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Avengers Mansion Sub-Labs, one day later

All the great brains from both the Avengers and the S.H.I.E.L.D. team had been busy trying to discover whatever secrets the meteor had to offer. All had barley slept, too invested in learning anything and everything they could about what it was and what was hidden inside. Even those like Reed Richard, also known as Mr. Fantastic of the Fantastic Four, had come and begun their examinations.

Along with Reed were Tony, Hank, Bruce and the Vision. Other members of the team would check on them, including members of the Fantastic Four as well who had come along. Even Coulson, who was helping to overseer everything, would report to Fury and/or Hill at times while they were out overseeing other matters.

At this point it was late into the afternoon. Those who were not helping to study the meteor were all awaiting answers up in the other levels of the Mansion. In one of the living rooms a round table had been set up where Steve, Clint, Carol, T’Challa, and Johnny Storm also known as the Human Torch and Ben Grimm also called the Thing, were all playing another game of poker. On the nearby couch sat Thor Janet, and Susan Storm Richard also known as the Invisible Woman, flipping through the channels while seeming bored as ever.

While still playing their game Ben Grimm had asked the Avengers members “So this thing wrecked a sub all on its own? Sounds big.”

“’Big’ ain’t a big enough word.” Clint said. “Try gigantic. Good thing ol’ Thor put the hammer down hard on the scaly brute. Make him think twice before going toe-to-toe with the god of thunder.” He glanced back to Thor and called “Right?”

Thor, resting his chin on his folded hands, merely gave a low hum which prompted Janet to ask “You okay, Thor?”

He leaned back in his seat and said “Apologies. I’m just recalling the last time I fought anything quite as big as that monster. I wonder how the Frost Giants, or even might Sutur would react if they knew such a beast as this was born on Earth.”

“Eh. I don’t buy that.” Johnny Storm spoke up and said. “Bet you fifty bucks it’s probably like some long lost alien or interdimensional pet somebody forgot to put a leash on.”

“Careful with that, Storm.” T’Challa pointed out. “You’ve already lost two-hundred during the last round.”

“Yeah, yeah. Just watch me win it back!” he retorted, putting more focus on the game again.

Sue then spoke up and said “At least it’s out in the middle of the ocean for now. And good thing Reed’s busy with the meteor. Otherwise he’d be out there with the biggest fishing pole, a net and some sort of genetic analyzer just to get a good look at it.”

Checking the clock Janet then pointed out “Wonder how it’s going down there? Haven’t heard from them in hours. The again, knowing Hank he’s probably too wrapped up to even remember what the day is.”

Sue huffed a smirk and said “With Reed he’d forget what month, year and possibly what planet he was on as well.”

The two giggled for a moment before Ben said “Well as long as they don’t wind up blowing us up in the process, I’m kinda wondering what the deal with space rock is anyway. And what we do if the reject from Jurassic Park comes looking for it.”

Steve was the one to speak now, saying “Already put out a few calls to come friends. They’re on the alert. And if we play our cards right, so to speak, we’ll manage to take him down. And hopefully keep him down.”

Carol, taking the moment, said “Speaking of playing cards right… four aces!”

Some of the others all groaned in defeat that she had won, Johnny however saying “Well too bad this isn’t strip poker.” He then gave a flirtatious look to Carol and added “Am I right?”

In response she gave an annoyed look as she held up her hand, which was glowing with power, and threatened “Watch is, matchstick.”

Johnny leaned back out of fear, making some of the others chuckle at his antics. Meanwhile Wanda Maximoff had entered the room, a tray of drinks in hand as she passed them around to those at the table. They thanked her before she moved on to the couch, giving to those who wanted before sitting down with a cup of coffee for herself.

Once she was sitting Thor asked “How goes it down there?”

She sipped her drink before answering “Vision’s keeping me updated. So far as they can tell the power source of the meteor seems empty. Like its full potential is far from full.”

“So the thing’s like a battery?” Barton asked.

“I believe so.” Wanda continued. “Though they figure if they can use their machines correctly, they may be able to find a way to draw the power. But their still hesitant.”

Realizing what she meant Barton responded “Right. The fact something’s inside it. Hope it doesn’t turn out to be just a giant space chicken or something.”

