Malik Tarcel

History

After the destruction of the Nova Corps by the Annihilation Wave, the Xandarian Worldmind secretly sought out new recruits during Richard Rider's sleep hours. Malik Tarcel, a Shi'ar, was among those first selected to be a new Nova Centurion. Soon after his selection, the Worldmind transmitted an emergency signal as the result of nearly being destroyed by Galactus. Tarcel joined with the four other Centurions to have been selected thus far -- Irani Rael, Qubit, Morrow and Fraktur -- and tracked down the Worldmind's signal.

Earth proved to be the destination. Tarcel arrived with his fellow Centurions at the tail end of the Skrulls' attempted invasion. They fell right in line behind Richard Rider, the Nova Prime, in helping keep the peace after the invasion's aftermath. These efforts included dealing with a hostage situation perpetrated by the Serpent Society, during which Tarcel made the first entry and brought down Black Mamba. He later followed the lead of Robbie Rider in apprehending Dragon Man.

After Richard Rider was expelled from the Nova Corps under accusations of mental instability, the Worldmind selected Malik to be the new Nova Prima as they set off to intervene in the coming War of Kings between the Shi'ar and the Kree.

War of Kings

Though a Shi'ar, Malik was against his people's part in the war that broken out. He was loyal to the rule of Lilandra and saw Emperor Vulcan as nothing but a madman and an usurper. As far as he was concerned, those Shi'ar who followed Vulcan's orders had made their choice and made the wrong one. As Nova Prime, he led an attack on Shi'ar forces that were trying to annex a Kree world rich in fuel sources. His frontal assault

was successful in turning back the Shi'ar, but it also resulted in the Imperial Guard being called in.

Malik engaged Gladiator directly in combat and was defeated. He had no choice but to surrender himself and the Centurions he led to save their lives. Gladiator personally took Malik away to be interrogated. The Centurions left behind were all executed by Xenith. While Malik was in Shi'ar captivity, Emperor Vulcan personally tortured him just for the pleasure of seeing him in pain. While he was alone, Malik was supposedly rescued by Garthan Saal and hasn't been seen since.