"The energy fluctuations emitted by this comet are incredibly important, they need to be prioritized as a core research subject. Since a full-scale space station isn't currently feasible, could we bring a sample back instead? If we can decode and replicate the radiation pattern, we might be able to artificially recreate an environment suitable for Symbiotes to 'sleep.' At that point, what happens to the comet won't even matter."
Dr. Selvig proposed, "In the meantime, if necessary, we could install shielding systems directly on the comet. Granted, we don't currently have any technology that interfaces seamlessly with cosmic civilizations, but we have two options: either develop it ourselves… or purchase from existing alien sources. Both approaches have their pros and cons, and ultimately, the decision rests with you. Lastly… if at all possible, getting the research station up and running would be ideal."
"Research station…" Arthur took a deep breath. "If I cut off a chunk of the comet's rock and bring it back to Earth… could that serve as a research sample?"
Dr. Selvig didn't answer right away. He appeared to consult with others offscreen before finally nodding.
"Based on the pheromone data within the soil samples, our preliminary analysis suggests that any material from this comet could serve as viable research material. However, that's not 100% confirmed, we can't rule out the possibility of sample failure."
Arthur understood and immediately said, "Then here's what I need from you: set up a sealed containment environment immediately, with full radiation shielding. Once you've got that ready, I'll use the teleportation array to send over a chunk of the comet. As for the research station, we'll talk about that later. I'll establish a two-way teleport link between Earth and the comet, but both portals will need full radiation isolation protocols."
"Understood," Selvig nodded. "Then we'll leave the rest to you."
The call ended.
Arthur exhaled deeply and gazed again at the comet beneath his feet, his eyes slightly glazed with thought. To be honest, building a space research station wasn't impossible in itself. With Asgardian support, it was entirely within reach.
But if Arthur really did leverage Asgard's power to create this station… then a mere research station would hardly scratch the surface of his ambition.
Time passed as Arthur sat quietly on the comet, lost in thought.
In the world of superheroes, personal combat strength often seemed to be the final word. But was Thanos' strength really so overwhelming that Arthur had to fear him?
Not exactly.
The real problem wasn't Thanos himself, it was his army.
Forget the Black Order, Thanos' massive fleet, that vast and terrifying armada, was more than enough to make the bravest shudder. Even Arthur, with all his powers, couldn't walk away unscathed from facing such overwhelming force.
Which meant the future was heading toward a full-scale, no-holds-barred war.
And in that context, a lone research station floating somewhere in space?
Completely pointless.
If they were already turning their eyes toward space, why not go even further? Arthur closed his eyes, mind churning with wild ideas. But it was all just daydreams. Eventually, he sighed and opened his eyes again.
"Looks like I really need to sit down and talk things through with Tony and Banner."
Asgard's technology blended science and magic. To truly grasp its potential, they'd need to study it properly, a joint expedition might be in order.
But even so, blending civilizations wasn't going to be easy. Especially when the tech gap between them was so enormous. Arthur's mind was spinning in chaotic directions, considering every angle, when suddenly, his communicator lit up again.
This time, it wasn't Dr. Selvig.
It was Tony Stark.
"You ready?" Tony asked. "I hear you're planning to cut up that comet and bring it back?"
"'Cut up' is a bit much," Arthur replied.
He glanced at the scene behind Tony, two layers of sealed containment, with a glass dome in the center and a teleportation array etched into the floor. The outer dome was larger, and most of the people standing inside were dressed in radiation protection suits.
After Arthur figured out what was happening, he said, "Once I'm back, there's something important I need to discuss with all of you in detail. But for now, let's get to work."
He stood up and pulled a two-handed Asgardian sword from his Disassembler space. He found a protruding piece of rock on the comet's surface, gave a swift slash, the blade flashed, and half the rock cleaved off. Arthur grabbed the severed chunk in one hand and, in the other, pulled out the Pen of Thoth.
He quickly drew a teleportation array on the ground, placed the rock on top, and in a flash of light, the stone was sent straight into the sealed glass chamber behind Tony on Earth.
"Perfect. The cargo, "
But before Arthur could finish his sentence, the transmission from Tony's end suddenly blinked and flickered.
Before Arthur could even ask what happened, everything stabilized.
Tony and Arthur stared at each other for a long moment. Finally, Tony said, "This could be a major discovery… Maybe a treasure, or maybe a catastrophe."
"Which is exactly why we can't be too cautious." Arthur nodded. "I'm going to recalibrate the teleportation array to link back to Camp Lehigh. Have the protective systems been fully prepped?"
"It'll take a bit more time," Tony replied. "These radiation levels might not affect you, but for humans, they could be devastating. We'll need equivalent-grade shielding before you can return safely."
Arthur sighed. "Those guys from the Life Foundation sure didn't go through all this trouble."
"That was a failed experiment," Tony said flatly. "It doesn't prove anything."
Then he asked, "So, what exactly were you planning to tell me once you get back? Because now I'm curious."
"Relax. It might just be a massive plan… something that could take every last ounce of your lifetime effort to pull off," Arthur said lightly.
Tony's eyes lit up. "Then don't disappoint me."
"Probably won't…" Arthur replied, but even he sounded uncertain.
Everything was still just a mental sketch. Whether it could be brought to life was anyone's guess. And if his ambitions were too far-fetched, nothing more than a fantasy in the end, then Arthur would be left seriously embarrassed.
With that, the two ended their transmission.
Arthur waited a little while longer, then recalibrated the teleportation array, stepped into it, and vanished the next second.
(End of Chapter)
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