Ronan shot a cold glance at the hooded alien but ignored him, focusing instead on the figure seated upon the throne—Thanos.
"She was the one who failed against a handful of incompetent fools."
Thanos remained silent.
The hooded attendant immediately spoke up. "Thanos entrusted Gamora to your command, and you let her get captured by Xandar's forces. You've accomplished nothing of value."
Ronan's eyes flashed. "And what did your informant say? That she plans to betray us all?"
"Lower your voice, Kree, or I will—"
Ronan lifted his hammer.
A pulse of violent energy erupted outward, obliterating the hooded alien's head in an instant.
Nebula, seated below the throne, glanced briefly at Ronan.
Ronan looked to Thanos.
The Mad Titan gave no reaction to the death.
Only then did Ronan relax slightly.
"I ask only that you handle this matter appropriately."
"The only thing I have failed to handle properly," Thanos said slowly, turning around, golden armor gleaming against the stars, "is you—and your petty affairs."
His gaze bore down on Ronan.
"You conduct yourself like a child playing at war. And now you attempt to sow discord between me and my beloved daughter."
Nebula's head snapped up at that, then lowered again.
"Our agreement will be honored," Thanos continued. "But first, Kree, you will bring me the Orb."
He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.
"The next time you stand before me empty-handed, your head will decorate the base of my throne."
Nebula rose smoothly.
"You cannot succeed alone. I will accompany you. We begin with the Kyln."
Without waiting for Ronan's approval, she strode toward his warship.
Ronan looked once more at Thanos. Receiving no further acknowledgment, he turned and departed, fury simmering in his chest.
---
At the Kyln, Quill and the others gathered around a grimy table, whispering their escape plan.
"Step one," Rocket said, pointing toward the octagonal tower in the center of the prison, "we need access to the control room."
They each held trays filled with a sticky gray paste—their meal.
"To get inside, we'll need a few things."
He ticked them off.
"First, a guard's control wristband."
"I'll handle that," Gamora said, glancing up toward a guard using one to manage the security doors.
"Second, I need that guy's prosthetic leg."
He pointed at a prisoner not far away.
Quill blinked. "The leg? What for?"
"I have my reasons."
They moved to a quieter table.
"Finally," Rocket continued, "see that panel flashing yellow? There's a battery behind it. Without that, we can't access the tower."
At that moment, Karl and Drax wandered over.
"What's all the whispering about?" Karl asked casually.
"Karl," Quill said eagerly, "we need your help. Want to get out of here?"
Drax frowned in confusion.
"Karl can leave whenever he wishes. He is not here at night. He only appears during meals."
The table fell silent.
"…What?!" Quill's jaw dropped. "You can leave? There's a secret tunnel?"
"No," Drax said matter-of-factly. "He disappears. Then reappears."
Quill grabbed Karl's arm. "Take us with you!"
Karl sighed.
"I can only leave alone."
Groans erupted.
After all that, his ability was useless to them.
Before anyone could respond further—
A loud metallic snap echoed through the hall.
Groot had already torn the battery from the yellow-lit panel.
The entire prison plunged into darkness.
Emergency lights flickered on. Sirens wailed. Red warning strobes painted the walls.
Groot grinned proudly and handed the battery to Rocket.
Rocket stared at him.
"Of course."
"Plan's in motion," he muttered. "Gamora, get the wristband."
Gamora moved instantly.
"I'll grab the leg," Quill added, hurrying off.
"Groot, we're holding the line."
Rocket scrambled onto Groot's shoulder.
Drones descended from above, weapons locking onto them.
"Inmate, return the battery immediately and proceed to your cell. Failure to comply will result in lethal force."
Three green wind blades flashed through the air.
The targeting drones split cleanly in half, falling to the ground in smoking fragments.
Karl lowered his hand, emerald light fading from his eyes.
"Open fire!" a guard shouted.
The remaining drones unleashed a barrage.
Chaos erupted.
Prisoners scattered in all directions. Some ducked for cover, others tried to flee, while a few retreated into their cells.
Groot charged forward, swatting drones from the air like insects.
Rocket clung tightly to his shoulder, avoiding direct fire.
Armed guards flooded into the hall, weapons trained on Groot—and Karl.
Drax roared and plowed through a cluster of guards, seizing a rifle mid-stride.
"Hey! Little rodent!"
He hurled the weapon toward Rocket.
Rocket caught it midair.
His grin turned feral.
"Oh, now we're talking."
He opened fire in rapid bursts, precise and ruthless.
With Groot shielding him, Rocket's suppressive fire overwhelmed the drones.
For a moment, the chaos tilted in their favor.
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