"Incredible. I've known him almost as long as I've worn this armor, and I still can't get used to seeing him do things like that," Iron Man states as he watches Thor and his team depart onboard their warship (you did read the Thor annual, right? - Mindful Matt).
"I know what you mean, Iron Man," Captain America replies. "It's incredible to think that our teammate is an actual god."
"Well, no sense in woolgathering," Iron Man says. "I'll get my team together and we'll be on our way."
"Good luck, Iron Man," Cap says as he extends his hand.
"You too, Steve," Iron Man replies as he shakes Cap's hand.
Iron Man's team gathers in one of the smaller meeting rooms in the Avengers Mansion. They are: the Wasp, one of the founding members of the Avengers and one of the team's most capable leaders; Hercules, the legendary son of Zeus and long-time Avenger, currently a member of the Champions; Sersi, the Eternal sorceress who has mastery over molecules; USAgent, former replacement for Captain America, now a hero in his own right; Starfox, the Eternal of Titan who is as well known for his skills as a lover as he is as a fighter; and Crystal, member of the Inhumans' royal house and master of the elements. The six members are seated around a conference table as Iron Man addresses them.
"I'm glad you answered the call to assemble. We have just been subject to perhaps the most blatant attack on Earth in our history (shame on you if you haven't read Cap Annual 14 - wrote-it-too Matt). Our team has been assigned the task of seeking out the author of that destruction - the Kree Supreme Intelligence - and neutralizing him as a factor in this conflict."
"Iron Man," the Wasp asks skeptically, "what exactly do you mean by neutralize?"
"Simply remove him from being a force in this struggle. We're not going to make the same mistake we made last time." (he's referring to the attempted execution of the Supreme Intelligence in Avengers #347 - Massacre Matt)
"If you choose to believe it was a mistake," Sersi answers coldly.
"What is that supposed to mean?" snaps Crystal. "You want to hunt him down like a dog?"
"Easy, ladies," interjects Starfox. "We're all on the same side here."
"Right," Iron Man answers. "The Supreme Intelligence has committed an act of war against Earth. It's our job to see that he pays for it. But we won't execute him in cold blood."
"But-" Sersi starts.
"That is all," Iron Man firmly states. "I want everyone aboard our Quinjet in 30 minutes. Meeting ajourned."
As Iron Man exits the meeting, he walks down the halls of the mansion that was once his family's home. He stops at one of the windows, and looks out- side. A crowd has begun to gather, holding signs with slogans such as, "Remember Cape Canaveral," "Down with the Kree," "Aliens leave earth alone," and so forth. He sighs. The people don't understand the complexities of this situation - hell, the Avengers barely understand it themselves. The people only really know one thing about this war - Earth's been attacked, and they want justice done. Iron Man would like to see justice done, too. But how? If he finds the Supreme Intelligence, should he kill him?
He remembers the last time - the anger he felt at the deaths of billions of innocent Kree, all because of the Supreme Intelligence's grand machinations. He, along with a group of Avengers, decided that the Supreme Intelligence had to pay the ultimate price for its crimes. He felt then, and still feels now, that they were justified in their actions. Although he felt some remorse at the time, he put those feelings aside - after all, he was dying himself. But now, he's forced to face his actions. And if he encounters the Supreme Intelligence again, face-to-face, how will he react?
Enough introspection, he decides. Justice will be done, not murder. After all, he selected the Wasp for his team for a purpose. If he feels his emotions leading him astray, he knows he can count on her to take command. That shouldn't be necessary, but it never hurts to carry along an insurance policy. At that moment, he sees a quinjet streaking away into the atmos- phere. He knows that Captain America, Forge, Yellowjacket, Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, Black Panther, and Wonder Man are now on their way to the heart of what used to be the Kree empire. If he were a religious man, he would say a prayer for their safety. But he is not, and so he turns and makes his way to the quinjet hanger bay. It's time for him to make sure that his team's quinjet is ready.
The Avengers quinjet Maria's Pride blasts off and streaks out of the Earth's atmosphere. As Iron Man enters the data necessary to begin interstellar travel, the seven Avengers each ponder the situation. We already know Iron Man's concerns - let us see what is on the minds of the others.
The Wasp: "Tony was pretty insistent that I tag along with this group. I wonder why? Is he afraid of what might happen when we find the Supreme Intelligence? I was on Earth during their last encounter, but from what Cap told me it was almost the end of the Avengers. Hopefully we won't have to make any hard decision like last time, but if it comes down to it Tony knows I'll stick to my guns. Maybe that's what he needs from me on this mission - someone who's not afraid to disagree with him."
Starfox: "I became an Avenger in search of fun and adventure, but their adventures seem to take on a serious tone far too often. Oh well, let it never be said Eros shirked his duty. Besides, the Supreme Intelligence has gone too far this time. It's too bad Mar-Vell isn't here to aid us...."
