a cascade of objects crashing to the ground.
Metallic clangs, shattered glass, and various mechanical parts echoed through the room as the shelves collapsed in a domino effect. The trio continued their desperate race, weaving through the maze of debris as Teefs strategically toppled more shelves in their wake.
Lylla nodded as she ran alongside Teefs, "Great job, Teefs! Keep it up!"
"Teefs stop monster!" Floor shouted as she clung to her big friend.
The creature, hindered by the obstacle course of fallen items, snarled and growled, momentarily slowed by the barriers in its pursuit. Teefs' strategic use of his mechanical arms provided a brief respite for the trio, allowing them to gain a precious few moments in their attempt to distance themselves from the relentless monster.
Amidst the chaos of the cluttered room, the trio pressed on, their adrenaline-fueled escape taking them through the twisted labyrinth of discarded remnants from forgotten worlds. Teefs, his mechanical arms proving invaluable, continued to strategically topple shelves in their path, creating a makeshift barricade in their frantic bid for survival.
Their frenzied escape led them through another door and down another corridor. They sprinted down the hall to a room at the end, which suddenly turned into a deadly trap—a dead end.
"Where is exit?! Where is exit!?" Floor screamed in terror as she jumped off of Teefs and ran around in a panic.
"Floor, stop!" Lylla cried out desperately, "We can still- We just need to-."
Another roar caused everyone to turn and look through the door they ran in through. The thundering steps of the beast could be heard clearly.
"THE DOOR!" Lylla shouted.
Teefs quickly shut the door and threw all his weight against it, acting as a living barricade. But the creature, driven by primal fury, started ramming into the door with terrifying force, each impact rattling the trio's nerves.
"I can't keep this up," Teefs gasped, "It's too strong!"
Floor curled up in a corner, her cries growing louder, as her fear overwhelmed her.
Lylla frantically scanned the room for a way to save them. Panic was tightening its grip, and the seconds were slipping away. Then, her eyes landed on something hanging on the wall. . .
CRASH!
The door finally shattered under the relentless assault of the monstrous creature. Teefs was flung across the room and hit the far wall. The beast loomed over Floor, its malicious intent clear. Floor let out a blood curdling shriek her species was known for, and she shut her eyes tight as the creature opened its jaws wide and lunged towards her.
CRACK!
With the loud crack came a flash of energy, and the creature collapsed and hit the floor with a loud thud. It lay there, still and lifeless. The room fell eerily silent as the monster lay defeated and slain.
Floor opened her eyes, shocked to see the creature lying still. Then, both she and Teefs looked to see Lylla holding what she had found hanging on the wall: a chrome laser pistol.
Lylla's entire body was shaking, and she dropped the pistol, sliding down the wall behind her. Her breath came in rapid, ragged gasps as she tried to recover from the intense ordeal, completely unable to speak.
"Lylla. . .save Floor. . ." Floor said softly.
Lylla didn't respond. She didn't seem to even hear her.
Teefs rolled closer to Lylla, and he looked from her over to Floor. His eyes looked beyond tired. He was utterly and thoroughly exhausted. "Let's . . . go back to The Raccoon ," he said in a very tired and subdued voice.
Teefs scooped up the trembling Lylla, cradling her in his strong mechanical arms as he carried her with surprising gentleness. Teefs left the room, and Floor started to follow. However, she stopped, turned, and ran over to the shiny chrome pistol. She made the choice to pick it up and carried it with her as she followed Teefs.
Reaching the ship, Teefs gently laid Lylla on the bed in her cabin. The room was dimly lit, and the soft hum of the ship's systems provided a backdrop to the tense atmosphere. It was sparse and unadorned, just like the rest of the cabins. This made sense, as the group hadn't owned the ship for very long.
Lylla rolled over slightly, frowning as she gazed hard at nothing in particular.
Floor, still clutching the pistol, looked at Teefs with concern.
Teefs, wearing a worried expression, spoke to Floor, "We should. . . give Lylla some quiet time."
Floor looked down and said, "Floor think. . . friends all need quiet time."
"Quiet time" consisted of Floor and Teefs aimlessly mulling around the ship while Lylla laid in bed. The three of them were no stranger to violence, seeing as they had all been murdered and vividly remembered the events leading up to their deaths. But a few quick gunshots weren't exactly comparable to the prospect of being torn about and eaten alive by a living weapon designed and bred to kill. The experience truly drove it home that Sire's cruelty was just a small taste of the evil that existed in the galaxy.
Eventually, Floor and Teefs felt it time to check on their friend and leader. However, they found the door to Lylla's cabin to be closed and locked.
