After the lifeless body of Garrick the Irondy strewn on the cold metal floor, the Celestial toon and the super soldiers regrouped amidst the wreckage of the pirate enve.


    With the threat neutralized, they prepared to return to the depths of space.


    Aldred, now having witnessed the incredible prowess of the super soldiers, harbored a newfound respect for their abilities. Yet, he couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to them than met the eye. Despite his suspicions, he appreciated their efforts in aiding the Celestial toon and decided to extend an invitation to them.


    "Your skills are truly remarkable," Aldred began, addressing the super soldiers. "I sense there''s more to you than what meets the eye, but for now, I appreciate your assistance in dealing with the pirate threat. As a token of gratitude, I invite you to one of our celestials. It''s a ce of leisure and recreation, vast in size with diverse climates and terrains.


    You''ll find it quite unlike anything else in the gxy."


    The super soldiers epted Aldred''s invitation with gratitude, their stoic demeanor softened by the prospect of a reprieve from the rigors of battle. They weed the opportunity to unwind and recharge after their intense mission.


    Upon arrival at the celestial, the super soldiers were greeted by breathtaking vistas and an array of environments tailored to suit their every preference. From lush forests to arid deserts, from tranquilkes to towering mountains, the offered endless possibilities for rxation and exploration.


    Aldred spared no expense in hosting avish feast in honor of the super soldiers'' valor and sacrifice. The banquet hall was adorned with exotic decorations, and tables groaned under the weight of sumptuous dishes from across the gxy.


    As the feast dwindled and theughter subsided, Varik approached Aldred with a solemnity that contrasted sharply with the evening''s mirth. His towering figure, a testament to the super soldiers'' enhanced gics, cast a long shadow in the light of the banquet hall''s flickering torches.


    Aldred, sensing the shift in mood, nodded in understanding, and together they stepped out into the cool night air.


    The''s three suns—blue, purple, and green—hung low on the horizon, their light mingling to cast a surreal glow over thendscape. It was a sight that few in the gxy had the privilege to witness, the unique celestial alignment bathing everything in a kaleidoscope of ethereal colors. Yet, despite the beauty that surrounded them, Varik''s gaze was distant, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.


    Aldred, taking in the super soldier''s imposing presence, waited patiently for him to speak. It was then that Varik turned, his eyes locking with Aldred''s in a gaze that was both piercing and earnest. "Aldred," he began, his voice carrying a weight that matched his formidable appearance, "this, this peace… it''s a rare luxury in our line of work.


    But the universe is vast, and its threats are many."


    He paused, allowing his words to hang in the air before continuing. "Our cooperation in dealing with the pirate enve has proven ourbined strength. I believe this is just the beginning. With your strategic acumen and our capabilities, we can address threats on a scale previously unimaginable."


    Aldred listened intently, the seriousness of Varik''s proposal not lost on him.


    He had indeed sensed the potential for a deeper alliance, yet the swift pivot to talk of warfare and technology caught him slightly off guard.


    Why such hurry, Varik?" Aldred finally responded, his voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "We only just begin to understand the breadth of our capabilities together. The feast tonight, this—it''s a reminder of what we''re fighting for. Peace, beauty, a chance for respite in a gxy too often torn by conflict."


    Varik nodded, acknowledging Aldred''s point. "You''re right, of course. This moment of peace is precious. Yet, the gxy does not rest, and neither can we. I don''t propose we rush into conflict but prepare for what inevitablyes our way. Imagine the possibilities if we were to truly unite our efforts, share our knowledge, and advance our military technology."


    The two stood in silence for a moment, the serenendscape before them a stark contrast to the conversation at hand.


    "Why do you want to push this cooperation so fast. You guys have far more firepower than I do."


    "Yeah, we do. But we are stretched too thin, and the Master of the Fleet cannot trust anyone else. Even among the super soldiers, there arepetition for glory."