Sersi: "Iron Man and I had our differences on the last mission to Kree space (see Cap #399 for an example - Malicious Matt) but we saw eye to eye in the end. I hope we don't have any friction this time - but I am here to see justice done, regardless of what these others feel."
Hercules: "Verily, the Supreme Intelligence has committed a deed most foul, and 'tis time for a reckoning. And the son of Zeus is most anxious to deliver a righteous smiting!"
Crystal: "I really wish Pietro and I could have been on the same team. But I get stuck with Sersi instead. Lucky me."
USAgent: "Shellhead's really wised up, pickin' me for his team. I got a raw deal last time 'cause of Barton, (back in Avengers #345 - Matt) but this time USAgent's gonna teach those Kree not to mess with the Avengers!"
The flight is uneventful. Eventually our heroes arrive in Kree space. Almost immediately, the Maria's Pride is hailed. "Unidentified vessel, this is Her Majesty's Jewel of the Shi'ar Imperium. Be advised that you are proceeding into Shi'ar controlled space. Please state your name and purpose."
"This is the Maria's Pride," Iron Man answers. "We are an envoy of Avengers from the planet Earth. The Kree Supreme Intelligence has committed an act of aggression against our planet, and we have been sent to locate it and end its menace as swiftly as possible."
"An admirable goal, Avengers, but I cannot let you pass. The Shi'ar Imperium has matters under control. Please return to your space."
The Avengers exchange looks ranging from annoyance to fury. "I say again," Iron Man says with a bit of an edge to his voice, "an act of war has been committed against our people. We-"
"Your situation has been noted. Leave Shi'ar space or we will be forced to open fire. You have been warned."
"How dare these imbeciles presume to dictate to the Mighty Avengers where we may and may not go!" vents Hercules. "Mayhap the Lion of Olympus should teach these fools a lesson in manners!"
"Don't worry Herc," Iron Man replies. "I expected something like this." He hails the Shi'ar battlecruiser. "Her Majesty's Jewel, we will comply. Over and out."
"What! Methinks thou hast taken leave of thy senses!" Hercules exclaims.
"No, Hercules, I've got a plan," Iron Man reassures the god.
The Maria's Pride turns and exits the Shi'ar controlled Kree territories. Immediately upon crossing the boundary, Iron Man toggles a switch and reverses course to fly back in the direction from whence they just came.
"What are you doin', Shellhead?" USAgent inquires. "They're not even gonna ask this time - they're just gonna blow us outta the sky!"
"No Agent," Iron Man replies. "They won't even see us. We're now running on full cloak. They won't know we're there unless we want 'em to."
"When did that become standard issue for quinjets?" the Wasp asks.
"It's not. I just came up with the prototype a few weeks ago. This is the test run."
The other six Avengers exchange glances, wondering why Iron Man neglected to tell them earlier. "Do you have any more surprises for us?" the Wasp finally asks.
"No. And I'm sorry I didn't mention this earlier - I was hoping we wouldn't have to use it. But don't worry. It shouldn't give us any problems."
The Avengers travel further in-system, until they reach their destination - the planet Somiss. "This is it - Somiss, one of the greatest areas of discontent in the former Kree Empire and possible headquarters of the Supreme Intelligence," Iron Man tells the others.
"But we don't know for sure that the Supreme Intelligence is here," Wasp reminds.
"That's right," Iron Man affirms. "Deathcry and her allies haven't been able to discover the exact location of the Supreme Intelligence, but a large number of the super-powered Kree he's been using have been seen here. There have been some Skrull sightings as well, so this is as good a place to look as any."
Somiss has a tropical climate, and a large portion of the planet's land mass is covered by forested areas. The main city of Somiss, Univos, lies on the 25th parallel in the southern hemisphere of the planet. About 25,000 people live there - which represents about 10% of the small planet's population. Perhaps it is because of it's small size, and therefore small Shi'ar presence, that this planet became one of the first to declare it's independence. Or perhaps, as the Avengers suspect, it is because of the presence of the Supreme Intelligence.
Iron Man locates a clearing in the jungle to the east of Univos, and lands the still-cloaked quinjet there. After deactivating the cloak to conserve power, Iron Man, Crystal, Sersi, and Hercules quickly camoflage the ship while USAgent, Wasp, and Starfox secure the area. Once these tasks are accomplished, the Avengers gather together.
"Alright everyone, listen up," Iron Man states. "Sersi, make disguises for yourself, USAgent, Starfox, Crystal, and Hercules. You five will mill about the city and see what you can learn from the locals. With your abilities, you should be able to convince them that you're mutated Kree, and you want to join the Supreme Intelligence's forces. Sersi and Starfox will take the northern area, Hercules and Crystal will take the southern area, and USAgent will get the central area." Iron Man projects a map of the city from his unibeam and indicates the three areas. "Meanwhile the Wasp will see what she can discover at insect size, while I check out they outlying areas near the city. Report via communicard every hour, and we'll regroup here in four hours. Good luck."
