Adam Warlock didn’t respond. Instead, he continued to stare into space with contemplative intensity.
“Adam? Adam! Damn it! Answer me!”
Finally, he looked up. “Hmm? Gamora?”
Gamora leaned over the table, balancing on her knuckles, her green skin flushed with rage. “You can’t be serious. You’re letting him stay?”
“Of course.” Warlock looked at her, puzzled.
“Of course? This is Thanos we’re talking about! The man who committed genocide on a universal scale as a matter of course! That man has manipulated us, abused us and killed us on no less than two occasions that I recall!”
“Three times, by my count,” Warlock murmured, “but I take your point.”
“You take my point?” Gamora hissed. “My point, Adam, is that he. Needs. To. GO.”
“No,” Adam said. “He does not.”
Gamora opened her mouth to protest but Warlock held up a hand to forestall her. “Think about it this way…which would you rather have? Thanos here, where we can watch him? Or Thanos out there up to who knows what?” Warlock said softly, eyes glowing dimly.
Gamora stared at him for a moment, a muscle jumping in her cheek. Then, without another word, she turned and stalked away, leaving Warlock alone in the conference room. He watched her go in silence.
|
PLUS
OCT 10 |
 |
Infinity Station
Thanos of Titan sat silently in his chair, dark eyes scanning the computer screens arrayed around him like the petals of some great steel flower. Frowning, he gestured and a servo-drone floated towards him.
“Ready to begin recording, Master,” the drone said with artificial cheer.
Thanos grunted and leaned back, his fingers forming a steeple in front of his stony features. His eyes glittered like polished opals as he began to speak. “It has been thirty-six hours since my inevitable return to the embrace of burdensome flesh, and a more interesting span of time I have yet to experience.” He paused. On the screens, life aboard Infinity Station continued. Repair work on the damaged hull, defense upgrades and system recalibrations occupied the majority of the station’s crew.
“The process by which Adam Warlock—this reality’s Warlock, I should clarify—usurped the shape of his dark mirror is still a mystery, even to me. I have theories, of course.” Thanos closed his eyes and made a sound that might have been a laugh before opening them again. On one of the screens, Adam Warlock stood surrounded by a group of alien diplomats, listening intently to whatever they were saying.
“He has thus far refused to be examined under controlled conditions, but certain factors are obvious. His current form is still, as yet, in a state of physiological flux. The mirror-Warlock was younger, with less muscle mass and a more highly developed nervous system, including several senses that were, at best, rudimentary in this reality’s Warlock. Adam is…becoming used to these changes, but it is a process.”
Thanos smiled. At a twitch of his fingers, one of the computer screens moved towards him, bringing another part of the station into view. “Gamora and Pip have also been returned, their souls deposited back into their rightful husks by the magnanimous Warlock.” On one side of the screen, Gamora stood, arms wrapped around herself, watching the stars. On the other, Pip forced his way through the crowds on the common deck, a jug of wine in one hand and the other wrapped around the hips of a scantily clad alien woman. “How this experience has left them, I cannot say. I do not like to speculate.”
He gestured and the screen retreated, making way for another, which showed the outside of the station, where Nova was overseeing the repairs to the areas damaged in the Shi’ar attack. “The last remaining member of the Nova Corps appears to be taking his duties as seriously as ever. The boy has incalculable power at his command, but his mindset remains that of a vigilante from a galactic backwater. Broadening his horizons will be an imperative part of my new…responsibilities.”
Thanos watched Nova for a moment more before waving his hand, bringing forward another screen. “Danvers, on the other hand, is thriving. Mar-Vell always did have the most interesting taste in women.” Ms. Marvel hovered several miles from the station, arms crossed, features set as she faced down a number of Shi’ar battle cruisers. “As with Rider, her power levels are suitably impressive in regards to the coming difficulties, yet she carries herself with a military precision worthy of my oldest and dearest adversary. A formidable woman.”
As Thanos watched, Ms. Marvel waved a hand and two figures floated forward. One, the Praetor of the Shi’ar Imperial Guard, better known as Gladiator, looked groggy. The effects of Warlock’s karmic blast lingered, obviously. The other figure interested Thanos more.
He frowned slightly, as if choosing his words with care. “Genis-Vell is…an enigma.” The newest bearer of the title of Captain Marvel thrust Gladiator forward, allowing the crimson-clad warrior to drift towards the Shi’ar cruisers. Genis’ skin crackled with a starburst pattern as he mimicked Ms. Marvel’s pose, crossing his arms and glowering.
