The Astral Express.
Groot sat on the rim of a goblet, holding the straw of his mint berry tea and slurping away.
Rocket stuffed spicy meat buns into his mouth one after another, grease coating his lips.
Yondu stuffed delicious Fisherman's Toast into his mouth while giving Lin Ze, who sat across from him, a warning in advance.
"Kid, you should know that even if you help me find Quill, whether he ends up helping you with anything is still up to that little brat."
"Most importantly, Star-Lord is my son, and he follows the same principle I do."
Yondu shoved the remaining half of his toast into his mouth, chewed twice, and swallowed. Then he slowly raised a hand and rubbed his fingers together.
"No reward, no effort."
Lin Ze immediately understood that universally recognized gesture.
"Of course. I wouldn't ask the Guardians of the Galaxy to work for free. I'll request your help with the utmost sincerity."
You know how things work, kid. Yondu looked satisfied, but remembering that he wasn't actually a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, he discreetly poked Rocket beneath the table while Lin Ze wasn't looking. Rocket was too absorbed in the food to notice anything else.
"Oh, hahaha!! Hey! What are you doing, you blue tub of lard?!"
Rocket had been reaching for the Golden Shrimp Balls farthest from his seat. The unexpected jab to his ticklish spot nearly sent him tumbling onto the table.
Luckily, his reflexes were quick enough, and he pulled his paw back at once.
"You're a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, aren't you? Shouldn't you offer an opinion here?"
Yondu glared at Rocket in disgust.
"An opinion? As long as there's something in it for me, I've got no objections."
Rocket plopped back down,