Chapter 290: Chapter 290: Prison Mayhem
Outside the prison on Xandar.
"Hey! You guys just stay here and keep standing around like idiots. Once I bring out that moron called Drax, I'm taking the Orb," Rocket Raccoon said, knocking on Groot's shoulder. Groot immediately extended his arm, climbing toward the top of the prison. The two quickly disappeared from Quill and Gamora's sight.
Quill glanced at Gamora. "So, what now? How do we get in?"
Gamora smirked, striding toward the Nova Corps guards at the gate. As one reached out to stop her, she delivered a swift kick, knocking him out cold. The other guard reacted, lunging toward her, but she nimbly dodged and countered with another kick, sending him sprawling to the ground.
Turning back, Gamora motioned for Quill to follow.
The two of them hurried into the prison, surrounded by tightly packed glass cells. The metallic floors creaked loudly with every step they took.
They reached a corridor leading deeper into the prison, where a few guards were still patrolling.
Just then, a loud explosion echoed from the top of the prison, drawing all the guards toward the commotion. Taking advantage of the distraction, Quill and Gamora slipped through the corridor and arrived at a massive metal door. Nearby, a Xandarian sat at a control panel, visibly tense.
It was Rocket's handiwork—his method of entry involved blasting a hole in the roof with explosives. The deafening sound was his signature style. Groot extended his legs and leaped down through the opening, followed by Rocket.
As they landed, all eyes turned toward them. The inmates, now fully alert, crowded against the glass walls of their cells, staring with greed and curiosity.
Rocket muttered to himself as he cocked his weapon, shouting, "Drax? Are you Drax? Or maybe you're Drax?"
They checked each cell they passed but couldn't find the man they were looking for.
Meanwhile, the guards finally arrived at the scene. Upon spotting Rocket and Groot, they raised their energy rifles.
"Intruders! Intruders!"
Rocket burst out laughing and opened fire without hesitation. To him, anyone who got in his way was an enemy.
The hail of bullets tore through several guards, leaving them sprawled on the ground. Groot roared, extending his arms to grab other guards and hurl them aside.
The prison descended into chaos. Curious inmates craned their necks to see the commotion, though one cell remained eerily quiet, as if no one was inside.
Outside the prison, Quill and Gamora crouched by another door, whispering about their plan.
After finalizing it, Quill kicked the door open. The person inside barely had time to react before Gamora knocked them out cold.
Quill rummaged through the guard's belongings, pulling out a keycard, while Gamora input a few commands into the control terminal.
"I found Drax's location," she said. "We're going in now."
Quill turned and inserted the card into the slot by the prison door. The green light above flickered on, and the door slid open.
Zap! Zap! Zap!
Laser fire streaked between them, scorching the walls of the hallway. Quill yelped, retreating to the doorframe and pressing his back against it, unwilling to peek out.
"This has to be that raccoon's doing!" he grumbled.
Gamora shot him a glance. "I always thought it was an otter."
More gunfire erupted from inside, accompanied by Rocket's gleeful laughter. He was clearly having the time of his life wreaking havoc in the prison.
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