The vastness of the universe was no barrier to information, especially when a trajectory laden with destruction and ill omen stabbed straight toward the starfield where the Nine Realms lay.
Asgard, atop the Golden Palace.
Within the observation dome, an enormous star chart woven from runes and starlight churned violently. Piercing alarms rang out through a hum emitted directly by Asgard's magical core.
Heimdall stood before the Bifrost's control nexus. His eyes, capable of seeing through the Nine Realms, were fixed on the dark-red "comet" speeding toward them from the depths of space.
"Your Majesty!" Heimdall's voice was transmitted directly to the throne room through magic. "Galactus is approaching! His target is... the Nine Realms. He will reach Asgard's defensive perimeter very soon!"
Seated upon the supreme throne, Odin's single eye flashed with a sharp gleam.
Gungnir, the Eternal Spear in his hand, trembled faintly. It was not fear, but an instinctive response to a powerful threat.
"Thor!" Odin's voice resounded through the palace.
The God of Thunder strode in, clad in silver armor. His face bore eager battle intent, but after seeing his father's grave expression and the star-chart image transmitted by Heimdall, his own expression turned solemn.
"Father!"
"Galactus's course passes through Asgard." Odin rose to his feet, the majesty of the Allfather blanketing the great hall. "Lead all of Asgard's fleets and hold the outskirts of our realm. Activate every defensive rune. Without my command, do not attack first, and do not leave Asgard's boundaries."
Thor froze. "Father, you mean to..."
"I will meet him." Odin's voice was low and resolute. "Perhaps there is still room for negotiation. If he insists on devouring the Nine Realms... then we will fight with everything we have."
"That is too dangerous! Let me go with you!" Thor said urgently.
Odin