From Ancient Asgard he comes, The Prince of that Realm, an immortal warrior whose heritage is tied both to the realm eternal as well as Earth itself ! He stands for honor and is a divine force for good in the eternal struggle . His Strength of arm is second to none and it swings the mystic hammer Mjolnir for all that is just and right ! He is The Mighty THOR, God of Thunder ! And all the forces of the storm are his to command!
(The Shi'ar-Kree War, Part 3)
Index
Page 1, The Kree-Shi'ar war part three: "Devils in our midst"
Page 46 Riaod the Bladesman By Barry Reese
Splash Page :
Thor flies above Manhattan, heading towards Avengers Mansion, and destiny.
Thor : (Now that I have succeeded in "covering all my bases" as the Mortals say, I can leave for the Shi'ar homeworld to speak to their leader, Lilandra."
Page 2
Thor lands on the walk to the mansions doorway, as Captain America exits the mansion at Thors approach.
Thor : "Ho there Captain! How art our plans progressing since last we spoke?"
Cap :" Well Thor, we're dividing the teams up as we speak, and should have several small groups ready for flight to our respective areas of this controversy. Thor: "Might I see who the rosters are consisting of?"
Cap A: "Of course old friend. Your input is always welcome."
Page 3
The two Avengers mainstays walk the halls of the mansion, arriving at the command center. There, Cap brings up computer records of the teams chosen so far.
Thor: "Hhhmmm, I would in truth prefer to have Photon on my group as opposed to Living Lightning."
Cap A: "Any reason? "
Thor : "Aye, our powers are similar and he could best be served elsewhere, mayhap with thee on thy squad."
Cap A:" Hadn't thought of it that way. Okay. Let's do it then."
Within minutes Thors team is assembled.
Thor : "Come forth Vision, Photon, Ms. Marvel, Quasar and Quicksilver. Thou art my team that will accompany me to Chandilar, the Shi'ar homeworld."
Quicksilver: "Thor, while I am all for this mission, how are we to get there? Our Quinjets can only do so much."
Page 4
Cap A: "I can answer that Pietro. Reed Richards has graciously downloaded the specs for a Skrull hyperlight drive to us some time ago. With Iron Mans help we've refitted four Q-jets with these space faring engines several months back after the Onslaught debacle."
Thor: "Aye friend Pietro, but that will not be the conveyance we take hither."
Quasar: "No? Then how? I could create a quantum bubble I guess and tow us all through a quantum portal to Chandilar."
Thor: "Nay my friend Quasar, 'twill not be necessary. Lord Odin hath provided us with the means for our journey."
Page 5
Thor walks out the mansions door, his team as well as Cap , Iron Man and the Beast follow.
Thor: "Watch now my friends and allies!"
Thor aims Mjolnir at the sky, waving his mighty war hammer. The clouds part as an ancient Viking war ship descends from the heavens, its Dragon faced bow majestic in the morning sun.
Beast : "Oh my stars and garters."
Iron Man: "Yeah, those too."
Page 6
Thor; "We leave in two hours time Avengers. Ready thy selves And verily, thou must remember, this is a mission of peace above all. We are to convince the Shi'ar it would be in their best interest to abstain from war, not to fan the flames of one."
Beast : "Thor, a word please?"
Both Avengers step to the side and Hank speaks in hushed tones to Thor.
Beast: "Thor I should accompany you to Chandilar, I've been there before and met Lilandra . I think it would best for this missions success if I were to accompany you."
Page 7
Thor: " Aye good Beast, verily thy idea has merit most true. Your companionship would be most appreciated indeed my friend!"
Thor slaps Hank McCoy on the back, a bit to eagerly.
Beast : "Ooff! Err, thanks Thunder God.....I think."
Thor: " Let us make ready then Hank McCoy! The rescue of a galaxy entire awaits! Let us indeed make haste!"