    Aldred nodded. There were alwayspetition within a group. Most of the time it fostered a motivating environment, but in a gctic scale, it became hard to control.


    Let''s explore this path together," Aldred finally said, extending his hand towards Varik. "But let''s also remember the value of the peace we''re working to preserve. We''ll proceed with caution, with an eye towards not just preparing for the next battle, but towards building a future where such battles are less frequent."


    He said those words, but deep inside he yearned for more battle.


    After the contemtive conversation under the tri-colored suns, Aldred and Varik returned to the banquet, signaling the end of the feast.


    The super soldiers, sensing the shift towards more serious matters, finished their meals with a disciplined swiftness that mirrored their battlefield efficiency.


    The celebration had served its purpose, providing a brief respite from their duties, but now it was time to turn their attention to the future.


    Aldred led the group away from the banquet hall, their path illuminated by the soft glow of the''s unique nocturnal flora.


    Their destination was a facility known among the Celestial toon as the Celestial Forge, a name that evoked images of creation and power. This manufacturing base was the heart of Aldred''s operations, a testament to the technological advancements that had propelled the Celestial toon to its esteemed position.


    As they approached, the structure loomedrge against the night sky, its exterior bathed in the light of the''s moons. The entrance opened before them, revealing an interior alive with the hum of activity. Machines of various sizes and purposes filled the space, each contributing to the creation and maintenance of the toon''s arsenal.


    There, amidst the organized chaos of the forge, stood Smander, the Chief of Technology for the Celestial toon. His figure was dwarfed by the machinery that surrounded him, yet his presencemanded the space. Smander was not just the mind behind the technology; he was Aldred''s trusted friend and confidant, having stood by him since the earliest days of the toon''s formation.


    "Smander," Aldred called out, his voice echoing slightly in the vast chamber. The man turned, his face breaking into a broad smile as he recognized his old friend. The two shared a firm handshake, an unspoken acknowledgment of their shared history and aplishments.


    Aldred introduced Varik and the super soldiers to Smander, exining the purpose of their visit. "We''re here to explore the possibilities of further cooperation," Aldred said, gesturing to Varik.


    "The super soldiers bring capabilities we''ve never seen before, and I believe there''s much we can learn from each other."


    "I am Varik." He grabbed Smander''s hand for a handshake.


    However, Smander was frozen still as if he could not believe what he just witnessed.


    "Is there something wrong?" Varik asked.


    Smander''s reaction caught everyone off guard. His eyes widened in disbelief, darting between Varik and Aldred, as if seeking confirmation of what stood before him. A moment passed, heavy with anticipation, before Smander''s demeanor transformed entirely. His initial shock gave way to an irrepressible excitement, his voice trembling with emotion as he spoke.


    "I… I can''t believe this," he stammered, his gaze fixed on Varik with a mixture of awe and reverence. "You''re Varik of the super soldiers! I''ve followed your exploits since I was a child. The battles you''ve won, the lives you''ve saved… You''re legends where Ie from."


    Varik, taken aback by the intensity of Smander''s reaction, exchanged a brief, puzzled look with Aldred before a smile broke through his stoic facade. "It''s good to meet a fan," Varik said, his tone warm and genuine. "We''re just soldiers, doing our part for the gxy. But I''m d our efforts have inspired you."


    Smander, now visibly trying topose himself, nodded vigorously. "Inspired me? You shaped my entire career! The technology I''ve developed, the advances we''ve made here at the Celestial Forge—they were all inspired by stories of your missions. To have you here, in this facility… it''s an honor beyond words."


    Aldred watched the exchange, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.


    He knew Smander loved super soldiers. Which was the reason why he dis not bring him in the initial meeting. His decision would definitely be biased.


    Only after Aldred was sure that it was safe that he brought the super soldiers to Smander.


    Aldred exined about the coboration.


    "I got so much to ask you!" Smander said. "If we are going to work together, I definitely have to make something for you guys."