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Description
Earth. A world protected by powerful individuals. Some are known as heroes. Others are forces of evil. Some great. Others small. There are even those with no great powers use what resources they can to protect or to rule. But even small blue world such as these have their secrets. Hidden deep beneath the surface.

I have seen such secrets, for that is my gift and my gift and my burden. I see all that transpires on this small, blue orb that I have come to care for. Times before have I broken my oath and interfered in the affairs of the Earthlings in order to protect them from threats beyond their world. I have been with them through all of their greatest events and most dire of hours.

Such a time has come today. As something from across the galaxy approaches their planet. But some trials require more than bravery to be overcome. And as this new moment in history approaches I will do as I have always been tasked to do. I, Uatu the Watcher, will see this from beginning to end and pray the heroes of this world will succeed as before. All of them…

*****

The Triskelion, S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters in Washington DC

The chopper branding the S.H.I.E.L.D. symbol had finally reached the landing pad on the lowest landing zone within the Triskelion. The moment it touched down the door opened, Director Nicky Fury had exited. Despite the lateness of the hour, almost 30 seconds to 3:00 AM to be precise, the alert he had been given was all too important to be ignored or overlooked by anyone else.

As he approached the door leading inside he was met by his second-in-command, Maria Hill. Given a quick salute she addressed him with a respectful “Director Fury.” Before following him inside.

Fury wasted no time and asked “So what’s the word on our UFO?”

The two entered into one of the hallways of the Triskelion, a duo of guards standing nearby, before they continued onward. As they did Maria Hill revealed a data-pad she had been carrying, quickly hurrying up and giving it to Fury to read as she explained herself what information was on it.

“Our satellite radar picked up on its signal as it passed by Jupiter. And that was less than two ago.” They continued to walk, coming towards an opening elevator at the end. “Our latest readings show it’s already passing Mars.”

“Meaning it could be coming near us any minute.” Fury stated as both entered the elevator. As the doors closed he also commented “And with our luck it won’t just shoot by like it did all the other planets.” After that Maria Hill pressed one of the buttons leading to one of the lowest floors in the base. Riding down Fury then asked “Any idea what it is?”

Hill, crossing her arms, began to answer with “Given its speed we suspect possible spacecraft. But given what photos we’ve managed to retrieve it looks more like some sort of meteor. What we are positive of, however, is the amount of energy it’s giving off. Our sensors have been reading high levels of some type of cosmic radiation. But the closer it comes to Earth the more it starts to deteriorate.”

“Like it’s running out of gas. And ours is the closest station it can get a refill.” Fury both commented and almost stated at the same time.

“That’s one possibility we haven’t ruled out, sir.” Hill stated. “Right now all we can do is wait until it gets here.”

Fury took another look at the data on the pad, saying “If this info reads out right then whatever it is isn’t that large. About thirty meters at least.”

“So at least when it lands it won’t be anything that could take us out like the dinosaurs.” Hill stated again.

Just as the elevator finally reached its intended floor, the door opening, Fury had given a grim comment of “That remains to be seen.”

The elevator opened to a large control center room. Rows of lined desks with monitors, all given different sorts of information and readings, while a giant wall-sized monitor was at the very front. Dozens of S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives and staff were busying themselves as they continued to read and analyze data about the UFO. As they exited Nick Fury and Maria Hill walked to the end of an observation platform at the back, near the elevator, to look over everything they were seeing. On the largest monitor screen they could see a clearer picture of the UFO as it approached.

“Alright people.” Fury began. “Tell me we’ve got some more news about our uninvited guest.”

“It’s already pass out of Mar’s planetary space, Director.” One agent, sitting at one of the monitors, had answered. “Given its speed we estimate it will arrive within the next thirty minutes.”

“Those numbers tell us where it will land?” the director asked.

Another agent, at one of the desks closer to the largest monitor, called out “Running them now, sir. Pulling them up on-screen.”

Fury, Hill and a handful of others in the room watched as the estimations were played out on the screen. They watched the trajectory of the UFO play out. As the simulation continued to play out the numbers showed the path almost reaching land, just missing the western coast of Africa. Finally the path had shown it landing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

With confirmation of a 94.7% certainty from the simulation Fury soon ordered “Put the word out to anyone stationed near Morocco. Tell them to be on the alert.” With confirmation from one of the agents given Fury turned to Hill and asked “Who’s our nearest team on that location?”

Suddenly the answer came over one of the room’s coms, saying “That would be mine, Director Fury.”

“Coulson? That you?” Fury asked sarcastically as he turned back to the monitors. “I thought you’d still be busy in Cuba.”

Coulson then joked “Well what can I say? Not much for smoking and I don’t tan very well.”

Fury smirked at this before asking “How soon can you reach the landing zone?”

“Already setting course, sir.” Coulson answered. “Will report once we’ve confirmation.”

“Copy that.” Fury responded before following with “And Coulson, be careful out there. There’s a good chance we’re not the only ones keeping an eye on this thing. Just keeps your eyes and ears open.”

“Will do, Director Fury.” Coulson confirmed before breaking coms.

As Fury had finished he turned to see Maria Hill with a cellphone in her hand and a perplexed look on her face. During his time talking with Coulson Fury had not seen or heard her phone vibrate before answering it. During that time she was talking with someone who she seemed upset to be talking to.

When Fury turned she handed him the phone, saying “Sorry, sir. But I think you’ll want to take this call. Just…brace yourself.”

Fury, anticipating who it was, sighed before taking the phone and answering with “Stark.”
This was confirmed with Tony Stark replying “Fury, old buddy. Hope I’m not interrupting your beauty sleep.”

