Earth-717: Avengers Vol 1

Chapter 4: An Uneasy Alliance

At the height of its power, the Skrull Empire controlled over a thousand star systems in the

galaxy. The crown jewel of the Empire was Skrullos, the Skrull homeworld and seat of the imperial

throne. Unlike many of the other major planets in the galaxy, there was no war waging on Skrullos, but

still, the aura of war could be felt.

A massive fleet of imperial warships were stationed around the planet, ready to repel any kind

of invasion. The main warships and support ships were joined by a handful of Pariahs, a deadly

reminder of the Empire's might to any potential attacker. But while the Pariahs were huge compared to

the ships possessed by any other species, one Skrull vessel eclipsed them all.

Queen Veranke's imperial flagship was unlike any vessel that anyone in the galaxy had ever

seen. It was four kilometers in length, easily dwarfing the eight hundred metre long Pariahs that had

stunned the other races into silence. It was a gargantuan purple and gold warship, and the largest ship

ever constructed in this galaxy.

This was the Exile's Intent, and it was leaving Skrullos and heading for Rigellia, one of the main

Nova Corps homeworlds that was currently under siege by Veranke's forces. As her ship left her home

system, Veranke entered her communications room and stood on the central hologram hub. Activating

the console, she typed in a communication frequency and waited for an answer.

It did not take long for the woman on the other side to pick up.

A full scale hologram of a woman sitting on a command chair materialized in front of Veranke.

The woman had light blue skin and long black hair, and was wearing a pink and black battle suit. She

sneered upon seeing Veranke.

“Nebula,” said Veranke.

“Queen Veranke,” said Nebula. “I'd bother to ask why you have my number, but you were

always very resourceful.”

Veranke grinned. Nebula then folded her hands and lowered her chin slightly, clearly trying to

get some sort of a read on the Skrull Queen. For her part, Veranke did not move for several seconds,

waiting for Nebula to speak first.

“What do you want?”

“Your attention,” answered Veranke. “Surely you must be aware by now that the galactic war

has escalated.”

Nebula turned her head and looked at the fingernails on her right hand.

“What does that have to do with me?” she asked. “I have no stake in your war. If anything, it's

bad for business.”

“Oh, I believe I can change that.”

Nebula narrowed her eyes and looked back at Veranke.

“I have a job for you,” said Veranke.

Nebula laughed.

“A job? From you? I raid space stations, escort cargo ships or raze colonies. Assassinations?

Bombings? Even a little sabotage from time to time? All fair game. But my crew and I don't need to get

involved in some galactic crusade.”

“Says the woman with one of the largest starships in the galaxy.”

“From what I hear, yours is bigger. Use it.”

“I would, but I have other matters to attend to. What's the matter, Nebula? It's paying work, and

I've never heard of you shying away from a job.”

Nebula growled under her breath. Veranke smiled wider as she realized that she had hit a nerve

by questioning Nebula's reputation.

“I know you're a businesswoman, Nebula. So let's talk business.”

Nebula went silent again, clenching her right fist and looking at it. After about ten seconds, she

blinked and looked back at Veranke.

“I'm listening.”

“I need some help with a raid. The Dark Revenant can be the spearhead of one of my assaults.

You'll be aided by my forces, of course, but I need you and your ship to lead the attack. After you

accept the job, I'll send you the more delicate details over a secure data channel.”

“What's the target?”

“Xandar.”

Nebula's eyes burst wide open. Veranke could see that Nebula had to stop herself from leaping

out of her seat in surprise.

“Are you insane?! Xandar?! The heart of the Nova Corps?!”

Veranke stayed still and silent during Nebula's outburst.

“What could possibly have possessed you to think I would ever help you attack the most secure

planet in the galaxy? I have no love for the Nova Corps, but that's suicide!”

“I'll pay you four billion credits.”

Once again, Nebula had to stop herself from leaping out of her chair. Blinking a couple times,

Nebula was completely silent as she processed the information she had just heard. No one had ever

offered her even a quarter of that sum for any previous job. Veranke held her hands behind her back as

she waited for Nebula's answer.

Nebula considered Veranke's offer for a full minute before speaking.

“I always take fifty percent upfront.”

