Sakaar, Plumbers Headquarters
Caiera the Oldstrong sat in the command center of the sprawling orbital station, her silver skin gleaming under the ambient lighting as she coordinated the movements of thousands of Plumbers across dozens of star systems. The weight of command settled on her shoulders like familiar armor, a responsibility she'd grown accustomed to since Ben had entrusted her with the day-to-day operations of their growing organization.
The massive holographic displays around her showed deployment patterns for the second wave of Earth Relief Forces, a coalition fleet assembled from worlds under Plumber protection. The sight was both humbling and inspiring: Nova Corps fighters rebuilt from Xandar's ashes, sleek Shi'ar interceptors, even a contingent of reformed Ravager crews who'd sworn allegiance to the Plumber cause. Each ship represented a civilization that had chosen to stand with Earth against the space threat that Vilgax now posed.
The enemy they faced had absorbed the powers of multiple realms and their rulers, this was no longer a battle that Earth or even the Plumbers could fight alone. After ensuring the safety of their own worlds, these allied civilizations had sent their finest warriors to join the cause.
Among the volunteers were those who belonged to no single nation or empire.
"Well, I'll be damned," Nick Fury muttered, his one good eye scanning the bustling command center with barely concealed amazement. "This is bigger than SHIELD ever was."
Carol Danvers floated beside him, her radiant form casting prismatic light across the nearest control panels. Since meeting Ben at the Galactic Federation summit, she'd become a nominal member of the Plumbers, more of a friend who happened to carry a communication device than a formal recruit. When word of Earth's crisis had reached her during a patrol of the Andromeda sector, she'd contacted headquarters immediately to offer her assistance.
Ben hadn't specifically called her for help, in truth, with everything happening, he'd almost forgotten about giving her the communicator. But Carol had never been one to ignore a crisis, especially when it involved her home world.
"Captain Danvers," Caiera acknowledged with a respectful nod. "Your arrival is most welcome. We can use every advantage against Vilgax."
At the same time, Brunnhilde's voice crackled over the comm system as her ship docked with the station. "Caiera, we're back from Heaven. Mission successful, Thor and his sister are both alive."
"Both?" Caiera raised an eyebrow, though a small smile played at the corners of her mouth. "That's more family reunions than we expected."
"Thor won't be returning immediately," Loki's voice joined the channel, sounding unusually subdued. "He... he was overjoyed to see Mother again. I think he believed we were both dead. But he also realized how powerless he still is. After we freed him, he insisted on going to Old Asgard alone. Something about finding power worthy of a true king."
The bridge fell silent for a moment, the weight of Thor's decision settling over them. They all understood the drive to become stronger, especially after witnessing the devastation Vilgax had wrought across the Nine Realms.
"So," Nick Fury said, breaking the contemplative silence as he studied the tactical displays, "the second wave is looking pretty substantial. But I've got to ask..." He turned to Caiera with the calculating expression of a career intelligence officer. "In an organization this size, with all these heavy hitters, who exactly is your Plumber of the Year?"
The question seemed innocent enough, but Fury's mind was already working through the possibilities. Ben Parker, the King of Sakaar himself, the man who could manipulate black holes with his bare hands, would be the obvious choice. But as the founder, he might not be eligible for such awards.
Thor had been mentioned as recovering his divine power, and if he returned from Old Asgard stronger than before, he'd certainly deserve recognition. Princess Looma was a living legend among younger Plumbers, her fighting prowess unquestionable. Caiera herself had once been called the Supreme Warrior, and Beta Ray Bill had proven himself time and again in crucial battles.
Even relative newcomers like Eunice with her Infinity Stone enhancement, or Wanda with her reality-warping potential, could make strong cases for the honor.
Caiera answered without hesitation, her voice carrying the kind of certainty that brooked no argument.
"Ben Parker Sr."
Nick Fury blinked. "I'm sorry, who?"
He knew a Ben Parker Sr., of course, Ben's uncle, the man who'd raised Ben and Peter. But as far as Fury knew, that Ben Parker Sr. was just an ordinary elderly man from Queens. Sure, he seemed like a decent person from what little intelligence SHIELD had gathered, but he was... well, ordinary. No powers, no special training, no particular qualifications beyond being related to one of the most powerful beings in the universe.
"Yes, the Ben Parker Sr.," Caiera clarified, her tone suggesting this should be obvious. "He was enhanced with the perfected Super Soldier Serum, granting him physical capabilities equivalent to Steve Rogers."
"So... he's basically a knockoff Captain America?" Fury couldn't keep the skepticism out of his voice.