Page 8
Deep space. Quadrant 1-Shi'ar Prime. The throne world known as Chandilar .Lilandra , Shi'ar Majestrix holds court concerning the Kree problem She is surrounded by her closest confidants and her realms finest warriors.
Lilandra: "Advisor Tellema, what do you make of these newest Kree assaults?
Tellema, an older Shi'ar with greying plumage, scratches her chin and slowly turns towards Lilandra.
Tellema: "Majestrix, the Kree are massing along their border as we speak, but there is more here then meets the eye. We know there are two Kree factions involved. One seems to be a group of hardened soldiers , fighting cohesively as if their Generals are great Kree warriors leading them. The others, are haphazard , though nonetheless effective in their attacks."
Lilandra: "Huhh, war. How I hate it. But to rule an empire correctly I suppose proper lines must be drawn, and the Kree, whether they like it or not ARE part of the Shi'ar now. Like errant children, they must be taught a lesson it seems."
Page 9
Captain K'Ruuk , of the Kree Imperial Starhawk T'Kau shakes his head.
K'Ruuk: ( Lilandra is making a huge tactical error here. Of late she has done this many times. Perhaps the weight of the empire bears down on her at last. She cannot treat the Kree as children. There was a time, not long ago, when they were the most feared warriors in the entire galaxy. She should not, she MUST NOT treat them as children. To underestimate as dangerous a foe as the Kree is to insure failure.)
K'Ruuk : "A word please Majestrix."
Lil: "Yes Captain?"
K'Ruuk: "Majestrix, The Kree should not be underestimated. Their battle prowess is legendary. As a suggestion , I believe we cannot belittle the threat they represent."
Lilandra smiles at the Captain , in almost a condescending way.
Page 10
Lil: "Captain, while I appreciate your input here, I believe as hardened a leader as I've become over the years knows what is best for her empire."
K'Ruuk: "But Majestrix....."
She holds up her hand to silence him.
Lil: "I have spoken Captain K'Ruuk. This discussion has ended."
K'Ruuk bows his head, then leaves the chamber, preparing to return to his hovering Starhawk class ship, the T'Kau.
K'Ruuk: (Gods help us!)
Page 11
Thor stands aboard the huge Norse warship, as the Avengers fly up to it's hovering deck, Quasar creates a Quantum platform and raises Beast as well as Quicksilver to it's deck, along with supplies for an extended trip.
Thor: "Ready Thyselves my boon companions! Adventure awaits us ! Ms. Marvel! Release the mooring line ."
She mock salutes
Ms Marvel : "Aye Aye Captain Thor sir!"
Thor smiles at this as Carol Danvers, the sensational Ms. Marvel flies to the ground and releases the mooring line to the Hulk statue on the Mansion grounds. An instant later she's back aboard, line in hand.
Page 12
Thor : "Prepare thyselves my fellow Avengers! We are off!"
With that the great ship rises into the sky, slowly turning as its bow points spaceward, it begins to accelerate, slowly at first, then quicker and quicker until , with a rush, they break free of the Earths atmosphere.
Quicksilver: "Astounding!"
Beast: "You got that one right Petey ol' buddy. That was the most amazing lift off I've ever been witness to."
Quicksilver: "Beast, can you comprehend the speed we are traveling at? We've already left the Earth far behind, and are now passing the moon!"
Page 13
Beast : "Yes Pietro , I do comprehend that. Well what I am most curious about my fleet footed companion, is who or what are rowing those oars?"
Both men turn and watch as row upon row of mystic oars row by themselves, seemingly propelling the great ship through space.
Thor : "They row by the power of the All father himself Beast."
Quicksilver: "How long will the journey take us Thor? I abhor long slow trips."
Page 14
Thor: "One and a half days Quicksilver. "
Ms Marvel walks over to the men as they stare into the depths of space.
Ms Marvel : "It's so beautiful. I was a jet pilot and later a NASA Security chief, but I always had the dream of someday flying to the moon. Now I can do that and more. Hell, I"ve been through half the known universe with the Starjammers, and even a good portion of it under my own power. And still, I never get tired of the sheer majesty of it all."
