Vers awakened in the middle of the night.
She was wrapped in Yon-Rogg's embrace, his face tucked into the crook of her neck. She squirmed in his tight grip, managing to turn around to face him. He was still asleep, mouth slightly agape. She smiled, enjoying being able to admire him unabashedly. Even asleep he made her heartache. It had always registered with her that he was handsome, perhaps a little too handsome for his own good. She wished she could see his eyes, startling shades the colours of golden wheat, unusual and rare on Hala but a highly sought after trait. She hated them as much as she loved them. When they were looking at her she found it almost impossible to say no to him - she never wanted him to know just how difficult it was, to know just how much power he had over her.
Vers sighed contently, worming her way further into his embrace. From this close, she could feel the steady rhythm of his heart and smell the fresh mint berries soap he liked to use.
Her fingers trailed up his chest, finding the scandalously low opening of his robes - not that she minded. Absentmindedly, her fingers twirled the hairs on his exposed chest. It wasn't long before Yon-Rogg roused, his hand moving between them to catch her hand and pull it away.
"Go to sleep, Vers." Yon-Rogg muttered.
"Maybe I don't want to."
"Of the billions of Kree who could have been my mate I get stuck with the one who has no respect for the fine art of sleeping," Yon-Rogg grumbled.
Vers punched him playfully on the shoulder.
"I'm not your mate yet," Vers teased. "And after that squiddy... thing incident I'm starting to doubt whether or not you're suitable enough."
That seemed to wake him up. Yon-Rogg wrapped his arms around her waist and rolled them over so she was beneath him. She returned his glare with an innocent grin. Slowly, she slipped her hands over his shoulders, clasping them and bringing him closer "Problem Commander?"
"I'm starting to think I've been too soft on you," Yon-Rogg muttered against her lips. "Do you really think you can get away with teasing me like that?"
"I know I can," Vers challenged. "I am your favourite after all."
"I'm the only one with enough patience to deal with you," Yon-Rogg said smugly.
Vers wrinkled her nose at him, letting him have his petty victory.
Yon-Rogg smirked and leaned down to kiss her. His lips had barely brushed hers when his communicator began bleeping frantically. Vers groaned in frustration when he rolled off of her, already she missed the coolness of his body. She watched him read the message, a frown falling on her face when she saw the way he tensed and the concern on his face.
"What's wrong?"
"Hala is on lockdown."
There had been an explosion on the Upper Levels. A Starforce weaponry facility had been destroyed, five Starforce agents were injured but thankfully no lives were lost - yet. The fire was still being tackled when the reports had come through, so there was still no confirmation on whether it was an accident or something more sinister. As it was a military establishment, it was being treated as highly suspicious until proven otherwise. A necessary precaution in such troubled times.
The streets were eerily quiet as Yon-Rogg and Vers made their way to the Upper Levels. An instant curfew had been put in place, no citizens would be allowed to leave their dwellings until the circumstances of the explosion were understood. Anyone who was still out had to make their way home immediately or be brought in for questioning. Law enforcement officers armed to the teeth could be seen patrolling the city in higher numbers than ever. The large screens dotted around the city were glowing red, an emergency warning on it explaining to the citizens the cares they should take.
Stay indoors. Report anything suspicion. Remain calm.
It had been a long time since Hala had gone on lockdown. Yon-Rogg had only seen it happen twice before, once when he was a child and again when he was a teenage recruit at the military academy. Both times had been drills. This would be Vers first time experiencing a lockdown. She seemed unsettled by it, unused to such an ominous feeling hanging in the air of the Under Levels. Hala was the heart of the Empire, its civilian city buried deep within the earth and protected by their military patrolling the aboveground. It should be the safest place in the galaxy. Now it felt like danger could be lurking around every corner.
Yon-Rogg kept a close eye on Vers, his entire body tensed. He hoped it was nothing but an accident. His gut told him otherwise.
Most of the fire had been put out by the time he and Vers got to the site, the Blaze Bots having been quick to react. They were a small army of variously sized droids, decorated with bright green and white strips, red flashing lights speckled across their bodies. They flew around the building, extinguishing the fires with water sprays and canons that were attached beneath their metallic bodies. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the interior of the building was heavily damaged, blackened with soot and burned debris. It looked highly unstable and the chances of any of the equipment and resources having survived were slim.
