"I have a feeling we've arrived at exactly the wrong moment," Tony muttered, staring through the Astro Cruise's viewport at the chaotic battle unfolding in the space around Xandar.
The scene before them was like something out of a military strategist's worst nightmare. Dozens of spacecraft engaged in fierce combat, their weapons creating brilliant streaks of deadly energy that crisscrossed the void like a lethal light show. The defending Xandarian forces were clearly outmatched, their sleek golden vessels struggling against the brutal efficiency of their attackers' dark, angular ships.
It was a sobering reminder that Earth wasn't unique in attracting hostile attention. Even advanced galactic civilizations apparently had to deal with raiders, pirates, and other forms of organized violence. The universe, it seemed, was no more peaceful than humanity's home planet.
"Actually," Marcus said with the tone of someone who had just spotted an opportunity, "I think we've arrived at exactly the right time." He pointed toward a particularly aggressive vessel that was systematically targeting Xandarian civilian transports. "That's a Ravager ship if I'm not mistaken. If we help the locals deal with their piracy problem, it should make our diplomatic introduction much smoother."
Tony felt his stomach drop as he recognized the calculating look in Marcus's eyes. "When you say 'help deal with,' you don't mean..."
"Oh, I absolutely do," Marcus confirmed with obvious satisfaction. "The Astro Cruise is built for speed and maneuverability, not heavy combat. But fortunately, I don't need the ship's weapons for this particular problem."
Before Tony could voice any of the dozen objections that immediately sprang to mind, Marcus was already surrounded by swirling void energy. The familiar sight of his friend preparing for combat always carried an element of anticipation, but in the vacuum of space, far from Earth's protective atmosphere, it felt particularly momentous.
"Just keep the ship steady and try not to get shot while I'm gone," Marcus called out cheerfully as the energy reached its crescendo. "And watch carefully – there are some new techniques I've been wanting to field test."
The teleportation effect was instantaneous, leaving Tony alone in the Astro Cruise's cabin with only Orr's mechanical presence for company. Through the viewport, he could see a figure materialize in the void above their ship – Marcus in his Vauban configuration, the frame's distinctive silhouette immediately recognizable even against the backdrop of interstellar combat.
"Well, this should be interesting," Tony said to himself, settling back in his seat with the resigned air of someone who had learned to simply enjoy the show when Marcus decided to demonstrate his capabilities.
Marcus floated in space with the casual confidence of someone completely at home in the vacuum, his frame's life support systems providing everything necessary for extended operations outside of atmospheric protection. The Vauban configuration was particularly well-suited for this kind of work – its sophisticated targeting systems and energy manipulation capabilities making it ideal for precision strikes against multiple targets.
"Time to make some new friends," Marcus announced to no one in particular, raising his hands as energy began to coalesce around them.
The power buildup was visible even from the Astro Cruise's distant vantage point, brilliant light gathering in Marcus's palms like miniature stars being born. The energy compressed and refined itself until it formed a perfect sphere of contained destruction, pulsing with barely restrained force that made the surrounding space seem to bend and warp in response.
Marcus selected his target carefully – the largest and most aggressive of the Ravager vessels, a brutal-looking craft that was systematically destroying Xandarian defense platforms with ruthless efficiency. Its crew had probably been raiding and pillaging their way across this sector for years, leaving behind a trail of destroyed worlds and broken lives.
"Let's start with a proper greeting," Marcus said, drawing back his arm like a pitcher preparing to throw a fastball.
The energy sphere left his hand with deceptive casualness, transforming into a concentrated beam of destruction that crossed the distance to its target in the blink of an eye. The Ravager ship's shields, which had been effectively deflecting Xandarian weapons fire, might as well have been tissue paper for all the protection they provided.
The beam punched through the vessel's defensive barriers and hull plating like they weren't even there, leaving a perfectly circular hole that went from the ship's nose to its engine compartment. Atmosphere and debris began venting from the breach as the craft's structural integrity started to fail.
"And now for the finale," Marcus continued, his voice carrying across the void through his frame's communication systems.
What happened next defied every expectation Tony had developed about his friend's capabilities. Instead of the relatively restrained attacks he'd seen Marcus use on Earth, this was something entirely different – a demonstration of power that had clearly been held in check by concerns about collateral damage and civilian casualties.
Marcus raised both hands toward the damaged Ravager ship, and the space around him began to distort as massive amounts of energy gathered in response to his will. The light that emerged wasn't just bright – it was blinding, a column of pure photonic destruction that made the sun seem dim by comparison.
"Photon Bombardment," Marcus announced with obvious satisfaction as the attack reached its full intensity.
The beam that erupted from his position was easily larger in diameter than the target vessel, a concentrated torrent of energy that turned matter into component atoms through sheer destructive force. The Ravager ship didn't explode or break apart – it simply ceased to exist, its molecular structure unraveled by forces that operated on fundamental physical principles.
The attack lasted only seconds, but its effects were felt throughout the entire battle zone. Every ship in the area, friend and foe alike, stopped firing as their crews stared in stunned disbelief at the impossible display of raw power. The remaining Ravager vessels began immediate retreat maneuvers, their captains apparently deciding that whatever loot they might claim from Xandar wasn't worth facing an enemy capable of such devastation.
"Now that," Tony whispered from the safety of the Astro Cruise's cabin, "is why Marcus doesn't cut loose on Earth."
