After executing dozens of consecutive space jumps, even with prior mental preparation, most aboard the warship—except for Lothar—experienced dizziness, nausea, and even dry heaving upon arriving at Planet U40.
Among them, Astra was affected the most.
Lothar's physiology defied conventional understanding, The Other was a bizarre half-mechanical bio-fusion lifeform, and Woz was a completely emotionless artificial intelligence. Only Astra was truly flesh and blood.
Lothar wasn't entirely sure whether Astra was feigning his reaction. After all, if Thanos' words were to be believed, this man harbored an unimaginably terrifying power.
"Lord Lothar, we've arrived at our destination, Planet U40. Woz is currently hacking into its planetary defense system to fabricate entry permits for us. Please wait a moment."
As Woz spoke, the orange-yellow planet gradually came into view through Lothar's viewport. The sky buzzed with warships and transport vessels, an overwhelming sight even for The Other.
"This feels completely different from Torfa."
Struggling to find a better comparison, The Other mentioned Torfa, earning a scoff from Astra, who still looked pale. "Obviously. Torfa was close to a war zone. This planet you call U40 has never been touched by war. It's one of the Skrull Empire's major trade hubs. Of course, it's far more prosperous than Torfa."
"I wasn't talking to you. Just put your helmet on, or you won't even pass the security checkpoint."
Unwilling to argue, The Other picked up the green helmet that had rolled to Astra's feet and placed it firmly on his head.
"Keep it straight."
Originally designed by Lothar to prevent Astra from being copied by the Skrulls' memory mimicry, the green helmet now served a new purpose. Woz had modified it to alter Astra's genetic signature, disguising him as a Centaurian instead of a Kree.
"Be honest, Lothar, can I buy an AI like your Dora Star's Woz*? I want one too."
Adjusting his helmet in front of a mirror, Astra saw no visible change in himself, yet the genetic scanner no longer flagged him as Kree. Instead, it identified him as a member of the Centaurian Udon'ta clan.
"Lord Astra, Dora Star has long since been destroyed. Woz and Gaitz were custom-built by Lord Thanos after extensive research."
Woz's explanation quickly dashed Astra's hopes.
"Alright, but what's with this identity? 'Sachima Udon'ta'? Didn't the Centaurian race go extinct?"
Pointing at the identity data Woz had fabricated for him, Astra raised an eyebrow. It was well known across the universe that the Centaurians had tried to resist the Black Quadrant and restore their former glory—only to be mercilessly annihilated by Thanos.
"There's still a surviving bloodline—Juvun Udon'ta and his family."
Thanos was a man of his word. If he promised to let a useful traitor's family leave the Centaurian system, he ensured they did.
Astra examined the data, his brow twitching in silent contemplation. This was good news for him. The more Thanos upheld his honor, the greater Astra's chances of revenge.
Whistling, Astra pocketed his identity documents and followed Lothar into the Skrull-controlled U40 planetary capital.
Their warship, now disguised as a civilian transport vessel, docked at a designated berth on U40. Woz, taking the form of a wristband, scanned the automated payment system to cover the docking fees. With that done, Lothar and his companions boarded a transport craft to their destination: U40's capital, Eifeld.
A vast, technologically advanced city.
"Lord Lothar, according to General Corvus Glaive's intel, our targets—Baltan and Gazzler—will return to Eifeld in three days at the head of the Skrull Empire's Seventh Army."
"Woz has already fabricated your identity and secured accommodations for you, The Other, and Lord Astra. You may proceed to your new residence immediately."
Three days, huh?
General Glaive and Proxima Midnight's forces should be receiving Kree reparations in five days before heading to U40…
Lothar narrowed his eyes, his thoughts racing as he led his team toward their temporary residence—an old-fashioned estate, far from the city center, standing in stark contrast to the surrounding technological jungle.
Nestled by mountains and rivers, it left Astra utterly stunned.
"How did you manage this?"
"To Woz, currency is just an insignificant string of numbers. Ensuring Lord Lothar's comfort is part of my duty."
Woz grinned, dismissing the effort as trivial.
Crippling U40's AI infrastructure would be challenging, but exploiting loopholes? For Woz, that was child's play. U40, as a trade hub, was already a haven for all sorts of illicit dealings.
"I think I'm starting to like you, kitty." Astra licked his lips, marveling at the estate's luxury.
"Please do not refer to Woz in such a manner. Woz is Woz." The blue mechanical feline corrected him with an air of seriousness.
"Woz, pull up a map of the route to the city's administrative headquarters and plot an attack path."
Unlike Astra, Lothar had no time for admiration. He had stayed in places just as grand—if not grander—on countless missions.
"As you command, Lord Lothar."
"The Other, extract some energy from the Casket of Ancient Winters using the Scepter and craft some ice bombs. Consult Woz for the exact procedure."
"Yes, Prince Lothar!"
The Other, surprised to finally have a task, gleefully took the Casket and the glowing blue Scepter before rushing off to prepare the explosives.
"As for you—just stay alive."
Lothar cast a brief glance at Astra, who was still exploring the estate, before turning away.
He needed to decide on the best method of assassination for this mission.
According to Corvus Glaive's intel, Baltan and Gazzler were both Skrulls with unique abilities.
As childhood friends, they had once been exposed to a strange cosmic radiation. Ever since, Baltan had gained the power to create numerous clones of himself, while Gazzler had developed the ability to massively increase his size—and with it, his strength.
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TL/N:
If you haven't realized it yet, Woz and Gaitz—the AI robots accompanying Lothar—look exactly like Doraemon. I think that's the reason for the planet's name, Dora Star.
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