A-Bomb knew when he'd joined Hulk's team that his life was gonna get weird. He knew it would require facing down villains, aliens, and all-around freaky stuff. It was only natural; when you're a hero, monsters are part of the job.
But he'd never imagined one of those monsters would be his own best friend.
"Hulk, please," he tried one last time to get through to his leader. But Hulk's expression remained cold and unmoved. His eyes glowed green, a sign of the corrupting gamma sickness he'd been infected with while destroying the meteor's core. A-Bomb had never seen him so deaf to the words of his allies.
It scared him. It scared him more than anything.
The pain in his arm increased as the Hulk bent it backwards. Any further and he'd need a robot arm like his future-self. A-Bomb twisted, trying to relieve the pressure on it. "Stop, Hulk! No! You and the Smashers are all I got!" He looked into Hulk's eyes, pleading. "You're my best friend!"
A twitch ran through Hulk's face. He shook his head, as if trying to clear it. "Rick…"
Yes! Fight it! Fight it, Hulk! A-Bomb cheered silently. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his future-self stand up, the gamma-siphoner finished. But to his horror, the Maestro tackled him, sending the siphoner flying.
A-Bomb yanked his arm out of Hulk's grip and snatched the device before it hit the ground. I really hope this works, he thought.
"Time to take your medicine, Hulk!" He quipped as he aimed the machine at Hulk's chest. But he hesitated when he saw the betrayal on Hulk's face.
I'm sorry, buddy… But there's no other way. A-Bomb steeled himself and pulled the trigger.