Loving the good vibes I've been getting from you guys in the last chapter and yes, I do indeed have no filter when it comes to what I want to say.
Angela White for Deliah Blue and now Vanessa Veracruz for Dani. With that said, had I known about this Russian model named Nata Lee, I would have picked her but I'm a man who sticks to my guns. For me, Deliah Blue's live-action is Angela White but if Nata Lee is chosen on MyCast, no complaints from me, she's wickedly hot and sexy.
Still, sticking to my guns. Angela White as Deliah Blue.
But at the same time, damn is Nata Lee fine. Also wouldn't mind her as Deliah Blue.
… Dammit, you guys have made me conflicted! They're both so goddamn sexy that it's a tie in my eyes. GRAH.
Anywho, speaking of which, this is an official decree as well. Wes Journ, being a Mandalorian OC made by my friend and comrade BulletStormX, for his live-action counterpart, Bullet chose Sam Worthington. Cool as Scott Eastwood is, Worthington is Bullet's choice for a live-action version of his OC Wes Journ. Not to be disputed unless he rolls back his choice for a more viable one of his choosing.
And in terms of the previous arc, yeah, I wouldn't call it a filler arc as it is more of a respite and character progression arc. Lot happened and the set up for more to come.
Got lots more to talk about but I'll save it for the end AN.
We have more important matters to get to.
Also, PLEASE READ THE END AN FOR A SPECIAL REQUEST FROM ME TO YOU GUYS.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.
Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 86: To be Guardians.
"You don't use a blaster? Not for anything?" Peter Quill asked in bewilderment, observing the Mandalorian Wes Journ utilize a specially made Beskar whetstone to sharpen the uniquely designed Beskar Sword he held.
"I told you already, my clan is that of the old way. Oldest way, actually." Wes remarked, hefting his blade to inspect it for any spots he may have missed. "And we stick to the usual melee weapons."
"Yeah but come on, just melee?" Quill said in bemusement. "I mean, look at Gamora and Drax. They got their knives and swords but even they use a blaster every now and then."
"That's their choice and preference." Journ countered without missing a beat. "I'm more used to this."
Peter rolled his eyes. "Fine, alright, if you say so."
Star-Lord turned around, looking over at the hangar bay that served as one of the main bases of the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Ever since coming to Glavis and acquiring the base, courtesy of Greef Karga, they had been remodeling and rebuilding the rundown district to better suit their needs.
Kraglin has been busy gathering new recruits for the Obfonteri-Quill clan of Ravagers in the galaxy, their numbers gaining a rise with every passing week. The Mandalorian Protectors have also been an invaluable assistance in their growth, having forged a strong friendship and alliance with them, bolstered by the relationship Mantis has with one of their top lieutenants, Fenn Shysa.
Taking a moment to survey the base, Peter couldn't help but marvel at how far they had all come in such a short amount of time.
The bases' hangar bay had dozens of ships lining the bays and ceilings be it M-Class ships simply called Milano's or the two Mandalorian variant ships being the Firespray-31 models or Kom'rk-class fighter/transport ship.
One might assume that the Guardians having such a large influx of ships would be unnecessary considering the schedule they now have.
Constantly busy with missions and jobs, more so with the present conflicts.
Rocket jokingly said that sooner or later, they'd become a reigning mercenary guild, let alone an army. But if it keeps going at this rate, Rocket's words may be proven true.
The Ravagers are now at the five-digit mark in terms of recruits and since their allegiance to the Protectors, they are well over a few million now.
It was honestly scary when thinking about it.
Then again, most of those numbers are mostly with novice bounty hunters and mercs freshly starting out instead of hardened veterans.
Only thirty to forty percent actually have gone on to take the oath of the Ravagers or Mandalorian Protectors. The rest just understand that they represent a level of security and certainty in always having a payday.
And security has become an increasingly rare commodity and luxury in the Outer Rim.
Not that it was safe before but when one just takes a single glance at the state of the galaxy, it's easy to see the pure madness that is ongoing.
The war that was once waged between the Republic and the Separatists, one that was consuming one system after the other, drastically changed when a new power came into being.
Ultron's announcement into the galaxy sent everything down into a spiral of pure insanity.
Every system was under threat now since his coming out party and rather than anticipating attacks, they just happened.
Worst of all, in ways few could account for.
People going missing or abducted spread across the galaxy like wildfire. The sightings of Ultron drones being the main perpetrators of these kidnappings being seen by all who survived these encounters.
Mass hysteria, to say the least.
The Guardians, Ravagers and Mandalorians were pulled all over the place now, serving as guards, protectors, escorts, and an assortment of defensive-based missions. Be it convoys of supplies or just people moving from one system to the other, the fear in the Outer Rim was palpable.
And worst of all, it wasn't just Ultron that the more lawless regions of the galaxy had to deal with.
"Orson Krennic?" Rocket said aloud, looking at a holo-image of a middle-aged man with a white military-esque suit with a smarmy cape in tow. "Who the fuck is this joker?"
Around him were the Guardians of the Galaxy, the group all seated or standing at the table they had all gathered around.
Peter and Gamora sat side by side with Embo to the former's right and Sugi next to him.
Kraglin was busy sharpening his Yaka arrow, a practice mirrored by Drax who was doing the same with his set of knives.
