Neil, still disoriented by his senses, was surrounded by his older brothers and sisters. He found it a little funny as he listened to them wildly quiz him about their futures.
Of course, criticism had no place in Hell's Kitchen, so Neil could only draw on every ounce of his linguistic skill to make their futures sound as rosy as possible.
When Morgan came dragging a dejected Heborong over, Nick slipped a few bills into Neil's hand and said smugly, "I never imagined I'd grow up to be such an impressive boss. Alvin doesn't seem all that impressive outside Hell's Kitchen, but somehow I end up ruling the Cosmic Ravagers?
But if that's destined to happen, shouldn't we celebrate early?
'Star-Lord's' dad is one of the Cosmic Ravagers. If I become their boss—aha, that's awesome..."
Neil looked at the "tip" in his hand, expertly tucked the bills into his pocket, then smiled and nodded. "I don't know how you pulled it off, but you really did make it in the end.
From what I've seen so far, Earth's people shouldn't be able to beat the Ravagers. I haven't even seen a single spaceship."
Neil hesitated, then looked seriously at Nick. "Your first trip into space is the most dangerous. You've told me that yourself, over and over.
Make sure you get on good terms with Barney from the Suicide Squad. He'll help you get in with the Ravagers..."
Nick pulled a face like he was having a stroke, then laughed. "That guy's a tough bastard, but what can a bunch of Mercenaries do?"
Neil spread his hands and smiled. "I don't know how you managed it, either, but Barney eventually became the Ravagers' second-in-command..."
Neil shrugged with a troubled look. "Remember? You all left me on Earth and went off