The vast chamber of the Grand Regent's throne room remained silent save for the subtle hum of the Viltrumite warship's engines.
Stars glittered coldly through the massive viewport behind the throne, casting faint patterns of light across the polished floor.
Upon the elevated dais, Thragg sat motionless, his imposing frame perfectly still as he slept.
The mustache that adorned his upper lip remained impeccably groomed even in slumber, a testament to the discipline that defined every aspect of his existence.
As Grand Regent of the Viltrum Empire, Thragg rarely permitted himself the luxury of rest. Yet even the mightiest Viltrumite required occasional respite.
His muscular arms rested on the ornate armrests of his throne, his head tilted slightly forward, his breathing so measured it was nearly imperceptible.
The red and white of his uniform gleamed in the starlight, the cape draped regally around his shoulders.
In sleep, his mind drifted through the familiar corridors of duty and purpose that had defined his centuries of existence.
The preservation of the Viltrumite race. The maintenance of order. The search for the heir of Emperor Argall.
These thoughts circled endlessly, a constant refrain that had sustained him through the long years since the plague had decimated their population.
Then, without warning, everything changed.
Thragg's eyes snapped open, pupils contracting sharply as a torrent of foreign memories flooded his consciousness.
His mind, powerful as it was, struggled momentarily to process the sheer volume of information suddenly thrust upon it.
Images of Earth - not as a conquest target, but as a home. Streets and buildings alien yet somehow familiar. Faces of people he had never met yet somehow knew intimately.
A name echoed through his thoughts: Samael. Human. Twenty years of existence on Earth - a different Earth than the one Nolan had been sent to conquer.
A life of normalcy punctuated by entertainment media, including stories about... himself.
Comic books. A television series called "Invincible." Knowledge of events yet to unfold. Knowledge of his own potential fate - defeat, exile, death.
Despite the mental onslaught, Thragg's expression remained impassive, not a single muscle twitching on his stoic face.
The pain was present but mild, easily manageable for his superior Viltrumite physiology.
He sat motionless, processing the information, analyzing the implications with the strategic acumen that had kept him in power for centuries.
'Curious,' he thought. 'These memories... they feel authentic. Not implanted. Not a psychic attack. They're mine. Samael's. A human who somehow became me... Who I once was. Who I in a way still am.'
He flexed his fingers slightly, confirming his physical form remained unchanged. Still Thragg. Still the Grand Regent. Still the strongest Viltrumite in existence.
But now with the memories and perspective of a human past life, where he once observed his current life as fiction.
'Earth.' The planet held far more significance than he'd previously calculated.
Not just a breeding ground for genetic material to bolster their dwindling numbers, but his past home in a sense as well as currently that of Nolan Grayson -
Omni-Man as they called him there - who was, if these comic books were to be believed, the true heir to Emperor Argall's throne.
'Nolan. The son of Argall. All this time...'
The revelation should have filled him with rage, with the sense of betrayal that his original self might have felt, now knowing of the internal struggles Nolan has towards his mission.
Instead, Thragg found himself considering the implications with a curious detachment.
The human perspective tempered his former responses, offering alternative viewpoints he would never have considered before.
As these thoughts settled into coherent patterns, something unexpected materialized before him.
A translucent blue interface hovered in the air, visible only to him.
It resembled nothing of Viltrumite technology, appearing more like something from the science fiction entertainment that Samael had consumed in his human life.
[STATUS]
Name: Thragg (formerly Samael)
Race: Viltrumite
Position: Grand Regent of Viltrum Empire
Strength: Supreme
Age: [Classified]
[ATTRIBUTES]
Physical Power: Planetary+
Durability: Planetary+
Flight Speed: Massively Faster Than Light
Combat Skill: Master of All Viltrumite Techniques
Intelligence: Strategic Genius
[FUNCTIONS] - Universal Travel: LOCKED
Conditions for unlocking: Unknown
Potential Destinations: None Currently Available
Thragg narrowed his eyes slightly, the only outward indication of his surprise. With a mere thought - intuiting the system's operation - he closed the interface.
Deciding he will deal with whatever this is later.
He rose from his throne, his movements fluid and deliberate despite his massive frame. The chamber felt different now, viewed through eyes that had once been human.
The cold grandeur, designed to intimidate and impress, now seemed somewhat pointless to his partially human sensibilities.
"Computer," he commanded, his deep voice resonating through the chamber. "Confirm location of Agent 362."
