ANNIHILATION

Part III: Alliances

By Mitch Crane

In orbit above Eldrin, Kess-Ler system, Greater Magellanic Cloud, Kree Empire
61 days post Annihilation day.

“Oh crap,” exclaimed Quasar.

Just minutes before, he had lead Kree forces in a retreat from the surface of the planet Eldrin, only to have them surrounded by deadly Annihilation Wave forces in space. Every escape route was blocked, meaning there was no room to jump to hyperspeed. Already the Wave forces were opening fire, blasting Kree ships to pieces.

Krag the Kronan Nova Centurion rocketed to Quasar’s side, “What are your orders?”

“Tell them all they can do is fight; concentrate their fire on one specific point. Maybe they can break through.” It wasn’t much of a plan but it would have to do.

He looked to the Spaceknight Rom, “If I hadn’t saved you down there you would have missed all this excitement,” he laughed, though he really didn’t feel like laughing. In truth he was bone weary, and thinking pretty low of himself.

In the past two months he’d done a fairly lousy job as Protector of the Universe. Epoch, his cosmic benefactor, had ceased communicating with him not long into the invasion, and he’d been on his own ever since.

“Quasar did you hear me?” asked Rom, and Wendell realized the Spaceknight had said something, “I said we’re going to get slaughtered before we break through their defenses.”

Quasar surveyed the scene, immediately spotting Annihilus’ flag ship. That was the scene of Adam Warlock’s murder. He had to fight back the urge to charge in there like a maniac and take the powerful insect on again. He was too damn powerful.

Perhaps a Herald of Galactus could take him, but only one had presented himself during the battle, and Terrax had disappeared again soon after. Suddenly he realized he had one powerful ally left, albeit a hostile one.

He grabbed Rom by the arm, “Come on Spaceknight, time for a jailbreak.”

With that the pair disappeared in a flash of golden light.

The Quantum Zone

They reappeared moments later in a realm of glowing yellow energy. The only thing around them was yellow light, much like the quantum energy Quasar used to form his constructs.

“Welcome to the Quantum Zone,” stated Quasar.

“Why are we here?” asked Rom, “If this is a retreat…”

“It’s not a retreat Rom. Do you really think I would run away and leave all those people to die?”

“Then why come here?”

“We’re just here to pick up a friend…well not so much a friend as a hostile enemy whom I’ve kept locked up against their will for some time.

He clutched Rom’s arm once more and the pair teleported somewhere else in the Zone. It all appeared identical to the Spaceknight though, so he hoped Quasar know what he was doing. A second later the cyborg’s sensor’s went off the charts and he spun about to find himself face to continent sized faze with a giant purple planet.

“Ah my jailer,” boomed Ego the Living Planet, “come to taunt me?”

“Explanations are in order Quasar,” demanded Rom.

“A while back there was this drama on Earth and it was turned into an alien prison colony. Long story short Ego was reduced to spore form and sent to Earth, where he started to consume the planet. In the end I was forced to take him into my own body at the cost of never being able to step foot on a planet again, lest he take root. Eventually I realized the Quantum Zone would serve as a much more effective prison. It would seem in his time here he’s reformed to his old body.”

“Ego has lived through millennia alone in the cold of space, my time here does not concern me,” stated the planet, its giant voice blowing the pair back with each gust.

“Really? Seems like planets live the five stages of loss out of order then. First it was anger, then bargaining, and now denial.”

Ego sighed, which created the equivalent of hurricane forced winds in the pair’s direction. “I grow weary of this.”

“Cheer up Ego, today’s your lucky day. I’m going to set you free.”

In orbit above Eldrin

Krag the Kronan Nova Centurion had faced terrible odds before, once even stumbling into a nest of angry space dragons, but never before had he felt certain he was going to die.

Hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of Annihlation Wave ships surrounded them on all sides. A veritable swarm or living ships, hungry for blood. He didn’t know why they wanted to kill everything in the universe, but he sure as hell going to stand in their way, no matter what.

“Come and get us…” he began to scream, but was suddenly cut short as a giant flash of golden light blinded him.

When the spots left his eyes he found his view blocked by a planet! A second later Quasar and Rom appeared beside him.

“All right Ego, do your thing. Just like we agreed!” yelled Quasar.

“Very well Quasar, but we shall have a reckoning, I promise you,” boomed Ego.

With that the Living Planet rocketed into the mass of alien ships, roaring with all the rage and pent up frustration of his imprisonment. His sheer mass alone was enough to destroy many of the ships, but he added to this assault by blasting off pieces of his own mass in all directions. The pieces acted like giant stone missiles, ripping through Annihilation Wave forces like they were made of paper.

The three were so in awe of the display of power that for a moment they failed to realize they were wasting precious time.

