Max's POV

The sun rose once again over a peaceful universe, casting a golden glow over the dark lands. The winds whipped by in a cool breeze as I sped down the road on my bike, my mood lighter than it had ever been. As the rays of sunlight dispelled the darkness of the night, the golden glow engulfed the entirety of this world, which had been freed once more.

In the distance I could see the gigantic structure, America's great Egyptian obelisk, 555 feet in its height. A tiny speck of sunlight was glinting off the highest tip of the Washington Monument, growing brighter and more radiant, gleaming on the aluminum peak. I smiled as the light transformed into a beacon that hovered over the shadowed city. The first day of sunlight to hit the capstone of the Monument, illuminated two words inscribed in the metal:

Laus Deo.

Praise God.

I looked up to the heavens, where the last of the nighttime stars were fading out in the early hours of dawn. I smiled as I could sense the planets, stars, all the celestial spheres tracing their eternal orbits through the endless void of space. The darkness had been lifted from all the corners of the universe. Thanos was gone, forever. His minions and army were destroyed. It was finally over.

I maneuvered my bike while passing through the streets of Washington DC. The rebuilding process had begun. New York City was destroyed in the battle, beyond repair. The ones who survived, evacuated to DC. The rebels on Earth lent their resources and manpower, helping in the rebuilding. Settlements were being built. Infirmaries were set up to tend to the wounded. Defense structures were being rebuilt.

Our destiny was once more in our hands.

In space, the scenario was the same. With thousands of star systems being liberated, all were eager to lend a hand in the process of rebuilding. The Nova Corps and the Federation were being rebuilt. Once again, they would be in charge of maintaining peace and security in the universe.

We had resorted to a pseudo-government structure. Power was not concentrated in the hands of few. To maintain intergalactic relations, trade systems, economy and regulations, an Intergalactic Union of StarSystems (IUS) was set up. We had already over a thousand systems as members, and more were joining by the day. Each star system had one elected representative in the Union. The IUS was to be headed by a Chairman and a Council of representatives elected from each quadrant of the galaxies, each of them being answerable and accountable to the members.

Not surprisingly, Vice-Admiral Runcan had been chosen to represent the 2QR1 quadrant (the quadrant under which Earth was catalogued) and a member of the board. The Chairman was a person named Yor Kayas, Askarverian in race, a man of few words but of impeccable integrity, having the power of veto over any legislation passed by the Union.

I was surprised when I was offered a position in the Council. Apparently, my performances had impressed them and they were convinced that I had what it took to be a leader. I had to refuse. That was simply not my scene. I smirked as I remembered the conversation with Chairman Kayas.

"What did you say?" I asked, thinking my ears were playing tricks with me.

Kayas repeated his proposal. "We are offering you a position in the Council of the Union. We've seen what you did during the Rebellion. You've inspired many under your command, and you've led them to victory. It is only natural that your efforts should be rewarded."

I have to admit, I was indeed shocked. "I think there are several others more befitting of that post."

"This issue has already been discussed and sanctioned by the other Council members. They have given their approval. All that's remaining is your consent."

I smiled as I shook my head. "No offense Chairman, but I have to decline. That's not my scene. I'm more of a soldier than a Councilman. There are several others who deserve that more than I do. I'm sorry, but I can't give my consent."

He sighed. "Very well." We shook hands."What do you plan to do now, Max Hunter?"

I smiled. "I have some work to do."

Kragil, surprisingly, had been eager to be a part of the Union. The former Scavenger was given the duty of recruiting and training potential candidates as pilots and cadets for the Nova Corps.

Spock had decided to resign his position as First Officer of the Enterprise. He assumed leadership of the Federation and actively participated in rebuilding the organization. Needless to say, Jim Kirk wasn't happy, but he respected his friend's decision. He is still captain of the Enterprise, and was in charge of leading exploratory missions to uncharted areas of the galaxies.

Me? I helped Soumyadeep restore order on Earth. The both of us, aided by Thor, had already destroyed the remnants of the Titan's army. There were still pockets of Chitauri in the galaxies, and the three of us were tasked with taking them down. Now that was done, we supervised the rebuilding of human civilization.

But the man who made all of this possible? The man who killed Thanos? He was no longer with us. Captain Steve Fleming was given a hero's funeral, the flames from his burning pyre reaching the skies. It was a sombre moment for all of us.