Thor looks at Carol Danvers as she stares out into space and smiles.
Thor: "Aye good Carol, thou hath summed it up as best as I've e'er heard."
Page 15
Quasar walks over to the group and joins them.
Quasar: "Man this ship is incredible Thor! It blows me away how fast and smooth this thing is."
Thor : "Aye Quasar, like a great sea going ship of old this vessel is as smooth as the currents it sails on."
Quicksilver: "Are there any sort of communications equipment aboard this ship Thor?"
Thor : Aye Quicksilver, there are ways to contact our companions, why do you ask?"
Quicksilver: "I was considering an idea, perhaps a bit late here considering how far we are already, but an idea nonetheless."
Page 16
Beast: "Well speak up lad ! What is it?"
Quicksilver: " We should commit to a rendevous point , just in case things turn sour on our mission to Chandilar."
Quasar: "Not a bad idea actually."
Thor: "Aye, you surprise me Pietro."
Quicksilver: "And why is that Thor? Because someone with as little leadership experience as myself brought up the idea instead of one of the more "seasoned" Avengers?"
Page 17
Thor : "Nay my friend, I was surprised thou had been so tentative in bringing up thy idea to your fellow warriors. Verily, thou should speak up in the future more often. Thy input has always had merit."
Thor turns and walks away, smiling inwardly as Pietro suddenly feels the pangs of self respect he had hidden for so long of late stir within him.
Later....
The mess hall aboard ship is filled with the Heady smell of meat being cooked over a spit as the Avengers await their meal. Quasar and Photon do the honors.
Quasar: "I didn't know you knew how to cook so well Monica."
Photon: "Well my father and I opened a restaurant not to long ago, and coming from a long line of Cajun food lovers, you have to learn to cook for a big family at an early age. So this is just a day in the life to me."
Quasar : "Cool."
Page 18
Quicksilver and Thor walk in to the mess hall.
Thor: "And so we will reconnoiter at the rim of the Shi'ar Galaxy on the moon of Agaralex 7 then
Pietro. " Quicksilver: "Yes Thor, that planet has a breathable atmosphere, and from there we can plan whatever strategy we will need, if it comes to that."
Thor: "Very well then . Avengers, hear me!"
All heads turn as all talking ceases.
Thor : "My friends, we are within a day of Chandilar. If in truth our mission fails we will all meet here, at Agaralex 7. A lush moon orbits its side. It's atmosphere is breathable and it is indeed far enow from the Shi'ar and Kree homeworlds to allow us time and place to plan further strategy if need be."
Page 19
Beast : "Hopefully that will not be necessary my friends."
Ms Marvel: " I know that area, the Starjammers have hidden bases in that region of space."
Quasar: "Hhhmm, tactically that moon IS well hidden. Good planning gentlemen."
Quicksilver: "Your input made this decision an easy one Quasar."
Quasar : "Thanks Pete, but it was your suggestion to use that quadrant of space. You surprised me with your knowledge of starchart navigation, to be sure."
Quicksilver: "Well,....that is a ..hobby of mine that I tend to keep to myself. Something I picked up when I resided with my in-laws on the Moons Blue area. At times there was not much to do save stare at the stars."
Quasar: " I'm going to contact our fellow Avengers via the Quantum bands and let them know about our little plan."
Page 20
Thor : "Aye , tis a good idea Quasar. After dinner I suggest we all get a good nights rest. The ship will pilot itself, we have naught to worry there, but the morning will bring us that much closer to Chandilar."
The Avengers finish their meal and say their goodnights as they make their way to their rooms
Page 21
Morning finds Thor at the helm. The Vision approaches.
Vision: "Good Morning Thor. Are you well rested?"
Thor : "Yes friend Vision. And you?"
Vision: "As you know Thor I require no sleep. My solar cell recharges indefinitely and I am thus, always rested."
