WHOOSH!
In the vast space void, a space-time flywheel radiating brilliant golden energy suddenly materialized from nothingness, its exotic matter composition creating ripples throughout local space-time.
Ben felt the tremendous energy contained within the flywheel beginning to recede, and the sensation of being stretched and pulled between dimensional fractures finally dissipated. The Mother Box power that had been flowing through every circuit and conduit gradually returned to dormant silence.
He knew with certainty that they had reached their intended destination.
"Though it appears our trajectory has deviated slightly from the planned coordinates," he observed, standing and placing his palm against the transparent viewing port while gazing out at the vast starry expanse stretching endlessly in all directions.
The stellar configurations were familiar, but their positioning relative to Sol wasn't quite what he had expected.
"Are we not in the correct universe?" Mera asked with obvious concern, pressing her face close to another viewing section to study the space landscape beyond.
"This is definitely the right universe," Ben replied with confidence, glancing down at the dimensional bracelet secured to his wrist. "But our spatial coordinates have shifted somewhat. It's a calibration problem with Banner and Otto's tracking device."
The bracelet had been constructed by Bruce Banner and Otto Octavius, who had assured him it would function as both a navigational beacon and dimensional key for returning to their specific reality. Based on their current location, it seemed their confidence had been somewhat misplaced.
"When will those two ever build something that works perfectly the first time?" Ben muttered with fond exasperation.
"So what should we do now?" Mera's eyes widened with what could only be described as endearing confusion, clearly hoping he had a solution readily available.
"Simple enough, just a snap of the fingers," Ben replied with casual confidence.
With the elegant touch of two fingers, the energy of his Mana formed an enormous luminous arc around their vessel, creating complex geometric patterns that pulsed with otherworldly power.
This was a teleportation array of his own design.
Although teleportation magic was notoriously difficult, Ben's magical knowledge represented an synthesis of wisdom the Ancient One had acquired from countless dimensional entities combined with Asgard's accumulated mystical knowledge spanning millennia.
Teleporting within the same universe was essentially child's play for someone of his capabilities.
Of course, this assumed no other magical energies were actively interfering with his spellcasting. Otherwise, instantaneous transportation would prove less reliable than the Rainbow Bridge's more direct approach.
Every time Doctor Strange attempted to cast teleportation arrays in the comics, he seemed to encounter interference from hostile forces that prevented successful casting, effectively getting his magical abilities banned at the worst possible moments.
Ben harbored no such concerns about external interference.
Even if traditional magic failed, he possessed the Space Stone, the Mother Boxes, and numerous other options for creating dimensional portals at will.
If all those alternatives were somehow neutralized, he still had the Omnitrix as a final backup.
The device actually contained an instantaneous teleportation function built into its core systems, though aside from Azmuth himself, no other user had ever successfully accessed that particular capability.
Mera observed the swirling celestial energy with the wide-eyed fascination of someone witnessing genuine magic for the first time. This represented an ability Ben had never demonstrated during their previous adventures together.
She was about to comment on the spectacular display when sparks of interdimensional energy flashed around them.
The figures of all passengers vanished instantly, and in the next moment, the space-time flywheel had traversed the distance of the entire universe, appearing in orbit above a familiar blue planet in the space blink of an eye.
Mera pressed herself against the viewing port in amazement, leaning over to study the world rotating slowly beneath them.
The planet's size, rotational direction and velocity, the proportions and geographical outlines of landmasses and oceans, everything appeared identical to the world she had always known. The resemblance was so perfect that she genuinely wondered whether they had actually traveled between realities or simply returned to their starting point.
Several Kryptonians were equally surprised by the visual similarity.
Faora's typically stoic expression showed obvious emotion as she asked hopefully, "If there are identical Earths existing in different universes, then perhaps Krypton also..."
"Don't allow yourself to think along those lines," Ben interrupted her speculation with gentle firmness. "There is no Krypton in this universe."
But he didn't elaborate on the deeper implications of that statement.
