Thanos found himself torn over Ebony Maw's proposal.
He did not enjoy meaningless slaughter.
But he understood even better that, to achieve absolute balance in the universe, some personal feelings had to be cast aside.
He closed his eyes, and the image of Gamora falling into the abyss surfaced in his mind.
If he could sacrifice even his beloved daughter, what could he not do?
For the great cause of universal population control, he finally made up his mind.
"Contact Starfox," Thanos ordered.
"Yes, Father." Ebony Maw withdrew and took over the communications console.
A few minutes later, blue light lit up in the center of the hall.
A holographic projection took shape.
An exceedingly luxurious palace appeared in the image. The lighting was suggestive, and the music soothing.
Starfox, Eros, wore a lavish silk shirt with his chest exposed.
He held a glass of some unknown liquid, surrounded by several alien beauties of varying forms leaning against him.
Eros turned his head toward the holographic projection.
The moment he saw Thanos's face clearly, the smile vanished from his own.
Eros set down his glass and patted the shoulders of the women beside him.
The women wisely left the frame.
Eros then rose to his feet and briefly straightened his clothes.
"Thanos," Eros said unpleasantly, "you always know how to ruin a wonderful night. What do you want?"
"If you're here to sell me that philosophy of death of yours, you can hang up now."
Thanos watched him.
"Eros... I need you to fight in a gladiatorial match for me."
Eros froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.
"Ha ha! A gladiatorial match? You? The most feared tyrant in the universe needs me to fight for you?"
Eros shook his head and continued, "You came to the wrong