The Benatar reined in its brilliant lightning like a divine weapon returning to its sheath, then settled quietly into abandoned dock thirty-seven at Horizon Port-the same place they had docked when they first arrived. Unlike their unnoticed arrival last time, however, the dock now drew all sorts of people who passed by "by chance," casting prying glances from near and far. Their eyes held a mixture of awe, greed, fear, and calculation.
News of Lin Ye's thunderous return and his annihilation of an entire mercenary fleet with a wave of his hand had swept through Horizon Port's shadowy underworld like a cosmic storm. He was now a walking astronomical bounty-and a roaming harbinger of extinction.
"Looks like we're celebrities now." Star-Lord whistled, trying to sound casual, though his grip on the Element Gun never loosened.
"Hmph. A pack of hyenas." Gamora swept a cold gaze over the watchers, her hand resting on her sword hilt. "We need information anyway. Anyone who isn't afraid to die can come try."
Drax shouldered his massive axe and grinned, baring stark white teeth. "Hopefully a few of them can take more than one hit."
Rocket, meanwhile, was busy installing several advanced early-warning and anti-infiltration systems he had swiped from Stasis Crystal-payment, as far as he was concerned. "Fuck, anyone who sneaks aboard again is getting fried!"
Lin Ye ignored the stares and headed straight for the passage leading into the port district. His senses worked like an invisible radar, easily pinpointing several watchers with unusual energy fluctuations who bore hidden Hive or imperial insignia, but he held off for now. He had made his strength clear enough. What he needed now was information.
Their destination was clear-the Split-Tooth Bar.
They pushed open the heavy rib-bone doors once more, and the bar's deafening din immediately