New York

The invasion had begun.

Kree forces came from their various worlds, intent on conquering Earth. The message was sent out by Noh-Varr, a member of the Kree race who had been imprisoned on Earth until recently. Once he was released from his captivity, he engineered the release of supervillains from various superhuman prisons, including the Vault, the Cube, the Void and others.

The Imperial Guard of the Shi’ar Empire, sent by Majestrix Lilandra, arrived earlier. A distress signal was sent out by Lilandra’s sister, Deathbird, prior to her capture at the hands of Noh-Varr’s agents. The Guard answered and when they came to Earth, they found themselves attacked by the Avengers, mentally controlled by Noh-Varr and the Plex consciousness. Although the Imperial Guard was able to free the Avengers from Noh-Varr’s control, they were too late to stop the signal.

The Avengers and the Imperial Guard fought side-by-side with other heroes. Reserve Avengers had been called in, as well as heroes local to New York. SHIELD forces had arrived as well to aid in the battle against the Kree. It is one that would not be won easily.

Gladiator and Captain Marvel took to the skies. They used their combined powers high in the Earth’s atmosphere to disable and damage Kree warships as they arrive. Gladiator’s superhuman strength and the heat rays from his eyes make him a one-man army in his own right. His hands tore off the wings of a Kree ship as if it were paper.

Captain Marvel moved faster than the eye can see, fueled by the power of his Nega-Bands. He dodged gunfire from a Kree ship and returned fire with blasts of photonic energy. He pulled the ship from the sky and the Kree onboard evacuate. The ship crashed into the Atlantic. There was a tinge of regret in the mind of Genis-Vell. His father, Mar-Vell, the original Captain Marvel, was Kree. These were his people he now fought against. But Genis’ first responsibility was to the defense of Earth.

On the ground, Captain America lead the charge against the Kree’s infantry. Colonel Nick Fury, the Director of SHIELD, was at his side. He held a machine gun in his hands and emptied round after round into the oncoming Kree soldiers. It had been quite some time since these two war heroes had fought in battle beside each other. For the both of them, it felt good to be in this position once more, knowing they could trust the other with their lives.

Iron Man, Cannonball and Warbird took to the air as well. Although Gladiator and Captain Marvel were the first line of the defense, they took it upon themselves to stop any ships that got past. The Imperial Guard and other airborne heroes aided them in their battle as well. Iron Man’s repulsor arrays were able to cause the most damage to the Kree ships. Cannonball’s kinetic blast field protected him from harm as he punched holes into the ships and tore wings from them. Warbird’s energy manipulation powers ripped into the ships, destroying the guns.

The Vision and Namor, although both possessed of the abilities of flight, reserved themselves to ground duty. They aided in the fight against the infantry. The Vision shifted his density to the hardness of a diamond, making him nearly invulnerable from the Kree attacks. His strength was greatly augmented as well, and the jewel on the center of his forehead allowed him to focus blasts of energy.

Namor’s superhuman strength was all he needed. He was more seasoned in battle than even Captain America, having fought against the Nazi forces in World War II before Captain America’s creation and prior to that, Namor was trained in battle by Atlantean warlords. Although he was famous for his arrogance, the Prince of Atlantis was every bit as good as he bragged he was.

“We have to get to that space station!” said Captain America over the roar of battle. “On the ground, we’re not much help, but we can probably do something if we stop Noh-Varr directly!”

“We’ll need one of those Kree ships then,” said Fury. “Think one of your boys is up for it?”

Captain America simply smiled in response and lifted his hand to his ear. There was an earpiece there and he activated the proper frequency before speaking into it, “Vision, think you can commandeer one of those Kree ships?”

Fury and Captain America turned to see the Vision fly from the field of battle. He flew past Iron Man and Cannonball, towards a ship that was headed directly for him. The Vision shifted his density and became intangible. The ship flew right through him. Once he was inside, the Vision shifted back to his normal density. The flight crew turned to look at him in surprise.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” he said. “If you don’t mind, my companions and I would like to borrow your vessel. Do you have any objections?”

One of the crew members got up and rushed towards Vision. The Vision became intangible and the crew member stumbled as he tried to strike the Avenger. The Vision reached his hand into the man’s chest and then altered his density just slightly. The shock caused the Kree soldier to collapse. The Vision used the energy blasts from his gem to take care of the other two crew members. He pulled the pilot away from his seat and took the controls of the ship, lowering it to the ground. The other Avengers, along with Nick Fury and Gladiator, met him on the ground.

“What are we waitin’ for?” asked Fury.

“I need someone here on the ground, Nick,” replied Captain America.

“Hell with that,” said Fury. “That’s my space station Noh-Varr’s hijacked. Which means I’m part of this little field trip.”

“I’ll lead the charge,” said Gladiator. “You have enough firepower without me and Noh-Varr should be alone up there.”

