Tony was taking no chances with first contact protocols. The moment they prepared to disembark, nanobots flowed across his body like liquid metal, assembling themselves into his signature red and gold armor configuration in a matter of seconds. The transformation was seamless, a testament to the advanced technology he'd developed based on principles learned from his father's own combat systems.
The armor represented the latest evolution in his personal defense technology – a hybrid design that could shift between casual clothing, light protection, and full combat readiness depending on the situation. Right now, with unknown alien intentions and unfamiliar environmental factors to consider, full combat mode seemed like the most prudent choice.
"You're being paranoid," Marcus observed with obvious amusement, watching Tony's elaborate preparation routine. "We can portal back to Earth anytime something goes wrong. There's no need to treat this like we're walking into a war zone."
While Tony armored up with precision, Marcus appeared completely relaxed, casually juggling a pair of spherical devices that pulsed with ominous red energy. The objects looked deceptively simple, but Tony's enhanced sensors were picking up energy signatures that suggested they were anything but harmless toys.
"These are called Bounce Pad Mines," Marcus explained, noting Tony's cautious attention to the devices. "Very useful for crowd control situations. Though I suppose 'Flying Ball Strike' sounds more dramatic if you prefer the technical designation."
For Marcus, the current situation represented opportunity rather than risk. Xandar itself wasn't particularly interesting to him – it was the connections this world represented that mattered. Through the Nova Corps and their galactic network, he could potentially gather intelligence about the Kree Empire and their Supreme Intelligence. That was a prize worth considerable effort to obtain.
If the Xandarians proved hostile or uncooperative, the Bounce Pad Mines would provide an effective method of attitude adjustment. But he doubted it would come to that – civilized worlds generally preferred negotiation to violence, especially when faced with overwhelming displays of superior firepower.
The two stepped off the Astro Cruise's boarding ramp to find a small delegation waiting for them in the docking bay. The reception committee was clearly composed of important officials, their formal attire and nervous body language suggesting they understood exactly how significant this meeting could be for their world's future.
A middle-aged man who appeared to be leading the group approached them with the careful steps of someone trying not to provoke a dangerous predator. His eyes darted between Marcus's imposing Vauban frame and Tony's gleaming armor, clearly uncertain about which of them posed the greater potential threat.
"I am Port Administrator Kellen," the man said with diplomatic formality that barely concealed his underlying anxiety. "On behalf of Xandar Prime, we welcome you as honored guests. If you would please follow me, we have prepared special accommodations for your visit."
The administrator led them through a VIP passage that had obviously been hastily prepared for their arrival. The corridor was clean and well-maintained, but Tony could see the telltale signs of recent construction work – fresh paint, newly installed equipment, and security systems that looked like they'd been upgraded within the last few hours.
When they emerged from the passage, both visitors stopped in amazement at the sight that greeted them. Xandar Prime was unlike any cityscape either of them had ever experienced – a seamless integration of advanced technology and natural beauty that seemed almost too perfect to be real.
Where Earth's cities were dominated by steel, concrete, and glass towers that reached toward the sky like monuments to human ambition, Xandar's urban areas flowed organically through carefully maintained parklands and gardens. Buildings seemed to grow from the landscape rather than being imposed upon it, their curved walls and living roofs creating an environment that felt more like an idealized vision of paradise than a functioning metropolitan center.
"This is incredible," Tony breathed, his armor's sensors working overtime to analyze the sophisticated integration of biological and technological systems. "The ecological engineering alone must have taken centuries to perfect."
Children played on vast green lawns that stretched between residential complexes, their laughter carried on breezes that smelled of flowering trees and clean water. Adults relaxed in outdoor gathering spaces that provided community interaction without the crowded, stressed atmosphere that characterized most urban environments on Earth.
"If you're interested in our ecological technologies," Administrator Kellen offered hopefully, "I'm certain our scientists would be happy to share information with representatives of your civilization. Xandar has always believed in the benefits of cultural and technological exchange."
Marcus was less impressed by the aesthetic achievements than by the underlying infrastructure that made such a society possible. His enhanced senses could detect the sophisticated energy distribution networks that powered the city, the atmospheric processors that maintained optimal environmental conditions, and the countless automated systems that kept everything functioning smoothly.
"The power grid is particularly well-designed," he commented, more to himself than to their guide. "Distributed generation, redundant pathways, and what appears to be some form of exotic matter integration for peak load management."
It was exactly the kind of advanced energy technology that could be refined into Aya Essence with the right processing techniques. If he could gain access to Xandar's technical specifications, it might provide enough raw material to create several new Warframes and potentially upgrade them to Sacred Suit configurations.
Their philosophical tour was interrupted by the arrival of a sleek hovercraft that touched down nearby with whisper-quiet efficiency. The vehicle's occupant was immediately recognizable as someone of significant authority – his uniform bore the distinctive insignia of the Nova Corps, and his bearing carried the confidence of someone accustomed to command.
"Greetings, travelers," the man said as he approached them with measured steps. "I am Centurion Keith of the Nova Corps. Our Queen has asked me to escort you personally to the capital district."