“If it is it better not be the world destroying type.” Ben added as he began shuffling the deck around. “Already had enough of that last Tuesday with Ego, the living world.”

Suddenly the doorbell to the mansion rang, Janet standing and saying “I’ll get it.” While letting the others continue to play or sit. When she answered she gave a smile and said “Professor Xavier! Good to see you again.”

Indeed Charles Xavier, also called Professor X, had arrived. He sat in his wheelchair while being accompanied by two others. Hank McCoy who was known to many as Beast, for his blue and furry appearance, and Jean Grey; both members of the mutant group called the X-Men.

Shaking her hand Xavier had said “Thank you, Janet. And please, just ‘Charles’.” After that he gestured and said “You know Jean and Hank, of course.”

They all greeted each other before Janet invited them in. As she did she informed them that Tony and the others would be waiting downstairs. Passing by and greeting the others Barton had tried asking McCoy if he was interested in joining him and the others in a game, he refusing on the grounds he “needed to work his mind before working his poker face”.

Eventually Janet led the three to the other room where a secret elevator was revealed behind a fake grandfather clock. All squeezed in and rode it all the way down to the sub-levels.

“I understand this creature you met in the pacific is possible threat, correct?” Xavier had asked Janet.

She nodded saying “Yeah. We’re all still trying to figure out how to deal with him if it comes.”

“We’ve already had a talk with Scott, Logan and the others.” Jean said. “After Bruce told us we made a deal that anyone who was willing would come to help.”

“That’s good.” Janet said with a shudder of relief. “We need everyone we can get. I mean you guys should have seen this thing. It-”

Xavier raised his hand and asked “If I may?”

Knowing what he meant, permission to read her mind, Janet gave a single nod before Xavier used his mutant abilities to see her memories. He closed his eyes, connected with her mind, and began to see the sights that she had. Most especially those of Godzilla.

When they finished he opened his eyes, giving a very distressed sigh before saying “Try not to let such things worry you, Janet. We will be there to help as always, and we will stop it.”

McCoy nodded and quoted “‘From now until the end of the world, we and it shall be remembered. We few, we Band of Brothers. For he who sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.’” After that Janet looked at him oddly before clarifying “Shakespeare. King Henry V. One of my favorites, actually.”

Finally they came to their stop. The door opened to reveal a small landing leading to lift where the rest of the expansive sub-lab was. From there all four of them could see the entire set-up of equipment and the like for the giant meteor currently housed there.

The meteor itself was kept in a large glass-like container where a number of tubes and wires were leading from it to monitoring devices. All around were a number of people, both heroes and S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel.

Upon seeing the group Hank Pym stopped from where he was walking and said “Hank!”

McCoy nodded back and said “Hank.”

He informed Tony and Bruce, who were speaking with Reed and the Vision at the time, with both of them coming over and Tony being the first to say “Thanks for coming, Charles. We could really use the help.” While Xavier thanked him for the compliment Tony then looked to the others and said “Jean. Hank. Wasn’t sure to expect the two of you here as well.”

Xavier then explained “I figured having another mind more inclined to such scientific matters would be of help.” Indicating Hank in the process.

“And Mr. Richards isn’t the only one with an interest in cosmic anomalies.” McCoy added while pulling out glasses to get a better look at meteor contained.

After that Xavier then said “And while I have no doubt of my own mental resilience, I asked Jean to accompany me in case our ‘friend’” he pointed to the meteor “is less than agreeable.”

“Then we’re more than happy to have you.” Bruce said before offering to lead all of them onward.

As they did, Janet deciding to follow along as well, McCoy had asked “Have you made any progress with the properties of this meteor? Such as where it came from?”

“We’re still trying to figure that stuff out.” Bruce answered. “Right now the best we can surmise is that whatever power source is behind it, it’s also reacting to any sorts of devices. We had to put it in the containment unit after the first couple of tries seemed to suck the energy out of them.”

When they got close enough to him Reed Richards had spoken up and said “I did warn that there was the possibility of some sort of unseen energy field. Let alone a siphoning type.” After that he looked back and said “Oh! Hello, Charles.”