With that, the heroes each go about their assignments.
Starfox and Sersi walk the streets of Univos. "What a pleasant little city," Starfox comments. "Somewhat on the dingy side, perhaps, but war tends to dirty up things. What say you, Sersi?"
"Yes, it's nice enough. I might enjoy it more if the people were a bit more festive, but I certainly understand their disposition."
The two Eternals walk into a local pub. They find a corner booth and seat themselves. "Now what?" Sersi asks.
"Now we see what information we can pry from these charming people," Eros replies. "Here comes our waitress now."
The waitress is a middle-aged blue skinned Kree. It is clear that the years have not been kind to her. "Just so you know - strangers aren't looked upon very kindly here," she says with just a hint of contempt in her voice.
"We come from Jardon," Starfox answers, suddenly becoming very businesslike. "We have heard of your victory over the Shi'ar oppressors. We come seeking aid to drive those dogs off our own world."
"Yes, I've heard about the troubles on Jardon," the waitress answers as she eyes the pair suspiciously. "You pink skins can't seem to get rid of those Shi'ar scum, even though some of you have undergone The Change. But I think I can put you into contact with some people who will help you." Without waiting for a reply, she turns and walks away.
"This is going to be easier than I thought!" Starfox says.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," comes the uneasy reply from Sersi.
A few minutes later two burly Kree approach the booth. One's face is scarred, the other has a thick beard. "So you're from Jardon, eh?" the bearded one inquires.
"That's right," Sersi answers coolly.
"Come with us," is the bearded one's gruff reply.
USAgent wanders the streets. "Friggin' Kree," he thinks. "None of 'em seem to respond to the ol' Walker charm. I hope the others are having better luck."
The Wasp zips down the ventilation shaft of the Capitol building. "Nothing of interest in the above-ground levels. Let's see what's going on in the lower levels."
The Wasp begins to hear voices as she approaches the vent for a room in the second subbasement. She flies up to the grate to see what's going on. "It looks like the meeting of some military bigwigs," she thinks. "There's some starcharts on the table, and I can see five people gathered around. The technology upstairs seemed fairly standard, but there's all kinds of advanced stuff in here. I can see the elevator they're entering the room from - in fact, here come two more now. Let's see - there's some small shuttle cars and an access tunnel. I wonder where that goes? Oh well, I'd better keep an eye on this meeting for now."
Iron Man flies along the southern edge of the city, staying just above the treeline. "I've covered half of the outlying areas around the city, and I have yet to see anything other than the occassional bird. I'm beginning to think this search may be pointless - wait. I'm picking up a metal structure only a few yards ahead."
Iron Man follows his readings to an unnatural-looking clump of bushes. He clears the bushes away to reveal a sealed metal hatch. A small panel is next to the hatch. Iron Man flips open the panel's protective cover, and sees the keypad. "Well," he thinks, "it could take me hours to try all the possible combinations. Wait a minute, this must be my lucky day. Here's a modem interface."
Iron Man jacks into the modem interface and institutes an override protocol enabling him to open the hatch. "This is child's play, now that I know how to access Kree networks," he thinks (see Iron Man #278 for the first time he did it - Matt). The hatch opens, and Iron Man peers inside. "Can't see anything from here. Guess I'd better fly in and take a look."
Iron Man swoops down into the hatch, his unibeam piercing the foreboding darkness ahead. After traveling deep into the small planets surface, he comes to the end of the tunnel. "Hmmm. This appears to be a launching pad," he notes as he observes the area he is now standing in. "They must not be ready to launch anything right away - there's no gantry. But what are they launching from here?" Iron Man investigates the surrounding underground complex, and soon discovers his answer. "Missiles! That was a silo I just flew down. These babies look like they're capable of inter- planetary assault. I'd better get some backup on this."
Iron Man activates his communicard. "Iron Man to Crystal and Hercules. Come in."
Crystal responds. "We're here, Iron Man."
"Have you made contact with any revolutionaries?"
"Not yet."
"That's fine. Proceed about a mile south from your present position. You'll find an open hatch a few yards into the jungle surrounding the city. I'm waiting at the bottom of the tunnel the hatch leads to."
"Should we summon the rest of the Avengers?"
"No, let them continue with their missions for now. We'll call them in if things start to get hairy."
Hercules and Crystal arrive a few minutes later, Crystal's elemental control over winds allowing them to decend the shaft without harm.
"By Zeus! 'Tis an armory of incredible weapons!" Hercules exclaims.
"Right," Iron Man replies. "We still don't know if the Supreme Intelligence is associated with this group of rebels, so I'm reluctant to disarm anything yet. But I wanted you two to join up with me in case we run into some Kree. We've got to be close to one of their bases. There's an access tunnel over here. Let's see where it leads."
