Beyond Blue Star, within the Nine Realms.
Asgard.
Inside a magnificent, glittering palace hall.
With a shimmering beam of rainbow light, countless armored soldiers suddenly appeared upon the land.
They were battle-hardened soldiers, the soldiers of Asgard.
And at their head stood Thor himself.
A figure sat upon the throne at the highest point. Though slightly stooped, his frame did nothing to diminish his overwhelming presence. Simply seated there above them, he seemed capable of holding off thousands of troops. He was the king of Asgard, All-Father Odin.
Beside him sat a beautiful, dignified goddess: Queen Frigga.
Today was Asgard's centennial military inspection ceremony. Thor stood at the very front of the assembled army, proudly raising his hammer to accept the cheers of the people.
A glint flashed through Odin's clouded eyes. Clearly, he had seen something.
Looking back at his immature son below, Odin felt a wave of worry.
Odin had been keeping a close eye on developments in Midgard lately.
The endless stream of promising young people had left him drooling... no, envious.
Odin rose and struck the floor with Gungnir.
The noisy hall immediately grew much quieter.
"Thor Odinson, my son, let today's celebration begin!"
"Yes, Father!"
Outside the palace, the people rejoiced. Inside, Odin let down his guard, his expression turning troubled.
"Your Majesty, you don't seem to be in high spirits today?" Frigga had no idea what was troubling Odin.
Frigga could foresee and observe fate, but that was merely an innate gift, and she could not use it at will.
Nor did she have the leisure to keep watching Midgard, so naturally, she knew nothing of the changes on Blue Star.
"Frigga, do you think Asgard is truly powerful?" Odin asked calmly. Though he did not release his imposing aura, there was a solemn