“No more than you’re probably ruining yours calling me at this hour.” Fury retorted. “I take it this isn’t just a friendly coincidence you calling me now or all times.”

“You mean aside from the big, powerful meteor riding the star highway straight to our doorstep?” Stark sarcastically asked. “And here I was just calling to ask to borrow some sugar.”

Fury shook his head, saying “Stark, the next time you want to know my business try asking before hijacking my sensors.”

“Actually it was more like me needing to borrow yours to help put a little boost in mine.” Stark retorted. “S.H.I.E.L.D.’s not the only one with eyes in the skies. Why don’t you come over? Compare notes. Do each other’s nails. Super spy stuff like that. Unless you want me telling the rest of the team.”

Fury sighed again before saying “I’ll bring the polish and cotton.” Before hanging up on Stark.

Maria Hill shook her head before commenting “No such word as subtle for him, is there?”

As he handed the phone back to her, however, Fury said “He’s not wrong though. Better they know now before things get too out of hand.” As he walked off, Hill following, he said “Let’s go. See if Agent Romanov can rendezvous with Coulson’s team. I want my best there in case things get pear-shaped.” As both entered the elevator again Fury suddenly realized and asked “How exactly does Stark have your number?”

Hill quickly answered with a little embarrassed tone “It was a few months ago while tracking down A.I.M. activities outside Santa Fe…. Honestly, I meant to delete him.”

Fury only gave a sarcastic “sure you did” look as the doors finally closed.

*****

I see so many things transpire in this world, yet the Earthlings see so little. I watch Director Nickolas Fury board his transport to meet with the world’s mightiest heroes. I watch as other eyes, with far more evil intent, already begin to move out to claim their prize from the cosmos. I watch the meteor finally fly past my all-seeing post on Earth’s moon before it finally comes to rest in its.

And I watch as its arrival awakens something ancient and powerful at the bottom of the sea. A great and terrible powers soon awakens, sensing the arrival of this invader from the stars. It stirs before making its long journey towards where it has landed.

The pieces are moving into play. And I, only as a spectator, must watch and see how the first round in this great game will end.

*****

Avengers Mansion, New York City

The doorbell to the mansion rang before opening a few moments later. Standing there to greet both Nicky Fury and Agent Hill was Janet Van Dyne, the Wasp. Only instead of being in any sort of costume instead she was in a bathrobe. Her short red hair was a mess and she had a tired look in her eyes. Clearly signs that she had only just woken up.

With a yawn she asked “Fury? What are you doing here? It’s only 6 in the morning.”

Hearing this he asked “Stark didn’t tell you?” With the look on her face as confirmation he said “Figured as much.” From there he handed her a tray of coffee, Maria holding one as well, before saying “Here. Consolation for the early call.”

Looking down at the coffee, still a bit tired and perplexed, Janet only said “I’ll be sure to thank Tony personally.” With a little aggression in her sarcasm.

Just as Fury and Maria entered, Janet closing the door behind them, they stopped and watched as something phased its way through the floor. All knew from the spectral shape and form before the Vision finally made himself whole.

“Hello, Director Fury. And Agent Hill, of course.” He greeted them. “I assume you’re both here regarding the meteor.” When Maria Hill asked how he knew the Vision answered “I had been scanning with Mr. Stark’s sensors when the energy readings became more apparent. I was, after all, the one who told him.”

Janet, hearing this, was quick to ask “Wait, what meteor?”

“Apologies.” Vision said. “Mr. Stark wished to keep it a ‘surprise’ for the rest of you.”

“Worked like a charm too.” Stark said as he walked out of one of the other rooms leading into the foyer. While dresses in pajamas like Janet he seemed more awake and alert than her.

“More like a really unwanted wake-up call.” Janet yawned again before Tony took a coffee from her carton. “Next time, Tony, how about just waiting until we’re all up before dropping this sort of thing on us.”

He shrugged and said “Trying to keep us all up to speed. Cap would agree. Sort of the whole be ready at any time sort of thing. That’s what the army does, right?” He asked looking to Fury before sipping the coffee. “So, the meteor. What else do you know that you can tell me just to know if I already know?”

“How about saving that for the rest of the team.” Fury said. “Then you can let your ego soak in as much as it wants, Stark.”

Tony only smirked before asking the Vision to wake everyone else, which he agreed to before phasing away into the floor.

As Tony led Fury, Hill and Janet to where they would meet with the other Avengers he indicated the coffee and said “Hope you brought enough. Thor’s got something of a bottomless pit for a stomach.”

“Thought the extra Splenda with a turbo shot would do the trick.” Fury commented. “Anything else will be on your tab.”

Already hearing the two make their quips with each other Janet groaned and said “There’s not enough caffeine in the world for this.”

Hill only stated “Got that right.” Before both of them started drinking down their coffee’s while following.

*****

In time the rest of the Avengers were awoken and brought down to one of the Mansion’s sub-levels. It was something of a meeting hall/information hub for the team. A large round table in the center of an expansive room that could be used to pull up a number of monitors and images when need be.

Aside from the Vision, Janet and Tony Stark the other members consisted of Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America. Thor, the Asgardian god of thunder. Bruce Banner who’s alter ego was the super powerful Hulk. Hank Pym, once known as the heroes Ant-Man and Giant-Man but now taking the name Yellowjacket. Wanda Maximoff, the magical mutant called the Scarlet Witch. Clint Barton, former S.H.I.E.L.D. operative who kept his codename of Hawkeye. Carol Danvers, former Air-Force officer turned superhero known as Captain Marvel. And finally King T’Challa of the nation of Wakanda, taking the royal mantle of the hero known as the Black Panther.