“I know. The payment will be wired to your account within the hour.”

“Then you've got yourself a ship.”

Veranke grinned as Nebula's hologram dissipated. She was about to turn and leave the room

when an indicator light activated on her console. Raising an eyebrow, she pressed one of the console's

buttons and held it down with her finger.

“What is it?”

“My Queen,” said the voice of a Mekkan. “You have an incoming message from General

De'Lila. She has sent a video recording.”

“Put it through.”

“At once.”

A holographic display screen appeared in the same place Nebula's hologram had been. It

showed a recorded video of the war on Sakaar, with the camera focusing on a snowy mountain range

where a battle was being waged between Kree and Skrull ground troops. Veranke folded her arms over

her chest and narrowed her eyes as she watched the video.

After half a minute, a handful of new combatants entered the fray, attacking the Skrull troops.

They consisted of a man with a shield, a woman in an armoured suit, a giant green monster and a

godlike being with an enchanted hammer. A jet fighter then flew near them, and a woman with golden

hair could be seen piloting it. Veranke gasped and pressed a button on her console, freezing the video at

a point where all five of them were visible on the screen.

Veranke tilted her head to the side as she looked over the frozen image.

“So they are real,” she said.

Veranke looked at each of the heroes in turn.

“The Avengers.”

* * * *

The Rogue One dropped out of warp speed in orbit around Hala, the Kree homeworld. Dozens

of Kree warships were stationed around the planet, with the Kree Navy being on the highest alert level

due to the state of the galactic war. Carol assumed control of the ship and flew towards the planet, with

Mar-Vell in the passenger seat.

Mar-Vell tapped in a numerical code on his wrist module.

“Sending a security key now,” he said. “They won't fire on us. But the Supreme Intelligence

will want answers. I'm not supposed to just leave my post. I'm already on shaky ground as it is.”

“We'll figure it out,” said Carol. “Like we did last time.”

“Last time, you punched the Supreme Intelligence in the face. Four times! What makes you

think you can even get Supremor to listen to you?”

“You said that the Supreme Intelligence thinks logically, and only cares about the Kree, right? If

I present a way to possibly save the Kree from annihilation at Veranke's hands, then it will have to

listen to me.”

Mar-Vell smiled and watched Carol as she looked forward.

“You're one hell of a woman, you know that?”

Carol smirked, but did not turn to look at Mar-Vell. Tasha, who was sitting across from Steve,

made a subtle thrusting gesture with her hips. Bruce chuckled, while Steve's face indicated that he was

unimpressed. Thor seemed neutral to the gesture.

Mar-Vell guided Carol towards Kree-Lar, the capital city of Hala. She then flew the Rogue One

directly towards the Central Tower. She landed on the outstretched platform near the top of the tower

and powered the ship down.

“Last stop,” she said. “Everybody out.”

The group of heroes all disembarked the ship and started walking towards the entrance to the

tower. As they were about to enter, a loud crackling noise was heard, and they all turned to look up into

the sky. A brilliant beam of white light shone down from the clouds.

“What is that?” asked Bruce.

Thor furrowed his brow.

“Asgard.”

The white beam then transformed into a gigantic magical image of Odin, who was sitting on his

throne. He did not look happy.

“Thor!”

Odin's voice bellowed into the air. The magical image made him sound many times louder than

he usually was. Still, Thor did not move.

“Father.”

“Heimdall has informed me that you have abandoned your mission on Nidavellir. You were

given explicit instructions to aid the Dwarves in their war against the Trolls. But now I see that you

stand amongst the Midgardians. You are to return to Nidavellir, immediately!”

“I am sorry, Father, but I must refuse.”

Odin's face filled with rage. The other heroes all looked at Thor with worry in their eyes.

“You dare defy your father? You dare defy your king?!”

Thor stood up as tall as he could.

“Aye, Father. This time, I do. Midgard is under siege from a force they cannot repel. Queen

Veranke wields the power of an Infinity Gem, and I will not allow humanity to face this threat alone. I

appreciate the needs of the Dwarves, and so I left Sif in charge in my stead.”

“That is not your decision to make, my son. The affairs of the mortals do not concern us at this

moment. My alliance with King Eitri hinged on your participation in the battle at hand. Your actions

carry consequences that you do not yet know.”