A few of them smirked or merely sighed at Reed’s usual “absent mindedness” before the Vision stated “It’s good you’ve arrived, Professor. Out of all our tests we’ve still had no response or any sort of changes in regards to the neural patterns.”

As both Xavier and Jean took a moment to look at the meteor before the professor said “I can already feel something from it. Does this containment unit also block the patterns?”
Reed stepped in again and said “It’s only meant to process the difference in energy patterns and-”

Tony stopped him, putting his hand up, and clarifying “Reed means you should still be able to read it just find.”

He nodded before looking to Jean, saying “Be ready.”

She nodded before Xavier excused himself and used his chair to roll up as close as he could to the containment unit. He waited a moment, taking another look at the meteor, questioning to himself what it could be. Finally he put his hand on the glass and reached out to touch whatever mind lied within the meteor itself.

For a moment nothing seemed to happen. Xavier could see or feel nothing and the monitors did not react at all. But then something did happen. The neural monitor began to react, beeping and indicating a rise in action. Xavier then began to grow tense, his body going a little stiff while his head rose up. His breathing became harder and suddenly he felt it. A rush of images began to flood his mind all too quickly.

Fire… Destruction… Space… Screaming…. Help… Help us…. Help us…

“Help….us…” Xavier muttered before finally breaking connection.

He gasped as he fell back into his seat, some of the others rushing to make sure he was alright. While those like Reed and Tony were concerned their attention was more focused on the neural scanner, seeing as it too began to die down after the brief but active connection that had occurred.

After reassuring everyone he was fine Jean had asked Xavier what he saw, making him answer “I saw…destruction. This…it…they are….running.”

“From what?” Pym asked. “And who’s ‘they’?”

“Whatever or whoever is within this meteor, they are refugees.” Xavier explained. “As we connected I could feel them reading me as I read them. They are escaping something… And they need our help.”

For a moment everyone needed a moment to let this new information sink in. Many of them looked back to the meteor, wondering who these things inside were and what great destruction they were running from.

During that time both Coulson and Agent Romanov had been keeping an eye on the S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel. When the incident with Xavier took place they both stopped and looked, watching and waiting along with the others. Just as it finished Coulson got an in-coming call, seeing it was from Fury and quickly answering. After a few minutes he ended the call, quickly whispering something to Natasha who reacted both surprised and shocked. She quickly made for the elevator leading back up to the rest of the mansion while Coulson walked towards everyone else.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he began “but there’s something you’ll all want to see.”

From there Coulson walked over towards one of the larger computer monitors to the side, quickly punching up something being broadcasted on T.V. Simultaneously Natasha had arrived upstairs, running into the living room and telling everyone the same thing.

By the time both had reached the channel everyone could see it was an important message being given by the president himself. Already he was in the middle of a statement he was giving, which was also being seen by others all across the country. From the Xavier’s School for Gifted Children, to the Daily Bugle, and even to Stark Tower everyone was watching this very important announcement.

“Now I am here today to inform you, the citizens of the United States that we are apparently under threat from what can only be described as a terror from millions of years ago. Recently a fleet of naval ships had been dispatched to the eastern boarders of our country as a first line of defense against this creature. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, that line has failed and the creature is maintaining a course for New York City. In accordance with national security and S.H.I.E.L.D. operations we will begin immediate and necessary evacuation while a military and meta-human presence can be established. I ask that everyone, please, remain calm and orderly while this endeavor passes. And I pray that our men in uniform, our beloved heroes, and those such as the Avengers, succeed in stopping this menace. Thank you all.”

When the speech ended Coulson and Natasha brought the heroes’ attention to personal devices they had. Agent Romanov was quick to show Steve and the others upstairs while Coulson gave warning.

“That was what they wanted you to hear. But this” he pointed to what was about to be shown next “is what they didn’t want you to see.” As the footage began to play he indicated “One of our helicarriers in the area recorded this.”

Everyone watching could see the recording show a number of armed battleships all aiming their weapons as something approaching from the water. As he swam Godzilla’s spiked plated back could be seen breaking the surface of the water, like large jagged shark fins. When the ships fired many had missed, Godzilla either being too fast or managing to actually maneuver out of the way before taking any hits.