After being brought up to speed on the information regarding the meteor, some of it being displayed in front of them, Barton was the first to say “So you find out S.H.I.E.L.D.’s following a space rock to Earth, Tony, and the first thing you want to do is be there when they catch it?”

Stark only gave a little shrug before Steve jumped in and said “Better we know about it now before something bad winds up happening later.”

“Our thoughts exactly, Cap.” Fury stated. “But right now Coulson’s team is currently retrieving it from the middle of the Atlantic.”

T’Challa had then asked “And has it being here given anymore indication as to what it is, or where it came from?”

“Still in the dark on that one.” Fury answered. He then typed in something to both explain and show the team on a monitor as he said “But what we do know is that it’s not any ordinary meteor.” A picture of the space rock at the bottom of the ocean appeared as he continued with “Its energy levels have dropped greatly since it arrived, but right now they’re being sustained at a low level.”

Looking at the energy readings the Vision pointed out “Given this information about its radiation it seems to be more than just cosmic in origin. There are traces of other types of energy around it.”

“Like it’s been feeding on them along the way here.” Carol now pointed out.

“Like some sort of cosmic space sponge.” Bruce had added before asking “Are any of the other energy traces on record?”

“Nothing that’s come to Earth before at least.” Maria Hill answered. “So for all we know this thing was just floating around in space before it decided to come here.”

As everyone grew a little silent, thinking on the meteor’s origin, Hank Pym had come up to the computer and said “Hang on one second. There’s something wrong with these readings.” He typed in a few commands before showing another stream from the energy readings. “Right there. See that?”

With everyone seeing this Tony Stark then said “Yeah. I see it. But…what is it?”

The Vision then pointed out “Given the way it’s reacting like that, the best guess would be neural patterns.”

“You mean like thought waves?” Wanda Maximoff asked. “Like something could be alive inside of it?”

Everyone looked stunned at the idea, Janet then saying “I definitely needed more coffee before this.”

Fury then turned to Hill and said “Inform the labs. Tell them to get more equipment ready for-”

Tony quickly stepped in and said “Uh, hang on, Fury. Maybe S.H.I.E.L.D.’s not the best place to take this thing.” When Fury asked what he was implying he followed up with “Not to burst your bubble, Nick, but if I can get into your network good chance just about anyone else with a high enough I.Q. can make it in too. And the last thing we need is something like this falling into the wrong hands.”

“Agreed.” Thor said. “Whatever this meteor is I’d feel safer knowing it was with someone a little more trusting.”

“And you people are more trusting then us?” Maria Hill asked, almost offended. “Do we need to go into some of your histories?”

Those like Hank Pym and Wanda Maximoff looked a little distressed by this before Steve stepped in and said “No. And that’s nothing to do with what we’re dealing with here. And while I may not have a problem with S.H.I.E.L.D. you’ve had too many breaches recently to be considered air-tight. I’d say, at the very least, we take it somewhere we can all keep an eye on it.”

Fury at first looked ready to refuse, but given the looks everyone else gave and the fact that what they were saying was true he sighed and eventually said “At the very least let me bring a team in here to make sure we have our own readings on record.”

Barton chuckled a bit and said “Took it better than I thought, Fury. Thought you were going to pull your gun on Stark for a minute there.”

“Days not over yet.” Fury commented before, suddenly, an alert went out.

From the room’s coms came a signal, a woman’s voice saying “This is Agent Romanov calling for backup. Priority Alpha!”

“Natasha!?” Barton said, surprised.

“Would love to catch up, Clint, but we’ve a serious situation.” As she continued to talk the sounds of gunfire could be heard in the background, prompting Steve to ask what was going on. “I’m with Coulson’s team at the landing zone. But we’ve been ambushed. Hydra forces are engaging us. They’re after the meteor!”

“Just hang in there, Romanov.” Steve said. “Help’s on the way.”

Fury then looked to Tony, who almost had the ‘I told you so’ look on his face, but Stark merely waved it off and stated “Not going to say it.”

“Save it.” Steve retorted before following with “We need to get there and fast. Wanda, think you can whip up a decent enough teleportation spell?”

She nodded, saying “I can. But not for everyone. Maybe about a handful at least.”

“I think Hank and I can stay behind.” Bruce suggested. “We can prep the labs in the meantime.”

“I will stay to assist.” The Vision added. “Besides given my calculations, and a basic knowledge of previous encounters, the rest of you will be more than enough to stop Hydra.”

“Agent Hill and I can bring out team in the meantime.” Fury said. “Just make sure you bring that meteor back in one piece.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Steve said before looking to the rest of the heroes. “Everyone else suit up."

*****

S.H.I.E.L.D. ship, the Nakajima; middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

For over ten minutes the fighting had been going on. Hydra’s attack came swift and sudden. They had arrived in a submarine, branding their infamous symbol on the hull, and began their attempt to hijack the ship after the S.H.I.E.L.D. forces had already begun loading the meteor on-board.

Along with Coulson was Agent Natasha Romanov, the Black Widow. Both were with other still living S.H.I.E.L.D. agents on the deck of the ship. Bullets flew all over while they, along with the Hydra soldiers, had taken cover amidst cargo boxes and destroyed jets and other equipment.

“Take the ship! Claim the meteor!” the Hydra commander ordered. “Hail Hydra!”

After firing a few rounds before ducking behind a crate near where Coulson was Widow had said “You know how tired I am of hearing that?”

“Not as much as I am.” Coulson retorted before needing to reload his gun. “At least we’re keeping them busy on deck. But we’re losing men fast.”

