Van Plexico presents the beginning of the Shi'ar-Kree War!
(The Shi'ar-Kree War, Part 1)
Group Editor: Jess Nevins (this story takes place after Avengers #441)
Prologue
War. It is something the Kree know well. They have fought many wars in the long history of their proud civilization. There was the centuries-long war with the Skrulls. More recently, there was the war with the Shi'ar, which resulted in the annihilation of 98% of the population of the Kree Empire and subjugation of the remaining Kree by the Shi'ar government. In both of these wars, a key role was played by a collection of Earthlings known as the Avengers. The Kree had hated the Avengers' interference in Kree affairs, but now, they long for it.
Hala. Homeworld of the Kree and former seat of the Empire. A world still in shambles after the destruction wrought by the NegaBomb. A world that is unable to rebuild, for now war ravages its surface. The Kree have lived under the rule of the Shi'ar long enough - they long to be free once again! The rebels have engaged in minor skirmishes against the Shi'ar garrisons for months, but now they have the supplies to launch full scale attacks. And they are winning, thanks to the assistance of an Avenger, who also happens to be a Shi'ar. Deathcry has turned against her own people to aid the struggle of those who yearn to breathe free.
In the war room of a hidden rebel base, Deathcry and her fellow freedom fighters hold a heated discussion.
"The factions must unite, or the cause is hopeless!" declares Mar-Shall. "What hope do we have if even the forces on Hala cannot pull together?"
"You are right," replies Ron-Varr. "But how can we pull the factions to- gether, when we have no clear picture of what we are fighting for?"
"We are fighting for freedom! Isn't that enough?" Mar-Shall asserts.
"Ron-Varr has a point," Deathcry observes. "The people need a symbol, some- thing to show them what they are fighting for. Something that represents the Kree, and your ideals."
"I still suspect your intentions, Shi'ar," Mar-Shall notes as he eyes Deathcry cautiously, "but perhaps you are correct. Perhaps we need something to show are fellow Kree that freedom is worth fighting for, that there is hope with our cause. Perhaps we need to raise up one man to be the symbol of our movement, to show others that united we are unbeatable!"
"Who will be that one man, Mar-Shall? You?" asks Ron-Varr.
"The only man I have ever met who can convey the ideas of freedom and hope is Captain America, of the Avengers. But he is no use to our struggle," Deathcry notes.
"Why not?" queries Ron-Varr. "Perhaps you can persuade Captain America and his allies to aid our cause. Surely such a man who is the very symbol of freedom could not turn his back on those who are fighting and dying for it even now?"
"Ron-Varr, must I remind you that these are Avengers we are talking about? Their interference can only lead to our defeat!" Mar-Shall growls.
"Must I remind you that the Avengers sought to prevent the NegaBomb from exploding? They fought to save the lives of billions of Kree! I say we send a delegation to Earth, to request their aid!" Ron-Var replies.
"Very well. Take your delegation," Mar-Shall grudgingly agrees. "I assume you will accompany them, Deathcry?"
"Of course," Deathcry answers. "If any of us has a chance of persuading the Avengers to aid us, it is I."
Chapter One
The Stark family mansion was once a symbol of New York's upper crust. Now, it is a symbol of justice. In fact, there are few who even remember it was once owned by Howard Stark. In the minds of most of the populace, it is simply the headquarters of Earth's mightiest heroes, the Avengers!
Although the manor appears peaceful to the pedestrians strolling past its exterior, inside is quite another story. Captain America, the leader of this mighty assemblage, crouches down, a look of determination on his legendary face. Two large robots loom ever closer to him. Suddenly they release a hail of bullets. Almost simultaneously with the deadly discharge, the Sentinel of Liberty leaps to the air. While the bullets strike the metal floor where Captain America once stood, the Living Legend twists him- self in midair, to land behind his foes. They swiftly whirl to lock on to their target's new location. As they are turning, Captain America throws his legendary shield at the nearer of the two robots. A lifetime of practice ensures that the shield strikes its mark. The unique blend of materials that comprise Captain America's shield make it not only a potent defensive weapon, but a devasting offensive weapon as well. The shield slices through the robot's head effortlessly. The second robot opens fire, but once again Captain America has leapt out of the way. Grabbing his shield in midair, he lands behind a nearby crate. And then... the robot's head explodes.