The implications were staggering. If Marcus had used that level of force during any of their previous battles, the collateral damage would have been catastrophic. Cities could have been leveled, entire regions rendered uninhabitable. The restraint he showed on Earth wasn't just consideration for civilians – it was the difference between defending the planet and accidentally destroying it.
"Fascinating," Marcus mused as he examined the empty space where the Ravager ship had been moments before. "The power output was significantly higher than I expected. I'll have to recalibrate my estimates for future applications."
Through his connection to the Phoenix essence, Marcus could feel the enhancement effects still flowing through the Vauban warframe. The combination of technologies was proving even more effective than he'd anticipated, opening up possibilities for attacks that went far beyond what either system could achieve individually.
"I wonder what would happen if I tried that again with full empowerment integration," he continued thoughtfully. "Though I suppose I should find a more isolated testing ground first. Don't want to accidentally damage something important."
The casual tone with which he discussed city-leveling weapons made Tony shudder slightly. Marcus's power had always been impressive, but seeing it unleashed without the constraints of operating on a populated world put it in an entirely different category. This wasn't just enhanced human capability – this was approaching the level of natural phenomena, like trying to fight a hurricane or an earthquake.
The remaining Ravager ships had apparently reached the same conclusion, because they were now fleeing the system as quickly as their engines could carry them. The Xandarian forces, meanwhile, were maintaining a respectful distance while trying to figure out exactly what had just happened and whether they needed to be concerned about this new arrival.
Marcus floated in space for a few more moments, apparently disappointed that no additional targets had presented themselves for further experimentation. "Well, that was educational," he said finally. "But I suppose one demonstration is enough for now."
The teleportation effect that brought him back to the Astro Cruise was as smooth as always, though Tony noticed that Marcus seemed more energized than usual, as if the combat had been invigorating rather than draining.
"Show off," Tony commented as his friend reappeared in the cabin, though there was more admiration than criticism in his voice.
"Sometimes you have to make a strong first impression," Marcus replied with obvious satisfaction. "And judging by the radio chatter I'm picking up from the Xandarian ships, I'd say mission accomplished."
Almost as if summoned by his words, the Astro Cruise's communication systems activated with an incoming transmission. The voice that emerged was carefully controlled but carried undertones of barely suppressed anxiety.
"Greetings, unknown vessel," came the transmission in accented but clear English, courtesy of Howard's universal translation systems. "This is Xandarian Fleet Control. We... we want to thank you for your assistance in dealing with the Ravager incursion."
Tony could hear the deliberate diplomacy in the speaker's voice, the careful choice of words that acknowledged Marcus's intervention without making any assumptions about his motivations or intentions. It was exactly the kind of response he would expect from a civilization that had just witnessed a demonstration of overwhelming force.
"We would be honored to offer you proper hospitality," the transmission continued. "If you wish to visit Xandar, please follow the navigation beacons to Docking Bay 94. A diplomatic welcoming committee will be waiting to receive you."
"See?" Marcus said with obvious amusement. "Sometimes the direct approach is the most efficient. They're practically rolling out the red carpet for us."
Tony had to admit the strategy had been effective, if somewhat dramatic. Instead of having to navigate complex first contact protocols or prove their peaceful intentions through lengthy negotiations, they were being invited directly to the planet's surface as honored guests.
"Orr, take us in according to their instructions," Marcus commanded. "And make sure all weapon systems are powered down – no point in making our hosts nervous after we've made such a positive first impression."
"Acknowledged, Commander," the AI responded with mechanical efficiency. "Following Xandarian navigation protocols and proceeding to designated docking facility."
The Astro Cruise moved smoothly through the organized chaos of Xandarian space traffic, its sleek design drawing appreciative attention from passing vessels. The planet below them was a marvel of advanced civilization – gleaming cities that seemed to grow organically from carefully maintained landscapes, orbital installations that managed the flow of interstellar commerce with impressive efficiency, and a overall sense of prosperity and order that spoke well of the civilization's values.
"It's beautiful," Tony said softly, staring down at the world below them. "You can see why the Ravagers wanted to raid it."
"And why it's worth defending," Marcus added. "Civilizations like this are what make galactic community possible. They're the trading posts and diplomatic centers that allow different species to interact peacefully."
As they descended through Xandar's atmosphere, Tony found himself thinking about the contrast between this orderly, prosperous world and the chaos they'd left behind in Earth's solar system. Humanity was still struggling with the basic challenges of planetary unity and resource management, while civilizations like this had clearly solved those problems centuries ago.
"Makes you wonder what Earth might look like in a few hundred years," he mused aloud.
"Assuming we don't blow ourselves up first," Marcus replied pragmatically. "But yes, this is definitely something to aspire to."
The docking bay they were directed to was enormous, easily capable of handling vessels many times larger than the Astro Cruise. Automated systems guided them to a berth near what appeared to be a VIP section, where several official-looking vehicles were already waiting along with a small crowd of individuals in formal attire.
"Looks like we're getting the full diplomatic treatment," Tony observed as the ship settled onto its assigned landing pad.
"Which means they're either very grateful for our help," Marcus said thoughtfully, "or very concerned about what we might do if they don't show proper respect. Probably both."
As the Astro Cruise's engines wound down and the boarding ramp extended, Tony felt a familiar mix of excitement and apprehension. This was their first real contact with an advanced alien civilization, the beginning of what could be a new chapter in human understanding of the galaxy.
"Ready to make some new friends?" Marcus asked with obvious enthusiasm.
"As ready as anyone can be for first contact with an alien government," Tony replied, checking his equipment one final time. "Let's go see what Xandar has to offer."