With his attention diverted to the Annihilation Wave, Glorian releases his hold over Ronan and Gamora. They hunt him down, to find that it took everything Glorian had left to repel the swarm, leaving him in a state worse than death. Ronan also tracks down the witness who gave false testimony against him, but not soon enough, as she dies after admitting her guilt but before she can name the person who caused her to do so. Unable to prove his innocence, Ronan decides to risk life and limb to save the Kree Empire anyway.