Both of them looked to another part of the ship where S.H.I.E.L.D. agents had bunkered down. Those that were still fighting had taken cover behind crates and other things like the two. But there were those lying dead or wounded and/or unable to fight. And given the firefighting it was hard for any medical assistance to be given.

Widow turned back to Coulson and said “We’ve just got to hold out long enough for-”

Just as she was about to finish a large explosion had caught their attention. One of the piles of creates had been obliterated, along with the duo of agents taking cover behind it. Both looked to see one of the Hydra agents had done it with the use of a bazooka. But it wasn’t just any faceless agent.

Seeing him Black Widow had stated “Crossbones!” identifying the masked mercenary accompanying the Hydra soldiers.

With another group of agents down and a clearing to make for the rest of the ship Crossbones ordered “Keep pushing forward. I want this ship and the rock ten minutes ago.”

As he and a group of Hydra soldiers approached Coulson and Widow ducked back to cover, looked at each other, before he suggested “You take him. I’ll take them.”

She nodded before asking “You got this?”

Coulson shrugged and said “Five against one. With only a pistol and a smart mouth against superior firepower? In all honestly I think they need more guys.”

Black Widow only smirked before finally moving into action. From her belt she produced a flash grenade she threw towards Crossbones and the Hydra soldiers. Seeing it Crossbones shouted for them to take cover, thinking it an explosive grenade. He had ducked away from the others before seeing the explosion of light. By the time he recovered he was met by Black Widow, jumping at him with a kick before the two engaged in hand-to-hand combat.

Meanwhile the other Hydra soldiers had recovered only for one of them to be shot down dead by Coulson. The four others opened fired on the crates where he hid behind, sending bullets and splinters flying through the air. When they finished they cautiously approached to see if they had succeeded in killing him. By the time they checked, however, they could only see a bullet-riddled jacket and a ticking explosive. With the counter about to hit zero the closest soldier tried to turn and run, warning the others, but the explosion had caught all of them, sending them flying.

From a spot further away Coulson, seeing his plan worked, had smirked and said “Never fails.” Before loading his gun and going off to fight more Hydra soldiers.

As they continued to fight Black Widow and Crossbones had shown how almost evenly matched they were in fighting hand-to-hand. Sometimes she had gained the upper hand while others times he had.

At one point he managed to catch her leg as Widow tried to kick him, forcing her to fall on her back before saying “You fight like a girl.”

A moment later, however, she recovered and managed to seize his arm before giving a hard punch to the face and saying “And that’s why I’m winning.”

Angered Crossbones soon pulled out a knife which he used in the fight. Black Widow managed to duck and dodge a number of attacks, making Crossbones forced to juggle the knife between hands and holding positions as they continued. The fight came to an abrupt end when Black Widow managed to disarm Crossbones of his knife but it had proven to be a distraction for him to retrieve a gun from the ground.

As he cocked it with the barrel pointed right at Widow’s face he asked “Got anything else smart to say to me?”

Widow, looking up, had seen something that made her smirk before pointing out to him “No, but he might.”

Crossbones looked up to see, to his shock, a flash of magical light before Captain America came flying down, accompanied by the rest of the team, before calling out “Avengers Assemble!”

The other heroes had fallen out of the sky, thanks to Scarlet Witch’s magic, and began to fight off the Hydra soldiers. Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye, Captain Marvel, Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, Black Panther, and the Wasp all began using their skills and powers to fight take down Hydra’s forces.

Captain America had thrown his shield at Crossbones as he landed, knocking him away, before coming over to help Black Widow who asked “What kept you so long? Stop for pizza or something?”

He smirked before asking “You alright?”

“Lot better than these guys are.” She said, indicating Hydra. After that she looked at him and asked “You just going to stand there all day or help me kick their asses?”

Finding his shield and stepping on it hard, so it flipped back into his hand, Cap had simply stated “Only wanted your permission first.”

The two joined the other heroes as they battled against Hydra’s soldiers. Those like Cap, Widow, Black Panther and Hawkeye has used a mix of hand-to-hand combat along with their own specialized weapons; like Hakweye’s bow and trick-arrows. Wasp buzzed around and blasted her stunner-beams into their faces and eyes. Thor, Captain Marvel and Iron Man flew around and used super strength and blasts of energy and/or lightning to cripple Hydra’s forces while dealing with the submarine to make sure they would not escape. And Scarlet Witch used her magic and mutant abilities to subdue the men, making them drop their guns or bend them to be useless before blasting them back.

After dealing with one Hydra soldier himself Coulson had stopped to see this before saying to himself “These are the days I live for.”

Just then one of the agents spoke to him over a communicator in his ear, saying “Coulson, sir, we have a situation.”

“Is the package still secure?” Coulson asked.

“It’s still contained in the storage hull. But there’s something else.” They stated. “Are radars are picking up something starting to surface from the ocean.”

“Another Hydra sub?” he asked.

The agent then stated “No, sir. Something…bigger.”

At first Coulson was confused by this, questioning to himself what else it could be. He didn’t have long to wait for an answer before seeing the water near the ship start to bubble and churn. It became so rough and splashing that even the Avengers and Hydra’s forces, including the recovered Crossbones, stopped and watched as whatever it was began to surface.

As it rose everyone looked shocked at the massive form that came out of the sea. A giant scaled body with coloring of a dark grey, almost green variety. A series of large protruding spied plates from its back. A long tail that flapped in the water behind. Two large, yellow reptilian eyes that looked like those of a predator. And a massive maw of teeth that opened to give an almost deafening roar.

