Ben 10 & Invincible: 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘀

11. Failure Is Not An Option

Kregg stood by the observation deck of the Viltrumite warship, his eyes fixed on the swirling clouds of Earth's atmosphere. Anissa had been gone far longer than expected. The mission she'd been sent on was simple, or so he believed. She was one of their finest warriors, powerful, deadly, and cunning. Her return should have been swift, with news of either a successful negotiation or a brutal suppression. But now, with each passing minute, doubt crept into Kregg's mind. He couldn't help but wonder what could have delayed her. The Earthlings were resilient, but they were no match for a seasoned Viltrumite like Anissa. So what had gone wrong?

Kregg clenched his fists, the metal of the console groaning under his grip. Patience was not one of his virtues, and the uneasy silence that filled the ship only fueled his growing anxiety. He debated with himself, weighing the consequences of taking action. Anissa was a warrior, a true Viltrumite who thrived in combat. Yet the longer he waited, the more he felt the situation was slipping out of his control. If Anissa had encountered trouble, it was his duty to report it. The chain of command was clear, and any delay could be seen as a failure on his part.

Finally, with a growl of frustration, Kregg turned away from the viewport and activated the communication panel. The cold light of the monitor bathed his face as he keyed in the secure code to contact the Grand Regent Thragg. His fingers hesitated for a moment before pressing the final button. A direct line to Thragg was not something used lightly, and the consequences of disturbing him with trivial matters were severe. But this was no trivial matter—Anissa's prolonged absence warranted the Regent's attention.

The screen flickered to life, and the imposing visage of Grand Regent Thragg appeared. His expression was one of impatience, as if he already knew this communication would bring bad news. Kregg straightened, steeling himself for the conversation ahead.

"What is it, Kregg?" Thragg's voice was as cold and commanding as ever, each word dripping with authority.

"Grand Regent," Kregg began, his tone measured and respectful. "Anissa has not returned from her mission on Earth. It's been far longer than expected, and there's been no communication from her since she engaged the Earthlings."

Thragg's eyes narrowed, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. "And you waited this long to inform me?"

Kregg felt a cold sweat forming at the back of his neck. "I believed she could handle the situation, sir. But now... I fear something has gone wrong."

Thragg's silence was damning. The weight of his disappointment hung heavy in the air, pressing down on Kregg like a physical force. The Grand Regent was not one to tolerate failure, especially from those he entrusted with important missions. Kregg could feel the scrutiny in Thragg's gaze, as if he were being judged for his lack of foresight.

"Anissa is one of our best," Thragg finally said, his voice low and menacing. "The fact that she has not returned means the Earthlings have managed to interfere in our plans. This is unacceptable."

Kregg nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I will personally lead a team to retrieve her and eliminate any threats."

"No," Thragg interrupted sharply, causing Kregg to flinch. "You've already failed once by not anticipating this. Sending you now would only risk further complications. We will handle this another way."

Kregg's mind raced, trying to anticipate Thragg's next move. The Grand Regent was a master strategist, his mind always three steps ahead of everyone else. Whatever he planned, it would be decisive and brutal.

Thragg leaned closer to the screen, his expression hardening. "I will send reinforcements to Earth, warriors who will ensure that this mistake is corrected. As for you, Kregg, you will remain where you are and await further instructions. If Anissa has been captured or killed, it is your duty to ensure that this ship is ready to move at a moment's notice. We will not allow the Earthlings to think they can defy the Viltrum Empire."