Knowhere, the Rip
End of the Universe

“I’m glad you were able to meet with me, Mister Astro. I have heard of your recent exploits and they have me intrigued.”

Vance Astro stood with folded arms. His back was pressed firmly against the metallic doors of the small room. It was in levels adjacent to those he had recently commandeered for the use of his ragtag band of heroes. They had been called Guardians of the Galaxy by the Sarkan people – shortly before their world had been reborn by two of his companions, who were Goddesses in their own right. Vance – also known as Major Victory when in the field – found this title to be the source of much pride but also of much responsibility. It ringed with familiarity that he couldn’t understand. Narrowing his dark hazel eyes, the muscular man bore an expression of concern and incredulity. Vance felt as though he awaited the chastisement of his headmaster. It was a tone that gave that impression.

Unfolding his arms so that they now rested on his hips, he replied. “I was able to make the time in my otherwise busy schedule.” It was an attempt at humour to lighten the tension but there was no recollection of this on his companion’s beady eyed gaze.

Gorani – an alien of an unknown race with unknown jurisdiction – currently watched him intently. Vance understood that his every movement was witnessed and recorded behind the gold-speckled gaze of the gelatinous creature. His voice was deep in the tone of a man’s but there was the uncertainty of a child in the words that he spoke. English wasn’t a language that made him comfortable but for the obvious reasons he was forced to bridge the language barrier presented between the twosome. It was accented in his bizarre native tongue. Vance was grossed out and intrigued by what he witnessed of the green behemoth – its enlarged scalp stretching taller than him.

“Quite,” the creature offered a smile – revealing horrible teeth of the palest yellow.”I was very surprised to hear of the recent events on Sarka from a rival team of heroes during its recent…former troubles. I would be eager to inform you that I have been unable to find little Intel into neither your existence nor that of your companions. Sarka was an uncertain place that was in dire need of guidance but I had expected to find more use of my…our own heroes in this quadrant of the galaxy.”

Vance shrugged his shoulders. “There’s not much I can tell you myself. The Guardians of the Galaxy have no official jurisdiction but we see fit to help those less fortunate than ourselves. We were formed in the spur of the moment and we have remained together by chance. I would consider it fortunate.”

Gorani nodded slowly. “Still, as the Chairperson of the Luminals – our elite response team – I am sure that you can take note of my cautiousness. So much good work has taken place in the years since the formation of the Luminals that I cannot be seen to overlook the sudden appearance of a group of preternatural creatures such as you, especially when a creature such as Drax the Destroyer is amongst you – despite his oddly docile form.”

“I would say that Drax has recently atoned for his sins,” replied the mutant with some hesitation. Drax’s violent attacks and his lack of control had not gone unnoticed by the man but he would note unroll the noose to hang him by admitting the dangers his team may have presented. “Still, I am not overly aware of Drax’s long history but as an amnesia sufferer – either his he. I would consider it best to allow him to continue in his current state of disorientation and docility.”

Gorani smirked. “Quite. I agree with the optimism you present, Mister Astro, but what should occur if he were to remember his past lives and wish to pursue them? I have knowledge of his many sins.”

“If such a day would arrive then we take him down,” muttered the hero darkly.

Gorani cast a similar look across his shoulder as the metallic wall slide apart and revealed two strangers. Striding in the forefront was a seriously handsome man with strong features. His skin was a dark shade of purple and was almost opaque apart from the stern yellow eyes that watched ahead. Pointed indigo hair was held back from his face by the mixed hued pink and red band that matched the rest of his uniform. In similar shades of pink, a woman pale, violet skin and long red dreadlocks followed him. Her eyes glistened dreamily as if she weren’t truly present but her movements – mounted in muscle – were thunderous. Vance wasn’t sure he had encountered any of their races before now.

“I am afraid that I must take the necessary precautions. The fate of the galaxy is truly at stake,” Gorani continued with a patriotism he was not capable off. He had abandoned his own home for the sense of adventure and he now lived through the others under his control. “I have requested that Faze join us. She is a telepath who can help us better understand the man who has been leading these heroes.” His pointed fingers stretched towards the stoic man. “Cynosure is the leader of the current incarnation of the Luminals. He requests he be present for reasons pertaining to Faze’s presence.”

Vance arched his thick brow. “My word isn’t trusted amongst you. It’s hurtful to be in the position of such distrust. The Guardians of the Galaxy had committed no crimes. In the contrary, we have only sought to save lives.”

Cynosure snarled. “It’s your methods that concern us. Sarka was destroyed and reborn. Countless people died under the hands of your team.”

“They were reborn into a greater, more peaceful plain of existence,” Vance corrected him pointedly. Cynosure had a better grasp of the language than Gorani but his words were harsh and emitted in the form of a low hiss.

“One can never been too cautious,” Gorani murmured gleefully as he watched the woman approach the mutant man. He was pleased to watch Vance submit willingly but his suspicions were not eased.