The temperature in the command center seemed to drop several degrees as Caiera fixed him with a withering stare. "Director Fury, I would advise against referring to Ben Parker Sr. as a 'knockoff' of anyone. While his physical enhancements may be similar to Captain Rogers', Ben Sr. has earned his recognition through character, not just combat ability."
Carol, sensing the tension, floated down to land beside them. "Nick, maybe you should listen before making judgments."
"Ben Sr. is beloved throughout the Plumber organization," Caiera continued, her voice warming as she spoke of the older man. "On every world he's visited, every base he's toured, people gravitate toward him. He has this remarkable ability to make anyone feel heard and valued. Children draw him pictures, veterans seek his counsel, and even hardened warriors find themselves opening up about their fears and hopes."
She gestured to a series of commendation reports scrolling across a nearby screen. "Last month alone, he prevented three separate incidents that could have escalated into violence through nothing but conversation and genuine empathy. He's mediated disputes between species that have been enemies for centuries. He's talked rookie Plumbers through their first combat missions and convinced traumatized civilians to trust us enough to accept evacuation."
"Plus," she added with what might have been amusement, "his last name is Parker. That carries considerable weight in this organization."
Fury had to admit that made a certain sense. In a galaxy where Ben Parker was rapidly becoming a mythic figure, sharing that name would open doors and command respect.
"All right, I'll bite," Fury said. "Where is this Plumber of the Year right now?"
Caiera's expression grew concerned as she pulled up a star chart. "Somewhere near Ego's planet, we believe. He and May went with Princess Looma to help with a situation involving Star-Lord's parentage. But we lost contact with their ship several hours ago."
Her silver fingers traced patterns in the holographic display as she spoke. "Ben detected the signal blackout and left immediately to investigate. Given what we know about Ego's capabilities, communication disruption is definitely within his power."
Deep Space, Near Ego's Stellar System
A brilliant blue portal tore through the fabric of space-time, disgorging Ben Parker onto the deck of a seemingly abandoned spacecraft. The vessel drifted through the space void like a ghost ship, its running lights the only indication that it still had power.
Ben frowned as he surveyed the empty corridors, his enhanced senses picking up the lingering traces of his family's presence. The ship definitely belonged to the team that had set out to help Star-Lord, he could smell His dad aftershave and the distinctive ozone scent that always followed Princess Looma, but there were no life signs aboard.
"Strange," he murmured, checking his Plumber badge for any communication signals. The device remained stubbornly silent, its normal connection to the quantum communication network completely severed. "Dark matter interference. Ego's handiwork, most likely."
As a Celestial who had existed since the dawn of the universe, Ego possessed the kind of space awareness and matter manipulation abilities that could easily disrupt even advanced Plumber technology. The question was whether this blackout was defensive or aggressive in nature.
Ben was considering his options when alarms began blaring throughout the ship. He rushed to the viewport and found himself surrounded by thousands of gleaming golden fighters, each one shaped like an elongated teardrop and crackling with advanced energy weaponry.
"The Sovereign," Ben recognized, his expression darkening. He'd studied the files on various galactic civilizations, and the Sovereign were notorious for their arrogance and technological superiority. They were also creations of the High Evolutionary, which gave them an uncomfortable connection to some very dangerous individuals.
More concerning was their presence here at all. According to the intelligence reports, the Sovereign rarely ventured far from their home system unless they had compelling reasons, usually involving their inflated sense of honor or their precious Anulax Batteries.
Ben could guess what had happened. Given Rocket's personality and Star-Lord's tendency toward poor decision-making, they'd probably stolen something valuable after completing a job for the Sovereign. It was exactly the kind of short-sighted thinking that would land them in hot water.
Before Ben could decide on a course of action, a communication request came through the ship's systems. Somewhat surprised that the Sovereign wanted to talk rather than simply open fire, Ben accepted the transmission.
The holographic image that materialized before him showed a golden-skinned woman with elaborate ceremonial robes and an expression of barely controlled panic. High Priestess Ayesha, if Ben remembered correctly.
"King of Sakaar!" Ayesha's voice carried a mixture of awe and terror that Ben found oddly satisfying. "Your Majesty, I... we had no idea you were involved in this matter. Please, forgive our presumption in surrounding your vessel."
"Explain the situation," Ben said simply, his tone neutral but carrying the kind of authority that had made hardened criminals confess their crimes.
Ayesha launched into a detailed explanation that confirmed Ben's suspicions. The Galactic Volunteers, as Rocket, Groot, and Star-Lord apparently called themselves now, had been hired to retrieve stolen Anulax Batteries from a dimensional monster. They'd completed the job successfully and been paid their fee.