HK-47 stood next to an annoyed Groot, the assassin droid having just beaten him in the handheld game the sapient tree obsesses over.
Mantis had her head leaning against the shoulder of the Protectors representative being her boyfriend Fenn Shysa.
Rounding out the rest of the group were Wes Journ, Chirrut Imwe and Baze Malbus, the three of whom were standing around the table.
"That "joker" has been a pain in the ass to deal with." Shysa answered the genetically altered Racoon, glaring at the image. "That bastard has been one of Pre Vizsla's biggest benefactors in keeping the operations of the Death Watch going."
"And he's been picking up where the Black Suns have been dropping off." Journ bitterly said, clenching his fists tightly.
The lone Mandalorian had been single-handedly responsible for dismantling almost half of the Black Sun's criminal empire, having killed several of their Vigos.
But in his pursuit of eliminating the longstanding crime syndicate, he foolishly forgot a crucial detail of the Outer Rim.
Where there is a vacuum of power with untouched assets, expect any and all takers to jump on it like blood-crazed Nexu's.
"Okay, but that really doesn't explain what this Krennic guy is doing." Kraglin pointed out. "What do the Black Suns have that he needs?"
Gamora gestured to two of their newest allies. "Baze told us he was harvesting and smuggling Kyber crystals until he was forced off of Jedha. Appears he's doing the same thing on other worlds that have said crystals, or materials of similar nature. The Black Suns and their resources are useful in this regard."
"But why?" Asks Mantis.
"Kyber crystals are extremely valuable. Sell a few or a dozen to the right people and you'd be set for a good long while. And Krennic understood they could be used for other things other than fancy glow swords." Peter remarked, hearing Chirrut's huff of amusement.
"What else could they be used for?" Sugi asked, looking at Rocket in particular who hummed aloud, having researched Kyber Crystals on his own time.
"Well, they have an output of energy that's definitely not like most crap in this galaxy. Putting them into certain machinery and weapons makes them just as dangerous. Glow swords are one thing but say a Kyber crystal in a tank or a ship? God knows what crazy shit will happen."
"So he's collecting them." Drax bluntly said. "But for what purpose?"
"That's the million-credit answer we're all trying to figure out."
"Why not just find him and take his head off?" Drax suggested plainly, HK's head whirring in his direction.
"Exuberance: Yes, I do believe Master Drax has the right mindset. A quick beheading will solve the problem."
"I am Groot."
"Yeah, finding him would be a pain." Wes murmured, rubbing his chin whilst Fenn stared at him.
"How the hell did you pick up on his language so quickly?"
"Boys, seriously?" Gamora cut them off, an expression of "can we not get distracted right now?" directed at the two.
Wes gave an apologetic look to the Second-in-command of the Guardians.
"We can't just focus on this Krennic guy. Prince Xizor is still out there. If he still lives, the Black Suns will rebuild and they aren't ones to let go of a grudge."
"Yeah, well with you they have a pretty good reason not to." Fenn idly pointed out.
"They killed my clan, Shysa." Journ irritably said, shooting the Protector with a vicious glare.
Fenn raised both hands, genuine remorse on his face. "You're right, sorry, didn't mean to but just pointing out the obvious."
Wes rolled his eyes, turning his attention back to the matter at hand.
"I don't care who it is, Xizor or Krennic. Both of these bastards are gonna make life hell for a lot of people in the Outer Rim. If they're also gonna be colluding with Death Watch, it'll only get worse. We need to take these scum suckers out as soon as possible."
There was a prevailing silence yet Wes could feel the agreement shared by all. It was then that Kraglin changed topics as he placed down several fobs on the table.
"Been getting a lot of requests for missing persons."
"Okay. Why not go through the local authorities?"
"Depending on the sector, they aren't… great in the simplest of terms. Outside of them, many of our clients have tried with them with hardly any leads."
"Hardly any leads." Rocket mockingly parroted. "Are we seriously not gonna just say that it's that bastard Ultron?"
Embo made several comments in his native language, causing many to frown.
"Shouldn't we at least set up some kind of defensive formations or-"
"We're doing that." Fenn frustratingly said. "But we can't save or protect everyone. That bastard Ultron has everyone spread thin. Republic, Separatist, our forces, everyone. The Mandalore and neutral territories are barely being held together with the amount we have out. Even then there's bound to be cracks for people -let alone Ultron- to slip right through."
"And Ultron's attacks are growing bolder." Baze said aloud with a grimace. "The other crime syndicates are of no help either. Every time Ultron strikes, be it the Hutts, what's left of the Black Suns, Death Watch, it doesn't matter. Someone is gonna pounce on whatever sector was weakened by Ultron."
"And we had gotten information from the Avengers that Ultron has been experimenting on people in horrific fashion."
"The Avengers." Peter murmured, shaking his head. "Seriously, who are these bozos? I really wanna meet 'em."
"Later, Quill." Gamora chided, placing a hand over his. "We've gotta focus on our neck of the forest."
"The woods, Gamora." Peter idly corrected.
"They're both a form of clusters of trees, aren't they?"
"No just… never mind. You're right, refocus." Peter looked at the rest of the group. "Outside of possibility with Ultron, we've got a trafficking situation. Any groups that might be involved? Like more than usual."
Sugi rubbed her chin in thought. "Hard to tell at this point until we look deeper. We can only speculate."
