Kree Empire Border Region, Planet Torfa, Secret Research Facility.
"Astra! Where is Astra?!"
Early in the morning, the grim expression on Security Captain Kristorr's face darkened further as he discovered Astra's bedroom empty when the scientist was supposed to be sleeping there.
"Who was responsible for guarding Astra last night?"
"Captain! We found them!"
When Kristorr saw his squad mbers dragging unconscious guards out of the closet and bathroom, his face turned even uglier. The Kree military was en route to escort Astra back to Hala, but the subject they were ant to protect had vanished first.
"Listen up! No matter the cost, we must bring Astra back!"
"You're too tense, Kristorr. When you can't find , why not ask the magical bottle? Maybe it knows where I'd be."
"Hic—"
A burly man let out a loud belch, adjusted his belt with a casual shake of his hips, rubbed his nose, then took another swig of Torfa's signature strong liquor, sighing contentedly.
"Astra, I've told you already—this is a critical ti. The last thing you should be doing is sneaking out to drink. You should be in the research facility, waiting in your quarters for our forces to escort you ho safely!"
Seeing Astra cradling two bottles of alcohol, Kristorr visibly relaxed—but only for a mont before launching into a reprimand about the scientist's recklessness.
"If I don't drink, how do I find inspiration?"
"And without inspiration, how can I refine my formulas?"
"You people really make a big deal out of nothing."
"Gulp, gulp, gulp..."
After downing several mouthfuls, Astra wiped the liquor from the corner of his mouth and leaned against the doorfra, looking perfectly justified.
"Listen, Kristorr, this stuff is the real deal. Want a sip?" He rubbed the smooth cross-shaped scar on his forehead, lifted one of the bottles, and offered it to the security captain with a smirk. "Co on, loosen up! Just like we did 130 years ago on L77."
"Astra, I need you to understand—I'm not joking. 130 years ago was 130 years ago. Now is now." Kristorr snatched the unstable bottle from Astra's hand and hurled it into the wardrobe.
The shattering glass and splattering alcohol jolted the unconscious guards awake.
"In fact, I think assigning those green recruits to guard you was the real joke."
Unbothered by the loss of his drink, Astra draped an arm over Kristorr's shoulder and gestured toward the gathered security officers. "Look at them. They couldn't even stop from stepping out for a drink. Do you really think they could protect ?"
"Protect my corpse?"
"Or perhaps kill themselves before the enemy even has a chance to abduct ?"
"You're drunk, Dr. Astra." Kristorr narrowed his eyes at the scientist leaning on him before signaling his n to stand down.
"Am I?" Astra mused. "I feel perfectly sober. In fact, I could go for two more bottles. Oh, right! I've got so Blue Dream in my room—stuff's pretty strong. You want a taste?" He smacked his forehead as if just rembering, then strode toward his storage cabinet to dig out his hidden stash.
"I've told you before—I don't drink. And let repeat myself: this is a crucial mont. Ideally, you shouldn't be drinking either."
"I'm telling you, this stuff packs a real punch. Strange... I could've sworn I left it here. Did I get up and drink it in my sleep?"
Clearly, Astra wasn't listening.
Kristorr exhaled sharply. "Since you think they're weak, from now on, I'll be the one protecting you."
"Oh? You sure you're stronger than those fools?"
Astra paused. Just as he turned back with a smirk, he lifted a massive cannon onto his shoulder, aiming it directly at Kristorr. A black cigar dangled from his lips, smoke curling around his face.
"Nice disguise. But the one drinking with you on L77, 130 years ago, was my brother—not ."
"And now—die, you Skrull bastard!"
A blinding blaze of energy erupted, engulfing Kristorr in an instant.
"Ugh, disgusting energy barrier."
Instead of the catastrophic explosion Astra expected, the erald-skinned figure erged from the flas unhard. Astra took another swig of liquor and discarded his old, trusted weapon.
"Giving up already? Compared to your brother, you're far weaker."
The Skrull's eyes glimred with amusent as he watched Astra seemingly surrender.
"My brother? You've seen my brother?"
Rolling his thick shoulders, Astra frowned at the Skrull before him.
"Of course. He left quite an impression. Before he left, he even graciously invited to stay on L77 and watch a grand explosion. Pity—I declined."
The Skrull shrugged before raising his hands. His pitch-black combat suit twisted, forming two razor-sharp blades along his forearms, the gleaming edges reflecting in Astra's gaze.
"Magar?!"
The na leapt from Astra's mory. His brother, the destruction of L77, and the distinctive twin blades—there was only one Skrull who fit all these details: Magar, the warlord who led the invasion of L77.
"You know my na? Looks like you've done your howork on that war." Magar arched a brow, though his attack remained relentless, lunging straight for Astra.
"Ah, of course. Your na has been on my mind every night."
Clang!
The clash of tal rang through the spacious quarters, and in the blink of an eye, Magar was sent flying out the door at incredible speed.
The sudden commotion triggered the facility's alarm. Security forces swiftly locked down all exits while teams rushed toward the scene.
"Not good!"
Astra's expression sharpened, just as Magar's weapon fire forced him back.
"Guess what? Think they'll find ?"
Retracting his arm blades, Magar smirked before vanishing into a side corridor, leaving Astra standing there, his face darkened with contemplation.
"Protect Dr. Astra!"
"Move, now!"
Clad in Kree security armor, Kristorr barked orders to passing soldiers—yet his own steps carried him further from the facility.
anwhile—
Lothar was still on his way...
"Twentieth hyperspace jump comncing in five seconds. All personnel, fasten your harnesses."
"Five... four... three... two... one... Jump initiated."
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