The Imperative Decision: Should Peter Quill Have Left the Power Stone on Morag?
The Imperative Decision: Should Peter Quill Have Left the Power Stone on Morag?
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the decision made by Peter Quill (Star-Lord) and the Guardians of the Galaxy to leave the Power Stone on Morag rather than securing it, is often debated. This decision is crucial as it impacts the fate of the universe. Let's explore the ramifications of this choice and why it could have been a decisive blow to Thanos's plans.
The Context
The narrative of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Avengers: Infinity War provides a compelling background. In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Peter Quill and his team find the Power Stone, one of the six Infinity Stones, and face the question of whether to take it back to Xandar or leave it with Morag. Their choice has significant implications for their future and the larger universe.
The Decision: A Misstep or a Necessary Sacrifice?
The argument against leaving the Power Stone with Morag is convincing. While it may seem like a seemingly good choice, it could be seen as a tactical error that would have worsened the situation for the Guardians and the universe at large.
Ronan and Xandar
One of the most immediate concerns is the fate of Ronan and Xandar. Ronan, the Krogan being who seeks to control the Orb (which houses the Power Stone), would have likely taken advantage of the situation. With the Power Stone, Ronan could easily devastate Xandar and then turn his attention to Thanos. Ronan's connection to Thanos, through his work with Gamora and Nebula, would mean that by eliminating Ronan, Thanos's plans are only postponed.
Thanos's Next Moves
Even if Ronan were killed by Thanos, the crucial part is that Thanos would have gained the information about the Reality Stone from the Collector. Armed with both the Power Stone and the Reality Stone, Thanos could further his goals. He could use the Reality Stone to manipulate Tanaleer Tuvan (the Collector) into revealing the location of other stones.
Implications for the Guardians
With Peter Quill out of the picture, the four remaining Guardians (Gamora, Rocket, Groot, and Drax) would struggle to continue their mission. Gamora, without moral disagreements with Thanos, would remain loyal, effectively nullifying her previous role in opposing him. Drax, if not rescued, would not contribute to the team. The energy-based threat to Quill's life would persist, and his absence would tear through the fabric of their alliance, leading to their eventual breakdown.
Thanos's Ascendancy
Without Quill to complicate Thanos's plans, the Thanos we see in Avengers: Infinity War would be more effective. Having both the Reality and Power Stones, Thanos would have a clearer path to achieving his objectives. This would include taking down the Asgardians fleeing their destroyed homeworld and securing the Soul Stone.
The Final Confrontation
The final confrontation between Thanos and the Avengers would be significantly less risky for Thanos, who now wields multiple Infinity Stones. The reality is that, with fewer Guardians to obstruct him, Thanos would be much more likely to succeed in his quest to conquer the Earth and the universe.
Impact on Earth and the Avengers
Without the presence of Iron Man and a now vulnerable Doctor Strange, the Earth would be unprepared for Thanos's wrath. The Black Order, under Thanos's command, would be more formidable and threaten the very existence of humanity. The arrival of the Reality, Power, and Soul Stones in the hands of Thanos would give him a decisive edge over Vision and Wanda, who would have little hope of stopping him. Even with the Mind Stone, New York's defenses would be neutralized, leading to the inevitable loss of the Time Stone.
Conclusion
The decision to leave the Power Stone on Morag, while it may seem like a short-term victory, ultimately leads to a darker outcome. It is a decision that would have doomed the universe to Thanos's reign of terror. This paradox is intriguing and highlights the complexity of each decision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. By choosing to leave the Power Stone, Peter Quill and the Guardians failed to fulfill their responsibility in the grander scheme of things, leading to a more ominous and dangerous universe.