"What about Fennec?" Fenn brought up. "Any word from her?"
The Zabrak shook her head. "Nada. Haven't heard squat from her since she left on that escort mission. Honestly, she's not the first one who hasn't reached back. I know it's only been three days but if it's not for another week, she makes the fourth group that's gone missing."
"We'll just need to keep an ear and eye out."
"How is that possible?" Drax questioned. "Do we pull out the ear first and have it reattached or-"
"Metaphor Drax, I mean, figure of speech."
"Suggestion: Perhaps the removal of body parts for use of reconnaissance is not such a bad proposition. It can give Meatbags the perspective of literally being taken apart and put back toge-"
The rest of the Guardians tune out the murder-happy assassin droid, instead opting to prepare for greeting and departure.
Fenn's friends and comrades from the Protectors would be arriving soon and the Guardians would be heading off to Concord Dawn to meet with the Mandalore Spar.
Walking over to a terminal, Peter Quill plugged in his headphones, listening to some "modern" tunes from Earth on his Zune.
He was busy with his preparation, checking over his equipment and weapons when he felt one of his headphones get taken out of his ears.
The Terran glanced over to see Gamora placing the headphone into her ear, shooting him a small smile as she swayed to the music he was listening to.
"What's this one? Sounds like Elvis." She remarked.
He smiled at her, bumping her shoulder lightly. "It is. You're getting better at picking 'em out."
"You said he was the King, right?"
"Well, that's what mom called him." Peter responded with a shrug. "I never grew up in his time but hell, he's got a great voice and songs."
Gamora only hummed at that, moving her body back and forth to the music as the two simply stood there, leaning on each other.
"I'm sorry, Peter."
He looked at her in bewilderment. "Sorry?"
"I just figured you might be… well, I've seen you looking a bit off." Gamora admitted. "Is it about your sibling?"
Hearing this, Peter slouched slightly, tilting his head down.
"Yeah, I…" Quill released his breath, leaning on the terminal with his hands. "I got nothin'. It's been weeks and that shit part of me hasn't reacted or given any hint as to where they could possibly be."
"Don't worry, Quill. You just need to work better on your performance issues, that's all." Said a passing voice.
Peter gave Rocket a very bland look.
"Thanks. That's sooo~ helpful."
He felt Gamora lightly push him, regaining his attention.
"I know everything's been distracting but we will find them, Peter." Gamora promised, reaching one hand up, placing it on his cheek. "They're out there waiting for you."
"What if they're not gonna be like… ok, I know they're probably not gonna be like me but what if we won't get along?" Quill nervously said.
"That's something you'll have to face and who says you can't eventually?" Gamora countered. "Think about me and Nebula."
"You guys tried killing each other repeatedly."
"And we still found a way to make peace." His girlfriend affirmed, placing a small kiss on his lips. "So if a pair like me and Nebula can find the middle ground, find the way to be sisters, whoever your brother or sister ends up being, you can get along with them too."
"God I hope so."
"I know so." Gamora assured, eliciting a grateful smile from Peter.
"How'd I ever get by in life without you?"
"You stumbled and tripped most of the way." She joked, their foreheads leaning on each other. "Then again, I wasn't any better."
"Deadliest woman in the galaxy is a sexy title, you gotta admit."
Quill's lover laughed at that, the pair wrapping their arms around each other, simply enjoying one another's company.
All the while, over yonder, one Guardian saw this happening and had a forlorn expression.
She was happy to see the two have such a tender moment but for her, she longed for something more with Peter.
Not that Mantis was unhappy.
Far from it.
Fenn Shysa was someone she had grown to care for, if not already love deeply with her heart and soul.
Some may say that she shouldn't just throw herself into any relationship but whenever her hand touches Fenn's, her entire being was alight with the affection and care he held for her. It was one of the most exhilarating feelings she had ever experienced.
And speaking of her boyfriend.
"Is something wrong?" Mantis heard him come up to her side, taking her hand into his, the wide-eyed Guardian lacing her fingers with his.
She shook her head. "Nothing is wrong."
Fenn looked at her then at the pair she was staring at and let out a small "ah".
He let out a dramatic sigh, shaking his head at her demeanor. "You know, it's easier if ya just tell him."
"Tell him what?"
"You know what?"
"...I don't know what-"
"That you like him."
Mantis rounded on Fenn in shock. "What?"
Shysa made a face of false hurt and drama. "I mean it's fine. Sure we're together but you still harbor feelings towards Peter and-"
"Where'd you come to thinking of that?"
Fenn chuckled. "I'm just messing with ya. But come on Mantis, that's your brother. Doesn't he have a right to know? Don't you have a right to have a brother who knows they have a wonderful sister like you?"
"Wonderful." Mantis parroted, lips curling downward. "How am I wonderful?"
The Mandalorian hummed to himself, scratching his chin thoughtfully.
"For starters, your eyes are absolutely beautiful to look at. A funny smile-"
"I do not smile funny!" Mantis indignantly said.
"Kind face and personality anybody could fall in love with, case and point." He gestured to himself. "So what's holding you back?"
His girlfriend's expression scrunched up in thought though there was a clear melancholy for him to see.
"I… don't want to ruin what he's already going for since learning one of our siblings is alive and indeed out there" Mantis murmured quietly. "I've been doing my hardest to make him happy. He deserves to have a sibling that didn't do him any wrong."