“His powers are, like Warlock’s, in a state of flux, as if his access to them is tenuous. At times he reminds me of his father; at other times almost of myself in my more unbalanced moments.” Thanos rubbed his jaw. “He, besides my darling ward Gamora, is the most vocal opponent of my presence and part in Warlock’s grand design. I find myself strangely comforted by this.”
The screen sank back, replaced by one displaying an enclosed atrium. A number of trees rose from the soft soil and among them, a green-skinned woman sat in a meditative pose, eyes closed. “The Cotati, those that survived Genis’ return to this reality, are being nursed back to health aboard the station by their former mouthpiece, Mantis. The woman intrigues me. She is, at once, both the most engaging and infuriating being…by turns confusing and calculating.”
On the screen, Mantis’ eyes flickered open and she looked up, as if she could see Thanos watching her. He leaned forward, teeth bared in a grin. Abruptly, the screen blinked out. He sat back with a sniff. “She bears further study, regardless.”
He hesitated, considering. “Adam has, as is his wont, brought together a group of diverse and ridiculously powerful entities for a goal not yet revealed. Myself included.” Thanos sat back, tapping his fingers contemplatively. “I admit, Adam has perhaps played on my vanity in this instance. His reasoning, however, was sound.”
He closed his eyes, recalling the conversation on the day of his arrival to Infinity Station. Warlock had been quite persuasive.
Simply, he had offered Thanos the opportunity to act as the strategist for Warlock’s campaign to bring order to a suffering universe…a grand campaign that would, in all likelihood, pit Warlock and his followers against every single power in the known galaxy.
Thanos had found himself unable to resist the challenge. He had not given Warlock an answer, instead offering to make an assessment of what awaited him should he follow through with his chosen course. It had been informative, and not a little amusing to see what state the galaxy currently rested in. A sea of opportunity, for one with the foresight to navigate it. Behind him, the door hissed open. Thanos didn’t turn.
“I was wondering whether you would be here,” Warlock said, leaning on his staff. He was wrapped tightly in his cloak and looked ill or tired or both.
“Where else would I be?” Thanos asked, not looking away from his screens. “This affair is hardly ended because you successfully engaged in fisticuffs with that dolt Gladiator, by the by.”
“Possibly…though that successful conclusion does lend itself to several possible avenues of exploration.” Warlock frowned. “You know as well as I do that the Shi’ar are stretched too thin to actually make good their threat. Gladiator was their trump card.”
“Hmm.” Thanos smiled. “Possibly. I have done as you asked.”
“And?”
“Where to start,” Thanos said. “You are correct in your assertion that the Shi’ar are, to use the Terran phrase, a paper tiger. Within the immediate sphere of their power—the Nest Worlds, especially—they are without peer. But in the wake of recent events, their colony worlds have begun testing the limits of Imperial authority. Their military has been bled white and is unable to respond as effectively as Lilandra might wish.”
“The Imperial Guard?”
“Stretched thin. One or two guardsmen might be able to pacify a world, but there are hundreds of worlds which are technically under Shi’ar dominion.” Thanos interlaced his fingers. “The odds of a concentrated assault by them are statistically insignificant.”
Warlock relaxed slightly. “Well, that’s something of a relief.”
“I thought you might like that,” Thanos said.
Warlock smiled crookedly. “The Skrulls?”
“Religious war; a schism between the state religion and the marginalized worshippers of the old skrullian gods.” Thanos shook his head slightly. “Far different from the usual dynastic nonsense they engage in. It is singularly vicious. I have little doubt that it will spill out into the surrounding systems.”
“Unfortunate,” Warlock said. “Suggestions?”
“Watch and wait. A weakened Skrull Empire is a tolerable Skrull Empire, as the Kree might say.”
“Speaking of which…”
“Ha. Yes. That depends on which part of the Kree Empire you mean.”
“Which part?” Warlock blinked.
Thanos gestured and brought forward a screen depicting multiple star systems, each colored a different hue. “At the moment, there are no fewer than four claimants to the title of Imperator, as well as the Senate, which is holding Hala.”
Warlock’s eyes widened. “The Supreme Intelligence?”
“Unknown,” Thanos said flatly. “Which is bothersome, from our point of view.”
“Extremely.” Warlock leaned forward on his staff, head bowed. “Still, it could be worse.”
“I’m not done yet,” Thanos said, with something approaching glee.
Warlock looked sharply at him. “Go on.”
“There are numerous reports of raiders appearing and disappearing throughout the Break-Worlds. They appear, pillage and vanish before the planetary authorities can respond.”