When one ship had managed that seemed to agitate him enough to charge towards them. The ship barely had time to react before Godzilla, swimming low enough, had swiped under them and managed to ultimately sink the boat thanks to the use of his plates, cutting holes straight across the hull.

Other ships continued to fire but they too missed or didn’t manage enough of an effective hit to stop or kill Godzilla. The last bit of imagery they could see was the beast still swimming onward, obviously still making his way towards New York and the meteor.

“Our subs are still keeping track of him.” Coulson explained. “Given the speed and trajectory…he’ll be here by tomorrow at the latest.”

Agent Romanov had given the same info to Steve and the others upstairs. Both groups had the sinking feeling of fear and anxiety, some like Janet and Hank and Wanda and the Vision quick to try and comfort each other. Given all they faced in the past there was still the fear of facing something like Godzilla.

Friday soon voiced in down in the labs, saying [Boss, Cap is trying to reach you over the Mansion coms.]

After Tony allowed this, asking Steve what he thought he was quick to say “Call in everyone. Make whatever arrangements with the military that you have to. I want everyone mobilized and ready.” Looking back to those near him Steve could see the concern in some of their eyes. After that he spoke through the coms again, saying “If anyone doesn’t want to be here when it happens, this isn’t drafting. It’s a choice. You stay then you fight. You leave then carry on the same fight wherever you go. Everyone else had better get ready and suit up. Because of as officially five minutes ago…we’re going to war.”

*****

The Daily Bugle, not too long after

On the roof of the Daily Bugle Peter Parker was currently on his cellphone, speaking with someone who seemed worried and frantic to figure out what he was doing.

“I really don’t know what to do.” He responded. “Jameson is already calling for someone to stay behind and try to get pictures of whatever this thing is….. I know….. No, not yet. But given how serious this seems they might…. I know, but *sigh* I don’t want to leave you alone…… Okay…… Alright….. Got it…. Yeah, I never can win with you, can I? You know you must be taking lessons from Doc Ock or something…. Alright. Just get Aunt May and get somewhere safe. I’ll call you when it’s all over…. I love you too, M.J.”

When they finished he hung up, sighing to himself. For a second Peter reflected on his whole decision to become Spider-Man back when he was in high school, and how it has affected him thus far. And yet with all the villains he’s come to face in the past nothing was a great as this new giant monster storming its way to the city. He just hoped his aunt and wife would be safe and far away from it all.

As he looked out towards the setting sun his phone rang again, Peter answering and saying “Tony. Good to hear from you…. What, you mean the thing about the giant mutant lizard? …..Johnny told me….. Yeah, even the stuff about Hydra too….. Right…. Okay…. I just got through talking with them. They’ll be fine…. Thanks…. *sigh* Well I always did like dinosaurs when I was a kid. I guess I never thought I’d have to fight one.” As Tony kept talking Peter pulled out his Spider-Man mask from his pocket, finally saying “Just try to stop me from coming along.”

*****

Despite the fear in his heart, I can see the courage in his eyes. And Peter Parker is not the only one to be contacted by the Avengers in this desperate hour. All manner of heroes both great and small have been called, most answering but some refusing. And through it all I still watch as the pieces move into place. Both from the sea and the air.

Yet none but I know of even more that continue to move in the fast reaches of the universe. For there are more who seek this mysterious meteor than the heroes of Earth realize.

*****

Far in the reaches of space

A ship was scanner for readings around a certain area of space. It was along in what seemed like a lose group of asteroids. Within the ship the crew had been awaiting any sorts of results as to where they thing they were searching had gone.

“We’ve been at this for hours.” One of them groaned. “Wherever it is we might never find it now.”

“We can’t stop now.” Another said. “As long as there’s still even the slightest trace of energy we can follow it. And we need to find out where it went.”

Finally one of the scanners pinged, another member then speaking up and saying “Well low and behold.”

After seeing where the scans showed the energy readings the crew member reading it gave a groan, prompting another to ask “What is it? Where has it gone?”

With an unsettled tone they answered “Sector 3-616-80. Earth….”