"Commander!" Att-Lass called out, running over to them.
"Att-Lass, report," Yon-Rogg said.
"We were treating it as an accident due to the high volumes of explosives stored within the facility. However, a witness said they saw a suspicious person entering the building shortly before the explosion. They were dressed in Starforce attire but from what they described of it, that person isn't anywhere near qualified to enter this part of the base."
The different uniforms that operatives in the military wore symbolised their rank and often their stations. It allowed for easy identification and the proper respects to be paid. Certain parts of the base were off limits to those of lower ranks, so finding such an officer in this section was a case for suspicion.
"We'll have to find this individual. They're our best lead," Yon-Rogg said. "Att-Lass. I want you, Bronn-Char and Korath to scout out the area and look for anything suspicious. See if you can find the suspect. Report back here at..." Yon-Rogg trailed off, noticing the way Att-Lass flinched at the mention of his teammate. "What's wrong?"
"Bronn-Char isn't here yet," Att-Lass replied hesitantly. "I've tried contacting him but he won't answer."
Yon-Rogg frowned and attempted to contact their fellow teammate through his gauntlets communicator. There was no reply. Yon-Rogg shook his head, displeased that a member of his unit was being tardy. Especially under such circumstances. It was unprofessional, inexcusable and would not go unpunished.
"I'll deal with him later," Yon-Rogg grit out. "Start the scout. Vers, you're with me."
With the fire subsided, Vers and Yon-Rogg were able to enter the building. They activated their helmets and masks, preventing them from inhaling the smoke and any dangerous toxins in the air. Yon-Rogg used his gravitational manipulators to create a forcefield above them, protecting them from any falling wreckage. After a thorough investigation, they had found one clue, fragments of a remote-controlled bomb.
"This definitely wasn't an accident," Vers said, inspecting the device. "It's too damaged to tell where it came from."
Yon-Rogg took the charred device from Vers. "The forensics units might be able to able to work out where it's from. If they can then we might be able to figure out who is responsible for this."
"Do you think it might be Skrulls?"
"Possibly," Yon-Rogg said, his eyes growing dark. "But if that is the case then that means they've infiltrated Hala."
Until they had solid evidence of a culprit, they could draw no solid conclusions. When they found out was responsible there would be no mercy. There had been no wars or battles waged of Hala for centuries. This was the sanctuary of all Kree. A safe place they could call home and practise the Kree ways of life. This attack had jeopardised that safety, brought the battle to safe soil, the very heart and soul of Kree. It would not be tolerated.
They left the decrepit building and deactivated their helmets.
"I'm going to have to head back to headquarters and assign an appropriate team for this investigation," Yon-Rogg said, running a hand through his hair.
"Why can't we do it?"
"We have another mission, one more pressing. I want you to patrol the area with the others, look for clues and anyone suspicious until I get back with a new team to take over."
Vers nodded and headed off. Yon-Rogg watched her go, making sure she was with Korath and Att-Lass before heading to Headquarters.
"On a scale from one to ten, how much trouble do you think, Bronn-Char is in?"
"Twelve," Att-Lass replied.
Vers and Att-Lass were standing on the ramp leading up to the Hellion. With the attack the previous night, Starforce Headquarters was on full alert. Hala was still on lockdown, the streets deserted except for law enforcers ensuring everyone remain indoors. It felt like the entire city was holding its breath, waiting for the axe to drop. The tension was straining. Vers could only imagine how difficult it was for the civilians who had no clue as to what was going on.
"I think Bronn-Char's trying to steal your title as the latecomer of the team."
"I was late once," Att-Lass muttered.
"And Yon-Rogg and Korath never let you forget it."
"Speaking of the Commander," Att-Lass said, slyly changing the topic. "I never got the chance to say congratulations. You cost me 50 credits! I knew you'd get together but I thought it'd be a while, all things considering."
Vers hushed him. "What if someone hears?"
They hadn't made any official announcement, it was far too soon for that. She wasn't embarrassed or shy about her relationship, but she wasn't sure how Yon-Rogg would feel about people knowing. It was still early days. It was something they would need to discuss.