“Hear me, Father. I will not return to Asgard until Earth is safe. If I refused to aid the humans

and they were to perish because of it, then I would never forgive myself.”

Thor then pointed his hammer at Odin.

“And I would never forgive you,” said Thor.

Odin glared at his son.

“You will face punishment for your defiance,” said Odin.

“And I will face it without retort,” said Thor. “Once Veranke is defeated.”

“You will regret this, my son.”

“No. I will not.”

The loud crackling noise sounded again as the brilliant white beam shot back into the sky, and

the magical image of Odin disappeared. Thor exhaled as the other heroes exchanged glances.

“And I thought my dad could be a jerk,” said Tasha.

Thor turned around to face the others.

“I apologize for the display. Father does not understand the compassion I carry for your people.

While I do not wish to disobey him, I also will not abandon you in your hour of need. Know that Thor

stands with you, fellow heroes, until either Veranke is defeated, or I am.”

Steve nodded.

“I'm still not quite sure what you are,” he said. “But I'm glad you're on our side.”

“I shall take as a compliment, good Captain.”

“We better get moving,” said Mar-Vell. “Supremor's waiting.”

Steve, Tasha, Thor, Bruce, Carol and Mar-Vell all entered the tower, and proceeded to walk up

the short staircase leading to the top floor's main chamber. Carol shuddered as she recalled her first

time being in this place. Noticing Carol's discomfort, Mar-Vell gently tapped her hand with his as they

approached the giant glass cylinder that contained the Supreme Intelligence.

The Intelligence opened its eyes as the door closed behind the heroes. Bruce anxiously rubbed

his hands against each other.

“Wait, is that supposed to be . . . .”

“Captain Mar-Vell,” said the Intelligence.

“Supremor,” said Mar-Vell, taking a step forward. “I beg your pardon, but I must have an

audience with you.”

“You are already stepping dangerously close to your boundaries, Mar-Vell. Your pardon will not

excuse further transgressions. Abandoning your post on Sakaar will not be taken lightly.”

“But, Supremor, I must . . . .”

“Silence! I dictate the rules of this conversation, not you. You know with whom I wish to

speak.”

Mar-Vell took in a deep breath and stepped back. Carol then stepped forward, staring directly

into the Intelligence's eyes.

“Ms. Marvel. You have returned, and you have brought more of your humans with you. Tell

me . . . . the last time you were in my presence, the altercation became violent. Do you seek a repeat of

that incident?”

Carol shrugged.

“I dunno. Do you? Cause last time around, you were losing.”

Mar-Vell gulped.

“Carol . . . .”

Carol interrupted Mar-Vell and put her hands on her hips.

“In fact, the only reason I didn't finish pummelling your face into blue jello was because Ronan

had that glass cannon of his. Things are different this time. So you tell me, Supreme Intelligence . . . .

you want to go down that road again?”

Tasha leaned in towards Bruce.

“Damn, she's badass,” whispered Tasha.

Bruce nodded.

“I'll say.”

“Your bravado does not impress or deceive me, Ms. Marvel,” said the Intelligence. “You did not

travel across the galaxy to make idle threats. What is it that you want?”

Carol exhaled and lowered her hands.

“I came here to negotiate. Veranke's attacked Earth too. We . . . .”

Carol turned around and gestured towards the other heroes before looking back at the

Intelligence.

“We came here to ask for your help.”

“You threaten me, and then request my aid? Surely you must have something more in mind. You

would not make such an obscene gesture otherwise.”

“You know we were on Sakaar,” said Carol. “I saw your people fighting Veranke's forces. You

were losing. Badly. I know you're getting desperate. We all are.”

“And what is it that you are proposing?”

“An alliance. Between Earth, the Kree . . . . and the Nova Corps.”

The Intelligence went silent. Mar-Vell took in another deep breath as sweat dripped down his

temples. Steve, Tasha, Thor and Bruce all watched patiently, waiting for the Intelligence's response.

Carol's stare never wavered.

Finally, the Intelligence spoke.

“You are quite bold, Ms. Marvel. I expected nothing less from you.”

Carol did not speak.