Thor : "Aye my friend, I was making conversation. I noticed thou wert quiet last night at dinner perhaps moreso than your usual. Does something concern thee?"
Vision: "Yes Thor, it does. This mission is questionable to me at best. We are once again , poking our collective noses as it were in a business that does not in truth concern us. After Galactic Storm I wonder at the intelligence of this mission."
Page 22
Thor: "Remember my friend , The Kree did indeed attack our homeworld and draw our attention to this matter. We are at worst position , acting in a pro-active manner here."
Vision: "Yes Thor, I realize this as well. I have a bad.....I would use the word "feeling" for this if I weren't a machine, concerningthis mission is all."
Thor: "Vision, your "feelings" have not been in doubt for some time. Verily I trust thy judgement in all matters and, in truth, thy input is always welcome, no less so then Quicksilvers was earlier. We are , after all Avengers."
Vision: "Indeed my friend , we are."
Page 23
Many hours later, the royal court of Chandilar. A view screen near Lilandra's desk area suddenly lights up.
Bekdus: "My Majestrix, I have a request for permission to land from a strange vessel."
Lilandra: "Is it a friendly or hostile ship Bekdus?"
Bekdus: "I-I cannot say my Majestic. They say they are ......Avengers! And one of their number says the realm owes him greatly. He claims his name is ...THOR!"
Lilandra: "Thor hhmm? Very well . Offer them an escort through the outer defenses . Allow them to land at the far end of Spaceport "Grell."
Bekdus: "Very well my Lady."
The screen goes dark as Bekdus returns to communicating with the Avengers. Lilandra: ( What can the Earthers want? I know the Kree attacked their backwards space program, but they are not ready to challenge the cosmos anyway. When the time comes they will join the greater Universe as part of the Shi'ar empire, or realize the folly of their actions. As the Kree did before them.)
Page 24
The Space port Grell. All eyes of the attending ground crews look skyward as the incredible image of a vessel of unlikely design descends to hover mere feet above the ground.
Beast: "Well that sure left 'em stunned and wordless huh Thor?"
Thor : "Aye Hank McCoy, twas ever my intention to impress these people with our presence."
The Avengers enter an open air hover car that speedily winds its way through the sprawling city.
Vision: "Most impressive, eh Quicksilver?"
Quicksilver: "If one tends to like gleaming metallic structures as far as the eye can see, then I would assume they would be Vision, yes."
Page 25
The Avengers are led to a sprawling complex, in its center is the Palace royal, on it's outskirts are the Government offices and various houses of the imperial congress.
Guard: "This way Avengers, the Majestrix Shi'ar will see you now."
Thor : "Thank you good warrior."
Ms Marvel: "Hank, I know Lilandra pretty well, I spent some time with her aboard the Starjammer* when she was run out of town by her people. I really don't trust her to much."
*As Binary, Carol was for a time, a member of the Starjammers.
Beast : "I know Carol. My own experiences with her aren't much different. She led to the death of someone I thought was one of my oldest and closest friends."
Page 26
Lilandra sits on her throne, regally facing the Avengers as they are slowly brought down a long carpeted aisle. A man stands in robes at the foot of her throne.
Bekdus: "I am Bekdus , Chief Viceroy to the Lady Lilandra. In her name I welcome you to our world. May I now present the Lady herself. Lilandra, Shi'ar Majestrix, and leader of our people."
Thor : "Aye Good Bekdus , The Avengers Thank Thee for thy greeting."
Lilandra: "And to what service may the Shi'ar be to our friends the Avengers?"
Thor: "We come to speak with thee concerning thy current civil war with the former Kree empire."
Page 27
Lilandra: "Do not concern yourselves Avengers, The Kree responsible for attacking your world will be brought to swift justice by our courts."