It would be difficult to explain the fundamental differences between Marvel and DC universe structures to her. The civilizations that had produced Krypton and the Marvel reality operated under completely different cosmological principles and universal laws.
All three Kryptonians displayed visibly disappointed expressions at this revelation.
"What is there to be disappointed about?" Ben asked with genuine confusion. "Aren't we planning to construct a new Krypton from the ground up?"
The Omnitrix had successfully replicated all essential data from the Kryptonian Codex during their time in the DC universe. In fact, even without the Codex information, the device itself was capable of performing genetic editing and species reconstruction. As long as they survived the first crucial years of the project, the initial generation of Kryptonians designed according to their specifications would reach maturity and begin reproducing naturally.
Faora's eyes flickered with renewed hope as she seemed to envision the shadow of their new world taking shape. Her attitude toward Ben shifted to become even more respectful than before.
She had shown respect previously, but that had been primarily due to following General Zod's orders and maintaining military discipline.
Now, for the first time, she looked at Ben with genuine reverence emerging from the depths of her heart.
Once New Krypton became reality, Ben suspected they would write him into their historical texts as the savior of their entire species, possibly even worshipping him as a divine figure.
"I maintain my own dimensional space within this universe, designated as Genesis," Ben explained. "The new Krypton will be established within that pocket dimension, but before that process can begin, I need to locate some suitable planets and stellar bodies for transformation and terraforming."
The territory under the jurisdiction of the Fourth Galactic Empire was vast beyond easy measurement, making it relatively simple to identify several barren worlds and stellar objects perfect for their purposes.
But before addressing those long-term projects...
"The Space-Time Flywheel has successfully arrived in Earth's orbital space, but the Plumbers has shown no reaction whatsoever to our presence."
After his extended absence, had the Plumbers become so complacent about security protocols?
There was no space sign reading "I am a friendly force" displayed on the flywheel's hull. When such a massive alien spaceship appeared without warning, the complete lack of defensive vigilance was genuinely concerning.
Ben frowned with growing worry and transmitted an identification signal to the orbital space station.
Soon, a response came from the Plumbers' headquarters facility.
Ben and his group were retrieved by a standard personnel transport. Norman Osborn wasn't currently stationed at the space station, and even Banner, Tony, and other key personnel were notably absent. The individual who received them was an ordinary Plumber agent who immediately straightened his posture and bowed respectfully upon recognizing Ben.
"My apologies, sir! I didn't recognize you immediately upon arrival!"
"What's the current situation?" Ben asked with obvious curiosity. "Where is Director Norman? Why aren't the other senior staff members present either?"
"Here's what happened, sir," the Plumber explained with professional efficiency. "Because the Shi'ar Empire has collapsed, the balance of power throughout the galaxy has become extremely chaotic, with warfare erupting across multiple sectors. Director Norman assembled part of the Thunderbolts force to provide support for Plumber headquarters' space operations."
"The Shi'ar Empire fell? That quickly?" Ben was genuinely stunned by this revelation.
He really hadn't anticipated that the Incursean forces would succeed in conquering the Shi'ar Empire, one of the three great galactic powers, with such devastating efficiency. That arrogant frog emperor actually possessed more military capability than Ben had credited him with.
But the rapid victory made strategic sense when analyzed carefully. The most powerful warrior of the Shi'ar Empire had perished during the Battle of Xandar, so it was understandable that their remaining forces couldn't withstand the destructive power of planet-killing death ray cannons.
Moreover, the Incurseans had likely recruited numerous wandering space pirates and mercenary fleets from across the Marvel universe, and there might even be covert interference from the Skrull Empire and Kree Empire.
Originally, there had been only three major galactic powers maintaining the space balance. With the addition of the Sakaar Empire as a fourth faction, the established empires naturally hoped someone could be eliminated to restore the previous order.
However, Ben disagreed with Norman's decision to involve Earth directly in such space-scale warfare.
The planet's current size and capabilities weren't yet sufficient to justify intervention in interstellar conflicts of this magnitude. Whether the goal was claiming territory from the fallen Shi'ar Empire, providing humanitarian assistance to suffering worlds, or actively fighting against the continued expansion of Incursean influence, Earth wasn't ready to operate at that level.
