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The war between the Nova Corps and the Kree Empire had lasted for thousands of years. No comprehensive peace agreement had ever been signed. After millennia of conflict, death, and devastation affecting generation after generation, war weariness had grown on both sides. The winds of change suggested potential settlement within a century.
Military strength was roughly equivalent, and too many complex factors were involved. The likely outcome: peaceful settlement without further aggression. But negotiation required leverage, and leverage required weapons. Both the Nova Corps and the Kree Empire sought technological advancement to ensure favorable treaty positions even if the war ended.
Rhomann connected to the communication network and briefed Nova Prime about Aidan.
"Master Aidan, Nova Prime Irani Rael wants to speak with you," Rhomann said, sitting across from him.
"Alright," Aidan nodded.
After obtaining consent, Rhomann handed over the transparent panel. Aidan took it, examining the screen. Nova Prime appeared—a tall woman with blonde hair meticulously coiled atop her head. Pale complexion, deep blue Nova Corps uniform, collar adorned with supreme rank insignia.
"Master Aidan, hello. I am Nova Prime Irani Rael of the Nova Corps. You are very welcome on Xandar," she introduced herself formally.
"Thank you. What can I help you with?" Aidan replied politely.
"The Nova Corps is a peace-loving organization backed by the inexhaustible Nova Force. I wonder if you would consider joining us," she invited sincerely.
"Why? My products haven't even been demonstrated yet. Don't you want to vet me first?" Aidan was genuinely surprised. This seemed premature.
"I trust King Eitri's judgment," she smiled. It wasn't just Eitri's recommendation—Aidan's identity as a Mage was rare in this sector. "If you join the Nova Corps, I'll grant you Centurion-level rights and clearance immediately."
Aidan hadn't expected such a direct offer. He considered briefly but still refused. "Sorry, I want to open my own independent shop. I need autonomy."
"We can provide a storefront," she assured immediately.
"If you want to purchase weapons, I'll offer discounts, but I can't join," Aidan shook his head. He planned to open branches across multiple worlds. Nova Corps membership would create territorial restrictions. No need to shackle himself.
"That's unfortunate... Let's discuss it tomorrow. I'd like to examine your weapons. If the price is reasonable, we'd like to purchase in bulk," Nova Prime didn't force the issue.
"No problem," Aidan agreed. The first batch needed selling to earn Units—local currency. Having capital would make posting tasks and bounties more convenient. Currently, he had zero local funds.
After ending communication, Rhomann put away the panel.
"Nova Prime has approved your residency on Xandar. If necessary, I'll help find a prosperous storefront location."
"Great. After tomorrow's discussion, I'll need your help scouting locations," Aidan said. Money should come in after tomorrow, then he could secure prime real estate.
"Sure. My wife should have dinner ready. After sailing so long, you need rest." Rhomann stood, leading Aidan from the living room toward the dining room.
Inside, a red-skinned woman was placing a plate of something resembling flames on the table. The little girl from earlier sat waiting with anticipation. She'd clearly inherited her mother's genes more than her father's.
After dinner at Rhomann's home—the food peculiar but surprisingly good, spicy and energetic with enough variety for human tastes—Aidan found a room to rest for the night.
The next day, Rhomann brought Aidan to the central government office at Nova Corps headquarters.
After passing through high-security gates, they arrived in a wide, sunlit hall. Nova Prime Irani Rael stood behind a platform, waiting. In the previous communication, Aidan had only seen her face. Now, seeing her in person, he noted her commanding presence. Her clothes were a formal variation of the uniform—like a tailored coat over armor. Light blue piping complemented her slender but strong frame. With blonde hair coiled tightly, she looked capable and dignified.
They shook hands, exchanged pleasantries, then stepped directly into business.
"Mr. Aidan, I want to know exactly what weapons you're offering," she said. They faced each other with Rhomann and several high-ranking Nova procurement officers standing behind.
"I made a list last night. Take a look," Aidan produced a computer panel and handed it over.
After she took it, he continued: "Except for the bioengineered creatures and full teleportation network, I have physical prototypes for everything else. If you want testing, we can arrange that." The teleportation devices weren't useful without a receiving gate network, and the Kaiju pets needed proper genetic templates. But items like temporal distortion devices, biological battlesuits, and nano-edged weapons—he had plenty in inventory.
Nova Prime reviewed the list quickly, then handed it to a red-haired woman behind her.
"This is Canbella, Head of our Weapons Department. If the products are viable, she'll determine procurement priorities," Irani Rael explained when Aidan glanced over.
"Understood."
The list contained only general weapon descriptions—nothing revealing core technology or schematics. The Weapons Department head finished reading quickly and stepped forward.
"Hello. I'm Canbella, Minister of Weapons," she introduced herself with a serious expression. "Mr. Aidan, we need to test these claims. If all weapons function as described, we'd like to purchase them all. It would be even better if you were willing to sell manufacturing technology."
"Yes, you choose the test site," Aidan agreed to testing but ignored the comment about selling technology.
"Follow me." She resolutely led the group toward a suspended transport car. Nova Prime and the others seemed accustomed to her direct manner and followed casually.
The silver-white suspension car had no manual controls—just computer interface panels. It carried everyone to an empty testing range on the city's outskirts, covering approximately two square kilometers. Other squads were testing various electromagnetic weapons across the field.
When everyone disembarked, a soldier greeted them, leading the way to the VIP observation bunker and directing them toward the target area.
Time to prove what he could do.