Captain America rises, indignant. "What went wrong with the robot?" Then he notices the tiny flying figure emerging from the smoking ruins of the practice droid. Yellowjacket flies to Cap and enlarges to normal size.
"Sorry, Cap, but I've got to cut your training exercise short."
"Why, Hank?"
"We've picked up an important radio message for you."
The two heroes stride out of the training room, on their way to the communications room. "I can understand interrupting my training session, Hank," Cap says, "but why did you have to destroy that practice droid?"
"Well, you've been getting on to me for not getting involved in enough training sessions," Hank smiles as they enter the communications room. Jarvis, who has been monitoring incoming calls for Yellowjacket, greets them.
"Thanks, Jarvis. I'll take over now," Yellowjacket says as he sits into the control chair. "I'll patch you through now, Cap."
"Deathcry to Captain America, are you there?" the voice inquires over the speakers.
"Yes, Deathcry, I'm here. What can I do for you?"
"I'll be arriving on Earth within the hour. I'm part of a small Kree delegation. It's imperative that I speak to you."
"Are you in some sort of trouble?" Cap asks.
"I'll explain when I arrive. Can we have clearance to land at the mansion?"
"Certainly. I'll be waiting for you. Captain America out."
Cap turns to Yellowjacket, both men slightly puzzled. "What could a Kree delegation want with you?" Yellowjacket inquires.
"I'm not sure. Quasar said there have been reports of revolution breaking out in the Kree empire... perhaps this is related. See if you can contact Quasar, and have him come to the mansion. Where are the other Avengers?"
"The Vision is here at the mansion - his shift at monitor duty begins in a few minutes," Yellowjacket replies. "I'm not sure where Forge and Ms. Marvel are. Do you want me to contact them too?"
"No, this may be nothing. Let's wait till we know more before we bother everyone else."
Interlude
The Kree borderworlds. The Shi'ar have been served heavy losses recently from the revolutionaries in this sector. On one remote world known as Dapte the resistants have driven the Shi'ar totally off-planet. There are several reasons. One is that these Kree have mutated into superbeings. Some can fly, some have super speed, some are invulnerable. All have superstrength. Another reason is that these super-Kree have allies: the sinister Skrulls, once the Empire's most bitter enemy. But the most important reason for the success of the rebels of Dapte is their leader: the Kree Supreme Intelligence.
The Supreme Intelligence now addresses two trusted lieutenants: Var-Dann and Dok-Kenn. "I have learned that a group of rebels on Hala has sent an envoy to earth to enlist the aid of the Avengers," the Supreme Intelligence booms. "The Avengers have meddled in my affairs too often. I cannot allow them to influence the other rebels before I can gain control of all the rebel forces. You two will take a Skrull strike team to Earth to prevent the rebels from gaining allies from that infernal planet."
"Yes sir," Var-Dann and Dok-Kenn reply as they salute their leader.
"Leave immediately! Earth must not be allowed to interfere with my plans."
Chapter Two
The small Kree cruiser, roughly the size of a quinjet, eases into the landing bay at Avengers mansion. Waiting to greet their guests are Captain America, Yellowjacket, and Quasar. A hatch opens on the side of the cruiser, and Ron-Varr and Deathcry exit. "Welcome back, Deathcry," Captain America says as he steps forward to shake her hand.
"It's good to be back," Deathcry replies. "This is Ron-Varr." The Avengers introduce themselves to Ron-Varr, and then Cap addresses Deathcry.
"What is it that's so urgent? Do you need help from the Avengers?"
"Actually, I was hoping for assistance. My time with you Avengers has taught me the value of freedom from oppression. I am sorry to say that the Shi'ar regional governors have abused their power over the Kree. For that reason, I have joined with the Kree resistance to drive the Shi'ar out of power on the Kree worlds. Have you heard of our struggles?"