“That’s nothing new…”
“They’re being led by Blastaar.”
“Blastaar?” Warlock closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose between two fingers. “The Negative Zone is—”
“Still spilling into our reality, yes,” Thanos said. “Yet another thing we have to thank the late, unlamented Annihilus for.”
“Perfect.”
“Speaking of which…”
Warlock looked at him silently. Thanos chuckled. “There are rumors that he’s returned.”
“Where?”
“The Brood Worlds. Apparently there’s something of a civil war going on there as well,” Thanos said. “Too, thanks to your dark mirror, we have numerous reports of activity related to Rune.”
Warlock flinched. “Rune is dead.”
“But his brides live.”
“Brides?”
“The so-called Runic Concubines. If the stories are to be believed, they are seeking to find a way of reconstituting their lord and master.” Thanos tapped his cheek. “For myself, I find this to be a bit of frippery. But you know the creature in question better than I.”
Warlock looked away. “There may be something to it.”
“May?”
“I don’t know,” Warlock said tersely.
“You don’t know? Or you won’t say?” Thanos pressed, eyes glittering.
“Move on,” Warlock said.
Thanos stared at him for a moment then grunted. “Fine. The Champion is on the prowl.”
“When is he not?”
“In this case, he’s looking for more than just a fight. He’s searching for the Power Gem, if the reports are to be believed.”
“Is that possible?”
“All things are possible. And yes, the Elders who bore the gems all possess a certain affinity for them. The Champion is no exception. I’m surprised it took him this long, to be honest.”
“Maybe he needs it for some reason…” Warlock mused.
“Perhaps.” Thanos gestured to another screen. “Seventeen planets have vanished from Calabrax System.”
“Vanished?”
“Or moved. There is evidence to the effect from various sensor logs that those planets simply…slipped orbit.”
Warlock was silent for a moment, then said, “Ego.”
“The Living Planet has not been seen in some time. To assume its involvement is premature at best.”
“Perhaps.” Warlock hung his head.
“You are exhausted,” Thanos said. “Your death and resurrection have pushed you to your limits. Rest and we will speak more later.”
“Then you’ve accepted my offer?” Warlock said.
“Of course,” Thanos said. “I have been searching for purpose and yours is as good as any. Plus, it will provide me with an amusing diversion, if nothing else.”
“Good.” Warlock turned, as if to leave.
Thanos raised a hand. “Adam?”
“Yes?” Warlock looked back.
Thanos smiled widely. “It’s good to be on the same side once more, isn’t it?” He paused. “Just like old times.”
Warlock left without replying. Thanos laughed softly and settled back in his chair, watching the screens…watching his new home and planning for the future. He summoned his servo-drone forward.
“Begin recording again,” he said thoughtfully. “Posterity demands that this moment be captured. The day Thanos of Titan decided to save the universe…”
To Be Continued in AVENGERS INFINITY #1!
Previous Issue | Next Issue
Thanos of Titan sat silently in his chair, dark eyes scanning the computer screens arrayed around him like the petals of some great steel flower. Frowning, he gestured and a servo-drone floated towards him.
“Ready to begin recording, Master,” the drone said with artificial cheer.
Thanos grunted and leaned back, his fingers forming a steeple in front of his stony features. His eyes glittered like polished opals as he began to speak. “It has been thirty-six hours since my inevitable return to the embrace of burdensome flesh, and a more interesting span of time I have yet to experience.” He paused. On the screens, life aboard Infinity Station continued. Repair work on the damaged hull, defense upgrades and system recalibrations occupied the majority of the station’s crew.
“The process by which Adam Warlock—this reality’s Warlock, I should clarify—usurped the shape of his dark mirror is still a mystery, even to me. I have theories, of course.” Thanos closed his eyes and made a sound that might have been a laugh before opening them again. On one of the screens, Adam Warlock stood surrounded by a group of alien diplomats, listening intently to whatever they were saying.
“He has thus far refused to be examined under controlled conditions, but certain factors are obvious. His current form is still, as yet, in a state of physiological flux. The mirror-Warlock was younger, with less muscle mass and a more highly developed nervous system, including several senses that were, at best, rudimentary in this reality’s Warlock. Adam is…becoming used to these changes, but it is a process.”
Thanos smiled. At a twitch of his fingers, one of the computer screens moved towards him, bringing another part of the station into view. “Gamora and Pip have also been returned, their souls deposited back into their rightful husks by the magnanimous Warlock.” On one side of the screen, Gamora stood, arms wrapped around herself, watching the stars. On the other, Pip forced his way through the crowds on the common deck, a jug of wine in one hand and the other wrapped around the hips of a scantily clad alien woman. “How this experience has left them, I cannot say. I do not like to speculate.”
