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Behind Jessica.
Wanda silently descended the gangway. She didn't speak, nor did she look at anyone.
She walked to an open area and raised her hand.
"Zzz—"
A sparking Portal tore open in the air.
On the other side of the Portal were the snow-capped Himalayas and the ancient architecture of Kamar-Taj.
Master Mordo was instructing apprentices in the square. Seeing Wanda return, he immediately approached her.
"Wanda? Why are you back? The news said..."
"I want to enter the Library."
Wanda interrupted him, her voice calm and steady.
"I want to see all the advanced texts on Dimensional Magic and Spatial Magic."
Mordo frowned. "Many of those books contain Forbidden Powers. The Ancient One said that if your power isn't controlled..."
"Then let her stop me."
Wanda raised her hand. Scarlet Chaos Energy danced at her fingertips, no longer wild and uncontrolled but condensed and tangible.
"I'm very calm now, Mordo."
At this moment, her eyes held nothing but determination, focused and unwavering.
"I'm too weak."
"If I had enough power, I could stand by his side and pull him back before he got lost."
"I won't let this happen again."
After saying this, she ignored Mordo's astonished gaze and walked straight toward the Library.
From that moment on, Kamar-Taj had one more madwoman.
She worked tirelessly, day and night, studying those obscure and difficult magical incantations. Her rate of progress terrified all the mages.
Because what drove her was no longer hatred, but something even stronger than hatred—the obsession to cross dimensions to find her lover... On the vast Landing Pad of V.G.D. Headquarters.
"Homelander II" had completed refueling and maintenance.
The members of the Guardians of the Galaxy were gathered at the hatch, saying their final goodbyes.
"So... this Starship is ours?" Rocket Raccoon lovingly stroked the ship's hull.
"Won't Vought mind?" Quill hesitated, glancing at the busy crowd in the distance. "After all, this is their asset."
"Mind?" Yondu chuckled. "We helped save the Milky Way Galaxy. Taking one of their ships is nothing. It's called... reasonable compensation."
"That's right." Drax nodded, his expression serious. "And this ship has very soft beds, much more comfortable than the Milano."
Gamora walked over with her backpack. She looked at her unreliable teammates and sighed.
"Where do we go next?"
Quill was silent for a moment. He looked up at the deep starry sky.
"That guy... Homelander. He said he was just lost."
"We're the Guardians of the Galaxy. Our job is to meddle."
"Since he's not dead..." Quill said in his signature flippant tone, "...then we'll search every corner of the Universe to bring him back."
"And take on a few Bounty Missions along the way." Rocket added. "Starship fuel isn't cheap."
"I am Groot."
"Then it's settled!" Yondu laughed heartily, patting Kraglin on the head. "Big guy, start the Engines! We're setting off!"
Everyone began walking toward the ship, except for one person who didn't move.
"Nebula?"
Gamora stopped, turned around, and frowned slightly.
"What are you doing? We're leaving."
"No, Gamora." Nebula shook her head. "I'm not going."
"Why?" Gamora frowned. "Do you still hate me?"
"No, Gamora. I don't hate you anymore, but I don't belong there either."
She turned and looked at the towering statue of Homelander in the distant square, gleaming in the sunlight.
"I've wandered the Universe for too long, always a killing machine, a monster."
"...But when he looked at me, I felt like a person."
"I want to stay here and wait for him."
Gamora fell silent. She looked at her sister, the Nebula who was once full of hostility and killing intent, now like a child who had found a home.
"Alright." Gamora walked forward and gently hugged Nebula. It was the first real hug between the sisters in their lives.
"Take care of yourself. If anyone bullies you..."
"I'll tear them to pieces." Nebula interrupted her, her mouth stiffly twitching into an unpracticed smile. "Don't forget who I am."
"If you can't stay here... the Guardians of the Galaxy's door is always open for you."
"Take care, sister."
Gamora turned and left, boarding the ship.
The Engines roared. Homelander II spewed blue exhaust flames, slowly ascended, broke through the Atmosphere, and disappeared into the vast sea of stars.
Nebula stood in place until the ship completely vanished.
"You're Nebula, right?"
A cool voice sounded from behind. Jessica had walked over at some point.
Nebula turned around, reverting to her cold, unapproachable demeanor.
"It seems you've made a choice." Jessica looked the Cyborg up and down. "Anthony said you're an excellent warrior and also a... lovely girl."
Nebula's expression shifted slightly, but she didn't refute it.
"I thought you might stay." Jessica wasn't surprised. "On the ship, I could tell something was off by the look in your eyes."
"Listen, Blue Girl. Since you want to wait for him to return, you'll need something to do. Vought doesn't keep idle people."
"I understand. I'll work for you." Nebula nodded.
"Good. Before he left, he had a plan."
Jessica lightly tapped her fingers, opening a Holographic Image. A grand blueprint of a star fleet unfolded in the air.
"He wanted to establish a fleet belonging to humanity, capable of Interstellar Voyages and combat."
"We have the technology and resources, but we lack someone who knows the ropes."
Jessica looked at Nebula.
"You understand the Universe, Starships, and Interstellar Warfare."
"I want you to become the Commander of humanity's first Interstellar Fleet."
"You... trust me?" Nebula couldn't believe it. "I'm an alien with blood on my hands."
"Will you betray us?" Jessica countered. "I only know he recognized you. That's enough."
"Alright." Nebula was silent for a few seconds, then nodded firmly. "I'll do it."
"Good girl." Jessica smiled slightly. "One more thing. At Vought, everyone needs a Hero Codename. What do you want to be called? Or should I pick one for you?"
"How about Smurfette? Or Mech Girl?"
Nebula didn't speak.
Her gaze fell on the ubiquitous "V" logo throughout the Vought Base.
"V." Nebula said.
"What?" Jessica was taken aback.
"Just call it V."
Nebula repeated.
"V?" Jessica raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Simple, direct, cool."
"Welcome to Vought, Miss V."