"I have," Quasar answers. "As I understand it, there are several bands of resistance fighters on Hala, and a group with Skrull allies in the border worlds. Is that right?"
"Yes," Ron-Varr confirms. "In fact, the border worlds were particularly affected by the radiation from the NegaBomb - many of the survivors have begun to develop strange abilities. We believe that the Supreme Intelligence leads this faction."
"The Supreme Intelligence is still alive?!" Yellowjacket exclaims. The three Avengers exchanged worried glances. Captain America and Quasar remember all too well watching the Avengers literally split in two over the decision to execute the mad ruler (see Avengers #347 - Murdering Matt). It took the team months to recover from that split, and to this day Cap still questions his decision to allow the 'execution squad' to go about their ghastly business. Was all of that a part of the Supreme Intelligence's plan? Some sort of sick joke to be played on the Avengers?
"We have reason to believe that is the case," Deathcry states, matter-of- factly. "Certain intercepted transmissions indicate that he is indeed still active."
"That might account for the Skrull presence. He did use them as pawns during the last war with the Shi'ar (See Operation: Galactic Storm - Matt)," Cap recollects, as he tries to focus on more immediate concerns. "But what do you want from us?"
"We hoped for your aid, so that our people might be free," Ron-Varr pleads.
"I'm not sure the Avengers should interfere with political situations on other worlds, especially when Earth is not involved," Captain America states with a look of concern on his face.
"But Deathcry said that you were a man who believed in freedom - in justice! The Avengers have played a crucial role in the history of my people already, and now you reject our cries for help in our most dire hour?" Captain America stares into Ron-Varr's eyes and sees a man that yearns to breathe free, and wonders....
"Maybe he has a point," Yellowjacket says thoughtfully. "Perhaps we should call a meeting of Avengers to discuss this."
"Yes, it wouldn't hurt to for everyone to hear Deathcry and Ron-Varr out," Cap answers. "I'll tell Vision to send out the call to assemble..."
Suddenly klaxons begin blaring throughout the mansion! "Avengers, we are under attack!" the Vision announces over the intercom system.
"Lets go, men!" Cap orders. The three Avengers and their two guests race outside to face whatever menace threatens them.
Upon emerging from the mansion, the six heroes (the Vision has joined the others) come face to face with Var-Dann and a squadron of 50 Skrulls. "Surrender the Kree and the Shi'ar witch to us, humans, or die at our hands!" shouts Var-Dann.
"The Avengers don't answer to threats. We will let you leave peacefully, but be advised any act of aggression will be returned in kind," Cap warns.
"Fool, do not try my patience. Soldiers, kill them all!" Var-Dann commands.
The Skrulls open fire on our heroes. Ron-Varr ducks for cover and begins to return fire. Deathcry leaps into the middle of the oncoming Skrulls and viciously attacks. Meanwhile, Cap shouts, "Avengers, pattern Sigma! Now!"
Quasar swiftly moves to attack the Skrulls' left flank, while the Vision goes to the right and Cap and Yellowjacket charge straight up the middle. Quasar's quantam bands make short work of the Skrulls by sealing them in energy bubbles, while the Vision begins systematically shorting out the nervous systems of his opponents. Yellowjacket shrinks to a height of six inches, and begins blasting away at the Skrulls with his disruptor.
Captain America simply rolls, ducks, punches, kicks, and leaps his way past his foes, until he comes face to face with Var-Dann. Cap swings his shield with all his might at the head of his foe, who suddenly disappears. Cap spins, wondering what could have happened to his foe, when suddenly he is punched from behind. "Can he teleport?" wonders Cap. Cap sends a swift kick in Var-Dann's direction, but Var-Dann is no longer there when Cap's foot arrives. "I felt the wind shift - he can't teleport, he's got super- speed," realizes Cap. Unfortunately, that revelation comes too late, as Var-Dann delivers another blow from behind. Var-Dann continually zips around Cap, striking and then moving before Cap can react.
"He obviously doesn't have much experience using his speed in combat," Cap thinks. "He's attacking me in a basic pattern, which he keeps repeating." Suddenly Cap throws out his shield, which misses Var-Dann.