“Tell the ships to move now!” yelled Quasar, and both Spaceknight and Nova Centurion began sending communications throughout the fleet.

Kree ships took advantage of the opportunity and rocketed through the opening created by Ego. A moment later they reached the fold in warp space that made this system so precious and rocket away to hyperspace. Not waiting to see the outcome of the battle between Ego and the Annihilation Wave the three mismatched warriors quickly followed.

The surface of Eldrin

Ravenous watched on from the planet’s surface as the battle raged. He was tempted to race up into space and kill Terrax, who had humiliated him so, but he knew Annihilus would have already defeated the foolish Herald.

The Herald had discovered his weakness, that he drew his power from his curr through an umbilical leash. Sever the least and he was essentially helpless. Annihilus didn’t trust his Seekers with such power, instead committing the ultimate insult by blessing beasts with the Essence instead.

“Ravenous, what are you doing?” asked one of his Seekers.

What a sight he must have been; covered in blood, meat hanging from his lips and the corpse of his curr at his feet with most of its flesh gone.

“Just living up to my namesake,” he grinned, swallowing a chunk of curr flesh. Before the Seeker could reply Ravenous blasted him through the chest.

For the first time the power felt like it was truly his. It surged through his veins, energizing every molecule.

He eyed the dead Seeker’s curr hungrily and smiled.

Chamber of the Supreme Intelligence, Kree-Lar, Greater Magellanic Cloud 63 days Post Annihilation Day

Two days later, the Supreme Intelligence, living super computer and ruler of the Kree gathered together its greatest generals, as well as Quasar, Rom and Krag to discuss the situation.

“If we had kept the Living Planet as an ally rather than abandoning it…” one general began to argue, but Quasar cut him off.

“Ego would never work with us,” he said, “the only reason he even helped us this time was because I freed him from prison. Furthermore, he would have had to fight his wave through the Wave to get free anyway.”

“The Kree no not need to likes of Ego to aid us,” stated Ronan proudly.

“Kree stubbornness along won’t hold back the Wave,” replied Quasar.

“The Terran is correct,” agreed the Supreme Intelligence, who was essentially a giant head floating in a tank of fluid. Dozens of tentacles, giving the appearance of hair, writhed around it like snakes. “I calculate our current forces alone will not be sufficient to hold back the Annihilation Wave.”

“It is the advice of the Xandarian Worldmind that you evacuate Kree-Lar immediately,” stated Krag. The Nova Corps had recently been ravaged by Galactus’ terrible siblings, Tenebrous and Aegis, and could only spare a handful of Centurions to aid the Kree. Two centurions, Kree Pa-Lann and Shi’ar Forzel, were the first victims of Annihilus’s Soul Gem. Krag had come later, and rued not being there to help his comrades.

Ronan and many of the other generals laughed at the Nova’s suggestion, “Evacuate? Kree do not flee Stone Man.”

“What about alliances?” Asked another general, “Surely the Spartoi or the Rigellians would reconsider?”

“None will come to the Kree’s aid,” said the Supreme Intelligence grimly, “That is the price we pay for our choices.”

“Just because other races won’t come to your aid doesn’t mean there is no aid out there,” stated Quasar. Having Ego aid them in their battle had given him an idea.

“What do you suggest?” asked Ronan haughtily.

“The universe is full of extremely powerful beings. I’m sure Eternity must be looking down upon the loss of so many worlds with concern. And Galactus can’t be happy losing so many good meals…”

“Are you mad or just simple Terran?” snapped Ronan, “you would have us appeal to the Devourer or worlds for aid?”

“Not just Galactus,” sighed an exasperated Wendell, “There are a multitude of potential allies out there.”

“Your plan has merit Terran,” said the Supreme Intelligence, its deep voice resonating deep within the man’s chest, “I calculate the Kree would be unsuccessful in this course of action. You however, as emissary of Epoch, may have more success.”

“I’ll do what I can Supremor,” replied Wendell with some trepidation. The task before him was going to be more challenging than he let on. He hadn’t heard from Epoch since the beginning of the war. This wasn’t the first time his cosmic benefactor had gone silent, she often chose to minimize her interference unless absolutely necessary, but now he was starting to worry.

“I shall consolidate our forces and prepare for the Wave’s arrival, rather than waste time chasing fairy tales,” grumbled Ronan.

Ten minutes later, outside

“Are you really doing this boy?” asked a skeptical Krag.

“So I guess you don’t think it’s worth pursuing either,” sighed Quasar.

“Where are these powerful beings?” Krag shrugged, “if they had such a stake in the universe wouldn’t they have come forward already?”

“He does have a point,” agreed Rom, who was still slightly bitter Wendell hadn’t let him die.

