The outpost loomed ahead — a fortress carved into the face of a barren moon. Its surface bristled with landing platforms and towers, all sharp angles of Viltrumite design, efficient and unyielding.
Anissa touched down first, boots crunching against the rock before the airlock swallowed her form. Chris followed, still shimmering faintly gold, still naked, and very aware of it now.
The lock hissed, atmosphere flooding in. For the first time since his "death," sound returned to his ears — the hum of machines, the hiss of pressure valves, the thud of Anissa's boots.
She turned, regarding him with a smirk. "You fought well… for a naked stranger."
Chris flushed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, thanks for pointing that out. Real confidence booster."
Without another word, she strode to a supply locker and pulled it open. Rows of neatly folded uniforms rested inside, plain compared to hers, meant for training or prisoners. She tossed one his way.
"Put this on. You're distracting."
Chris caught it awkwardly, staring at the simple Viltrumite garb in his hands. "Right. Clothes. Probably a good idea."
He tugged the uniform on, the fabric clinging snugly, built for bodies like his new one. It felt alien, but sturdy. Functional. When he turned back, Anissa was watching him with an appraising eye, arms crossed.
"You are strong," she said at last. "Stronger than most. But you fight like a child. Raw. Wild. No control."
Chris bristled. "Forgive me if I didn't exactly get an instruction manual for… this." He gestured at himself. "One second I was in a lab, the next I'm—this."
Her eyes narrowed, studying him, searching for lies. Finding none, she gave a short nod. "Then I will teach you. Viltrumite strength without Viltrumite discipline is wasted. And if you survive my lessons, you may yet be worth something."
Chris gave a dry laugh. "You really know how to make a guy feel special."
Anissa's smirk returned, sharp as a blade. "I don't train weak men. Remember that."
With a gesture, she beckoned him deeper into the outpost. Training grounds awaited.
And for the first time, Chris began to understand: he wasn't just stronger. He was something new.