"Everyone already knows," Att-Lass replied. "Did you really think Bronn-Char would keep his mouth shut when he has the biggest piece of gossip in ages?"
Vers winced, she supposed it was big news. Yon-Rogg was something of a celebrity and had been a very desirable bachelor. Everyone would be curious about his love life. Considering in all the years she had known him he had never endeavoured to have any kind of relationship or fling, finding out he was suddenly with someone would be a surprise to everyone.
"Cheers to Bronn-Char," Vers said blandly.
Att-lass smiled. "I think most people suspected it would happen sooner or later. Yon-Rogg may be good at concealing his emotions, but I don't think anyone is good enough to hide feelings that strong."
"I wasn't aware."
Att-Lass snorted. "Are you joking?"
Vers was saved from answering when they spotted Bronn-Char. He was stumbling through the crowds of bustling operatives on the flight deck, trying to make his way to the Hellion. He nearly bumped into one of the enginers just as he reached the ramp.
"Excuse me, young lady, " Bronn-Char said, wincing under the women's glare. "Sorry I'm late, Team."
"For a man who has our Commander and second-in-command gunning for him, you don't seem very panicked," Vers said, quirking an eyebrow. "We've already been briefed on the mission. Yon-Rogg will be giving you a private briefing."
Which was code for he was getting a ripping into.
"Where were you last night?" Att-Lass asked.
"My communicator is in need of repair. I never got the message," Bronn - Chat said, cringing. "Do you think he is in a pitying mood?"
"It's Yon-Rogg. There is no pity or mercy unless you have blonde hair, dark eyes, and twinkling fists."
Vers scoffed, giving Att-Lass a dirty look.
"He has punished me before, in case you have forgotten."
"You were punished once for endangering yourself. And let's be honest, the real reason was because he was still upset about losing you on Toraf."
"Was still punished."
"Come on, let's get going. I don't think you want to leave Yon-Rogg waiting any longer. Watch out for Korath too. He's been in a bitter mood ever since the Kree-Xander Treaty was announced. He'll probably be breathing down your neck until Vers does something worse. You won't have to wait that long."
Vers slapped Att-Lass's arm.
They entered the ship and headed to the main deck. Korath scowled at them as they entered. Yon-Rogg had his back to them, his hands clasped behind him.
"Finally decided to join us, did you, Bronn-Char?" Yon-Rogg asked, his voice laced with fury. When he turned around his golden eyes fell on Bronn-Char. "My office. Now!"
Vers and Att-Lass winced as Yon-Rogg stormed out of the deck, Bronn-Char following behind him.
"I do not envy him," Vers mumbled, biting her lip.
She hoped Yon-Rogg wouldn't be too hard on Bronn-Char once he found out that it wasn't his fault. He would still get a scolding for not taking better care of his equipment, but it was better than facing the barely suppressed rage that had been shinning in Yon-Rogg's eyes.
Att-Lass took a seat beside Korath. They turned on the ship's engine and began flying them out of the hanger. Vers stood between them, hands restings on the backs of their seats.
"So we're headed to Morag to find and eliminate Ronan," Vers said. "Why is he even headed to Morag? What's there?"
"It's unclear. There are no lifeforms on Morag, it's an oceanic planet with very little land which is regularly swallowed up by the ocean. That will make it easier to find Ronan as there is only one place he could be," Att-Lass explained.
"How many warriors sided with him?" Vers asked.
"We've identified at least seven."
Vers nodded. "Well, give me a shout when we're nearly there. I'm going to go raid the kitchen. Want anything?"
"No thanks."
"Do not touch the melted-gooey wraps," Korath warned sternly, pointing an accusing finger at her. "Those are mine."
"I wouldn't touch your horrid melted-gooey wraps!"
"You always eat them," Att-Lass sighed.
"Snitch."
When they arrived on Morag, they docked the ship in a well-concealed area, hidden by jagged and obscure rock formations. The planet Morag was not a hospitable one. It was a barren wasteland with dirt infested winds, randomly erupting geysers and dark, thundery clouds. The place was as eerie as it was unwelcoming. It had once been an inhabited planet with a rich and vibrant civilisation, but a global catastrophe had occurred, forcing its natives to flee as the sea levels rose. The only evidence of their previous lives here were the crumbling foundation stones and pillars of their temples and dwellings.