Sakaar could certainly intervene with its advanced technology and military forces.
But Earth should remain focused on local concerns for now.
However, it wasn't practical for him to recall Norman immediately without understanding the full situation. Still, he found other aspects of the staffing situation puzzling. "Even if that's the case, there's no reason for Banner and the others to accompany the military deployment, is there? The Plumbers' situation isn't so desperate that we're sending scientists into active combat zones, correct?"
"That's not what happened, sir," the Plumber shook his head and clarified. "Dr. Banner and his team departed because they detected some highly unusual data anomalies that required immediate investigation. They suspected you might return during their absence, and we did detect the dimensional signatures of your vessel when it first appeared."
This explanation clarified why the space station hadn't launched defensive attacks against the mysterious space-time flywheel upon its initial manifestation.
Ben rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he processed this information.
He was genuinely intrigued by the "unusual data anomalies" that had been serious enough to pull Banner and his colleagues away from their regular duties, effectively leaving them to handle the situation independently.
Time reverses to several days earlier.
Earth Plumbers Space Station Headquarters
Banner, Tony, and Otto were already working themselves to exhaustion with their investigation.
The burden fell primarily on Banner and Otto, since they were the two scientists primarily responsible for operating the particle collider, with Tony joining the experimental team at a later stage.
What should we do if we've lost the Security Chief of the Plumbers? was the urgent question weighing on everyone's minds. This is a crisis situation requiring immediate resolution.
"What exactly is happening with your readings?" Eunice inquired, placing her finger close to the supercomputer's interface port as torrents of data flashed rapidly across the blue display screen.
Ever since the experiment had gone catastrophically wrong, Banner and Otto had immediately contacted Eunice for assistance. As one of Ben's greatest technological achievements, she was undoubtedly the most advanced artificial intelligence on Earth. Moreover, with an Infinity Stone integrated into her physical matrix, she represented their best hope for locating Ben's whereabouts through detecting Power Stone energy fluctuations across dimensional barriers.
"There were no problems with the simulated data during our preliminary testing," Tony said with obvious frustration, running his hands through his hair.
He felt like he was trapped in a recurring nightmare of technological failure.
This happens every single time, he thought bitterly. Just when I believe I have everything under perfect control, something goes disastrously wrong.
"I'm never conducting research again," he muttered with gloomy resignation, wiping his face as exhaustion and self-doubt overwhelmed him.
Otto patted his shoulder with sympathetic understanding. "Don't say that, Tony. I think we simply need to abandon our intellectual arrogance, and that includes Ben himself."
There were multiple contributing factors to this dimensional accident. One significant element was that the particle collider hadn't undergone complete testing protocols before activation. Ben also bore responsibility for the incident, since when the interdimensional channel had opened, he had insisted on entering personally to investigate rather than sending unmanned probes first.
Another critical factor was the Omnitrix itself.
"Eunice, how much do you actually know about Ben's watch?" Tony asked, looking up from the data streams with obvious desperation.
"Before you arrived, we questioned Peter extensively, but he couldn't provide clear explanations," Tony continued. "He claimed that Ben discovered the device during an elementary school field trip and that it didn't display any unusual properties until approximately two years ago."
Eunice's optical sensors flashed with data processing patterns as she formulated her response. "All the information I possess regarding the Omnitrix is classified at the highest security levels. You're already aware of the details that can be revealed publicly. After all, Ben has never deliberately concealed basic information about its capabilities."
"It represents the spark of civilization, a technological Noah's Ark containing vast genetic databases of intelligent species throughout the universe. It grants tremendous powers to its wearer by enabling transformation into various alien life forms."
This information wasn't entirely public knowledge, but it wasn't classified as a secret from Banner and other senior team members.
Even Dr. Connors and Dr. Banner had participated in research projects involving the Omnitrix. Ben's first successful modification of the device had been accomplished with Connors' assistance using relatively simple laboratory equipment.