“Fine,” said Captain America. He turned to the rest of his team. “What are we waiting for? Avengers Assemble!”

EMPIRE

Part V: Above and Beyond

By Logan Polk and Dino Pollard

Ohmphalos

{ Noh-Varr, a Kree vessel has just broken Earth’s atmosphere and is locked on a direct course for the Ohmphalos. }

“That can’t be right,” said Noh-Varr. He moved over to the monitor screen and saw the ship approaching the space station. Oubliette stepped up behind Noh-Varr and placed her hands on his shoulders.

“They’re coming for you, baby,” she said. “Maybe you shouldn’t have sent your prison buddies back to Earth.”

“No, it’s fine,” said Noh-Varr. “Plex, activate the Ohmphalos defenses, blow that ship out of the sky. Even if the Avengers do get past, we’ll have a few surprises waiting for them here. Plus, it’s too late—they can kill me and it still won’t stop the invasion. That signal has probably been bounced to every Kree in the universe by this point. Earth is going to be the capital of the new Kree Empire regardless of what the superheroes have to say about it.”

He turned around and wrapped his arms around Oubliette’s waist. Pulling her close to him, he pressed his lips against hers. She returned the kiss eagerly, allowing her arms to wrap themselves around his neck. He broke the kiss and looked down at her with a smile.

“One way or another, Earth will know what paradise looks like,” he said.

“We’re being fired on,” said the Vision. “Laser arrays.”

“Ohmphalos has numerous defense systems active,” said Fury. “Can you shake the gunfire?”

“I can try,” said Vision. “But there remains a strong probability that we will sustain damages from the attacks.”

“Where’s Wanda when you need her…” muttered Warbird. “Probability is her specialty.”

“That’s okay, battles in space happen to be mine,” said Captain Marvel. He stood from his seat and moved to the airlock. “I’ll see if I can take care of some of those defenses.”

“Would you like me to accompany you?” asked Vision. “My body is able to sustain space travel as well.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I can handle it myself,” replied Captain Marvel. “You just keep this thing flying.”

He stepped inside the airlock and closed it behind him. Once the airlock was secure, the outer door opened and Captain Marvel flew out into the breaches of space. He manuevered around the laser fire and drew it away from the spacecraft. A shield of photonic energy surrounded him, protecting him from the laser fire.

Captain Marvel increased his speed, thrusting towards the gun turrets. Blasts of energy erupted from the shield surrounding his body, vaporizing the guns. He looped around and performed the same task on the other guns surrounding the Ohmphalos. It cleared the way for the Kree vessel to move into the Ohmphalos landing bay and Captain Marvel followed. He landed next to the craft as the Avengers and Fury disembarked.

“Everyone still with us?” he asked.

“We are,” replied Captain America. “Good work.”

“Let’s move out of the landing bay,” said Fury. He led the way over to a pair of double doors. Quickly, he punched in a command on a keypad and the red light above the doors shifted to green. They opened and he motioned for the Avengers to follow him.

“I see tax dollars are going to good use,” said Namor. “An orbiting space station, Fury? Really, isn’t this a bit much?”

“Stuff it, fishboy,” said Fury. “I’m not in the mood.”

“Fishboy?” asked Namor with an eyebrow raised. “You will address me with the respect a ruler demands, Fury.”

“Namor, you are really pushin’ yer luck today…” muttered Fury.

“How about you both shut up?” asked Iron Man. “In case you haven’t noticed, there’s an alien army invading the planet. We don’t have time for this crap.”

“We have to find Noh-Varr, the world leaders and Deathbird,” said Captain America. “We should split up, we can cover more ground that way. I want three teams. Namor, Cannonball and Warbird. Vision and Iron Man are with me. Nick, you and Captain Marvel are together.”

“The question is will stopping Noh-Varr actually stop the invasion,” said Vision.

“We don’t have to worry about that,” said Captain Marvel.

“What do you mean?” asked Cannonball. Captain Marvel simply grinned in response.

“Trust me.”

Shi’ar Imperial Flagship

Lilandra Nermani stood on the deck of her Imperial Flagship. Her sceptre in one hand, her free hand on her hip. She was dressed in the ceremonial armor of the Majestrix, complete with the cape draped around her body. An elder man, dressed in fashionable robes, approached her. Next to him was a man dressed in a uniform.

“Well?” asked Lilandra. “Have you done as I asked, Araki?”

“We’ve established communication on all frequencies,” replied Araki.

“And is the ship in the proper vicinity, Captain?” asked Lilandra.

“It is, Majestrix,” replied the Captain. “We’ve entered the galaxy, we simply await your next move.”

“Thank you, Captain,” replied Lilandra. “Open the communication circuits now and transmit on all frequencies.”

“Transmitting,” said one of the technicians below the platform she stood on.

