A YJA Moment - Coalition of Planets

As the last memory of The Old Republic, the Nova Empire had taken on the responsibility of maintaining diplomacy throughout Known Space.  Lying in a strategic and pivotal location in the galaxy, it was able to keep various aggressive species, such as the Romulans, Klingons, and Kree from expanding into defenseless worlds.

When Thanos brought together the Chitauri, First Order, Mandalorians, Ravagers, Sinestro Corps, and the Sith Order in his attempt to gain the Infinity Stones, much of the governments in the Local Group became concerned that the Mad Titan would engulf the galaxy into warfare.  In response. Xandar and the Nova Corps sought out an alliance for mutual protection and aid.

Meeting on the planet Babel, representatives from the Nova Empire, Shi'ar Protectorate, the Tellarite Alliance, and the Vulcan Confederacy formed the Coalition of Planets which provided a framework for both military and civilian cooperation.  It was instrumental in dealing with the various incursions by Thanos on their systems.

However, the Coalition's real test was a humanitarian one, aiding Earth after the terrible assault by the forces of Apokolips.  With millions dead and billions without basic needs, the various member worlds devoted themselves to protecting and helping this backwater planet which had become so important in recent years.

Though the destruction of Xandar by the Warworld and the fragmentation of the Nova Empire seemed destined to spell the end of the Coalition, it has had the opposite effect.  The other members of the Coalition helped defend Empire worlds from the Kree, Romulans, and Klingons.  The unity shown by the member nations encouraged the Minbari Triune to sign the treaty, and the Andorians even negotiated a peace treaty with the Vulcans in order to join.

With the Coalition of Planets growing within the galaxy, a multi-planet group has suggested a more integrated and permanent alliance be negotiated.  So far the idea of the United Planets is still an optimistic dream, but its proponents believe that continued support and cooperation will make their vision a reality.

A YJA Moment - Darkseid, Lord of Apokolips

As the last remaining god of the Fourth World, Darkseid is nearly unchallenged in his own realm and is feared in all others.  He presides over the harsh world of Apokolips, a volcanic planet filled with technological horrors, vicious servitors, and untold thousands of conquered slaves all following his every dark command.

Darkseid is powered by the fabled Omega Force, powerful energy which infuses his every cell.  Few realize that this is not an inborn power to the New Gods or any inhabitants of Apokolips; it was an ancient secret that was discovered. It is said that he traveled to the desolate world on the fringe of the Universe to discover a temple older than the Celestials, where he obtained both the power and a potent vision.

In that vision, he was granted knowledge of the true nature of the universe, the role of the Fourth World, and the existence of The Source. He was also granted awareness of the Anti-Life Equation, the energy that opposes the Source and seeks to turn everything into a mockery of reality.

In another timeline, his ambitions would have been opposed by the New Gods of New Genesis, his equal and opposite number.  But in a stroke of good fortune, he encountered time travelers, who enabled him to travel back in time and destroy Highfather and the other New Gods at the moment of their creation by the Godwave.  Little did he know their essences would form the Infinity Stones that would herald the Final Gods.

Poised now in what he believes to be the eve of the conflict that will end the Fourth World, he gathers his forces and his allies and prepares his armies to secure dominion in a new Fifth World.  His lightning attacks on the Nova Empire was an opening salvo intended to prevent his enemies from mounting a consolidated defense.  Yet all this work may be unnecessary as the Lord of Apokolips is on the verge of a revelation.

What Darkseid does is starting to realize that the Omega Force is itself an emanation of the Anti-Life Equation, in much the same way as the Cthonic Sorcery is to Magic and the Negative-Speed Force is to Speed Force.  Within him lies the key to unlocking the full power of Anti-Life, given enough time, sufficient willpower, and the required patience.  Unless he is defeated, all of existence could fall into his grasp.

A YJA Moment - Darkseid's Elite

 While there is only one true New God in Apokalips, Darkseid is attended by a number of powerful individuals whose power could challenge any Olympian or Asgardian.  They are known throughout Known Space as Darkseid's Elite and where they walk, the master of the Omega Beams is sure to follow.

Desaad serves as the master of the Birthing Pits on Apokalips, where generations of Parademons are designed and bred.  His mastery of the sciences serves his master well, and he also serves as his chief interrogator and torturer.  Unfeeling and uncaring, the rest of the Elite gives Desaad a wide berth, lest they become the subject of one of his latest experiments.

Capable of enthralling almost anyone with his words, Glorious Godfrey serves both as an infiltrator and as the eventual herald of Darkseid when the invasion is set to begin.  Capable of shape-shifting into various forms, Godfrey currently resides on Earth, where he is a political pundit on Morgan Edge's TV network.

Gathered from around Known Space, the Furies are enhanced and brainwashes by Granny Goodness to serve as leaders in the Parademon armies.  Granny operates her operations like a twisted version of an orphanage, bringing in young bodies and then systematically molding them into hardened killers for Darkseid.

Kalibak is the only surviving son of Darkseid and heir to the throne of Apokalips.  Seen as unworthy by his father, he nonetheless strives to prove his worth at every opportunity.  Granted the title of Force Commander after the demise of Steppenwolf, Kalibak plans on a glorious crusade to bring Known Space to its knees.

Steppenwolf was the commander of the hordes of Parademons and Hunger Dogs which comprised the bulk of the armies of Apokolips.  In the early days of Darkseid's rule, he proved himself a loyal ally and keen tactician, earning himself a privileged position within the Elite.  He was, unfortunately, slain during the Invasion of Earth, forcing Darkseid to look to his son to lead his forces

A YJA Moment - Home of the Final Gods

New Genesis was to be the home of the New Gods, living in a glorious technological city floating in the upper atmosphere of their planet.  The divine powers of the Fourth World were able to look down on the mortal species that lived on the planet, while they contemplated the mysteries of the cosmos.

Then it was all put to ruin, turned to a cinder by Darkseid's time-traveling agents.

Through the actions of the Mythic Avengers, a new home for the Gods has been created.  Umbra the Afterworld is the underworld, where the souls of those slain in the Fourth World or their citizens are destined to reside.  It is a lush world filled with monochrome trees, plains, and lakes.

Circling the planetary afterlife is the Starlit Citadel, a glittering crystalline metropolis that serves as the domain of the Final Gods, the recipients of the Infinity Stones which granted them the powers of the Fourth World.  Powered by the might of the Gods themselves, the Citadel is impenetrable and almost indestructible.

Much like Earthly reincarnation, those that dwell on the Afterworld's surface have an opportunity to return to the world of the living.  Umbra chooses the worthy, who are granted new bodies by The Sentinel's reality-changing powers.  They are then made citizens of the Starlit Citadel, unable to leave the structure but able to live productive and happy lives.

The core of the inhabitants and the leaders of the Citadel remains the Final Gods - The Champion, The Savant, Sentinel, Thunderstrike, The Time Master, and Umbra the Afterworld.  The rest of the citizenry is composed of the reincarnated souls and the select few from outside the Fourth World, who are given leave to resettle there.

As a new conflict with Apokalips begins, the Final Gods know that the Fourth World is ending and a Fifth World is dawning.  However, they worry that it will be Darkseid himself that will rule this brand new domain, utilizing the power of the Anti-Life Equation to dominate everything in the multiverse.