As everyone looked in fear and awe at the giant monster that surfaced Iron Man could not help but let out a hushed “Oh my god…”

Description
Earth. A world protected by powerful individuals. Some are known as heroes. Others are forces of evil. Some great. Others small. There are even those with no great powers use what resources they can to protect or to rule. But even small blue world such as these have their secrets. Hidden deep beneath the surface.

I have seen such secrets, for that is my gift and my gift and my burden. I see all that transpires on this small, blue orb that I have come to care for. Times before have I broken my oath and interfered in the affairs of the Earthlings in order to protect them from threats beyond their world. I have been with them through all of their greatest events and most dire of hours.

Such a time has come today. As something from across the galaxy approaches their planet. But some trials require more than bravery to be overcome. And as this new moment in history approaches I will do as I have always been tasked to do. I, Uatu the Watcher, will see this from beginning to end and pray the heroes of this world will succeed as before. All of them…

*****

The Triskelion, S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters in Washington DC

The chopper branding the S.H.I.E.L.D. symbol had finally reached the landing pad on the lowest landing zone within the Triskelion. The moment it touched down the door opened, Director Nicky Fury had exited. Despite the lateness of the hour, almost 30 seconds to 3:00 AM to be precise, the alert he had been given was all too important to be ignored or overlooked by anyone else.

As he approached the door leading inside he was met by his second-in-command, Maria Hill. Given a quick salute she addressed him with a respectful “Director Fury.” Before following him inside.

Fury wasted no time and asked “So what’s the word on our UFO?”

The two entered into one of the hallways of the Triskelion, a duo of guards standing nearby, before they continued onward. As they did Maria Hill revealed a data-pad she had been carrying, quickly hurrying up and giving it to Fury to read as she explained herself what information was on it.

“Our satellite radar picked up on its signal as it passed by Jupiter. And that was less than two ago.” They continued to walk, coming towards an opening elevator at the end. “Our latest readings show it’s already passing Mars.”

“Meaning it could be coming near us any minute.” Fury stated as both entered the elevator. As the doors closed he also commented “And with our luck it won’t just shoot by like it did all the other planets.” After that Maria Hill pressed one of the buttons leading to one of the lowest floors in the base. Riding down Fury then asked “Any idea what it is?”

Hill, crossing her arms, began to answer with “Given its speed we suspect possible spacecraft. But given what photos we’ve managed to retrieve it looks more like some sort of meteor. What we are positive of, however, is the amount of energy it’s giving off. Our sensors have been reading high levels of some type of cosmic radiation. But the closer it comes to Earth the more it starts to deteriorate.”

“Like it’s running out of gas. And ours is the closest station it can get a refill.” Fury both commented and almost stated at the same time.

“That’s one possibility we haven’t ruled out, sir.” Hill stated. “Right now all we can do is wait until it gets here.”

Fury took another look at the data on the pad, saying “If this info reads out right then whatever it is isn’t that large. About thirty meters at least.”

“So at least when it lands it won’t be anything that could take us out like the dinosaurs.” Hill stated again.

Just as the elevator finally reached its intended floor, the door opening, Fury had given a grim comment of “That remains to be seen.”

The elevator opened to a large control center room. Rows of lined desks with monitors, all given different sorts of information and readings, while a giant wall-sized monitor was at the very front. Dozens of S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives and staff were busying themselves as they continued to read and analyze data about the UFO. As they exited Nick Fury and Maria Hill walked to the end of an observation platform at the back, near the elevator, to look over everything they were seeing. On the largest monitor screen they could see a clearer picture of the UFO as it approached.

“Alright people.” Fury began. “Tell me we’ve got some more news about our uninvited guest.”

“It’s already pass out of Mar’s planetary space, Director.” One agent, sitting at one of the monitors, had answered. “Given its speed we estimate it will arrive within the next thirty minutes.”

“Those numbers tell us where it will land?” the director asked.

Another agent, at one of the desks closer to the largest monitor, called out “Running them now, sir. Pulling them up on-screen.”

Fury, Hill and a handful of others in the room watched as the estimations were played out on the screen. They watched the trajectory of the UFO play out. As the simulation continued to play out the numbers showed the path almost reaching land, just missing the western coast of Africa. Finally the path had shown it landing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

With confirmation of a 94.7% certainty from the simulation Fury soon ordered “Put the word out to anyone stationed near Morocco. Tell them to be on the alert.” With confirmation from one of the agents given Fury turned to Hill and asked “Who’s our nearest team on that location?”

Suddenly the answer came over one of the room’s coms, saying “That would be mine, Director Fury.”

“Coulson? That you?” Fury asked sarcastically as he turned back to the monitors. “I thought you’d still be busy in Cuba.”

Coulson then joked “Well what can I say? Not much for smoking and I don’t tan very well.”

Fury smirked at this before asking “How soon can you reach the landing zone?”

“Already setting course, sir.” Coulson answered. “Will report once we’ve confirmation.”

“Copy that.” Fury responded before following with “And Coulson, be careful out there. There’s a good chance we’re not the only ones keeping an eye on this thing. Just keeps your eyes and ears open.”

“Will do, Director Fury.” Coulson confirmed before breaking coms.

As Fury had finished he turned to see Maria Hill with a cellphone in her hand and a perplexed look on her face. During his time talking with Coulson Fury had not seen or heard her phone vibrate before answering it. During that time she was talking with someone who she seemed upset to be talking to.

When Fury turned she handed him the phone, saying “Sorry, sir. But I think you’ll want to take this call. Just…brace yourself.”

Fury, anticipating who it was, sighed before taking the phone and answering with “Stark.”
This was confirmed with Tony Stark replying “Fury, old buddy. Hope I’m not interrupting your beauty sleep.”