"Human fool!" Var-Dann spits as he delivers another blow and then zooms to a new position.
But Var-Dann does not realize that Cap's shield has struck the helmet of a Skrull soldier and ricocheted back. The instant Var-Dann moves into his next location to deliver another blow, the shield strikes Var-Dann in the back! Cap quickly delivers the coup de grace, knocking Var-Dann unconcious. As he looks up, he sees that the other Avengers have wrapped up the skirmish.
"What should we do with these guys, Cap?" Quasar asks as he bubbles up the last of the defeated Skrulls.
"We'll ask the Vault to hold them until extradition can be arranged," Cap answers. "In the meantime, call the other Avengers together. We need to decide what aid, if any, we can offer Deathcry and Ron-Varr."
Meanwhile, orbiting above the Earth is the small Kree transport which brought Var-Dann and his Skrull squadron to Earth. The pilot, Dok-Kenn, reports back to his master, the Supreme Intelligence.
"Supreme One, I have been monitoring Var-Dann's mission, and he has failed! What do you wish me to do?"
"I was prepared for this contingency," replies the Supreme Intelligence. "Earth cannot be allowed to interfere with my plans to reunite the Empire. Return to Dapte. I have had a fleet of bombers standing by on the outskirts of the Sol system. They have just received their orders to strike. Earth will soon no longer be of concern to us."
Chapter Three
The Avengers (Captain America, Yellowjacket, Vision, Quasar, Ms. Marvel, and Forge) sit around a large conference table debating whether or not they should become involved in the conflict.
"Look how much trouble we brought on ourselves the last time we got involved with these two races," Quasar says. "I think the Avengers should stay out."
"Is it not our duty to protect the rights of sentients?" asks the Vision.
Jarvis enters the room. "What is it, Jarvis?" asks Forge.
"I think you should see this," replies Jarvis. Jarvis clicks on one of the monitors and turns it to the local news.
"Earth's space flight capability has been seriously damaged today. A fleet of alien craft fired on the earth from orbital positions only minutes ago. Their attack has wiped out space vehicle launch facilities all over the globe, including Cape Canaveral and Edwards Air Force Base in the United States. Just after the attack, a message was broadcast, as near as we can tell, to every television station on Earth with the simple message, 'Do not interfere with Kree affairs.' No official response from any world govern- ments has been issued, but we have learned that an emergency meeting of the United Nations is being called. More on this story as it develops."
The Avengers, Deathcry, and Ron-Varr sit in stunned silence. Finally, Ms. Marvel manages to mutter, "My god...." Then the computer announces, "Incoming message from the President of the United States."
"On screen," snaps Forge.
The President's face appears on the screen. "Avengers, I'm on my way to New York. The U.N. wants you to be available for any decision they might reach. I'll meet you at the mansion as soon as I arrive, and I want every available Avenger there." The screen goes dark.
"You heard the man," Forge says. "Send out the call. Every Avenger who's still breathing needs to get here now!"
Three hours later, all those who will come have come. Captain America. Yellowjacket. Vision. Ms. Marvel. Forge. Quasar. Iron Man. Thor. Hawkeye. Scarlet Witch. Quicksilver. Crystal. Wasp. Photon. Hercules. Sersi. Black Knight. Black Panther. Wonder Man. USAgent. Tigra. Starfox. Beast. Living Lightning. These Avengers nervously mill about in the conference room, awaiting word on what this small planet's leaders have decided to do about this horrendous act of aggression. Then, one of the president's advisors enters the room. "Forge, the President will see you now."
As Forge leaves, Iron Man almost bristles with anger. "I don't like the idea of the government forcing a member on us, especially when that member is also our security liaison."
"I don't care for it either," responds Wasp, "but rules are rules. If we want to maintain our security clearance, sometimes we have to accept this kind of thing. Besides, don't you have your own team now?"
"I have been working with Force Works again," Iron Man says (see recent issues of that title - Matt), "but once an Avenger...."
"All that aside, Shellhead's got a point," opines Hawkeye. "If only one person from the Avengers is gonna meet with the President, it should be Cap. He's our leader."