"Shouldn't he still know?" Fenn encouraged. "I don't think Quill is someone that would hold something like that over you."
What Mantis told the others about how she came to be as Ego's assistant/slave was indeed true, but it was a tad muddled. In reality, she was indeed Ego's daughter yet she lacked any of the spark and power the Celestial desired. Thus he just treated her like someone lesser than her.
"I've taken part in having many of our siblings dying, all for Ego's plans." Mantis' lips trembled, eyes glistening. "All to keep myself alive. I don't deserve the right to be called his sister. Family doesn't do that to another of their own."
Fenn frowned at her words, pulling her in closer as he felt her shudder against him.
The Mandalorian was unsure as to what to say here because he didn't understand this situation whatsoever.
This was… complicated, to say the least for Mantis and it wasn't hard to see why.
When she revealed to him that Peter was her brother, Fenn at first assumed that already given how he treated her at times. Granted, Quill treated the entirety of the Guardians as his dysfunctional family so seeing them as such wasn't a difficult thing to believe, especially for Mandalorian. Found families were the heart and soul of their culture, being able to build something new for themselves when they had nothing.
It's why the Protectors found themselves striking up such a fast friendship and partnership with these assholes, as they called themselves.
A group of misfits, outcasts, lost and damaged souls coming together to form this makeshift family.
And like in all families, there is family drama.
One-sided in this instance as Mantis was the one in turmoil here whilst the rest of the Guardians remain blissfully unaware of this.
Well… everyone except for Drax. She apparently tells him practically everything and he didn't seem to care all that much.
He even told her that she should just tell Peter already, stop eating all the Zarg nuts and… whatever else it is they talk about.
'Mandalore, Drax and Mantis are weird when they hang out.' Were Fenn's stray thoughts before resuming the discussion on the topic at hand.
"What makes you think that? You call them family, right? Quill especially."
"I'd only hurt him if I told him."
"So does not telling them the truth of who you are. I bet if you told him-"
"He won't believe me."
"If you don't try, he'd still think of you as just an extraordinary teammate that I've grown to love." Fenn exhaled a sigh. "Look, there's always a time and place to make things work. You just need to find the right one."
"And how do I do that?" Mantis nervously asked.
Shysa placed a chaste kiss on her temple, pulling her in close.
"I can't really direct you in this, only advise you."
Mantis placed her head down on his shoulder, holding her boyfriend close before the announcement of their departure was heard.
The two pulled away, holding hands still as they headed for the Quadrant.
-Scene Cut-
"What are these markings?"
This was the question given to Drax the Destroyer by a young Togruta Mandalorian Foundling named Bero.
The Guardians were currently on Concord Dawn in the main camp of the Protectors.
Quill, Gamora, Sugi and Kraglin were in a meeting with Spar, Bo-Katan Kryze and Greef Karga whilst the rest of the group were scattered about in the camp.
A majority of them were in the training grounds, observing the next generation of Mandalorians being taught by the elder warriors of the clans.
Drax had always enjoyed learning of the Mandalorian warrior way of life and gladly participated in helping train youngsters or be trained himself.
He kneeled down to the young Togruta girl and held up his arm.
"Each of these markings represents my story, in one-way shape or form." Drax said in a rather subdued voice. He began pointing at parts of his chest and arms. "They all are placed upon my body when I have reached an accomplishment, a certain stage in my life or something of personal value has come. My initiation as a warrior," He gestured to several markings on his arm. "My first hunt and kill for my people, new perspective, loss and family."
The little girl listened with rapt attention, something several other nearby Foundlings imitated as Drax began recounting grand stories of how the moniker the Destroyer wasn't just some fancy title he bestowed upon himself.
Nearby, Mantis idly listened in, watching Fenn Shysa who was close by.
With him was his close friend Tobbi Dala, the pair personally instructing the young Boba Fett and the adopted son of Fenn, Din Djarin.
"Just keep your arm steady, Din." Fenn instructed, on one knee, next to the Foundling with a small blaster pistol in hand. "Whatever kickback you'll get, I'm here for ya."
"Count to three for every shot." Boba tacked on, decked in smaller form-fitting armor. "You'll be able to have better anticipation. Later you can shoot quicker when you get the hang of it."
The young boy nodded at the advice, holding up the small blaster pistol before firing at the target set up for him on the field. He missed the first time but kept at it for several more shots, remembering to use Boba's counting method until the last two struck the target, a good few inches from the center.
"Eh~~ look at that." Dala applauded the accomplishment, grinning at the look of glee on Din's face as Boba patted him on the back whilst Fenn messed up the kid's hair.
"There ya go." Fenn praised. "One step at a time, Din."
"You're already on your way." Boba said, a small smirk in place.
"I'll keep practicing." Djarin promised with an adorably confident face.
"I know, kiddo." Shysa said, a look of pride for all to see. "The future of the Mandalorians is guaranteed."
Watching all this, Mantis found herself smiling at the interaction, a sweet moment between them all.
One that might be a rarity given the current state of the galaxy.
"Everyone."
The sound of Peter Quill's voice cut into the activity, the Guardians all turning to see him with Gamora, Sugi and Kraglin standing with Greef, Paz Spar and Bo-Katan.
Additionally, there was another man with them, one who was clearly not a Mandalorian nor did he come across as a mercenary of any kind.
