The Large Magellanic Cloud, Hala, the Kree Empire.
In the capital, Kree-Lar, a group of Kree researchers received a signal requesting permission to enter planetary orbit.
Once the connection was established, a video feed of the Kree warrior Yon-Rogg appeared on the screen in the orbital docking control room.
"Say, how did you get back so quickly? Weren't you supposed to capture someone from Blue Planet so we could analyze roughly how advanced their technology was?"
A communications officer questioned Yon-Rogg in confusion.
"Judging by your round-trip time and your ship's docking records, you barely stayed a few seconds after reaching Blue Planet before turning straight around, didn't you?"
"Was Blue Planet's technology really that appallingly primitive? You didn't encounter any resistance at all? Or was their technology so advanced that their defenses scared you off?"
The communications officer fired off several questions in succession. Clearly, he often received Kree warriors returning from missions, so he was fairly familiar with the mission-obsessed Yon-Rogg.
Yon-Rogg, however, fell strangely silent for a moment.
Then he tapped the video feed's channel controls a few times, switching the camera to the ship's interior and showing them the gravely wounded, unconscious Carol.
"The mission was successful, and I did indeed encounter no resistance."
Yon-Rogg's voice sounded rather subdued. He recalled the horrific scene where he had found the woman, left behind by some unknown weapon.
"But whether Blue Planet truly lacks the ability to resist the Kree Empire is something I have my doubts about."
"Authorize my landing first. I'll give a detailed report after I meet with the Supreme Intelligence."
Brad, who was clinging tightly to the ship's hull, trembled slightly.
First, his brain waves became active again. Then, driven by Current Flow, his muscles generated heat through friction. As his consciousness gradually returned,