Teefs rapped his metallic knuckles gently on the closed door of Lylla's cabin. "Lylla? Can we come in?"
There was no immediate response. Teefs exchanged a glance with Floor, who tilted her head in thought. "Maybe Lylla listen to music?"
Teefs nodded in agreement, but his flippers fidgeted with anticipation. He knocked on the door a bit harder and said, "Lylla, it's Teefs and Floor. We just want to make sure you're okay."
Despite their attempts to get Lylla's attention, the door remained closed, and the silence persisted. Teefs's worry deepened, and Floor, curious,asked, "Floor wonder what Lylla listen to. . ."
There was a subtle twitch in her antennae, and a feature within her cybernetics suddenly activated. A low hum resonated from her mask, and then the familiar strains of music filled the air.
But I can't help myself from feeling ba-a-ad
I kinda feel like two things can be sad (one, two, three, four)
Teefs stared at Floor, wide-eyed and astonished, as the musical notes of "World's Smallest Violin" by AJR emanated from Floor's mask. The intricate sounds filled the corridor, blending with the low hum of the ship's systems. Floor herself seemed equally surprised, her six robotic legs twitching in a mixture of amazement and confusion.
The world's smallest violin
Really needs an audience
So if I do not find somebody soon (that's right, that's right)
I'll blow up into smithereens
And spew my tiny symphony
Just let me play my violin for you, you, you, you
"Whoa, Floor, how did you do that?" Teefs asked, his jolly British accent filled with both wonder and a touch of concern.
Floor tilted her head, her red eyes blinking in confusion. "Floor no know. Just happen. But it cool . Right?"
Somewhere in the universe
Somewhere someone's got it worse
Wish that made it easier
Wish I didn't feel the hurt
Teefs chuckled nervously, his tusks gleaming in the soft light of the corridor. "Cool and a bit strange, to be honest. Let's see if Lylla is okay."
He knocked on the door again, calling out, "Lylla. Can you please open the door? We're worried about you."
The world's smallest violin
Really needs an audience
So if I do not find somebody soon
The music coming from Floor's mask cut off abruptly. Then there was a moment of silence before the soft click of the door unlocking echoed through the corridor. Slowly, the door creaked open, revealing Lylla standing there. She had removed her wireless headphones, and her eyes, still reflecting the residual fear from the recent encounter, met Teefs and Floor with a mixture of fatigue. . . and fear.
The three of them stood there awkwardly, none of them sure what to say or do. But just as the awkward silence was about to become unbearably uncomfortable, Floor suddenly started tapping one of her legs and said, "Me blow up into smithereens, and spew my tiny symphony, all up and down a city street, while try to put my mind at ease." Floor started tapping faster and speaking faster, "Like finishing the melody, it feel like necessity, so this thing could be death of me, or maybe it just better me."
Floor started nodding her head quickly to a fast beat as she sang the last few lines, "Now, come in with all the things, and take a shot of things and things, me know me not there mentally, but Lylla be the remedy, so let me play violin for you!"
Floor breathed heavily after her impromptu display. Lylla was left stunned at the performance, and as her mind caught up enough to process Floor's improvised lyrics, she couldn't help but crack a smile and laugh a little.
"Floor make Lylla laugh!" Floor cheered happily.
Lylla was deeply touched by Floor's willingness to help her. She looked over at Teefs, who looked very much relieved to see Lylla laughing and smiling.
"I'm okay," Lylla assured them, managing a weak smile. "Just needed some time to think. What's going on out there?"
Floor happily chimed in, "Teefs and Floor discovered something amazing! Floor's antennae get Lylla's music through door! Comes out mask!"
Lylla's exhaustion gave way to intrigue, and she said, "That's right! That must be one of those systems Dr. Rareté found. How did you figure out how to turn it on?"
Floor shrugged, her antennae twitching as she thought. "Floor no know yet. But it fun!"
Teefs leaned closer to Lylla and asked, "So, are you okay, Lylla?"
Lylla let out a sigh and said, "Well, I have been thinking. And well. . . I don't regret shooting the monster. It was to save Floor. And all of us. But still. It's difficult to know that ending a life isn't all that hard. . . It just felt so strange. . .being on the other side of a gun. . ."
Lylla's voice trailed off, and without thinking, her metallic hand moved over to her chest. She quickly moved it away and banished the memory before continuing.
"We can't be children anymore," Lylla said with conviction, "That part of our story is done. If we want to find Rocket, or at least survive, we're going to have to do things that aren't fun."