Thor : "In truth Lilandra, that was not our concern in this journey. Verily , our concern centers around thy treatment of these once proud people. They were a mighty star spanning race before thy weapon reduced them to their current state. I ask thee as friends of the Avengers to hear their complaints and questions both. They are now part of thy realm and do in truth deserve equal treatment . To do otherwise would be to sow decent amongst their ranks and t'would in the end, cause thee as well as all the Galaxy more trouble than in truth t'would be worth."
Lilandra Looks hard at the Thunder God before speaking.
Lilandra: "You presume much Thor, to speak thus to the Majestrix Shi'ar in her own court."
Page 28
Thor : "I speak my heart Lady Lilandra,. As one ruler of a peoples to another."
Lilandra: "And what peoples do you rule ? Your role as a prince of some imaginary "Realm Eternal" is well known amongst my advisors. Yes, I know of your defeat of the Demon Planet Ego, aided by our greatest hero Gladiator not all that long ago. We know as much about you and your Asgardian ilk as can be gleaned by our people."
Thor : "Then you know that Thor is an honorable God, and means no disrespect, nor does he suffer any either."
Lilandra: " Your role as a "God" is questionable as well ."
Thor : " You doubt the word of Thor? Verily Lilandra thy-"
Beast: "Excuse me guy and gal , a word please?"
Page 29
Beast: "Okay Lilandra, we came here on a peaceful mission, not to start a shouting match. Thor is here to prevent bloodshed, we all are. We're asking you to consider what we are saying here."
Lilandra looks at Hank McCoy haughtily.
Lilandra: "I had forgotten the pleasant way had about you Hank McCoy. Obviously you have as well."
Ms Marvel: "Now hold on here Lil."
Lilandra: "Ah, Carol Danvers. The half human half Kree mongrel. Why does it not surprise me to see you here as well?"
Page 30
Thor: "I have heard enow Avengers. We take our leave of this pig headed woman. Verily her reputation for stubbornness is well founded."
The Avengers turn to leave, showing Lilandra their backs.
Lilandra: "You DARE to turn your backs on me? "
Quasar: "Yeah lady, we dare. You've been nothing but disrespectful since we arrived. We meant you no harm and came to speak as concerned citizens of the Universe with a supposedly honorable people. But I suppose the rumors I've heard around the Galactic Rim have been true."
Page 31
Lilandra : "Rumors? What rumors do you speak of Avenger? Answer me now!"
Quasar spins, his Quantum bands glowing and arcing energy.
Quasar: "The rumors that the Shi'ar have become tyrants under your rule. That a once proud and respected monarchy had grown very satisfied with itself and that its ways were no longer as they had been before your rule."
Lilandra: " I have heard enough! Guards! Take these Earther dogs to cells in the main prison. No one speaks to the Majestrix Shi'ar thusly!"
Bekdus runs quickly to her side.
Bekdus : "My lady ! Please, this is not necessary! The Avengers came seeking to speak with you, not to argue. Please . Calm your self!" Lilandra: "Calm YOURSELF you old fool! They have insulted me and as such, must be held accountable. Guards!"
Page 32
Quicksilver: "I have heard enough. "
Thor : "Aye , as have I ."
Ms Marvel: "I'm ready whenever you are Thor. Just say the word."
Beast: "It's a long way to the Spaceport guys."
Vision: "Then these Shi'ar will attempt to stop us at their own peril."
Lilandra: "Guards, for the final time, TAKE THEM!"
Page 33
Thor : "So be it , AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!"
Like a well oiled machine the Avengers leap into battle. Quicksilver races through the room, pummeling and disarming a dozen guards before they can flinch. Beast bounces off two guards, dropping them in their tracks, as Ms Marvel rockets outdoors, clearing a path to the streets.
Thor : "Make our way to the Spaceport my fellows! Quicksilver, stay with Quasar and Ms Marvel. Vision, Beast guard our flank. I will cut a path to the port."
Thor whirls Mjolnir and rockets skyward. When he is suddenly struck from behind.
Tra-Kow!