“It is true that the situation is growing desperate for the Kree. Never before in a thousand years

has the Empire been in such a dire position. With the power of the Infinity Gem, and the Pariahs she

has constructed, Veranke has crushed defenses on several key worlds, including the homeworld of our

most important ally, the Sakaarans. The Sakaaran Chancellors are seriously considering a surrender,

and that is something I cannot allow.”

“So what will it take?” asked Carol.

“Why do you believe the Nova Corps would agree to an alliance?”

“Because Veranke's hitting them too,” said Mar-Vell, once again stepping forward. “You know

that. They're in the same position we are.”

“But why does Ms. Marvel believe that they will listen to her?”

“They owe me a favour,” said Carol.

“I see,” said the Intelligence. “A favour from Nova Prime is no small order. Nor is travelling

with an Asgardian. Aside from Veranke, you are the most dangerous enemy the Kree Empire has ever

faced, Ms. Marvel. You have earned my respect.”

Carol and Mar-Vell exchanged glances. The Intelligence's eyes momentarily flashed yellow.

“Contacting the Galactic Senate.”

The other heroes walked up to Carol and Mar-Vell. A few seconds later, four tall holograms

appeared on the left side of the room. Each one displayed a humanoid figure. These were the four

members of the Galactic Senate, with each one acting as a representative for the respective

governments of the four main species of the Nova Corps.

The Xandarians were represented by Irani Rael, otherwise known as Nova Prime. She was also

the official leader of the Nova Corps, and wore a blue and gold uniform.

The Krylorians were represented by Senator Carina, a woman with pink pigtails to match her

skin colour. She wore an elegant white dress and held her hands in an interlocking fashion.

The Rigellians were represented by Autarch Cordon, who was the only male member of the

Senate. He was far taller than the other members, and wore a grey uniform and officer's cap.

The Shi'ar were represented by Majestrix Lilandra, who held a silver sceptre in her right hand.

She wore regal, metallic armour that matched the colour of her sceptre.

Mar-Vell blinked in surprise upon realizing that he was actually looking at the Galactic Senate

in the same room as the Supreme Intelligence, even if only via hologram communication. Steve

inhaled, choosing to remain silent as the wonders just continued to pile on. Tasha folded her hands over

her chest, wondering how this latest development was going to unfold.

Carol turned to face the Senate members.

“Members of the Galactic Senate,” said the Intelligence. “The Kree Empire extends its sincerest

gratitude for answering this summons.”

“Spare us the pleasantries, Supremor,” said Cordon, putting his hands behinds his back. “We

don't have time for it.”

“Stay yourself, Autarch,” said Nova Prime. “I highly doubt the Supreme Intelligence would

contact us without a good reason.”

Cordon grunted.

“I sincerely hope not.”

“With all due respect, Senators, I did not summon you,” said the Intelligence. “She did.”

The Senators looked down at Carol, who took a couple steps towards them.

“And who might you be?” asked Carina, her voice at a higher pitch than Carol was expecting.

“My name is Carol Danvers. But you likely know me by another name. Ms. Marvel.”

“Ms. Marvel,” said Nova Prime. “Yes, I know who you are. Why are you with the Supreme

Intelligence, and why have you contacted us?”

“I'm with the Supreme Intelligence because I need help. Veranke has come for Earth, in the

same way that she has been attacking planets all over the galaxy. Kree, Nova . . . . doesn't matter to her.

But you all know that Earth is not on the same technological level that you are. There's no way we can

defeat Veranke's forces by ourselves. So we came looking for help.”

“And you're seeking help from the Supreme Intelligence?” asked Lilandra. “The same

Intelligence that tried to destroy your planet?”

“Yes,” answered Carol. “Because things have changed. Look, I know that you owe me a favour.

I'm calling it in.”

“And what is that you want, Ms. Marvel?” asked Nova Prime.

“I want to negotiate an alliance between the Nova Corps and the Kree Empire. And Earth too.”

Cordon and Carina both scoffed. Lilandra shook her head, while Nova Prime seemed unfazed.

“Like that will ever happen,” said Carina.

“The Kree Empire are staunch enemies of the Nova Corps, Ms. Marvel,” said Cordon. “An

alliance with them is completely out of . . . .”