The ship's AI responded promptly. "Agent 362, designation Nolan, remains stationed on Earth, Sol system, Milky Way galaxy."
"And his mission status?"
"Ongoing. Conquest preparation phase. Estimated time to completion by his reports: unknown."
Thragg nodded slightly.
'Just as the memories indicated. Mark Grayson has not yet developed his powers. The timeline aligns with the beginning of the narrative I knew as Samael.'
He walked with measured steps to a secured alcove where a simple pedestal stood, illuminated by a soft blue light.
Upon it rested a skull - Emperor Argall's remains, preserved for centuries. The last physical remnant of the greatest leader the Viltrumite Empire had ever known.
Thragg lifted it gently, cradling it in his massive hands. The bone was smooth, having been handled countless times over the centuries during Thragg's private contemplations.
He ran his thumb over the cranial ridge, a gesture almost affectionate in its familiarity.
"My Emperor," he said, his deep voice softening slightly. "I find myself in an unprecedented situation. I have acquired knowledge that changes everything."
He paused, studying the empty eye sockets that had once held the gaze of the most powerful Viltrumite in history.
"I have served you faithfully for centuries. Protected our people through the plague, through the civil war, through the long decline. I swore to find your heir and return the throne to your bloodline."
Thragg began to pace slowly, still holding the skull with reverence.
"I now know your heir lives. Nolan, on Earth. Your son." A bitter smile touched his lips briefly. "He has been there for nearly twenty years, preparing the planet for conquest, unaware of his birthright. Unaware that I have been searching for him."
He stopped before the viewport, staring out at the stars, the skull held at eye level as if allowing Argall to share the view.
"The irony, my Emperor, is that I now possess knowledge of potential futures. Futures where I discover Nolan's heritage and react... poorly.
For he in those futures has betrayed us - betrayed you. Where he sides with your very murderer.
Where I fight him - your son and grandson to protect my position. Where I ultimately fail and die, leaving our empire in ruins."
Thragg's reflection in the transparent material showed no emotion, but his voice carried a weight it rarely held.
"I have always believed the throne should belong to the strongest. That I alone had the power and wisdom to guide our people through these difficult times. But now..."
He turned the skull to face him directly.
"Now I find myself questioning. Not my strength - I remain the strongest Viltrumite alive. But perhaps strength alone is insufficient. Perhaps there are other paths to ensure our survival."
Thragg returned to his pacing, his cape sweeping behind him in a regal arc.
"Nolan is not ready for the throne, my Emperor. He lacks the knowledge, the strength, the vision to lead our people to their true potential.
He has been contaminated by his time on Earth, developed attachments to the humans in ways unbeneficial. In the future I've glimpsed, he betrays our empire for them."
His grip on the skull tightened fractionally, then deliberately relaxed.
"But he is your son. Your blood. And perhaps... perhaps that counts for something after all."
Thragg stopped before the pedestal, his towering frame casting a shadow over it.
"I propose a compromise, my Emperor. I will not kill your son, as I might have done upon discovering his internal conflicts.
I will not exile him or punish him for his possible future betrayel. Instead, I will guide him. Mentor him. Show him the true purpose and potential of our people."
A rare, slight furrow appeared on Thragg's brow as he considered his next words carefully.
"I will make him my right hand, but I cannot - will not - give him the throne. Never. Not when our species faces extinction. Not when there are worlds beyond our universe waiting to be discovered."
He gently placed the skull back on its pedestal, arranging it with precise care.
"If you knew what I know now, my Emperor, I believe you would understand my decision. You always placed the survival of our people above all else.
Above tradition. Above personal desire. Even above family."
Thragg stepped back, regarding the skull for a long moment.
"I will not let Nolan be corrupted by Earth. I will not let him throw away his heritage for these overwhelming emotions he seems to have failed to conquer.
I will show him a greater purpose - the preservation and elevation of the Viltrumite race throughout not just this universe, but potentially many others."
He straightened, his full height imposing even in the spacious chamber.
"I will save our people, my Emperor. I will fulfill my duty to you and to them. But I must do it my way. With the knowledge I now possess."
With a final nod of respect to the skull, Thragg turned and strode purposefully from the chamber, his cape billowing behind him.
The door slid open automatically at his approach, revealing the corridor beyond where several officers stood at attention.
General Kregg, his most trusted lieutenant, stepped forward and saluted, fist to chest in the Viltrumite manner.