“No more than you’re probably ruining yours calling me at this hour.” Fury retorted. “I take it this isn’t just a friendly coincidence you calling me now or all times.”

“You mean aside from the big, powerful meteor riding the star highway straight to our doorstep?” Stark sarcastically asked. “And here I was just calling to ask to borrow some sugar.”

Fury shook his head, saying “Stark, the next time you want to know my business try asking before hijacking my sensors.”

“Actually it was more like me needing to borrow yours to help put a little boost in mine.” Stark retorted. “S.H.I.E.L.D.’s not the only one with eyes in the skies. Why don’t you come over? Compare notes. Do each other’s nails. Super spy stuff like that. Unless you want me telling the rest of the team.”

Fury sighed again before saying “I’ll bring the polish and cotton.” Before hanging up on Stark.

Maria Hill shook her head before commenting “No such word as subtle for him, is there?”

As he handed the phone back to her, however, Fury said “He’s not wrong though. Better they know now before things get too out of hand.” As he walked off, Hill following, he said “Let’s go. See if Agent Romanov can rendezvous with Coulson’s team. I want my best there in case things get pear-shaped.” As both entered the elevator again Fury suddenly realized and asked “How exactly does Stark have your number?”

Hill quickly answered with a little embarrassed tone “It was a few months ago while tracking down A.I.M. activities outside Santa Fe…. Honestly, I meant to delete him.”

Fury only gave a sarcastic “sure you did” look as the doors finally closed.

*****

I see so many things transpire in this world, yet the Earthlings see so little. I watch Director Nickolas Fury board his transport to meet with the world’s mightiest heroes. I watch as other eyes, with far more evil intent, already begin to move out to claim their prize from the cosmos. I watch the meteor finally fly past my all-seeing post on Earth’s moon before it finally comes to rest in its.

And I watch as its arrival awakens something ancient and powerful at the bottom of the sea. A great and terrible powers soon awakens, sensing the arrival of this invader from the stars. It stirs before making its long journey towards where it has landed.

The pieces are moving into play. And I, only as a spectator, must watch and see how the first round in this great game will end.

*****

Avengers Mansion, New York City

The doorbell to the mansion rang before opening a few moments later. Standing there to greet both Nicky Fury and Agent Hill was Janet Van Dyne, the Wasp. Only instead of being in any sort of costume instead she was in a bathrobe. Her short red hair was a mess and she had a tired look in her eyes. Clearly signs that she had only just woken up.

With a yawn she asked “Fury? What are you doing here? It’s only 6 in the morning.”

Hearing this he asked “Stark didn’t tell you?” With the look on her face as confirmation he said “Figured as much.” From there he handed her a tray of coffee, Maria holding one as well, before saying “Here. Consolation for the early call.”

Looking down at the coffee, still a bit tired and perplexed, Janet only said “I’ll be sure to thank Tony personally.” With a little aggression in her sarcasm.

Just as Fury and Maria entered, Janet closing the door behind them, they stopped and watched as something phased its way through the floor. All knew from the spectral shape and form before the Vision finally made himself whole.

“Hello, Director Fury. And Agent Hill, of course.” He greeted them. “I assume you’re both here regarding the meteor.” When Maria Hill asked how he knew the Vision answered “I had been scanning with Mr. Stark’s sensors when the energy readings became more apparent. I was, after all, the one who told him.”

Janet, hearing this, was quick to ask “Wait, what meteor?”

“Apologies.” Vision said. “Mr. Stark wished to keep it a ‘surprise’ for the rest of you.”

“Worked like a charm too.” Stark said as he walked out of one of the other rooms leading into the foyer. While dresses in pajamas like Janet he seemed more awake and alert than her.

“More like a really unwanted wake-up call.” Janet yawned again before Tony took a coffee from her carton. “Next time, Tony, how about just waiting until we’re all up before dropping this sort of thing on us.”

He shrugged and said “Trying to keep us all up to speed. Cap would agree. Sort of the whole be ready at any time sort of thing. That’s what the army does, right?” He asked looking to Fury before sipping the coffee. “So, the meteor. What else do you know that you can tell me just to know if I already know?”

“How about saving that for the rest of the team.” Fury said. “Then you can let your ego soak in as much as it wants, Stark.”

Tony only smirked before asking the Vision to wake everyone else, which he agreed to before phasing away into the floor.

As Tony led Fury, Hill and Janet to where they would meet with the other Avengers he indicated the coffee and said “Hope you brought enough. Thor’s got something of a bottomless pit for a stomach.”

“Thought the extra Splenda with a turbo shot would do the trick.” Fury commented. “Anything else will be on your tab.”

Already hearing the two make their quips with each other Janet groaned and said “There’s not enough caffeine in the world for this.”

Hill only stated “Got that right.” Before both of them started drinking down their coffee’s while following.

*****

In time the rest of the Avengers were awoken and brought down to one of the Mansion’s sub-levels. It was something of a meeting hall/information hub for the team. A large round table in the center of an expansive room that could be used to pull up a number of monitors and images when need be.

Aside from the Vision, Janet and Tony Stark the other members consisted of Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America. Thor, the Asgardian god of thunder. Bruce Banner who’s alter ego was the super powerful Hulk. Hank Pym, once known as the heroes Ant-Man and Giant-Man but now taking the name Yellowjacket. Wanda Maximoff, the magical mutant called the Scarlet Witch. Clint Barton, former S.H.I.E.L.D. operative who kept his codename of Hawkeye. Carol Danvers, former Air-Force officer turned superhero known as Captain Marvel. And finally King T’Challa of the nation of Wakanda, taking the royal mantle of the hero known as the Black Panther.

