Marvel: Alchemist

Chapter 27: First Contact

Spring 1995 – Nevada

Golden Aerospace had pushed humanity to the edge of the final frontier. The Horizon's success had proven deep-space travel was possible, and expansion was inevitable. With mining operations on the Moon underway and Mars missions in early planning stages, Edward Lin stood on the precipice of something greater. Yet, the greatest discovery would not come from their own ambitions—it would arrive from the stars themselves.

William Lin stood beside his father inside the control center of Golden Aerospace's Nevada headquarters. A new project was in development—an orbital research station designed for long-term habitation. But before they could even finalize its prototype, the universe forced its way into their world.

A Disturbance in Orbit

In the early hours of the morning, an alert blared across the control center. Satellite readings detected an unidentified craft in low Earth orbit. Unlike conventional satellites or even military black projects, this object moved erratically, defying known flight patterns.

William's hands flew across the console. "This isn't natural. Whatever it is, it's trying to stay hidden."

Edward narrowed his eyes. "Track its trajectory. If it's watching, it's learning."

As data poured in, the evidence became clear—this was no human creation. The object was not a simple probe but a reconnaissance ship, observing Earth with careful precision.

Then, without warning, it changed course—descending at a rapid pace, heading straight for Nevada.

The Crash

The impact site was nearly a hundred miles from Golden Aerospace's main facility, deep within the desert where no civilian eyes would see. Edward and William arrived swiftly, accompanied by a specialized retrieval team. What they found defied explanation.

The ship was sleek, crafted from an unknown alloy that shimmered under the moonlight. Despite the crash, it remained largely intact, suggesting materials far superior to any found on Earth. Scorch marks along the hull hinted at damage before entry—this was not a planned landing.

As they approached, the ship's hatch hissed open, revealing a single occupant.

A Kree warrior.

The alien, clad in dark-blue battle armor, staggered from the wreckage. His eyes locked onto Edward and William before collapsing from his injuries.

Edward examined him carefully. "He's still alive."

William knelt beside the unconscious figure. "Father, this is it. Proof. We're not alone."

Edward exhaled slowly. He had always believed in the vastness of the cosmos, but now, the universe had come to them. And with it, the potential for knowledge—and power—beyond anything Earth had ever known.

The Interrogation

Hours later, inside a secured underground facility, the Kree warrior regained consciousness. He found himself restrained but unharmed. Edward stood before him, calm yet unreadable.

"You are not the first extraterrestrial to visit this planet," Edward said smoothly. "But you are the first to crash directly into my hands."

The Kree warrior's gaze was sharp, filled with distrust. "You… are not ordinary humans."

Edward smiled slightly. "Neither are you."

Despite his initial resistance, the Kree soon realized that cooperation was his only option. He identified himself as Korath, a soldier of the Kree Empire, pursued by unknown forces. His ship had sustained critical damage in a battle beyond Earth's orbit, forcing his emergency descent.

Edward listened carefully, understanding the deeper implications. If the Kree were at war with another faction, Earth was in the crossfire. And that meant opportunity.

"I can offer you something your empire will not," Edward said finally. "A chance to recover. A chance to prepare."

Korath studied him warily. "And in return?"

Edward leaned forward. "Knowledge. Technology. And a future beyond this world."

Korath's silence was answer enough. The game had changed. And Edward was ready to play.

The First Steps into the Greater Universe

With Korath's ship salvaged and its technology under examination, Golden Aerospace took its first steps beyond human innovation. Kryptonium alloys were already the strongest materials known on Earth—but with Kree advancements, they could be something more.

Edward and William stood together in the research wing, watching as their top scientists studied the alien systems.

"This is what we've been waiting for," William murmured. "Real extraterrestrial technology."

Edward's expression remained composed, yet there was a flicker of something deeper—anticipation. "We've worked for decades to push humanity forward. Now, we take the next leap."

As the stars loomed overhead, Edward knew one truth: Earth was no longer the limit.

It was only the beginning.

To Be Continued…