“You guys don’t get it; the worlds defiled by the Annihilation Wave are only a drop in a bucket compared to the size of the universe. To folks like Galactus or the Celestials that’s not worth getting out of bed for. We need to convince them.”

“We?” asked Rom.

“Of course, you’re coming with me,” stated Quasar like it was a matter of fact. In truth he knew Rom was itching to fight, and maybe to die, on the frontlines. He’d rather keep the Spaceknight where he could see him.

“And what am I, crushed gravel?” asked Krag.

“I need you here, keeping Ronan and his stick-in-the-muds from doing anything that would doom the Kree,” secretly, he didn’t want to bring him along in case the brash Kronan caused problems when they went seeking allies.

“Xandar wouldn’t want me running around on a fool’s errand anyway I guess,” said the Centurion gruffly. The bawdy Nova was disappointed but wouldn’t dare say it out loud.

“Thanks Krag. I’m counting on you,” he placed a hand on Rom’s shoulder, “let’s go Spaceknight.”

The pair vanished in a flash of golden light, the quantum leap taken them to parts unknown.

The Mists of Time

Untold millennia ago the cosmic entities Eternity and Infinity produced a child, Eon. Eon, the culmination of his parents’ power, swore to defend life and time, in honor of his parents. Quasar was the latest in a long line of Protectors appointed by the cosmic being. Each one, save his predecessor Captain Marvel, were bestowed with the Quantum bands, and all the responsibilities they entail.

Several years back, not too long after Wendell accepted the role of Protector of the Universe, Eon was killed by the villain Maelstrom. For years he felt guilty over letting Eon down, the being had done so much for him, and yet he failed to live up to his fundamental duty as a protector.

Almost immediately after Eon’s death Epoch was born from her father’s body (the family dynamics of cosmic beings took some time to get your head around) and continued his legacy. Over the years she had provided him with guidance, using her cosmic awareness to save many lives. She restrained though, from interfering unless necessary, but Wendell was certain she would have contacted him by now.

And thus his first destination was Epoch’s pocket dimension, named the Mists of Time. Epoch never left the ethereal sub-plane, though she some times sent replicates of herself into universe. Due to this, Quasar was surprised to find the pocket dimension completely empty.

“What is this place?” asked Rom. His scanners detected nothing; no air, no atoms, nothing. It was as if they were no where.

“This is a dead end,” replied Quasar grimly.

Where was she? Did she leave her dimension by choice, or was she taken? If she was taken, what could possibly have that kind of power?

Undisclosed location

While armies fought and died, they worked. While Annihilus devoured souls like a hungry beast, they toiled. While Quasar sought desperately for aid, they plotted.

In the darkest, most remote part of the universe, the Celestials labored, manufacturing their masterpiece. More Celestials than had ever been seen before in one place worked upon their grand schemes, content everyone in the universe would be too occupied with the upheavals they had seeded, to realize the real threat.

System 4680, Greater Magellanic Cloud

Annihilus stood proudly upon his newest command ship, the living planet the cowardly Kree had unleashed upon his forces. An entire planet was most fitting for a ruler of his stature, he believed.

The sudden appearance by the living planet had certainly come as a surprise, and the formidable entity had devastated his forces, but they were but a handful compared to what he had spread across the galaxies.

In was in that moment that he had discovered a new use for the Soul Gem embedded in his forehead. Not only could in blindly devour any soul within reach, but he could look deep into the souls of others and dominate them. He had done so with Ego, grabbing a hold of his ancient soul eager to wrench it from its mortal coil and gorge on it. As he had done so though, he heard it screaming and ordered it to be silent. Surprisingly, it obeyed.

In an amazing act of charity, he allowed Ego to keep his soul, crushing the planet’s will beneath his own. Millions of souls surged through his body, many of them victims from his mighty war, and with each one he grew stronger. Added to this was the power of the Essence, making him truly a god.

His people swarmed over the surface of the living planet; a mobile staging ground capable of transporting billions of troops. First the Essence, a gift given to them by the great Space Gods, then the Soul Gem, and now this living planet. It was beyond certain this was meant to be; the positive matter had to be cleansed, so the Negative Zone could expand once more.

Not everything had gone his way though; Ravenous and his Seekers had disappeared, and his scientists still hadn’t succeeded in unlocking the secret of the Power Cosmic. He cursed the Heralds, having half a mind to devour their miserable souls right now. He didn’t though; they still had their uses.

The Annihilation Wave swept ever forward, destroying anything living in its way, burning a path of destruction towards Kree-Lar. The capital of the Kree Empire had always been their target; kill the heart and you kill the body. So it came as a shock to all the order came to change direction.

