The Guardians of the Galaxy form and confront Kree radical Ronan the Accuser, who has promised to deliver Thanos the Power Stone in exchange for help with destroying Xandar's Nova Corps. They defeat Ronan with the Power Stone housed inside of the Orb.
Meanwhile, Alexander Pierce of S.H.I.E.L.D. launches Project Insight, which would unwittingly allow HYDRA to take over the world. Captain America gets blacklisted because of this initiative but enlists the help of Falcon and Black Widow in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.