The Starforce team found themselves standing at the bottom of one such temple. A massive structure, surprisingly well in tack though lacking much of its roof.
"Att-Lass, I want you to find elevation. Bronn-Char you go with him and provide cover. Vers, Korath, you're with me on the ground level. If you see Ronan and his followers, eliminate them. Tread with caution team and remember this is a stealth mission." He spared a warning glance at Vers. She rolled her eyes at him. "I don't want any of us joining The Collective but if that is our fate, then we die with honour."
The team nodded then split into their separate units.
Yon-Rogg and Korath had their guns out, pointed forward as they crept into the temple, staying close to the walls and rubble for cover. Vers followed behind them, ready to ignite her photon powers at a seconds notice. Despite the raging winds and blasting waters outside, the temple was spookily quiet. After half an hour of searching, Yon-Rogg halted the team. They took cover behind several large pillars.
"Att-Lass, any sign of them?" Yon-Rogg whispered into his communicator.
No reply came.
"Att-Lass! Do you hear me? Bronn-Char?"
Still no reply.
Yon-Rogg cursed under his breath.
"It could just be the atmosphere interfering with their communication devices. It wouldn't be the first time," Korath supplied.
"I can go and check on them," Vers offered.
"No, no one is going off on their own. We stay in groups."
Vers sighed but complied, knowing that Yon-Rogg was right. They carried on into another chamber, much larger than the one before. At the end of the room was a staircase leading up to a raised platform. There was something glowing on top of it, an almost divine purple light casting shadows on the walls.
"Commander, what is that?" Vers whispered.
Yon-Rogg paused, looking at the artefact unsurely.
"I don't-"
An explosion shook the temple, dust and debris sent hurtling into the air. The team were thrown across the room, landing in the centre. Yon-Rogg quickly activated his gravitational gauntlets to halt the onslaught of rocks shooting towards them. They all spluttered and coughed as dust filled their lungs. Quickly, they got to their feet and turned to the source.
The staircase and the platform had been decimated, in its place stood Ronan. The strange artefact, a glowing orb, was now in the palm of his hand. In the other hand, he held the Cosmic-Rod, a massive war hammer favoured by The Accusers. An ancient weapon of the Kree.
Vers, Yon-Rogg and Korath stood back to back, their weapons trained on the enemies lurking in the shadows. Yon-Rogg faced Ronan, his weapon aimed at his head.
"Commander Yon-Rogg, I have been expecting you and your team," Ronan said conversationally. "I take it this is your mate, the infamous Vers?"
Vers rolled her eyes. So even The Accuser knew of her relationship with Yon-Rogg? When they got back to the ship she and Bronn-Char were going to be having some very choice words.
"Famous," Yon-Rogg corrected. "Which is more than I can say for you."
"You and I don't have to be enemies, Commander. You and your team can assist me in bringing true glory to the Kree. We will never cower before our enemies as the Supreme Intelligence has reduced us to."
"The Supreme Intelligence is what has made us strong!"
"Wrong!" Ronan bellowed. "It has made us weak. It wants us to join hands with the enemy! How long before it extends such courtesy to the Skrulls? If we were strong we would have brought Kree justice to them years ago."
"By justice, you mean blowing them all to pieces," Yon-Rogg spat.
"I seem to recall you calling upon my service on C-53 not so long ago," Ronan replied.
Vers flinched, startled by that knowledge.
She wanted to protest, to deny that Yon-Rogg would call upon the Accusers. They were nothing but extremists, a terrible faction of the Kree Empire that should not exist. She had never agreed with them and it infuriated her that the empire still employed them. Yon-Rogg despised them and held a particular disliking for Ronan - as did most.
Yon-Rogg was the stark opposite of Ronan. The Accuser was merciless, relished blood-shed and glorified war. Yon-Rogg preferred peaceful solutions. He went out of his way and risked his life to ensure the safety of civilians, even those of the enemy. He didn't enjoy hurting people as Ronan did.
