"The Queens pay well..."

Council of X Hall, Krakoa

"So why are we meeting the Black Queen here? Doesn't she have, like, some massive spaceship she always hangs out in?" Star-Lord asked.

"Yeah, she does. But the Queens tend to be pretty exclusive about who they let in there." Rocket answered.

"Huh. That hurts my feelings." Star Lord said jokingly. "What do we have to do to get an invitation there?"

"I am Groot."

"I see. Maybe you could go, Gamora? Tour the ship? Tell us what it's like up there?"

"Not interested, Quill."

"Ehh, ya might have to go up there sometime," Rocket told Gamora. "Could be part of a job. And the Queens of X have deep pockets."

"Whatever, as long as we get paid. I just don't see myself going up there for some pleasure cruise," Gamora said.

Jean entered the room, flanked by a tall figure in intimidating-looking armor.

"Would ya look at that armor? How much you think that would go for on the black market? Better yet, you much you think Stark would pay for something like that?" Rocket whispered.

"I am Groot..."

Rocket's eyes went wide. "Shit! That's her? You're right, tryin' to steal that armor would be a **** sentence,"

Gamora recognized the armored figure. "You're Samus Aran, right? I've heard about you. You're very impressive."

"The feeling's mutual," Samus acknowledged. It was rare for Samus to show admiration to a stranger, but Gamora was one of the galaxy's elite assassins; she and Samus had firmly established their reputations in the underworld as two of the toughest women in the galaxy.

"Guardians. A pleasure to finally meet you," Jean introduced herself, her eyes wandering as much as they could to the green-skinned woman without drawing attention. "This is Samus Aran, a bounty hunter. She's a recent business associate and... friend... of the Queens. We were... discussing business... before your arrival."

The Guardians made their introductions, and then it was time for business. "I take it you have the artifact?" Jean asked.

"Right here," Rocket pulled out a small containment unit, handing the box to the redhead.

Jean looked at the box. She sensed the artifact's power inside. No doubt about it -- this is what the Queens had been looking for. "Great work. Your credits are being transferred as we speak."

"So that's it?" Quill asked.

"Actually, We were interested in hiring you for another job," Jean told the group. "You'd be working with Samus here, as well as a spy we've contracted. We're willing to pay handsomely, of course--"

"WE'RE FLARKIN' IN!"

"What? Just like that? Are you nuts, Rocket?"

"Shut up, Quill, and take a look at your credit account."

Star-Lord took out his personal datapad and pulled up the account. His eyes went wide, and he turned off the datapad and looked at the Black Queen, clearly attempting to hide his joy at the payday the Queens had given. "We... reluctantly accept."

"Excellent. We'll send you the details. We look forward to doing further business together."

As the Guardians left, Samus spoke up. "Gamora... I look forward to working with you."

"Same to you," Gamora replied.