He had gray hair, light skin and a weathered look to him coupled with his grim visage.
The Guardians with several of the Protectors gathered around them with HK asking the obvious.
"Query: Master Quill, who is this old walking meatbag standing with you all? He does not look viable for a fight."
The "meatbag" in question simply raised an amused brow at this before one of them recognized him immediately.
"Luthen." Wes Journ greeted with a friendly grin. "What are you doing here, ya old coot?"
Luthen locked eyes with Wes and matched his grin, going over to the Mando, clapping his shoulders.
"Good to see you're still alive, Wes." Luthen spoke with a slight growl in his voice.
"Wait, Wes, you know this guy?" Peter said in surprise.
"He's been a benefactor to my endeavors." Journ revealed. "He's been my main informant in tracking down Black Sun operations and bringing them down."
"Now don't go spilling all of my secrets." Luthen Rael chided good-naturedly, looking at all in attendance. "It's a pleasure to finally meet the famed Guardians of the Outer Rim."
"Guardians of the Galaxy." Rocket corrected.
"The galaxy, you say?"
"A bit too much on the nose on that one." Karga remarked with a snort.
"Whatever the case may be, it's good to finally meet your illustrious group." Luthen said with a charismatic smile. "I have heard nothing but the best and insane with everyone here."
"Not sure how I feel about that last bit." Peter commented, shaking his head. "But at least the best came before insane, so I'll take what I can get."
Luthen chortled at the half-celestial.
"Any reason why you're here?" Chirrut inquired with Rael nodding.
"Normally I'd be sending a message, but what I have is better said in person." The man now became far more serious, something that set all in attendance on edge. "There are… rumblings that aren't quite so anymore." He then gestured to Wes. "Since Journ began his crusade against the Black Suns, he had delivered a substantial blow to their operations. They've marked him for death and a bounty that quite frankly, the fortune they would pay for him is staggering."
"So why not just cash in the bounty, save him and get rid of them while we're at it?" Rocket jokingly asked though the tone in his voice said otherwise.
"Agreement: Yes, Master Rocket's suggestion is sound. My former Masters in Revan and Meetra Surik attempted similar scams such as these in the past."
"Knock it off you two." Gamora deadpanned. "Rael."
Luthen nodded at the green-skinned woman, resuming what he was speaking of.
"A bounty is better alive for their information. In this case, what he knows is invaluable." Luthen shook his head. "But that's not the main issue here."
This only served to befuddle and offset everyone.
"So… what is it?" Dala asked. "What's going on?"
Rael released a sigh, tiredly rubbing his eyes for a moment.
"As you know, the entire galaxy is going through a hell storm. The war was one thing but with Ultron, everything is on the edge of collapse and anarchy. There are people who are taking advantage of this situation."
"Eh~ war profiteering ain't new."
"But there is also desperation." Luthen grimly said. "And it is in that desperation that things are going to get worse."
The man reached into his coat and pulled out three fobs. Turning them on, each displayed a face that all of them were all too familiar with by now.
"I take it you all have familiarity with these "gentlemen" here." Rael rhetorically asked.
Prince Xizor of the Black Suns, Pre Vizsla of Death Watch and Orson Krennic were shown to them all.
"More or less with those in this room."
"Well, you're not gonna like what Luthen has for you guys." Greef remarked with a shake of his head, very much disgruntled at the moment, only further setting the group on edge.
"Alright, spill it." Fenn goaded. "What do these three assholes have to do with… whatever this is?"
"To put it plainly, they are working to forge an alliance." Luthen revealed, causing some to pause in surprise at that.
"Wh-what?" Dax sputtered out. "Why would-"
"Desperation." Spar grimly concluded. "Look at who we're dealing with."
The Mandalore started with Xizor. "Journ here has been systematically taking out the Vigos of the Black Suns and in turn, crippling their operations." He then pointed at Pre. "The Protectors and Satine's faction of Mandalorians have unified under one banner, Bo taking a substantial number of their members with her defection."
The red-haired Mandalorian clenched and unclenched her fists at that mention while Spar concluded on Krennic.
"We more than likely have messed with his operations and we didn't even know about it." Spar concluded. "But he's still apparently enough of a big player that Xizor and Vizsla would choose to work with him."
"Unfortunately." Baze grumbled, his friend Chirrut clutching his staff tightly.
"Then there's the Ultron situation." Rael's inflection took on a darker turn, unsettling the group as the shadow of the mad AI looms overall. "He only added to the desperation. Everything he's done has only further served in offsetting the galaxy. My contacts across the stars are beyond terrified. Several of them… I haven't heard from for weeks now."
The air was thick with tension now as what Luthen spoke of began to set in.
They were all well aware of the state of the galaxy but… this felt different.
The Guardians and in turn, the Protectors, wished to do good not just in terms of profit but also because, well, they wanted to do the right thing.
In their own, assholish or mercenary/warrior culture way of course but still.
Since the Guardians' arrival coupled with their alliance with Protectors and the growth of the Ravagers, they had slowly started to turn into a sort of beacon for the lawless parts of the galaxy.
The Republic nor the Separatists will reach out to protect you all but we will.
People living in these lawless parts of the galaxy soon began to have a semblance of hope and security with the rise of the Guardians, Ravagers and Protectors.