"Don't worry, Hawkeye," Cap responds. "I'm sure they'll let us know what's going on soon enough."
The President's aide returns. "Captain America, Wasp, Yellowjacket, Iron Man, Thor - come this way, please?"
The five Avengers follow the aide into Captain America's office, which Cap has allowed the President to use during this meeting. "Welcome, gentlemen," the President smiles as they enter the room. "Please be seated."
The five Avengers join Forge, seated facing the desk the President is currently occupying. "Let's get down to business. The United Nations has determined that the destruction of Earth's space launching capabilities can not go unanswered. However, we know very little about the Kree, whereas the Avengers have had several dealings with them over the years. Forge has briefed me on the civil war in their Empire, and quite frankly this all strikes me as a very sticky situation. What we've decided to do is to send you Avengers as our official representatives into this war. We want you to verify that these aggressive actions were in fact ordered by this so-called 'Supreme Intelligence' and put a stop to him. As far as the war with these Shi'ar goes, I'd just as soon stay out of it, but it's obvious that the attack on Earth is a spillover from that conflict. The U.N. has agreed to empower you to act as you feel necessary, provided you act in Earth's best interests. Let's face it. Your quinjets are about the only spaceworthy vehicles this planet can still use - you're all we've got." The President stands up. "I don't know what else I can tell you, except - good luck." The President extends his hand, and Captain America rises to shake it.
"Thank you, Mr. President. You're faith in us is not misplaced."
Following the meeting, these six Avengers briefly discuss their involvement in this conflict. "We should just eliminate the Supreme Intelligence and get out - a war as muddy as this one is no place for us," Forge argues.
"I cannot in good conscience abandon the men and women fighting for their freedom on Hala. If we just go after the Supreme Intelligence, we're only attacking a symptom, not the source. If this war isn't brought to an end one way or the other, Earth could still end up caught in the crossover," Cap responds.
"Verily, thou dost speak with great wisdom, Captain," Thor notes. "Mayhap the God of Thunder can also aid in bringing this great conflict to a peace- ful resolution. I shalt go to the Shi'ar homeworld, and attempt to reason with that noble people."
"That sounds great, guys," Iron Man says. "Meanwhile, I'll take a team to track down the Supreme Intelligence. He won't get away from us this time."
Cap looks at Iron Man with a great deal of concern. "Iron Man, are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Don't worry, Cap. I've learned my lesson from our last encounter," Iron Man assures his old friend.
"All right, Avengers. Let's tell everyone else the plan and split into teams," Cap announces.
As they leave to return to the conference room, the Wasp can almost swear she hears Cap whisper, "And God help us all...."
The Shi'ar-Kree War will continue in Giant-Size Force Works #1, "Responsibilities!"
Message from Matt
Hi there! I hope you've enjoyed the first installment of the Kree/Shi'ar war. I thought I might take this opportunity to answer any questions you, the loyal MV1 reader, might have.
What is the Kree/Shi'ar War?
Well, it's the first major company-wide MV1 crossover. The story will run through various Annuals and Giant-Size Specials, and will feature all your favorite characters and writers!
How long will it last, and what titles will it encompass?
We're keeping those answers a secret, effendi. Let's just say, you might be surprised!
Why does it start after Avengers #441?
Because Scott Harris threatened to send Scourge after us if it didn't! ;-)
If this is the Cap story, why didn't Dave Medinnus write it?
Well, unfortunately Dave has decided to step down from the Cap series upon concluding his current storyline. I'll be taking over the title from him, and so I volunteered to write this issue!
Before I go, I'd like to thank my fellow writers without whom this issue would not have been possible: Steve Blair, who came up with the crossover idea; Jess Nevins, who got it off the ground and running; Dave Medinnus, for the Deathcry and the revolutionaries idea; Van Plexico, for the "Pearl Harbor" idea; Scott Harris and Ralph Angelo for their input on the Avengers and Thor, respectively; and Barry Reese, for motivating me to finish this issue quicker than I thought I would!
Cheers,
Matt