[Space : 10/02/2001]

Approaching the signal, Nova noticed that the area of space he was in was emitting energy signals resembling those of planetary transport ship rockets, and it was bothering him a lot. He followed the trail, unable to see the small purple glows in the darkness of space, and two silhouettes followed the space cop from behind. Richard continued to follow the signal trail until suddenly it was cut off by nothing, and before he could conclude a thought, his back was hit.

Richard tried to recover from the impact and quickly spun around to face his attackers, but he saw nothing but darkness. He activated his helmet's visor to increase visibility, but still couldn't see anything.

Then he dodged two more energy shots. Richard was a Nova; he had been in the corporation for a long time and knew how to recognize weaponry when he saw it, and he knew who those shots belonged to.

"I don't know what you bastards are doing here, but your boss knows he can't interfere with the Nova Corps!!" Nova shouted as he energized his fists.

All he received was silence. Tired of it, he illuminated the space, revealing two aerial-class ships, each with a Chitauri pilot, an amphibious race whose abilities varied from each subspecies, but the one Richard was seeing was the branch that interbred with the Skrulls in the past.

The Chitauri were known to be mercenaries and work for whoever paid the most. They were feared throughout the universe for their strength and combat abilities. And Richard had faced many of them during his career in the Nova Corps.

But something wasn't right this time. Why would the Chitauri be heading to the space where Earth was? Richard wondered. He decided he needed to gather more information.

"What do you want here? Why are you heading towards Terra's space!?" Richard asked.

The Chitauri remained silent for a moment before finally responding.

"Our client paid us to come here and gather information. We have no interest in fighting the Nova Corps, but if you insist on getting in our way, we will have to defend ourselves," said one of the Chitauri pilots.

"Who is your customer? And what information are they looking for?" Richard questioned.

"I'm sorry, but you know we can't release this job code information. Now, if you don't withdraw, we'll have to take action." said the other pilot.

Richard realized that he wasn't getting any more information out of the Chitauri. He decided it was time to act.

He leapt towards the Chitauri ships, his empowered fists ready for combat. The Chitauri responded with a barrage of energy shots, but Richard managed to dodge them deftly.

Seeing that Nova was approaching the two pilots pulled away going the way Nova was going earlier.

'Do they think they'll run away from me?' Nova thought with amusement, it was well known that nothing was faster than a member of the Nova Corps in space.

Richard sped up starting his pursuit of the Chitauri. He knew he needed to stop them from collecting the information they were looking for and get more information out of these two.

The space battle began, with Richard dodging the Chitauri's energy blasts and responding with his own powered attacks. The fighting was intense, but Richard had the advantage of being a Nova, with years of training and experience in space battles.

First he created a huge quantum energy pistol, the first shot exploded the ship of one of them, finishing one of the pilots. Nova then kept dodging the last desperate pilot's shots, he didn't attack focusing on aiming and finally he managed to fix a target.

"Bang" Nova said with humor.

The last Chitauri tried desperately to dodge Richard's final attack, but it was too late. The energized shot hit the ship head-on, destroying it in a spectacular explosion.

Richard floated in space for a moment, watching the debris scatter. He knew there were still many unanswered questions. Who was the Chitauri's client? What information were they looking for?

A trail of energy emanated from his hand, going to a sphere where the last Chitauri pilot was. Richard had saved him to collect this information.

"Now I think we need to talk," Nova said, looking at her prisoner.

"Skreee, kiiik n'ul..." ("Hahaha, I don't think so...")

A huge light illuminated Nova's back, and the space cop quickly turned to see a massive planet-class cruiser. Nova didn't even see when one of its cannons fired.

The shot was powerful enough to knock him out, but not enough to dangerously damage his suit, but it sent him far away in a trail of light, the Chitauri he had captured dying in the explosion.

"Enlilu Nova shamadu?" A dark figure spoke from inside the massive galactic cruiser. ("Was Nova eliminated?")

"La inaum, ina mushalishunu essu, X374 sharratu shanu." Another figure answered. ("No, but we buy time, soon the X374 will be ours.")

"Ud mahattu nashunu uparrasun." ("Stay on course and check the status of the field team.")

[Atlantis : 10/02/2001]

At the bottom of the seas in the capital Lemuria, Namor was having a meeting with his council, beside him were his mother Doctor Chen and his wife Dorna. The topic of discussion was Superman's invitation to the UN to join the international council.

"Domine, hanc occasionem serio considerandam censeo. Mundus hoc scire debet quod Atlantis cum aliis gentibus collaborare voluerit."

