In an unknown area of space The Other knelt at the feet of another alien.
"The humans, they are not the cowering wretches we were promised. They stand. They are unruly and therefore cannot be ruled." The Other said as a disembodied figure in a chair stood up and The Others bowed as if in pain. "To challenge them, is to court Death." He said and the disembodied figure turned smiling and revealing himself to be Thanos the mad Titan.
IT
The Other was calling Ronan.
"You have been betrayed, Ronan." The Other said.
"We know only that she has been captured. Gamora may yet recover the Orb." Ronan the Accuser said.
"No! Our sources within the Kyln say Gamora has her own plans for the Orb. Your partnership with Thanos is at risk." The Other said. "Thanos requires your presence. NOW!"
At the Sanctuary Asteroid Field, Nebula, Ronan, and The Other had all gathered around the warlord's throne.
"With all due respect, Thanos, your daughter made this mess, and yet you summon me." Ronan said.
"I would lower my voice, Accuser." The Other said.
"First, she lost a battle with some primitive."
"Thanos put Gamora under your charge." The Other said while Nebula fixed her arm.
"Then she was apprehended by the Nova Corps."
"You are the one here with nothing to show for it."
"Your sources say that she meant to betray us the whole time!"
"LOWER YOUR TONE! I MAY BE YOUR-" The Other said and Ronan snapped his neck with a Concussive Blast catching Nebula's attention, albeit showing no signs of surprise at the murder as he turned to Thanos.
"I only ask that you take this matter seriously." Ronan said and the warlord turned his throne around to face the Kree as he spoke.]
"The only matter I did not take seriously, boy…" Thanos said. "...is you." he said and Ronan looked to him, seemingly surprised. "Your politics bore me!" he said. "Your demeanor is that of a pouty child." he said. "And, apparently...you alienated my favorite daughter, Gamora." he said and Nebula subtly expressed jealousy. "I shall honor our agreement, Kree." he said. "If you bring me the Orb." he said. "But return to me again empty-handed…" he said threatening Ronan with death. "...and I will bathe the starways in your blood." he said and Ronan seemed intimidated by his threat.
Nebula, on the other hand, had fixed her arm.
"Thanks, dad… sounds fair." Nebula said and left. "This is one fight you won't win." she said and Ronan looked at her. "Let's head to the Klyn." she said and he briefly glared at Thanos before departing while Thanos watched on, with a satisfied grin.
ALL
On board the Dark Astor Ronan contacted Thanos.
"The orb is in my possession, as I promised." Ronan said and Korath held up the orb in his hand.
"Bring it to me." Thanos said.
"Yes, that was our agreement." [Ronan said and took the orb from Korath. "Bring you the orb, and you will destroy Xandar for me. However, now that I know it contains an Infinity Stone, I wonder what use I have for you."
"Boy, I would reconsider your current course." Thanos said and Ronan opened up the orb and looked at the Infinity Stone inside.
"Master! You cannot! Thanos is the most powerful being in the universe." Korath said.
"Not anymore." Ronan said and embedded the Infinity Stone in his Warhammer and absorbed its power into his body. "You call me "boy"?! I will unfurl one thousand years of Kree justice on Xandar, and burn it to its core! Then, Thanos, I'm coming for you." he said and ended the call.
"After Xandar, you're going to kill my father?" Nebula said.
"You dare to oppose me?"
"You see what he has turned me into. You kill him, I will help you destroy a thousand planets."
STARTED
Dissatisfied Thanos opened a vault and put on The Infinity Gauntlet without any of the Stones, revealing himself.
"Fine, I'll do it myself." he said.
WITH
In the Captain's Quarters of The Ark Thor looked at his reflection in a mirror. His wounds were bandaged, including his now missing eye and his armor was clean.
He took a beat, as though trying to get used to the sight of the man looking back at him.
"It suits you." someone said and Thor turned to see Loki standing by the door with a smile.
"Perhaps you're not so bad after all, brother. Maybe not." Thor said. "Thank you, Loki." He said and picked up a soap dish. "And if you were here, I might even give you a hug." he said, threw the dish at Loki and Loki caught it.
"Do we have to hug now?" Loki asked and Thor smiled.
In Space the giant cruise liner was gliding through space, the twinkling of stars all around it.
In the Ark Thor stepped out onto the main deck to see an assembly of both Asgardian and Sakaarian refugees awaiting their King.
He looked over his people and started to walk through the crowd as his subjects part, allowing him through.
It was the antithesis of the opening coronation and the people weren't cheering and lauding him, but rather smiling and humbly bowing grateful while Thor wasn't acting arrogant, trying to show off any swagger but as a stately, contemplative and dignified king.
At the end of the procession, Hulk, Loki, Valkyrie, and Heimdall stood next to the Captain's chair.
"Your throne." Valkyrie said and he paused for a minute, reluctantly accepting his new position and sat down.
Flanking him on opposite sides were Valkyrie and Heimdall while behind, towering and above them were the Hulk and Loki joined them.
"So, King of Asgard." Heimdall said and Thor turned around to see thousands of people staring back, silently awaiting word from their new King getting him to feel the true weight of the crown and take a minute. "Where to?"
"I'm not sure. Any suggestions? Miek, what's your home planet?" Thor asked.
"Oh, Miek's dead. I accidentally stepped on him on the bridge, I've just felt so guilty I've been carrying him around all day…" Korg said holding Miek as Miek wriggled to life lightening Korg up. "Miek, you're alive! He's alive everyone! What was your question?" He said and Thor looked forward, taking charge of this one.
"Earth it is."
Later Thor and Loki were looking out the window.
"Do you really think it's a good idea to go back to Earth?" Loki asked.
"Sure! They love me there." Thor said.
"Let me rephrase: Do you really think it's a good idea to bring me back to Earth?" Loki said and Thor smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
"Probably not. But don't worry, brother… I've got a feeling that everything's going to work out."
Then through the window, they saw the massive form of Sanctuary-2, Thanos' warship approaching.
HIM