Floor's eyes got wide and nervous. "More monsters?" she asked.
"Maybe," Lylla said, and then she sighed and said, "Or maybe not. Maybe next time, it won't be monsters. Next time, it could be other people. But. . ." Lylla's robotic fists clenched, and she said, "But. . .if it's the only way to keep us all safe. . .to make sure we all get to reunite with my beloved Rocket. . . then I will shoot as many evil people as I have to."
Lyla breathed heavily after he declaration, and she looked nervously at her two friends, awaiting their responses.
Teefs was the first to speak, his eyes nervous but his voice filled with understanding, "You and Rocket were always the smartest. There's a lot of things I don't understand. But I do trust you, Lylla. And I do know that there are people who lie and hurt. I won't let you fight alone, Lylla. I'll gladly set aside my cooking utensils for some more. . .aggressive implements."
Lylla smiled a bit, then she turned to Floor.
Floor blinked once, then quickly turned and skittered of deeper into the ship.
Lylla was surprised by this, but let out a sigh and nodded slowly, sympathetic to Floor's feelings.
"Floor be brave!" came a shout.
Lylla was surprised a second time when Floor returned, holding the chrome laser pistol in her paws. She handed the weapon to Lylla and said, "Floor no good at fighting. But Floor can learn! Floor and Teefs be brave! Like Lylla! Like Rocket!"
Lylla held the pistol in her hands as she looked down at Floor. The small white cyborg's red eyes were filled with determination. It was as if the near-death ordeal with the monster had awoken something within her. A willingness to be better.
Teefs appeared wide awake and lively again, and he asked in his normal jovial tone, "Well then, what do we do now, Lylla?"
Feeling her confidence swiftly returning, Lylla nodded and said, "Well, I think the Nova Corps should know about this."
The trio contacted Nova Corps headquarters, and soon enough, a team of Nova Corps officers arrived at the scene. The Nova Corps members, equipped with advanced scanning devices and protective gear, secured the area, making sure it was safe for investigation.
Lylla, Teefs, and Floor stood back, watching as the Nova Corps officers examined the twisted creature's remains. The air was tense with anticipation as the officers pored over the details of the alien monstrosity.
One of the Nova Corps officers approached Lylla, removing their helmet to reveal a stern but appreciative expression. "You're the one who took down this thing?" they asked, nodding towards the creature.
Lylla nodded, her pride shining through her fatigue. "Yes. My first instinct was 'go for the head' , so that's what I did."
The Nova Corps officer studied the creature's carcass. "Impressive shot. It had a single weak spot on its head, and you managed to hit it. That's some incredible accuracy."
Teefs, wearing a satisfied grin, chimed in, "Well, that's Lylla. Always on point!"
The Nova Corps officers continued their examination, taking samples and conducting various analyses. After a thorough investigation, they approached Lylla with their findings. "This creature was a formidable bio-weapon, likely bred for malicious intent. You did the galaxy a service by taking it down. We appreciate your assistance."
Lylla nodded in acknowledgment, her gratitude evident. "We just want to make sure no one else has to deal with something like this."
The Nova Corps officer handed Lylla a reward, a substantial sum of units for their valuable assistance. "Consider this a token of our appreciation. If you come across any other threats, don't hesitate to contact Nova Corps."
Teefs, Floor, and Lylla exchanged glances, realizing that their actions had not only saved themselves but potentially countless others. As the Nova Corps team packed up their equipment and prepared to leave, Lylla couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Their journey was taking unexpected turns, and with each step, the trio was proving that they could make a difference in the vastness of the galaxy.
She then turned to her friends and said, "Well, we've got some units, and I know exactly how we should spend it." Lylla held up her newly acquired laser pistol and said, "If we're going to survive, then we're all going to need weapons."
"Floor no need weapons!" shouted the smallest of the trio. She reared up on her two hind-most metallic legs and jabbed at the air wildly with her other four legs. Inevitably, she fell over and awkwardly laid on her side.
Lylla frowned thoughtfully and added, "And maybe a few lessons in basic combat."
Notes:
Lylla would not have made the same mistake as Thor did.
Also, I originally considered using "O-O-H Child" instead of "World's Smallest Violin", but I didn't want to use any songs that have already been in the Guardians of the Galaxy films. . . at least, not let. "Come and Get Your Love" will be played. . . during one of the ending chapters. I think you can all guess the context it will be played in! Anyway, I'm pretty sure that Floor singing "O-O-H Child" would seem too much like a rip off of Peter Quill's scene from Vol. 1.
Next chapter, the trio finally becomes a formidable force to be reckoned with. . .