**
The original plan had been to wait until Tony Stark fully recovered before venturing into space. But, as often happens, plans couldn't keep up with changes. Now, Link needed to depart immediately. He had Peggy initiate a full Avengers communication, where he briefly explained the situation.
"Now, we need to set out at once. This will be the Avengers' first battle in space, and it will involve a fleet battle," Link declared.
"Natasha, you'll come with me. As for the pilots of the Quinjet fighters, participation will be voluntary."
Link was addressing the entire Avengers team, including its core members as well as those who had joined more recently.
"Anyone interested can sign up," he said, and then fell silent.
Steve Rogers spoke up, "Link, do you have a plan?"
"Of course!" Link nodded. "We have the upper hand. I plan to lead a few Avengers to *Knowhere* first, as that's where Ronan is headed to get what he wants."
"He's unlikely to attack Knowhere right away. Instead, he'll probably land first with a strike team. That's when we can ambush him."
"We'll cut off the enemy fleet by eliminating their commander. Afterward, the *Avenger* will ambush their ships. We've got energy shields, and as long as those hold, we can inflict serious damage. Then, the Quinjets can handle the mop-up."
"This will be our first space battle—an invaluable opportunity. Plus, we can win the friendship of the Collector and earn a hefty reward."
"We still have some universal currency left from when we bought the ship, but we don't know what else we can buy. This time, we'll also visit a civilized planet to see what's available."
Tony Stark, still unable to move due to his recovery, expressed his frustration. "Damn, I can't go."
"I'll go!" T'Challa volunteered. "This is a rare opportunity, and if you need to capture anyone, I'll be a good fit."
"Alright, you're in." Link nodded. T'Challa's gear was handled by Wakanda, and since they'd been given the nanotechnology, Princess Shuri had developed a new Black Panther suit.
"I'm coming too," said Sam Wilson, the Falcon. "No idea if I'll be able to fly there, but I'll manage."
"We're coming as well," Pietro chimed in. "Wanda and I can be of help."
Link considered it for a moment. Their training time had been short, so he ultimately shook his head. "No, your training isn't enough for this kind of battle."
Bruce spoke up next. "I'll go. With me, we should have enough firepower."
"Alright. That makes the team me, Natasha, Bruce, T'Challa, and Sam," Link concluded, before turning to Peggy. "Peggy, check with the jet pilots afterward."
"Understood!" Peggy responded before leaving to carry out her task, while the others dispersed to prepare for departure. Link would be picking them up to take them to the space station.
All of the jet pilots signed up. After all, they had joined with a sense of purpose and were unwilling to back down now. Traveling to space, engaging in interstellar combat, and visiting other civilizations were dreams many of them held. Some saw it as an opportunity to defend Earth. They understood the gravity of this operation—it was Earth's chance to assert its strength.
The Avengers had defeated the Chitauri invasion, but that hadn't been a proper battle. With home-field advantage, they had quickly shut down the space portal. But this time, the situation was different. It had taken years for the damage caused by the Chitauri to be repaired, underscoring just how destructive a full-scale attack could be.
Preparations were swift. A few hours later, on board the *Avenger*, Natasha took the captain's seat. Though she usually stayed on Earth, she had been learning about the ship and its systems, with Lux, the ship's AI, guiding her through combat simulations. Natasha's situation was unique. Unlike Clint Barton, who had a family to return to, she had no attachments.
Once all crew members were in position, the ship jumped to a space node, and everyone braced for the jump. Bags were prepared for anyone who felt nauseous.
As they entered the space jump, the sensation of being pulled through space was unsettling. While not dangerous, it was disorienting, and it would take several jumps before one got used to it. Even so, only a few vomited—though everyone felt uncomfortable.
Once the *Avenger* reached Knowhere, Link had the ship keep its distance and find a suitable hiding place. He then used the Space Stone to teleport directly into the Collector's collection room.
"Oh, you're finally here." The Collector visibly relaxed upon seeing Link, knowing how capable he was.
"Alright, fill me in," Link said. "I have a plan, but I need to know the situation first."
"I purchased some intel," the Collector began. "My slave has already arrived at the scene. However, Ronan has captured Star-Lord, and Yondu, the leader of the Ravagers, is in a standoff with him."
"But I suspect they'll both come here looking for the Power Stone," he added.
Link stroked his chin. Things were indeed playing out differently. Yondu wouldn't abandon Star-Lord—he practically saw him as his son.
"Good, then our plan is solid," Link replied, before turning to the Collector. "I'll have my team lie in ambush here. They want the Power Stone, so they won't bombard Knowhere from orbit. They'll land first, and that's when we'll strike."
"While we're capturing them, the *Avenger* will attack Ronan's mothership. Can our main cannon pierce his ship?"
"Absolutely," the Collector confirmed. "Your initial design was spot on. The only downside is the long charge time and low fire rate, but its power is immense."
"Good enough." Link nodded. "Can you monitor Ronan's fleet?"
"Of course," the Collector replied, before adding, "But the Power Stone can't stay here anymore."
"Thanos's daughter is with Ronan, and now that Thanos knows, he'll come for me."
The Collector, not wanting to take any more risks, handed over the Orb containing the Power Stone.
Link accepted it, a bit exasperated. The Power Stone had ended up in his hands again, though he didn't particularly want it.
"This doesn't count toward my fee," he said. "You gave it to me voluntarily."