THE TIDE THAT LEFT AND NEVER CAME BACK

Part I: Bargains

By Gavin McMahon

“His mind is a cesspool of confusion but I was able to pick through some of what he has experienced in his life.” Faze’s eyes sprung to life with tentacles of energy as she leaned in closer to him. Her telepathy was a site to behold as the tentacles gripped at his eyes drew memories into her mind. “Aleta is a name that he repeats often in his subconscious.”

Aleta, the name drowned his thoughts as he conjured up the image of the woman in question. She was a buxom blonde with a tight and revealing costume but it was the vulnerability in her eyes – currently laced with tears – that caught his attention. He had known this woman and he had known her intimately. Swaths of honey curls laced her shoulders and drowned much of the darkness of her suit. Her arms reached out towards him as they bade each other a farewell, it was the tenderest experience that he remembered. He snapped back to reality as he watched the coy smile form on Faze’s harsh features.

Her throaty accent continued with its slow droll. “She appears to return some of the memories he lost.” Her smile subsided as she returned to business. “Alpha Centauri seems to draw on some familiarity with him also. It appears to have been his home before he arrived in this timeline.” Faze’s eyes widened as the information seeped into her psyche. “Vance Astro is a time traveller who was transported into this time zone shortly before a battle cost him his life as it did his teammates. The battleground was Alpha Centauri, his home.”

Vance shrugged her off. “Is that enough of my dirty laundry aired?” His voice was angered by her revelations. His amnesia suddenly drifted away to reveal the truth but he was now certain that he had wanted to forget it in the first place.

Fire was all he saw at first but it soon parted to make way for the vivid images that he had blocked out. Charlie-27 – the Jupiterian born mutate and one of his closest allies – had been the first to fall in battle as the fire engulfed them. He remembered the sounds as he choked out Charlie’s name and the despair that overwhelmed him. Vance had only shortly before been separated from Aleta and the others. His heart sunk as he watched the charcoaled behemoth collapse at his feet. Psychokinetically he shielded himself from the heat but he searched on. Martinex the Plutonian crashed past him until he shattered at his feet. Simultaneously, Yondu of Centauri pounced in from his left. Arrows smashed around his feet but were deflected by the shield. Enemies were hidden in the fire but Yondu fell as the others had before him.

Vance was caught in an explosion just as Aleta slipped into his view. Her face was bloodied and her eyes tear-stained. His heart was ripped from his chest as his powers fluxed and through him back through time. Major Victory woke with his shield and no recollection of whom or what he was whilst climbing from the snow in the frozen continent of Antarctica.

Faze seemed to blush. “I apologise for any embarrassment…”

“Embarrassment is not what I feel. I remember the deaths of all I cared about and the destruction of my home more clearly than before,” seethed the time traveller.

“Watch your tongue,” snarled the leader of the Luminals as he stepped forward. Faze subsided his anger as her features became compassionate and feminine; she approached him in his place.

Faze bowed. “I apologise for the hurt you now feel but you do them no justice in running from the truth. You are here for a reason which has not yet been determined and you lead the Guardians to discover that reason.”

Gorani offered a crooked smile. “Quite. I may have a deal for you, Mister Astro.”

Vance let out a low growl as he considered the smug expression that was offered.

Starlin’s
Knowhere, the Rip
End of the Universe

Drax leant across the bar as his hands wrapped around the pint glass before him. He may have watched the woman with tentacles but he did not see her, or the subtle movements of her body that where somewhat reminiscent of the Romany gypsy’s of Earth. His body heaved with every breath and the musculature swayed almost uncontrollably. Drax was a large creature and that alone would have garnered the attentions of the patrons of Knowhere but he was also a creature whose reputation had preceded him, even if he was unaware of what exactly that reputation entailed. It was the narrowed eyes of the anthropomorphic raccoon on the barstool beside him was what concerned him the most. Drax expected people to observe him due to his enormous frame but there was a peculiarity in the gaze of his teammate.

Rocket’s whispers twitched slowly as he slurped on the half pint he had just been handed. His mind was distracted by the need to keep Drax from going berserk and destroying every living person that currently worked and lived on Knowhere. Halfworld had left him pampered and unprepared for the trials that lay ahead of him but he was now certain that there was a hero in him that waited to be freed. Rocket had accomplished victory against the Universal Church of Truth but he was still determined to face something truly defined his life. Catching petty criminals had been his life for so long yet he had played a part in the dissolution of a world in the not so distant past.

“I’d like another when you’re ready, barmaid.” Drax’s growl left no discussion on the matter and the barmaid turned to face him. Her features were contorted the disgust of women who was objectified by a man. Sexism was common even in the outer reaches of the galaxy.

“I hope this hotshot isn’t giving you trouble, Paloma.”

Rocket’s gaze followed that of the green giant until it fell upon two distinctive features that wore identical uniforms of pink. The one who had spoken was a small alien that appeared to be wormlike with a large ovular head. Antennae sprouted from either side until they were conjoined in what appeared to be an orb of energy. Rocket was unable to take his eyes off of the shining light that it presented. His comrade was the more intimidating of the new arrivals but he didn’t speak nor did he seem capable of such an action. He emitted a low growling noise as if he were contributing to his colleague’s words. His body appeared to be made of pale lime rock that as it thumped into the bar.