Thor : "Unngh, what? "
Page 34 Voice : "Just the Imperial Guard Thunderer, your doom!"
Thor spins in mid air, using Mjolnir to hover in place. Behind him stand Smasher and Starbolt of the Imperial Guard.
Starbolt: "Surrender now Avenger. We have no desire to harm you or your buddies down there."
Thor: "Harm us? Thou? Verily the Shi'ar way it seems is to be pompous. First Gladiator, now your Majestrix and then thou? By what miracle of chance did thy people arrive at their position in the Galaxy ? "
Smasher rockets towards Thor pulling his fist back and delivering an incredible blow as he switches his power from flight to super strength.
P-Kow!
Smasher: "That's twice I've belted you Golden boy. I can keep this up all day."
Page 35
On the ground the sheer weight of the quickly assembled fighting force begins to wear the Avengers down.
Vision: "Beast, watch your back, these Shi'ar are canny warriors.
Vision blasts the gathered Shi'ar in front of him with his Solar beam, scattering them as their uniforms melt and blaze.
Beast: " You don't have to tell me Herr Vision, these guys are coming out of the woodwork."
Photon: "Everybody get airborne, I'm going to try something."
Ms Marvel grabs Quicksilver as Photon cuts loose with a beam of static electricity that arcs through the street, the walls, the very air! To drop the Shi'ar soldiers in their tracks.
Beast: "Whoa mama! What'd you do to them Monica? They dropped immediately!"
Page 36
Photon: "I did some studying of your records before we left earth Beast. You were pretty descriptive concerning their biology, even to the point of the exact frequency their brains worked on."
Beast: "No, you didn't..."
Photon: "Yes I did Hank. I used your records and did a few tests on my own . Basically I shut off the electrical impulses of their brains. We should have clear sailing back to the Spaceport."
Vision: "Interesting Photon. A clever use of your spare time I would say."
Photon: "Yeah, well I had to make myself useful during the planning stages."
Page 37
Quasar: "Okay, let's get out of here before reinforcements arrive."
Ms Marvel: "Wait, look!"
Carol points to the sky and the Avengers see Thor being knocked back by a Shi'ar superhuman.
Beast: "That's Smasher, of the imperial Guard."
Ms Marvel: "Yeah, well he's about to be smashed!"
She races skyward.
Ms Marvel : "C'mere big boy."
BWAM!
Ms Marvel Belts him across the skyline in one blow
page 38 Thor: "My thanks Ms Marvel. He switched 'tween super speed and strength constantly. I in truth had begun to lose my patience with his form of attack."
Ms Marvel: "Yeah, well that's why I stepped in. I knew If I didn't this guy was risking the beating of his life."
Suddenly a blast of cosmic flame sears Ms Marvels back.
Shraaack!
Ms. Marvel : "Arrgh!"
Starbolt: "That's for my companion witch, the next ones for turning your back on me."
Thor : "There will be no next one cowardly dog."
Page 39
Thor hurls Mjolnir at the Imperial Guardsmen, slamming him and sending his body through several of the towering skyscrapers. Quasar holds the wounded Ms Marvel in a quantum platform as Thor approaches.
Thor : "How is she my friend?"
Ms Marvel: "Hey! Talk to me , I'm still here. Hurting , but still here."
She stands, her back is burned, but she is regaining her strength by the minute.
Quicksilver: "We have to get to the Spaceport, I rather don't like the idea of fighting an entire world, no matter how powerful we are."
Thor: "Aye friend Pietro. Make your way to our vessel, see to any guards they have left in its midst. Deal with them as you must."
Page 40
Quicksilver smiles a very frightening smile and disappears in a burst of superspeed.
Quasar: "Let's rock gang. These guys could awaken at anytime."
The Avengers fly proud and mighty to the Spaceport. When they arrive, they are greeted by a scene that shocks them to the core.
Thor: "Our vessel!"
Beast: "They-they destroyed it!"