Description
Avengers Mansion Sub-Labs, one day later

All the great brains from both the Avengers and the S.H.I.E.L.D. team had been busy trying to discover whatever secrets the meteor had to offer. All had barley slept, too invested in learning anything and everything they could about what it was and what was hidden inside. Even those like Reed Richard, also known as Mr. Fantastic of the Fantastic Four, had come and begun their examinations.

Along with Reed were Tony, Hank, Bruce and the Vision. Other members of the team would check on them, including members of the Fantastic Four as well who had come along. Even Coulson, who was helping to overseer everything, would report to Fury and/or Hill at times while they were out overseeing other matters.

At this point it was late into the afternoon. Those who were not helping to study the meteor were all awaiting answers up in the other levels of the Mansion. In one of the living rooms a round table had been set up where Steve, Clint, Carol, T’Challa, and Johnny Storm also known as the Human Torch and Ben Grimm also called the Thing, were all playing another game of poker. On the nearby couch sat Thor Janet, and Susan Storm Richard also known as the Invisible Woman, flipping through the channels while seeming bored as ever.

While still playing their game Ben Grimm had asked the Avengers members “So this thing wrecked a sub all on its own? Sounds big.”

“’Big’ ain’t a big enough word.” Clint said. “Try gigantic. Good thing ol’ Thor put the hammer down hard on the scaly brute. Make him think twice before going toe-to-toe with the god of thunder.” He glanced back to Thor and called “Right?”

Thor, resting his chin on his folded hands, merely gave a low hum which prompted Janet to ask “You okay, Thor?”

He leaned back in his seat and said “Apologies. I’m just recalling the last time I fought anything quite as big as that monster. I wonder how the Frost Giants, or even might Sutur would react if they knew such a beast as this was born on Earth.”

“Eh. I don’t buy that.” Johnny Storm spoke up and said. “Bet you fifty bucks it’s probably like some long lost alien or interdimensional pet somebody forgot to put a leash on.”

“Careful with that, Storm.” T’Challa pointed out. “You’ve already lost two-hundred during the last round.”

“Yeah, yeah. Just watch me win it back!” he retorted, putting more focus on the game again.

Sue then spoke up and said “At least it’s out in the middle of the ocean for now. And good thing Reed’s busy with the meteor. Otherwise he’d be out there with the biggest fishing pole, a net and some sort of genetic analyzer just to get a good look at it.”

Checking the clock Janet then pointed out “Wonder how it’s going down there? Haven’t heard from them in hours. The again, knowing Hank he’s probably too wrapped up to even remember what the day is.”

Sue huffed a smirk and said “With Reed he’d forget what month, year and possibly what planet he was on as well.”

The two giggled for a moment before Ben said “Well as long as they don’t wind up blowing us up in the process, I’m kinda wondering what the deal with space rock is anyway. And what we do if the reject from Jurassic Park comes looking for it.”

Steve was the one to speak now, saying “Already put out a few calls to come friends. They’re on the alert. And if we play our cards right, so to speak, we’ll manage to take him down. And hopefully keep him down.”

Carol, taking the moment, said “Speaking of playing cards right… four aces!”

Some of the others all groaned in defeat that she had won, Johnny however saying “Well too bad this isn’t strip poker.” He then gave a flirtatious look to Carol and added “Am I right?”

In response she gave an annoyed look as she held up her hand, which was glowing with power, and threatened “Watch is, matchstick.”

Johnny leaned back out of fear, making some of the others chuckle at his antics. Meanwhile Wanda Maximoff had entered the room, a tray of drinks in hand as she passed them around to those at the table. They thanked her before she moved on to the couch, giving to those who wanted before sitting down with a cup of coffee for herself.

Once she was sitting Thor asked “How goes it down there?”

She sipped her drink before answering “Vision’s keeping me updated. So far as they can tell the power source of the meteor seems empty. Like its full potential is far from full.”

“So the thing’s like a battery?” Barton asked.

“I believe so.” Wanda continued. “Though they figure if they can use their machines correctly, they may be able to find a way to draw the power. But their still hesitant.”