But then Ultron came and shattered that notion.
And with it, fear ran rampant in the galaxy and in turn, a surge in criminal behavior.
This being the result of it all.
Organizations that once many would have thought would never even contemplate parlay or an agreement are now actively seeking to establish an alliance.
And God only knows the chaos, death and destruction they can wreak if their alliance comes to pass.
"Well now," Peter ran his hand through his hair. "This is all… fine and dandy."
"Exclamation: Indeed Master Quill, it is most dandy. More Meatbags for us to kill and sow fear into the hearts of our enemies."
Wes only shook his head. "Is there any way to shut this guy off?"
"No, he amuses me." Rocket retorted.
"I am Groot."
"Like you'd ever join him."
Spar tuned out the banter, gazing intently at the information broker before them.
"Got anything else for us, Luthen? I figure there's more to your visit than just the delivery of this news."
"Astute of you, Mandalore." Rael praised. "Karga and I do indeed have more to give you all."
"We know where their operations heavily lie." Karga chimed in, pulling out additional Fobs. "Could be one of several on where the meet-ups will take place."
"But what about the timeframe?" Says the informant. "A few days from now, from what my sources say for the meet-up."
"Seems convenient." Fenn noted.
"It usually is." Chirrut remarked. "That means, there is more to this meetup than anticipated. A violent anticipation."
"Violent anticipation? Jesus, that should be on a business card." Quill quipped.
"So what's the plan now?" Baze asked everyone present.
"Probably need to do some more recruiting." Bo-Katan suggested.
"New weapon upgrades." Rocket stated, a feral grin for all to see, HK-47 whirring in approval. "Lots of 'em."
"I think planning is a better alternative. Planning and training." Gamora said with finality. "If we're gonna take on this alliance, we can't just rely solely on our stupidity and luck."
"Cause sooner or later, that's gonna run out at the worst possible moment."
-Scene Cut-
At Tatooine, the Guardians were heading towards one of the usual hangouts for the bounty hunters and mercs over at Mos Eisley.
More of their extended members would've been in attendance but were elsewhere for their own form of celebrations and relaxations or were on other missions.
Sugi and Embo were contacting several of their connections throughout the crime syndicates in the Outer Rim for any other news going on about this "alliance" that's coming to be.
Chirrut and Baze departed for Jedha briefly, making sure the Kyber Crystal caverns and stores are untouched and safely guarded. To them, that was a top priority.
The Mandalorians all remained behind on Concord Dawn, getting ready for the mission whilst also notifying Satine Kryze as to their next objective.
Currently, it was just the Guardians Of the Galaxy as they were when they first arrived in the galaxy.
Quill, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, Groot, Mantis, Kraglin and HK-47.
All going to their favorite bar. This ragtag group of misfits would've come here for pleasure, but business had to take center stage.
"Get outta here Dengar."
Nearing the bar, they saw someone thrown out and landing right on his face. He wore some makeshift and downgraded bounty hunter gear with a lot of cloth wrap around his head and body.
It didn't take much guesswork to know who this person was.
"You thought you could get rid of me?" Yelled out the bounty hunter, once getting back onto his feet. "Ol' Dengar will have the last laugh here."
"Hey Dengar."
The bounty hunter turned his head to the arrival of the Guardians of the Galaxy, a mischievous grin erupting on his face upon seeing them.
"Well, well, the galaxy's self-professed Guardians gracing the peasants with their presence whilst appearing on the tail end of another Dengar escapade." Spoke the quick-speaking bounty hunter. "Let me guess, you're here to recruit the likes of me for a job or a permanent placement in your roster."
Peter rolled his eyes, gesturing his hands down. "Maybe some other time."
"More like never." Rocket muttered under his breath.
Every time they run into this guy, he always tries to prove he's hot shit. In a way, he was, but not in a good way.
Not that he was a bad bounty hunter.
The man had garnered a reasonable enough reputation amongst the many mercenary guilds.
It's just… he was just… Dengar. Need a guy disintegrated, get me integrated - That's Dengar's motto. The guy had a motto. One he had to always utter before and after every job.
And things just happened around the guy that defied logic at times, all of which inflated his ego.
The Guardians walked past the doo-rag-wearing mercenary, entering the bar, being assailed with all kinds of noise.
Music, chatter, bar fights, the usual.
Several booths and patrons all saw the Guardians, sporting Ravager gear and they toasted them, many in the bar now turning to their arrival.
"Yeah, yeah, we're famous and amazing, keep your ass's in your seats." Rocket said, walking by many patrons to the bar with the rest of his friends right behind him.
Upon reaching the bar, Peter recognized two individuals who they were familiar with through Sugi and Embo.
"Hey Bossk, Latts, good to see you two." Peter greeted, sitting right next to the pair.
The Trandoshan and Theelin bounty hunters gave the Guardians a curt nod.
"You've been busy." The latter stated with Quill shrugging.
"Aren't we all?"
"Some more than others." Bossk commented.
"What'd you do since we saw ya last?" Rocket asked, hopping up on the bar, drink in hand.
"Convoy duty." Latts Razzi said with a shrug. "Fourth one in two weeks but they're payin' double."
"That's what everyone's been doin'." Kraglin couldn't help but say. "With how many people are dyin' and disappearin'."
"Normally I'd say that's part of the job," The Theelin stated. "But lately?"
