From then on, hell broke loose as the virus entered the planet like a silent killer and deployed immediately once it landed. The virus spread rapidly without mercy, engulfing everyone like a plague. It didn't discriminate, strong or weak; everyone was a victim.
Meanwhile, Harold took refuge on a subtle planet in a cave, and he went through his plans for the future as the scourge virus continued to decimate his home world. After a full year had passed by, his estimates the cure had been found, and everything has setlled, except there were only 50 Viltrumites left.
'How will I explain my absence? Whatever, it's not like they will kill me; they are down to their last numbers, plus I'm too strong and valuable at this time.' With this in mind, he flew back to the planet. Upon arriving, he saw a battle cruiser in orbit nearby, so he used his credentials to enter and see who was on board.
The hatch opened after verifying his identity. He entered from the hangar section so he still had to walk until he reached the commander section. He had already prepared a good excuse, so whatever happens, he will sound convincing.
As he walked further, he passed by many troops, suggesting that this ship was probably getting ready for conquest somewhere. The commander's section came into view as he was once again verified and cleared to enter, upon entering he saw the usual aliens operating the systems of the ship while 2 Viltrumites chatted with each other near the glass pane.
Ignoring the fact that they were talking, he said, "Where is Thragg?" The 2 Viltrumites at first looked with annoyance, but seeing who it was, they had worried faces, "Sir, we've been looking for you for months, Grand regent Thragg especially. He's in the council".
Hearing this, Harold nodded and left the room, the 2 than looked at each other and opened a communication channel with someone, "What is it?" The voice on the other side asked.
"We have found Harold; he's coming to you now," they replied. The other voice remained quite than said, "Good..." cutting off the channel.
Meanwhile, Harold flew straight towards the council; it didn't take too long, as he arrived within 7 seconds since he was already in orbit. With a thud, he landed on the hard floor and walked inside as the planet was mostly empty. The atmosphere was dull and honestly depressing; gone were the many viltrumites that flew around and went about their duties.
It was now replaced with a quiet he could get used to. Each door automatically opened whenever he stood in front of it until he reached the council room.
Entering, he saw Thragg himself and 4 other individuals, namely Kregg and Anissa; the rest were randoms he didn't know. However, he didn't like the atmosphere, especially since Thragg didn't wear his coat, which was a bad sign.
He came near them and kneeled infront of Thragg, but before he could say anything, Thragg took the chance, "Harold, where have you been, and answer me honestly....I won't ask this question again."
'Holy shit, I'm skrewed.'
"Grand regent, I off world fulfilling my missions, y-you can check the logs of my activities for the past year," Harold replied. He tried to be stoic and show no emotions as much as possible. As for Thragg, he was ready to run away the moment he tried to kill him.
Thragg's eyes furrowed as he spoke, "I already know that, but why didnt return when you were ordered to?.... I trust you about what took place during your absence, right?"
As he spoke, he rose from his seat and circled Harold, "Yes, I was recently informed, it was-"
"Then I trust you will answer me correctly, explain to me why you left the planet just when the virus was about to hit, and not only that, but you refused to return, disobeying strict orders. It makes me wonder if you know something about this virus that has massacred our people. Has the traitor Thaedus gotten you? Did you engineer this virus along with him? Are you in an alliance with Thaedus...these are the questions running through my head, Harold, help me ease my thirst for answers."
Thragg had stopped circling him and placed his entire hand on his skull as he stood behind him. His grip tightened, and Harold could feel the strong force holding him in place; he could not move his head at all, not even making it budge would work.
Harold's heart was pumping like crazy, fear creeping into his very being, but he refused to show it outside. He calmed himself down so as not to be seen as lying because of panic and said, "Grand regent, I've spent my entire life fulfilling my duties without hesitation or doubt for what we stand for. I refused those orders because I chose to expand the empire and take what is ours instead of standing around and receiving a lecture! I would rather die than be the reason why my kind has been brought to near extinction. If that's such a problem, kill me now, but just know that you will lose a valuable warrior who has a sense of duty to this empire above all else."
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He held his breath as the moment grew more tense, Thragg's grip still firm as if he wasnt yet convinced. "Check his backlogs, I want every detail of all the planets he has brought to its knees while he was gone, as for him....imprison him for the time being."
Harold didnt breath yet, he was still acting calm on the outside, but deep inside he was fuming, 'If only I were as strong as Thragg or even better, I wouldn't be put in such a position.' He hated moments like this when he was powerless and couldn't fight back; in fact, it reminded him of his previous life when he had cancer. He couldn't even fight off the cancer due to his helpless state, and his mother was also pitiful.
Even when she snuck into the hospital and unplugged the life support, there was nothing he could do as his body was weak. Now Thragg held his life in his hand as if he were an insect ready to be squashed, which pissed him off. 'How do I get stronger than this guy without fighting him? Fuck!'
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