Realizing what she meant Barton responded “Right. The fact something’s inside it. Hope it doesn’t turn out to be just a giant space chicken or something.”

“If it is it better not be the world destroying type.” Ben added as he began shuffling the deck around. “Already had enough of that last Tuesday with Ego, the living world.”

Suddenly the doorbell to the mansion rang, Janet standing and saying “I’ll get it.” While letting the others continue to play or sit. When she answered she gave a smile and said “Professor Xavier! Good to see you again.”

Indeed Charles Xavier, also called Professor X, had arrived. He sat in his wheelchair while being accompanied by two others. Hank McCoy who was known to many as Beast, for his blue and furry appearance, and Jean Grey; both members of the mutant group called the X-Men.

Shaking her hand Xavier had said “Thank you, Janet. And please, just ‘Charles’.” After that he gestured and said “You know Jean and Hank, of course.”

They all greeted each other before Janet invited them in. As she did she informed them that Tony and the others would be waiting downstairs. Passing by and greeting the others Barton had tried asking McCoy if he was interested in joining him and the others in a game, he refusing on the grounds he “needed to work his mind before working his poker face”.

Eventually Janet led the three to the other room where a secret elevator was revealed behind a fake grandfather clock. All squeezed in and rode it all the way down to the sub-levels.

“I understand this creature you met in the pacific is possible threat, correct?” Xavier had asked Janet.

She nodded saying “Yeah. We’re all still trying to figure out how to deal with him if it comes.”

“We’ve already had a talk with Scott, Logan and the others.” Jean said. “After Bruce told us we made a deal that anyone who was willing would come to help.”

“That’s good.” Janet said with a shudder of relief. “We need everyone we can get. I mean you guys should have seen this thing. It-”

Xavier raised his hand and asked “If I may?”

Knowing what he meant, permission to read her mind, Janet gave a single nod before Xavier used his mutant abilities to see her memories. He closed his eyes, connected with her mind, and began to see the sights that she had. Most especially those of Godzilla.

When they finished he opened his eyes, giving a very distressed sigh before saying “Try not to let such things worry you, Janet. We will be there to help as always, and we will stop it.”

McCoy nodded and quoted “‘From now until the end of the world, we and it shall be remembered. We few, we Band of Brothers. For he who sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.’” After that Janet looked at him oddly before clarifying “Shakespeare. King Henry V. One of my favorites, actually.”

Finally they came to their stop. The door opened to reveal a small landing leading to lift where the rest of the expansive sub-lab was. From there all four of them could see the entire set-up of equipment and the like for the giant meteor currently housed there.

The meteor itself was kept in a large glass-like container where a number of tubes and wires were leading from it to monitoring devices. All around were a number of people, both heroes and S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel.

Upon seeing the group Hank Pym stopped from where he was walking and said “Hank!”

McCoy nodded back and said “Hank.”

He informed Tony and Bruce, who were speaking with Reed and the Vision at the time, with both of them coming over and Tony being the first to say “Thanks for coming, Charles. We could really use the help.” While Xavier thanked him for the compliment Tony then looked to the others and said “Jean. Hank. Wasn’t sure to expect the two of you here as well.”

Xavier then explained “I figured having another mind more inclined to such scientific matters would be of help.” Indicating Hank in the process.

“And Mr. Richards isn’t the only one with an interest in cosmic anomalies.” McCoy added while pulling out glasses to get a better look at meteor contained.

After that Xavier then said “And while I have no doubt of my own mental resilience, I asked Jean to accompany me in case our ‘friend’” he pointed to the meteor “is less than agreeable.”

“Then we’re more than happy to have you.” Bruce said before offering to lead all of them onward.

As they did, Janet deciding to follow along as well, McCoy had asked “Have you made any progress with the properties of this meteor? Such as where it came from?”

“We’re still trying to figure that stuff out.” Bruce answered. “Right now the best we can surmise is that whatever power source is behind it, it’s also reacting to any sorts of devices. We had to put it in the containment unit after the first couple of tries seemed to suck the energy out of them.”

When they got close enough to him Reed Richards had spoken up and said “I did warn that there was the possibility of some sort of unseen energy field. Let alone a siphoning type.” After that he looked back and said “Oh! Hello, Charles.”