He gestured and the screen retreated, making way for another, which showed the outside of the station, where Nova was overseeing the repairs to the areas damaged in the Shi’ar attack. “The last remaining member of the Nova Corps appears to be taking his duties as seriously as ever. The boy has incalculable power at his command, but his mindset remains that of a vigilante from a galactic backwater. Broadening his horizons will be an imperative part of my new…responsibilities.”
Thanos watched Nova for a moment more before waving his hand, bringing forward another screen. “Danvers, on the other hand, is thriving. Mar-Vell always did have the most interesting taste in women.” Ms. Marvel hovered several miles from the station, arms crossed, features set as she faced down a number of Shi’ar battle cruisers. “As with Rider, her power levels are suitably impressive in regards to the coming difficulties, yet she carries herself with a military precision worthy of my oldest and dearest adversary. A formidable woman.”
As Thanos watched, Ms. Marvel waved a hand and two figures floated forward. One, the Praetor of the Shi’ar Imperial Guard, better known as Gladiator, looked groggy. The effects of Warlock’s karmic blast lingered, obviously. The other figure interested Thanos more.
He frowned slightly, as if choosing his words with care. “Genis-Vell is…an enigma.” The newest bearer of the title of Captain Marvel thrust Gladiator forward, allowing the crimson-clad warrior to drift towards the Shi’ar cruisers. Genis’ skin crackled with a starburst pattern as he mimicked Ms. Marvel’s pose, crossing his arms and glowering.
“His powers are, like Warlock’s, in a state of flux, as if his access to them is tenuous. At times he reminds me of his father; at other times almost of myself in my more unbalanced moments.” Thanos rubbed his jaw. “He, besides my darling ward Gamora, is the most vocal opponent of my presence and part in Warlock’s grand design. I find myself strangely comforted by this.”
The screen sank back, replaced by one displaying an enclosed atrium. A number of trees rose from the soft soil and among them, a green-skinned woman sat in a meditative pose, eyes closed. “The Cotati, those that survived Genis’ return to this reality, are being nursed back to health aboard the station by their former mouthpiece, Mantis. The woman intrigues me. She is, at once, both the most engaging and infuriating being…by turns confusing and calculating.”
On the screen, Mantis’ eyes flickered open and she looked up, as if she could see Thanos watching her. He leaned forward, teeth bared in a grin. Abruptly, the screen blinked out. He sat back with a sniff. “She bears further study, regardless.”
He hesitated, considering. “Adam has, as is his wont, brought together a group of diverse and ridiculously powerful entities for a goal not yet revealed. Myself included.” Thanos sat back, tapping his fingers contemplatively. “I admit, Adam has perhaps played on my vanity in this instance. His reasoning, however, was sound.”
He closed his eyes, recalling the conversation on the day of his arrival to Infinity Station. Warlock had been quite persuasive.
Simply, he had offered Thanos the opportunity to act as the strategist for Warlock’s campaign to bring order to a suffering universe…a grand campaign that would, in all likelihood, pit Warlock and his followers against every single power in the known galaxy.
Thanos had found himself unable to resist the challenge. He had not given Warlock an answer, instead offering to make an assessment of what awaited him should he follow through with his chosen course. It had been informative, and not a little amusing to see what state the galaxy currently rested in. A sea of opportunity, for one with the foresight to navigate it. Behind him, the door hissed open. Thanos didn’t turn.
“I was wondering whether you would be here,” Warlock said, leaning on his staff. He was wrapped tightly in his cloak and looked ill or tired or both.
“Where else would I be?” Thanos asked, not looking away from his screens. “This affair is hardly ended because you successfully engaged in fisticuffs with that dolt Gladiator, by the by.”
“Possibly…though that successful conclusion does lend itself to several possible avenues of exploration.” Warlock frowned. “You know as well as I do that the Shi’ar are stretched too thin to actually make good their threat. Gladiator was their trump card.”
“Hmm.” Thanos smiled. “Possibly. I have done as you asked.”
“And?”
“Where to start,” Thanos said. “You are correct in your assertion that the Shi’ar are, to use the Terran phrase, a paper tiger. Within the immediate sphere of their power—the Nest Worlds, especially—they are without peer. But in the wake of recent events, their colony worlds have begun testing the limits of Imperial authority. Their military has been bled white and is unable to respond as effectively as Lilandra might wish.”
“The Imperial Guard?”
