The Benatar dropped out of hyperspace and approached the planet Felucia.
Since arriving in this galaxy, the Guardians had learned that this place lacked the universal neural network that connected most of their home universe. Instead, they relied on something called hyperspace as their faster-than-light travel method.
Fortunately, the team had experienced spacers like Kraglin and Rocket Raccoon, along with HK-47's databanks, to guide them through these new navigation systems.
As they approached Felucia, they detected some kind of orbital station circling the planet.
"What is that thing?" Quill asked, squinting at the unfamiliar object.
Their Felucian client gasped in alarm. "Oh no! I completely forgot about that! It's a Separatist defense probe!"
"What does that mean exactly?" Rocket looked at the Felucian expectantly.
"If it doesn't recognize you as friendly forces, it might deploy starfighters against you."
"Observation: I believe it may have taken sensible defensive precautions," HK-47 commented from his seat.
This was clearly news to their client, who watched nervously as they settled into their seats just as the probe ahead deployed five vulture droids.
"Only five?" Star-Lord scoffed.
"They obviously haven't heard about our fight with those golden Sovereign bastards."
"Remember, we're in a different galaxy. These Separatists won't know our reputation," Gamora pointed out.
"Good," Rocket's grin turned predatory. "That means we get to make a first impression."
Before their Felucian client could voice his growing concerns, Rocket and Star-Lord were already eager for action.
Quill pushed the engines to full throttle while Rocket let out a battle cry as he activated Benatar's weapon systems.
Within seconds, two vulture droids were obliterated, while the remaining three banked around the ship before repositioning themselves for pursuit.
"Hey, looks like they're forming up for an attack run," Quill observed.
"Perfect," Rocket flipped several targeting switches, locking onto the three vulture droids closing in on their position.
The moment he achieved target lock, Rocket unleashed a barrage of fire. The ship's guns opened up, sending multiple rounds that tore through the vulture droids. The raccoon cackled at the destruction.
"Ha! That was almost too easy!"
"Oh, for crying out loud—don't either of you dare jinx this. I've been through this before, and you remember how that turned out," Gamora warned.
"Relax, Gamora," Rocket scoffed. "We're just blowing stuff up."
Gamora looked at Quill, her expression confirming her exasperation. She sighed slightly and settled back in her seat as they descended toward the planet's surface.
Following the directions provided by their client, the Guardians located the village outskirts where the Benatar touched down.
"We have arrived," their client announced, quickly disembarking and hurrying toward the settlement.
The four Guardians exited their ship and passed through the village gates. They observed modest dwellings scattered throughout the area, with one particularly large structure dominating the landscape.
As they entered the village proper, one thing immediately struck them.
"This place looks deserted," Quill remarked, scanning their surroundings.
"I wouldn't say that," Gamora replied, gesturing toward the pink, bulbous plants. "The crops look ready for harvest."
"So where is everyone?" Rocket asked loudly, approaching one of the plants and prodding it with his finger.
"Hopefully our client remembered to mention what's actually going on here," Quill said. "I'd hate to find out the pirates already came through and finished the job."
"If they had, we'd be looking at a massacre, not to mention plenty of bodies," Gamora noted, crossing her arms.
"Well, there might not be any bodies," Rocket observed, examining some farming equipment.
"Query: Where are the villagers hiding?" HK-47 asked.
"If I remember anything about farmers from the greatest movie ever made—Footloose—check the barn," Star-Lord suggested.
They approached the largest building, now identified as the barn, and found the control panel.
With a quick button press, the barn doors slid open to reveal...
"That's definitely not a farmer's ship," Gamora stated bluntly.
"Agreed," Rocket's eyes quickly analyzed the vessel. "That's a bounty hunter's ship."
"So there are bounty hunters here?" Quill muttered.
"Query: Then why hire us?" HK asked, voicing everyone's thoughts.
Before they could discuss further, they heard voices coming from a nearby dwelling.
"You two stay here," Quill told HK and Gamora, nodding toward the building while exchanging glances with Rocket.
The raccoon nodded, and the two approached the structure and entered.
They searched the relatively small interior until Rocket spotted a concealed hatch. He snapped his fingers to get Star-Lord's attention and pointed to the floor panel.
Star-Lord drew one of his element guns and positioned himself above the hatch while Rocket grasped the handle...
They both paused momentarily before Rocket opened the hatch, Quill raised his weapon, and Rocket quickly drew his own blaster.
After a moment, they realized the people hiding below were Felucians.
"Found them," Quill muttered, quickly holstering his weapon. "Some of them, anyway."
Rocket took a moment to observe the three Felucians in the hiding space. "Damn, they look terrified."
Quill frowned, raised his hands peacefully, and crouched down.
"Hey, it's alright. We're not here to hurt you."
"Please lower your weapons."
"But we will hurt you," came a flat voice.
They both spun around to see four figures standing behind them.
A Zabrak woman had her blaster trained on Star-Lord's head. Beside her stood a tall alien with a rifle and an oversized hat.
On the other side of the Zabrak female was a woman of a species known as Twi'lek.
Behind them loomed a large, heavily armored figure with two white optical sensors visible through his visor.
"Easy there. We're not looking for trouble," Quill said, keeping his hands raised.
The figure in the large hat spoke in his native language, but Rocket seemed to understand him perfectly.
"Size isn't everything in a fight," Rocket translated.
"Four against two hardly seems like fair odds," the Twi'lek woman commented.
"Wait a minute... four against two?" Rocket asked loudly. "What, does Quill not count?"
"We don't count you either, little guy who barely reaches our knees," the armored figure said, his voice carrying a slight mechanical distortion.
Rocket snorted. "Well, that's refreshingly original."
Suddenly, the Zabrak woman felt the edge of a blade pressed against the back of her neck.
"How about now? Do we count?" Gamora said coldly, her stance perfectly balanced.
"Who are you people?" the Zabrak demanded, keeping her eyes on Quill.
"We were hired by Muris," Star-Lord replied. "Something about pirates harassing his village."
The Zabrak woman frowned. "That's exactly why we're here."
Everyone paused in confusion, and Rocket processed this for a moment. "I think we might have a communication problem."
"Apparently," the Zabrak agreed.
"Or maybe Muris figured out you guys weren't up to the task and knew we'd be the better choice," Rocket quickly flashed a feral grin that made the other four hunters visibly tense.
"Rocket," Gamora warned.
"What? I was just making conversation."
"Wait, wait!" Suddenly, another Felucian rushed in alongside their original client, Muris. "Please stop! These people were brought here by my brother—please put down your weapons!"
The Zabrak woman heard this and slowly lowered her blaster.
"Need I remind you, Castas, that you already have a contract with us," the Zabrak woman said.
"Yes," Castas replied. "But I also sent Muris out to recruit additional help. Muris told me an agreement was reached with these people that won't affect your compensation in any way."
Gradually, both sides lowered their weapons.
"Alright then," the Zabrak female crossed her arms and studied Star-Lord. "Who exactly are you people?"
Star-Lord glanced at Gamora momentarily, then back at the Zabrak woman, and shrugged. "We're the Guardians of the Galaxy."
The bounty hunters blinked collectively—they'd never heard of such an organization—but at least the misunderstanding was resolved.
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