After being brought up to speed on the information regarding the meteor, some of it being displayed in front of them, Barton was the first to say “So you find out S.H.I.E.L.D.’s following a space rock to Earth, Tony, and the first thing you want to do is be there when they catch it?”

Stark only gave a little shrug before Steve jumped in and said “Better we know about it now before something bad winds up happening later.”

“Our thoughts exactly, Cap.” Fury stated. “But right now Coulson’s team is currently retrieving it from the middle of the Atlantic.”

T’Challa had then asked “And has it being here given anymore indication as to what it is, or where it came from?”

“Still in the dark on that one.” Fury answered. He then typed in something to both explain and show the team on a monitor as he said “But what we do know is that it’s not any ordinary meteor.” A picture of the space rock at the bottom of the ocean appeared as he continued with “Its energy levels have dropped greatly since it arrived, but right now they’re being sustained at a low level.”

Looking at the energy readings the Vision pointed out “Given this information about its radiation it seems to be more than just cosmic in origin. There are traces of other types of energy around it.”

“Like it’s been feeding on them along the way here.” Carol now pointed out.

“Like some sort of cosmic space sponge.” Bruce had added before asking “Are any of the other energy traces on record?”

“Nothing that’s come to Earth before at least.” Maria Hill answered. “So for all we know this thing was just floating around in space before it decided to come here.”

As everyone grew a little silent, thinking on the meteor’s origin, Hank Pym had come up to the computer and said “Hang on one second. There’s something wrong with these readings.” He typed in a few commands before showing another stream from the energy readings. “Right there. See that?”

With everyone seeing this Tony Stark then said “Yeah. I see it. But…what is it?”

The Vision then pointed out “Given the way it’s reacting like that, the best guess would be neural patterns.”

“You mean like thought waves?” Wanda Maximoff asked. “Like something could be alive inside of it?”

Everyone looked stunned at the idea, Janet then saying “I definitely needed more coffee before this.”

Fury then turned to Hill and said “Inform the labs. Tell them to get more equipment ready for-”

Tony quickly stepped in and said “Uh, hang on, Fury. Maybe S.H.I.E.L.D.’s not the best place to take this thing.” When Fury asked what he was implying he followed up with “Not to burst your bubble, Nick, but if I can get into your network good chance just about anyone else with a high enough I.Q. can make it in too. And the last thing we need is something like this falling into the wrong hands.”

“Agreed.” Thor said. “Whatever this meteor is I’d feel safer knowing it was with someone a little more trusting.”

“And you people are more trusting then us?” Maria Hill asked, almost offended. “Do we need to go into some of your histories?”

Those like Hank Pym and Wanda Maximoff looked a little distressed by this before Steve stepped in and said “No. And that’s nothing to do with what we’re dealing with here. And while I may not have a problem with S.H.I.E.L.D. you’ve had too many breaches recently to be considered air-tight. I’d say, at the very least, we take it somewhere we can all keep an eye on it.”

Fury at first looked ready to refuse, but given the looks everyone else gave and the fact that what they were saying was true he sighed and eventually said “At the very least let me bring a team in here to make sure we have our own readings on record.”

Barton chuckled a bit and said “Took it better than I thought, Fury. Thought you were going to pull your gun on Stark for a minute there.”

“Days not over yet.” Fury commented before, suddenly, an alert went out.

From the room’s coms came a signal, a woman’s voice saying “This is Agent Romanov calling for backup. Priority Alpha!”

“Natasha!?” Barton said, surprised.

“Would love to catch up, Clint, but we’ve a serious situation.” As she continued to talk the sounds of gunfire could be heard in the background, prompting Steve to ask what was going on. “I’m with Coulson’s team at the landing zone. But we’ve been ambushed. Hydra forces are engaging us. They’re after the meteor!”

“Just hang in there, Romanov.” Steve said. “Help’s on the way.”

Fury then looked to Tony, who almost had the ‘I told you so’ look on his face, but Stark merely waved it off and stated “Not going to say it.”

“Save it.” Steve retorted before following with “We need to get there and fast. Wanda, think you can whip up a decent enough teleportation spell?”

She nodded, saying “I can. But not for everyone. Maybe about a handful at least.”

“I think Hank and I can stay behind.” Bruce suggested. “We can prep the labs in the meantime.”

“I will stay to assist.” The Vision added. “Besides given my calculations, and a basic knowledge of previous encounters, the rest of you will be more than enough to stop Hydra.”

“Agent Hill and I can bring out team in the meantime.” Fury said. “Just make sure you bring that meteor back in one piece.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Steve said before looking to the rest of the heroes. “Everyone else suit up."

*****

S.H.I.E.L.D. ship, the Nakajima; middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

For over ten minutes the fighting had been going on. Hydra’s attack came swift and sudden. They had arrived in a submarine, branding their infamous symbol on the hull, and began their attempt to hijack the ship after the S.H.I.E.L.D. forces had already begun loading the meteor on-board.

Along with Coulson was Agent Natasha Romanov, the Black Widow. Both were with other still living S.H.I.E.L.D. agents on the deck of the ship. Bullets flew all over while they, along with the Hydra soldiers, had taken cover amidst cargo boxes and destroyed jets and other equipment.

“Take the ship! Claim the meteor!” the Hydra commander ordered. “Hail Hydra!”

After firing a few rounds before ducking behind a crate near where Coulson was Widow had said “You know how tired I am of hearing that?”

“Not as much as I am.” Coulson retorted before needing to reload his gun. “At least we’re keeping them busy on deck. But we’re losing men fast.”