Then, because Rocket couldn't let an insult slide, they'd stolen the very batteries they'd just rescued.
"The theft was a grave insult to our people," Ayesha continued, her composure slipping slightly. "We dispatched pursuit teams, but they were... eliminated by unknown assailants. When Plumber vessels began appearing in this sector, we feared you intended to provide sanctuary for the criminals."
"I see." Ben considered this information. The "unknown assailants" were probably Ego's constructs, defending his territory from intruders. Which meant his family and the Galactic Volunteers were likely on the Celestial's planet right now.
"Your Majesty," Ayesha pressed, "the Galactic Volunteers have brought dishonor to the Sovereign people. We humbly request that, when you locate them, you return them to us for justice."
It was a reasonable request from the Sovereign perspective, but unfortunately for them, Rocket and the others were technically under Plumber protection.
"I'll ensure the batteries are returned to you," Ben said, then cut the transmission without further explanation.
Sovereign Command Ship
High Priestess Ayesha stared at the blank screen where King Sakaar's image had been, her perfect features twisted with barely suppressed fury.
"He dismissed us," snarled Chamberlain Zylak, his golden skin flushing darker with anger. "Like we were children making petty complaints! The insult to our people, "
"Silence," Ayesha snapped, her voice carrying the kind of authority that had kept the Sovereign hierarchy intact for millennia. "Would you prefer to lodge a formal complaint with the King of Sakaar? Perhaps demand satisfaction through combat?"
Zylak paled at the suggestion. Everyone in the galaxy had heard about what happened at the Galactic Federation summit, when Ben Parker had casually created and destroyed a black hole to make a point during negotiations.
"Your Majesty, surely we cannot simply, "
"We can and we will." Ayesha's tone brooked no argument. "King Sakaar has given his word that the batteries will be returned. That is sufficient. Cancel all pursuit orders and recall our remaining fleets."
She turned away from the tactical displays, her mind already working on damage control. "Also, contact the Ravager clans. Tell them the bounty on the Galactic Volunteers has been withdrawn. This matter is closed."
Yondu's Ship, Elsewhere in the Sector
"Boss, the Sovereign just pulled their bounty," called out Kraglin, confusion evident in his voice. "Says the matter's been resolved or something."
Yondu Udonta sat in his captain's chair, methodically cleaning the whistle that controlled his Yaka arrow. His weathered face showed no reaction to the news, though his crew clearly expected some response.
"So?" Taserface sneered from across the bridge. "We heading home then? Gonna let that ungrateful brat Star-Lord get away with all the disrespect he's shown you over the years?"
The other Ravagers murmured agreement, their resentment toward Peter Quill obvious. They'd never understood why Yondu treated the Terran differently from any other crew member, why he'd consistently protected him from the harsher realities of Ravager life.
"Course not," Yondu said finally, his gravelly voice carrying its usual hint of menace. "Just 'cause the Sovereign don't want to pay us don't mean we can't salvage something from this mess. Those Anulax Batteries are worth at least 250,000 units on the black market. All we gotta do is find the boy and take 'em."
It wasn't the million units the Sovereign had originally offered, but it was better than returning empty-handed. More importantly, it gave Yondu a legitimate excuse to track down Peter without admitting to his crew that he was worried about the young man's safety.
Because Yondu knew something his crew didn't: Peter's father had finally made contact.
"But boss," Kraglin asked, "how we gonna find him now? Space is pretty big."
Yondu's weathered face creased in what might have been a smile. "I got my ways, boy. Always have."
He'd been tracking Peter's ship for years through a hidden beacon, insurance against the day when his crew might decide the Terran was more trouble than he was worth. Now that insurance was about to pay off in ways Yondu had never expected.
But first, he had someone to meet.
Deep Space Rendezvous
Several hours later, after the Sovereign fleet had withdrawn to lick their wounded pride, Ben detected another ship approaching his position. This one was larger and more ramshackle than the sleek golden fighters, clearly a Ravager vessel based on its eclectic design and aggressive weapon loadouts.
The ship's captain requested permission to board, and Ben found himself face-to-face with Yondu Udonta himself. The blue-skinned Centaurian was exactly as Ben had expected from the movies, weathered, dangerous, and hiding genuine emotion behind a facade of piratical bravado.
"You must be the founder of the Plumbers," Yondu said without preamble, performing a brief but respectful gesture that involved tapping his heart twice before offering a slight bow. "King of Sakaar, right? Name's Yondu Udonta, captain of this here ship."
Ben nodded acknowledgment. "What can I do for you, Captain?"
"I know where Star-Lord is," Yondu said bluntly. "And I know where your people are too. But we need to move fast if we want to get there before it's too late."