Earth-717: Avengers Vol 1 Chapter 10: Suicide Mission “My, my, my! To have so many of our friends together in the same place! I know that it is under quite distressing circumstances, but still, it's wonderful to have such a congregation!” Steve, Tasha, Thor, Bruce, Carol, Reed, Susan, Johnny, Ben and Herbie were all in one of the hangars on board the Valiant. The Rogue One had been moved from the Senatorium to the Valiant earlier that day, and Tasha had finished installing her new upgrade to the ship. Hundreds of other Nova pilots and officers were moving around the hangar, preparing for the battle ahead. Herbie bounced up and down as he looked around at the group. “To see the Fantastic Four ready to go into battle alongside such brave and noble heroes like yourselves! It is truly remarkable, is it not, Doctor Richards?” “It sure is,” said Reed. “You've got quite a team.” “Put it together at the last minute,” said Tasha. “Since somebody decided that they wanted an interstellar vacation at the worst possible time.” “Hey!” said Johnny. “Wasn't my fault! Blame these guys! I just went along for the ride!” Ben gave Johnny a light smack on the back of the head. “Nobody asked you, junior.” Johnny grumbled as he tried to fix his hair. Reed laughed before looking back Steve. “Don't suppose you'd like to tell me how I'm standing across from Captain America?” “I guess that a man of science like yourself would be interested in that sort of thing,” said Steve. “It's a bit of a long story, but I'll tell you the whole thing after we finish this.” “I'll accept that.” A voice then came in through the loudspeakers. “The fleet will be moving out in ten minutes,” said the voice. “I repeat, the fleet will be moving out in ten minutes. Please make all final preparations.” “Time to go,” said Carol. The heroes all piled in to the Rogue One. Carol took the pilot's chair, and Johnny scrambled to get in the passenger seat. The rest of them took positions inside the main compartment. Herbie then floated up to Bruce. “Doctor Banner?” “Yes?” “I have been meaning to ask you . where is ROB? Did he not accompany you on this endeavour?” Bruce froze. He took a few seconds to think to himself as Herbie waited for an answer. Bruce then looked down. “ROB . I, I'm so sorry, Herbie. ROB is gone.” Herbie turned his head to the side. “What?” “After we left the Baxter Building, we went to a bunker. An Air Force base. There was a fight, and . ROB saved my life. He saved Betty. He saved everyone. But he didn't make it.” Herbie slowly lowered his head. “I'm sorry,” said Bruce. “I know he was your friend. He was mine too.” Herbie looked back up. “But he died . a hero?” “Yes.” Herbie gently bounced up and down. “Good.” Herbie then turned away and floated over to Reed. Ben and Steve were standing right behind the cockpit seats. “So this is that doodad you was cookin' up with the Air Force, huh, Danvers?” asked Ben. “Nice ship. Love to put her through her paces, but I definitely won't fit in that seat.” “Just wait until you see what I can do with her,” said Carol. Tasha stepped up between Ben and Steve. “You know, when we were walking in here, I saw that Carol here had a little hip in her step,” said Tasha, giggling. “I think I know what that means.” Without missing a beat, Carol gave Tasha a deadpan reply. “I didn't see one in yours. I think I know what that means.” Tasha flared her nostrils as she realized that she did not have a clever retort. Carol smugly smiled as she flew the Rogue One out of the hangar. The fleet that had been amassed was massive, including thousands of Nova and Kree ships from all over the galaxy. The fleet was spearheaded by the two capital ships, the Valiant and the Executor. There were numerous smaller warships, heavy cruisers, support ships, troop transports and starfighter squadrons. Carol took the Rogue One to the head of the fleet, placing the fighter between the two capital ships. She briefly glanced over at the Executor, where she knew Mar-Vell was currently stationed. As they waited for the final go ahead, Reed stood up and spoke. “Everyone.” All the people inside the ship turned to look at Reed. “I have something I need to tell you all.” “What is it?” asked Susan. “If we . when we win this, the Infinity Gem will still exist. If we stop Veranke, we'll have