“I'll consider it,” said Nova Prime.

Cordon jerked his head to the side.

“Wait, what?”

Lilandra rolled her eyes.

“Nova Prime, you cannot . . . .”

“Listen to yourselves!” shouted Nova Prime. “The Nova Corps is falling apart around us. Over

a thousand years of history being systematically destroyed by Veranke, and you three would hold on to

platitudes while our civilians are slaughtered. Yes, the Kree have been our enemies for centuries, but

this is an unprecedented scenario. And you know it.”

Carina, Cordon and Lilandra all fumed and looked away from each other as Nova Prime turned

back to Carol.

“I cannot force an alliance to take place, Ms. Marvel. But I can and will open the conversation.

We will negotiate this matter on Xandar, at the Senatorium. You will have to be present to make your

case in person, along with a representative for the Kree.”

“I, and I alone, represent this Empire,” said the Intelligence. “I will be present via hologram

communication.”

“That is acceptable,” said Nova Prime.

“There is one condition, Nova Prime.”

Nova Prime raised her eyebrow as she looked at the Intelligence.

“And what would that be?”

“I want assurance that the Nova Corps is truly willing to open negotiations with the Kree. Given

the attitudes of your Senate cohorts, I am not fully convinced. However, I can think of a gesture of

good faith that would put my mind at ease.”

“I'm still waiting for an answer to my question,” said Nova Prime.

The Intelligence narrowed its eyes.

“I want Ronan the Accuser released from your custody and returned to me.”

Carol's eyes widened and she quickly turned to face the Intelligence. She clenched her fists as

she glared at it.

“What?! Are you kidding me?!”

Tasha gulped.

“This should be good.”

The Intelligence ignored Carol's outburst and kept its eyes on Nova Prime.

“This is not negotiable. I refuse to open any conversation with the Galactic Senate until Ronan

has been safely returned to my command. Do this, and I will be willing to discuss an alliance between

my people and the Nova Corps.”

Carol started to charge her fists with energy, but Mar-Vell stepped in front of her.

“Carol, please. Think about what you're doing!”

Carol glared at Mar-Vell.

“We are this close,” said Mar-Vell. “Carol . . . . please.”

Carol looked at Mar-Vell's face for a few seconds before opening her hands. She then turned

away from him in anger. Nova Prime waited several moments before answering the Intelligence.

“Given the circumstances, I believe that I can accommodate your request. But you had better

uphold your end of this deal, Supremor. I will not be lenient with you a second time.”

“As you say, Nova Prime.”

“Unbelievable,” said Cordon. “Placating the Supreme Intelligence.”

“This is a mistake,” said Lilandra.

Nova Prime turned to Carina.

“Senator Carina, can you make the arrangements?”

Carina looked side to side for a moment before responding.

“I can,” she said, before looking down at Carol. “Ronan is being held at the Kyln, the Nova

Corps' main prison. It's located on Ardent Spring, one of the Krylorian core worlds. I will have to . . . .

make some calls.”

“Do it quickly, Senator,” said Nova Prime.

“Good,” said the Intelligence. “I will prepare an escort for . . . .”

Nova Prime held up one hand.

“No, Supremor. You have your condition, and now this is mine. No other Kree will set foot on

Ardent Spring. Ronan will be escorted off planet by Ms. Marvel and her people. If you truly want your

Accuser back, and you are open to negotiations, then you will respect my requests as well.”

The Intelligence glared at Nova Prime, who did not back down. After several tense seconds of

silence, the Intelligence spoke.

“Very well.”

“Then this meeting is adjourned,” said Nova Prime. “Senator Carina will ensure that Ronan's

release is secured. I will be expecting Ms. Marvel's arrival on Ardent Spring within the day. Nova

Prime out.”

The holograms of the Galactic Senate dissipated. Carol then stormed away from the others.

Mar-Vell gestured as if he was going to follow her, but Steve gently placed his hand on his shoulder.

Mar-Vell stopped and turned to look at Steve.

“Easy, Captain,” said Steve. “I don't think she's in the mood.”

Carol wordlessly marched out of the room, as Mar-Vell and the other heroes watched.