Photon: "Those rat bags! They must've destroyed her before we even spoke to Lilandra."
Vision: "Which means that this was her design before we landed."
Page 41
Quicksilver moves so fast as to be nothing but a blue blur among the scattered Shi'ar soldiers. He strikes them so fast they have no time to react. His apparent anger is almost a palpable thing as by the time the Avengers land, thirty Shi'ar are unconscious by Quicksilvers hand.
Quicksilver: "Those BASTARDS! They've stranded us here, as much as giving us a death sentence! But the Avengers will never succumb!"
Thor: "Calm thyself Pietro, we have alternate means of transport."
Thor nods at Quasar, and instantly he encases his fellow Avengers in a globe of Quantum energy and then streaks spaceward.
Once free of the planets gravity the Avengers are approached by a Shi'ar Starhawk that suddenly de-cloaks.
Page 42
Quasar: "Uh-oh, Thor, we have company. You want me to take him out?"
Thor : "Nay my friend, this is our ride."
Suddenly a powerful tractor beam envelopes the quantum bubble and draws it aboard.
Once there they are met in the huge bay by the ships Captain.
Thor: "Greetings Captain K'Ruuk! Tis good to see thee again!"
The two men shake hands.
K'Ruuk: "Again, it is a pleasure to see you as well Thunder God. You know I am committing treason against my people here, don't you?"
Page 43
Thor : "Aye K'Ruuk, I do. But verily, thou hath called me to summon the Avengers for our aid."
K'Ruuk: "Yes, that's why I agreed to be your escape if need be. Lilandra has of late been acting.....suspiciously, and not in the best interests of the empire. That is why I agreed to be your secondary escape vessel if your talk with her failed to bring her around. Which obviously is what has happened. "
Vision: "Does your crew know our mission Captain?"
K'Ruuk: "Yes, we are agreed on the necessity of this mission. The future of the Imperium is at stake here."
Thor: "Very well then good Captain, let us be away to Agaralex 7, and our rendevous with our fellow Avengers."
Page 44
Epilogue 1:
Cut to the Shi'ar palace. Lilandra angrily leaves her throne as her advisors relay to her news of the Avengers escape in a quantum bubble which seemingly disappeared into thin space above the planets surface. She moves to her private offices and sits. She begins to sip a cool wine that appears from her replicator. She stares at her monitor. On the screen before her are concentric rings growing outwards from Chandilar, encompassing whole sectors of space. Blue indicates areas that are already in Shi'ar control, red indicates areas that will be soon. Just within the red circle is a small Blue-Green planet. Lilandra punches a button while taking another sip. It's name appears "Terra-3" She smiles , a decidedly unpleasant sight. Then she speaks a single word.
Lilandra : "Earth."
page 45
Epilogue 2
Quicksilver sits at a desk in his quarters aboard the Shi'ar T'Kau. Seemingly talking to himself in hushed tones. Before him floats a half seen holographic image , emanating from a pen he holds absent mindedly in his right hand. The obscured hologram speaks.
Voice: "Are the Avengers in Shi'ar custody my pawn?"
Quicksilver:" No...my .....master. They....have escaped."
Voice: "Then all goes according to my grand plan."
We pan around the room until we are facing the floating holographic image. It is a frightening visage, with many tendrils sprouting from its obscenely large head.
Voice: " The SUPREME INTELLIGENCE always prepares ahead!"
End Thor annual '98
And now an added feature from the mind and word processor of the great Barry Reese, scribe for both "Force Works" and the "Black Panther"!
VAN PLEXICO PRESENTS :
By Barry Reese
Some Time Ago...
The God of Mischief was pleased. He stared down at the bundle which lay cradled in the young maiden's arms. Loki was in his hidden lair, far from the tall spires of Asgard -- a realm which, by right, should be his.
The maiden smiled. "See, my lord? He dost have thy eyes."
