441

Persuading Odin

In an Allied command room.

The atmosphere in the vast room was solemn, everyone silent.

Peggy Carter's eyes were red as she sat in front of the podium, staring blankly at the Arctic Ocean map displayed.

Colonel Phillips approached, gently patting her shoulder. "Steve is our hero... always."

At his words, Carter lost control of her emotions. She buried her face in her hands, shoulders shaking.

Colonel Phillips hesitated, then turned away with a sigh, saying nothing.

Suddenly, commotion from outside.

"What's wrong? What happened?"

All heads turned to see a man in a suspenders suit with a mustache rushing in. As he entered, he demanded, "What's going on? What happened to Steve?"

Colonel Phillips glanced at him and after a moment said, "Steve is gone, Mr. Stark."

"What?" Howard Stark was stunned.

Colonel Phillips continued sadly, "Steve managed to neutralize Schmidt aboard his plane, but it was too damaged to land safely. In order to prevent civilian casualties, Steve chose to divert course towards the Arctic Ocean..."

"We need to search for him!" Howard Stark insisted, "Steve's a super soldier; he might still be alive."

"Super soldiers are still human," Colonel Phillips replied, sounding less optimistic. "In the vast Arctic, finding even the wreckage will be a challenge."

"No," Stark insisted firmly. "My gut tells me Steve's out there. We need to find him now, right, Carter?"

Carter wiped her tears, then glanced at Colonel Phillips, nodding silently.

Colonel Phillips nodded back. "Go, search. Inform me immediately if there's any news."

---

**Morning in Asgard**

"Thanos?" Hela cocked her head, contemplating. "You mean the one who obliterated the Shia Empire?"

Forseti nodded. "Yes, that's him. I meant to inform you last night upon returning to Asgard, but it slipped my mind."

"Why do you see him as a threat to Asgard? Have you encountered him?" Hela inquired.

"Yes, Your Highness. I've met Thanos once. I won't forget his appearance. He's like no one else I've ever seen, a giant purple man," Rowe remarked.

"As for why I believe he poses a threat to Asgard, it's because of his lineage—the Eternal God."

"The Eternals?" Hela was taken aback. "I thought they were extinct."

Forseti shook his head. "During Odin's conflict with Cul and the Frost Giants, I fought alongside Thanos. I'm certain of his origins."

"If Thanos is indeed of the Eternals, it's concerning. How did he evade the destruction of Titan? Perhaps... destiny," Forseti speculated.

He continued, "As the last of the Eternals, Thanos harbors deep-seated animosity towards Asgard. Whether we seek him or not, he will come for us eventually."

Hela pondered. "You make a valid point. We should approach Father about this tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Forseti was surprised.

Hela sighed softly. "Father is in Odin's slumber. He grows older with each passing day..."

The next day, Forseti and Hela visited the Golden Palace, finding Odin freshly awakened from his rest.

Frigga remained faithfully by Odin's side, joined by Thor and Loki.

Though Odin's slumber slowed the aging process, time had taken its toll. Odin appeared ancient and weary, nearing his sixth millennium.

Odin greeted them warmly. "Hela, and Forseti."

"Allfather," Forseti greeted respectfully. "Your Majesty."

Odin acknowledged them, then inquired, "Where have you been all these years? I heard you visited the Golden City, but Heimdall reported you weren't there, instead with Randki. You've been elusive."

Forseti briefly recounted his time on Vormir Star.

"Vormir?" Odin frowned. "Do you know its exact location?"

"No," Rowe admitted. "I arrived via a teleportation accident from the Golden City and left similarly. The curse prohibited further exploration."

Thor suggested, "Should we task Heimdall with finding it?"

Loki interjected cynically, "Heimdall's gaze may span vast distances, but it can't breach magical barriers. Especially not the Soul Gem's."

Silence fell briefly before Forseti continued, "Your Majesty, there's something vital I must disclose."

"Go on."

"I believe you've heard of Thanos, the warlord who razed the Shiar Empire," Forseti began.

Odin paused, recalling vaguely. "I have some recollection."

Rowe revealed, "Thanos is of the Eternal lineage."

"What?" Odin was incredulous. Frigga echoed, "But the Eternal were thought extinct."

Thor inquired, "Who are the Eternals?"

Loki quipped, "This calls for a history lesson, Brother."

Forseti affirmed, "I encountered Thanos during that battle. He's formidable. If Asgard archives contain information on the Eternals, we might uncover leads."

"This individual poses a grave threat. He now commands a vast empire, conquering cities across the cosmos. The Shiar Empire, a bastion of technology, has fallen. We must curb his expansion," Forseti urged.

Odin hesitated, contemplating deeply before stating, "Even if he's of the Eternals, he remains a solitary figure... More importantly, Asgard has enjoyed peace for nearly a millennium. Peace is a precious treasure."

Hela pressed, "Father, Forseti speaks true. Thanos, as an Eternal , will inevitably become an adversary to Asgard. We should act preemptively."

Odin appeared conflicted but eventually conceded, "Very well. Prepare the counsel. We shall discuss this further."