“This is Majestrix Lilandra Nermani, Lux Gloriana of the Shi’ar Imperium. This message is for all members of the Kree rebellion bound for the planet Earth. Earth is under my protection, any attacks on it will be deemed attacks on my own person and the full force of the Shi’ar Imperial Army will come down upon your heads. Proceed with this invasion only at your own peril.”

Ohmphalos

Cannonball, Namor and Warbird made their way through the bowels of the Ohmphalos. Their search had yet to yield them any positive results, before Cannonball heard the sound of a very familiar voice.

“That’s Deathbird,” he said.

“You’re sure?” asked Warbird.

“Trust me, I’ve never met anyone as self-righteous in complaining as her,” replied Cannonball with a grin. He and Warbird both looked over to Namor. The Prince of Atlantis felt both sets of eyes on him and looked to both of them.

“What?” he asked.

“Well… almost anyone, huh Sam?” asked Warbird with a smile.

“Enough of this,” said Namor. He pushed past his teammates and moved ahead into the detention cells. Only one was occupied and just as Cannonball had predicted, Deathbird was inside.

“You there!” she exclaimed. “Get me out of here!”

“Patience, woman,” said Namor.

“Patience?!” she exclaimed. “Do you know who I am?”

“Yes,” said Namor. “Do you know who I am?”

“Oh for Christ’s sake…” muttered Warbird. She walked up to the cell and slammed her fist into the keypad. The energy field that served as a door for Deathbird’s cell dissipated and vanished. She stood and stepped out of the cell, looking at the three of them. The only one she recognized was Cannonball.

“I see Cyclops finally saw fit to send one of his lackies after me,” she said.

“I’m not with the X-Men anymore,” said Cannonball. “I’m an Avenger now.”

“Hmph…” muttered Deathbird. “Who thought Earth’s so-called mightiest heroes would be in such a dire need for numbers.”

“They’ve never been very picky,” said Namor.

“Guess that explains why you’re here,” said Cannonball.

“I should tear your head off for such insolence!” exclaimed Namor.

“Oh shut up, Namor,” said Warbird. “Learn to take a joke.”

Elsewhere, Captain America, Iron Man and the Vision were exploring another part of the Ohmphalos. As they moved through, Iron Man’s sensors suddenly registered something. He grabbed both Vision and Captain America and pulled them back, moments before a rocket struck the spot they were just on.

“What was that?” asked Captain America.

“How’s that for your answer?” asked Iron Man. He pointed forward and the three Avengers saw one of Earth’s most-powerful leaders step out from the shadows. He was equipped with a rocket launcher and several other guns strapped to his body. He looked at them and hefted the rocket launcher again. The three heroes scattered as the rocket fired.

“I’m going to have to ask you to cease fire, Mr. President,” said Captain America.

“Cease this,” said the President and fired another rocket. Iron Man fired a repulsor blast and destroyed the rocket in midair. Captain America lifted his shield to protect himself from the explosion.

“Mr. President, if you please,” said the Vision.

He hovered towards the President, who fired another rocket. This one passed harmlessly through the Vision, as if he weren’t even there. The President pulled the trigger again, but the launcher was now empty. Captain America stepped forward and hurled his shield through the Vision’s intangible body and it struck the President in his head. Iron Man turned the fallen leader onto his chest and saw a Plex unit on the base of his skull. He pointed his finger at it and a concentrated laser emitted from his fingertip. It struck the Plex unit, destroying it.

“He’ll be fine, just wake up with a headache,” said Iron Man.

“Like we did,” said Captain America. He removed the weapons from the President and hoisted him over his shoulder.

“I’m picking up several readings,” said Iron Man. “The other world leaders are nearby.”

“Let’s just hope they haven’t been equipped as well,” said the Vision.

“This… it’s not possible…” said Noh-Varr. He stood on the observation deck of the Ohmphalos and watched as the Kree vessels changed their course. The ones that were already on Earth were beginning to depart. “Plex, what’s happening?

{ Majestrix Lilandra has just issued a warning—any attack on Earth will be deemed as an attack on the Shi’ar Imperium. The Kree that had already invaded were rebel forces and they had no desire in a full-on confrontation with the Shi’ar. }

“That’s right.”

Noh-Varr and Oubliette turned to see Captain Marvel and Nick Fury step into the room.

“The Kree have been part of the Shi’ar Imperium for some time now,” said Captain Marvel. “Surprised a bright boy like you didn’t brush up on recent events.”

“That uniform you’re wearing…” muttered Noh-Varr. “That was worn by the traitor, Mar-Vell.”

“Yeah, about that…” began Captain Marvel. “I’m his son, Genis-Vell. Pleased to meet you.”

“The son of the traitor,” said Noh-Varr. “What’s wrong with you? You’re Kree yourself. Side with me, redeem your father’s name. Why are you fighting against your own kind?”