("Sir, I think this opportunity should be seriously considered. The world needs to know that Atlantis has chosen to collaborate with other nations.") The Minister of Relations informed his position.

"Plane assentior. Insuper dicere potuimus in magnis decisionibus, quae totam planetam afficiunt, cum eam potissimum gubernamus."

("Of course I agree. Besides, we could have a say in the big decisions that affect the entire planet when we govern it the most.") Namora the new Minister of the Royal Army informed.

"Sententias tuas intellego, sed Gravis puto pericula quoque potentiae aestimare. Invitis ab inimicis operam potuimus allicere."

("I understand your sentiments, but I think it's important to evaluate the potential dangers as well. We could attract unwanted attention from the enemy.") The Minister responsible for security provided his opinion.

"Dilectissimi, si seiuncti sumus, quomodo mundum quoque domum nostram tueri adiuvare possumus? modo videndum est, quomodo coniunctio nostra cum Superman, qui maxime protector eius est, plura beneficia per annos attulerit."

("Beloved, if we are separated, how can we help protect the world as well as our home? We just have to see how our connection with Superman, who is its greatest protector, has brought many benefits over the years.") Dorna gave her opinion.

Namor thought deeply about this.

"Recte dicis. Oportet nos extra regnum nostrum cogitare et bonum totius mundi considerare. Solitudinem praestare non possumus et cum reliquo mundo minas globales solas pugnare. Invitationem accipiemus et tabulam internationalem coniungemus."

("You're right. We need to think outside our realm and consider the good of the whole world. We cannot afford isolation and fight global threats alone with the rest of the world. We will accept the invitation and join the international board.") Namor declared his decision.

"Cavere certe non possumus. Multos habemus inimicos qui Atlantis videre cupiunt deletos et ad omnes casus parati manere debemus. Cavere debemus ne infirmitates nostras vel technologias provectas quae contra nos adhiberi possunt exponere."

("We certainly cannot be safe. We have many enemies who want to see Atlantis destroyed and we must remain prepared for all eventualities. We must be careful not to expose our weaknesses or advanced technologies that can be used against us.") The Minister responsible for security warned.

Namor nodded in agreement. "Tu recte nos oportet ut secreta nostra caveas et protegas. Sed hoc non significat nos iterum secedere ac secludere. Collaborare cum aliis nationibus libenter debemus et simul operam dare ut mundum tutiorem ac tranquilliorem consequamur."

("You are right that we must protect and protect our secrets. But this does not mean that we will withdraw and isolate ourselves again. We must cooperate with other nations willingly and work together to achieve a safer and more peaceful world.")

"Scimus Superman magnum amicum et socium Atlantis esse, sed etiam ad aliarum nationum commodis attendendum esse. Societates opportunas condere necesse est quae omnibus prosunt et non solum nobis.."

("We know that Superman is a great friend and partner of Atlantis, but we also have to pay attention to the interests of other nations. We need to create strategic alliances that benefit everyone and not just us.") Doctor Chen added.

"Utique, cooperatio mutua et utilis est omnibus quorum interest. Ex aliis nationibus audire et discere libenter debemus, sed etiam scientiam nostram et experientiam singularem tamquam oceanorum rectores communicare."

("Of course, cooperation is mutual and beneficial to all concerned. We should be happy to hear and learn from other countries, but also to share our knowledge and unique experience as ocean-dwellers.") Namor agreed.

Namor's councillors nodded in agreement, pleased with their leader's decision. They knew it would be a new chapter for Atlantis.

In the royal chambers, Namor and Dorna shared the bed, just enjoying each other's presence after a long day of political discussions.

"They've been getting more excited lately," Dorna said, referring to the ministers.

"They just want to bring the best back home," Namor said, stroking his wife's beautiful red hair.

"I know, but that doesn't mean there aren't risks involved. We have powerful enemies who want to destroy us, and we need to always be vigilant," Dorna replied, concerned for the safety of her people.

"I understand, but we need to look beyond our borders. The world is changing, and we need to adapt to survive. Plus, working with other nations can bring great benefits to our people," Namor explained, trying to calm his wife's worries.

"I know, my love. But I promise to do everything in my power to keep our people safe. And if something goes wrong, I'll always be by your side," Namor said, kissing Dorna's forehead.

Dorna smiled, knowing she could trust her husband. They embraced and fell asleep together, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.

To Be Continued....
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"Superman" - Talking

'Superman' - Thinking

("Superman") - Translation