“Stretched thin. One or two guardsmen might be able to pacify a world, but there are hundreds of worlds which are technically under Shi’ar dominion.” Thanos interlaced his fingers. “The odds of a concentrated assault by them are statistically insignificant.”
Warlock relaxed slightly. “Well, that’s something of a relief.”
“I thought you might like that,” Thanos said.
Warlock smiled crookedly. “The Skrulls?”
“Religious war; a schism between the state religion and the marginalized worshippers of the old skrullian gods.” Thanos shook his head slightly. “Far different from the usual dynastic nonsense they engage in. It is singularly vicious. I have little doubt that it will spill out into the surrounding systems.”
“Unfortunate,” Warlock said. “Suggestions?”
“Watch and wait. A weakened Skrull Empire is a tolerable Skrull Empire, as the Kree might say.”
“Speaking of which…”
“Ha. Yes. That depends on which part of the Kree Empire you mean.”
“Which part?” Warlock blinked.
Thanos gestured and brought forward a screen depicting multiple star systems, each colored a different hue. “At the moment, there are no fewer than four claimants to the title of Imperator, as well as the Senate, which is holding Hala.”
Warlock’s eyes widened. “The Supreme Intelligence?”
“Unknown,” Thanos said flatly. “Which is bothersome, from our point of view.”
“Extremely.” Warlock leaned forward on his staff, head bowed. “Still, it could be worse.”
“I’m not done yet,” Thanos said, with something approaching glee.
Warlock looked sharply at him. “Go on.”
“There are numerous reports of raiders appearing and disappearing throughout the Break-Worlds. They appear, pillage and vanish before the planetary authorities can respond.”
“That’s nothing new…”
“They’re being led by Blastaar.”
“Blastaar?” Warlock closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose between two fingers. “The Negative Zone is—”
“Still spilling into our reality, yes,” Thanos said. “Yet another thing we have to thank the late, unlamented Annihilus for.”
“Perfect.”
“Speaking of which…”
Warlock looked at him silently. Thanos chuckled. “There are rumors that he’s returned.”
“Where?”
“The Brood Worlds. Apparently there’s something of a civil war going on there as well,” Thanos said. “Too, thanks to your dark mirror, we have numerous reports of activity related to Rune.”
Warlock flinched. “Rune is dead.”
“But his brides live.”
“Brides?”
“The so-called Runic Concubines. If the stories are to be believed, they are seeking to find a way of reconstituting their lord and master.” Thanos tapped his cheek. “For myself, I find this to be a bit of frippery. But you know the creature in question better than I.”
Warlock looked away. “There may be something to it.”
“May?”
“I don’t know,” Warlock said tersely.
“You don’t know? Or you won’t say?” Thanos pressed, eyes glittering.
“Move on,” Warlock said.
Thanos stared at him for a moment then grunted. “Fine. The Champion is on the prowl.”
“When is he not?”
“In this case, he’s looking for more than just a fight. He’s searching for the Power Gem, if the reports are to be believed.”
“Is that possible?”
“All things are possible. And yes, the Elders who bore the gems all possess a certain affinity for them. The Champion is no exception. I’m surprised it took him this long, to be honest.”
“Maybe he needs it for some reason…” Warlock mused.
“Perhaps.” Thanos gestured to another screen. “Seventeen planets have vanished from Calabrax System.”
“Vanished?”
“Or moved. There is evidence to the effect from various sensor logs that those planets simply…slipped orbit.”
Warlock was silent for a moment, then said, “Ego.”
“The Living Planet has not been seen in some time. To assume its involvement is premature at best.”
“Perhaps.” Warlock hung his head.
“You are exhausted,” Thanos said. “Your death and resurrection have pushed you to your limits. Rest and we will speak more later.”
“Then you’ve accepted my offer?” Warlock said.
“Of course,” Thanos said. “I have been searching for purpose and yours is as good as any. Plus, it will provide me with an amusing diversion, if nothing else.”
“Good.” Warlock turned, as if to leave.
Thanos raised a hand. “Adam?”
“Yes?” Warlock looked back.
Thanos smiled widely. “It’s good to be on the same side once more, isn’t it?” He paused. “Just like old times.”
Warlock left without replying. Thanos laughed softly and settled back in his chair, watching the screens…watching his new home and planning for the future. He summoned his servo-drone forward.
“Begin recording again,” he said thoughtfully. “Posterity demands that this moment be captured. The day Thanos of Titan decided to save the universe…”
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To Be Continued in AVENGERS INFINITY #1!
Previous Issue | Next Issue