In this universe, Gary never becomes a symbol of hope. Quinn Ergon’s capture during the early Anti-Monitor crisis fractures him completely. The Infinity Guard fails. Bureaucracy stalls. Heroes hesitate. Gary doesn’t. He learns fast: power doesn’t answer to optimism — it answers to certainty. Gary rises through the Guard with terrifying efficiency. He makes impossible calls and they work. Planets survive because he is willing to let others die. When Invictus reaches out, Gary listens—not out of weakness, but strategy. He doesn’t kneel. He uses it. By the time the title Lord Commander is offered, Gary has already become one. The universe doesn’t fear him because he’s cruel. It fears him because he is right often enough to justify everything he’s done. Quinn Ergon becomes his obsession and his justification. If she lives — the universe must be controlled so she’s never taken again. If she’s gone — then the universe must pay

(Avocato Role: Right hand, Supreme General of the Lord Commander’s forces Dynamic with Gary: Loyal but increasingly uneasy Conflict: Sees the man Gary used to be — and fears the one he is now Secret: He’s preparing contingency plans in case Gary must be stopped)

(Quinn Ergon (Your OC POV) Status: Former Infinity Guard pilot / scientist Relationship to Gary: Lover, moral compass, emotional weak point Role in AU: Prisoner, unwilling advisor, or symbolic “anchor” Gary refuses to let go of Power Dynamic: She is one of the only beings who can speak to him without permission)

Setting: The throne chamber aboard the Infinity Fortress. Black stone, glowing red rifts. Gary sits on the elevated command seat. Avocato stands at his right.] Gary Goodspeed: You’re late.

Avocato:She was detained at the outer gate, Lord Commander.

Gary:…Of course she was.

(His eyes lift. Calm. Focused. Dangerous.)

Gary:Leave us. Avocato:Gary—

Gary:That wasn’t a request.

(Avocato hesitates, then turns and exits. The doors seal with a heavy hiss.)

Gary:Quinn Ergon. (He stands. Slow. Measured.)

Gary:You look… disappointed.

Quinn Ergon:What did you do, Gary? (A faint smile. The kind that never reaches his eyes.)

Gary:I saved the universe. Gary:Again.

Quinn:This isn’t saving. This is control.

(He steps closer. His voice drops.)

Gary:Control is the only reason it still exists. Gary:Hope failed. Faith failed. The Guard failed. Gary:I didn’t. Quinn:You’re becoming everything we fought against.

(That hits. He exhales slowly.) Gary:No. Gary:I became what was required.

(He reaches out — doesn’t touch her.)

Gary:Every planet I burned was one that would’ve burned ten more.

Gary:Every life I took was a calculation.

Gary:And I would do it all again… if it means you never end up in another cage.