Loki reached out to tentatively touch the small hand. He had never enjoyed the company of children -- babies especially. They were loud and obnoxious and altogether too much like a pack of Trolls. Loki pulled his hand back and made a dark face. "Bah. He is a horrid little thing. Are you sure he was formed of MY seed?"
The maiden looked shocked. "Of course, m'lord! I have been with no other...you paid my family and I rightly that I should bear a son for you and I have...He is yours and no other's."
Loki shrugged. "I have my doubts...I have ever been disappointed in my children. If this is truly of MY blood, then he shall be raised properly. Tyr!"
The God of War, Tyr entered the room. His left hand had been lost to another Loki's children, the wolf-god Fenris, and now Tyr wore a golden covering over the stump. He smiled at Loki.
"Yes, dear Loki? Is the little package ready to be taken?"
Loki nodded. "Yes. You are to take Riaod with you. I shall visit periodically. But I wish him to be trained in the arts of War from a young age. When he is older, he shall be taken to Hel, my daughter. He shall learn the mysteries of death. I shall instruct him in magic myself. He shall be my secret weapon against my hated brother and old, aged Odin!"
The maiden balked. "My lord...? Surely you do not mean to do such a terrible thing to such a sweet child? He is of YOUR loins..."
Loki smiled wickedly. "So you say. He shall have as sweet a childhood as did I! Give him to Tyr!"
The god of War held out his arms, smiling. "Give him here, lass."
The maiden looked as if to run, but she remembered well the tidy sum that Loki was to be paying her family and knew how badly they needed it. Lying with the mischief god had been cold and pitiful but the child had washed away her pain. Now she tried to forget it's beautiful eyes as she handed him over Tyr.
Loki spoke. "Thank you. The money is already in the possession of your parents. Now, begone from my sight. Your work is done..."
The maiden fought back tears. "Yes, m'lord."
Loki watched her leave and laughed. "Now, Tyr -- take my son Riaod and make sure he is safe. For someday, he shall strike in his father's name!"
Riaod grew strong and handsome, though his face was long and his eyes bespoke of lies. He was his father's son, there would be no doubt of that, and if evil could be passed along as easily as eye and hair color, then Loki had passed on his evil to his son. Broad-shouldered, with long dark lustrous hair, Riaod was the spark in many a young girl's eye. But he held no love for them. As his father taught him, women were good for only a precious few things...
His time with Tyr went well. He learned all the forms of warfare and when he left Tyr at the age of 12, he was annointed a Bladesman -- an honor given rarely in Asgard. Riaod the Bladesman then spent six years living in the depths of the underworld, alongside his sister, Hel. She was a strange one, he came to believe, but she told him much about the power that death holds over all, even Gods. When he was the Godly equivalent of 18 years old (which in Asgard meant he was much older, of course, for Gods are long-lived creatures, indeed), he went to learn from his father -- whom he had seen only rarely over the years.
Loki watched his son approach. He had a hungry glint in his eyes and the smile that Riaod wore hinted at unseen plans. Loki was pleased.
"Welcome home, my son. How do you greet the man who spawned you?"
Riaod kneeled, the heavy blade he wore on his back glinting. "Greetings, o father. This is a day to which I have long looked forward."
"Rise. Such frivolities are not needed here. You and I share a goal -- the destruction of Asgard and the placing of ourselves on the jeweled throne. You need to learn the art of magic, my son. Then you shall my sweetest weapon!"
Riaod smiled. His father looked young but he could see deeper than most. The face of death was far from Loki's features. Soon, he would be weak enough for Riaod to deal with. There could be only one ruler of Asgard...and it would not be Loki. "Of course, my father. Teach me...teach me everything."
Author's Notes :
Thanks to Ralph Angelo for allowing me to write this piece. I hope you've all enjoyed it. Loki, in the actual tales, sired MANY children but in the Marvel series we've seen only a few of them. The character of Riaod is wholly my creation and was inspired by, but is not directly related to, any of the actual mythological children of Loki.
Barry