The moment Keith came within close proximity to Marcus, his confident demeanor faltered noticeably. The Centurion's enhanced physiology, augmented by Nova Force energy, was sensitive enough to detect the massive power signatures emanating from the Vauban frame. What he sensed there was clearly far beyond anything in his previous experience.
Keith had faced down battleships, survived planetary bombardments, and stood against some of the most dangerous criminals in the galaxy. But the being standing before him registered as a threat on an entirely different scale – not just powerful, but representing forces that operated according to principles he didn't fully understand.
"You seem tense," Marcus observed with mild amusement. "There's no need for concern. I'm not here to threaten your world."
The casual reassurance actually seemed to make Keith more nervous rather than less. Someone with that level of power who felt comfortable making such statements probably had very good reasons for their confidence. It wasn't a comforting thought for someone charged with protecting planetary security.
"The... the demonstration you provided earlier was quite impressive," Keith managed to say. "Our defense analysts are still trying to understand the energy principles involved."
"Phoenix Force integration with Warframe technology," Marcus explained helpfully. "Not something you're likely to encounter elsewhere, so I wouldn't worry too much about developing countermeasures."
The explanation meant nothing to Keith, but the casual way it was delivered suggested that what they'd witnessed was just a sample of capabilities that went much deeper. He made a mental note to recommend that Xandar's diplomatic approach prioritize cooperation over any other considerations.
The hovercraft journey to the capital district provided additional opportunities to observe Xandarian civilization in action. The city's transportation systems were marvels of efficiency and environmental integration, with traffic flows that seemed to prioritize both speed and minimal ecological impact. Citizens moved through public spaces with the relaxed confidence of people who lived in a society that had solved most of the basic problems that plagued other worlds.
"How do you maintain social stability with this level of prosperity?" Tony asked Keith during the journey. "On Earth, wealth disparity is a constant source of conflict."
"Resource scarcity became irrelevant centuries ago," Keith explained. "When you can synthesize any material you need and generate unlimited clean energy, traditional economic systems become obsolete. People pursue careers based on personal fulfillment rather than survival necessity."
It was a post-scarcity civilization in the truest sense, Tony realized. Not just technologically advanced, but socially evolved to the point where the competitive pressures that drove most human behavior had been eliminated through abundance rather than regulation.
Their destination was a magnificent building that seemed to embody Xandarian architectural philosophy – graceful curves that flowed naturally from the surrounding landscape, surfaces that reflected light in ways that enhanced rather than dominated the environment, and an overall sense of harmony that spoke of designers who understood beauty as well as function.
Standing before the building's main entrance was a woman whose bearing immediately identified her as someone of supreme authority. Her white hair was styled in the elaborate fashion favored by Xandarian nobility, and her clothing combined ceremonial significance with practical elegance.
"Welcome to Xandar Prime," she said as they approached. "I am Queen Adora, and I must thank you for your intervention against the Ravager forces. Your assistance prevented significant loss of life among our people."
"It seemed like the neighborly thing to do," Marcus replied with characteristic understatement. "Though I have to ask – how did a civilization of your obvious capabilities end up being threatened by common pirates? That suggests either very unusual circumstances or some significant tactical disadvantages."
Queen Adora's expression grew troubled at the question, and Tony could see her weighing how much information to reveal to these powerful strangers. After a moment of internal debate, she apparently decided that honesty was the most prudent approach.
"The Ravagers aren't here for typical piracy," she admitted. "They're seeking a specific artifact that last seen in Xandar – something called the Orb of Morag. The individual who brought it here had no idea of its true significance, but word has spread throughout the criminal underworld."
Marcus's eyebrows rose slightly at the revelation. The Orb of Morag wasn't just any artifact – it was one of the containment vessels for the Infinity Stones, cosmic artifacts of unimaginable power that had shaped the history of the universe itself. The fact that it had ended up on Xandar was either an incredible coincidence or evidence of forces at work that went far beyond simple treasure hunting.
"And I suppose someone with more resources than common pirates has offered a substantial reward for its recovery?" Marcus continued.
"Ronan the Accuser," Queen Adora confirmed grimly. "He's put out a galaxy-wide bounty that's attracted every desperate criminal and mercenary organization within fifty parsecs. We've been dealing with constant attacks for weeks."
The mention of Ronan's name brought a genuine smile to Marcus's face, though it wasn't necessarily a pleasant expression. His previous encounters with the Kree fanatic had been educational in multiple ways, and the prospect of a reunion held considerable appeal for reasons that had nothing to do with diplomacy.
"Ronan and I have history," Marcus said thoughtfully. "He owes me a new starship, among other things. Perhaps it's time I paid him a visit to discuss settlement of our outstanding accounts."
The casual way Marcus discussed confronting one of the galaxy's most feared warlords made Queen Adora realize that her planet's unexpected guests might represent a solution to their current crisis. If someone with the power they'd demonstrated was willing to take direct action against Ronan, it could end the threat to Xandar entirely.
"If you were to... negotiate... with Ronan," she said carefully, "Xandar would be extremely grateful. We could offer technological exchanges, resource access, or whatever else might interest representatives of your civilization."
Marcus considered the offer while Tony processed the implications of what they were discussing. They'd come to Xandar looking for first contact opportunities and resource gathering possibilities, but they'd stumbled into a situation that could provide access to one of the most powerful artifacts in the universe.
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