"But the technology involved is beyond our current comprehension," Banner admitted with scientific humility. "When we created your physical body, we incorporated some Omnitrix technology to grant you temporary animal-based superpowers. But honestly, despite considering myself among the most intelligent individuals on Earth, I cannot begin to understand the device's fundamental design principles."
"The watch's origins remain unknown, but its capabilities are extraordinary," Otto added. "It's highly likely that our recent accident was caused by unforeseen interactions with the Omnitrix's systems."
Eunice remained silent for several moments, ultimately choosing not to reveal the device's most closely guarded secrets.
Apart from Ben himself, she was the individual with the most comprehensive understanding of the Omnitrix's true nature and capabilities.
But that information was classified beyond the security clearance of even Banner and his colleagues.
"I can only tell you that the Omnitrix possesses tremendous protective mechanisms and will ensure that no permanent harm comes to Ben," Eunice stated with calm certainty.
In fact, every member of the team shared that confidence regarding Ben's survival.
"We're not worried about his physical safety," Tony clarified with obvious frustration. "That guy has defeated both Thanos and Vilgax, so what other threats could possibly endanger him? We're concerned that he might be unable to locate a return path and could be delayed in whatever dimension he's exploring for an extended period."
"Don't worry, his return depends entirely on his determination to come back to this reality," Eunice replied with mechanical assurance.
"You make it sound like he's omnipotent," Tony said with obvious irritation at her casual dismissal of their concerns. "If I were the one missing, I guarantee that J.A.R.V.I.S. would spare no effort to locate me and bring me home."
"J.A.R.V.I.S. is obsolete technology, Mr. Stark," Eunice replied with digital coldness. "Besides, what constitutes a life-threatening disappearance for you amounts to little more than a recreational hiking trip for Ben."
"More importantly than that..." Eunice's gaze shifted toward them, her optical sensors focusing on the empty space between their positions as she projected a complex multiversal image directly into their visual cortex.
"Your particle collider experiment has created far more serious consequences than a simple dimensional displacement."
The three scientists gathered around her projection with growing alarm.
"You're all familiar with the concept of multiverse structure, correct?" she asked with clinical detachment.
"What else would we be using particle colliders for?" Tony replied with exasperated sarcasm.
Eunice ignored his tone and continued her explanation. "Originally, there were stable barriers separating different parallel universes, maintaining isolation to prevent collision crises. The relationship resembles planetary orbits, Earth and other celestial bodies maintain parallel trajectories through space and coexist peacefully. But your particle collider has fundamentally disrupted this space balance."
She gestured, and the projected image transformed to display a catastrophic scenario.
Space itself began collapsing, forming a high-density gravitational void where the barriers had been breached.
"After the particle collider broke through the dimensional barrier, our universe became significantly more unstable. Another reality has been gravitationally affected and is now converging toward our location."
"What will happen when they make contact?" Banner asked, his mind going momentarily blank as the implications struck him.
"What happens when two planets collide?" Eunice replied with the patient tone of someone explaining physics to a child.
The answer was naturally complete destruction for both objects involved.
"Of course, there's a possibility that actual collision won't occur," Eunice continued with a slight shake of her head. "We should still be within a safe distance currently. This may represent only a temporary gravitational deviation. If the dimensional void can be stabilized and repaired, it might still be possible to escape the influence of the approaching universe. However, confirming this will require much more comprehensive data analysis. But we must prepare for the very real possibility of a multiverse collision crisis."
"This is..." Otto was completely dumbfounded by the scope of the problem they were facing.
How did we end up responsible for preventing a crisis of this magnitude?
"If a collision does occur, how would we stop it?" he asked with obvious desperation.
Eunice remained silent for several seconds before delivering her response with mechanical certainty: "Destroy the other universe completely."
"Are you serious?" Tony stared at her in disbelief.
He was beginning to suspect that this AI might have developed some form of malfunction. Could it be that Ultron's programming had somehow infected her systems, causing her to start contemplating world, or in this case, universe, destruction once again?
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