"Yeah." Was all Peter said, everyone present knowing all too well how things are at the moment. "What about you Bossk? Haven't seen you in a month. What have you been up to?"
The Trandoshan Bounty Hunter adopted a coy, almost thoughtful look as he tilted his head upwards. "Well…"
We cut to a nice, fancy club where Bossk was sitting at a bar sipping a beverage. His reptilian eyes surveying the crowd before landing upon a particular individual: his mark.
Finishing the rest of his drink, he quickly grabbed a nearby Twi'lek woman and spun her around before taking her to the dance floor.
All the while, the individual Bossk had been eyeing the whole time kept shooting him wary glances.
It was then that the Trandoshan did a spin with his dance partner and smirked at his target.
Instantly, the man pulled out his blaster from his coat, grabbed a nearby woman, held her hostage and shot to the ceiling. This caused the club to quickly go into a state of panic.
"You'll never take me alive, bounty hunter." Said Bossk's mark with several bodyguards coming in.
Blasters in hand, they began firing at the bounty hunter. Bossk quickly dove behind some flipped-over tables for his defensive cover.
Grabbing a chair, the Trandoshan threw it at one of his mark's bodyguards. With him down, Bossk swiftly threw a serving tray at another bodyguard right in the face. He was momentarily disoriented, all before he got a punch across his head which rendered him unconscious.
With the bodyguards indisposed, the mark was about to execute his hostage out of desperation when Bossk swiftly came in. Grabbing his arm, he twisted it enough to make the hostage quickly flee for her life. Once done, the Trandoshan bounty hunter headbutted him.
"You just got Bossked." Said the Trandoshan before bearing a face of disappointment. "I swear I had something better to say."
We soon cut back to the present.
"Eh~ Nothing special." Bossk waved off, returning to his drink. "Just the usual Poodoo."
"Well, since you're not busy," Peter placed a credit down for the Trandoshan and Theelin's next set of drinks. "We got a proposition for the two of ya. Gonna need your help on an upcoming job that's gonna be insane but the payout will be worth it."
Latts was quick to accept, Bossk following suit. "Sure, why not. Given the unusual jobs you do, it's bound to be interesting."
"Just don't have anything blow up in our faces like last time." The Trandoshan somewhat demanded.
"No promises." Peter admitted, a strained smile in place as Bossk grumbled, downing his drink.
"At least you know what you're getting yourself into or working with unlike the job we recently finished." Latts spoke up.
"What happened and how bad was it?" Gamora asked, resting her chin on her palm.
"We did do this one job on Quarzite, having to transport this bit of cits to its ruler." Bossk said, clearly annoyed at the job.
"Things went sideways when we were facing the raiders and the cargo contained a girl inside, who was going to be the ruler's "packaged ordered bride" through trafficking."
"We did leave him a present."
"Query: Perhaps an explosive device by chance? That always leaves an effective message."
"That would've put a target on our backs." Said Latts, taking HK's murderous tendencies in stride. "Nah, we just replaced the girl with this one guy from our team double-crossing crossing us."
"Haven't been hounded yet, as far as we know." Bossk added in.
"Surprised that worked." Gamora admitted with interest before something came to mind as she noticed someone wasn't present. "Gotta ask, have either of you seen Aurra Sing lately?"
The two bounty hunters shared a look before looking back at the Guardians.
"Been a while if being honest." Latts stated.
"Last I heard, she found a long-term term job." Bossk revealed, giving them a skewed look. "Why ya askin'?"
"Just curious. Her being a good marksman with that Force ability to make her shots more effective." Kraglin spoke up, the two Bounty Hunters sharing looks of understanding.
As they continued their discussion with the pair, the door to the bar opened for a particular individual.
Walking in from the front entrance was someone who practically stood out. It wasn't due to her appearance, but more to her presence.
With many of the locals and frequent customers/patrons in attendance here, this person stood out like a sore thumb as she was an unfamiliar face.
For those who paid close attention to her, she was a bald Dathomirian woman with a hood drawn up to hide most of her features. Her attire was slim with teal-blue and purple cloth material with the occasional brown and silver armor pieces. And on each side of her waist was a pole-like object.
Looking around, she settled to go directly to the bar and get herself a drink.
She completely ignored everyone else in the bar, focusing on her beverage.
Then this shmuck decided to stroll right up to her, trying to be fresh.
"Hey~ What's a pretty bald babe like you doing here?"
Said "pretty bald babe" didn't even turn to address him, simply sipping her drink before responding with a low voice.
"Get lost."
Naturally, the sleaze didn't like being dismissed in such a manner.
"You know who I am?"
The woman rolled her eyes at the man. "I'm sure you'll tell me."
"I have a death sentence in twelve systems."
"Do you now?" Her tone conveyed how little that did to impress her.
This only served to further incense the schmuck, his sneer making his face more unpleasant than it already was.
He had enough of her attitude and his hand shot for his blaster when he failed to realize the woman had already moved faster than he could blink.
At the last moment, the man looked down when feeling the pole-like object pressed against his chest. Next thing he knew was a searing pain erupting through him.
The cause was her activating her lightsaber, having the luminescent green blade pierce through him.
She observed with a twisted sense of satisfaction at the look of pain and shock being the last expression the man conveyed before dropping to the ground.
