Arthur's words sounded casual, but there was a certain weight to them, a subtle warning.
Nova Prime, however, simply shook her head. "Some matters can't be brushed aside with a few simple explanations. We have a duty to give the public an account."
Arthur merely smiled. "I don't think I need to say much about that, do I? What the public should know, can know, wants to know, and ultimately ends up knowing, isn't that your department's responsibility to manage?"
Nova Prime's steps paused for a brief moment before she resumed walking forward. "So you're not willing to offer any information at all?"
Arthur looked up at the ceiling and replied lightly, "This matter concerns me personally. Probing into such secrets is actually quite rude, perhaps even more awkward than asking a woman her age."
Nova Prime was momentarily speechless. Finally, she let out a soft sigh. "I understand what you mean."
Arthur chuckled. They followed her into a meeting room and took their seats. Once everyone had settled, Nova Prime spoke again, her tone shifting to business. "If you're unwilling to explain that incident, then there's another matter I'd like you to clarify."
"About what?" Arthur asked, not rushing to answer. In a setting like this, every word carried the weight of intergalactic policy.
Nova Prime looked straight at him. "The Sovereign."
Arthur gave a faint, dismissive smile. "Their situation is simple enough to explain, a bunch of glass-hearted people who brought about their own destruction."
"Then why," Nova Prime said evenly, "have I heard a different version of that story? According to reports, someone stole their most precious creations, the pinnacle of their civilization's wisdom. In retaliation, they say your group ruthlessly stormed their planet, spreading war across the entire world."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "If you truly believe a few stolen batteries are worth the same as human lives, then perhaps the mistake in this whole affair lies with us."
He gave her a brief, simplified explanation: the theft of the batteries, followed by the Sovereign's relentless, unforgiving pursuit.
"I won't deny," Arthur continued, his voice hardening slightly, "that my people made a mistake at the beginning. But does making a mistake automatically mean they should die for it? They didn't just chase us, they hired Ravagers to kidnap my crew. Tell me, if I could tolerate something like that, wouldn't that make my temper a little too good?"
Nova Prime was silent for a moment before replying slowly. "We should respect every planet, every civilization, and every species' uniqueness."
Arthur rolled his eyes. "And should we also 'respect' the Kree? Should we let them invade Xandar's borders and slaughter your people, just for the sake of politeness? Every courtesy has its limits. No one can survive in this universe relying solely on others' tolerance."
He leaned forward, his expression intense. "And most importantly, when we finally reached the Sovereign's territory, we did not launch a genocidal attack! We merely broke into their royal palace, sought out their High Priestess, and tried to resolve the matter peacefully."
He threw his hands up in a gesture of helpless exasperation. "But what happened in the end? Their High Priestess personally slaughtered her entire council. Political disagreement turned into internal bloodshed. That chaos can hardly be blamed on us, right?"
"I'll need a detailed report," Nova Prime said after a meaningful pause.
"This isn't just for our records, it's for the benefit of other civilizations. Your group has entered the eyes of the galactic community. Some already believe you may become the next great threat in the universe."
Arthur chuckled softly. "And then what?"
"No. There's no 'then.' This matter ends here!" Nova Prime stood up as she spoke, closing the conversation with finality. "I'll help you manage this situation, but I hope that the next time you arrive, you don't bring so much trouble with you. I truly wish we could have a friendlier conversation… perhaps even a gentler kind of exchange."
Arthur grinned. "That's what I hope for too. Unfortunately, trouble is like the wind, it follows me wherever I go."
Nova Prime excused herself to deal with official matters, leaving others to arrange accommodations for the team. The environment was excellent; this time, they were given a spacious suite: a main hall and several adjoining rooms, more than enough for everyone to live comfortably. Though they wouldn't be staying long, a day and night of rest was well-deserved.
Sitting in the hall, Brock looked around in awe. "I never thought talking with someone that important, basically the head of a whole civilization, would be this relaxed! What's even crazier is that her civilization's level is far beyond Earth's…"
His words suddenly trailed off as he felt a familiar, subtle mental nudge.
Arthur chuckled and waved a hand. "All right, let him go, Venom."
Brock blinked. "What did I say wrong?"
"Nothing," Tony replied, shaking his head. "You just forgot something important: if you want to speak as equals, you need equal power… or even greater strength to back it up."
"But didn't you guys help them before?" Brock asked, confused. "Wouldn't that make you… like, their benefactors?"
Tony gave him a pointed look. "For a highly advanced, unified civilization, do you really think there's any kind of favor they'd remember forever? One that would make them see you as their eternal benefactor?"
Realization dawned on Brock. "No favor lasts forever."
"Exactly," Tony nodded. "For them, 'the state above all' isn't just a slogan you see on a screen, it's a way of life."
Brock fell silent, considering this new reality.
T'Challa glanced at Arthur and let out a small sigh. "To be honest, I was a bit nervous back there. If Nova Prime hadn't chosen to compromise, what would we have done? Our dealings with them have already gone very deep. If…"
He didn't finish the sentence, but everyone understood the implication: if the talks had broken down, all the ground Arthur had gained in the cosmic sphere could have collapsed overnight.
But Arthur shook his head. "No, it wouldn't come to that. Even if the talks did fail, it still wouldn't be the worst outcome. Don't forget, the Kree aren't dead yet. 'Peace treaties'? Once the balance of power tips… they're worth less than a fart."
His words dropped like a hammer, crushing the remaining tension with their stark realism, and silence followed. It was clear from Arthur's tone that he had already considered every possible move Nova Prime might make.
Then, a completely ill-timed comment broke the silence.
Banner muttered under his breath, just loud enough to be heard, "He can see through galactic politics so clearly… but when it comes to Natasha, he's still completely stuck."