The two Kree lead Starfox and Sersi into the Capitol Building. They take an elevator and decend to the second subbasement. "Fellow Kree, we bring you two allies from the planet Jardon," the bearded one announces to the Kree already assembled in the subbasement. "They have undergone The Change, and request our aid in ridding their planet of the Shi'ar scum."
"It is good to have some super-powered soldiers here, since ours have been relocated by the Supreme One," one of the Kree notes.
"So these Kree are involved with the Supreme Intelligence!" the Wasp thinks, as she continues to observe the proceedings from behind the grate. "But where is the Supreme Intelligence? Maybe I'd better look around a little more- no, best to stay here a little longer and keep an eye on Starfox and Sersi, just in case."
The Kree mill about, discussing various things while they wait for their leader to arrive. Some ask Starfox and Sersi how things fare on Jardon, and the two Avengers try to keep their answers as vague as possible.
A few minutes later, the Kree's leader arrives. "Sto-Vall, welcome," the bearded Kree greets. "We have new allies from Jardon."
The bearded Kree gestures towards Starfox and Sersi. "You fools!" Sto-Vall shouts. "I recognize them! They're Avengers! Kill them!" The Kree soldiers immediately draw their pistols and open fire on Starfox and Sersi. They sprint down the access tunnel, their only means of escape. As they run Starfox activates his emergency beacon on his communi-card.
"Holy cow! Starfox is in trouble!" USAgent shouts, drawing the stares of many of the Kree passing him on the street. "And he's just a few blocks from here!" USAgent sprints in the direction of the Capitol building, shedding his disguise as he runs.
"Starfox has activated his emergency beacon!" Iron Man informs Hercules and Crystal. "And it looks like he's straight ahead of us in this tunnel! Let's go!" Iron Man blasts off down the tunnel, with Hercules and Crystal following close behind.
The Wasp watches as the Kree soldiers all open fire on Starfox and Sersi, who hastily retreat down the access tunnel. She is about to fly out of her hiding place to give her friends aid as the Kree run down the tunnel in pursuit. However, upon touching the grate in front of her she receives an electric shock! "Ouch! They're certainly paranoid to protect their ventilation system like this. At least it was only meant to stun. But it won't keep me out for long!" The Wasp unleashes the power of her bio-electric sting, blowing the grate off the wall. She swoops down into the room, ready to pursue the Kree when she hears the elevator behind her opening. She prepares to attack whoever emerges, but when the door opens, a Skrull soldier comes flying out, unconcious!
"Lousy Skrulls are all over the first floor!" USAgent complains as he comes charging out of the elevator.
"Agent! Am I glad to see you!" Wasp shouts.
"Wasp! Where's Starfox and Sersi?" USAgent asks.
"Down this access tunnel, and they've got about nine Kree after them. Come on!"
"Why don't you use your pleasure power on them?" Sersi asks as she and Starfox sprint down the tunnel, dodging laser blasts.
"And stop long enough for them to blow my head off? Why don't you turn them into pigs or something?" Starfox replies.
"Touche," Sersi answers.
Suddenly the two Avengers hear the whine of small but powerful twin jet engines. As the armored form of Iron Man streaks overhead he shouts, "Avengers Assemble!!" The golden Avenger wastes no time, immediately firing his repulsors at the advancing Kree. Starfox and Sersi halt their flight and begin advancing towards the now-confused enemy. Sersi turns their weapons into harmless pieces of plastic, and the two Avengers, joined by Hercules and Crystal, fight hand to hand with the Kree. At that moment, the Wasp and USAgent arrive, and the battle ends quickly and decisively.
The Avengers gather the unconcious Kree back in the room where the meeting was. "This must be the control room for the missile silo," Iron Man postulates.
"They mentioned the 'Supreme One'," Wasp says, "but there's no evidence that the Supreme Intelligence has ever been on this planet."
Suddenly a communications console comes to life, and on a viewscreen the hideous visage of the Supreme Intelligence appears. "But I am everywhere, my dear Wasp!" he announces.
"The villain is here!" Hercules exclaims. "Let us-"
"Wait, Herc," Iron Man says. "That's just a transmission."
"Quite right, Iron Man," the Supreme Intelligence gloats. "You're attempt to kill me failed miserably, and you will never get another chance. I confess I'm somewhat disappointed my attempt to keep you humans out of this conflict wasn't successful, but it doesn't matter. You cannot stop me from reclaiming this galaxy. You'll never be able to find me - I could be on any one of a hundred worlds. Good luck, fools!"
With that, the screen goes blank. The Avengers are silent for a moment, and then USAgent speaks up. "Well, now what?"
"Now we continue the search," Iron Man replies. "We will find the Supreme Intelligence, and he will be brought to justice!"