A few of them smirked or merely sighed at Reed’s usual “absent mindedness” before the Vision stated “It’s good you’ve arrived, Professor. Out of all our tests we’ve still had no response or any sort of changes in regards to the neural patterns.”

As both Xavier and Jean took a moment to look at the meteor before the professor said “I can already feel something from it. Does this containment unit also block the patterns?”
Reed stepped in again and said “It’s only meant to process the difference in energy patterns and-”

Tony stopped him, putting his hand up, and clarifying “Reed means you should still be able to read it just find.”

He nodded before looking to Jean, saying “Be ready.”

She nodded before Xavier excused himself and used his chair to roll up as close as he could to the containment unit. He waited a moment, taking another look at the meteor, questioning to himself what it could be. Finally he put his hand on the glass and reached out to touch whatever mind lied within the meteor itself.

For a moment nothing seemed to happen. Xavier could see or feel nothing and the monitors did not react at all. But then something did happen. The neural monitor began to react, beeping and indicating a rise in action. Xavier then began to grow tense, his body going a little stiff while his head rose up. His breathing became harder and suddenly he felt it. A rush of images began to flood his mind all too quickly.

Fire… Destruction… Space… Screaming…. Help… Help us…. Help us…

“Help….us…” Xavier muttered before finally breaking connection.

He gasped as he fell back into his seat, some of the others rushing to make sure he was alright. While those like Reed and Tony were concerned their attention was more focused on the neural scanner, seeing as it too began to die down after the brief but active connection that had occurred.

After reassuring everyone he was fine Jean had asked Xavier what he saw, making him answer “I saw…destruction. This…it…they are….running.”

“From what?” Pym asked. “And who’s ‘they’?”

“Whatever or whoever is within this meteor, they are refugees.” Xavier explained. “As we connected I could feel them reading me as I read them. They are escaping something… And they need our help.”

For a moment everyone needed a moment to let this new information sink in. Many of them looked back to the meteor, wondering who these things inside were and what great destruction they were running from.

During that time both Coulson and Agent Romanov had been keeping an eye on the S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel. When the incident with Xavier took place they both stopped and looked, watching and waiting along with the others. Just as it finished Coulson got an in-coming call, seeing it was from Fury and quickly answering. After a few minutes he ended the call, quickly whispering something to Natasha who reacted both surprised and shocked. She quickly made for the elevator leading back up to the rest of the mansion while Coulson walked towards everyone else.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he began “but there’s something you’ll all want to see.”

From there Coulson walked over towards one of the larger computer monitors to the side, quickly punching up something being broadcasted on T.V. Simultaneously Natasha had arrived upstairs, running into the living room and telling everyone the same thing.

By the time both had reached the channel everyone could see it was an important message being given by the president himself. Already he was in the middle of a statement he was giving, which was also being seen by others all across the country. From the Xavier’s School for Gifted Children, to the Daily Bugle, and even to Stark Tower everyone was watching this very important announcement.

“Now I am here today to inform you, the citizens of the United States that we are apparently under threat from what can only be described as a terror from millions of years ago. Recently a fleet of naval ships had been dispatched to the eastern boarders of our country as a first line of defense against this creature. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, that line has failed and the creature is maintaining a course for New York City. In accordance with national security and S.H.I.E.L.D. operations we will begin immediate and necessary evacuation while a military and meta-human presence can be established. I ask that everyone, please, remain calm and orderly while this endeavor passes. And I pray that our men in uniform, our beloved heroes, and those such as the Avengers, succeed in stopping this menace. Thank you all.”

When the speech ended Coulson and Natasha brought the heroes’ attention to personal devices they had. Agent Romanov was quick to show Steve and the others upstairs while Coulson gave warning.

“That was what they wanted you to hear. But this” he pointed to what was about to be shown next “is what they didn’t want you to see.” As the footage began to play he indicated “One of our helicarriers in the area recorded this.”

Everyone watching could see the recording show a number of armed battleships all aiming their weapons as something approaching from the water. As he swam Godzilla’s spiked plated back could be seen breaking the surface of the water, like large jagged shark fins. When the ships fired many had missed, Godzilla either being too fast or managing to actually maneuver out of the way before taking any hits.

