Rocket leaned forward, his small paws resting on the metal table, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings to make sure no guards were close enough to overhear. His voice dropped even lower.
"There's a guard up on the control platform. He's got a battery pack on his belt. I need that. With it, I can override the security system and open the cells."
Star-Lord frowned. "That's it? Just grab a battery?"
Rocket rolled his eyes dramatically. "No, genius. That's step one. Step two is you create a distraction. A big one. Preferably involving shouting, chaos, or bodily harm—yours, not mine."
"I am Groot," Groot added calmly.
"Exactly," Rocket nodded. "Big guy here will help. He's strong enough to rip off one of those leg braces. Once we get those off, we can fight back."
Gamora listened quietly, her gaze steady. "And after that?"
Rocket grinned, revealing sharp teeth. "After that, we steal a ship and get out of here. I heard there's a hangar two levels below. The Nova Corps keeps confiscated vessels there."
Star-Lord leaned back. "You make it sound easy."
"It is easy," Rocket shot back. "If you don't mess it up."
Before Star-Lord could reply, a loud clang echoed through the cafeteria. Drax had slammed his fists onto the table, glaring directly at Gamora.
"You will not escape justice!" he roared.
Gamora exhaled slowly. "This again."
Rocket smirked. "Hey, look at that. Distraction already volunteered."
Star-Lord stood up quickly, raising his hands. "Whoa, whoa, big guy! We're all friends here!"
Drax ignored him and stepped forward. "Daughter of Thanos, you will answer for your crimes!"
Gamora moved instantly, sidestepping as Drax lunged. Even without weapons, her movements were precise and efficient. She twisted his arm and used his own momentum to slam him into the table. Metal screeched across the floor.
The guards immediately reacted.
"Prisoner altercation! Stand down!"
Alarms began to flash red.
Rocket's eyes lit up. "That's our cue!"
He jumped down from the bench, nudging Groot. "Go! Get the battery!"
Groot moved like a walking wall, striding toward the upper platform. A guard shouted and aimed his weapon, but Groot grabbed the railing and tore it loose with a violent pull. Sparks flew everywhere.
"I am Groot!"
While the guards focused on the chaos, Rocket scrambled up the structure with surprising agility. In seconds, he leapt onto the guard's back, yanked the battery from his belt, and landed with a satisfied grin.
"Got it!"
Star-Lord ducked as another guard fired a stun blast. "Okay! Now what?!"
"Now we run!" Rocket shouted.
Gamora knocked aside another prisoner trying to grab her and sprinted toward the exit. Groot followed, shielding the group as stun bolts hit his wooden body.
Rocket plugged the battery into a nearby control panel. Sparks burst, and the cell doors around the prison slid open with a heavy rumble.
The entire prison erupted into chaos.
Prisoners poured out, shouting and cheering. Guards tried to contain the situation, but the sheer number overwhelmed them.
Star-Lord laughed breathlessly. "You know, I think I like this plan!"
Rocket pointed down the corridor. "Hangar's that way! Move!"
As they ran, Drax suddenly caught up behind them.
"I will join you," he declared.
Rocket groaned. "Great. The walking mountain's coming too."
Gamora glanced back briefly. "Let him. We'll need the muscle."
Sirens blared louder as emergency lockdown protocols failed one after another. The group dashed through corridors, knocking aside stunned guards and dodging security drones.
Ahead, the hangar doors slowly began to open.
Star-Lord's eyes widened. "I call dibs on the Milano!"
Rocket grinned wickedly. "Not if I get there first."
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