"Grand Regent," Kregg acknowledged with a bow of his head. "The reports from the outer colonies have arrived for your review."
"They will wait," Thragg commanded, not breaking his stride. "Prepare a direct communication to Nolan on Earth."
Kregg fell into step beside him, his expression carefully neutral despite his surprise. "Earth, sir? Has there been a development?"
"I am traveling there personally. Immediately."
Kregg stopped abruptly, then hurried to catch up. "Sir? This is... unexpected. Should I prepare your personal vessel? Assemble an honor guard?"
"No," Thragg replied firmly. "I will fly there myself."
"But sir, the distance-"
"Is considerable, but not insurmountable. I require no ship, no escort."
They reached the command center, where several other high-ranking Viltrumites worked at various stations. All stood immediately at Thragg's entrance, saluting in unison.
"At ease," Thragg said, approaching the central communication array. "Open a secure channel to Agent 362."
As the technicians hurried to comply, Kregg moved closer, lowering his voice. "Grand Regent, may I ask the purpose of this journey? Has Nolan's mission failed?"
Thragg considered the question, weighing how much to reveal. "No. But circumstances have changed. I have received... intelligence that requires my personal attention."
"Intelligence? From our network? I've received no-"
"From a source beyond our network," Thragg interrupted. "One I need not explain to you."
Kregg stepped back slightly, recognizing the warning in Thragg's tone. "Of course, Grand Regent. Forgive my presumption."
The communication officer turned from his console. "Channel prepared, sir. Awaiting your command to transmit."
"No," Thragg decided. "I've reconsidered. Send a message through the standard channels. Tell Nolan that I am coming to Earth. Tell him to take no action regarding his mission. The conquest is postponed until my arrival."
"Postponed?" Kregg couldn't hide his shock. "Sir, that's not the protocol. The conquest strategy has been in place for nearly two decades."
"I am well aware of the protocol, General," Thragg said coldly. "I established it. And now I am altering it. Are my orders unclear?"
Kregg stiffened. "No, Grand Regent. Crystal clear. I'll see to it personally."
"Good. Also inform the High Council that I will be absent for a period. You will oversee daily operations in my stead."
"Yes, sir. And if they inquire about your destination?"
Thragg's eyes narrowed slightly. "Tell them I am pursuing a matter of vital importance to the future of our race. They need know nothing more."
With a nod of dismissal, Thragg turned and headed toward the nearest airlock. The officers and technicians exchanged glances but knew better than to question their leader's decisions.
Only Kregg followed, maintaining a respectful distance.
At the airlock, Thragg paused, turning to face his general. "This change in plans may seem abrupt, Kregg. But I assure you, it is necessary."
Kregg nodded, though confusion was evident in his eyes. "I trust your judgment, Grand Regent. Always have."
"When I return, much may be different. Be prepared for change."
"Change, sir?"
"The future of the Viltrumite Empire may take a path none of us anticipated." Thragg's expression remained impassive, but there was something in his voice - a certainty, a purpose - that Kregg had not heard before.
"But it will be a stronger future. A more secure one."
"I understand, sir." Kregg saluted again, though it was clear he understood very little of what was happening.
Thragg entered the airlock chamber. As the inner door sealed behind him, he took a deep breath, filling his lungs with enough oxygen to sustain him for the journey ahead.
The outer door opened, exposing him to the vacuum of space. He felt the familiar sensation of the moisture on his exposed skin crystallizing, of his body adapting to the extreme conditions.
Thragg with a burst of speed that would have torn a lesser being near him apart, launched himself toward Earth.
The stars blurred around him as he accelerated.
As he flew, Thragg contemplated the path ahead.
The human memories provided him with knowledge of potential futures - futures he now had the power to change.
Mark Grayson would soon come into his powers.
The Guardians of the Globe would die by Nolan's hand. Cecil Stedman would begin his contingency plans against Viltrumite invasion.
All of this could be altered. Should be altered, for the greater benefit of his people.
'Nolan believes he is preparing Earth for conquest, unaware of his heritage. Unaware that his son represents the future of our race in more ways than one.
Unaware that his wife and child have changed him fundamentally, making him unfit for his mission.'
Thragg adjusted his trajectory slightly, avoiding a particularly dense radiation field.
'In the original timeline, Nolan chooses Earth over Viltrum. Chooses his human family over his duty. This cannot be permitted to happen again.
