Deep inside the safe house in the Shipwreck Graveyard, the Benatar hovered silently in its dedicated berth after an intense battle. Thunder runes flowed slowly across its hull, drawing in the thin cosmic energy around it to make fine repairs on their own. A faint scent of ozone and the lingering tang of overloaded energy hung in the air.
On the bridge, the team took a brief rest, though the atmosphere was far from relaxed.
"That was damn satisfying, but that old bitch Hive must be losing her mind. Who knows what nastier trick she's cooking up?" Rocket muttered as he replaced an Energy Conduit in the Ion Turret.
"Those two envoys from the Shi'ar and the Kree must have heard by now, too. I wonder if they'll lash out in desperation." Star-Lord wiped down his Element Gun, his brow slightly furrowed.
"If they attack, we fight." Drax sharpened his massive axe, keeping his words brief.
Gamora silently checked the surveillance feeds, alert to the slightest movement outside the safe house.
Lin Ye stood quietly before the viewport. His perception spread like an invisible network over every inch of space around the safe house, while he maintained a faint, steady connection to the distant Thunder Ancestral Court. He drew strength from it, soothing the subtle ripples in his mind left by forcibly invoking the Court's origin power earlier. Under its soothing influence, the trace of chaos within him fell dormant for the time being.
Just then, two requests of exceptionally high priority lit up the safe house's encrypted communications channel at once-one from the Shi'ar Empire's embassy on the upper level, the other from the Kree Empire's consulate.
"Here they are." Gamora immediately went on alert.
"Hmph. Couldn't sit still after all." Star-Lord raised an eyebrow. "Which one first?"
"Connect