Paloma brushed her black curls from her face as she turned towards them. “Now, I don’t want no trouble, you here? Brightstorm, Crater, this doesn’t concern you.”

“I think you all heard the lady.”

Vance caused the men – who had assumed offensive positions – to stand down. His voice carried an air of commanding but there was something shaky in his voice in light of the recent revelations. He no longer knew if he had a world to go back to or if anyone he cared about was still around to welcome him back. Lowering his gaze as he stepped aside, the obnoxious and confrontational Cynosure stepped into the forefront of the scene. The two men were side by side as they looked upon their respective would-be brawlers. Vance was annoyed but Cynosure was furious, angered radiated from the dull expression of his yellow eyes.

“Is this how we treat our home? Is this how Luminals act in the public eye?” his words again echoed in the harsh hiss of his species. “It disgusts me that you are so quick to act on your fists.”

Brightstorm slid forward with the agility of a snake as he lined in front of his leader like a child who had been caught drawing on the walls. “I was acting on instinct, Cyn. Do you realise who we have in our home?”

Cynosure stepped forward. “Do you realise the risk that you bring upon us all?” Exhaling heavily, he turned away from the two men and parted with a final order for them to follow. “Get to the War Room.”

Vance agreed. “I assume you two would like to join us also.”

Luminals War Room
Knowhere, the Rip
End of the Universe

“This one does not understand the Alpha Centauri’s civil disputes. War has not yet been achieved nor is it likely to in the near future.”

Mantis did not need to voice her disdain for why they had been gathered in the War Room of the “cosmic Avengers” known as the Luminals. She could hear the thoughts of all the heroes gathered in the room and had no need for their explanatory words but she seemed genuinely confused. Her mind read the less than flattering impression that Gorani shared of them and she had immediately felt a dislike for the alien raise within her. Now, her narrowed gaze watched him with the suspicion that he had previously held for them. Mantis knew more than anyone the dangers that was represented in working with the Luminals, their motivations were of glory and their pride was their personal downfall. Back in her past, she had been a pacifist and the violent methods of the Luminals irked her.

Her long waves of dark hair complimented the olive toned skin of the young Vietnamese woman who had been drastically mutated by the love she had felt for a now-deceased Cotati prince. It was pulled back by a thin lavender band that clearly displayed her face and brought her eyes too life. Mantis tilted her head coyly as she spoke, her eyes fluttered around the room and absorbed all the information that she could from the Luminals. There was nothing specifically dangerous about their plans but she couldn’t be sure that Faze wasn’t tampering with what she saw. Nor could she break Faze’s hold over the Luminals without raising suspicion. Her arms were folded over her purple coated chest as she waited for the chairperson to answer.

“I do not understand myself.”

Mantis gave a soft smile. “How do the Luminals benefit from our help? Or are you hoping that this one and the Guardians are all killed on site?”

“You suspect too much,” growled the green-haired Suspensor as she burst forward in defence of their chairperson. Mantis noticed that she was the only one who chose to defend his possibly shady actions. Suspensor was quick-tempered and a foolish woman on the battlefield who was often driven by impulse rather than tactics and strategy. It was suicidal tendencies that she sensed in Suspensor – the woman was waiting for death willingly so that she could become a higher power as was the belief in her home planet but her faith was shaken by her exposure to external sources.

Gorani smirked. “Quite. I have no ulterior motives, Mistress Powell. I simply want to offer you a chance to prove yourselves worthy of membership into the Luminals, and then you can operate in this quadrant as a team. Under the name of the Guardians of the Galaxy, if you so wish. If you should fail to restore peace then my Luminals will come in and extract you before calming the situation before you are disbanded. We will return Mister Astro to his own time and those of you who are from Earth will return to your respective homes and organisations.”

“You expect us to end a civil war?” droned Beta Ray Bill as he tightened his grip of Stormbreaker. Crater was lurking over his shoulders in an overly intimidating fashion and it took all his might not turn on the rocklike creature. “I fail to see the chance of success when they are all living together in factions as you have said.”

Persephone scowled. “I do not respect the belief that I am someone who can merely be discarded to Earth because a talking piece of primordial goo decrees it out of intimidation.” Her emerald eyes burned with anger, her pride infuriated by the insinuation that she could be so easily removed from her post. She had yet to prove herself amongst the ranks of Ares and Hercules who had attained Avengers membership. Suspensor moved towards her with an aggressive growl as the two women squared up to one another.

“Ladies,” smirked the gelatinous chairperson as he moved between them with a sleazy expression whilst eyeing up the tightly wrapped bodice of the Goddess. “Let’s not argue over the menial details.”

Vance – now in the uniform of Major Victory – stepped forward, his arms again crossed on his chest. “We can stand here arguing or we can take the opportunity to prove ourselves. I’m not fond of how things have come to a head but I’m sure that we can overcome the issues that we now face. Alpha Centauri is my home in the future and something will destroy it and everything I knew. If I had any reason for coming back it was to change what had happened before. We’re going to unite Alpha Centauri before Civil War can break out. We’re going to save the planet.”