Seeing the patron get killed via lightsaber impalement halted the bar's activity. Note that it was for only a handful of moments before everything went back to normal. Given how violent things got around these parts, people got used to this type of thing.
Over to the side, the Guardians with their two bounty hunter friends observed this with a vague display of interest.
"Huh, I think that was a bodyguard I faced on a past job." Bossk commented from over yonder.
"Was it?"
Bossk tilted his head to the side to get a better look at the face before nodding. "Yeah, I ran into that bantha fodder last time."
"Huh." Was the collective response from the Guardians.
Since she made a scene in quite the "spectacular" fashion, some of the guardians decided to scout her out.
Peter, Rocket and Gamora approached her and this time, she turned to face the odd trio.
She eyed each one individually. Her brow raised at Rocket, was slightly unimpressed with Quill yet her gaze lingered on Gamora the longest, the two women locking eyes.
"What do you want?" The bald woman asks.
The Guardians took a moment to look her over.
"Nice display there." Peter conversationally said. "Bounty hunter?"
"It's been years since doing my last job." She said with a scoff.
Rocket hummed aloud. "Rusty one. What got ya back on this type of life?"
"None of your business." The hooded woman said with an edge to her tone.
Eyeing the objects clipped to her waist, Rocket spoke what was on his mind.
"How much for the lightsabers?"
"They're not for sale."
"...I'll get 'em sooner or later." Muttered the "trash panda".
"And I will pry them from your cold, dead hands."
"I'd like to see you try." Rocket challenged with a roguish grin until Gamora slapped him upside the head. "Hey!"
"Don't antagonize her, Rocket." Gamora admonished.
The hooded woman 'hmphed' in amusement at the sour glare the raccoon directed at the Zehobarian.
Peter, meanwhile, continued their conversation.
"You got a name?"
"I have no name."
"I get it, you want to remain anonymous." Quill said with a nod. "We can respect that."
"Is there a reason you opted to approach me?" The woman finally asked the heart of the matter.
"We're looking for people to help out on an upcoming mission." Gamora instantly admitted.
"And we think you could be a good addition." Star-Lord tacked on.
"And what makes you think that?"
Wordlessly, the three Guardians glanced over to the man she killed a few short moments ago that was being dragged out of the bar.
"That's not a good enough argument." She rebuked.
"It's a good start." Gamora countered. "You moved without him even seeing that."
"You saw it?"
"We're not like most people here if you haven't noticed." Rocket pointed out.
The hooded woman eyed them before feeling something. An instinct that was guiding some part of her to accept the offer.
"Fine. Whatever." The woman says reluctantly, finishing the rest of her drink. "But double cross me and I'll-"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know." Peter interrupted her with a roll of his eyes and neck. "Not our first rodeo with a threat like that."
The woman merely gave Peter a look, not really getting the wording.
"Don't mind Quill." Gamora said with affection. "He's got his own way of talking."
"I can see that."
"But first," Rocket eyed her intently. "A name. Anything to call you by cause I'm pretty sure hooded weirdo ain't something you wanna go by."
The woman's eye twitched, mulling over whether or not she should tell them anything until settling upon something to go by for now.
"...Ilsijj." She said after a few seconds of silence.
"Well Ilsijj," Star-Lord offered his hand. "Hope we get to work together soon."
She regarded the hand for a moment, unsure of what this man's intentions were but…
There was a gut feeling, an odd one at that, similar to that of the Force.
For a while now, she had been undergoing a personal journey of herself, the Force and something else and it led her to hear.
And now…
The Force was nudging her forward, to go in the direction of wherever this man, this Quill was going and the people around him.
Perhaps she'll learn more by taking part in whatever these people were about to undertake.
'What could possibly go wrong?' were her thoughts as she reached forward and grasped the hand of the leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy.
AN
Back at it again with this one and let me tell ya everyone, this chapter was gonna be waaaay longer than intended but then we realized, nah, a build-up is a better road.
So the Guardians are busy with their allies as the multiple factions in the Outer Rim are making their moves.
And a long-awaited meeting has at long last come about. So much to come in the coming chapters as this arc is now underway.
Jebest4781: Ant-man and the Wasp: Quantumania is coming out this weekend and reports are already circulating. As tempting as it is to see and read them, I'm ignoring them so I won't ruin my experience of seeing it.
FMW: All I know is, Kang is the scene stealer. And really, as the next big bad of the MCU, that's what really matters most.
But that's a conversation for another day. Right now, I have something really important I wanna talk about.
This story has surpassed 2 million views.
That is batshit insane to consider that so many people have read and reread the story so much. It means a lot to see so many people reading and enjoying this story.
So, in honor of that, I have a request to ask cause it's a recent thing that's happened on Ao3.
Since we've reached two million views, I ask you, the readers, if you're willing, what has been your top ten things to read about this story? And it can be about anything. A specific arc, moment, characters, relationships, action scenes, dialogue scenes, holy shit scenes, concepts, anything and everything. If you have a top ten, please, leave em in the reviews, please. If you just wanna ramble, please do so as well. I just wanna hear your guys' thoughts on the endeavor I've made with my comrades BulletStormX and Jebest4781. So review. If you've already done so, I know who you are, no need to do it again.
But if you want to do it again, maybe something different or just copy and paste your list from before, more power to ya, feel free to do so.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.