What Lies Beyond
Somewhere past the edge of the uttermost void, where the black stones spat out by a violence as old as creation whirl madly under the dim, pale light of a blue sun, a tyrant sat, enthroned in a space that once buzzed with warlike life. Now, it was still and cold. The hierophant knelt behind him. The tyrant did not even deign to look upon his servant. The stars glared down at him mockingly like the trillion eyes of some monstrous spider, in whose web he was caught.
“Humans. They are not the cowering wretches we were promised.” the Other said. “They stand; they are unruly, and therefore cannot be ruled. I am sorry, master; I should have known when the scientist confronted me. She could not have known her transit across the void was an illusion, and yet she held fast. They have the mind of God. To challenge them is to court death.”
“Your failure is, for the time being, forgiven.” the tyrant said. “Does the old one still sleep?”
“Yes, master.” the Other said.
“So long as any piece of your lord still resides on that wretched rock, we cannot afford to make any more such mistakes. The destroyer’s awakening is nigh, and chaos will follow with it.” the tyrant said. Worries stole across his waking mind as he spoke. His mind churned with plans and changes to plans.
“I understand, master. What shall we do?” the Other said.
The tyrant stood. It was time to act.
"There is work to be done. Summon Ronan the Accuser." the tyrant said, his tone even and calm.
“And what of the humans?” the Other said.
“Fear not,” Thanos said. “They may yet serve our purposes. And in time, they shall all serve their ultimate purpose.” His sight grew long and his gaze, distant. His eyes cut through the dark and brightened the shining flanks of the asteroids. The stars gleamed reassuringly where once they had menaced. The fear had passed, and destiny’s hand grasped at him from the dark again. He took it.
“Summon the Elders to my vessel; their assistance will be needed on Earth. Our plans remain in motion, and one failure may yet catalyze a greater success. Perfectly balanced, as all things should be.”