A month had passed since his battle with Sue. In that time, Doom had many preparations to complete. The Skrulls had declared a global leadership conference to celebrate 'Enlightenment Day,' the day that they declared victory over the forces of Earth nearly one year ago.
Presently, Doom was seated at a well-appointed table. The leaders of Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uruguay, and some mid-level Skrull Viceroy were seated with him. Their table was near the back of the pavilion, with several dozen similar tables between them and the raised stage where Queen Veranke and her senior attendants were seated. Even the leaders of China, Russia and the United States were seated at the head table on the stage.
The Skrulls decided to hold their conference near Vancouver, Canada. The area was just north of the city, in a forested area beside the beach. Every world leader was in attendance, with one notable exception: T'Challa, busy as he was with fighting a war that was already over.
There had, of course, been the initial reception, where the leaders arrived with great media fanfare, and Queen Veranke had arrived last. Servants of both species hurried back and forth, serving hors d'oeuvre and beverages. The Skrulls seemed to be going to a great effort to show a level of equality with the humans, though Queen Veranke's position at the head table ensured there was no doubt about who was in charge.
At the moment, the most senior Viceroy, Enj'Trl was giving a long-winded speech about peace and unity. The various leaders politely clapped at the appropriate times; these political animals were well trained.
Doom normally had little patience for such affairs. The petty squabbling of world leaders rarely accomplished anything of note, and he was not a welcome guest regardless. Something about being the dictator of a rogue nation. However, today was different; firstly, it would be unthinkably rude to decline the invitation to a summit thrown by the new ruling power. More importantly, he had information to gather.
He had hidden ingeniously disguised devices in the nearby woods. These devices released small mosquito-like robots to collect blood samples from all in attendance. These miniscule drones would return to their mother devices, which contained the Skrull-detecting blood tests. Each drone was independently programmed; he took no risks with detectable radio signals. Such micro-technology had been prodigiously expensive, but the amount of intelligence he could gather here would be invaluable. With such INFOSEC concerns, it meant that he had to wait patiently for each of the devices to slowly collate the information. Once it had collected a substantive amount, another mosquito drone was released. This one would home in on Doom, dock with his armour and upload its data.
The operation proceeded at an agonizing pace.
At last, Queen Veranke ascended to the podium to deliver her speech. She was bedecked in the regalia of the Skrull Empress; her ensemble and high collared mantel were made of a majestic purple metallic weave, with crimson banding and ruby-like gems accenting it. She had an understated golden crown in the shape of simple 'V' that sat upon a headdress of that framed her regal features, constructed of the same purple alloy. Her jet black hair freely waved in the gentle breeze. Her face wore the same imperious expression she seemed to always sport, though there was a victorious light in her eyes.
She was all the vision of an all-conquering Xeno-Imperitrix.
"Citizens of the Empire, it is with overwhelming joy that our two peoples celebrate our unification; the occasion has been dubbed 'Enlightenment Day', and rightly so," Veranke announced, placing her hand on the center of her chest. "This day represents the salvation of our peoples; the intolerable torture that mankind's disharmony inflicted upon the multitudes of Earth-" she said, bringing both her fists to chest level. "-And the unbearable strain such witness caused to the compassionate peoples of the Skrull Empire; both these wounds have been healed."
Her posture gently shifted, standing perfectly straight with hands gently clasped together at her waist "Nearly a year ago, we were all asked to 'Accept Change'. All those who are faithful to the supreme good found the answer in their hearts. Already, Earth has borne witness to the greatest peace she has ever seen." Her top hand tensed into a fist cradled in the palm of her other, her gaze intense and penetrating. "Together, we will ensure a thousand years of peace; together, two peoples under one Empire, we shall embrace our luminous destiny!" With an upward sweeping motion of her arms, as if she was summoning it, the crowd stood and delivered a roaring ovation; some, perhaps, from genuine belief, and others most certainly from fear of being seen as insufficiently dedicated to the Empire.
He had to concede, it was good propaganda; excellent for rousing one's supporters, and of poor quality to be manipulated by one's enemies. There were even a few notes that he enjoyed.
He looked forward to when he would deliver his own speech of such a nature.
After the speeches, the meal was served. A cooked leg of goose, with a slightly sweet, nutty breading and a risotto. The various leaders and dignitaries politely spoke around their tables and the dinner was actually a relaxed and fairly enjoyable affair. The Skrull Viceroy at Doom's table inquired about cultural aspects of the leaders of the various nations, doing a superb job of keeping the dinner conversation engaging. The effort the aliens were expending to normalize their presence was impressive.
Doom partook in the conversation; he remained aloof and diplomatic, but maintained good etiquette. As he did so, his drones slowly delivered him information. To his amazement, almost all of the world leaders were human, except for a few middle power nations. However, many of their senior staff seemed to be replaced; security personnel were almost 80% Skrull. This was a curiosity that would need more contemplation.
As the day wore into evening, Queen Veranke took her leave of the head table. She retired to a small gazebo a short distance away, overlooking the beach. Skrull guards remained present, but inconspicuous. While not outright stated, this was the time for the world leaders to have a short period of private audience with their new queen.
Several hours passed before one of the alien servants approached Doom. The Skrull seemed to stumble on his words for a moment as he appeared to be unsure of what honorific to give Doom, "...Lord Doom, the Queen has some moments for you, if you wish."
By now, the world leaders had left their tables and were mingling in small groups and cliques.
Doom and the Skrull left the dinner area, following a small unpaved path towards the beach. The gazebo Veranke occupied sat upon a small hill, giving a lovely view of the ocean and setting sun. Alien silks were draped around openings of the small structure, fluttering in the gentle spring breeze.
He bowed as he entered the gazebo, "Your Majesty."
"Have you too come to grovel for my favor, Doom?" Veranke said as she rubbed her temples.
Doom rose before speaking, "I can't imagine that's how you spoke with the rest of your esteemed subjects."
She let out a short laugh, "No, but ones such as we should not need to mince words. After hours of conversing with these petty beings, I have no wonder as to why your world was so distraught."
"Indeed. However, Doom comes not to grovel, but to offer service," he said. "I am aware of the state of Wakanda. I would like to break this siege for you."
"And why should you seek such a thing?" Veranke asked giving him an intrigued look. She waved for Doom to sit on the couch opposite of her.
"Justice, of course. T'Challa has opposed me on numerous occasions, and he has jealously horded the most valuable resource on this world for his own short-sighted ends," he answered, sitting down.
"And you have no…" her eyes looked him up and down, "- personal concern for the Vibranium?"
"Such a service would be fraught with risk, and would require a suitable reward. Five percent of the Vibranium would be acceptable."
"What is your expression? A king's ransom?"
"Wakanda has stood unconquered for thousands of years. Your forces are no closer to taking it now as when they started. I have unlocked new technologies that will allow me to enter Birnin Zana. From there, I will destroy the shields, and you can launch your assault. Once you take the city, the whole country is yours. A small portion of the Vibranium would be a paltry cost," he replied.
Queen Veranke reclined on her couch, looking almost feline as she toyed with the idea. It was just as likely she considered Doom the prey in this relationship. Soon enough he would disavow her of such notions, but there was much to do in the meantime.
She finally looked away and gave a short wave as she spoke, "Very well, Doom. Deliver the city to the Empire and you shall have your Vibranium."
He stood before delivering a graceful bow. "As you wish, Your Majesty."