When Yon-Rogg didn't deny Ronan's words, Vers heart broke a little. She shook her head, scolding herself. She didn't know anything about the circumstances. She knew that sometimes horrible calls had to be for the greater good. If Yon-Rogg had made that choice then there had been no other options. He wouldn't needlessly send in a wave of destruction.
Her reassurances did nothing to ease the wrongness of it all.
"My methods are deemed brutal, sever, yet this entire time I have been held back. You all called me a terrorist... extremist... zealot. You scorned my contributions yet your false God applauded my actions, for even it knew what true Kree justice was. When your pitiful, cowardly tactics failed it was I who cleaned up your messes." Ronan slowly strode down the rubble. "Once I give Thanos this orb, he will destroy Xander for me. Our ancestors will be avenged."
"Are you crazy?" Vers scoffed. "Thanos wants to destroy half of the population of the galaxy! That includes the Kree!"
"Perhaps that is not such a bad thing," Ronan said. "If Thanos and his armies are able to breach Hala to carry out such an act, then it only proves how far we have fallen. From the ashes, we will rebuild ourselves, stronger than before by bringing back our old ways."
Vers shook her head, hardly believing the nonsense she was hearing. She could feel Yon-Rogg had tensed beside her and could imagine the wrath on his face.
"I do not wish to waste such valuable assets so I will give you and your team one final chance, Commander. Join me... and help me for the good of all Kree. Or perish."
"Is the perishing supposed to be the bad option?" Vers quipped. "Cause spending any more time with you seems like a punishment."
"Vers," Yon-Rogg sighed.
"Destroy them," Ronan growled.
Ronan's men crept forward from the shadows. They were Sakaarans, heavily armoured and holding massive blasters. The creatures were often a part of large scale Kree military operations, usually restricted to the battlefield. They were skilled fighters and expert marksmen.
Before any of them got the chance to shoot, a snipers shot flew from above, striking down three of them. Vers breathed a sigh of relief. Att-Lass and Bronn-Char had come to their aid. With that comfort in mind, Vers summoned her powers and launched a photon blast at the Sakaaran's running towards her. She heard Yon-Rogg firing his gun, taking down the ones approaching him. Beside her, Korath unsheathed his energy swords.
"There's a lot more than seven men!" Vers hissed.
"I can see that," Yon-Rogg gritted, punching a warrior who had managed to get close to him. He used his gravitational gauntlets to send five Sakaarens flying backwards, smashing them against a decaying wall. "That means Ronan had been planning this treason for much longer than we realised."
"He has."
Vers's heart jolted when Korath spoke those words. She whirled around only to be met with Korath's blade slicing towards her. She narrowly avoided it but received a swift kick in the face. Vers fell to the ground, agony bursting through her head, making everything spin.
The world seemed to slow down, the explosions, gunshots and battle cries a distant echo. She saw Yon-Rogg turn around, confusion on his face as he saw her on the ground, blood pouring from her nose and head. Just like her, he hadn't expected Korath's betrayal. He had no time to react as Korath rammed an energy blade straight through his stomach. Yon-Rogg fell to his knees, gasping.
Vers felt like it was her who had been stabbed.
"Why?" Yon-Rogg gritted out.
"Ronan is right. The Supreme Intelligence is a disease. For the good of all Kree, this is the only way," Korath said, raising his blade in the air for the finishing blow. "I am sorry, Commander."
Vers gritted her teeth, fury coursing through her. Her powers surged to the surface, her body radiating with pure energy. The power inhibitor on her neck crackled and sparked under the pressure as she drew more power than ever before. With a scream, Vers raised her arms and photon blasted Korath. He was sent crashing into the wall, along with a group of Sakaaren's who had gotten in the way. Unable to control her anger, her powers kept firing, powerful beams of light slicing in sharp zig-zags across the walls and ceiling. Rocks shattering to the ground from what was left of the ceiling, sent Ronan's men running for shelter.
Vers finally managed to bring her powers back uncontrol. She panted, straining to sit up. Everything was shaking, rubble falling all around them.
The temple was collapsing.