“There’s the whole releasing an army of supervillains thing, using your buddy Plex to brainwash me… and you just kinda piss me off,” replied Captain Marvel.

“Then let’s do this,” said Noh-Varr.

He slammed his hands together and a brilliant light emerged. What seemed like golden liquid engulfed Noh-Varr’s body, condensing around his head and arms. It formed a helmet of some sort and in his hands were futuristic types of guns with cords of energy connected to a device on his back. He took aim at Captain Marvel and Fury and fired with both barrels. Captain Marvel pushed Fury out of the path of the blast.

“Looks like we get to see some action after all,” said Captain Marvel. “I’ve got this one, think you can take his girlfriend?”

Fury looked at Oubliette with her own golden gun in her hand and he cocked his handgun.

“With pleasure.”

Captain Marvel rocketed from his spot on the ground and flew towards Noh-Varr. The Kree warrior fired off several energy blasts at the Avenger, but they struck Genis’ forcefield.

“You’ve been pretty quiet this whole time, Rick,” said Captain Marvel. “Any thoughts to share?”

“Just take this bastard out, Marv.”

“Consider it done,” said Captain Marvel. He slammed into Noh-Varr, his fists connecting with the alien’s face. The guns melted off of Noh-Varr’s arms and he grabbed Genis by the throat with one hand and punched him repeatedly with the other. Genis suddenly vanished in a flash of light and rematerialized behind Noh-Varr. He grabbed Noh-Varr and hurled him against the far wall. Before Noh-Varr had a chance to stand again, Captain Marvel had already bathed him in an array of photonic blasts.

Oubliette, meanwhile, was able to dodge Fury’s shots fairly easily. He fired at her with two handguns, but not one bullet could find its mark on her body.

“Stand still, damn you…” he muttered.

“No thanks,” said Oubliette. “Much more fun making you look like the incompetent old bastard you are.”

“Lady, yer startin’ to be a real pain in my ass,” said Fury. “Dunno why you’d sell out your own planet. What did he promise you in return?”

“Paradise,” said Oubliette. “Something the fascists in power you serve never even tried to deliver.”

“Yeah, we’re not perfect,” said Fury. “But you can’t build utopia with the bones of innocent people.”

“Sacrifice is necessary,” said Oubliette.

“Damn, you really are crazy…” muttered Fury. He moved for cover and set one of his guns on the ground. He grabbed some sort of round object from his belt and hurled it at Oubliette. When it struck the ground near her feet, it emitted a brilliant flash of light that temporarily blinded her. Fury rushed in at this point and kicked the gun from her hand. He then slammed the butt of his handgun on the back of her skull.

“Kids,” he said.

Noh-Varr ran up across the ceiling of the space station. His fingernails grew to long, razor sharp claws and he dropped from the ceiling. He slashed at Captain Marvel with the claws, trying to draw blood. At first, Captain Marvel allowed him to appear to get the upper hand. But then he grabbed one set of claws when Noh-Varr went in for an attack and shattered them. He did the same to the other set. He slammed his open palms against Noh-Varr’s chest and fired a blast of energy to send him flying.

Noh-Varr struggled to pull himself to his feet, then he said, “Plex, time for Plan B.”

{ Understood. }

“Plan B?” asked Fury. “What’s Plan B?”

{ Self-destruct sequence initiated. }

“Does that answer your question, Fury?” asked Captain Marvel.

“Aw shit…” muttered Fury. He reached his hand to his earpiece. “Cap, Carol, you guys read me? If you’ve got our people, move to the escape pods. Noh-Varr just initiated the self-destruct sequence on the Ohmphalos.”

“Take my hand,” said Captain Marvel. “We’ll get there faster.”

Fury grabbed Genis’ open hand and the two teleported in a flash of light.

When Fury and Captain Marvel had rematerialized, they arrived at the escape pods. The other Avengers, along with Deathbird and the world leaders arrived shortly after them. They quickly loaded the world leaders into the pods and jettisoned them.

“Where’s Noh-Varr?” asked Captain America.

“Still back there,” replied Fury. “We gotta get movin’, though. Dunno how long this place will hold together.”

“We can’t let him die, though,” said Captain America.

“You guys take the pods, then,” said Captain Marvel. “If I don’t make it out before the place blows, at least I can survive. None of you can.”

“Okay, fine,” said Captain America.

Captain Marvel vanished in a flash of light. When he rematerialized in the observation deck, he could find no trace of Noh-Varr or Oubliette. He saw Plex still floating there, however.

“Where are they?” he asked.

{ It’s too late for them, Genis-Vell. Noh-Varr and Oubliette would not even want your help at this point. Just accept what is and continue on. }

“I’m not leaving anyone to die,” he said.

{ You don’t have a choice. }

Before Genis could open his mouth to speak again, Ohmphalos exploded in a brilliant flash of light.

NEXT: Lost