The Devour of Souls could sense a power, something distant and yet bright and burning. He yearned for all power, but this power called to him most of all. And so the might of the Annihlation Wave was steered away from Kree-Lar, away from the forces readily preparing for an unwinnable war.

Elsewhere, pocket dimension

Quasar and Rom materialized in a darkened room, the Spaceknight hitting the ground and rolling, while the Protector frantically swatted the flames from his cape.

“What in Limbo made you think Terminus, a being dedicated to destroying life, would wish to help us?” groaned Rom incredulously, as he rose to his feet.

Wendell shrugged, “I knew we wouldn’t be in with much of a chance, but I didn’t think it’d shoot us on sight.”

“Quasar, is this really the best use of our time…”

He didn’t get a chance to reply though, as all around them five figures were suddenly illuminated. They were the Elders of the Universe; Grandmaster, Runner, Collector, Champion and Gardener. An extremely powerful cabal of alien beings, each one was dedicated to pursuing their own interest to an almost obsessive level.

“This realm is reserved for the Elders of the Universe, human,” stated an authoritative voice, which belonged to a blue skinned man with white hair, the Grandmaster.

“Elders, I apologize for this intrusion,” stated Quasar, summoning as much tact and diplomacy as he could muster, “I promise you I wouldn’t come here unless times were absolutely desperate…”

Grandmaster raised a hand, silencing the human, “We are a well aware of the Annihilation War human, in fact Collector and I have made a wager on the outcome. Collector is confident Annihilus and his forces will succeed but I have a feeling the positive matter races will overcome the odds.”

“Please Elders, each of you holds power to rival a Herald of Galactus. I come here to beg you aid in the war. The Kree are in desperate need, they have fought valiantly but the Negative Zones forces are too powerful.”

“It has been a mighty war Protector,” said Champion, who dedicated his life to fighting, and more importantly, winning, “your battles with Annihilus and his Seekers will surely become the stuff of legend. The Devourer of Souls would surely make a worthy opponent,” he looked almost wistful.

“The what?” Wendell shook his head, disregarding his strange title for the overlord, “Then join the battle, I can’t handle Annihilus on my own but perhaps with you by my side he can be stopped.”

The Champion breathed a sizable sigh, “Sadly my hands are bound by the wager my fellow Elders have made. I cannot aid either size, lest I interfere with the wager.”

“You won’t help save billions of lives because of a bet?!”

“It is our rules,” stated Collector flatly, distracted by the presence of Rom. “The last of the Spaceknights, such a prize.”

“Not a chance!” scolded Quasar.

“They won’t help us,” said Rom.

“Correct,” replied the Grandmaster, “but I certainly wish you all the best.”

“Screw you! Come on Rom, maybe Galactus or the Celestials will be more helpful.”

The Grandmaster chuckled softly, and Quasar looked at him, questioning, “Is there something you want to add?”

“You won’t find Galactus, and I doubt the Celestials will help you,” replied the blue alien, his smug smile revealing he knew more than he was letting on.

“Why not, they have a vested interest in the universe. They’d want to keep their experiments in tact.”

“That’s where you’re wrong child. The Celestials no longer wish to continue their Great Experiment. Rumour has it they are planning something…big,” his eyes glazed over for a moment, as he considered the possible games he could play.

“Whatever they’re planning, the Annihilation Wave will interrupt their schemes,” countered Quasar, “where can I find them?” Grandmaster shrugged, “I do not know, they have hidden themselves away from prying eyes. You’re a resourceful man, seek them out. Now, be gone.” With a wave of his hand the pair vanished.

When he noticed the Collector’s stern look the Grandmaster shrugged once more, “our wager remains unharmed friend. I did not tell them anything that would be of use against Annihilus.” “I too am concerned about the Celestial’s plans. It does not bode well,” added the Gardener.

Grandmaster dismissed his fellow’s concerns, “We will endure.”

Undisclosed Location

The Celestials stood in unison, admiring their exquisite work. The device towered over the giant aliens and even the most primitive creature would be awed by it and instinctively know it would not bring him good fortune.

Nezzar and Arishem looked to each other silently agreeing; it was almost complete. All they needed was one, final piece.

Ego the Living Planet, Science Lab/Torture Chamber

“Wake up your wretch!” Screamed Terrax, who had finally regained consciousness after two days to find himself chained to a wall with antimatter cuffs.

Fellow former Herald Morg was presently being tortured and studied with various wicked creatures, while Red Shift hung chained and unconscious beside him. He slowly roused, eyeing Terrax with surprise.

“Do you have it?!” screamed Terrax, “Do you have the Ultimate Nullifier?!”

Next Issue: The Celestials’ shocking plan is revealed at last, will Quasar learn the truth before its too late? And Annihilus tears his way though the Majesdanians towards his mysterious target.