"We have what we need. Move out!" Ronan shouted. Without any fear of the quaking temple and falling debris, he strode out of the temple the way he had come in, orb and hammer securely in his hands.
Vers struggled to her feet, her body aching and vision blurring. She tried to shake it off and made her way over to Yon-Rogg. He was lying on his back, blood soaking through his armour. She felt sick with worry, fear clutching onto her heart.
"Yon-Rogg?" Vers whispered, feeling his pulse. It was slowing down, she could barely feel it. "No. No, don't you dare, Yon! You don't get to die!"
Vers moved behind him, slipping her arms under his and dragged him towards the exit. All around her geysers erupted from the floors, sending rocks and water into the air. The roar of the falling stones was deafening. Vers managed to pull Yon-Rogg out and get him a safe distance, just as the temple finally caved in on itself. She dropped to her knees beside him, pushing down hard on his wound to try and stop the bleeding.
"Vers!"
"Bronn-Char!" Vers turned her head, seeing Bronn-Char racing towards her. "We need to get him to the ship and into one of the healing pods. It's his only chance!"
Bronn-Char picked Yon-Rogg up into his arms and the two raced through the fields of rocks and geysers to where the ship lay in wait. Bronn-Char laid Yon-Rogg inside the healing pod. It was an oval shaped egg with a glass covering and padded interior. It drew energy from anulax battery and accelerated the bodies natural healing properties.
"He's going to need blood as well," Vers said, hurrying over to the blood storage unit.
She entered the code and grabbed a large metal cylinder from inside. It was labelled with Yon-Rogg's name. She quickly inserted it into a panel in the healing pod then went about attaching the blood ports and tubes to Yon-Rogg's body. Her hands wouldn't stop shaking. Once she was done, she gave Yon-Rogg a quick kiss on the cheek, her fingers tenderly stroking his forehead.
"Don't die," Vers whispered in his ear. "Or I swear I'll never marry you."
She activated the pod, the glass cover sliding into place.
Bronn-Char watched her quietly. "What happened?"
"Korath betrayed us," Vers whispered, her voice seething. "Where's Att-Lass?"
"We got separated when the temple started collapsing."
"I need to go find him," Vers said.
"You can't go alone," Bronn-Char protested.
"I need you to stay here with Yon-Rogg. I'm going to go find Att-Lass and bring him in."
"Vers!"
Vers wasn't in the mood for negotiating. "Since Yon-Rogg is unable to lead and Korath is no longer on our side that puts me in charge. Stay here and tend to Yon, that's an order."
Vers left without another word. She would have to try and send a message to Headquarters first and fill them in on the situation. Despite the communication issues, the ship's communicator should be able to get through to them as it was much more powerful. She hurried into the main deck and threw herself into the pilot seat, dialling in the codes. She had only gotten a few digits in when an emergency transmission came through.
A hologram flared to life.
It was Bronn-Char.
"Bronn-Char what's wrong?" Vers asked worriedly. She had only just left him. Had Yon-Rogg's state worsened?
"Vers! Oh, thank The Collective," Bronn-Char said, relieved. He blinked suddenly, taking in the sight of the blood dripping from her face. "What happened to your face? Vers, where is the Commander?"
Vers frowned, giving him an alarmed look. "What do you mean where is Yon-Rogg? He's in the medical bay with you!"
Bronn-Char looked stricken, shaking his head. His eyes were wide with panic. "Vers, I'm still on Hala! I was on my way to the fire at Headquarters when someone attacked me. By the time I came to the team was already gone!"
Vers didn't give him time to say anything else. She bolted from her seat, racing through the corridors towards the medical bay. Her mind was focused on one thing.
She had to get to Yon-Rogg.
(A/N) This was such a long chapter to write *flops onto floor*
Damn Korath ¬_¬ Since he ends up with Ronan in Gotg I thought I'd incorporate that into the story. I wonder who is reeeeeally with Yon-Rogg if Bronn-Char is still on Hala. The clue is in the first words he speaks in this chapter, if you want a clue - though I think its probs obvious xD Which also means... more angst is on its way ;A;
Morag is the planet at the start of Guardians of the Galaxy, which contains the orbs which contains an infinity crystal - not that the Kree are aware of that yet.