When one ship had managed that seemed to agitate him enough to charge towards them. The ship barely had time to react before Godzilla, swimming low enough, had swiped under them and managed to ultimately sink the boat thanks to the use of his plates, cutting holes straight across the hull.

Other ships continued to fire but they too missed or didn’t manage enough of an effective hit to stop or kill Godzilla. The last bit of imagery they could see was the beast still swimming onward, obviously still making his way towards New York and the meteor.

“Our subs are still keeping track of him.” Coulson explained. “Given the speed and trajectory…he’ll be here by tomorrow at the latest.”

Agent Romanov had given the same info to Steve and the others upstairs. Both groups had the sinking feeling of fear and anxiety, some like Janet and Hank and Wanda and the Vision quick to try and comfort each other. Given all they faced in the past there was still the fear of facing something like Godzilla.

Friday soon voiced in down in the labs, saying [Boss, Cap is trying to reach you over the Mansion coms.]

After Tony allowed this, asking Steve what he thought he was quick to say “Call in everyone. Make whatever arrangements with the military that you have to. I want everyone mobilized and ready.” Looking back to those near him Steve could see the concern in some of their eyes. After that he spoke through the coms again, saying “If anyone doesn’t want to be here when it happens, this isn’t drafting. It’s a choice. You stay then you fight. You leave then carry on the same fight wherever you go. Everyone else had better get ready and suit up. Because of as officially five minutes ago…we’re going to war.”

*****

The Daily Bugle, not too long after

On the roof of the Daily Bugle Peter Parker was currently on his cellphone, speaking with someone who seemed worried and frantic to figure out what he was doing.

“I really don’t know what to do.” He responded. “Jameson is already calling for someone to stay behind and try to get pictures of whatever this thing is….. I know….. No, not yet. But given how serious this seems they might…. I know, but *sigh* I don’t want to leave you alone…… Okay…… Alright….. Got it…. Yeah, I never can win with you, can I? You know you must be taking lessons from Doc Ock or something…. Alright. Just get Aunt May and get somewhere safe. I’ll call you when it’s all over…. I love you too, M.J.”

When they finished he hung up, sighing to himself. For a second Peter reflected on his whole decision to become Spider-Man back when he was in high school, and how it has affected him thus far. And yet with all the villains he’s come to face in the past nothing was a great as this new giant monster storming its way to the city. He just hoped his aunt and wife would be safe and far away from it all.

As he looked out towards the setting sun his phone rang again, Peter answering and saying “Tony. Good to hear from you…. What, you mean the thing about the giant mutant lizard? …..Johnny told me….. Yeah, even the stuff about Hydra too….. Right…. Okay…. I just got through talking with them. They’ll be fine…. Thanks…. *sigh* Well I always did like dinosaurs when I was a kid. I guess I never thought I’d have to fight one.” As Tony kept talking Peter pulled out his Spider-Man mask from his pocket, finally saying “Just try to stop me from coming along.”

*****

Despite the fear in his heart, I can see the courage in his eyes. And Peter Parker is not the only one to be contacted by the Avengers in this desperate hour. All manner of heroes both great and small have been called, most answering but some refusing. And through it all I still watch as the pieces move into place. Both from the sea and the air.

Yet none but I know of even more that continue to move in the fast reaches of the universe. For there are more who seek this mysterious meteor than the heroes of Earth realize.

*****

Far in the reaches of space

A ship was scanner for readings around a certain area of space. It was along in what seemed like a lose group of asteroids. Within the ship the crew had been awaiting any sorts of results as to where they thing they were searching had gone.

“We’ve been at this for hours.” One of them groaned. “Wherever it is we might never find it now.”

“We can’t stop now.” Another said. “As long as there’s still even the slightest trace of energy we can follow it. And we need to find out where it went.”

Finally one of the scanners pinged, another member then speaking up and saying “Well low and behold.”

After seeing where the scans showed the energy readings the crew member reading it gave a groan, prompting another to ask “What is it? Where has it gone?”

With an unsettled tone they answered “Sector 3-616-80. Earth….”