to deal with it. It's a cosmic artifact of unimaginable power, and I don't necessarily think we can entrust it to just anyone.” Reed sighed and glanced at Susan for a moment before he continued. “I can't explain everything just yet. I'm not even sure if I completely understand it myself. But when Herbie and I went to Satriani, when we discovered the origin of the Keystone . let's just say that I know where that Gem needs to be. When we recover it, give it to me, and I will make sure that I get it to a place where no one will ever use its power to harm anyone else ever again.” Reed exhaled. “I hope you all can trust me to do that.” Susan reached out and placed her hand on Reed's arm. “Of course we can,” she said. “I trust you more than anyone, egghead,” said Ben. “You know that.” “Who else would we give it to?” asked Johnny. “Can't give it to Ben.” “We trust you,” said Bruce. “You seem to be an honourable sort,” said Thor. “And I trust the judgements of your associates, Doctor Richards.” Steve nodded. “If you think you can rid the galaxy of the threat of the Keystone, then I say go for it. We're with you, Reed.” Reed nodded back to Steve and then sat down next to Susan. Herbie performed an aerial somersault. Carol then looked back at her control console as the video screen lit up. Nova Prime was on the other end. “All ships, this is Nova Prime, broadcasting on the shared frequency. The fleet is in position and the interstellar coordinates for the Sol System are locked. Prepare for warp jump on my mark.” Carol primed the warp core. “Come on,” she said. “Time to go home.” “Mark!” The Rogue One and the entire fleet all went to warp speed at the same time, and the thousands of ships all rocketed across the galaxy, heading straight for Earth. * * * * On board the Exile's Intent, Veranke was sitting in her throne room, with her Keystone necklace back around her neck. The defensive matrix generated by the Cyberex Device was at full strength, and her fleet of Pariahs were in formation around the planet. Torgo was standing at her right side, and Bishop Grixx was on her left. A holographic image of General De'Lila was in front of her. “The last of the Pariahs are taking their positions,” said De'Lila. “I've coordinated them, and they will be ready to defend the planet from all incursions. I've received reconnaissance data saying that the Nova Corps and the Kree may be joining their fleet strength together and preparing for an assault. If so, we'll be ready for them.” “Thank you, General,” said Veranke. “Alert me to any further developments.” De'Lila gave a short bow before her hologram faded. Three Skrulls then walked into the room from the far side entrance. Kl'rt and Criti Noll were there, as well as a Skrull that stood four metres tall and was wearing blue battle armour. This was Titannus, a Skrull known for his incredible strength and prowess as a gladiator. “I expect we'll be hearing from the Nova Corps and the Kree sooner rather than later,” said Veranke. “When the time comes, we'll be ready.” “As you say, my Queen,” said Kl'rt. Criti slashed her blades against each other. “Can't wait,” she said. Titannus roared. Grixx shook his head. “Are you certain, my Queen?” Veranke looked at Grixx with an unimpressed face. He then started to walk towards her front, taking a place amongst the Skrull warriors. “The assault on Xandar failed. Two of your Military Cabinet are dead. And now there's word of an alliance between the Nova Corps and the Kree? I've watched you grow since you were a child, and I've always tried to help you. What I'm saying is that I don't know if this blockade you've built is the most . .” Veranke glared at Grixx as a beam fired out of the Keystone. It struck Grixx, and he instantly exploded into dust with a brief scream. Veranke's face did not move at all. Everyone else in the room, especially Torgo, looked at the place where Grixx used to be with shock. After a couple seconds of silence, Veranke then faced forward. “Would anyone else like to question my tactics?” Kl'rt, Criti and Titannus all shook their heads. Torgo remained silent. “Good,” said Veranke. The holographic indicator blinked again, and De'Lila's hologram reappeared. “My Queen! I was right. There's a fleet coming. Nova Corps and Kree ships. They're here!” Veranke smirked.