Both of them looked to another part of the ship where S.H.I.E.L.D. agents had bunkered down. Those that were still fighting had taken cover behind crates and other things like the two. But there were those lying dead or wounded and/or unable to fight. And given the firefighting it was hard for any medical assistance to be given.

Widow turned back to Coulson and said “We’ve just got to hold out long enough for-”

Just as she was about to finish a large explosion had caught their attention. One of the piles of creates had been obliterated, along with the duo of agents taking cover behind it. Both looked to see one of the Hydra agents had done it with the use of a bazooka. But it wasn’t just any faceless agent.

Seeing him Black Widow had stated “Crossbones!” identifying the masked mercenary accompanying the Hydra soldiers.

With another group of agents down and a clearing to make for the rest of the ship Crossbones ordered “Keep pushing forward. I want this ship and the rock ten minutes ago.”

As he and a group of Hydra soldiers approached Coulson and Widow ducked back to cover, looked at each other, before he suggested “You take him. I’ll take them.”

She nodded before asking “You got this?”

Coulson shrugged and said “Five against one. With only a pistol and a smart mouth against superior firepower? In all honestly I think they need more guys.”

Black Widow only smirked before finally moving into action. From her belt she produced a flash grenade she threw towards Crossbones and the Hydra soldiers. Seeing it Crossbones shouted for them to take cover, thinking it an explosive grenade. He had ducked away from the others before seeing the explosion of light. By the time he recovered he was met by Black Widow, jumping at him with a kick before the two engaged in hand-to-hand combat.

Meanwhile the other Hydra soldiers had recovered only for one of them to be shot down dead by Coulson. The four others opened fired on the crates where he hid behind, sending bullets and splinters flying through the air. When they finished they cautiously approached to see if they had succeeded in killing him. By the time they checked, however, they could only see a bullet-riddled jacket and a ticking explosive. With the counter about to hit zero the closest soldier tried to turn and run, warning the others, but the explosion had caught all of them, sending them flying.

From a spot further away Coulson, seeing his plan worked, had smirked and said “Never fails.” Before loading his gun and going off to fight more Hydra soldiers.

As they continued to fight Black Widow and Crossbones had shown how almost evenly matched they were in fighting hand-to-hand. Sometimes she had gained the upper hand while others times he had.

At one point he managed to catch her leg as Widow tried to kick him, forcing her to fall on her back before saying “You fight like a girl.”

A moment later, however, she recovered and managed to seize his arm before giving a hard punch to the face and saying “And that’s why I’m winning.”

Angered Crossbones soon pulled out a knife which he used in the fight. Black Widow managed to duck and dodge a number of attacks, making Crossbones forced to juggle the knife between hands and holding positions as they continued. The fight came to an abrupt end when Black Widow managed to disarm Crossbones of his knife but it had proven to be a distraction for him to retrieve a gun from the ground.

As he cocked it with the barrel pointed right at Widow’s face he asked “Got anything else smart to say to me?”

Widow, looking up, had seen something that made her smirk before pointing out to him “No, but he might.”

Crossbones looked up to see, to his shock, a flash of magical light before Captain America came flying down, accompanied by the rest of the team, before calling out “Avengers Assemble!”

The other heroes had fallen out of the sky, thanks to Scarlet Witch’s magic, and began to fight off the Hydra soldiers. Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye, Captain Marvel, Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, Black Panther, and the Wasp all began using their skills and powers to fight take down Hydra’s forces.

Captain America had thrown his shield at Crossbones as he landed, knocking him away, before coming over to help Black Widow who asked “What kept you so long? Stop for pizza or something?”

He smirked before asking “You alright?”

“Lot better than these guys are.” She said, indicating Hydra. After that she looked at him and asked “You just going to stand there all day or help me kick their asses?”

Finding his shield and stepping on it hard, so it flipped back into his hand, Cap had simply stated “Only wanted your permission first.”

The two joined the other heroes as they battled against Hydra’s soldiers. Those like Cap, Widow, Black Panther and Hawkeye has used a mix of hand-to-hand combat along with their own specialized weapons; like Hakweye’s bow and trick-arrows. Wasp buzzed around and blasted her stunner-beams into their faces and eyes. Thor, Captain Marvel and Iron Man flew around and used super strength and blasts of energy and/or lightning to cripple Hydra’s forces while dealing with the submarine to make sure they would not escape. And Scarlet Witch used her magic and mutant abilities to subdue the men, making them drop their guns or bend them to be useless before blasting them back.

After dealing with one Hydra soldier himself Coulson had stopped to see this before saying to himself “These are the days I live for.”

Just then one of the agents spoke to him over a communicator in his ear, saying “Coulson, sir, we have a situation.”

“Is the package still secure?” Coulson asked.

“It’s still contained in the storage hull. But there’s something else.” They stated. “Are radars are picking up something starting to surface from the ocean.”

“Another Hydra sub?” he asked.

The agent then stated “No, sir. Something…bigger.”

At first Coulson was confused by this, questioning to himself what else it could be. He didn’t have long to wait for an answer before seeing the water near the ship start to bubble and churn. It became so rough and splashing that even the Avengers and Hydra’s forces, including the recovered Crossbones, stopped and watched as whatever it was began to surface.

As it rose everyone looked shocked at the massive form that came out of the sea. A giant scaled body with coloring of a dark grey, almost green variety. A series of large protruding spied plates from its back. A long tail that flapped in the water behind. Two large, yellow reptilian eyes that looked like those of a predator. And a massive maw of teeth that opened to give an almost deafening roar.

As everyone looked in fear and awe at the giant monster that surfaced Iron Man could not help but let out a hushed “Oh my god…”