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"Energy fluctuations..." Arthur's expression shifted slightly. "So, based on the experimental data just now, you're saying the reason the Symbiotes have fallen into this sort of 'hibernation' state is because they're constantly exposed to this energy field?"
"Or more precisely, radiation," Dr. Selvig replied. "This type of radiation appears to have a hypnotic effect on the Symbiotes. However, the impact it might have on humans is still unclear. At present, I only have preliminary experimental data. It's far from enough to fully analyze the comet's secrets, and besides, you're not a viable test subject."
"All right, all right..." Arthur rubbed his temples. "So, what we can confirm for now is that the Symbiote's condition is strongly linked to the comet's radiation?"
"Eighty percent certainty," Selvig said. "That's the consensus after consulting with a few scientists who previously studied Riot. That's also why it took me so long to get back to you."
"Fine. Then the bad news is obvious," Arthur muttered. "The worst part is that finding another planet with the same radiation signature is next to impossible. Maybe such a planet exists somewhere in the universe, but locating it anytime soon? Not going to happen, is it?"
"Correct," Dr. Selvig confirmed. "But interestingly enough, that's also the source of the good news."
"I know what you mean by that," Arthur said wearily. "You're suggesting that this newly discovered comet could serve as an excellent research subject, aren't you?"
Dr. Selvig smiled. "If you're willing, of course."
"…"
'You've got to be kidding me.'
'Willing? What kind of question is that?'
Trying to study an entire comet from Earth, especially one of this size? Are you serious?
Never mind whether it could even be brought back, where would they even put it if they could? Even if there was somewhere to store it, something this massive would draw global attention instantly. That goes against everything the Superhero Coalition has stood for.
"This is a mess," Arthur muttered, rubbing his brow.
And on top of all that, there was an even bigger problem staring him in the face: there was nowhere to store the Symbiotes!
Researching the energy, or any derivative problems from it, could come later.
But right now, the immediate problem was this, once removed from this radiation zone, the Symbiotes would immediately return to their active state!
What kind of disaster could that cause? It was beyond imagination.
Arthur took a deep breath to organize his thoughts.
"So the most important point is: the Symbiotes can't leave this comet!"
"Correct," Dr. Selvig nodded. "We can't guarantee what changes will occur once they're outside the range of the radiation."
"All right, all right…" Arthur let out a long sigh. "So we've got Symbiotes that can't leave the comet, a comet emitting a unique energy source with huge research value… and that same comet is absolutely not something we can bring back to Earth. That's our situation right now, isn't it?"
"Exactly. You've summed it up perfectly."
"…If this doesn't qualify as bad news," Arthur grumbled, "what does?"
He stared into the void, deadpan.
"You're basically forcing me to build a space research station."
Dr. Selvig's eyes lit up. "A space station? In orbit? If that's truly an option, please do it! This would be a revolutionary step forward. The implications are beyond anything we've ever imagined!"
"…" Arthur's lips twitched.
'Are you serious? You make it sound like building a space station is as easy as flipping a switch!'
The first problem was glaring: how much would building something like this even cost?
The Superhero Coalition was, after all, still largely funded by Stark Industries and the Osborn Group. And to pull together the kind of money required to construct a space-based research station? That was just plain unrealistic.
Would those two companies even survive such a financial hit?
Even if they agreed, deploying that much capital all at once would definitely raise eyebrows, especially from certain government branches, like SHIELD.
If Stark and Osborn suddenly burned through a mountain of cash with no clear destination, there's no way it wouldn't trigger an investigation.
And once that investigation uncovered even a hint of the web connecting to Arthur… his entire operation would be exposed.
"Oh, look at the rest of us still playing in the mud on Earth," they'd say, "while you've already launched a private research base in deep space!"
Arthur didn't even want to imagine what would happen after that.
Don't think SHIELD is easy to deal with. Even if he had prior agreements with Fury, there were some things that had to remain his secrets, not something that could ever be shared freely.
In the face of something this big, all previous agreements might as well be scrap paper. In fact, the fallout might not stop at political tension; it could trigger one or more outright wars.
The Superhero Coalition had been quietly growing stronger behind the scenes. And while they were preparing to begin more open outreach and information-sharing… this kind of large-scale leap into space? That would trigger worldwide shockwaves.
Those in power, those holding the real fists, would never sit idly by while a "small, grassroots organization" suddenly launched into the stratosphere. They'd try to seize control. And in doing so, they'd get a firsthand taste of what the Superhero Coalition was really capable of.
But if neither side backed down, the result would be exactly what Arthur feared most.
And once the issue escalated to that level... it'd be beyond any one person's ability to control.
Thinking this far, Arthur could only shake his head.
"A research station…" he muttered.
Dr. Selvig was staring at him eagerly.
Arthur was just about to flatly reject the idea, "Absolutely impossible", when suddenly, his brow furrowed. "Maybe... not impossible."
Selvig nearly stopped breathing. He stared at Arthur, wide-eyed. "Really?!"
Clearly, even he hadn't truly believed this dream could become reality.
Arthur nodded… then promptly shook his head again. "Let me think..."
Up until now, all his considerations had been from an Earth-centric perspective. All those political powers, the chaos, the tension, everything tied back to Earth.
But what if… this project didn't take place on Earth at all? Would that change things?
"Still… where do I even start?" Arthur murmured. "The Asgardian pantheon? Or maybe rope in some other unfortunate soul? As of now, the only real force I might be able to tap into... is the Divine Realm."
He looked down at the comet beneath his feet, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
And then, Dr. Selvig suddenly said: "Actually… there might be a compromise."
Arthur winced.
Headache incoming.