But perhaps... perhaps there is value in this connection he has formed.
Perhaps there is something to be learned from the human capacity for adaptation, for emotional bonding. For it certainly allowed them to best me.'
The thought was almost alien to him - or would have been, before the integration of Samael's memories.
Viltrumites were not known for their emotional depth. Strength, power, conquest - these were the values they prized.
Yet Nolan had found something on Earth worth betraying his people for. Something worth fighting Thragg himself for.
'I must understand this. Must see this planet and its people through new eyes. Through my former and current life's eyes.'
Earth was still hours away, but Thragg's mind was already there, planning, strategizing, considering possibilities that his previous self would never have entertained.
One day. That was all he needed to reach the planet that would determine the future of his species.
One day to prepare for a confrontation that, in another timeline, had led to war and death and the near-extinction of his people.
This time would be different. This time, he held knowledge no other Viltrumite possessed. This time, he had the perspective of a human to temper his more problematic responses he now realised.
This time, perhaps, there will be a better outcome for all.
-------------------------
Nolan Grayson was in his study when the communication device hidden in his desk began to pulse with a soft blue light.
He glanced at the door - Debbie was in the kitchen preparing dinner, and Mark was upstairs doing homework.
Satisfied he was alone, he pressed his palm against the seemingly ordinary wooden panel, revealing the sophisticated alien technology beneath.
He activated the device with practiced ease, careful to keep the holographic projection contained within the small area of his desk where it wouldn't be visible from the doorway.
General Kregg's stern face appeared in the projection, his expression even more severe than usual.
"Nolan," Kregg said, his voice low and urgent. "I bring a message of highest priority."
Nolan straightened, immediately alert. In nearly twenty years on Earth, he had received only a handful of direct communications from Viltrum.
Each had been significant. "Report, General."
"Grand Regent Thragg is coming to Earth."
Nolan felt a cold weight settle in his stomach. "What? Why?"
"He didn't explain his reasoning," Kregg replied, a hint of confusion in his own voice. "He ordered me to inform you to take no action regarding your mission. The conquest is postponed until his arrival."
"Postponed?" Nolan couldn't keep the disbelief from his voice. "That's not the protocol. The conquest strategy has been planned for years. What's happening, Kregg?"
"I don't know," the general admitted, and the admission itself was telling. Kregg was Thragg's right hand, privy to most of the Grand Regent's decisions.
If he was in the dark, something truly unusual was occurring. "He's traveling there himself. No ship. No escort."
"That's..." Nolan struggled to find words. "That's unprecedented."
"Indeed. He'll arrive in approximately one Earth day, given his flight speed."
Nolan felt his heart rate increase, a physiological response he had learned to control decades ago but now found challenging.
The Grand Regent himself, coming to Earth?
This could mean anything - from promotion to punishment. Had his reports been found wanting? Had his growing attachment to this world been discovered?
Had they somehow learned about his doubts?
"Understood," he managed to say, keeping his voice steady through sheer force of will. "I'll await his arrival."
"Nolan," Kregg said, hesitating uncharacteristically. "Be prepared. The Grand Regent seemed... different. Something has changed."
The communication ended before Nolan could ask for clarification, leaving him staring at the empty space where the projection had been.
He closed the hidden compartment and leaned back in his chair, mind racing. Thragg was coming.
The most powerful Viltrumite in existence, the unquestioned leader of their empire, was personally traveling to Earth.
Nothing in his training or experience had prepared him for this contingency.
"Nolan?" Debbie's voice called from the kitchen. "Dinner's almost ready. Can you call Mark down?"
"Sure, honey," he called back, his voice betraying none of the turmoil within. "Be right there."
He stood, straightening his sweater, the perfect picture of a middle-aged human male. The disguise he had worn for so long it sometimes felt more real than his true identity.
Thragg was coming. And Nolan had no idea why.
But he would be ready. He had to be. For Debbie. For Mark. For the life he had built here - a life that had become far more than just a cover for his mission.
A life he wasn't sure he was willing to sacrifice anymore, even for the Viltrum Empire.
------------------------
(Author note: Phew! First chapter, done.
Believe me, I find first chapters sometimes the hardest to write. Since it requires one to establish the foundation upon what future chapters will be built upon.
So do tell me how you found the chapter.
Was it good?
Was it bad?
I am quite interested in your thoughts.
Well, I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)