A huge statue of grey stone adorned the opposite of the Washington Monument. A statue of Captain Fleming, his strict gaze over the horizon, a silent guardian of the galaxies.

I parked my bike beside the pavement and jumped off. His sacrifice won't be in vain. We will make sure of it.

I entered the building that was our  temporary headquarters and took the elevator to the top floor. The place was bustling with people. I made my way to Soumyadeep's office, where I found him behind a desk writing something on a tablet. Not disturbing him, I made my way to my own.

The room was nearly bare. Except for a solitary desk, some chairs, a cupboard and a table, there was nothing in the room. I opened the cupboard and took out a bottle of rum. This one time won't hurt, I thought as I took a swig, and cringed at the strong taste of alcohol.

I placed the bottle back on the cupboard, not wanting to drink any more. Leaving the room,I made my way to Soumyadeep's office once again.

He looked up from his writing, "What's up, Max?"

I sighed."Do you know where she is?"

He smirked, his eyes having a teasing glint."Finally come to your senses, Hunter?"

"Shut up." I grinned as well.

"She's on the roof, as she always is. You should have gone sooner."

"Better late than never." I said as I made my way up.

As I reached the roof, I saw her. She stood against the railing, arms behind her, looking at the horizon. I knew she had heard me coming, but she simply ignored it.

I slowly gulped as I made my way beside her. "Tania, I'm so so sorry. I am a fool. I never should have left you there."

She ignored me as I went on." After we lost the Captain, I was scared. Scared to lose someone close to me again. After we returned after Stephen's death, I knew we had to go back. It was the final fight. It was a suicide mission,and that's why I didn't bring you. I thought you would be safe among the rebels. I never wanted to put you in danger. And for leaving you back there, I am sorry."

She finally looked at me, her eyes narrowed. "You're sorry for leaving me?"

I blinked."Yes."

"Just for leaving me back there?"

"... yes?"

She sighed."You're an idiot."

"Wha-" She cut me off, but with her lips. I was shocked at first, but responded back hungrily. She moaned, running a hand through my hair, and the other around my neck, and my hands snaked around her waist. I closed my eyes as we immersed in the bliss we made ourselves. All of our tension, the unspoken words, the buried feelings came out through our kiss.

We pulled back panting, out of breath. Both of us had grins on our faces.

"You really are an idiot. I was more mad about you leaving me here than leaving me out of the fight. You do that again, and you've earned a punch at your face."

I smirked."Then let me make it up to you." I pulled her towards me, claiming her mouth. She responded back eagerly, as our tongues fought for domination. She bit my lip, clearly enjoying this. I smirked against our kisses. The world around us faded, as we immersed in each other.

We pulled back, smiling. She rested her head on my chest, snuggling against me as I held her tightly. She grinned,"That was long overdue."

"Agreed." I smiled as I looked out at the horizon. After all we had went through, peace had finally arrived.

In that moment, as I held her, with the warmth of the sun streaming down all around me, I felt a strong upwelling deep within myself. It was an emotion I had felt after a long, long time.

Hope.

And,
It's over!
It's finally over (sniffs).
This is the end of the "Galaxias" saga. It had been a great journey, spanning over nearly one-and-a-half year for both books. And it's come to an end.
I had originally planned to make a trilogy. But while writing this story, I changed the idea. I'd planned for Steve to be alive in the end, but changed it at the last moment. It somehow seemed fitting.
Sorry about the kissing scene. I'm not very adept at writing such scenes.
Yes the man in the jumpsuit is Stan Lee, the father of all Marvel characters. It was a tribute to him. A truly great person with an extraordinary imagination. RIP Stan!
The "Galaxias" saga is over. The story of Max, Tania, Jim, Steve, Stephen and Thanos.
Yor Kayas is actually a very good friend of mine. He supported me and my writings wholeheartedly.
I would like to thank all those who helped and supported me throughout this story. Crazyguy030601EmzemBlue this story wouldn't have been without your support. I extend my dearest thanks.
I'll now move on to other projects. I'm currently writing a supernatural story that I'll post soon on Wattpad. Stay tuned!
Remember to state your thoughts, on how you felt about the story.
Please don't forget to vote and comment.